| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07669486B2 |
Weighing device
The weight sensing device may include a base, a cover, a first load cell attached to the base and the cover, a second load cell attached to the base and in contact with the cover but not attached, and an analyzing circuit which is connected by electrical wires to the load cells. The base may be a fork, for example, a lift truck fork. When a load is positioned on the load bearing surface of the cover, the load cells flex and cause an electrical signal to be transmitted over the wires to the analyzing circuit. |
| US07669485B2 |
System for sensing air velocity without requiring external power supply and a method for operating the same
An air velocity sensing system not requiring external power supply is applied to an air duct system, comprising: (1) a sensor module disposed in the air duct for measuring the air velocity therein and for saving the measured air velocity value; and (2) a control module for wirelessly transmitting a signal to the sensor module, which sends the measured air velocity value back to the control module after receiving the signal from the control module, so as to have the air velocity value displayed on control module. The present invention also provides an air velocity sensing method not requiring external power supply. |
| US07669483B1 |
Flowmeter transducer clamping
Tangential forces present at the mating area between a clamp-on transducer and a pipe can be made very small in order to provide a higher quality, more stable acoustic coupling. In some cases this is accomplished by providing a low friction bearing on a surface of a transducer housing. This bearing may be a slippery surface portion, or may involve a rotary bearing mounted on the housing. In other cases, where a steel pipe is used, pairs of permanent magnets coupled by a yoke can provide the desired clamping force directed solely along a radius of the pipe. |
| US07669479B2 |
Combined temperature and pressure transducer incorporating connector keyway alignment and an alignment method
A transducer sensor is positioned within a hollow of the body of a housing. The housing has an extending alignment pin, which pin coacts with a corresponding slot or aperture in the wall of a vessel whose pressure or temperature is to be monitored. The transducer body is associated with a connector where the alignment pin is placed and extends from the housing in a fixed relation to the connector. A suitable aperture or slot in the wall of the vessel to be monitored accommodates the extending pin whereby when the transducer is placed in the vessel aperture the connector associated with the transducer is always located in proper position. Positioned on the housing is a sliding nut which can move in a direction parallel to the central axis of the housing and either to the right or left. This sliding nut is rotatably positioned in the housing and coacts with threads formed in the aperture in the wall of the vessel to enable tightening of the transducer housing when placed in the wall and when the alignment pin is positioned within the corresponding slot or aperture. This assures a proper alignment so that an external connector which is not moveable or rotatable can be immediately connected to the transducer connector without further experimentation or adjustment. |
| US07669477B2 |
Ultrasonic probe for hollow fuse pin inspection
A self-aligning probe assembly has one or more ultrasonic transducers adapted to transmit an ultrasonic shear wave into the inside surface of the hollow structure such as an aircraft fuse pin and to receive the shear wave emerging from the inside surface of the hollow structure. The nature of the received shear wave indicates the presence of flaws or damage in the inspected part. The probe assembly can be used to inspect fuse pins on aircraft without having to remove the aircraft engines. |
| US07669472B2 |
Liquid level detector and liquid processing system provided with the same
A liquid level detector 10 includes a liquid guiding pipe 14 that guides a liquid in a tank to an inside thereof in such a manner that a liquid level of the guided liquid conforms to a liquid level of the liquid in the tank, and a branching liquid guiding pipe 15 for detecting a liquid level, which branches off from the liquid guiding pipe to guide the liquid into an inside thereof in such a manner that a liquid level of the guided liquid conforms to a liquid level of the liquid in the tank. The branching liquid guiding pipe 15 is provided with position sensors 16 (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) for detecting the liquid level of the liquid in the branching liquid guiding pipe 15. On a part where the liquid guiding pipe 14 and the branching liquid guiding pipe 15 are connected to each other, there is disposed a bubble passage prevention member 17 of a porous plate shape, which prevents bubble generated in the liquid from entering the branching liquid guiding pipe 15. |
| US07669470B2 |
Mail piece stiffness detector
An apparatus for determining the stiffness of mail pieces includes a bar or similar deflector for contacting a mail piece conveyed past the bar by a conveyor system, and vibrates when in contact with a passing mail piece, either due to the impact of the mail piece or by the action of a device which causes the deflector to vibrate before the mail piece hits it. A sensor measures a parameter indicative of change in the vibrations of the deflector and generates a signal indicative of the measured parameter. A processor, e.g. programmable controller or circuit, receives the signal from the sensor and determines a stiffness value for the mail piece based on decay in vibrations of the deflector caused by contact with the mail piece. |
| US07669469B2 |
Method and apparatus for a continuous data recorder for a downhole sample tank
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for continuously monitoring the integrity of a pressurized well bore fluid sample collected downhole in an earth boring or well bore. The CDR continuous by measures the temperature and pressure for the down hole sample. Near infrared, mid infrared and visible light analysis is also performed on the small amount of sample to provide an on site analysis of sample properties and contamination level. The onsite analysis comprises determination of gas oil ratio, API gravity and various other parameters which can be estimated by a trained neural network or chemometric equation a flexural mechanical resonator is also provided to measure fluid density and viscosity from which additional parameters can be estimated by a trained neural network or chemometric equation. The sample tank is overpressured or supercharged to obviate adverse pressure drop or other effects of diverting a small sample to the CDR. |
| US07669466B2 |
Monitoring device attachment to rubber valve stems
Tire sensor packaging capable of being installed on a standard snap-in tire valve stem is provided. The sensor package includes an attachment member capable of being disposed in the flexible bore of a snap-in tire valve stem, and of securely engaging with the inner wall of the flexible bore. The attachment member can be an integral part of the sensor package, or it can be a separate part that acts as an expansion device (e.g., an expansion nut) when engaged with the sensor package. Preferably, the attachment member includes features, such as barbs, to provide more secure engagement with the tire valve stem. Packages according to embodiments of the invention include a package passage (e.g., a channel or a bore) to permit the flow of air past the sensor, so that the tire can be inflated or deflated. Sensors can be attached to the tire valve stem before or after the tire valve stem is installed in the wheel. |
| US07669465B2 |
Systems and methods for maintaining air pressure in tires
A system for air injection into tires, comprising a rotary air chamber secured to a hub cap wherein the rotary air chamber is configured to inject air into at least one tire when tire pressure drops below a first adjustable preset value and to release air from the at least one tire when tire pressure rises above a second adjustable preset value, an air shaft extending through the hub cap and into the rotary air chamber, an air line attached to the air shaft, and ball bearings affixed between the air shaft and the hub cap. A bracket can be fastened to the hub cap such that the rotary air chamber is fastened to the bracket. The hub cap and air shaft are fastened to the axle such that an air line extends from inside the axle through the air shaft to the rotary air chamber. |
| US07669461B2 |
System and method for utility metering and leak detection
The system and method for detecting water and/or gas leaks by monitoring usage patterns is described. In one embodiment, the existence of a leak is detected by looking for usage patterns wherein water or gas is always being used, at least at a low rate. A leak is indicated if usage does not drop to zero, at least for a period of time, during a given time interval (e.g., during a 24-hour period). The severity of the leak is indicated by the minimum amount of usage during the given time period. In one embodiment, the leak detection system is provided in connection with an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system. |
| US07669457B2 |
Apparatus and method of smoke detection
An aspirated smoke detector includes an ambient air flow separation element in combination with a smoke sensing chamber. The flow separation element can be an active or a passive element. Separated ambient, carrying relative small particles can flow into the sensing chamber. Ambient carrying relatively larger particulate matter is excluded from the sensing chamber. |
| US07669452B2 |
Titanium stretch forming apparatus and method
A stretch-forming apparatus includes a main frame which carries a die enclosure between jaw assemblies. An insulated die is mounted in the enclosure. A method of forming a component includes placing a workpiece in the enclosure, heating the workpiece to a working temperature using electrical resistance heating, and then stretching the workpiece against the die. The method is particularly useful for titanium workpieces. |
| US07669450B2 |
Pressure controlled superplastic forming
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming a sheet of ductile material by superplastic forming. The gas pressure is varied to control the material flow during the forming process. Accordingly, the gas pressure can be increased or decreased to control the rate of deformation of the workpiece. Accordingly, the method and apparatus contemplates the use of predetermined pressure profiles to reduce the overall forming time. |
| US07669448B1 |
Lockseaming process and apparatus for same
An apparatus for forming a thin wall sheet with first and second edge portions into a shell with a predetermined body configuration and a lockseam in which the edge portions are folded over each other. The apparatus includes a mandrel, a means for at least partially wrapping the sheet around the mandrel into the predetermined body configuration, and a number of gathering bars for engaging the sheet to configure the first and second edge portions according to a predetermined design. The apparatus also includes a number of forming bars for forming the first and second edge portions into respective preselected shapes extending above the top side of the mandrel, and a number of lockseaming rollers for folding the first and second edge portions over each other to form the lockseam. |
| US07669441B2 |
Finishing needle
The finishing needle is a hand sewing tool used for weaving loose ends of yarn back into a hand-knitted item when finishing a knitting work. The finishing needle is a long needle with two ends that taper to a semi-point at each end. The needle has a single eye that extends through the length of the needle. The eye has a beveled edge that provides for easier threading and to hold the yarn securely. The finishing needle can weave loose ends of yarn into a knitted item when finishing without stopping to turn the needle around, and with no need to re-thread, when weaving in the opposite direction. The finishing needle can more easily make use of shorter lengths of yarn than a conventional needle or hook, and can finish a large knitted item or one with multiple colors much faster than with a conventional needle. |
| US07669439B2 |
Gas injection for glass melting furnace to reduce refractory degradation
A glass melting furnace has a gas inlet positioned proximate to a charging section oxy-fuel combustion region to introduce gas into the region and to at least partially displace gas having a partial pressure of alkali vapor from the region, and optionally a gas outlet is adapted to provide an exit for a volume of furnace atmosphere. A method for reducing alkali vapor corrosion of glass furnace refractory structures includes providing a gas inlet proximate to the oxy-fuel combustion region; introducing a volume of gas from the inlet into the region, displacing a volume of gas having a partial pressure of alkali vapor from the region; and, optionally providing a gas outlet adapted to provide an exit for a volume of furnace atmosphere. |
| US07669437B2 |
Heat exchanger module
A heat exchanger module includes a condenser for condensing a refrigerant, a modulator, a sub-cooler for cooling liquid refrigerant supplied from the modulator, and a heat exchanger for cooling a fluid different from the refrigerant. The condenser, the sub-cooler and the heat exchanger are arranged in an arrangement direction substantially perpendicular to an air flow direction. Further, the modulator is disposed to extend in the arrangement direction. In the heat exchanger module, the modulator has a dimension that is larger than the sum of a dimension of the condenser and a dimension of the sub-cooler, and is not larger than the sum of the dimension of the condenser, the dimension of the sub-cooler and a dimension of the heat exchanger, in the arrangement direction. Accordingly, a capacity of the modulator can be effectively increased without increasing a largest outer side of the heat exchanger module. |
| US07669433B2 |
Multi-air conditioner central control system
Provided is a multi-air conditioner central control system, which shares the physical network and control resources with a multi-air conditioner system so as to control a ventilation system in an integrated manner. The central control system includes a multi-air conditioner system including one or more multi-air conditioners connected to a network for indoor air conditioning, a ventilation system including one or more ventilation devices connected to the network for ventilating indoor air by inhaling and exhausting the indoor air, and a central controller connected with the multi-air conditioner system and the ventilation system for monitoring, in real time, a state of each of the multi-air conditioners and the ventilation devices and controlling an operation thereof. |
| US07669426B2 |
Shared switching for multiple loads
Circuits, methods, and systems are directed to controlling the amount and polarity of current to multiple loads with switches, where the loads share switching components. The loads may be thermoelectric elements, which heat or cool based on the state of the switches. The switches may be run in a single mode during a duty cycle, or multiple successive modes during the duty cycle to achieve full control of the loads. |
| US07669425B2 |
Closed loop turbine cooling fluid reuse system for a turbine engine
A cooling fluid reuse system for a turbine engine for capturing spent cooling fluids from row one turbine vanes and directing those fluids into a mixing chamber to be mixed with liner cooling fluids and used in a combustor. The cooling fluid reuse system may be formed from a fluid channel extending from the a cooling fluid collection channel in the first row of turbine vanes, through a rotor cooling fluid collection chamber in the rotor assembly, through a cooling fluid manifold, and into the at least one mixing chamber. |
| US07669424B2 |
Combustor assembly
A combustor assembly for a gas turbine engine comprises a casing arrangement defining an aperture and a seal element mounted on the casing arrangement through which a component of the combustor can extend. The seal element comprises a relatively flexible force absorbing portion and a relatively rigid sealing portion. The force absorbing portion is provided between the sealing portion and the casing arrangement. The force absorbing portion is resiliently deformable to absorb force during movement of the casing arrangement. Such resilient deformation restricts transmission of the forces to the sealing portion. The seal element may be configured to carry a seal member. |
| US07669422B2 |
Combustor liner and method of fabricating same
A combustor liner includes a liner having an upstream end and a downstream end having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, and a plurality of cooling holes formed in the liner, the cooling holes are arranged along the longitudinal axis into a plurality of circumferentially extending rows that are variably spaced apart along the longitudinal axis. |
| US07669421B2 |
Combustor of gas turbine with concentric swirler vanes
A gas turbine combustor having an inner tube and a transition pipe connected together is provided. The combustor includes an internal swirler and an external swirler. The internal swirler is composed of a cylindrical inward swirler ring disposed concentrically with respect to a central axis of the inner tube, and a plurality of inward swirler vanes provided on an outer peripheral surface of the inward swirler ring. The external swirler is composed of a cylindrical outward swirler ring disposed on an outer peripheral side of the inward swirler vanes and concentrically with respect to the inward swirler ring, and a plurality of outward swirler vanes provided on an outer peripheral surface of the outward swirler ring. The internal swirler and the external swirler are disposed within the inner tube. |
| US07669418B2 |
Heat energy supply system and method, and reconstruction method of the system
A heat energy supply system and method capable of drastically increasing energy efficiency and energy supply efficiency, as well as a reconstruction method of the heat energy supply system. The heat energy supply system comprises a boiler for heating a heat medium and producing steam including water and other vapors, a heat pump including a steam turbine driven by the steam supplied from the boiler and a heat exchanger for heating the heat medium by employing waste heat or heat obtained from environment, thereby producing the steam at a setting temperature, and a steam supply line for supplying the steam discharged from the steam turbine and the steam heated by the heat exchanger to a heat utilization facility. |
| US07669417B2 |
Engine after-cooling system
An engine after-cooling system (10) comprises an after-cooler (11) for cooling compressed air which is output from a compressor for combustion by an internal-combustion engine, a heat exchanger (19) for cooling a coolant which is output from the after-cooler (11), a pump (21) for continuously pumping the coolant through the system (10), an outlet air temperature sensor (27) for sensing the temperature of the compressed air after being cooled by the after-cooler (11), a coolant temperature sensor (17) for sensing the temperature of the coolant output from the after-cooler (11), and a controller (26) for controlling the flow-rate of coolant through the system (10) in response to the sensed air and coolant temperatures. |
| US07669416B2 |
Circuit for cooling charge air, and method for operating such a circuit
The invention relates to a circuit (NK) for cooling charge air (LL) in a motor vehicle comprising a turbocharger that is provided with a circulating pump (5) for the circuit (NK). Said pump (5) is coupled to a turbine (2) and forms a turbine/pump combination (1) along with the turbine (2). |
| US07669413B2 |
Hybrid construction machine
In a hybrid excavator, a hydraulic pump and a generator motor are connected in parallel to an output shaft of an engine and a rotation motor is driven by a battery. The generator motor assists the engine by performing a motor function. Power consumption of each of the hydraulic pump and the rotation motor is detected. The output of the hydraulic pump and the rotation motor is controlled such that the sum of the detected power consumption does not exceed maximum supply power set as the sum of power that can be supplied to the hydraulic pump and the rotation motor. |
| US07669406B2 |
Compact, low pressure-drop shock-driven combustor and rocket booster, pulse detonation based supersonic propulsion system employing the same
A supersonic propulsion system is provided. The supersonic propulsion system includes a plurality of systems for efficiently creating cyclic detonations and at least one rocket booster device. Each of the systems include at least a first initiator chamber configured to generate an initial wave, at least one main chamber coupled to the first initiator chamber. The main chamber is configured to generate a main wave and to output products of supersonic combustion. The products are generated within the main chamber. The main chamber is configured to enable the main wave to travel upstream and downstream within the main chamber when the first initiator chamber is located outside the main chamber. The system further includes an initial connection section located between the first initiator chamber and the main chamber that enhances a combustion process via shock focusing and shock reflection. |
| US07669405B2 |
Shaped walls for enhancement of deflagration-to-detonation transition
A detonation chamber for a pulse detonation combustor including: a plurality of dimples disposed on at least a portion of an inner surface of the detonation chamber wherein the plurality of dimples enhance a turbulence of a fluid flow through the detonation chamber. |
| US07669400B2 |
Rotor reversing mechanism
A rotor reversing mechanism for a baler comprises a ratchet 12 mounted for rotation with the rotor, a pawl 22 carried by a reversing arm 16 for engaging the ratchet 12, a double acting hydraulic cylinder 32 for reciprocating the reversing arm 16 to cause the rotor to rotate in a reverse direction and means for disengaging the pawl 22 from the ratchet when the reversing arm is in a park position. In the invention, a spring 40 is provided for urging the reversing arm 16 towards the park position and the working chambers of the double acting hydraulic cylinder 32 are permanently connected to one another by way of a throttled passage 74. |
| US07669396B2 |
Timing crank and cylindrical conveyor for an agricultural harvester
A timing crank for a cylindrical conveyor of an agricultural harvester is provided that includes a unitary body in the form of an elongate member with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end defines a first aperture having a first longitudinal axis, wherein the second end defines a second aperture having a second longitudinal axis, wherein each of the apertures are joined by a longitudinal slot extending between and being in communication with the first and second apertures. |
| US07669395B2 |
Flip up arrangement for a mower deck
An automated system for selecting the cutting height and orientation of a mower deck attached to a power vehicle. An actuator and a system of links and slotted members are configured to operatively couple to a mower deck carriage and a front portion of the mower deck. Operation of the actuator by extending or retracting an actuator length, working in concert with the system of links and members, causes the mower deck to lower or raise in relation to a surface underlying the mower deck. Operation of the actuator further permits the mower deck to be rotated about an axis to and from an operation orientation and a service and or storage orientation. The actuator maintains the position of the mower deck without assistance of additional locking mechanisms or load bearing members. The system is controllable through a single interface convenient to the operator. |
| US07669390B2 |
Method for molding and assembling containers with stoppers and filling same
A stopper and container body are molded in the same molding machine. An assembly device, such as a pick and place robot, transfers the stopper from one mold cavity into the opening in the container body located within another mold cavity, or vice versa, to assemble the stopper and container body. Then, the assembled container body and stopper are removed from the molding machine and transported to a needle filling and laser resealing station for filling and laser resealing. A laminar flow source directs a substantially laminar flow of air or sterile gas over the mold surfaces, stoppers and container bodies, and assembly device, to prevent contamination during assembly. |
| US07669389B2 |
Two-way postal mailing assembly
Postal mailing assembly capable of being processed by postal processing equipment without causing damage to the article held by the mailer. The mailing assembly includes a pocket holding the article inside the mailer is offset relative to one edge of the assembly by a distance sufficient to prevent damage when the mailer is oriented and processed by postal equipment. |
| US07669388B2 |
Process and machine for automated manufacture of gastro-retentive devices
An improved automated process and apparatus for making a gastro-retentive device (10). The method includes the steps of providing a pouch assembly (18) having an ingredient section within a membrane; rotating the membrane to form a folded pouch assembly; inserting the folded pouch assembly into a first capsule section (20 a) to form a pouch/first capsule assembly, and inserting the pouch/first capsule assembly into a second capsule section (20 b). The process can further include the steps of providing a continuous strip (32) of multiple pouch assemblies (18) and cutting a single pouch assembly (18) from the strip (32).Also provided is an apparatus (100) for carrying out the above method which includes three wheels (102, 104, 106) for processing and moving the capsule sections (20a, 20b), a pouch load subassembly (166) for delivering a strip (32) of pouch assemblies (18) to a pouch load tooling mechanism (168), a pouch wrapping subassembly which, after receiving the pouches (18) from the pouch load tooling mechanism (168) wraps the flaps of the pouches which are then, via a pouch insert subassembly 200, inserted into the first capsule section (20a) in one of the wheels (104). The second capsule section (20b) is then combined with the first capsule section (20a) in the wheel (104) to complete the finished gastro-retentive device (10). |
| US07669386B2 |
Apparatus and method for filing continuous air filling type air enclosure with air
An apparatus and method for filling a continuous air filling type air enclosure with air comprises moving first an air cylinder film sheet onto a working platform, hot-sealing two outer films of the air cylinder film sheet using a hot sealing device to form an air filling passageway, moving an air filling head into the air filling passageway and then using a clamping apparatus to press the two outer films tightly to attach onto the air filling head to allow air in the air filling head to be filled into the air filling passageway and enter an air cylinder of the air cylinder film sheet via an air inlet of the air cylinder film sheet to cause the air cylinder to be filled with air and expanded. |
| US07669384B2 |
Extruded hollow aluminum alloy panel and method for producing the same
An extruded hollow aluminum alloy panel includes a panel body and a guide rail that are integrally formed by extrusion so as to extend in an extrusion direction. The panel body has a plurality of closed spaces defined between plates by ribs in a cross section perpendicular to the extrusion direction. The guide rail has an open space in the cross section. |
| US07669382B2 |
Window installation method
A closure assembly and a method of installing the closure assembly are provided. A insertion opening is formed in water resistant barrier covering a rough opening that generally corresponds to a perimeter of the rough opening. A drainage system including a channel assembly is installed on a sill surface of the rough opening. The closure assembly is inserted into the rough opening and temporarily secured to the structure. At least one shim carried on the closure assembly is adjusted to level the closure assembly in the rough opening. A sealing member attached to the closure assembly is engaged with the water resistant barrier. A foam material is delivered into at least a portion of a space between perimeter edge surfaces of the closure assembly and inner surfaces of the rough opening to permanently secure the closure assembly within the rough opening. |
| US07669377B2 |
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. |
| US07669375B2 |
Structural building block system with enhanced load bearing capability and method comprising same
A building block arrangement comprises a first layer of building blocks and a second layer of building blocks. The first layer of building blocks includes two spaced apart rows of building blocks whereby a space is provided between adjacent side faces of the building blocks of the first layer. The second layer of building blocks includes two spaced apart rows of building blocks whereby a space is provided between adjacent side faces of the building blocks of the second layer. The space includes communicative horizontal and vertical portions such that that the space at least partially isolates an interior wall portion from an exterior wall portion. The second layer of building blocks is positioned on top of the first layer of building blocks. The second layer of building blocks spans across at least a portion of the space in the first layer of building blocks. |
| US07669374B2 |
Beam for a drywall ceiling soffit
A straight rollformed beam made for use in a suspended horizontal drywall ceiling is modified so that it can be used in a drywall ceiling underhang known as a drywall ceiling soffit. The beam is made with repetitive configurations along the length of the beam that are selectively cut, in the field, so that the beam can be bent to, and then fixed at, a desired angle. Drywall panels are secured to a plurality of such beams that form a framework for the soffit. |
| US07669373B2 |
Building means
Building means, having a main plate 1, a lower ledge 2 extending outwards of a first face of the plate, a first bolt portion 4 extending outwards of the first face of the plate and a second bolt portion 5 extending outwards of a second face of the plate opposite the first face; the building means being formed such that when it is in use a structural member can be fastened to the first bolt portion 4 while the plate 2 is arranged at least partially behind exterior cladding 8 of a building so that the ledge 2 extends to beyond the cladding 8, and wherein rainwater contacting the first face of the plate can run down the first face and be guided by the ledge 2 to a drain away position in front of the cladding. |
| US07669369B2 |
Door threshold water return systems
A door threshold water return system, comprising: a lower sill; an upper sill; a rear wall; and a front wall forming a chamber, wherein at least one baffle is provided projecting into the chamber from the rear wall, a first gap is provided in proximity to the rear wall and between the upper sill and the rear wall, and a second gap is provided in proximity to the lower sill and between the lower sill and the front wall, whereby water introduced into the system through the first gap exits the system through the second gap. |
| US07669360B2 |
Fishing system
An improved fishing system that records ambient conditions existing at or around the time a fish is caught. The fishing system includes a lure which records ambient conditions, including time, date, depth, temperature, ambient light, an underwater picture of a hooked fish and water quality. After catching a fish, the recorded data is transmitted from the lure to a handheld control unit. The handheld control unit is also capable of recording location (via GPS), fish weight, water quality, and an out-of-water picture of the fish. The data stored by the handheld control unit is transmitted (via a wireless or wired network) and recorded in an Internet database. The lure can also be controlled to release a hook that becomes irretrievably stuck in an underwater obstruction. The path of the lure in the water can also be controlled. |
| US07669359B2 |
Machine gun accessory mount adapter
An adapter for mounting an accessory on a shroud such as is found on an M2 machine gun includes a rigid block embracing the shroud. Blunt-nosed helically threaded plugs penetrate the block and intrude partly into perforations of the shroud. Retaining rings, threaded oppositely to the threaded plugs, prevent the plugs from backing out. A key tool is provided to tighten the plugs and retaining rings. A longitudinally oriented T-rail projects radially from the block. A slide body engages the T-rail and includes a locking mechanism, a lamp assembly, a logically switched power control, a power cable, and a control cable with interchangeable switches. |
| US07669352B2 |
Interchangeable component shoe system
A shoe system is provided that comprises a removable upper unit and a sole unit that can be interconnected utilizing respective upper and lower connecting means. The sole unit can include a support panel that can extend substantially continuously about a periphery of the sole unit. A lower portion of the support panel can be connected to an interior area of the sole unit and an upper portion can extend generally upwardly from the lower portion and be disposed circumferentially within the interior of a lower connecting means along the sole periphery. The support panel can be so configured so as to provide structural strength to the shoe system when worn to resist transverse force and reduce tactile friction of the user's foot against the upper and lower connecting means. |
| US07669344B2 |
Hysteresis compensation in a coordinate measurement machine
A single-scale, single-drive coordinate measuring machine that compensates for hysteresis error caused by friction at the non-driven end of the bridge. The coordinate measuring machine is calibrated to estimate hysteresis effects at one or more distances from the scale. Measurements of workpieces are adjusted based on the calibration data and the distances of the carriage from the scale at the point of the measurements. The scale and the drive system may be positioned on opposite guideways. |
| US07669343B2 |
Adjustable gable end line puller
An improved adjustable gable end line puller is disclosed. A method for using the improved adjustable gable end line puller is also disclosed. |
| US07669342B1 |
Level for a geomatics target device
A snap-on support has a body and a pair of spaced-apart arms supported by the body and adapted for snap-fit connection with a geomatics target device. The arms are moveable between an operative position wherein the arms extend outward from the body for securing the support to the geomatics target device and a stowed position wherein the arms are retracted generally adjacent to the body for storage of the support. |
| US07669338B2 |
Range finder
Range finder for determining the distance between the user and an object of known height or width, such as a golf flagstick, structure, etc. The range finder is a flat card, having a series of graduated apertures, each aperture being dimensioned to correspond to a particular distance to the flagstick. Range information is provided for each aperture. The user holds the card 24 inches from the eye and sights the flagstick through the apertures. The range information for the aperture whose diameter most closely corresponds to the height of the sighted flagstick is the actual distance between the user and the flagstick. The apertures are graduated in size, to represent range information in specific increments. The size of the increments is selected to facilitate optimal performance and may vary within a series of apertures. |
| US07669337B2 |
Safety scalpel
A safety scalpel that incorporates a reusable metal scalpel handle similar in shape and feel to the conventional metal handle preferred by most surgeons, and a disposable blade cartridge that covers the blade before, during and after use, and is easily mounted and released from the scalpel handle. The blade cartridge includes a blade with similar cutting profiles as standard surgical blades, a blade holder that is permanently fixed to the blade, and a blade guard that covers the blade and within which the blade holder is able to slide. The scalpel handle is reusable, while the blade cartridge is disposable. The blade cartridge is attached to and detached from the scalpel handle in a direction generally perpendicular the longitudinal axis of the scalpel handle. |
| US07669336B2 |
Rechargeable electric shaver
A rechargeable electric shaver having a partition wall installed inside the main body casing, the partition wall separating a rechargeable battery compartment that accommodates the rechargeable battery and a driving portion compartment that accommodates a motor, and the partition wall having a sealing structure which allows a main body of the motor to protrude into the rechargeable battery compartment and seals the rechargeable battery compartment and driving portion compartment in an airtight manner. |
| US07669332B2 |
Method for manufacturing endodontic reamers and files
An endodontic reamer and a method for manufacturing endodontic reamers and files, more specifically an endodontic reamer having a cylindrical shaft and a working portion extending forward from a removed end of the shaft. The working portion includes, typically, a pair of wedged shaped projecting sections that extend beyond the diameter of the shaft. Forward from the wedge shaped sections is a nose, typically non-cutting nose, that has a diameter of about equal to diameter of the shaft. There are typically two (2) wedge shaped sections projecting outward opposite one another. Applicant also provides a novel method for manufacturing an endodontic reamer, which consists of using a two piece mold and placing a wire blank between the mold, followed by forcing the mold together, under compression, against the wire blank, to deform the blank into the shape of the mold parts. |
| US07669328B1 |
Method of manufacturing a push rod
A method of manufacturing a push rod from a length of tube having a first end and a second end. The tube is held in a first fixture and a first tool is brought into engagement with the first end while a force is applied to deform the first end into a cone. A disc is thereafter affixed to the cone through a welding process. The tube with the disc attached is moved to a second fixture and a threaded shaft is partially inserted into the tube adjacent the second end. A radial force is applied to the tube that causes the tube to be compressed into engagement with the threaded shaft. The threaded shaft is then rotated causing its translation within the tube to establish a desired length between a face on the disc and a head on the threaded shaft to complete the manufacture of the push rod. |
| US07669326B2 |
Workpiece with a recess which is closed from the exterior by means of a solder film and method for closing a recess by means of a solder film
It is known from the prior art that holes in a workpiece are filled completely with a solder powder, which leads especially in the case of large holes to the formation of cracks within the solder due to the large volume filled in once the solder cools off after soldering. The invention provides a method for closing a recess of a workpiece, which allows closing an opening of a recess without the risk of crack formation, by using only a solder film for closing the recess. The solder film has a content of non-melting material and therefore is substantially less prone to form cracks. |
| US07669324B2 |
Water stopping method, wire harness processed by the water stopping method and water stopping apparatus
A water stopping apparatus for causing a water stopping material to penetrate exposed core wires of a sheathed wire forming a wire harness includes a pair of dies which can abut against each other in a mutually opposed condition, thereby forming a pressurizing space in which an exposed portion of the core wires of the wire harness can be mounted, a filling portion for filling a water stopping material in the pressurizing space in which the exposed portion of the core wires is mounted, and a pressurizing portion for supplying pressurized gas into the pressurizing space to pressurize the same. |
| US07669321B1 |
Methods for verifying correct counter-bore depth and precision on printed circuit boards
A test site is incorporated on a circuit board having a set of test connections passing through a test via on respective test connection layer, the test connection layers including (1) a first layer adjacent to a target layer, and (2) a second layer spaced apart from the target layer with the first layer therebetween. The test via is back-drilled from the direction of the second layer to remove undesired via metallization, breaking the test connections of all the layers through which it passes, and the continuity of the test connections is measured to determine a pattern of broken and non-broken test connections resulting from the back-drilling. The pattern of broken and non-broken test connections is examined to ascertain the actual depth of the back-drilling in relation to the target layer. |
| US07669320B2 |
Coreless cavity substrates for chip packaging and their fabrication
A method for fabricating an IC support for supporting a first IC die connected in series with a second IC die; the IC support comprising a stack of alternating layers of copper features and vias in insulating surround, the first IC die being bondable onto the IC support, and the second IC die being bondable within a cavity inside the IC support, wherein the cavity is formed by etching away a copper base and selectively etching away built up copper. |
| US07669319B2 |
Method for fabricating a flexible display
A substrate transferring method and a method for fabricating a flexible display by using the same are disclosed. The method for transferring a substrate includes providing a glass substrate with a recess formed thereon, aligning a flexible substrate on the glass substrate, inserting the flexible substrate in the recess of the glass substrate, and transferring the flexible substrate-inserted glass substrate for a process. The flexible substrate is insertedly fixed in the recess of the glass substrate and transferred, or a process is performed thereon, so that the transfer method is simplified and the process stability can be obtained. |
| US07669316B2 |
Method for assembling coaxial cable Y-splitter assembly
A coaxial cable splitter including an integral body with a first cable connection, a second cable connection and a third cable connection, each defining an axis. The second cable connection is a crimp sleeve, the first cable connection is a coaxial connector, and the axes are generally parallel to each other. The third cable connection is a coaxial cable connector and the axis is at an angle to the axes of the first and second cable connections. The first and third cable connections each include a center conductor which are electrically linked. The first and third cable connections each include an outer shell positioned about the center conductor which are electrically linked. A method of assembling a coaxial cable splitter with an integral body. |
| US07669315B2 |
Apparatus for making a helically wound conductor
Apparatus for making a helically wound conductor includes a pulling mechanism for axially advancing a cable core and a guide mechanism for axially directing one or more secondary strand(s) from a location offset from the cable core toward the cable core at a common approach angle. A mandrel body is disposed at a forward end of the apparatus, the mandrel body having an axial passageway extending from a rearward to the forward end of the mandrel body dimensioned to axially receive the cable core therethrough and a forward radiused end positioned to intercept the secondary strand(s). The secondary strand(s) converge on the mandrel radiused end at a common approach angle, tangentially intersect respective locations of the mandrel radiused end, and follow the radiused end to intersect with the cable core. |
| US07669308B2 |
Method of assembling a collet and lock nut assembly
An collet and lock nut assembly includes a collet for receiving a cutting tool shank and a lock nut for creating a gripping force between the collet and the shank. The collet has a nose portion and a body portion separated by an annular groove. The lock nut has a plurality of retention tabs and a corresponding number of clear portions. The collet and lock nut assembly can be easily assembled by inserting at least one retention tab within the groove of the collet, and then applying pressure to the collet such that the remaining retention tabs of the lock nut are received within the groove of the collet to place the assembly in a locked position. The collet and cutting tool shank can be drawn from the tool holder by applying rotational torque to the lock nut. The collet is easily removed from the lock nut by applying pressure in any circumferential, lateral direction against the collet. |
| US07669305B1 |
Method for optimizing joint press set for use with a plurality of ball joints
A method and article for designing dual-mode adapters in a joint press kit. A plurality of ball joints for use with the adapters are selected. An adapter design is created by defining a first variable representative of a physical characteristic of the adapter design; defining a second variable representing a quantity of ball joints that are not compatible with the adapter design in a second operational mode; generating data sets including the first and second variables; and utilizing the data sets to determine a value for a characteristic of the adapter. |
| US07669303B2 |
Complex comprising a drylaid veil of glass fibres, and a nonwoven fabric of organic fibres
The invention concerns a process for preparing a complex sheet comprising a layer of drylaid glass fibers and a layer of organic fibers, comprising: mechanical needling or fluid entanglement, e.g. hydroentanglement, of a nonwoven fabric of continuous organic fibers and of a veil of non-preconsolidated continuous glass fibers, the said nonwoven fabric of organic fibers and the said veil of glass fibers being juxtaposed and the said needles respectively the fluid, water jets being sent from the same side as the nonwoven fabric of organic fibers, in order to make a sheet; and then application of a binder to the bilayer. The so obtained complex fibrous structure shows a low tendency to delaminate and can be impregnated with asphalt or bitumen, and used in the field of roofing, sealing covering or membranes. |
| US07669299B2 |
Guitar strap connector
A connector for securing a guitar to a strap, having a body with an opening and an engagement member slidable within the body. The engagement member has an opening with two portions. The first portion is large enough to receive the anchor post and the second portion is narrow enough to prevent the anchor post from passing through it. The user slides the first portion into alignment with the opening in the body and inserts the anchor post. Then, the user slides the engagement member so that the second portion impedes the release of the anchor post. The body may also have an opening for removal of the engagement member and/or an opening to facilitate sliding of the engagement member. Also there is disclosed a flexible support with one or more connectors and a strap, and a system including connector(s), a strap and a guitar. |
| US07669298B2 |
Buckle assembly
A buckle assembly for connecting safety belts according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided. The buckle assembly includes a buckle body including two side openings; a release button disposed in the buckle body including an engaging portion; two shoulder-strap buckles each having an opening to allow the waist-strap buckles passing through; and two waist-strap buckles each having a prong portion; wherein each of the shoulder-strap buckles is respectively positioned between each of the waist-strap buckles and the buckle body and incapable of departing from the buckle body freely when the prong portion of the waist-strap buckle is received in each of the side openings of the buckle body and engaged with the engaging portion of the release button; and the shoulder-strap buckles are departed from the buckle body together with the waist-strap buckles when the release button is actuated. |
| US07669297B2 |
Composite webs and closure systems
Composite webs having one or more polymeric structures located on a substrate, closure systems comprising composite webs, and methods of attaching articles are disclosed. The polymeric structures are formed using thermoplastic compositions and are attached to a surface of a substrate. The polymeric structures include an area that is attached to the substrate and a detached area that is not attached to a surface of a substrate. |
| US07669294B2 |
Flex accommodating cable terminations
Cable terminations having features which reduce stress in the transition between the potted region and the freely flexing region of a cable when the cable flexes laterally with respect to the anchor. Several favorable geometries are disclosed. The use of a supplemental buffer material to reduce stress is also disclosed. |
| US07669293B2 |
Metal cable tie having a dent in geometric shape
A metal cable tie formed with an elongate metallic strap and a metallic locking head. The elongate metallic strap has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The metallic locking head is secured to the first end of the metallic strap and comprises a strap entry face, a strap exit face, and a floor and a roof near the strap exit face for receiving the second end of the strap in order to form a closed ring structure. Moreover, a longitudinal slit and a metallic roller means are deployed between the strap entry face and the strap exit face of the metallic locking head in order to lockingly engage the metallic strap. A retention means extends from the roof of the metallic locking head to the strap exit face in order to captively hold the metallic roller means. When the strap is lockingly engaged, the metallic roller means captively held in the metallic locking head can move between the retention means near the strap exit face and a fixed position near the strap entry face, wherein the fixed position is the locking position of the roller means formed by a dent in geometric shape located on the first end of the metallic strap. |
| US07669291B1 |
Magnetic holder
The invention is a pot holder that will insulate the hand from heat, have adequate friction for holding, and be readily available and usable with one hand. The holder or handgrip of the invention comprises an elastomer sheet such as silicone rubber with a small permanent magnet affixed adjacent one edge. The magnet has sufficient attractive force to support the holder in place against a ferromagnetic surface such as the vertical side of a refrigerator or microwave oven, for example. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a small piece of ferromagnetic material may be affixed to an opposite edge of the sheet to removably attach to the magnet on the opposite edge to thereby form the sheet into a tube that may be used to removably attach to a handle. The sheet may have one or both broad surfaces provided with a texture to enhance friction to provide a non-slip surface. The sheet has sufficient insulating properties to protect a hand from a hot handle. It has sufficient surface friction properties to provide a good grip on a pot or jar. |
| US07669288B2 |
Hinge arrangement for a cover element
A hinge arrangement for a cover element in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, for example a hinged cover for a glove compartment or a CD player compartment is disclosed. The cover can be pivoted from a closed position into an open position about a pivot axis. The hinge arrangement includes an arrangement whereby the cover may be displaced (for example, substantially transversely to the pivot path) during the pivoting movement. |
| US07669283B2 |
Method and apparatus for deep cleaning rug or carpet
A rug or carpet cleaner includes a housing, a suction generator carried on the housing and agitator carried on the housing. The agitator includes a hollow body, a cleaning projection carried on the hollow body, an air intake aperture provided in the cleaning projection and an outlet in fluid communication with the suction generator. |
| US07669282B2 |
Vacuum cleaner
Disclosed is a vacuum cleaner including a suction nozzle; a dust collecting assembly which includes a dust collecting container having a dust collecting space and an opened bottom, an inlet, a filtering device provided in the dust collecting container, and an outlet; and a cleaner body which includes a dust collecting assembly receiving recess for detachably receiving the dust collecting assembly, a polluted air outlet provided at the dust collecting assembly receiving recess and communicating with the inlet of the dust collecting assembly, a clean air inlet provided on an inner wall of the dust collecting assembly receiving recess to face the dust collecting assembly and communicating with the outlet of the dust collecting assembly, and a clean air conduit having a fan provided therein, for exhausting the clean air to the outside of the vacuum cleaner. |
| US07669281B2 |
Portable electric vacuum cleaner
A portable electric vacuum cleaner according to the present invention includes a body (23), and a suction nozzle (27) provided unitarily with the body (23) at a front lower portion of the body (23) and projecting forward from the body (23) as having a predetermined length. The suction nozzle (27) is, for example, a tubular member of a fixed shape composed of a resin and tapered toward a distal end thereof. The suction nozzle (27) has a nozzle suction port (271) provided at the distal end thereof. The portable electric vacuum cleaner is generally used with a floor brush (3) attached to the suction nozzle (27). When the floor brush (3) is detached from the body (2), the suction nozzle (27) appears. Thus, the portable electric vacuum cleaner is conveniently used. Further, the suction nozzle (27) is hardly missing. |
| US07669278B2 |
Structure of brush mount for cutting table
The invention provides a brush mounting structure of an automatic cutting machine that can allow dismount of any desired brush from a brush mount, can allow sequential rotation of the movable brushes so that the brushes on the brush mounts can be rearranged in parallel, and can allow a clamping force for clamping engagement between the brush and the brush mount to be held against a load applied from a particular direction. In order to prevent undesired disengagement of the projection at the back side of the cut-support-surface brush against a load applied from a particular direction orthogonal to a direction in which the brush is movable over the brush mount, an engaging projection having an engaging surface which is adapted to be hooked more firmly than an engaging surface of a back-row projection and serves as a holding surface is formed in a front low of the brush, while also a holding rib having a holding surface which confronts the engaging surface of the engaging projection of the brush and is adapted to be hooked more firmly than the engaging surface of the engaging rib is formed in the brush mount. |
| US07669266B2 |
No shift chambered body pillow
A body pillow includes an outer enclosure, first, second and third chambers disposed within the outer enclosure, the first and second chambers disposed adjacent to one another, and the second and third chambers disposed adjacent to one another, each of the first, second and third chambers adapted to be filled by respective filling material, a first baffle disposed between the first and second chambers, and a second baffle disposed between the second and third chambers, the first and second baffles adapted to prevent filling material within each of the first, second and third chambers from shifting to an adjacent one of the chambers. Beneficially, among other benefits, the body pillow's baffles prevent filling material disposed within each of the chambers from shifting to adjacent chambers, both during normal use of the body pillow and during washing. |
| US07669265B2 |
Buckwheat hull pillow
Some embodiments of the present invention generally relate to pillow devices comprising a pair of opposing lobe cushions connected by a cross member comprising a neck supporting cushion. In some embodiments the cushions may define a region for receiving a back portion of a human head in a cradling relation. Furthermore, according to some embodiments the cradle region can optionally be adjustable by the user. |
| US07669264B1 |
Patient transport harness and associated method
A harness includes a single and unitary body with a plurality of longitudinal members and a plurality of latitudinal members monolithically formed therewith. The apparatus further includes a plurality of fasteners with opposed ends directly and oppositely mated to the longitudinal members and extending towards a center of the body for being engaged about the patient. Each of such fasteners has male and female members detachably and directly mated along a width of the body and between the longitudinal sides respectively. The apparatus further includes a first plurality of handles monolithically connected to the longitudinal members and extending laterally away therefrom along opposed sides of the body, and a second plurality of handles are monolithically connected to opposed corners of the body and diagonally protruding outwardly therefrom. |
| US07669263B2 |
Mattress assembly including adjustable length foot
A patient support including a frame and a mattress supported by the frame. The frame includes a deck support and a deck supporting the mattress. |
| US07669260B2 |
Medical examination table
A medical examination table which is movable between a lowered patient entry/exit position and a raised patient examination position. A scissor-lift assembly is provided to raise and lower the examination table. The examination table includes a drawer having a pivotal front panel which is adapted to support instruments or other items thereon when the drawer is folded to a downward position. The examination table further includes a storage pocket located beneath the backrest. The storage pocket and its contents are concealed when the backrest is lowered and are accessible when the backrest is inclined. |
| US07669258B2 |
Patient bed system
In a patient bed system, comprising a patient bed, a support column for supporting the bed and a trolley for transporting the bed, the bed having arranged on it first coupling elements (22) which are intended for selective connection to second or third coupling elements (24, 26) on the support column and on the trolley respectively, locking means (60, 62) being provided on at least one of the coupling elements, in order to lock the first coupling elements (22) alternatively to the second or third coupling elements (24, 26) when the bed is coupled to the support column or to the trolley (16), the locking means have at least one locking element (60, 62) which is arranged adjustably on one of the coupling elements (22, 24, 26) and which, in the engagement position of two coupling elements (22, 24, 26), engages into a clearance (76, 82) of the coupling element adjacent in each case, the coupling elements having formed on them control cams (88), by means of which, during the operation of transferring the bed from the support column onto the trolley, or vice versa, the locking element (60, 62) is shifted positively into the clearance or is shifted out of the latter. |
| US07669257B2 |
Bedding assembly
A bedding assembly includes a fitted sheet forming opposing side panels when engaging a mattress and including at least one fastener positioned longitudinally along at least one of the fitted sheet opposing side panels. The bedding assembly also includes a top sheet forming opposing side panels when engaging a mattress and including at least one complimentary fastener positioned longitudinally along at least one of the top sheet opposing side panels, the at least one complementary fastener of the top sheet substantially aligning with the at least one fastener of the fitted sheet. |
| US07669256B2 |
Support frame for a bed and locking mechanism therefor
End portions of a pair of crossbar bed frame members are detachably connected by a locking mechanism including an arm attached by the pivot element to one frame member to rotate between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. One frame member has a first projection and the pivot element includes a second projection. A pair of elongated slots in the frame members receive the projections when the frame members are longitudinally oriented and the end portions are overlapping. The end portions have openings therein that are aligned when the end portions overlap. The arm has a portion that is inserted in the aligned openings when in the locked condition and withdrawn from the aligned openings to allow the frame members to be disconnected and separated when in the unlocked condition. |
| US07669250B2 |
Article of apparel incorporating an embossed material
An embossed material and an article of apparel incorporating the embossed material are disclosed. The embossed material includes a textured surface that defines a plurality of extended regions and at least one compressed region. The extended regions may have an elongate or elliptical configuration, for example, and the compressed region may extend around each extended region. When incorporated into the article of apparel, the textured surface may face inward to form at least a portion of an interior surface of the article of apparel. Accordingly, the extended regions may be positioned to contact an individual wearing the article of apparel. |
| US07669249B2 |
Concealable/deployable reflective band for garments
A band that extends around a garment appendage, such as a sleeve or trouser leg. The band has a concealed position that hides a reflective tape and a deployed position where the reflective tape is visible. The band includes a strip that encircles and is attached to the garment appendage at a distance from the free end of the garment appendage. The reflective tape is bonded to the underside of the strip or to the garment appendage. |