| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07665410B2 |
Seed and fertilizer drill and method
A drill for seeds and/or solid fertilizer having a support frame and a plurality of planter row units extending transversally of the direction of travel which are separated in first, second and third groups. A central member supports the first group and is attached to the support frame in a transverse manner so that the units of the first group are in contact with the ground in an operational position. First and second outer members respectively support the second and third groups and are attached respectively to a first and second end of the central member so that the outer members can rest in a first operational position collinear with the central member with the units of the second and third groups in contact with the ground, in a second position parallel to and over the central member, and in a third position perpendicular to and over the central member. |
| US07665401B2 |
Shock tube initiator
A shock tube initiator (STI) for allowing the remote and/or manual initiation of at least one shock tube, typically two shock tubes is disclosed. The STI consists of: a) at least one coupling 8, connected to a shock tube containing a shot shell primer that upon firing initiates burning of the shock tube, b) a cockable mechanical firing mechanism 7 adjacent to the coupling 8 wherein the mechanical firing mechanism 7 is adapted to strike respective firing pins 9 within the couplings, c) a safety mechanism 15 adapted to allow the mechanical firing mechanism 7 to ignite said explosive charge only when the safety mechanism 15 is moved from a safe mode position to an armed position, d) a rotary solenoid valve 24, electrically connected to and energised by a remote controlled operating system, and e) an actuator 10 positioned between and engageable with the rotary electro-mechanical energising means 24 and the firing mechanism 7 and wherein said actuator 10 is adapted to be actuated either by the rotary solenoid valve 24, when energised, or manually manipulated (13) to allow the cockable mechanical firing mechanism 7 when cocked, to ignite said shell primer. |
| US07665400B2 |
Print monitoring system and method
A print monitoring system comprising a printer that generates a printed object that comprises a) a printed area located on a substrate, the printed area having a predetermined width and defining a two-dimensional matrix having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns; b) print indicia printed on the substrate within the two-dimensional matrix of said printed area such that at least one row of the plurality of rows contains print indicia that are separated by a maximum width; and c) at least one print validation symbol printed on the substrate in a predetermined first validation print area. The system can also comprise an image capture device configured to read at least the at least one validation symbol and a controller in communication with the image capture device that compares the at least one validation symbol to a predetermined at least one validation symbol and makes quality control decisions based on the comparison. |
| US07665399B2 |
System and method for vacuum generated imprinting
A system to imprint patterns on impressionable materials by generating a pressure differential within an imprinting chamber by creating a substantial vacuum in an imprinting area is provided. This system can be used to create conductive traces in a substrate onto which integrated circuit chips and dies can be mounted to create semiconductor packages. A low pressure line evacuates air from a material receiving area of a vessel creating a pressure differential across pistons in the vessel to thereby causing the pistons to press microtools into impressionable material layers. The low pressure line helps the microtools conform to any thickness variations in the imprinted material and prevents air pockets from developing between the microtool and the imprinted material. |
| US07665397B1 |
Plural-panel armor system
A plural-panel, plural-layer armoring system including (a) an outer layer of elongate, side-by-side adjacent, laterally-interlocking, hardened-material armor panels having long axes substantially paralleling one another, and (b) a contacting, but not bonded-to, inner layer of elongate, side-by-side adjacent, closed-cell foam panels having long axes substantially paralleling one another and disposed at angles relative to the long axes of the armor panels. |
| US07665394B2 |
Ticket dispensing modules and method
The dispenser dispenses tickets such as instant-winner lottery tickets from a strip in which the individual tickets are delineated by perforation lines. The dispenser includes a separator to tear the tickets apart before issuing them from the machine. The separator preferably is rotary and has a dull helical blade which rotates to contact the ticket strip adjacent a perforation line, and presses against the strip to tear the tickets apart along the perforation line at a point which progresses across the strip along the perforation line. Preferably, a bar code reader is provided for reading codes on tickets in the dispensing machine. The bar code reader is used in reading information from the tickets to initialize the dispenser control system and in accounting for the sale of tickets, and in the verification of winning tickets being sold. A game is provided in which the concept is that a jackpot is built up using the detection of each ticket sold. The mechanism is simplified by using a separator member and transport drive structures which span a plurality of different channels or bins of a multi-channel dispenser. This provides a very compact, simple, secure and low-cost mechanism which is used both in stand-alone ticket vending machines, and in counter-top attended dispensers. |
| US07665392B2 |
Tightening tool
Tightening tools is provided with a pair of clutch members disposed between a motor and a tool bit. The pair of clutch members is provided with a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion. The first engaging portion is constructed so as to disengage the pair of clutch members when the torque applied to the tool bit is equal to or above a first predetermined value. The second engaging portion does not engage the pair of clutch members while the first engaging portion engages the pair of clutch members and the second engaging portion engages the pair of clutch members after the first engaging portion disengages the pair of clutch members. The second engaging portion is constructed so as to disengage the pair of clutch members when the torque applied to the tool bit is equal to or above a second predetermined value. The second predetermined value may be different from the first predetermined value. |
| US07665390B2 |
Hammer having shock absorbing handle
A striking tool is disclosed that comprises a generally U-shaped or V-shaped handle constructed of a substantially resilient material and having a head fixed at one end thereof. A second end of the handle has a hand grip or gripping region adapted to be grasped by a human hand. The second end of the U-shaped or V-shaped handle includes a flange, or stop member, to inhibit the handle from slipping out of the grasping hand. The hand grip may include a lip at a lower end thereof, such that a pinky finger of the hand may be comfortably placed on either side of the lip while the hand grasps the hand grip. The resilient material construction of the handle permits a first end of the handle to flex slightly towards and away from the second end of the handle. Accordingly, during use, the striking tool provides a damped recoil and improved striking action, imparting less shock to the hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder, and other parts of the body, as compared to a conventional striking tool. |
| US07665389B2 |
Multitool with wire stripping element
A tool member for a multitool which is configured to strip wire. The tool member has first and second members which in one form are pivotally attached at a common axis on the handle portion of a multitool where the tool member has an extended orientation and can be retracted into the channel region of the tool member. |
| US07665388B2 |
Pedal adjustable device for exercisers
A pedal adjustable device includes a case fixed to an end of a link and a first member and a second member are connected between two sidewalls of the case respectively. The first part includes a polygonal hole and the second part includes a circular hole. The polygonal hole is larger than the circular hole. A support plate has one end pivotably connected to the case and an extension extends from an underside of the other end of the support plate. A pedal is fixed on the support plate. The extension includes an elongate hole and a plurality pairs of protrusions extend from two insides of the elongate hole to define a space between each pair of the protrusion. An operation member includes a polygonal section and a circular rod. The polygonal section is engaged with the polygonal hole and set on one of pairs of the protrusions. |
| US07665387B2 |
Shock absorbing device for brake pedals
A shock absorbing device includes a mounting bracket which is fastened at a first end thereof to the vehicle body and removably mounted at a second end thereof to the vehicle body, an upper pedal arm which is rotatably mounted to the mounting bracket using a hinge shaft, and a lower pedal arm which is removably coupled to the upper pedal arm using a locking pin. The shock absorbing device further includes a locking pin removal device which removes the lower pedal arm from the upper pedal arm when a vehicle collision occurs, and a guide device which serves as a guide for movement of the mounting bracket when the vehicle collision occurs and provides a reaction force for the locking pin removal device. |
| US07665383B2 |
Bicycle shift control device
A bicycle shift control device is provided with a stroke length control arrangement that allows the rider to selectively regulate at least one shift operating member between a single gear shifting operation position and a multiple gear shifting operation position. In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle shift control device has a gear shifting mechanism that is operated by a pair shift operating members (levers). The stroke length control arrangement selectively limits movement of the shift operating member in a range of movement between the rest position and an intermediate actuating position by preventing the shift operating member from being moved past the intermediate actuating position to the fully actuating position. |
| US07665380B2 |
Hypoid gear design method
A hypoid gear tooth surface design method, wherein normal lines and helical angles of two tooth surfaces are properly selected so as to position action limit curves (L3Acc) on the outer of the areas (R2t to R2h) where the tooth surfaces are formed, whereby undercut to a gear small end side can be prevented and, by setting the involute helicoids of two tooth surfaces on a pinion side to an equal lead, a pinion top land and a gear top land (z2h=0) can be made generally equal to each other in tooth lengthwise direction, such that sharpening of the top land can be prevented. |
| US07665379B2 |
Gear train element for play-free torque transmission
The invention relates to a gear train element in a gear train arrangement (5, 18), said gear train element (5) being driven on the drive side by a drive motor (1), on whose power take-off shaft (2) the gear train element (5) is mounted. The peripheral surface of the gear train element (5) is provided with a toothed gearing (7), and said element meshes with one or more toothed gearings of additional gear train elements (18). Axially displaceable and adjustable support elements (11, 12; 33, 34, 35, 36) and sleeve-type followers (13, 14; 30, 31) are mounted between the power take-off shaft (2) and a set of springs (8) and also between the set of springs (8) and the gear train element (5). |
| US07665376B2 |
Dual clutch powershift transmission
An automated dual-clutch multi-speed transmission is adapted to transfer power from an engine to the driveline of a motor vehicle. The transmission includes an output shaft adapted for connection to the driveline, an input shaft continuously driven by the engine and offset from a position substantially parallel to the output shaft. A countershaft is in constant driving engagement with the output shaft and is offset from and positioned substantially parallel to the input and output shafts. A first clutch is operable for establishing a releasable drive connection between the input shaft and a first driven shaft. A second clutch is operable for establishing a releasable drive connection between the input shaft and a second driven shaft. First and second gearset clutches are operable to releasably drivingly couple first and second gearsets to the countershaft. |
| US07665367B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring shape of heat treatment jig
A method for measuring the shape of a heating treatment jig to be held by a holding portion of a vertical heat treatment apparatus includes measuring the shape of the heat treatment jig in a state that the position of a supporting portion for supporting the heat treatment jig is set to be the same as the position of the holding portion for the heat treatment jig in the vertical heat treatment apparatus. The heat treatment jig can be used for placing a semiconductor wafer to be subjected to heat treatment. |
| US07665366B2 |
Screw tightening control system and screw tightening control method
The screw tightening control system includes plural screw tightening apparatuses, and a control apparatus that sets a synchronization point after completion of changing tightening torques of the plural screw tightening apparatuses in a current step, and starts changing of the tightening torques of the plural screw tightening apparatuses in a next step, step by step from the synchronization point. The control apparatus causes a timing to start the changing of the tightening torque of at least one of the plural screw tightening apparatuses from the synchronization point to differ from a timing to start the changing of the tightening torque of at least another one of the plural screw tightening apparatuses. The system controls the plural screw tightening apparatuses while synchronizing them so as to avoid the inconveniences in a conventional art by a simple method. |
| US07665359B2 |
Clear hanging measuring cup
A pouring vessel is provided that includes a body having a bottom, a sidewall extending from the bottom, and an opening substantially opposite the bottom, the opening being defined by the sidewall. The pouring vessel also includes a handle connected to the body adjacent the opening. The handle includes a free end distal from the body and a through hole located adjacent the sidewall for receiving an elongated member while hanging from a display. |
| US07665357B2 |
Accretion alarm for field devices
A field device for monitoring and/or determining a process variable of a medium, wherein the process variable preferably is fill level, viscosity or density of the medium. The field device includes: an oscillatable unit; a driving/receiving unit, which excites the oscillatable unit to oscillate, or which receives the oscillations of the oscillatable unit, as the case may be; and a control/evaluation unit, which controls the oscillations of the oscillatable unit, or which evaluates the oscillations of the oscillatable unit, control/evaluation unit produces an accretion alarm, when the oscillation frequency (f) of the oscillations of the oscillatable unit falls below an adjustable limit value (G; GMinimum; GMaximum). The limit value (G; GMinimum; GMaximum) is determinable and/or calculable at least from measured and/or calculated dependencies of the oscillation frequency on process conditions and/or on the process variable to be monitored and/or determined. |
| US07665350B2 |
Surface scanning method
The invention relates to a dynamic-mode surface (12) scanning method in which a cantilever (10) provided with a probe (18) is non-positively coupled to the surface and is made to oscillate in a resonant fashion using positive feedback, wherein the resonant oscillation contains at least one higher harmonic whose frequency represents an integer multiple of the basic resonance frequency of the cantilever which is force-coupled to the surface. According to the invention, the amplitude or the phases of the at least one higher harmonic oscillation is determined as a control variable in order to regulate the distance between the probe (18) and the surface (14). |
| US07665349B2 |
Method and apparatus for rapid automatic engagement of a probe
A method and apparatus of engaging a probe with a sample surface including automatically reducing the spacing between a probe of a probe based instrument and a sample from an initial separation to one in which the probe is positioned for obtaining a sample surface measurement in less than ten seconds without damaging either the probe or the sample. The method includes oscillating the probe, measuring at least one parameter of probe oscillation and then engaging the probe and the sample by generally continuously controlling the reducing step based on the measuring step to reduce the separation from an initial separation to an engage position. In addition to feeding back directly on the tip-sample interaction, a direct communication line is provided between the processor used to generate control signals that govern the engage and a conventional motion controller. In an alternative, a coarse positioning actuator and a fine positioning actuator in which the control of both is coordinated under feedback to place the probe in the engaged position, and wherein the close approach phase of the algorithm is controlled by a dedicated real time controller. |
| US07665342B2 |
Compact universal offset pulling head for fasteners
A universal offset pulling head assembly for exerting an axial pulling force on a fastener allows the same pulling head assembly to be utilized for a variety of different fastener sizes and types by exchanging a front plate assembly, where the front plate assembly may comprise variable nose pieces according to the type of fastener to be installed. Because the front plate assembly is subject to the most severe wear, other components of the pulling head assembly may continue to be utilized and the front plate assembly discarded. The disclosed pulling head assembly utilizes a stationary guiding member which prevents damage which might otherwise occur because of severe bending moments. |
| US07665340B2 |
Method for manufacturing one piece turnbuckle
A method for manufacturing a one piece turnbuckle includes preparing a board of metal; deep drawing the board to form two protrusions and shaping the board into a form which has two opposite ends, with the opposite ends defined by the protrusions; deep drawing the board to reduce its thickness and to form a recess; punching the recess off so as to form a through opening; boring a hole through each of the protrusions; and tapping each hole to form a threaded section. |
| US07665336B2 |
Lock and key system with extra code combinations
A lock and key system with a very large number of code combinations. The lock (200) includes side locking tumblers (206) having pivoting fingers (208) with asymmetric key contacting portions (220r), which engage with a wave-like code pattern (105) formed at the side of the key (100). |
| US07665335B2 |
Handle assembly
A swing handle assembly (10) comprising a lockable handle member (20) which when pivotally swung into co-operable alignment with a frame (30) enables the assembly (10) to be placed in a locked condition, wherein the end of the handle member distal from the pivotally attached end comprises a substantially deformable housing (60) located therebeneath, the housing (60) being adapted to support a lock actuator (44), whereby when the assembly is locked and when a destructive outside force sufficient to cause deformation of the housing (60) the locked condition of the assembly (10) is substantially maintained. |
| US07665333B2 |
Bicycle lock
A bicycle lock in the form of a U-lock includes a U-shaped closure bracket and an elongated lock body. The lock body includes insertion openings for receiving ends of the closure bracket, while the ends of the closure bracket are provided with recesses that are parallel to a longitudinal direction of the lock body. Two locking bolts can be moved for securing the closure bracket in the lock body, the locking bolts forming a part of oppositely moveable locking devices that can be moved by a driver that is rotatable by means of a closing cylinder. By actuating the closing cylinder, the locking devices are drivable in the longitudinal direction of the locking body. Each locking device has two sections into which the locking bolts are inserted. The locking bolts are preferably cylindrical. |
| US07665331B2 |
Method and machine for the production of convex glass sheets
A method and machine for obtaining bent glass sheets. Glass sheets are brought to their softening temperature, then they are caused to travel over a shaping bed of advancing elements for advancing them which are arranged along a path having a circular arc-shaped profile, the sheets progressively assuming their shape on entering the bed and over a first shaping zone, then being hardened by tempering or cooling in a second zone of the bed until they leave, and then the bent glass sheets thus obtained are recovered. The shaping bed is produced with a profile extending in a circular arc of more than 90°, and, on leaving the shaping bed, the hardened glass sheets are moved in a direction opposite that in which they were fed in. |
| US07665330B2 |
Method for manufacturing glass-ceramics
Glass-ceramics includes Li2O, Al2O3 and SiO2, have an average crystal grain diameter of a predominant crystal phase of 90 nm or below and have crystal grain diameter distribution of 20 nm or below. The glass-ceramics can be manufactured by heat treating glass comprising Li2O, Al2O3 and SiO2 under a temperature within a range from 650° C. to 750° C. and then further heat treating the glass under a temperature within a range from 700° C. to 800° C. for 100-200 hours. |
| US07665326B2 |
Drawer appliance
A modular cabinet for a family of drawer appliances including an insulated liner defining a drawer space, a machine compartment, a wiring harness leading from the machine compartment to the drawer space, a passage leading from the machine compartment to the drawer space and an air passage leading from the machine compartment to the front of the cabinet and a drain leading from the liner space to the machine compartment. The family of drawer appliances can include refrigerator, freezer, ice maker, wine and warming drawers. A drawer can have two compartments and can be maintained at two temperatures. The drawers include an insulated front and a bin and can be slidably carried in the drawer space. The modular cabinet and control can be used for each member of the family of drawer appliances. |
| US07665320B2 |
Damper assembly and methods for a refrigeration device
A refrigerator includes a housing defining a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment, a fan configured to provide airflow through the compartments, and a damper assembly. The damper assembly includes an airflow passage configured to allow cold air to flow from the freezer compartment to the fresh food compartment, a damper configured to be in an open position under the pressure of airflow flowing through the airflow passage and in a closed position due to a weight of the damper when cold air is flowing through the fresh food compartment. The damper assembly also includes a solenoid element configured to maintain the damper in the closed position regardless of airflow. |
| US07665319B2 |
Fan control device and method
A fan control device receives a target revolution signal to control a rotation speed of a fan. The device includes a temperature measuring module, a revolution modulating module and a driving module. The temperature measuring module generates a temperature value according to an ambient temperature of the fan. The revolution modulating module is electrically connected with the temperature measuring module, receives the temperature value, and generates a control signal according to the temperature value and the target revolution signal. The driving module is electrically connected with the revolution modulating module, and generates a driving signal to drive the fan according to the control signal. In addition, a fan control method, which is applied to the fan control device, is also provided. |
| US07665317B2 |
Method for controlling a refrigeration appliance
A method for controlling the defrost of an evaporator in a refrigeration appliance provided with a compressor and in which a temperature sensor (TP) is used for detecting the temperature inside a cell of the appliance, comprises the steps of estimating the temperature of the evaporator on the basis of the cell temperature (TP) and of a mathematical model of the refrigeration appliance, and controlling the compressor on the basis of the estimated temperature of the evaporator. |
| US07665315B2 |
Proofing a refrigeration system operating state
A method of proofing a refrigeration system operating state includes monitoring a change in operating state of a refrigeration system component, determining an expected operating parameter of the refrigeration system component as a function of the change, and detecting an actual operating parameter of the refrigeration system component after the change. The method also comprises comparing the actual operating parameter to the expected operating parameter of the refrigeration component and detecting a malfunction of the refrigeration system component based on the comparison. The method may be executed by a controller or stored in a computer-readable medium. |
| US07665311B2 |
Apparatus for heating and cooling at food serving stations
Systems and apparatus for heating or cooling food to an appropriate temperature for service using a standard food service container, such as a chafing dish or food cart. A thermally conductive plate has a plurality of Peltier chips attached thereto to drive a temperature difference. The Peltier chips are in thermally conductive contact with a heat exchanger. A heat transfer liquid circulates through tubing in the heat exchanger and a separate radiator, perpetuating the temperature difference at the plate. The heat exchanger and radiator may be spaced apart by a gap. One or more fans may be placed to encourage airflow through the radiator. A coolant reservoir and pump may be included. |
| US07665310B2 |
Gas turbine engine having a cooling-air nacelle-cowl duct integral with a nacelle cowl
A gas turbine engine includes an engine core extending along a core axis, a cooling-air delivery duct on the engine core, and a removable nacelle cowl overlying the engine core. A cooling-air nacelle-cowl duct delivers cooling air to the cooling-air delivery duct. At least a portion of the length of the cooling-air nacelle-cowl duct is integral with the nacelle cowl and not directly supported on the engine core. |
| US07665302B2 |
Device for supplying fresh air to a turbocharged piston internal combustion engine and method for operating the same
A device and method for supplying fresh air to a turbocharged piston internal combustion engine are described. According to the invention, a fresh gas line section of an intake manifold has an adjustable flap, and inlet and outlet ports. An adjustment device is coupled to the flap for adjusting the flap. A compressed air port having an opening leading into a chamber of the fresh gas line between the flap and the outlet is provided, and a quantity regulating device with a valve to control the compressed air is also provided. An electronic control unit controls the quantity regulating device and the adjustable flap, so that the fully opened position of the flap corresponds to a fully blocked position of the quantity regulating device. |
| US07665297B2 |
Exhaust purifying apparatus for internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine has a separate exhaust passage for each one of banks. An exhaust purifying catalyst is provided in each exhaust passage. The mass flow rates G1, G2 of exhaust gas that flow through the exhaust passages are individually estimated. The flow rate of exhaust gas is individually adjusted per each bank by controlling the operation of each one of exhaust gas recirculation valves such that the difference between the estimated mass flow rates G1, G2 is decreased. |
| US07665291B2 |
Method and system for heat recovery from dirty gaseous fuel in gasification power plants
A system and method for recovering heat from dirty gaseous fuel (syngas), wherein the pressure of clean fuel gas is elevated to a pressure higher than that of the dirty syngas and then the pressurized clean fuel gas is fed to a heat recovery unit for heat exchange with the dirty syngas. Consequently, in the event of a leak in the heat recovery unit, the flow is from the clean fuel side to the dirty syngas side, thereby avoiding the possibility of contamination of the clean fuel gas. |
| US07665290B2 |
Twister, method for producing twisted wire, ply, and pneumatic tire
A compact twister and a method for producing a twisted wire that can efficiently produce a short twisted wire that satisfies performance requirements, as well as a ply and a pneumatic tire twisted using the twister or the method for producing a twisted wire, are provided. The twister includes a rotating body for twisting plural filament wires that are fed thereto to form a cord and for applying a feeding force to the cord. The rotating body includes a feeding mechanism within a housing, and the cord is discharged from the rotating body by the feeding mechanism. The twister carries out twisting operation with one of a cord side of a twisting point or a filament wire side of the twisting point being free. Thus, a compact twister, that can form a cord with excellent rotating property and straightness, is accomplished. |
| US07665289B2 |
Synthetic fiber rope
A synthetic fiber rope can be used to the limit of failure by setting a sensitivity of detection of the state of wear of the rope. Strands of the rope have indicator fibers or indicator yarn that have a high probability of losing electrical conductivity and thereby indicate cable wear. The matrix of the strand with indicator fibers or with at least one indicator yarn has a lower resistance to abrasion than the matrix of the other strands without indicator fibers or indicator yarns. |
| US07665286B2 |
Mulch deck attachment baffle system
A mulch deck attachment for reducing grass clippings into particles of mulch which return nutrients back to the soil. The mulch deck attachment of the present invention may be coupled to a lawnmower and may include one or more rotating blades coupled to the mulch deck attachment. A first baffle may be coupled to the mulch deck attachment and may define one or more apertures. The first baffle may also at least be partially disposed within a turning radius defined by the one or more rotating blades. A second baffle may be coupled to the mower deck and may be disposed between the first baffle and the leading edge. One or more third baffles may also be coupled to the mower deck and may be partially disposed around a circumference defined by the one or more rotating blades. A fourth baffle may be coupled to the rear portion of the mulch deck attachment and may be partially disposed about the rotating blade. |
| US07665285B1 |
Work vehicle having conveyance mechanism with blower
A work vehicle includes: a container; a conveyance mechanism configured to convey an object to the container using a force of wind generated by a blower; and an evaluation unit configured to evaluate a conveyance state of the conveyed object to the container. The evaluation unit has a drive load detecting function of detecting a drive load of the blower, and a conveyance state determining function of determining whether the conveyance state reached a predetermined conveyance state, based on the detected drive load. |
| US07665284B1 |
Belt drive for lawn mowers
A lawn mower drive arrangement delivers power to a mower deck of a lawn mower vehicle. The drive arrangement includes a prime mover and a drive sheave, at least one mower deck sheave for powering at least one cutting blade and an endless engaging the drive sheave and at least one mower deck sheave. The drive sheave is oriented such that its axis of rotation is generally transverse. Guide pulleys engage the tension side and the slack side of the endless belt between the drive sheave and at least one mower deck sheave. The guide pulleys are positioned such that the endless belt twists by an acute angle substantially less than 60 degrees between the drive sheave and the guide pulleys. |
| US07665282B2 |
Laminate and method for making horn wraps
A laminate comprising a compressible, cushioning layer and an open layer comprised of a tough, reinforcing woven or non-woven mesh, net, webbing, scrim or sheet material having openings therein and attached to the compressible, air permeable, cushioning layer is particularly useful for producing horn wraps that permit ventilation for the parts of the horns and head in contact with a horn wrap product. Permeable or air ventilating laminates of various materials and configurations are disclosed along with methods of making horn wraps using the laminates. |
| US07665273B2 |
Method for generating a substantially uninterrupted connection of the peripheral wall portions of two adjacent tubular segments
The method for generating a substantially uninterrupted connection of the peripheral wall portions of two adjacent tubular segments each provided with flanges having holes therein, of a tower, in particular for a wind energy turbine, comprises the steps of: arranging a first tubular segment (18) and a second tubular segment (20) with said flanges (26, 28) thereof facing each other and said holes (34, 36) in said flanges (26, 28) aligned with each other; connecting said tubular segments (18, 20) by prefastening screws (38) extending through said aligned holes (34, 36) in said flanges (26, 28); forming into the side (50) of the tubular segments (18, 20) opposite to the flanges (26, 28) a notch (52) of a predetermined width at least at a location of said contacting flanges (26, 28) where a gap (48) having a width greater than a minimum width exists; inserting into said notch (52) at least one insert part (60) having a width substantially equal to the width of said notch (52); and completely fastening said screws (38) connecting said flanges 826, 28) of said tubular segments (18, 20) providing a substantially uninterrupted connection of said peripheral wall portions (22, 24) of said tubular segments (18, 20) through said at least one insert part (60). |
| US07665272B2 |
Floor hole repair method
A floor hole repair fixture has at least one vertical side wall and a bottom wall which together define an inner volume. The fixture is connected to a hole in a floor with one or more fasteners and is filled with a non-shrink grout. A depending rim or flange extending from the at least one side wall helps seat the fixture within the hole. Intumescent material may be coated onto or applied to external fixture surfaces before the fixture is inserted into the hole. Floor covering material is installed over the grout-filled fixture. |
| US07665270B1 |
Lattice structure assembly having members with overlapping end sections connected by connection rods
A lattice structure includes a plurality of members and a plurality of connection rods. The plurality of members may be individually oriented to form the lattice structure. Each of the plurality of members may include at least one of (i) an end section having a sidewall and a platform that define an end gap, or (ii) a mid-section having two sidewalls and a platform that define a mid-gap. Each member of the lattice structure may be connected to at least one other member, so that the lattice structure includes a plurality of connections between individual members in the plurality of members. Furthermore, each of at least some of the plurality of connections is formed by one of (i) an end section of a first member of that connection overlapping an end section of a second member of that connection; or (ii) an end section of the first member of that connection overlapping with a mid-section of the second member of that connection. The connections may further be formed by at least one connection rod that extends (i) lengthwise at least partially into the first member of that connection, and (ii) at least partially into the second member of that connection. This results in the connection rod maintaining the end section of the first member in overlapping the end section or mid-section of the second member. |
| US07665264B1 |
Metal-faced building panels having angled projections in longitudinal edge recesses for mating with locking ramps on flanges of concealed I-shaped connector
Metal faced insulated inserts have interior and exterior surfaces with parallel longitudinal edges between an upper and lower short edge. Each longitudinal edge of each insert has two deep recesses and a central shallow recess. A plurality of generally I-shaped concealed locking beams have a central section and parallel end sections. Each end section has a central region of a thickness less than end regions to form a locking ramp. A pair of similarly configured metal facings for each concealed locking beam with opposed end parts are located within the deep recesses at the longitudinal edges of each insert. Each end part terminates in a V-shaped projection configured to allow the end regions of the concealed edge lockings to compress the V-shaped projections and allow the end regions of the concealed locking beams to mate with the metal facings. |
| US07665260B2 |
Fastening member, siding boards attachment structure using the same and method of attaching siding boards
The present invention provides a fastening member which can fasten siding boards in which a lateral joint portion is arranged in a portion where a vertical member is not arranged with a sufficient strength, can prevent a displacement, and is excellent in a durability. Another object is to provide a siding boards attachment structure using the fastening member. Further another object is to provide a method of attaching siding boards using the fastening member. The fastening member has a long fixing plate portion. The long fixing plate portion is provided with a first fastening portion for engaging upper and lower end portions in the lateral joint portion of the siding boards, a vertical rising portion in a lower side of the first fastening portion, and a second fastening portion for engaging upper and lower end portions of the siding board in the other portions than the lateral joint portion. |
| US07665259B2 |
Built-up rectangular steel column for filling concrete therein having L-shaped members and steel plates with curving projections and convex embossed portions
Disclosed herein is a built-up type box-shaped steel column for filling concrete therein, that can be formed easily and economically in a built-up scheme by using ┐-beams and steel plates, and a method for manufacturing the same that includes bonding a steel plate at the inner surface of a ┐-shapes during a process of making a built-up type box-shaped steel column, thereby having a good resistance against a lateral pressure of concrete filled in the steel column and preventing the bonded portion from being exposed to the outside to provide a better outer appearance. The built-up type box-shaped steel column for filling concrete therein, includes: a ┐-shapes disposed at each of the four corners of a box-shaped steel column to be formed; and a steel plate disposed between the ┐-shapes adjacent to each other for connecting the ┐-shapes with each other. |
| US07665258B2 |
Fastener assembly serving as a product, or combined with other components as a product, allows automatic controlled movements in one direction and prevents movements in the opposite direction when forces are applied
A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation. |
| US07665249B2 |
Shielded structure for radiation treatment equipment and method of assembly
A modularized approach for rapidly and cost effectively assembling a structure suitable for housing radiation emitting equipment is disclosed. The modules include reinforced walls to contain radiation shielding fill material. The modules are transported empty and then filled on site with the fill material to form a radiation shielding barrier around radiation emitting equipment. |
| US07665245B2 |
Sealing system positioned within frame for door/window
A combined sealing system for use with a combination of a panel and a frame includes a first sealing system and a second sealing system. The first sealing system is positioned within a first side of the frame, and the second sealing system is positioned within a second side of the frame separate from the first side of the frame. The first and second sealing systems have a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration upon the panel being positioned within the frame. The panel pivots relative to the frame, and the first sealing system is a reciprocal motion sealing system. |
| US07665244B2 |
Plant mover system and method
A system and method for rotating multiple plants through light on a continual basis and feeding plants while they are rotated. This system is able to provide the plants with food and water at levels inputted into its control panel. The water which runs through the system can be re-circulated and used by the plants. The system aerates the water in the re-circulation chamber before it is put back onto the plants. This system also has the capabilities to test the pH and nutrient level of the growing media which can include but is not limited to one or more of the following: spun rock, clay pellets, soil, or any other hydroponic growing media. |
| US07665243B2 |
Somatic embryogenesis and embryo harvesting and method and apparatus for preparing plant embryos for plant production
Described herein are methods and media for facilitating somatic embryogenesis and for collecting, conditioning, and transferring the washed embryos onto a substrate and into an environment suitable for conditioning the embryos for a desired period of time so they become germination-competent for plant production. The described plant embryo cleaning apparatus and method are used for preparing multiple plant embryos for plant production. The apparatus and method can use a cleaning fluid source, a fluid-conditioning system, a fluid-delivery structure, a cleaning station, an outlet mechanism, a negative pressure source, and a controller. |
| US07665236B2 |
Clothes iron storage rack
A pressing iron holder for electric clothing irons includes a substantially planar base defining a blunt butt end, a top end, and two side edges, and a flange is fixedly attached substantially perpendicular to the planar base proximal the butt end. Additional features are cord retention protrusions from one of the two side edges for neatly storing the power cord, at least one semi-rigid retaining clip fixedly attached proximal midpoint of each side edge, and a grasping/hanging extension at the top end. |
| US07665235B2 |
Toothed trencher track and elements therefor
An endless chain for cutting and removing spoil from a trench includes a plurality of links pivotally coupled together. A plurality of flight plates are secured to the plurality of links. A pattern of openings extends through each flight plate between the under surface and the outer surface. A plurality of wear plates is positioned over the outer surface of the plurality of flight plates. A plurality of fasteners pass from the under surface of the flight plate through at least some of the pattern of openings in the flight plate and into the wear plate to secure the wear plate to the flight plate. The fasteners securing the wear plates to the flight plates can have outer ends that terminate short of the outer surface of the wear plates in openings in the under surface of the wear plate. Sockets, which include bores receiving cutting elements, can be fixed to the wear plates with a bottom surface of the socket either angled with respect to or flush with the wear plate outer surface. |
| US07665234B2 |
Grader blade with tri-grade insert assembly on the leading edge
A grader blade includes a grader blade body that has a recess in a bottom edge, and a tri-grade insert assembly is received within the recess. The tri-grade insert assembly includes a leading insert, a mediate insert and a trailing insert. The leading insert has an impact wear resistance and fracture wear resistance greater than the mediate insert and the trailing insert. The trailing insert has an abrasion wear resistance and down-pressure wear resistance greater than the leading insert and the mediate insert. The mediate insert has an impact wear resistance and fracture wear resistance greater than the trailing insert and an abrasion wear resistance and down-pressure wear resistance greater than the leading insert. |
| US07665228B2 |
Flow enhancing air duct and grill for laundry dryer
A flow enhancing air grill for a laundry dryer includes a plurality of apertures through which air flows from a rotatable drum to an air duct. The air grill is positioned over the air duct and extends beyond the air duct. In addition, a primary surface of the air grill is positioned in spaced overlying relationship to a front bulkhead surface so as to form a gap between the primary air grill surface and the underlying front bulkhead surface. The air grill may extend arcuately in conformance to the circular shape of an access port of the dryer in which it is positioned, up inclined wall surfaces of the access port. The arrangement reduces airflow obstruction by allowing adequate air flow in the event the portion of the air grill directly overlying the air duct inlet becomes covered by items of the laundry load. |
| US07665218B1 |
Azimuth measuring apparatus and method
An apparatus for measuring the azimuth of a tube having a bore axis includes a centering mandrel having a longitudinal axis; a flexible member for defining a bore axis projection of the bore axis; a tensioner fixed to one end of the flexible member, and a pair of adjusters connected to the tensioner, the adjusters for moving the tensioner along a respective pair of axes that are perpendicular to the bore axis projection, the axes of the adjusters being mutually perpendicular. |
| US07665214B2 |
Rotary electric shaver
A rotary electric shaver including a disc-shaped outer cutter 10, which is mounted in the upper part of a shaver main body housing therein a motor and has ring-shaped tracks 18 on the under (inner) surface thereof, and an inner cutter 12A, which has cutter blades 120 that elastically contact the ring-shaped tracks 18 of the outer cutter 10 from below and is rotated by the motor; and in this shaver, the inner cutter 12A has vibration elements 132 that travel in the ring-shaped tracks 18 and have a smaller spring constant, compared to the cutter blade 120, in the direction same as and opposite from the direction in which the cutter blades travel, and the vibration elements 132 vibrate and produce sound when, during shaving, they strike stoppers 134 provided near the vibration elements 132. |
| US07665213B2 |
Metal stamping process using a wire preform
Metal parts can be economically fabricated by a metal stamping that comprises preforming a piece of wire to have a shape corresponding to the 2-dimensional configuration of a desired product workpiece, flattening the wire to form a metal blank, and subjecting the metal blank to metal stamping to obtain the desired product workpiece. The process can significantly reduce the amount of scrap material and thereby reduce manufacturing costs. |
| US07665212B2 |
Methods for manufacturing endodontic instruments
Endodontic instruments having a desired cutting edge are formed, at least in part, using a cold forming process. The method of forming the endodontic instrument includes providing a blank metal thread or wire and at least one die that has a negative impression of a cutting edge. The die is pressed against the blank with sufficient force in order for the die to form an at least partially formed cutting edge in the blank. Any desired shape can be formed into the blank by selecting a die with the proper corresponding negative impression. Cold forming techniques suitable for forming endodontic instruments include roll forming, flat rolling, radial forming, cold drawing, and similar techniques. The files can be sharpened or otherwise modified before or after cold-forming using techniques such as cutting, grinding, and chemical milling. |
| US07665211B2 |
Method of manufacturing a combustion chamber for a water heater
A method of manufacturing a combustion chamber for use in a water heater is provided. A skirt is formed, and an edge portion of a plate is spot welded to the skirt. The edge portion of the plate is circumferentially welded to the skirt, thereby forming a seal between the plate and the skirt. |
| US07665209B2 |
Method manufacturing wiring substrate
There is provided a wiring substrate for connecting a mounting board on one surface thereof and mounting an integrated circuit chip on the opposite surface to the surface. The wiring substrate has a conductive connecting portion penetrating the substrate for connecting to at least a portion of a wiring layer of the integrated circuit chip, with the portion of a wiring layer formed on the substrate, and an insulating portion formed at a lateral side of the connecting portion for surrounding the connecting portion via a portion of the wiring substrate. |
| US07665207B2 |
Method of making a multi-chip electronic package having laminate carrier
A method of making a multi-chip electronic package which utilizes an organic, laminate chip carrier and a pair of semiconductor chips positioned on an upper surface of the carrier in a stacked orientation. The organic, laminate chip carrier is comprised of a plurality of conductive planes and dielectric layers and couples one or both of the chips to underlying conductors on the bottom surface thereof. The carrier may include a high-speed portion to assure high-frequency connection between the semiconductor chips and may also include an internal capacitor and/or thermally conductive member for enhanced operational capabilities. The first chip, e.g., an ASIC chip, is solder bonded to the carrier while the second chip, e.g., a memory chip, is secured to the first chip's upper surface and coupled to the carrier using a plurality of wirebond connections. |
| US07665203B2 |
Insulator-combining apparatus
An insulator-combining apparatus which can correctly detects whether or not insulators are lined up in a predetermined sequence is provided. The plate-combining apparatus includes a plate-setting jig which includes a frame, holder, combining part and erroneous attaching-preventing part. The holders hold insulating plates and are provided being spaced from each other and supported by the frame capable of approaching and leaving each other. The combining part includes a pair of nipping members which positions the holder therebetween so as to cause the holders to approach each other. The erroneous attaching-preventing part prevents the holders from approaching each other until the insulators combine with each other when an incorrect insulating plate is attached on the holder. |
| US07665201B2 |
Method for manufacturing electronic modules
A method for manufacturing electronic modules from a moulded module strip having a laminate including at least one conductive layer, and one or more dies and or surface mounted devices arranged on an upper surface of the laminate and embedded by a moulding compound, includes the steps of: cutting partway through the laminate reaching at least through the uppermost of the at least one conductive layers and thereby creating a cut of width in the laminate; applying a conductive coating covering the upper surface of the laminate, and further covering all surfaces of the cut, the conductive coating contacting the uppermost conductive layer in the laminate; singulating the moulded module strip into separate electronic modules by cutting all the way through the laminate by creating a second cut in said first cut, the second cut having a width d smaller than the width of the first cut. |
| US07665198B2 |
Method of reducing noise for a modular fuel injector with a harmonic annular damper member
A fuel injector with various embodiments of a annular damper member that reduces noise generated between a valve group subassembly and a power group subassembly during operation of the fuel injector. A mass annular damper member is also shown and described. A method of reducing sound in the valve group subassembly is also disclosed. |
| US07665197B2 |
Work holder device and a machine tool fitted with it
The invention relates to a work holder device designed for holding work for machining by a machine tool and to a machine tool equipped with such a holder device. The work holder device includes a carrier fixture and at least one transferable jig adapted to be attached to the carrier fixture, such transferable jig having a work trap for receiving and holding the work, the at least one transferable jig being able to be inserted on a linear guide arrangement like a drawer into a trap of the transferable jig in an insertion plane and being able to be fixed in the trap in a fixing position. |
| US07665195B1 |
Method and apparatus for ecological burial
The urn of the invention comprises a series of pod-like containers designed to function as cinerary urns (i.e. receptacles for human ashes) comprising a bottom shell and a top cover made of biodegradable materials. The bottom shell having a hollow protrusion for a direct contact with the earth, while the top cover has several holes promoting the germination of the living monument. The urn is meant to be used with new or pre-existing plants producing a living monument in memory of the deceased person whose ashes it contains. |
| US07665189B2 |
Clothes fastening system
A clothes fastening system comprising an attachment member configured for attachment to a wearer's footwear where such attachment member has a first fastener attached thereto. A fastening mechanism is attached to the wearer's clothing where such fastening mechanism has a second fastener attached thereto. The first and second fasteners are detachably attached to each other thus preventing at least a portion of the wearer's clothing from dragging against the ground while the wearer is walking. |
| US07665188B2 |
Apparatus on a carding machine for cotton, synthetic fibres and the like, in which at least one flat bar with a flat clothing is present
In an apparatus on a carding machine for cotton, synthetic fibers and the like, in which at least one flat bar with a flat clothing is present, in which a clothing strip having a flat clothing, preferably wire hooks, arranged in a strip-form support element, is secured to a support body of the flat bar and lies opposite the clothing of a roller, e.g. the cylinder, the spacing between a surface defined by the tips of the flat clothing and the tip circle of the cylinder clothing decreases in the direction of rotation of the cylinder. In order to be able to alter and adapt the angle (offset) in a simple manner in terms of mechanical engineering, the top face, of the clothing strip and the tip surface of the flat clothing are not aligned parallel with one another. |
| US07665185B2 |
Incremental locking hinge assembly
A hinge assembly containing a receiver member having a corrugated inner surface and a locking pin for being pivotally disposed within the receiver portion about an axis. The locking pin and receiver member have complementary corrugated engaging surfaces that allow the hinge to provide support for a cantilevered structure when the pin and receiver are engaged. When the complimentary pin and receiver are disengaged, the pin member can be incrementally rotated so as to allow the cantilevered structure to be positioned in a different position or orientation. |
| US07665182B2 |
Vacuum cleaner and damper installation structure thereof
Provided is a damper installation structure of a vacuum cleaner. The structure includes a damper, and a damper support part concaved into an inner portion of a main body of the vacuum cleaner and having a plurality of support bars. To firmly support the damper, the damper support bars are branched and extended toward an outward direction. |
| US07665172B1 |
Sweeper
A powered floor sweeper comprises a foot assembly with a motor driven primary agitator and a pair of edge agitators coupled to wheels such that manual propulsion of the sweeper rotates the wheels and thereby the edge agitators. The sweeper includes a slip clutch mechanism to protect the primary agitator and the motor in case the agitator become jammed. Additionally, the sweeper comprises a ramp assembly along an agitator opening to help collect dirt and dust at the primary agitator. A dust bin removably mounted in an open top dust bin recess is in communication with the agitator opening and receives the dirt and dust collected at the agitator opening. Furthermore, the sweeper comprises a handle assembly having a detent mechanism that interacts with a pivot cradle in the foot assembly to retain the handle assembly in a generally vertical position. |
| US07665167B2 |
Method and apparatus for aligning a knee for surgery or the like
Generally described the invention relates to methods and apparatuses for aligning the lower extremities of a patient with a mechanical axis. More specifically, the present invention provides an exoskeleton or external framework that positions a patient's leg into a desired mechanical axis in preparation for surgery or other medical treatment. |
| US07665163B2 |
T-shaped side rail for bed frame
A bed frame comprising T shaped side rails provide support for a box spring and mattress. A leg assembly is affixed to the bed frame and is affixed to the side rail and to the cross rails for better strength of connection. The use of T-shaped side rails provides more resistance to twisting and bowing and thereby more resistant to damage a leg or other structural component of the bed frame from moving the bed frame across the floor. The use of the T-shape cross section side rails enables the overall bed frame to support more weight with less deflection than the convention L-shaped side rails. There are also headboard and footboard brackets that take advantage of the greater height of the vertical flange of the side rail to have affixation means, such as rivets, that are further spaced apart to provide a more rigid connection between the brackets and the side rails. |
| US07665160B1 |
Method and apparatus for restoring one-piece cultured marble countertop sinks
A permanent restoration of one-piece cultured marble bathroom countertop/sinks including the insertion of a polymeric bowl within the existing sink without the need to remove or replace existing plumbing. The polymeric bowl insert is secured in place over the existing sink with an expandable drain insert. Seals and adaptive deformable strips, attached to the outer surface of the bowl, provide support and insure a snug and watertight fit within an existing cultured marble countertop/sink. |
| US07665159B2 |
Bathtub cushion with elastomeric gel and method of using same
A bathtub cushion and method includes an elastomeric gel with a matrix of intersecting buckling columns defining open ended cells therebetween. The cushion can have a foam mat with at least one recess to receive the elastomeric gel. A scrim can be coupled to the foam mat and can extend across the at least one recess. The scrim has a plurality of holes through the scrim. The elastomeric gel can be attached to the scrim, and can extend across the recess. |
| US07665158B2 |
Hidden air jet with unidirectional flow mechanism and air massage system including at least one of these jets
An air jet of an air massage system used with a bathtub having a wall defining opposite visible and hidden surfaces and defining a number of openings through the bathtub wall. The air jet comprises a hollow body having opposed inlet and outlet ends and a unidirectional flow device disposed therebetween. The outlet end is mounted directly to the hidden surface of the bathtub wall opposite one of the openings. The inlet end is connected to a source of pressurized air. The unidirectional flow device allows pressurized air therethrough only in a direction from the inlet to the outlet end and then through the opening in the bathtub wall, thereby preventing water in the bathtub from conveying through the air jet when the source of pressurized air is not in use. The outlet end comprises a flange provided on a downstream side thereof with recesses for receiving an adhesive for securing the flange to the hidden surface of the bathtub wall. The flange comprises an annular seat disposed around an inner wall of the hollow body and blades extending radially outwardly from the annular seat with the recesses extending between the blades and outwardly of the annular seat. The blades and the annular seat contact the hidden surface. The flange also defines a number of holes between the blades for introducing the adhesive in the recesses from an upstream side of the flange. The air jet is connected to an air distribution piping of the air massage system, for instance using fitting. The air jet further comprises an annular seal sandwiched between the upstream side of the flange and a further flange provided at a downstream end of the fitting. |
| US07665157B2 |
Child's toilet training chair
A child's toilet training chair includes a seat supporting structure and an adjustable seat that can be positioned at an acute angle relative to the horizontal. The front section of the seat is pivotally attached to a front portion of the supporting structure and the rear portion of the seat is provided with at least one engagement member that releasably mates with one of a plurality of vertically-spaced receiving elements in the chair back. |
| US07665155B2 |
Rolled edge pocket flap
A closure for use with a pocket for a protective garment is provided. The closure includes a margin, a closure body and an edge. The edge is thicker than the closure body so as to provide better tactile feedback for the wearer. The edge may also include an insert located within the edge. |
| US07665154B2 |
Adjustable headwear with integrated hair band
Adjustable headwear with an integrated flexible cord coupled to the lower crown portion of the headwear. The flexible cord is used to adjust the size of the headwear, and is also used to secure a wearer's hair when the wearer forms their hair into a ponytail. A fastening device clamped to the flexible cord is used to tighten the headwear on the wearer's head. |
| US07665153B2 |
Protective garment equipped with litter
A protective garment for a firefighter or for an emergency rescue worker is equipped with a drag harness and with a litter, which, when not deployed, is stored within a pocket of the garment and wherein the drag harness and the litter, when deployed, facilitate carrying a wearer. A back-covering portion of the protective garment has the pocket, which is located where the back-covering portion covers a lower region of the back of a wearer. The drag harness has two arm loops and a drag grip, which is attached to the arm loops and which extends outwardly through apertures in an upper region of the back-covering portion. The litter has two, flexible, longitudinal members, each of which is attached to one of the arm loops of the drag harness, and multiple, flexible, transverse members, which extend between the longitudinal members, outside the pocket, when the litter is deployed. |