| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07665411B2 |
System and method for a tow-rope retraction device for watercraft
A device used when towing a user with a watercraft includes a tow-rope and a tow-rope retraction device receiving the tow-rope. The tow-rope retraction device is configured to selectively retract the tow-rope so as to accelerate a user being towed by the watercraft on the tow-rope. A method of towing a user with a watercraft includes selectively retracting a tow-rope while towing the user to accelerate the user. |
| US07665408B2 |
Solid fuel burner, burning method using the same, combustion apparatus and method of operating the combustion apparatus
A solid fuel burner using a low oxygen concentration gas as a transporting gas of a low grade solid fuel such as brown coal or the like and a combustion method using the solid fuel burner are provided. The solid fuel burner comprises a means for accelerating ignition of the fuel and a means for preventing slugging caused by combustion ash from occurring. Mixing of fuel and air inside a fuel nozzle 11 is accelerated by that an additional air nozzle 12 and a separator 35 for separating a flow passage are arranged in the fuel nozzle 11, and the exit of the additional air nozzle 12 is set at a position so as to overlap with the separator 35 when seeing from a direction perpendicular to a burner axis, and additional air is ejected in a direction nearly perpendicular to a flow direction of a fuel jet flowing through the fuel nozzle 11. An amount of air from the additional air nozzle 12 is varied corresponding to a combustion load. By increasing the amount of air from the additional air nozzle 12 at a low load operation, an oxygen concentration of a circulation flow 19 formed in a downstream portion outside the exit of the fuel nozzle 11 is increased to stably burn the fuel. By decreasing the amount of air from the additional air nozzle 12 at a high load operation, a flame is formed at a position distant from the fuel nozzle 11 to suppress radiant heat received by structures of the solid fuel burner and walls of the furnace. |
| US07665405B2 |
Force deflector
Disclosed herein are various exemplary mechanisms by which external forces applied to doors and their locking mechanisms are deflected or directed away from the critical components of the locking system thereby preserving the integrity of the locking system and preventing unauthorized entry. Detailed information on various example embodiments of the inventions are provided in the Detailed Description below, and the inventions are defined by the appended claims. |
| US07665404B2 |
Foldable floral table
A foldable floral table has a foldable stand and a tabletop. The foldable stand has two leg assemblies and two articulated brackets. The leg assemblies connect pivotally to each other and each leg assembly has two legs and at least one crossbar. Each leg has a top support. The articulated brackets pivotally connect adjacent legs in different leg assemblies and selectively hold the leg assemblies in an expanded configuration or allow the leg assemblies to be folded. Each articulated bracket has two ends and a central joint. The tabletop is pivotally connected to the central joint of the articulated bracket and is held in place by the top supports of the legs when the leg assemblies are unfolded. With the pivotal connections between the leg assemblies, the articulated brackets and the tabletop, the floral table is folded to a minimum volume for convenient storage and transportation. |
| US07665403B2 |
Carrying system
The present invention prevents an obstacle from entering a running route of an overhead carriage to allow the carriage to run smoothly, increasing carrying efficiency. The present invention provides a carrying system including a carriage 1 having a hoist 7 that elevates and lowers an article in a vertical direction and a running portion 2, and a track 12 which internally houses the running portion 2 and which is suspended from a ceiling. The carrying system has a cover 13 placed parallel to the track 12 to prevent entry of an obstacle into the track; the cover 13 is provided below the track 12 so as not to hinder the elevation and lowering of the article executed by the hoist 7. |
| US07665402B2 |
Method of manufacturing ammunition
A method of manufacturing ammunition 10 for firing from the barrel of a weapon comprises forming a mould 32 having an interior surface, placing a core 42 in the mould 32 to produce a casting void 43 and pouring a liquefied solidifiable material into the casting void 43. Upon solidification of the material, the core 42 is removed to produce a projectile body 12 having a closed end and an opposite end. The removal of the core 42 also creates the cavity 18 in the projectile body 12 that opens onto the opposite end. The projectile body 12 is removed from the mould 32 and a quantity of propellant 22 is deposited into the cavity 18 through the opposite end. A seal 26 which incorporates a primer is pressed into the opposite end. Circumferential flanges 30a and 30b are integrally moulded with the projectile body 12. |
| US07665395B2 |
Lateral support device system for canister-launched missile
A lateral support device system of a canister-launched missile of the present invention is provided for eliminating the clearances between missile and the canister in 4 places by 90 degrees interval, and therefore no relative movement occurs between the missile and the canister. Therefore, the missile and the detent is free from shocks and vibrations that occurs during the handling, transportation and operation. In addition, when the missile is fired, those lateral lock become free with a little energy loss. |
| US07665391B2 |
Multi-bit screwdriver
A multi-bit screwdriver comprises a housing with a bit chuck at the front end and bit assemblies retained within the housing. Each bit assembly has a tool bit at a front end and a contact surface at a back end. An actuator extends from each bit assembly for operative engagement by a user, for movement of the actuator and bit assembly between a forwardly extended in-use configuration whereat the bit assembly is positioned such that the tool bit extends outwardly from the housing, and the contact surface of the bit assembly is disposed in longitudinal force transmitting engagement against a forward facing abutment surface to preclude rearward movement of the bit assembly due to substantially longitudinally directed forces transmitted from the tool bit, and a retracted configuration whereat the contact surface of the bit assembly is removed in a lateral direction from the longitudinal force transmitting engagement with the forward facing abutment surface. |
| US07665386B2 |
Vehicular brake pedal structure for preventing injury
A simply configured brake pedal is restricted in regression and pivot thereof in the event of a vehicle collision, thereby preventing or minimizing injury to a driver. The brake pedal structure for preventing injury includes a brake pedal mounting bracket, a blocking piece, a support bracket, and a blocking panel. A blocking piece is installed at a pedal arm of the brake pedal and protrudes out towards the rear of the vehicle. A recession limit means is equipped at a steering column mounting bracket connected to a cowl cross bar to restrict a backward shift of the blocking piece. |
| US07665385B2 |
Braking force input system
To reduce moment generated at the proximal portion and the supporting portion of a brake pedal and to prevent an increase in weight even when the brake pedal is disposed outside a vehicle body and an operating unit is disposed away from the brake pedal within the vehicle body. A supporting shaft rotates integrally with the brake pedal by being connected with the brake pedal at one end with a supporting member for supporting both ends of the supporting shaft. An operating member is provided for operating an operating unit by rotation of the brake pedal and the supporting shaft by being connected to the other end of the supporting shaft at the position away from the brake pedal are provided. A pedal pad unit includes a flat depressing surface forming portion to be covered by a cover on the front face on which the driver depresses and a mounting portion extending from the depressing surface forming portion in the direction opposite from the cover for being pivotally mounted on the pedal lever unit. The depressing surface forming portion and the mounting portion are integrally formed. |
| US07665384B2 |
Bicycle control device
A bicycle control device is basically provided with a base member, a shift control unit, a control member and a first shift operating lever. The shift control unit is mounted to the base member. The control member includes a first portion operatively coupled to the shift control unit and a second portion spaced from the first portion. The first shift operating lever is movably coupled relative to the base member to move along a first shift operating path and movably coupled relative to the base member to move along a non-shift operating path that is non-coincident with the first shift operating path. The first shift operating lever is slidably engaged with the second portion of the control member such that the second portion of the control member is moved when the first shift operating lever is moved along the non-shift operating path with sliding contact therebetween. |
| US07665381B2 |
Control device for marine propulsion system
A control device for a marine propulsion system includes a base and at least two levers. Each one of the levers is supported by the base at a first end for pivotal movement about a common pivot axis and extending generally normal to the pivot axis to have a second end. The second end has a grip. The grip of one of the levers extends toward the second end of the other one of the levers. The respective grips are nested with each other when the levers extend generally parallel to each other. |
| US07665377B2 |
Cone and idler continuously variable transmission
A continuously variable transmission system comprising an input and output rotational member each with a first circular end and a second circular end is disclosed. The output rotational member is located such that the second circular input member end faces the first output member end and the input and output rotational members share a tangential plane. A first and second idler wheel, attached to an idler shaft, contact the input and output rotational members. The first and second idler wheels and idler shaft are configured to translate rotation from the input rotational member to the output rotational member. |
| US07665372B2 |
Rolling bearing device with sensor and strain sensor
In the rolling bearing device with a sensor in this invention, a band-shaped film 111 having insulation property is affixed to an outer circumferential surface of an outer ring 101 so as to extend in the circumferential direction. On the film 111 is affixed a foil 112 composed of identical four portions and having electrical conductivity which are placed at generally equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the outer ring 101. A resistance between a first place and a second place of the foil 112 is measured by a resistance measurement section of a microcomputer. A preload calculation section of the microcomputer, upon reception of an output from the resistance measurement section, calculates a preload of the outer ring 101 based on the measured resistance. |
| US07665369B2 |
Measuring transducer of vibration-type
The measuring transducer includes: a measuring tube vibrating, at least at times, and serving for conveying medium to be measured; a counteroscillator, which is affixed to the measuring tube on an inlet-side, to form a first coupling zone, and to the measuring tube on an outlet-side, to form a second coupling zone; at least one oscillation exciter for driving at least the measuring tube; as well as at least one oscillation sensor for registering oscillations at least of the measuring tube. During operation, the measuring tube executes, at least at times and/or at least in part, bending oscillations about an imaginary bending oscillation axis, which imaginarily connects the two coupling zones with one another. The oscillation sensor includes a coil, especially a coil affixed to the counteroscillator, as well as, magnetically coupled with the coil, a permanent magnet, which is placed within a magnet cup composed at least partially of magnetically conductive material and which is held to a cup base, especially a cup base secured to the measuring tube. Additionally, it is provided in the measuring transducer of the invention that a cup wall of the magnet cup, especially an essentially circular-cylindrical and/or tubular, cup wall, especially a cup wall extending essentially in the direction of the counteroscillator, has at least one slit, especially a slit extending at least sectionally in the direction of oscillations of the measuring tube relative to the counteroscillator. |
| US07665364B2 |
Method and apparatus for remote sensing of molecular species at nanoscale utilizing a reverse photoacoustic effect
A method and apparatus for identifying a sample, involves illuminating the sample with light of varying wavelengths, transmitting an acoustic signal against the sample from one portion and receiving a resulting acoustic signal on another portion, detecting a change of phase in the acoustic signal corresponding to the light of varying wavelengths, and analyzing the change of phase in the acoustic signal for the varying wavelengths of illumination to identify the sample. The apparatus has a controlled source for illuminating the sample with light of varying wavelengths, a transmitter for transmitting an acoustic wave, a receiver for receiving the acoustic wave and converting the acoustic wave to an electronic signal, and an electronic circuit for detecting a change of phase in the acoustic wave corresponding to respective ones of the varying wavelengths and outputting the change of phase for the varying wavelengths to allow identification of the sample. The method and apparatus can be used to detect chemical composition or visual features. A transmission mode and a reflection mode of operation are disclosed. The method and apparatus can be applied at nanoscale to detect molecules in a biological sample. |
| US07665363B2 |
Ultrasonic head for pulse-echo multichannel inspection
Ultrasonic head for pulse-echo multichannel inspection applied to flat and curved surfaces, which is connected to a displacement system (3), and which comprises a chassis (1) housing a tilting frame (4) joined to said chassis via a first point of rotation (1a) and a second point of rotation (1b) which define a main tilting axis (1c) around which the tilting frame (4) rotates, said tilting frame (4) presenting a set of feeler-carriers (2) in its central opening (4h) which carry an array of ultrasonic feelers (12), said array of feel-carriers (2) being able to rotate around at least one axis of rotation (5, 5a, 5b) transverse to the main tilting axis (1c) in an independent movement to that made by the tilting frame (4), the tilting frame (4) being able to be divided into two secondary frames (6, 8) which rotate independently of the rotation of the tilting frame (4). |
| US07665361B2 |
Method and apparatus for closed loop offset cancellation
An apparatus (100, 200) and method (300) for sensing acceleration are provided. The method includes producing (305) a first signal in response to an acceleration sensed by a transducer, producing (310) a second signal based on the first signal, and actuating (315) the transducer in response to the second signal to remove offset in the transducer. The first signal represents the acceleration, and the second signal represents a low frequency component associated with an offset in the transducer. The apparatus (100) includes a transducer (102) producing a capacitance in response to the acceleration, a sensing system (104, 106, 108) producing a first signal from the capacitance representing the acceleration, and a compensation system (112, 110) coupled between the sensing system and transducer. The compensation system produces a second signal based on the first signal for substantially removing an offset of the transducer. |
| US07665360B2 |
Vibration gyro circuitry, vibration gyro unit, and method for detecting vibration gyro output
Vibration gyro circuitry, a vibration gyro unit, and a method for detecting a vibration gyro output, which enable detection of a rotational angular velocity with high sensitivity, are provided. The circuitry and the unit includes a differential amplifier circuit (4) for outputting a signal Vda corresponding to a difference (Vgl−Vgr) between output signals of two detection pieces of a vibration gyro (31), a synchronous detection circuit (5) for synchronously detecting the output signal Vda of the differential amplifier circuit (4), and a phase shift circuit for supplying to the synchronous detection circuit (5) a signal, as a timing signal Vck for the synchronous detection, which is phase-shifted with respect to a drive signal (an output signal of an adding circuit 1) Vsa supplied to the vibration gyro (31). The phase difference θps between the drive signal Vsa and the timing signal Vck is set on the basis of a phase difference characteristic of a detection sensitivity S for the output signal Vda of the differential amplifier circuit (4), which is obtained in advance under a condition where a rotational angular velocity is applied to the vibration gyro (31) in a driving state. |
| US07665354B2 |
Method and apparatus for an optimal pumping rate based on a downhole dew point pressure determination
The present invention provides a downhole spectrometer for determination of dew point pressure to determine an associated optimal pumping rate during sampling to avoid precipitation of asphaltenes in a formation sample. A sample is captured at formation pressure in a controlled volume. The pressure in the controlled volume is reduced. Initially the formation fluid sample appears dark and allows less light energy to pass through a sample under test. The sample under test, however, becomes lighter and allows more light energy to pass through the sample as the pressure is reduced and the formation fluid sample becomes thinner or less dense under the reduced pressure. At the dew point pressure, however, the sample begins to darken and allows less light energy to pass through it as asphaltenes begin to precipitate out of the sample. Thus, the dew point is that pressure at which peak light energy passes through the sample. The dew point pressure is plugged into an equation to determine the optimum pumping rate for a known mobility, during sampling to avoid dropping the pressure down to the dew point pressure to avoid asphaltene precipitation or dew forming in the sample. The bubble point can be plugged into an equation to determine the optimum pumping rate for a known mobility, during sampling to avoid dropping the pressure down to the bubble point pressure to avoid bubbles forming in the sample. |
| US07665352B2 |
Adaptive oil pressure fault detection
A method of monitoring pressure of oil that is implemented within an internal combustion engine includes determining an expected oil pressure value based on engine operating conditions and monitoring an actual oil pressure value based on a signal generated by an oil pressure sensor. A difference between the expected oil pressure value and the actual oil pressure value is calculated and is compared to a threshold difference. A diagnostic trouble code is generated when the difference exceeds the threshold difference. |
| US07665348B2 |
System and method for determining atomization characteristics of spray liquids
A system and method for determining the atomization characteristics of fluids being emitted by a nozzle is disclosed. In one embodiment, a fluid is emitted through a nozzle while simultaneously sensing vibrations occurring within the nozzle. The vibrations provide information about the atomization characteristics of the fluid. By comparing the sensed vibrations to vibration patterns produced by known fluids through the same or a similar nozzle, the atomization characteristics of the fluid being tested can be predicted. In one embodiment, for instance, the atomization characteristics of a fluid may be determined as a function of velocity or flow rate through the nozzle. |
| US07665345B2 |
Gaseous product detecting device
A gaseous product detecting device (1; 20; 30; 40; 70) has a measuring cell (6; 59; 60), a filtering element (3; 45) for retaining particulate present in the air entering the measuring cell (6; 59, 60), and a detecting element (13; 50, 56) housed inside the measuring cell (6; 59, 60). A wall (9; 49, 61; 79, 82) of the measuring cell (6; 59, 60) is movable in fluidtight manner between a withdrawn position, in which the measuring cell (6; 59, 60) has a maximum volume, and a forward position, in which the measuring cell (6; 59, 60) has a minimum volume and the detecting element (13; 50, 56) is prevented from being impressed by resting against a shutter surface (5a; 43a, 49b; 82a) of the measuring cell (6; 59, 60). |
| US07665344B2 |
Test device for internal combustion engine
A device for testing exhaust emissions of an internal combustion engine utilizing wireless real time data transfer to permit outdoor testing via an indoor base station. A hand portable display device provides instructions to an operator, and a gas sensor/analyzer detects combustion gas content. The base station, display device and sensor/analyzer preferably communicate by radio. |
| US07665339B2 |
Method for increasing the range of production of a metal product rolling installation and installation therefor
The invention relates to a process for increasing the range of production of an installation for cold rolling of metallic strip, consisting of at least two rolling stands (L1, L2) operating in tandem.According to the invention, at least one (L1) of the rolling stands is equipped with means of converting the stand configuration, while keeping the same means (15, 16, 3, 3′) of applying the rolling force, in order to have at least two configurations available, each corresponding to one production range, and the configuration of said convertible stand L1 is selected to match the data of the product (M) to be rolled, thus allowing the production range to be increased. |
| US07665337B1 |
Profiled key for cylinder locks
A key for use in a cylinder lock with a rotatable key plug having a profiled keyway including a longitudinal profile rib at a side wall of the keyway. The key has an elongated, substantially flat key blade (120; 120′) having a longitudinal profile groove (122; 122′) extending along at least a portion of the length of the key blade. The groove has an undercut portion (129) adjacent to a ridge portion (128, 128′), the outside of which forms part of a side surface (123; 123′) of the key blade and the inside of which comprises a side wall portion (126; 126′) being inclined and facing the bottom wall (124; 124′) of the groove. The undercut portion (129; 129′) of the groove is expanded, at its innermost part adjacent to the inclined side wall portion (126; 126′), into a longitudinally extending pocket (135; 135′). |
| US07665334B2 |
Outboard motor lower-unit lock
An outboard motor lower-unit lock has a key, a locking pin assembly and a shaft. To install the lock, a user drills a shaft hole the same diameter as the shaft through both sides of a housing unit below an access hole of the housing unit. The shaft is inserted in the shaft hole, and oriented so that a threaded hole in the center of the shaft can receive a threaded pin section of the locking pin. The locking pin receives the key. The key is tightened. Finally, the user removes the key allowing the locking pin to rotate around and below the shaft, thereby obstructing a bolt securing the lower-unit to the housing unit, and preventing the unauthorized removal of the lower-unit. |
| US07665332B2 |
Steam fabric treatment appliance with exhaust
A fabric treating appliance using steam to treat the fabrics and having an exhaust system for removing the steam from the appliance. |
| US07665329B2 |
Cryogenic air separation process with excess turbine refrigeration
A process for carrying out cryogenic air separation wherein liquid oxygen is pressurized and vaporized against condensing feed air to produce oxygen gas product wherein excess plant refrigeration is generated such that the aggregate warm end temperature difference of the process exceeds the minimum internal temperature difference of the primary heat exchanger by at least 2K. |
| US07665327B2 |
Chilled food storage area for refrigerated appliance
An appliance with a separately chilled storage area is disclosed. The appliance comprises a refrigerated compartment; a refrigeration system for cooling air; an air circulation system for circulating the cooled air about the refrigerated compartment; and a secondary air circulation system for circulating a portion of the cooled air in the storage assembly. |
| US07665323B2 |
Air conditioning unit for vehicles
A first casing includes a first baffle plate, and a second casing includes a second baffle plate. The second baffle plate is contiguous to a guide rib, which is disposed underneath the second baffle plate, having a horizontal side wall and a slanted side wall. A slit is defined between the horizontal side wall and the slanted side wall, wherein the slit extends to an end face of a partition wall. When the first casing and the second casing are connected to each other, the first baffle plate is slidably inserted in the slit. The first baffle plate projects slightly from the slit into a liquid reservoir chamber, by a distance that is not large enough to increase air resistance with respect to air flowing in the vehicular air conditioning unit. An expansion valve is sandwiched between the first baffle plate and the second baffle plate. |
| US07665321B2 |
Evaporation process control used in refrigeration
The invention relates to an evaporator control by use of an expansion valve and an internal heat exchanger IHE. The evaporator control is controlled after the start of the evaporation process and the temperature of the compressor suction vapor, oil and hot gas as well as coolant liquid is controlled and regulated upstream of the expansion valve. |
| US07665318B2 |
Compressor controlling apparatus and method
A compressor controlling apparatus including a bypass unit connected between an outlet and an inlet of the compressor and a control unit. The control unit reduces pressure difference between the outlet and the inlet of the compressor by the bypass unit to start the compressor when the compressor is to be started. The compressor is started while pressure equilibrium is achieved by the bypass unit, thereby preventing poor start-up of the compressor caused due to excessive pressure difference, and thus improving reliability of the compressor. |
| US07665308B2 |
Methods and apparatus for injecting fluids into a turbine engine
A method facilitates operating a gas turbine engine. The method comprises supplying steam to a nozzle, supplying primary fuel to the nozzle, discharging the steam into a combustor from a plurality of circumferentially-spaced steam outlets defined in a tip of the nozzle, and discharging the primary fuel into the combustor from at least one outlet that is spaced circumferentially between the steam outlets. |
| US07665303B2 |
Method of segregating a bolus of fluid using a pneumatic actuator in a fluid handling circuit
The invention described is a method of segregating a bolus of fluid using a pneumatic actuator in a fluid handling circuit. The described invention further includes a method of segregating a bolus of fluid using a pneumatic actuator in a fluid handling circuit wherein the method includes the step of injecting an air pocket into the fluid stream to create the bolus. In addition, the described invention includes a method of measuring the analyte concentration in a bolus of fluid using a pneumatic actuator in a fluid handling circuit. The described invention further includes a method of measuring the analyte concentration in a bolus of fluid using a pneumatic actuator in a fluid handling circuit wherein the method includes the step of injecting an air pocket into the fluid stream to create the bolus. |
| US07665300B2 |
Thin, flexible actuator array to produce complex shapes and force distributions
An actuator includes a bistable mechanism having a tension beam and a compression beam defined by a relief slit in a flexible substrate; and a first shape memory element that upon heating actuates the actuator from a first position to a second position. A heat source can be thermally coupled to actuate the first shape memory element, or the first shape memory element can be heated by passing current through the element. The actuators can be formed in an array. Such arrays can be useful for tactile displays, massagers, and the like. Also included are methods of operation and manufacturing. |
| US07665299B2 |
Hydraulic power management system
A machine having a hydraulic power management system. The machine includes an internal combustion engine driving first and second fixed displacement pumps to produce a combined flow of pressurized fluid. Main and auxiliary implements are operable in response to a flow of pressurized fluid, and a control valve selectively directs the combined flow to the main and auxiliary implements. A power management system is operable to stop the flow of pressurized fluid to the main implement from the second pump when the pressure of the combined flow exceeds a pressure indicative of the impending engine stall. A means for providing the combined flow to the auxiliary implement without regard to the pressure of the combined flow is also provided, and may take the form of a power management override or bypass mechanism. |
| US07665298B2 |
Low voltage hydraulic system with electronic control for moving automatic closing apparatuses
The invention concerns a hydraulic system for moving automatic closing apparatuses, comprising hydraulic actuating means capable to move at least one movable member coupled to at least one closing apparatus, wherein said hydraulic actuating means is operated by at least one low voltage dc motor. Preferably, the electronic unit controls, through an encoder and microswitches, the position of a piston or a rotating shaft that operates the automatic closing apparatus during closing and opening phase, favouring an automatic learning of operation times. |
| US07665295B2 |
Method for operating an internal combustion engine and device for implementing the method
A method is provided for operating an internal combustion engine in whose exhaust-gas region an exhaust-gas treatment device is situated, and in which a reagent is introduced into the exhaust-gas region of the internal combustion engine. in addition, a device is provided for implementing the method. The reagent pressure occurring between a reagent safety valve and a reagent dosing valve, disposed directly in the exhaust-gas region is recorded during different states of the reagent safety valve and/or the reagent dosing valve and compared to at least one threshold value. If the threshold is exceeded, a fault signal is provided. This may offer high safety which may be of particular importance when fuel is used as reagent. |
| US07665292B2 |
Thruster with electro-thermal thrust augmentation
A thruster for exo-atmospheric vehicles with electro-thermal thrust augmentation and having internally embedded heating elements for direct contact heating of gaseous products released by a propellant, particularly hydrazine, so as to increase the Specific Impulse (Isp) of the thruster. The electrical heating elements are resistant to hydrazine products. The thruster is configured as a closed sealed chamber divided into a decomposition section upstream and a heating section downstream. At least one heating element is disposed in the heating section, directly in a mixture catalyst forming a porous bed, or within a concentric ceramic tube operative as a heat exchanger, to heat the gaseous products by direct contact. The heater indirectly heats the catalyst in the decomposition section and directly heats the heating section. The thruster is operable both in space and at sea-level gravity and barometric pressure. |
| US07665281B2 |
Machine for making packaging with form-fit connection
The present invention relates to a packaging with a packaging tray, into which a product for packing can be filled and which is closed with a lid, whereby at least one form-fit connection connects the packaging tray with the lid and the connection includes first and second connection elements. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for the production of a packaging as well as a packaging machine. |
| US07665278B2 |
Methods for automatically packaging objects
Methods of automatically packaging an object in netting include: (a) automatically extending a product pusher having a pusher head through a product chute; (b) pushing at least one object from a location upstream of the product chute, through a product chute to a location downstream of the product chute in response to the extending step; (c) pulling netting material upstream of the product chute off an exterior surface of the product chute to automatically enclose the object in the netting material as the object exits the product chute; (d) automatically retracting the pusher head after the pushing step extends the pusher head outside the product chute; then (e) automatically directing a clipper to pivot into position when the pusher head is partially retracted a distance sufficient to position the pusher head inside the product chute; and (f) applying at least one clip to the netting material using the clipper to secure the object in the netting material. |
| US07665277B2 |
Optical disc receptacle
An optical disc receptacle adapted for storing an optical disc is provided. The optical disc receptacle includes a body configured for disposal about the optical disc. The body includes an end portion arcuately disposed about the optical disc and extending to a perimeter. The perimeter forms a window configured to visually display the optical disc. The body includes a pliable first layer and a second soft fabric layer configured to engage digital data readable portions of the optical disc. The optical disc can include a first side having digital data readable portion and a second side having digital data readable portions. |
| US07665275B2 |
Packaging system with dunnage delivery assembly
A packaging system (10) and method for supplying and distributing dunnage products to multiple packing stations (14, 16) is characterized by a supply of dunnage products (12), a plurality of packing stations (14, 16), and a distribution assembly (20) that selectively distributes the dunnage products from the supply (12) to selected ones of the packing stations (14, 16). The supply of dunnage (12) may include a converter (22) that converts sheet stock material into a relatively less dense dunnage product. The distribution assembly (20) includes a conveyor (40), an alignment device (50) downstream of the conveyor (40), and a tiltable dunnage product support surface (60) below the alignment device (50). The alignment device (50) controls the descent of a dunnage product therethrough to the support surface (60). The support surface (60) is tiltable to selectively direct the dunnage product toward respective packing stations (14, 16). |
| US07665271B2 |
Joint fitting between members, joint structure of upper and lower floor vertical frame members, and method of joining
A metal connection member having joining parts on the upper and lower stories vertical frame members' side surfaces. |
| US07665269B2 |
Interlocking block
A construction block includes rectangular front and rear panels and at least one web connecting the front and rear panels. Each of the front and rear panels has top, bottom, and right and left edge surfaces. At least one web having top and bottom surfaces co-extensive with the top and bottom of the front and rear panels is provided to define top and bottom surfaces of the block. The top surface of the block has a shallow rectangular ridge along its length, flanked by outer support surfaces. The lower surface of the block has a shallow rectangular channel along its length, flanked by flat outer feet corresponding to the outer support surfaces. The right and left edge surfaces of the front and rear panels are profiled to interfit with one another. |
| US07665267B2 |
Floor panels with edge connectors
Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling. |
| US07665257B2 |
Wind resistant structure for buildings
Certain embodiments of the invention disclosed herein include an apparatus and method for securing a wall system together in a vertical direction. More specifically, an apparatus is disclosed that includes a first floor lower linkage beam attached to a foundation of a structure. In another embodiment, a method is disclosed including attaching a first floor lower linkage beam to a foundation of a structure. |
| US07665256B2 |
Method and apparatus for firestopping a through-penetration
A method and apparatus for creating firestopping barrier in a partition, such as a wall, floor, or ceiling, that is mounted adjacent the opening includes a housing containing a central opening. The cross-sectional area of the housing is greater than the cross-sectional area of the through-penetration opening, and the housing is arranged external to the through-penetration opening with at least a portion thereof extending along a surface of the partition thereby to allow the housing to be installed adjacent the through-penetration opening. Firestop material is arranged within the housing. |
| US07665255B2 |
Cable distribution and management system
A cable management and distribution system comprises posts and beams. The posts may be one of several heights to accommodate various office layouts. The beams run between the posts and a cable entry slot runs the length of each beam to allow cable entry at any point along the beam. The beams further provide space for running and storing cables and fixed power outlets may be attached to the beam interior for plugging power cords. A lift off cap may be positioned over the beam, or a bridge may be positioned above the beam to provide a separate path for data cables. The bridge includes an upper face with a mounting surface for a privacy panel or the like, and accepts plain vertical side covers, or vertical side covers with accessory tracks. The posts include lower mounting points and the beams include upper mounting points for modesty panels. |
| US07665254B2 |
Wall cladding panel for the outside wall of a building with a solar generator
A wall cladding panel for the outside wall of a building having a solar generator and a frame which surrounds the panel. To produce a wall cladding panel which can be easily produced and installed, it is provided that the frame is made as an injected or foamed plastic frame (12, 17) into which elements (11A, 15A) for attachment of the wall cladding panel (7, 8) are integrated. |
| US07665253B1 |
Retrofit hurricane-earthquake connector
A true retrofit hurricane and earthquake clip for connecting the roof to the outside wall. The metal connector includes a base member with formed pockets that form tunnels. The base member has attaching means to outside sheathing and the underlying top plate of a wall. Threaded rods from the roof are inserted through the tunnels of the base member and tightened together. The invention can be installed on different structural members of a house including a rafter, hip rafter, valley rafter, and facia board. The connector inhibits uplift, detachment, outward thrusting, twisting, and lateral movement, thereby preventing wind and seismic damage to a building. |
| US07665252B2 |
Wall bracing apparatus
A wall bracing apparatus for mounting between a wall and the floor during construction. The wall bracing apparatus includes a tube that is mounted to a wall-mounted device and a floor-mounted device. The wall-mounted device has a backing plate and a front plate on opposite sides of the wall. A t-bar having a head at one end and a shaft through which a hole is formed extends through aligned central apertures in the plates and a wedge is inserted in the hole near the front plate end of the t-bar. A pair of ears on the front plate has aligned holes through which a pin extends that is also inserted through the tube. A duplicate of the front plate can be mounted to the floor and the opposite end of the tube can pivotably mount to the ears thereof. |
| US07665250B2 |
System for construction of a compression structure with corner blocks, key blocks, and corner block supports
A structure assembled from a combination of stackable modules, each module assembled from multiple prefabricated, transportable blocks. The blocks are typically reinforced cast concrete formed in reusable molds. Module framing blocks may include arched corner blocks, key blocks that interlock with a pair of corner blocks, and optional center blocks. Other structural elements include roof, floor, and wall components that interlock with the framing modules. Modules may be stacked or nested to form structures including buildings, elevated roadways, and parking garages. Utilities may be provided through optional conduits formed in the corner elements. The framing supports raised floor modules for ease in mechanical system installation and modification. The roof elements support usable terraces and rainwater collection. The blocks are demountable and reusable. The modules are self-supporting during erection, and may be assembled without fasteners. |
| US07665241B2 |
Firearm handgrip with a horizontal angle tracking bipod
A firearm handgrip includes a housing and a bipod movable between stored and deployed positions. The bipod is adapted for panning (horizontal rotation), tilting (up-down) and canting (right-left) movements when deployed and includes a torsion spring enabling tracking a horizontal angle for quick leg realignment. The bipod includes a piston, a deployment spring between the piston and the housing, and a locking assembly for holding the bipod in the stored position. The locking mechanism preferably first and second magnet pieces respectively located on a release ram near the top of the housing and on the piston. Alignment between the magnet pieces in a first ram position holds the bipod in the stored position while movement to a second ram position creates magnet misalignment for bipod release. |
| US07665240B1 |
Modular system rifle stock
An elongated forend member is the principal component of the modular system rifle stock. The forend member can be injection molded or milled from an aluminum billet. The forend member has laterally spaced left and right side walls whose bottom edges are connected to a bottom wall to form an elongated chamber that extends substantially the length of the forend member. The elongated chamber can accommodate most of the receivers/actions of existing rifles and shotguns. The rear wall of the forend member has a protruding boss member or specifically shaped recess that allows either a slider or firearm stock to be secured thereto. |
| US07665237B2 |
Illuminated sign and light source for use with said sign
An illuminable sign (20) has a base (22); a trough (24) having a configuration C formed in the base (22); a light dispensing medium (26) having the configuration C fitted in the trough (24) and including a pair of light-entering ports (28, 30); a light generator (32) fixed in operative relation between the pair of light-entering ports (28, 30), the light generator (32) including at least one light source (34); and a cover (36) fitted to the base. |
| US07665233B2 |
Self powered landscaping attachment for vehicle
A snowplow or other landscaping implement for mounting by a single point attachment such as a trailer hitch receiver on a host platform or the rear of a vehicle. The implement includes a main battery for intermittently powering a mechanical actuator or blade lifting mechanism where the functions are remotely controlled by the vehicle or host platform operator controlling at least one solenoid for switching on main battery power when needed. There is also a main battery trickle charging system connectible for power to an electrical circuit on the host platform or vehicle through a connector, and configured to draw only a limited level of current only when the main battery needs it and the source electrical circuit can readily provide it. |
| US07665231B2 |
Skateboard shoe
A skateboard shoe comprising a plurality of fluid chambers able to move and flex independently from one another along the bottom portion of the midsole is shown and described. The midsole acts as both a stabilizing midsole and an impact cushioning midsole while improving the fit of the shoe so it moves with the foot. |
| US07665230B2 |
Article of footwear having a fluid-filled bladder with a reinforcing structure
A sole component and a method of manufacturing the sole component are disclosed. In general, the sole component includes a fluid-filled bladder and a reinforcing structure extending around the bladder. The reinforcing structure is bonded to the exterior of the bladder, and may be recessed into the bladder. In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure extends along the side surfaces of the bladder and between upper and lower surfaces of bladder. In manufacturing the sole component, the reinforcing structure may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing structure during the molding process. |
| US07665229B2 |
Foot-supporting structures for articles of footwear and other foot-receiving devices
Support structures for foot-receiving devices (such as midsole and/or outsole structures for articles of footwear) include one or more of the following: (a) a base member (e.g., including an impact-attenuating material); (b) a generally U-shaped moderator element engaged with the base member; (c) an edge element extending from a surface of the base member for engaging a lateral side of a foot in use; (d) an outsole member including a herringbone or zig-zag tread structure on both surfaces; and/or (e) an outsole member including a perimeter element for engaging a lateral side of a foot and/or the edge element of the base member. Such support structures may be incorporated into various foot-receiving device products, such as athletic footwear for basketball, etc. |
| US07665225B2 |
Heat pump clothes dryer
A drying apparatus for drying articles such as clothing is provided. The drying apparatus includes a chamber for containing articles to be dried and a system for supplying heated dry air at a first temperature to the chamber. The air supplying system comprises an air flow pathway having an evaporator for removing moisture from air exiting the chamber and for decreasing the temperature of the air to below dew point temperature. The air supply system further has a condenser for increasing the temperature of the air exiting the evaporator to the first temperature. The drying apparatus further has a heat pump system having a refrigerant loop which includes a compressor, the condenser, a TEV valve, and the evaporator. |
| US07665223B2 |
Measuring device with extensible cord and method
A measuring device generally comprises a base unit housing an extensible cable; the cable including a free end for placement by a user at a point being measured. The base unit, placed in line of sight of the point, includes: a base; a first carriage rotationally attached to the base about a turn axis; and a second carriage rotationally attached to the first carriage about a pitch axis. Servoed motors rotate the carriages to align them with cable path to the point. The turn angle, the pitch angle and the cable length are measured to determine the point's location. A plurality of points determines a surface. The user uses a programmed PDA with a radio to communicate with the base unit. |
| US07665220B1 |
Flexible, sheetlike fish measuring device
The present invention is a towel or absorbent cloth adapted for use by a fisherman for grasping a freshly caught fish with measurement means visible on a surface of the towel or absorbent cloth. In a preferred embodiment, attaching means provide for attachment of the towel to a belt or pants top of a user so that it can be easily reached upon catching a fish. In another embodiment, a grasping part of the towel or cloth is adapted to minimize absorbency to preserve the protective slime coat of a freshly caught fish so that it can be safely released after measurement. |
| US07665217B2 |
Laser level assembly
This invention relates to a pendulum assembly within a laser levelling apparatus. In use, the assembly is rotatably mounted with the levelling device to hang under the effect of gravity such that opposed light emitting devices produce light on a horizontal plane. The assembly includes a main body rotatably mountable in the levelling apparatus and at least two light emitting devices mounted in or on light emitting mounting portions. At least one of the light emitting mounting positions is rotatably mounted to the main body and adjustable in its orientation with respect to the main body by an threaded adjustment means. Once one light emitting device is mounted, the adjustable one can be brought into a substantially co-linear position by movement of the threaded adjustment means. A further embodiment includes a further light emitter acting on a reflective surface to provide a substantially vertical light. Such a further embodiment fixes the position of the further emitter and reflective surface and provides adjustment mean on both other light emitting device mounting portions to arrange these co-linear to each other and transverse to the reflected light beam. |
| US07665215B2 |
Fixed line trimmer head with ease of loading
A head for string trimmer machines uses fixed length segments of line including at least two line segments. The head includes a generally cylindrically shaped main housing member with at least two sets of first and second line entry holes on the housing member intermediate the first and second ends. At least two sets of first and second line exit openings also are found on the main housing member intermediate the first and second ends and spaced apart a greater distance than the distance between the first and second line entry holes. Arcuate guide channels are located between the respective entry holes and exit openings where the corresponding entry openings and exit openings of corresponding sets are located at different distances measured axially on the main housing member from the first end thereof. |
| US07665208B2 |
Through hole forming method
A first through hole is formed in a laminate by trepanning machining using laser light, for example. The trepanning machining refers to a process for irradiating laser light along such a trajectory that the laser light is first irradiated onto a substantially central area of a first through hole to be formed, the laser light is irradiated along a circumference corresponding to the bore diameter of the first through hole to be formed, and the laser light is finally irradiated onto the substantially central area of the first through hole to be formed again. A second through hole being substantially concentric with and having a larger bore diameter than the first through hole is formed by irradiating the laser light, similarly to the first through hole. |
| US07665206B2 |
Printed circuit board and manufacturing method thereof
A printed circuit board and a method of manufacturing a printed circuit board are disclosed. Using a method of manufacturing a printed circuit board, which includes: forming a multilayer board by alternately stacking circuit pattern layers and insulation layers such that a predetermined thickness of a partial area has only insulation layers stacked therein; and removing insulation layers from the partial area of the multilayer board, a printed circuit board can be manufactured that is suitable for a slim module. |
| US07665204B2 |
Die detachment apparatus comprising pre-peeling structure
An apparatus and method are provided for detaching a die from an adhesive film, the apparatus comprising a vacuum platform having a surface configured to support a part of the adhesive film on which the die is attached. A plurality of pre-peeling columns having substantially flat contact surfaces are projectable relative to the surface of the vacuum platform to push against the adhesive film at the position of the die to generate initial peeling between the die and the adhesive film. Thereafter, a plurality of ejector pins that are positionable relative to the pre-peeling columns are operative to push against the adhesive film at the position of the die to generate further peeling between the die and the adhesive film. The die is then removed from the adhesive film. |
| US07665196B2 |
Method for forming a multi-frequency surface acoustic wave device
Provided is a method of manufacturing a multi-frequency surface acoustic wave (SAW) device on a common piezoelectric substrate. The method features varying the resonant frequency of waveguide elements of the SAW device using a single etch step. The etch step removes a sub-portion of multiple layers of conductive film disposed on the substrate. |
| US07665194B2 |
Slide fastener
A slide fastener with a slider locking mechanism comprising a slider body, a tab attached to the slider body rotatably, and a slider having a locking pawl formed integrally with the tab, wherein the locking pawl has a pawl portion fitted into between the elements, and the pawl portion comprises: a first contact surface which, when the tab is rotated after sliding operation of the slider is ended, contacts with a first element of an element row attached to a fastener stringer to stop the tab's rotation temporarily; and a second contact surface which, when the slider starts a forced movement in an element separating direction with the tab's rotation stopped, contacts with a second element to stop the slider's forced movement in a state where the tab restarts to rotate and the pawl portion is fitted into between the elements. |
| US07665191B2 |
Integral fastening system
A fastening system includes a grommet having a grommet shank and two grommet cap ends secured to opposing ends of the grommet shank; a planar border having a base and integrally formed substantially parallel planar flexible peripheral first and second legs of substantially like length, the first leg having a first leg distal end with a first aperture and the second leg having a second leg distal end with a second aperture and an integral and peripheral first spike having a first spike pointed end, each of the first and second apertures being proportioned for slidable receipt of the grommet when the first and second apertures are aligned with each other; and an elongate securement leg integrally dependant from the base in a direction of the distal ends of the flexible legs, and including a securement leg distal end having a receiving surface for receiving first spike pointed end. |
| US07665186B2 |
Hinge with anti-skew features
A hinge for a clamshell-type phone includes first and second hinge sections with cooperative anti-skewing features to prevent skewing of the hinge in the open and/or closed positions. The first hinge section includes at least one anti-skew tab extending normal to the pivot axis of the hinge and a second hinge section includes at least one U-shaped anti-skew member to engage the anti-skew tab on the first hinge section in an open or closed position. |
| US07665183B2 |
Hinge apparatus for cover of image forming apparatus
A hinge apparatus for a cover of an image forming apparatus has a hinge body with supporting brackets, movably inserted into a coupling hole positioned in a main body of the image forming apparatus, a hinge cam connected to the cover and pivotably connected to the supporting brackets, and a pressure device disposed at the hinge body to press the hinge cam. Accordingly, the hinge apparatus can be implemented with a simple and easy assembly operation, since it is not a complicated structural connection among the component parts of the hinge apparatus. |
| US07665179B2 |
Adjustable wire rope cleaning device
An adjustable wire rope cleaning device comprising a first base plate and a second base plate, each having opposite ends and two longitudinal sides. Side bars are at the longitudinal sides of at least one of the first base plate and the second base plate and are aligned along an axis of the first base plate, such that a guide channel is defined and partially enclosed by the side bars. The second base plate is slidably attached to the first base plate and within the guide channel. A lateral bar at one end of the first base plate and between the two side bars, and the lateral bar is transverse to the side bars. An adjustment device positioned between the lateral bar and the second base plate, the adjustment device is operable to move the second base plate relative to the first base plate along the axis defined by the guide channel. A brush is coupled to the second base plate, and the brush is adjusted by movement of the second base plate within the guide channel. |
| US07665178B2 |
Scraper blade mounting device
The invention relates to a scraper blade holding device which comprises a cover plate and a base plate. The cover plate and the base plate are pivotable relative to one another about an axis. The axis is formed by a bearing tube, which is a component of the base plate and is arranged in an end region of the base plate. |
| US07665177B2 |
Cleaning swab, integrated handle system and method of making same
A cleaning swab has an elongated handle defining a longitudinal axis and having a diameter. The handle has a cleaning head end. A cleaning head is formed from a sheet of non-linting material having a predetermined thickness so as to form a predetermined cleaning head diameter. The material forms a seal-less tip and a pair of longitudinal side seals extending along longitudinal sides of the cleaning head. Excess material forms a cleaning surface suitable for standard polish and angle physical connector polished end faces. A sleeve has a central opening for receiving the handle such that the cleaning head extends beyond an open end of the sleeve. Use of a first predetermined thickness of material forms a first swab having a cleaning head having a first diameter cleaning head and use of a second different predetermined thickness of material forms a second swab having a second different diameter. The sleeve is configured to interchangeably receive the first swab and the second swab. |
| US07665175B2 |
Roller holder
A lint roller holder having a pair of elongated housing parts which are substantially identical to each other. Each housing part includes an elongated handle section and semi-cylindrical lint roller support section which is longitudinally adjacent the handle section. The housing parts are secured together in a facing relationship, such that an outer peripheral edge of both of said semi-cylindrical lint roller support and said handle sections abut against each other to form both a cylindrical lint roller support and a handle. The outer peripheral edges of the housing parts are then secured together by ultrasonic welding. Each housing part also includes at least one cut-out in the semi-cylindrical lint roller support section to reduce raw material usage requirements. |
| US07665174B2 |
Cleaning head for use in a floor cleaning machine
A cleaning head for use with a floor cleaning machine comprises first and second cleaning tools, at least one motor and a cleaning tool support. The at least one motor is configured to respectively drive rotation of the first and second cleaning tools about first and second horizontal axes. The first and second cleaning tools each have an exterior cleaning surface configured to engage the floor during floor cleaning operations. The cleaning tool support is configured to support the first and second cleaning tools for movement of the first and second horizontal axes relative to each other in a plane that is transverse to the first and second horizontal axes. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a floor cleaning machine that includes embodiments of the cleaning head. |
| US07665171B2 |
Water-operated wash brush with removable brush head
A fluid operated wash brush is provided. The wash brush includes a casing having a downwardly opening top cover. The casing includes a liquid inlet for connection to a fluid supply. The wash brush also includes a rotary wash brush and a mounting shaft supported by the casing for relative rotation on which the rotary wash brush is carried. A retention mechanism is carried on a distal end of the mounting shaft for releasable engagement and disengagement with the rotary wash brush. |
| US07665168B2 |
Cap for securing interconnected linear members of a frame structure
Described herein is a cap for securing the interlocking members of a bed frame with flush rail support surfaces which includes a main body portion and a connection piece protruding from the main body portion of the cap. Also described herein is a method for securing the interlocking members of a bed frame with interlocking members and flush rail support surfaces. |
| US07665166B2 |
Patient examination system
A wheelchair and an examination table is provided wherein there is provided a connector or connector assembly for connecting the wheelchair to the examination table. Once connected to the examination table, the wheelchair and patient sitting therein can be elevated, after which side frames of the wheelchair can be removed in order to facilitate examination of the patient. In addition, once elevated and the side frames removed, with the aid of a movable back that forms a part of the examination table, the back of the wheelchair can be reclined or positioned in various positions to facilitate examination and procedures. |
| US07665164B2 |
Frame member and attached membranes
A collapsible apparatus includes a frame member being formed from a flexible twistable material, a first membrane and a second membrane, and an inflatable bladder. The second membrane is removably attachable to the first membrane. |
| US07665152B2 |
Drag harness and garment combination
As combined with a protective garment having a generally tubular portion, such as a protective coat having a sleeve, or such as a pair of protective pants having a pants leg, which may be regarded as being generally tubular, and a drag harness, which is assembled to the generally tubular portion and which facilitates dragging a wear from a hazardous situation. The drag harness includes a loop, which is assembled to and within the generally tubular portion, and a grip, which extends through an aperture in the generally tubular portion. The loop and the grip may be made from a single length of strapping or, alternatively, the loop and the grip may be made from separate lengths of strapping. The loop may have a fixed length or, alternatively, the drag harness may have a running noose, by which the loop is adapted to tighten when the grip is pulled. |
| US07665149B2 |
Ballistic resistant body armor articles
The present invention relates to body armor articles for resisting ballistic objects. The articles comprise woven fabric layers and sheet layers. The woven fabric layers are made from yarns having a tenacity of at least 7.3 grams per dtex and a modulus of at least 100 grams per dtex. The sheet layers comprise nonwoven random oriented fibrous sheets, each of the sheet layers comprising a uniform mixture of 3 to 60 weight percent polymeric binder and 40 to 97 weight percent non-fibrillated fibers. The woven fabric layers and the sheet layers are stacked together comprising a first core section which includes at least two repeating units of, in order, at least one of the woven fabric layers then at least one of the sheet layers. The sheet layers comprise 0.5 to 30 wt % of the total weight of the article. |