| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07678085B2 |
Injection device
An injection device for injecting selectable amounts of a substance includes an activating mechanism including an axially moveable operating button which can rotated in a resting position only, a tubular drive element non-rotatably connected to the operating button, an axially fixed and non-rotatable guiding element, and an axially moveable driven member held non-rotatably in the device. A rotational grid is operationally between rotatable and non-rotatable components of the injection device such that the operating button can be moved two rotational directions when in the resting position whereby a selected amount of the substance to be injected can be selectively varied. For example, a dosage inadvertently selected too large by rotating the operating button too far in one direction can, in accordance with the present invention, be reduced by rotating the operating button in the opposite direction. In some embodiments, the rotational grid is adapted to produce a clicking sound when the operating button is rotated. |
| US07678084B2 |
Medication dispensing apparatus with gear set for mechanical advantage
A medication dispensing apparatus having a gear set (64) to provide a mechanical advantage to the plunging of the apparatus plunger (66). The gear set (64) has a first pinion (114) in meshed engagement with a rack of the plunger (102), and a second pinion (126) in meshed engagement with a rack of a drive member (80) of the apparatus. The gear set (64) operatively interconnects the plunger (66) and the drive member (62) such that after the plunger (66) is moved relative to the housing in a proximal direction to prepare the apparatus for injection, the plunger (66), when manually pushed back toward the housing, causes the drive member (62) to advance in a distal direction to force medication through an outlet, typically provided with an injection needle, at the distal end of the apparatus. |
| US07678071B2 |
Microprocessor controlled ambulatory medical apparatus with hand held communication device
An implantable infusion pump possesses operational functionality that is, at least in part, controlled by software operating in two processor ICs which are configured to perform some different and some duplicate functions. The pump exchanges messages with an external device via telemetry. Each processor controls a different part of the drug infusion mechanism such that both processors must agree on the appropriateness of drug delivery for infusion to occur. Delivery accumulators are incremented and decremented with delivery requests and with deliveries made. When accumulated amounts reach or exceed, quantized deliverable amounts, infusion is made to occur. The accumulators are capable of being incremented by two or more independent types of delivery requests. Operational modes of the infusion device are changed automatically in view of various system errors that are trapped, various system alarm conditions that are detected, and when excess periods of time lapse between pump and external device interactions. |
| US07678070B2 |
System of dampening pressure pulsations caused by a positive displacement pump in endoscopic surgery
A system for distending body tissue cavities of subjects by continuous flow irrigation during endoscopic procedures, the system including: a fluid source reservoir containing a non viscous physiologic fluid meant for cavity distension; a fluid supply conduit tube connecting the fluid source reservoir to an inlet port of a variable speed positive displacement inflow pump and an outlet port of the said inflow pump being connectable to an inflow port of an endoscope instrument through an inflow tube for pumping the fluid at a controlled flow rate into the cavity, the flow rate of the said inflow pump being termed as the inflow rate; an inflow pressure transducer being located anywhere in the inflow tube between the outlet port of the inflow pump and the inflow port of the endoscope; an outflow port of the endoscope being connectable to a waste fluid collecting container via a waste fluid carrying tube, and characterized in that an active inflow pressure pulsation dampening means is connected to the inflow tube for dampening the pressure pulsations inside the cavity created by the positive displacement inflow pump. |
| US07678067B1 |
Apparatus for providing dorsiflexion assistance in ankle foot orthoses and night splints
An apparatus for providing dorsiflexion assistance in an orthotic device having ankle and foot sections joined by a hinge connection. The orthotic device may be, for example, an ankle foot orthotic or a night splint. The apparatus includes an elastic member, such as an elastomeric strap, having a first end that is attached to an upper portion of the ankle section of the orthotic device, and a cable that connects a second end of the elastic member to the foot section of the device at a position that is spaced anteriorly from the hinge connection, so that tension supplied by the elastic member creates dorsiflexion torque about the hinge connection. A tension adjuster is provided to allow the amount of torque to be adjusted to meet individual needs. An optional cable guard protects the cable from interference, and can also be used as a cable stop that effectively increases dorsiflexion force to compensate for loss of tension due to shortening of the elastic member upon dorsiflexion. The cable member may be attached to the foot section by routing it through a channel in a bridge piece under the arch area of the foot section of the device. The characteristics and amount of torque can be adjusted by adjusting the distance by which the cable attachment is spaced anteriorly (forward) of the hinge connection. The assist apparatus can readily be mounted to existing orthotic devices without requiring significant modification of the latter. |
| US07678066B2 |
Cooling massage device and product dispenser including such a device
A massage and/or dispensing device includes a body, and an applicator element intended to be placed in contact with a surface to be massaged and/or a surface to which a product is to be applied. The applicator element is movably retained in the body or mounted for movement relative to the body. The arrangement further includes a cooling arrangement which includes means of expanding a refrigerant liquefied gas directly in contact with the applicator element. |
| US07678063B2 |
Motion monitor system for use with imaging systems
A bellows-based patient breath-hold monitoring and feedback system for use in intermittent mode CT fluoroscopy-guided biopsies of the lung or upper abdomen where respiratory motion is a problem. Breath-hold monitoring and feedback with the bellows system allows a patient to perform consistent breath-holds at a preselected level, which in turn, optimizes intermittent mode CT fluoroscopy-guided biopsies of the lung or upper abdomen by allowing target lesions to be reliably visualized. |
| US07678060B1 |
Method of monitoring a state of health, and a wellness/emotional state monitor implementing the method
A method of deriving a single integer figure of merit representative of vital signs of a mammalian, generally a human subject. A systolic blood pressure S, a diastolic pressure D, and a heart rate PR are used to calculate an Inferred Blood Flow (IBF) using the equation IBF=(S−D)* PR/C where C is a constant, typically 100. A procedure is provided for establishing a statistically valid baseline IBF number against which subsequent IBF readings may be compared to assess the wellness (physiological and emotional) of the subject relative to medical community limits and standards. A self-contained apparatus for making measurements, and computing and storing an IBF is also provided. A normalized single digit scale, the Millen Scale is provided and ideal for use with the present invention. A system for monitoring wellness and/or emotional state of being using the IBF parameter is also provided. |
| US07678059B2 |
Non-invasive blood pressure monitor with improved performance
A blood pressure measurement system that utilizes both a non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) monitor having a blood pressure cuff and a continuous non-invasive blood pressure (CNIBP) monitor. During operation of the NIBP monitor, the blood pressure cuff is inflated to an initial inflation pressure greater than the systolic blood pressure for the patient being monitored. The CNIBP monitor calculates an estimated blood pressure that is supplied to the NIBP monitor. The NIBP monitor utilizes the continuous, estimated blood pressure to select a target inflation pressure for the blood pressure cuff. During operation of the NIBP monitor, the size of the pressure steps from the initial inflation pressure to a final pressure can be varied based upon the continuous blood pressure estimate from the NIBP monitor. |
| US07678056B2 |
Array rotation for ultrasound catheters
A transducer array is connected with a catheter housing. As the transducer array is rotated, the catheter housing also rotates. As a result, at least a portion of the catheter housing twists about a longitudinal axis. By applying rotation in a controlled way, such as with a motor, a plurality of two-dimensional images for three-dimensional reconstruction may be obtained. The rotation of the catheter housing may limit the total amount of rotation of the array, such as rotating the array through a 90 degree or less amount of rotation about the longitudinal axis. The housing of the catheter is formed with a soft section. The softer material allows for a greater amount or increased ease for twisting the catheter. |
| US07678051B2 |
Panoramic elasticity ultrasound imaging
Using compression, tissue elasticity data from two or more different fields of view is acquired. Since different amounts of compression may be used for the different fields of view, the dynamic range of the elasticity data is updated. A panoramic elasticity image is generated from the updated elasticity data of multiple fields of view. A panoramic elasticity image represents the combined fields of view for the elasticity data. |
| US07678050B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting cardiac events
A method and apparatus for detecting cardiac events. Ultrasonic data comprising a heart cycle is acquired by a probe. Tissue velocities associated with the ultrasonic data are detected. One of a maximum and a minimum value is detected based on the tissue velocities. A time within the heart cycle associated with the maximum or minimum value is determined, and a cardiac event is detected with respect to the time within the heart cycle and the maximum or minimum value. |
| US07678048B1 |
Medical diagnostic ultrasound system and method
A medical diagnostic ultrasound system comprises several subsystems, such as a transmit beamformer, a receive beamformer, a B-mode processor, a Doppler processor and a scan converter. These subsystems are within the ultrasound data processing path for processing ultrasound data. One or more of these subsystems are implemented with one or more re-programmable logic devices. For example, one or two field programmable gate arrays are used is each subsystem to perform most or almost all of the subsystems essential functionality. |
| US07678043B2 |
Device, system and method for in-vivo sensing of a body lumen
A system device and a method for imaging and/or for obtaining a sample from, for example, endo-luminal areas. The system may include two or more devices which may be magnetically connected in a body lumen, for example the system may include a first device which may include an imager and a transmitter for transmitting in vivo data, and a second device which may include a sampling mechanism. |
| US07678042B2 |
Devices and methods for promoting or enhancing male erectile function
A closed ringed structure having an arch segment embedded within is demonstrated for promoting and/or enhancing erectile function. It is for external placement on the shaft of a user's penis, including a closed, hollow tube of relatively elastic material forming a ring, the hollow tube completely encircles the shaft of a user's penis when placed on the user's penis, or completely encircles the shaft of the user's penis and the user's scrotum and testicles; and contains a filled arch segment within the hollow tube, for providing compression of the dorsal vein of the user's penis, where the outer diameter of the arch segment is of a smaller diameter than an outer diameter of the hollow tube. |
| US07678041B2 |
Airplane seat, passenger bench, magnetic field resonance system, and use of a device for generating electromagnetic interaction in an airplane seat or in a passenger bench in an aircraft
A seat with a device for generating electromagnetic interaction in an accommodation region that is equipped to accommodate an object. By electromagnetic interaction, an object can be influenced in such a way that, for example, fatigue that occurs during long-distance flights can be avoided. The device is used to prevent and reduce the occurrence of jet lag, reduce the danger of passengers suffering from thrombosis, and increase general well-being by promoting relaxation, sleep and stress reduction. The integration in cabin crew seats and/or cockpit seats can improve the performance of the crew of an aircraft on long-distance flights. |
| US07678038B1 |
Device for compressing a folded edge
A compression or fold completion device used to uniformly compress a folded edge of a workpiece, such as a box blank, in order to allow the blank to more easily be utilized in subsequent packaging operations. The device includes a pressure roller mounted to a rotatable adjustment member. The rotational axis of the pressure roller is offset from the rotational axis of the adjustment member. The adjustment member is in turn connected to an actuating assembly, which may include an arm secured at one end to the adjustment member and at the other end to an extendible and retractable actuator, in order to enable the actuator to rotate the adjustment member and selectively position the pressure roller in engagement with a folded edge of a workpiece passing beneath the pressure roller. |
| US07678033B2 |
Exercise equipment with system to position elastic bands to assist or oppose one another
An exercise machine includes a rocker pivotally attached to a base. Pins are attached to the bottom of the rocker. Pins are attached to the base. Tensioned elastic members each extend from a pin in the base to a pin attached to the bottom of the rocker. The elastic members assist or oppose each other depending on the position of the rocker. The elastic members function to rotate the rocker in different directions when the rocker is pivoted to different positions. |
| US07678031B2 |
Weight adjustable dumbbell for performing push up
A dumbbell has a planar base allowing it to be supported in a stable manner upon the ground, for instance while the user holding a pair of dumbbells performs exercises such as push ups. A compliant sheet on the base provides a high friction slip-resistant face. A pair of flanges disposed on the base and protruding from the base for mounting a handle therebetween and the base has a waisted form. Weights are provided for adjusting the total mass of the dumbbell. Complementary tongue and groove couplers are provided on each weight and on the flanges whereby each weight is releasably fastened to the device. |
| US07678027B2 |
Ball exerciser for arms and torso
An exercise ball device for exercising by a user while in a prone position. The exercise ball device includes a semi-circular shaped housing having an outer curved surface and an interior curved compartment having an inner curved surface. The housing has a retaining member positioned on the perimeter edge of the housing. The exercise ball device also includes a rolling ball positioned within the interior curved compartment, and the rolling ball is removably restrained within the interior curved compartment by the retaining member. Further, the outer curved surface of the housing has a restraint member attached thereto for receiving the hand of a user. Additionally, the rolling ball is approximately the same size as the interior curved compartment so that the rolling ball rotates or rolls within and relative to the housing. |
| US07678023B1 |
Method for providing mental activity for an exerciser
A mental activity for an exerciser exercising on an exercise apparatus connected to a communication link is provided by contacting a computer connected to the communication link and providing a display of mental activity data such as sports scores, stock prices or a weather report received from the contacted computer on a display device of the exercise apparatus while the exerciser exercises. |
| US07678021B2 |
Method and device for controlling an internal-combustion engine before a starting operation
A method and device are provided for limiting, in a first operating condition, a motor vehicle internal-combustion engine torque. The operating condition, resulting from an operation of a motor vehicle brake, when the engine torque is simultaneously demanded by a driver's intention indicator, differs from a second operating condition, in which the brake is not operated. The limiting takes place at least partially by way of a controlled reduction of an advance angle efficiency in the first operating condition in comparison to the second operating condition. |
| US07678014B2 |
Control apparatus for vehicular power transmitting system
A control apparatus for a vehicular power transmitting system including an electrically controlled differential portion having an electric motor, and an automatic transmission portion, the control apparatus including shift control portion operable upon determination that a jump shift-down action of the automatic transmission portion directly to a target gear position while skipping at least one intermediate gear position should take place and upon inhibition of the jump shift-down action, to generate a shifting command to perform the jump shift-down action when total jump-shift-down-action time required for the jump shift-down action is shorter than total sequential-shift-down-operation time required for a sequential shift-down operation consisting of a shift-down action to each intermediate gear position and a shift-down action from the last intermediate gear position to the target gear position, and a shifting command to perform the sequential shift-down operation when the total jump-shift-down-action time is not shorter than the total sequential-shift-down-operation time. |
| US07678013B2 |
Launch control of a hybrid electric vehicle
A method for controlling the launch of a vehicle having a powertrain that includes a first power path for driving a first wheel set and including an engine, a transmission having an input driveably connected to a crankshaft of the engine, a current gear, an input clutch associated with the current gear and an output connected to first wheel set, and a second power path including an electric machine for driving a second wheel set. The method includes determining a desired magnitude of wheel torque to be produced at the first wheel set, using the desired magnitude of wheel torque to be produced at the first wheel set to determine a magnitude of crankshaft torque, producing a predetermined magnitude of torque capacity at the input clutch, determining a crankshaft speed error, determining a change in magnitude of torque at the crankshaft that will reduce the crankshaft speed error, and operating the engine to produce a desired engine torque, whose magnitude is determined from the change in magnitude of torque at the crankshaft and the magnitude of desired crankshaft torque. |
| US07678004B2 |
Steering apparatus
A rotation transmitting apparatus comprises a first sun gear joined to a first shaft so as to rotate interlockingly, a second shaft arranged to the first shaft coaxially, a second sun gear joined to the second shaft so as to rotate interlockingly, a first planetary gear meshed with the first sun gear, a second planetary gear rotating with the first planetary gear and meshed with the second sun gear, and a carrier supporting the first and second planetary gears and arranged to be driven by a differential electric motor. In particular, the number of teeth of each of the first and second sun gears and the first and second planetary gears is determined so that the ratio of a torque applied to the second shaft to a torque applied to the first shaft ranges from 1:0.7 to 1:0.9. |
| US07678003B2 |
Hybrid vehicle transmission with a mechanical reverse function
A hybrid electric vehicle powertrain has an engine, a motor, a generator and a battery that define electro-mechanical power flow paths to vehicle traction wheels in both a forward drive operating mode and a reverse drive operating mode. The engine drives a power input element of a power-dividing gearset and the generator is connected to a reaction element of the power-dividing gearset. A torque reversing gearset drivably connects a power output element of the power-dividing gearset to final drive gearing to complement reverse driving motor torque. |
| US07678001B2 |
Apparatus for the intermittent drive of a spindle for a workpiece fixture, especially a forging machine
An apparatus is described for the intermittent drive of a spindle (1) for a workpiece fixture, especially a forging machine, comprising a traction gear (7) consisting of a traction means (13) guided endlessly about a driving wheel (6) and a driven wheel (8), a continuous rotary drive (5) for the driving wheel (6) and a superposition drive (10) performing rotary oscillations. In order to provide advantageous constructional conditions it is proposed that the superposition drive (10) comprises a support (11) which can be displaced in a rotary oscillating manner about the axis of the driven wheel (8), and deflection rollers (12) held on the support (11) for the traction strands (14) moving towards and away from the driving wheel (6). |
| US07678000B2 |
Tensioning arrangement for an endless linkage
A tensioning arrangement to an endless linkage of a drive train is provided. The tensioning arrangement includes a tension arm and a spool mounted at the tension arm. The spool includes a rib generally centrally located between opposing first and second endwalls of the spool. The rib includes a greater outer diameter relative to an outer diameter of adjacent cylindrical portions abutting the rib. Both opposing first and second endwalls of the spool are of greater outer diameter so as to steer the endless linkage therebetween in general alignment with the rib. A spring includes a hook free end engaged at the tension arm, and a linear shaped free end engaged at the frame so as to bias the spool against the endless linkage. |
| US07677998B2 |
Bicycle front derailleur
A bicycle front derailleur includes a base member, a movable member and a linkage assembly. The base member is configured to be fixedly coupled to a bicycle frame. The movable member has a chain guide portion. The linkage assembly is coupled between the base member and the movable member to move the chain guide portion between a retracted position and an extended position. The chain guide portion includes a chain guide element defining a chain path and a movable plate arranged to pivot about a pivot axis relative to the chain guide element in a see-saw movement. |
| US07677997B2 |
Double piston and belt type continuously variable transmission
A double piston and belt type continuously variable transmission comprises a primary pulley provided with a primary piston chamber and a primary clamp chamber; a secondary pulley provided with a secondary piston chamber and a secondary clamp chamber; and an endless belt operatively put around the primary and secondary pulleys. A switching circuit is arranged to connect both the primary and secondary clamp chambers to either one of the primary and secondary piston chambers, which shows a higher hydraulic pressure than the other. |
| US07677993B2 |
Tennis backboard
The invention provides a new tennis backboard design. The backboard includes a firm backing layer underlying a soft deadening layer. The rebound of a tennis ball from the backboard is reduced as compared to rebound from a rigid hard-surface backboard. This allows a player to stand fairly close to the backboard, which reduces misses. The player can stand fairly close and hit balls hard against the backboard. Because the rebound is reduced, the ball simply bounces back softly and easily to the player, allowing the player to hit hard again from a fairly short distance. Thus, long rallies without missing are easily achieved. Since the bounce is reduced, the player can stand closer to the backboard, and therefore the backboard can be smaller than conventional backboards without the player missing the backboard. This allows the backboard to be light, portable, and easily stored. Because of the addition of a soft deadening layer, the firm backing layer of the backboard can also be thin and made of lighter and weaker material than a conventional backboard, reducing the weight of the backboard. |
| US07677992B2 |
Apparatus and method for training a baseball batter to swing a baseball bat level
A baseball bat swing trainer attaches to a baseball bat and is configured to train a batter to maintain a level swing. The baseball bat swing trainer is attachable to a horizontal structure that is over the head of the batter and to a baseball bat. The baseball bat swing trainer includes a single-unit line controller, a line, and a baseball bat coupling connected to the line. The line controller is configured to vary and fix a working length of line defined as extending from the line controller to the baseball bat. The line may be varied in length, a working length, in order to accommodate different size batters. The line controller is configured to keep and release excess line. The coupling is secured onto the baseball bat at a location taken from a handle of the baseball bat that is approximately 50% of an overall length of the baseball bat. |
| US07677990B2 |
Golf club head
A golf club head of this invention includes a face and a plurality of striations formed on the face by milling. A pitch P in the arrangement direction of the plurality of striations satisfies 300 μm≦P≦600 μm. The surface roughness of a region in the face with the striations satisfies in the maximum height of the profile Ry, 15 μm≦Ry≦0.005×P+15.7 μm. |
| US07677976B2 |
Video game processing apparatus, a method and a computer program product for processing a video game
When a player character applies a damage to an attack target character on the basis of an attack action of the player character, it is determined whether the attack is a direct attack or a specific kind of attack different from the direct attack and defined in advance. A panic reaction term of a panic reaction is determined in the case where it is determined that the attack is the specific kind of attack. In the panic reaction, the attack target character becomes a state where the attack target character cannot attack the player character and defend oneself from an attack from the player character. The panic reaction is executed until the panic reaction term elapses. A privilege is applied to the player character in the case where it is determined that the attack target character suffers the direct attack during execution of the panic reaction. |
| US07677974B2 |
Video game methods and systems
The disclosure provides novel video game methods and systems. The disclosure includes methods and systems: for forming relationships between player characters, to allow for karma points, death, and reincarnation of player characters, for inheritance between player characters, to allow a game that progresses in eras, that allow reverse outcomes of game parameters, to create in-game objects from digital images of real life objects, to provide inventory management of in-game items and attributes, to facilitate favors between player characters, and to allow for genetic crossbreeding of parents to form children. |
| US07677973B2 |
Securing virtual contracts with credit
The disclosure provides novel video game methods and systems. The disclosure includes methods and systems for allowing game players to secure in-game contracts using credit systems such as credit cards or other financial instruments. The disclosure further provides methods and systems for providing virtual and/or real world financial penalties to game players and/or player characters who default on in-game agreements. |
| US07677966B2 |
Game device
In order to output event content of a related match during execution of a main match, there is provided a virtual start time decider for deciding virtual start times for a plurality of matches, a related match selector for selecting, from the plurality of matches, at least one match, taking place at least partially at the same time as a main match a player's team is taking part in, as one or more matches related to the main match based on virtual start times for each match, a related match simulator for simulating the related matches, event storage unit for storing event time and event content for prescribed types of events occurring in the related matches, a main match executor for executing the main match, an event time arrival monitor for monitoring for arrival of the event time stored by the event storage unit during execution of the main match, and an event content output unit for outputting event content corresponding to the event time when it is determined that the event time has arrived during execution of the main match. |
| US07677965B2 |
Combine harvester residue chopper active counter knife assembly
An active counter knife assembly for a material chopper assembly or construction that has a rotary chopper element disposed across a material flow path, including a chopper grate assembly, having a grate portion with spaced generally transverse slots therealong, positionable generally parallel to the rotary chopper element of the residue chopper assembly; a rotatable shaft positionable generally beneath and parallel to the grate portion of the chopper grate assembly, with a plurality of fixed or flail-type knife elements attached to such shaft and positioned thereon to be alignably rotatable through the spaced generally transverse slots of the grate portion of the chopper grate assembly; and a drive mechanism for effecting rotational movement of the counter knife assembly, which drive mechanism is preferably controllable to allow an operator to vary the rotational speed and direction of the rotatable shaft so that the rotatable shaft may be selectably either maintained in an essentially fixed or locked condition or operated to rotate either counter to the rotation of the rotary chopper element of the chopper assembly or in the same tangential direction as the rotary chopper element, thereby controlling to some extent both the throughput speed of the material at the chopper assembly and the quality of the chop by the chopper assembly. |
| US07677961B2 |
Fume hood drive system to prevent cocking of a sash
A fume hood comprised of first and second side walls, a back wall, a work surface, and a top wall, the walls and work surface defining a work area, an access opening for providing a user access to the work area, a movable sash member disposed for vertical movement across the access opening, and an anti-cocking drive mechanism mechanically coupling a drive motor to the movable sash member. The anti-cocking drive mechanism is comprised of a first and a second forward friction wheel, a first flexible coupling mechanically engaging, either directly or indirectly, the first forward friction wheel and a first rear friction wheel and coupled to the movable sash member on one end, a second flexible coupling mechanically engaging the second forward friction wheel and a second rear friction wheel and to the movable sash member on one end, and a drive shaft connecting the first components to the second components such that each are rotated simultaneously by the drive motor and the sash member is raised and lowered evenly on both sides. |
| US07677958B2 |
Retaining ring with flange for chemical mechanical polishing
A retaining ring has a generally annular body with a top surface, a bottom surface, an inner diameter surface, and an outer diameter surface. The outer diameter surface includes an outwardly projecting flange having a lower surface, and the bottom surface includes a plurality of channels. |
| US07677953B2 |
Crotch-posessing corrective garment
A (short or long) girdle constituted including, in an area fitting over a wearer's body, tightening portions for which the magnitude of the tightening force varies with direction. The tightening fabric portions 21 each run from above the anal cleft, passing above the left or right buttock to the vicinity of the left or right greater trochanter when the girdle is being worn, and the tightening force in the direction in which each tightening fabric portion 21 runs is made to be low. Moreover, supplementary tightening fabric portions 22 are provided running along the tightening fabric portions 21 in front of the tightening fabric portions 21, and the tightening force in the direction in which each supplementary tightening fabric portion runs is made to be low. |
| US07677952B2 |
Supportive, washable adhesive bra with detachable support structures
A strapless brassiere having winged support structures to maximize surface area of the bra to which an extended-wear adhesive is applied over substantially all of the undersurface of the bra. |
| US07677946B2 |
Apparatus for child activity and occupational therapy
The present invention provides interchangeable activity centers having a variety of themes, complexity, or content. Parents, teachers, therapists, or others can select, combine, and arrange two or more activity centers according to a user's interests and capabilities at that time. As the user develops greater skills or begins to lose interest, one or more of the activity centers may be removed, rearranged, or substituted for one or more other activity centers. This may lead to longer interest in the device and better correlate its subject matter with information or materials needed for further development. |
| US07677941B2 |
Electronic device substrate, electronic device, method of manufacturing electronic device, and electronic apparatus
An electronic device substrate includes an insulating plate base, an electronic circuit formed on one surface of the base, and a conductive film formed on the other surface of the base and having electrical conductivity. The electronic device substrate is completed through a manufacturing process including charge-removal movement in which removal of a charge of the base is combined with movement of the electronic device substrate. In the charge-removal movement, the electronic device substrate is moved with being supported by a substrate support part that has electrical conductivity and is grounded. The substrate support part abuts the conductive film during the charge-removal movement. |
| US07677939B2 |
Arm brace for swimming
The present invention is directed to an arm-brace for improving the efficiency of a swimmer's stroke. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the arm brace includes a first closed loop and a second closed loop that together form a figure-eight configuration. The first closed loop and the second closed loop are preferably at an angle with respect to each other such that the swimmer's hand is positionable through a portion of the first closed loop and the swimmer's forearm is positionable through the second closed loop. The arm brace is configured to control an angle between the swimmer's elbow and wrist in order to promote early vertical forearm positioning as the swimmer's arm moves through a catch phase of a swimming stroke. |
| US07677936B2 |
Plug connector having retainer attached mold case
To prevent damage by an external force in a retainer attached mold case of a plug connector including an insulating member having aligned containing holes containing contacts, a shield case surrounding the insulating member, a substantially cylindrical mold case incorporating these therein and having slits for grounding at two side walls thereof and an elastic claw with a lock portion and a lock release portion at an upper face, and a retainer for closing a rear end opening of the mold case excluding a cable inserting portion, a locking projection is projected to a rear side from a rear end portion of the elastic claw, and a float preventing piece for preventing the elastic claw from floating up by engaging with the locking projection is projected from a front end portion of the retainer. |
| US07677935B2 |
Right-angle connector
A connector forms a connection by inserting a socket connector and a plug connector into a housing. The housing is configured by integrally forming a plug insertion recessed part and a socket insertion recessed part in an L shape. A socket terminal of the socket connector, which is inserted in a socket insertion recessed part, is connected to and pinched by a plug terminal of the plug connector, which is inserted in and attached to the plug insertion recessed part. |
| US07677928B2 |
Filter connector
A filter connector includes a dielectric housing having a mounting face. At least one row of terminal-receiving passages are formed in the housing through the mounting face. A row of filter-receiving pockets are formed in the housing through the mounting face respectively in alignment with the passages, and with one side of each pocket communicating with its respective passage. A slot is formed in the mounting face of the housing and extends along the row of pockets in communication with opposite sides thereof. A plurality of terminals are mounted into the passages. A plurality of filters are inserted into the pockets through the mounting face, with one side of the filters respectively engageable with the terminals. A single shorting bar is inserted into the slot in the housing through the mounting face and into engagement with opposite sides of the filters. |
| US07677925B2 |
Multi-port connector having DisplayPort connector and HDMI connector
A multi-port connector having DisplayPort and HDMI connector includes a seat body, a DisplayPort, an HDMI connector, a sealing lid and an outer casing. A first slot and a second slot are respectively arranged on the seat body. At back of the seat body, there is a recessing part, at upper portion of which an assembling opening communicated to the first slot is arranged. A plurality of slots are arranged on a wall surface of the recessing part. The DisplayPort is assembled in the first slot, while the HDMI connector is assembled in the second slot. The sealing lid is assembled to the recessing part. A protruding portion arranged at the sealing lid is assembled to the assembling opening. On a wall surface of the sealing lid, there are a plurality of striping ribs snapped into the slots. The outer casing externally fitted to the seat body is arranged a first perforation and a second perforation at front side face thereof. The first and second perforations respectively correspond to a plug-in opening of DisplayPort and a slot of HDMI connector, while a set of assembling legs are extended at a bottom part of a side face of the outer casing. The multi-port connector is to provide a plug-in function for the transmitting lines of the Displayport and the HDMI. |
| US07677922B2 |
Composite connector
A composite connector includes an insulating base, an S/PDIF connector and a Display port connector. The insulating base is formed with a first accommodating trough and a second accommodating trough adjacent to the first accommodating trough. The S/PDIF connector is partially accommodated in the first accommodating trough. The Display port connector is accommodated in the second accommodating trough. The first accommodating trough and the second accommodating trough are arranged vertically. The present composite connector has an effect of saving space. |
| US07677918B1 |
Connector for flexible printed circuit board
A connector adapted for receiving an FPC board therein includes an insulating housing having a base board, a shell pivoted onto the insulating housing and having a top board, a plurality of electric terminals disposed in the base board of the insulating housing for electrically contacting the FPC board, and at least one ground terminal. The top board protrudes downward to form at least one connecting rib capable of electrically abutting against the FPC board. The ground terminal has a base portion fastened in the base board. A contacting portion and a soldering portion extend from two opposite ends of the base portion, respectively. The contacting portion stretches out of a top surface of the base board for being against the top board of the shell and the soldering portion stretches out of the base board. |
| US07677917B2 |
Electrical connector with lever
A connector in which a connection terminal is not pushed out from a housing even if an operation lever is mistakenly and excessively rotated is provided. When an operation lever is rotated for opening, a contact portion of the operation lever rides on a position regulating surface of a base before an upper surface of the operation lever contacts an edge of an upper surface on a rear surface side of the base, so that the operation lever is lifted upward. |
| US07677916B2 |
Power plug assembly
The present invention relates to a power plug assembly, comprises a cable having two power wires, end sections of each wire has plural conductive metal wires; a terminal set composed by a positive terminal and a negative terminal, a connecting section is respectively provided to the rear ends of the positive and the negative terminals and the connecting sections are respectively connected to plural conductive metal wires of end sections of the power wires, the surfaces of the positive and the negative terminals are provided with welding holes; a conductive sleeve tube having an inner tube and an outer tube, an insulating material is provided between the inner tube and the outer tube for insulation; after the two terminals are respectively provided on the outer tube and the inner tube of the conductive sleeve tube, a welding operation is processed and the welding material passes through the welding holes so the two terminals are connected and retained on the conductive sleeve tube; an outer covering member formed by a plastic injection molding and the rear portion of the conductive sleeve tube, the terminal set and the front portion of the cable are covered by the outer covering member via the plastic injection molding. With the improved connecting method of the cable, the terminal set and the conductive sleeve tube provided by the present invention, the connecting strength and the welding speed are increased, and the defective rate is lower and the quality can be ensured. |
| US07677909B2 |
Card for information equipment, and terminal for information equipment
A PC card has a card body portion in which a first card terminal portion is formed in one end and a second card terminal portion is formed in the other end. The card terminal portion has a chip slot. A SIM card inserted through an insertion port into the chip slot is electrically connected to a printed circuit board. The insertion port of the chip slot is opened in an outer side face of the second card terminal portion. |
| US07677905B2 |
Electronic device and manufacturing method of the same
An electronic device includes a printed circuit board with multiple lands and through holes and an electronic element with multiple terminals on the board. Each terminal is coupled with the land through a solder. The lands include a surface land on the board and an insertion land on a sidewall of the through hole. The terminals include a branch terminal having an insertion member and a surface member. The insertion member is coupled with the insertion land through the solder. The surface member is coupled with the surface land through the solder. The surface member is parallel to the printed circuit board. The insertion member is perpendicular to the printed circuit board. The insertion member extends from a part of the surface member, which faces the surface land and disposed above the through hole. |
| US07677903B1 |
Board-to-board connector assembly
A board-to-board connector assembly includes a receptacle connector having a plurality of first terminals, and a plug connector having a plurality of second terminals. Each of the first terminals has two contact portions located oppositely and each of the second terminals has two contact arms located face-to-face. When the plug connector is mated with the receptacle connector, the contact portions of the first terminal are clipped between the contact arms of the corresponding second terminal to electrically contact the corresponding contact arms tightly such that ensures the first terminal and the corresponding second terminal electrically connected with each other steadily. |
| US07677901B1 |
Electric connecting apparatus for semiconductor devices and contact used therefor
The contact includes the plunger and a coil spring unit for holding the plunger thereon. The plunger includes an upper contact strip having a plurality of contact points on an upper end portion thereof, a wide portion, and a lower contact strip having two contact strips each having a contact point at a lower end portion thereof. The coil spring unit includes a spring portion and a funnel shaped tight wound portion including a guiding portion and a slimly wound portion having a contact point at a lower end portion thereof. The plurality of contact points provided on the upper contact strip is arranged in a plane so as to be broadened at a distance. The contact points provided on the two contact strips of the lower contact strip are formed to be resiliently deformable with respect to each other. |
| US07677884B2 |
Burner
A burner for burning a gaseous fuel containing hydrogen with a gaseous oxidizer containing oxygen, having a combustion chamber in which the combustion reaction takes place during operation of the burner and having a wall structure which seals off the combustion chamber on the input end and which has multiple fuel openings through which the fuel is introduced into the combustion chamber during operation of the burner and has multiple oxidizer openings through which the oxidizer is introduced into the combustion chamber during operation of the burner. |
| US07677882B2 |
Smokeless liquid dual-phase burner system
The smokeless liquid two-phase burner system of the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for burning a wide variety of flammable liquids using an integrated burner system. The system has both a primary injection path and an alternate injection path for the liquid fuel to be burned, as well as a main air pump or blower. The present invention also provides a method and apparatus for selectably injecting a secondary stream of a gas or vapor or volatile liquid into a flare system for the purpose of enhancing combustion. |
| US07677880B2 |
Apparatus for forming hand-formed style patty using a patty-forming machine
A system includes a high speed reciprocating mold plate patty-forming machine and a downstream patty presser. The high speed patty forming machine provides patties at a high production speed onto an output conveyor portion. The patty presser includes an upper conveyor having an upper endless belt. The upper conveyor is located above the output conveyor, wherein facing belt surfaces of the upper and lower endless belts define a path between the upper and lower conveyors. The upper conveyor has a tilted section such that a first clearance at an input to the path is equal to or greater than a thickness of the patties and a second clearance at an outlet of the inlet length is less than a thickness of the patties at the input of the path. A shuttle conveyor is arranged at the output of the path and delivers patties to an indexing packaging machine. |
| US07677876B2 |
Die with controlled breather for rotational pressing
A die for rotational pressing includes a breather device for connection of the interior of the die with the exterior and which has a passage between the interior and the exterior of the die equipped with a valve operated by an actuator piloted by a handling controller for opening the passage after a first step of the pressing process. The valve allows the breather of the internal pressure of the die and/or controlled injection of air under pressure into the die. |
| US07677875B2 |
Injection molding machine for controlling measurement of an in-line screw
A method for controlling measurement in a motor-driven in-line screw type injection molding machine using servo-motors as a measurement driving source and an injection driving source. Control is made so that all of a measured value of back pressure controlled by the measurement servo-motor, a measured value of an astern speed of a screw controlled by the injection servo-motor, and a measured rotational speed of the screw turn zero concurrently at timing when the screw reaches a measurement completion position. Thus, suck-back can be made dispensable. |
| US07677871B2 |
High-efficiency, large angle, variable displacement hydraulic pump/motor
A variable displacement hydraulic/pump motor has a yoke with a pair of shafts aligned to define a yoke pivot axis and connected to a valve plate therebetween having intake and discharge apertures. A rotatable cylinder barrel has piston cylinders open at one end to receive a piston head and opening through fluid ports at another end, flush against the valve plate surface. A drive block is mounted on an input/output shaft for rotation about a central axis of rotation inclined at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder barrel which may be changed by a drive engaging the yoke at a point near its pivot axis. Loads on bushings supporting the yoke shafts are reduced by providing radially extending fluid ports in the shafts and in communication with the intake and discharge apertures of the valve plate. |
| US07677869B2 |
Monitoring and data processing equipment for wind turbines and predictive maintenance system for wind power stations
A predictive maintenance system for wind parks, the wind park comprising a group of wind turbines (Ai), a communications network (RS), and a supervision and control system (ST). The predictive maintenance system comprises a monitoring and processing equipment (SMP) connected to the control system (PLC) of the wind turbine (Ai), such that the monitoring and processing equipment sends alarms through the control system of the wind turbine to the supervision and control system. A monitoring and processing equipment (SMP) for wind turbines is also disclosed. |
| US07677866B2 |
Device for adjusting the centring of a turbo-engine pivoting vane control synchronization ring
The invention relates to a device for adjusting the centring of a turbo-engine pivoting vane control ring, comprising a control ring (26) centred on a longitudinal axis (X-X) of the turbo-engine and provided with a plurality of tapped holes (36) running in a radial direction and a plurality of pad holders (32), each comprising a threaded rod (34) screwed into one of the ring's tapped holes (36), each pad holder (32) holding, at an inner end, a pad (30) intended to come into contact with a cylindrical shell (28), coaxial with the ring. The control ring (26) comprises, in addition, a plurality of slots (38) running in a tangential direction, each slot (38) communicating with one of the ring's tapped holes (36) The device comprises means (40, 42a, 42b) of pinching, in a longitudinal direction, each of the slots (38) in such a way as to lock the pad holders (32) in position. |
| US07677864B2 |
Bulk material pump feeder with reduced disk jamming, compliant disks
A bulk materials pump feeder having a housing and a rotating drive rotor for transferring material from an inlet to an outlet of the housing. The drive rotor has a hub. Drive disks extend away from the hub toward a housing inner wall and have a compliant edge configured to deflect or compress when presented with pinched material rather than jamming. |
| US07677863B2 |
Overspeed safety device for a rotation motor
An over-speed safety device for a pneumatic rotation motor having a cylinder (10), a forward end wall (11), a rear end wall (12) with a pressure air inlet opening (21), a rotor (13), and an actuator (15) co-rotative with the rotor (13) and responsive to centrifugal action, and a valve lid (20) tiltable relative to a pivot axis (C) and shiftable between an open position and a closed position for controlling the airflow though the inlet opening (21), wherein the pivot axis (C) extends along a chord in relation to the rotor centre, and the actuator (18) comprises a cam surface (25) for camming engagement with the valve lid (20) for moving the latter in a radial direction toward the closed position. The valve lid (20) is supported by ridge positions (33, 34) on a seat surface (2) disposed around the inlet opening (21), and a wire spring (26) is arranged to retain and bias the valve lid (20) against the seat surface (32). The ridge portions (33, 34) are arranged to make the valve lid (20) perform an over-centre movement when shifted from open to closed position, thereby obtaining a bi-stable action of the valve lid (20) under action of the wire spring (26). |
| US07677857B2 |
Mobile cargo container scanning buffer crane
A mobile cargo container handling buffer crane having a bridge crane mounted thereon for transferring cargo containers between a ship and land transportation with an intermediate transfer position at which a suspended container can be noninvasively inspected by a longitudinally reciprocating container traversing nonintrusive inspection apparatus. |
| US07677852B2 |
Multi-lobular lockbolt
A lockbolt which includes a head portion and a shaft which extends from the head portion. The shaft includes at least a portion which is threaded and has a multi-lobular profile. A collar is swageable onto the multi-lobular threaded portion, and thereafter the lobes provide that the collar does not tend to vibrate loose from the threading. The fact that the section which has a multi-lobular profile is also threaded provides that the collar (or a conventional threaded nut) can be selectively rotatably removed and re-installed on the lockbolt. Before swaging, the collar may initially include a cylindrical bore, or a bore which is multi-faceted, preferably generally corresponding to the profile of the multi-lobular portion of the lockbolt. The lockbolt may also include a frangible pintail, wherein the multi-lobular threaded portion is disposed between the head portion of the bolt and the frangible pintail. |
| US07677850B2 |
Clip comprising a pin and a bush
A clip comprises a pin, and a hollow bush adapted to receive the pin therein. The bush includes a flange and a bush body having an opening which is formed by partially cutting off a peripheral wall thereof and adapted to receive therein a pin shank in a direction orthogonal to an axial direction of the bush body. The bush body and the bush flange are adapted to be expanded in a radially outward direction of the bush body about a position opposed to the opening, in a hinged manner. The pin has a shank that includes a protruding portion which has a narrow region formed near a distal end of the pin shank, causing no expansion in an outer diameter of the bush body in the radially outward direction when the pin is in a non-fastened position, and a wide region adjacent to the bush flange, causing an expansion in the outer diameter of the bush body when the pin is in a fastened position. |
| US07677844B2 |
Electronic clutch for tool chuck with power take off and dead spindle features
A power driver may include a motor that rotates upon receiving an input current. A tool chuck may have chuck jaws to hold an accessory. The tool chuck may be coupled to the motor. A power take off mechanism may be connected between the motor and the tool chuck. The power take off mechanism may be adjustable into a CHUCK MODE to one of open and close the chuck jaws while the motor rotates. An electronic clutch may interrupt the input current to the motor if the power take off mechanism is in the CHUCK MODE and if the input current exceeds a trip value. |
| US07677843B2 |
Cutting implement
A cutting implement comprises a substrate having a cutting edge, and plurality of hardfacing beads deposited on the substrate transverse to the edge of said substrate. |
| US07677842B2 |
Insert tip
An insert tip used when steel or cast iron is worked, in which clearance portions are provided inside bolt holes formed in the insert tip to slantingly fit a bolt into the bolt holes, the bolt serving to fix the insert tip to a cutter body, so that more insert tips can be firmly fixed to the cutter body. To this end, in an insert tip including bolt holes that cause upper and lower surfaces of a plate shaped body to communicate with each other, the plate shaped body having a cutting edge at each corner portion, the insert tip being fixed to a cutter body by a bolt fitted into the bolt holes, clearance portions are formed at a portion direction toward each corner portion of the insert tip among inner side portions of the bolt holes to prevent interference between the bolt holes and the bolt if the bolt is slantingly fitted from one corner portion of the insert tip, where the insert tip is worked, to its opposite corner portion. |
| US07677840B2 |
Green retaining wall utilizing helical piers
The present invention provides a system and a method for a retaining wall which minimizes cost, assembly time and environmental impact while providing substantial load-bearing capacity. The system includes: a plurality of vertical helical piers driven into the ground, tie-back helical piers driven at a non-vertical angle into the ground, substantially horizontal waler rods, and substantially vertical extensions, which are interconnected through interlocking connectors. Multiple levels of the load-bearing structure can be built on top of each other depending on the height of the soil to be retained. Loads from the retained soil may be transferred to the extension bars and waler rods through wood lagging, wood planks, different types of plates, or some other intermediary. A mesh support for the soil can be provided in addition to the load-bearing structure. Trees, bushes or other plants can be planted through the mesh in the retained soil to improve the environmental impact of the invention. |
| US07677834B2 |
Apparatus and method for improving control of a concrete screed head assembly
A soft landing control system for a screeding device is operable to automatically lower a vibrating member relative to a grade setting device after the grade setting device is lowered to the desired grade. The control may be operable to delay lowering the vibrating member relative to the grade setting device at least until the control receives an input indicative of at least a portion of the screed head assembly being moved to a position generally over a newly placed concrete area. Optionally, the control may delay lowering of the vibrating member relative to the grade setting device until a period of time has elapsed after an activating event. Optionally, the control may automatically stop vibration of the vibrating member when the screed head assembly is not moving in the screeding direction and may automatically vibrate the vibrating member when the screed head assembly moves in the screeding direction. |
| US07677833B2 |
Safety improvements for airport runways and taxiways
An airstrip shoulder-bordering surface arrangement for extending the width of existing runway and taxiway shoulders comprising a flexible water-impermeable surfacing material extending laterally of a side edge of an airstrip shoulder, an artificial grass surface adjacent the water-impermeable surfacing material, and an edge-fastening system for securing the surfacing material in position relative to the airstrip shoulder to prevent water migration therebetween, the surfacing material having a relatively smooth top surface. |
| US07677825B2 |
Stylized writing instrument
A stylized writing instrument which is shaped like a proprietary and/or familiar object. In general, embodiments of the invention include a housing shaped like the proprietary and/or familiar object, a writing element, and internal mechanisms provided within the housing for extending the writing element from, and retracting the writing tip into, the housing. The internal mechanisms may comprise a wide variety of actuation systems for extending and retracting the writing element, including a cam actuation assembly, an edge slide actuation assembly, a gravity actuation assembly, a pressure actuation assembly and a push button actuation assembly. |
| US07677822B2 |
Semiautomatic electronic printer
A semiautomatic electronic printer comprises a housing (2) and, internally, a print head (8). A push-button (3), projecting upwards from the housing (2), is rigidly connected to a frame (7), which is mounted in a spring-charged relationship inside the housing (2) in such a manner to be vertically movable between a rest position and a working one. The frame (7) sustains in the upper part a printed circuit board including a microprocessor for acquiring from a separate computer data that has to be printed, and for storing such data, as well as for controlling the operation of the print head (8), supported by a carriage (20), with its inferior part being brought to touch the medium to be printed when the push-button is pushed downwards and to translate horizontally after the printing of a line of dots until a desired imaging made of a dot matrix has been printed on the all printing surface. |
| US07677821B2 |
Image processing apparatus
The present invention provides an image processing apparatus which can perform image processing suitable for each image in a job as well as provides an image processing program storage medium. The image processing apparatus has an information storage section which stores processing information used for predetermined image processing in memory by associating it with front and back sides of paper each, a color conversion section which performs a color conversion process on an image based on the processing information associated by the information storage section with the front or back side on whichever the image is to be recorded, and a RIP section which converts the image data after color conversion into raster data while performing a correction process on the image data to correct image distortion. |
| US07677816B2 |
Camera terminal and imaged area adjusting device
A camera terminal including an imaging zone adjusting apparatus that adjusts an imaging zone using multiple camera terminals, a camera that images a hypothetical imaging zone obtained by changing the position of an imaging zone within a specific zone in a specific period of time, an adjusting unit that adjusts the position of a hypothetical imaging zone, and a communications unit that sends/receives hypothetical imaging zone information indicating the hypothetical imaging zone. The adjusting unit adjusts the position of the hypothetical imaging zone of one's own camera terminal based on the hypothetical imaging zone of one's own camera terminal and the hypothetical imaging zones of the other camera terminals indicated by the hypothetical imaging zone information received by the communications unit so that a combined zone of the hypothetical imaging zones of the multiple camera terminals completely covers a specific imaging target zone. |
| US07677815B2 |
Photographic device with retractable lens
A photographic device that includes a main body, a lens barrel and a barrel-positioning mechanism, which is operably coupled to the lens barrel and the main body. The barrel positioning mechanism is capable of moving the lens barrel between a retracted position, in which the lens barrel is within the main body, and an extended position, in which the lens barrel projects out of the main body. In some embodiments, the barrel positioning mechanism is a purely mechanical component that moves the lens barrel between the retracted position and the extended position in response to the lens barrel being pushed in a direction generally towards the main body. In other embodiments, the barrel positioning mechanism includes an electrical motor that helps extend and retract the lens barrel. In some embodiments, the extension/retraction of the lens barrel is triggered by software. |
| US07677814B2 |
Mechanical interface converter for making non-ruggedized fiber optic connectors compatible with a ruggedized fiber optic adapter
An interface converter is provided for mechanically and optically coupling a non-ruggedized fiber optic connector with a ruggedized adapter port. In a preferred embodiment, the interface converter attaches to an SC fiber optic connector and together form a converted fiber optic connector compatible with the ruggedized adapter port. In certain embodiments, a retractable release sleeve may be removed from the SC fiber optic connector prior to attaching the interface converter. In certain embodiments, the interface converter may be inserted into the ruggedized adapter port prior to being attached to the SC fiber optic connector. |
| US07677812B2 |
Strain relief boot for cable connector
A strain relief boot for a connectorized cable. The boot has a staged bending characteristic in that there are discrete first and second zones that have different bending and minimum bend radius characteristics. The boot is of a segmented design including multiple links separated from one another by open gaps that are spaced from one another in a longitudinal direction. Gaps are positioned along a periphery of the boot for each axial location. Ribs extend longitudinally to connect axially adjacent links, and to separate peripherally spaced gaps. The different characteristics relate to differences in the gap, link and rib structures, which have dimensions varying along the boot's length. Preferably, link and rib dimensions are relatively smaller toward a proximal end of the boot, and gap dimensions are relatively larger toward the proximal end of the boot. This provides greater flexibility and smaller minimum bend radii toward the boot's proximal end. |
| US07677811B2 |
Lightpipe mounting assembly and method
A lightpipe mounting assembly comprises a panel having at least one opening extending from a front side of the panel to a rear side of the panel. The panel also comprises at least one hook extending rearwardly from a periphery of the opening. The mounting assembly also comprises a lightpipe adapted to engage the at least one hook to secure the lightpipe to the panel to enable visibility of the lightpipe from the front side of the panel. |
| US07677809B2 |
Tapered roller bearing, a tapered roller bearing assembly and a pinion-shaft supporting assembly using the same
A tapered roller bearing is designed to have a roller loading ratio in the range of 0.7 to 0.92 and a ratio of roller length to roller diameter in the range of 1.1 to 1.7 whereby oil agitation loss and rolling viscous resistance are reduced for achieving the reduction of running torque. Crownings are provided which are designed to have an outer-ring crowning parameter (=RCO/LRO) in the range of 30 to 150 and an inner-ring crowning parameter (=RCI/LRI) in the range of 50 to 260, provided that RCO denotes the radius of an outer ring crowning, LRO denotes the raceway length of an outer ring, RCI denotes the radius of an inner ring crowning and LRI denotes the raceway length of an inner ring. Thus, the rolling viscous resistance is reduced for achieving the reduction of running torque. |
| US07677808B2 |
Bearing apparatus for a driving wheel of a vehicle
A bearing apparatus for a driving wheel of a vehicle has an outer member (2), inner member (5, 6), rolling elements (4), outer joint member (61) and a cover (11, 67). The outer member (2) is formed with double row outer raceway surfaces (2a) on its inner peripheral surface The inner member (5, 6) include a wheel hub (2) with an integrally formed wheel mounting flange (7) at one end and an axially extending cylindrical portion (5b, 13b) of a smaller diameter. At least one inner ring (6) is press fit onto the cylindrical portion (5b, 13b). The inner member (5, 6) is formed with double row inner raceway surfaces (5a, 6a) arranged opposite to the double row outer raceway surfaces (2a). The double row rolling elements (4) are freely rollably contained between the outer and inner raceway surfaces (2a and 5a, 6a). The outer joint member (61) of a constant velocity universal joint (53) is integrally formed with a shaft portion (60) which is inserted into the inner member (5, 6) in a torque transmitting manner and is axially fastened by a nut (63) so that it abuts the inner member (5, 6). Lubricant is applied to the end face of the inner member (6) that abuts the outer joint member (61). The cover (11, 17) is mounted on the end of the inner member (6). The cover (11, 17) has a fitting portion (11a, 17a) adapted to be inserted into the cylindrical portion (5b, 13b) and an annular bottom portion (11c, 17b) to cover the end of the inner member (6). |
| US07677804B2 |
Linear motion guide unit
A linear motion guide unit is provided in which a crowning portion available extensively for standard specification is made easily. The crowning portion is comparatively small in depth, and rich in high accuracy and high durability. A raceway groove for a load race in a carriage is made at an ingress/egress area thereof with the crowning portion of a curved profile that varies gently to allow the rolling element to move in and out of the load race with smoothness. The carriage is provided at the forward and aft ends of the raceway groove with rounded bevels, which are made in a curved contour merging into the associated crowning portion without causing any discontinuity at a junction of the rounded bevel with the crowning portion. |
| US07677802B2 |
Method and patient bed for positioning a patient in a medical examination system
In a method for simplified positioning of a patient bed positioning information of a measurement position of the patient bed is recorded and retained as a forced stop position. The positioning of the patient bed between the measurement position ensues such that, given a movement of the patient bed from the withdrawn position, the positioning procedure is automatically halted upon reaching the measurement position. |
| US07677800B2 |
Radiological imaging apparatus, radiological imaging method, and program
A radiological imaging apparatus that includes a radiation source, a radiation detection section that detects radiation that passes through a subject, a signal detection section that detects signals from a plurality of signal generating sections disposed on the radiation detection section, a signal comparison section that compares the signals detected by the signal detection section, a positional relationship judgment section that makes a judgment as to whether a positional relationship between the radiation detection section and the radiation source is a predetermined positional relationship, a position control section that controls a position of at least one of the radiation source and the radiation detection section to maintain the positional relationship, a position control holding section that holds and fixes the radiation source and the radiation detection section, and a notification section that provides notification in a case where the positional relationship is not the predetermined positional relationship during holding. |
| US07677799B2 |
Coordination of radiological imaging subsystems and components
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for coordinating a radiological imaging subsystem with a component including: a first communication device located on the radiological imaging subsystem; and a second communication device located on the component, wherein the first and second communication devices are capable of communicating to indicate a positional relationship between the radiological imaging subsystem and the component. In an embodiment, the component includes an imaging table. In an embodiment, at least one range of motion of the radiological imaging system is determinable based at least in part on the communicating to indicate a positional relationship. In an embodiment, the at least one range of motion of the radiological imaging system includes at least one range of motion of a gantry. |
| US07677797B2 |
X-ray imaging stand and X-ray imaging apparatus
An X-ray imaging stand that supports an upright X-ray imaging panel by a column standing vertically through a carriage, includes a bar-like member having a longitudinal bar section that extends from the carriage in the upward direction over the upper end of the X-ray imaging panel and a horizontal bar section that extends from the leading end of the longitudinal bar section in the horizontal direction over the surface of the X-ray imaging panel receiving the X-ray, and a support mechanism that supports the longitudinal bar section of the bar-like member above the carriage such that the angle thereof is variable in plural stages in a plane parallel to the surface of the X-ray imaging panel receiving the X-ray. |
| US07677794B2 |
Multi-fixed-point cells and temperature calibration system using it
The present invention relates to a multi fixed-point cell for calibrating a thermometer and a thermometer calibration apparatus using the same, wherein measuring errors can be checked by using a property of constant temperature of a metal on the basis of a phase transition and wide range of temperature region can be measured by one time calibration, thereby capable of increasing efficiencies of time and cost which are taken for calibration. In a multi fixed-point cell for calibrating a thermometer according to the present invention, a thermometer inserting hole in which a thermometer is inserted is formed at one side and at least two reference material inserting holes in which reference materials having different phase transition temperatures are inserted respectively are formed on a same plane as that of the thermometer inserting hole so as to be spaced apart each other. |
| US07677792B2 |
Automatic stirring system
The present invention relates to an automatic stirring system that is selectively mounted to a cooking vessel. The cooking vessel includes a handle, an opening for receiving food items, and a lid. The automatic stirring system includes a housing mounted to the handle, a ring gear rotatably mounted to the cooking vessel, a drive assembly for rotating the ring gear, and at least one stirring vane attached to the ring gear. In various other embodiments, the automatic stirring system includes at least one forward swept stirring vane, at least one aperture in the stirring vane, a variable speed control unit, and a component orientation that provides substantially unimpeded access to the opening of the cooking vessel. |
| US07677790B2 |
Fluid rotation system for a cavitation chamber
A system for achieving bubble stability within a cavitation chamber is provided. The system includes an impeller assembly, the impeller assembly having at least one impeller located within the cavitation chamber. A motor, coupled to the impeller by a drive shaft, rotates the impeller thereby causing bubbles within the cavitation chamber to move toward the impeller's axis of rotation. As a consequence, the bubbles become more stable. Preferably the axis of rotation of the impeller is positioned in a substantially horizontal plane, thus allowing the rotating impeller to counteract the tendency of the bubbles to drift upward and to accumulate on the upper, inner surfaces of the cavitation chamber. The impeller can be rotated continuously throughout the cavitation process or stopped prior to cavitating the bubbles within the cavitation chamber. In the latter scenario, the impeller can be stopped, and if desired locked, at a specific rotational position, thus minimizing possible interference between the impeller and the source of the cavitation energy. The impeller can be shaped to correspond to the inner surface of the cavitation chamber, for example spherically or cylindrically, and can utilize multiple impeller blades. |
| US07677785B2 |
Backlight module and an optical slice unit support device thereof
The present invention provides a backlight module and a support device for a sheet-form optical element contained within the backlight module. The backlight module mainly includes a frame, a support device and the sheet-form optical element disposed within the frame. The support device includes a support portion and a positioning portion. The support portion has a support end and a connection end. The support end extends into the space within the frame, and supports the bottom end of the sheet-form optical element. The positioning portion has a first end, a second end and a bend portion connecting the first end with the second end. The first end connects to the connection end of the support portion, and an included angle exists between the first end and the support portion. The positioning portion of the support device is inset in the frame to provide a support force for the support portion. |
| US07677784B2 |
Optical unit, backlight assembly having the same and display device having the same
An optical unit includes a base, a light-condensing member disposed on the base to condense a first portion of light that is incident onto the base and protrusion members disposed on a surface of the light-condensing member to scatter a second portion of the light that is incident onto the base. A backlight assembly includes light sources, an optical unit receiving light from the light sources to condense and scatter the light, and may also include an optical member disposed over the optical unit to enhance the front luminance of the light. A display device includes light sources, an optical module and a display panel. Thus, display quality of the display device may be enhanced. |
| US07677779B2 |
Vehicle lamp collapsible closeout
A collapsible closeout for a gap between a vehicle lamp and closure, and particularly well suited for a gap between a headlamp and a hood, is disclosed. The closeout may include a base mounted to a lamp housing, a closeout wall extending from the base, and a contact flange extending under the hood and having a free end extending toward a headlamp lens. The closeout may also include first support ribs extending from the closeout wall toward the headlamp and opposed second support ribs extending from the closeout wall. |
| US07677764B2 |
Illuminating apparatus
An exemplary illuminating apparatus comprises a light source holder, a linear light source and two elongated reflecting plates. The linear light source is mounted on the light source holder. The elongated reflecting plates are mounted on opposite sides of the light source holder. Each of the elongated reflecting plates is rotatable about a rotation axis relative to the light source holder. |
| US07677759B1 |
LED flashlight lantern
A combination flashlight and lantern includes a body having a first axis, an internally reflective flashlight cup surrounding the first axis and a lens covering the cup. An externally reflective cone surrounds the first axis and has an apex through which the first axis passes. A drum is located between the cup and cone and pivots about a second axis that is normal to the first axis. An LED is mounted to the drum and directed radially from the second axis such that in a first orientation of the drum, the LED directed toward the apex of the cone and in a second orientation of the drum, the LED is directed at the lens. In a third orientation of the drum, the LED is directed perpendicularly to the first axis toward the shroud. |
| US07677758B2 |
Display method and illumination system thereof
An illumination system is provided, which provides a plurality of light beams to a light valve. The illumination system includes a plurality of light sources, a polynomial lens and an optical scanning element. The light sources are capable of emitting the light beams. The polynomial lens is disposed on light paths of the light beams and located between the light sources and the light valve. The polynomial lens shapes the light beams into a plurality of rectangular light beams. The optical scanning element is disposed on light paths of the rectangular light beams and located between the polynomial lens and the light valve. The optical scanning element is capable of moving for scanning the rectangular light beams on the light valve unidirectionally or back and forth along a direction, and the rectangular light beams partially overlap with each other on the light valve. |
| US07677755B2 |
Variable orientation appliance mount
A mount for securing an appliance such as a light beam generator to a support or other object at various selected orientations of the appliance. A preferred embodiment of the mount includes a circular element having a wedge-shaped circumferential portion and a plurality of rotationally spaced diametric grooves, and a securement device including first and second opposed surfaces for securingly engaging the circular element's wedge-shaped circumferential portion, the securement device including a bar extending between the first and second opposed surfaces for engaging a selected one of the diametric grooves. |
| US07677753B1 |
Programmable remote control electrical light operating system
A control system for turning conventional AC electric window lights on and off particularly during the holiday season by means of a central, wireless remote control is herein disclosed. Specifically, the apparatus provides for the remote control of traditional, electric, window candlelight fixtures. Each lighting fixture has its own integral receiver which responds to on/off commands issued by a programmable remote control transmitter. Each lighting fixture comprises a manual switching means. The remote transmitter is also equipped with frequency learning firmware, a countdown timer, and a conventional timer to allow for the unattended operation of the window lighting fixtures. |
| US07677751B2 |
Hands free magnification eyewear
A hands free magnification device is provided that is capable of illuminating an area adjacent the user. A method of use of the device is also provided. |
| US07677743B2 |
Keypad light guide with lined apertures
An exemplary process for making a light guide includes the steps of: providing a transparent base sheet; punching the base sheet to form an array of first apertures therein; coating a melted resin material in the first apertures and making the melted resin material fill up the first apertures; solidifying the melted resin material to form a plurality of resin blocks; punching the base sheet to form an array of second apertures in the resin blocks, the second apertures configured for illuminating the keys via at least one light source; and trimming the base sheet with the second apertures to form a light guide. A light guide made by the process is also provided. |
| US07677739B2 |
Projector
A projector includes a lens cover which is slidable relative to a chassis for covering and exposing a projection aperture of a projection lens. A detecting section includes a light emitting portion which projects a light beam and detects the opened state or closed state of the lens cover depending on the absence or presence of the light beam received by a light receiving portion. The light emitting portion and light receiving portion are disposed so that the optical path of the light beam projected from the light emitting portion and received by the light receiving portion intersects the slide direction of the lens cover. A light shielding portion is provided in the lens cover. The light shielding portion is formed in a predetermined width in the slide direction of the lens cover. |
| US07677731B2 |
Eye optical characteristic measuring apparatus
Scattering can be measured by using an optical system having a Hartman-Shack wave-surface sensor. An eye optical characteristic measuring instrument comprises a light source unit 10 for emitting a light beam of a wavelength in the near-infrared region, an illumination optical system 40 for illuminating a small area of the retinal of an eye to be measured with the light beam from the light source unit 10, a light-receiving optical system 20 for receiving a part of the reflected beam of the light beam from the light source unit 10 reflected from the retina through a converting member for converting the part of the reflected light beam into at least substantially 17 light beams, a light-receiving section 23 for receiving the received light beam directed by the light-receiving optical system 20 and generating a signal, and a calculating unit for determining the wavefront aberration of the light beam entering the light-receiving optical system 20 and the degree of scattering of the received light beam on the basis of the signal from the light-receiving section 23. |
| US07677729B2 |
Apparatus and method for the analysis of retinal vessels
The object of an apparatus and a method for the analysis of retinal vessels is to improve the reproducibility of individually determined artery-to-vein ratios and to reduce the measurement uncertainty in determining the artery-to-vein ratio in order to substantially increase the individual validity of the determined values for vessel diagnosis. At least two images are recorded successively as an image sequence in a predetermined timed sequence adapted to the vasomotricity of the vessels and are evaluated such that a mean artery-to-vein ratio is formed from artery-to-vein ratios that are determined on the basis of the at least two images. |
| US07677728B2 |
Ophthalmologic measuring apparatus
A subject is placed in a more natural state or is encouraged to blink at specified intervals to obtain a measurement result under a fixed condition, and the judgment of the degree of dry eye is facilitated. A measurement part obtains, based on a reflected light flux from a subject eye, optical characteristic data of a two-dimensional vector form representing the time course of each optical characteristic of the subject eye in an blink interval from a certain blink to a next blink with respect to the first to the nth blink intervals. An analysis part one-dimensionally arranges each of the optical characteristic data with respect to the first to the nth blink intervals measured by the measurement part, and arranges the one-dimensional arrangement of the optical characteristic in a p-th blink interval at a p column to create a two-dimensional array, and performs a principal component analysis processing on the two-dimensional array. |
| US07677712B2 |
Liquid container having foldable portion
In an ink pack 24 stored in an ink cartridge 20 of a printer, a first welded portion is formed by bonding both end portions of a sheet of film to each other. A tube-shaped bag portion 31 is formed by the first welded portion. One opening of the bag portion 31 is thermally welded in a state where a supply member 27 is inserted into the film, thereby forming a second welded portion 38. The other opening of the bag portion is sealed through the thermal adhesion, thereby forming a third welded portion 39. The ink volume capable of being stored in the bag portion 31 of the ink pack 24 is larger than the volume in a frame 26c for storing the ink pack 24. |
| US07677710B2 |
Attachment, liquid container, and liquid supply apparatus
An attachment is mounted on a cartridge holder of a printer as a replacement of an ink cartridge. An ink outlet member having a link passage is separably secured to an attachment body. Ink is supplied from the exterior to the ink outlet member through an ink supply tube. When the attachment is mounted on the cartridge holder, a downstream end of the ink outlet member is positioned with respect to and connected to an ink supply needle of the printer. Accordingly, the attachment is easily and quickly installed in a liquid ejection apparatus. This reduces costs and makes it easy to use the attachment. |
| US07677701B2 |
Micro-fluid ejection head with embedded chip on non-conventional substrate
Micro-fluid ejection heads and methods for fabricating the same. One such micro-fluid ejection head includes a substrate having a plurality of fluid ejection actuator devices adjacent to a device surface thereof A valley is adjacent to the device surface of the substrate. A semiconductor chip is associated with the plurality of fluid ejection actuator devices. The chip is in the valley adjacent the device surface of the substrate. A conductive material is deposited adjacent to the device surface of the substrate. The deposited conductive material generally conforms to the valley. The conductive material is in electrical flow communication with the chip. |
| US07677697B2 |
Droplet discharging head with a through hole having a protrusion on a surface, droplet discharging device and a functional-film forming device
A droplet discharging head includes a first through hole having an outlet for discharging of a liquid material and a second through hole having an inlet for injection of the liquid material, the second through hole having a protrusion on surface. |
| US07677683B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes a recording head mounted on a carriage movable along a recording material, a guide member for guiding the carriage, a bearing member which is mounted to the carriage so as to be movable relative to the carriage in a vertical direction, and a slidable member mounted slidably in a carriage movement direction between the carriage and the bearing member. The slidable member is slid in the carriage movement direction to switch a height position of the carriage with respect to the guide member, whereby a gap between the recording head and the recording material is switched. |
| US07677681B2 |
Kimchi refrigerator
A refrigerator having improved cooling and cooling recovery is provided. A main body of the refrigerator may include an outer casing that defines an external appearance of the refrigerator, and an inner casing with an open upper face installed in the outer casing to define a storage space therein. The open upper face of the main body may be opened and closed by a door. The inner casing may include a casing upper portion and a casing lower portion coupled to the bottom of the casing upper portion. The casing lower portion may be formed of a material different from that of the casing upper portion. The casing upper portion may be made of a material having a high thermal conductivity, and the casing lower portion may be made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity that that of the casing upper portion. |
| US07677680B1 |
Drawer latch mechanism
This present invention relates to a drawer latch mechanism, implementing to a drawer for removable hard drives in a server computer. The drawer latch mechanism comprises a latch member, which extends from the front edge of the drawer to the lateral edge of the drawer. The latch member is installed on the front edge of the drawer to be moved back and forth thereon. The latch member is applied to insert to a corresponding a lock hole to secure the drawer to a drawer shelf. The drawer latch mechanism further comprises a swivel member to withdraw the latch member from the lock hole. |
| US07677679B2 |
Slide assembly
A slide assembly includes a first slide (10), a second slide (20) slidably attached to the first slide, and a third slide (30) incorporated with a releasing member (50) slidably attached to the second slide. The first slide includes a stop (14) and a block (16). The second slide has a stop piece (28) and a slot (26) for movably receiving a retention pin (40). When the first, second, and third slides are in a fully extended state, the retention pin and the stop piece are resisted by the stop and the block of the first slide respectively, thereby restraining sliding movement between the second slide and the first slide; when the third slide is retracted from the fully extended state to a semi-extended state, the retention pin is lifted by the releasing member and disengaged from the stop, thereby allowing the second slide to retract into the first slide. |
| US07677678B2 |
Wheelchair accommodating system
A wheelchair accommodating system and method for providing an ergonomically suitable environment for users having a motor skill limitation and users without a motor skill limitation is provided. The system includes a height adjustment system, a depth adjustment system, and a tilt adjustment system that can be selectively actuated by a user to adjust the position of a platform of the system. |
| US07677677B1 |
Attachment bracket with retaining clip for wheel simulators
A wheel cover attachment system including a cover for a wheel wherein the wheel includes a plurality of wheel fasteners and a valve stem. The cover comprises a cover circumference, cover axis, an exposed side simulating a wheel, an attachment side opposite the exposed side, at least one cover fastener, and at least one attachment bracket. The attachment bracket is removeably secured to the attachment side and includes a post shaped to accept the cover fastener, first and second concavities, and at least one biasing armature. Each concavity is shaped to accept one of the wheel fasteners and the biasing armature is shaped to engage one of the wheel fasteners in the first concavity and secure the bracket to one of the wheel fasteners. |
| US07677672B2 |
Depth detecting assembly
In one aspect of the invention, a milling machine for milling a paved surface comprises milling tools connected to an underside of a body of the machine and also a depth probe comprising a base end opposite a distal end. The probe is connected to a front end of the machine through a probe base disposed proximate the base end. A monitor is adapted to detect a distance between the distal end of the probe and an outer surface of the base. The distal end of the probe is adapted to extend away from the outer surface of the base and penetrate into a paved surface. |
| US07677669B2 |
Metal structure and vehicle seat
A metal structure for a vehicle seat, in particular for the backrest of a motor vehicle seat, is disclosed. The structure includes a deep-drawn front shell and a deep-drawn rear shell, in addition to at least one fitting that can be fixed to the metal structure with the aid of a fixing lug, the fixing lug being located between the front shell and the rear shell. The fixing lug is connected to the front shell and rear shell, for example by laser welding, which achieves a particularly favorable input of force from the fitting to the metal structure. |
| US07677667B2 |
Fitting for a vehicle seat
A fitting has a first fitting part, a second fitting part which is rotatable about an axis relative to the first fitting part, a drivable eccentric mounted rotatably about the axis, locking elements moved radially outward by the eccentric to interact with the second fitting part to lock the fitting, a disc cam which pulls the locking elements radially inwards to unlock the fitting, and a free-pivoting control element which, in a certain free-pivoting angular range corresponding to a relative angular range of the fitting parts, prevents the fitting from locking. The free-pivoting control element has at least one first stop track, and at least one second stop track which is offset axially and/or radially with respect to the first stop track. The locking elements comprise first locking elements which interact with the first stop track, and second locking elements which interact with the second stop track. |
| US07677661B1 |
Pad for child safety seat
A child safety seat pad having a bottom seat portion and a back portion is configured to cover the exposed child contact areas of a safety seat and is releasably secured to the seat by fasteners. Perforation lines or slits in the seat back portion connect to perforations lines or slits in the bottom seat portion of the pad. These may be opened to provide apertures for connecting safety harness webbing to safety seat anchor points. A smaller pad is provided for inclusion in the bottom seat portion. |
| US07677660B2 |
Acoustically tuned seating assembly
The present invention relates to an acoustically tuned vehicle seat assembly comprising a frame, a cushion supported on the frame, and a non-cloth trim material secured over the cushion, the non-cloth trim material having at least one slitted region having a plurality of scored slits. |
| US07677657B2 |
Active headrest assembly for vehicle
An active headrest assembly for a vehicle includes a headrest supported by a seat back frame. An active plate is connected to the headrest and has guide slots defined therein. Guide pins are inserted through the guide slots to slide along the guide slots. A lumbar unit has a support wire secured to the guide pins and is rotatably connected to the lower end of the seat back frame. A returning unit elastically connects the active plate and the lumbar unit with each other. |
| US07677653B2 |
Headliner retainer clip
A retainer assembly for connecting a headliner panel to a support structure. A retainer clip is configured to connect the support structure to the headliner panel. A slot is defined in the support structure and configured to receive s stem portion of the retainer clip. The slot and the stem portion cooperate to define a float length and a float width, which define a range of motion over which the headliner panel is longitudinally and transversely moveable with respect to the support structure. |
| US07677651B2 |
Rear vehicle body structure
In a rear vehicle body structure for a vehicle using a torsion beam suspension system, a laterally extending slot is defined between a vertical front wall of a spare tire pan defined in a rear floor panel and a raised rear end of a front floor panel and a torsion beam of the torsion beam suspension system is received in this slot. The spare tire is received in the spare tire pan in a rear end up slanted orientation. A rear end cross member extends across the vehicle in a rear end of the spare tire pan. In a rear end collision, the spare tire pan is pushed forward by the rear end cross member. The rear end cross member enables the impact load to be evenly distributed to the spare tire pan or the rear floor panel. |
| US07677650B2 |
Emblem for motor vehicle
An outer part of a motor vehicle having an element and a carrier part. The emblem and carrier part are formed in one piece with the carrier part. The carrier part can take many forms such as a vehicle grille or decorative trim. The outer part can be formed using a method of injection molding and can have a variety of surface finishes. |
| US07677648B2 |
Gas strut mounting to door handle
A door is provided. The door is pivotably connectable to a cab structure of a work vehicle and includes a handle secured to the door disposed for facilitating door closure against the cab structure from interior of the cab structure. Upon application of a door closure force to the handle, torsion forces applied to the door by the door closure force and a door opening device pivotably connected to the cab structure and to the door in close proximity to the handle, or pivotably connected to the cab structure and to the handle, as calculated at the device pivotable connection opposite the cab structure, are substantially eliminated. |
| US07677646B2 |
Vehicle frame for work vehicle and method for manufacturing same
The vehicle frame for a work vehicle includes a cabin frame that is assembled into a substantially box form. A base frame is welded to the cabin frame. The cabin frame includes left and right side frames, each of which is formed into a loop. The cabin member includes a plurality of cross members for connecting the left and right side frames. Each of the side frames is formed with a single one-piece pipe material having a first end and a second end with the first end connected to the second end such that a tangential direction extending along a region of the first end coincides with a tangential direction extending along a region of the second end. The pipe material has an irregular shape having a recess formed along the entire length between the first end and the second end of the pipe material. |
| US07677645B2 |
Impact protection reinforcing element and method of producing the element
An impact protection reinforcing element has at least one outer surface which is conformed to the contour of a surface of at least one vehicle body part in such a way that it may be positioned with extensive contact against the body part in the area of complementary construction and connected firmly to the body part. Provision is made for the impact protection reinforcing element to be formed of a fiber/plastics composite. A method of producing the impact protection reinforcing element uses an injection molding process. |
| US07677642B2 |
Butt joint for trailer side wall
A butt joint assembles side panels of a side wall of a trailer to the base rail of the trailer. The butt joint positions the side panels over the base rail and vertically aligns the outer surfaces of the side panels and the base rail, which provides for an improved trailer side wall. |
| US07677639B2 |
Active material based closure hinge and alignment process
An adjustable closure hinge assembly, includes a first hinge portion having a first aperture, a second hinge portion having a second aperture coaxially aligned with the first aperture, a hinge member disposed in the first and second apertures for joining the first and second hinge portions, wherein the hinge member further comprises a spacer intermediate walls defining the first and second apertures and the hinge member, wherein the spacer comprises an active material, and an activation device in operative communication with the active material, wherein the activation device is operable to selectively apply an activation signal to the active material and effect a reversible change in at least one property of the active material, wherein the change in the at least one property is effective to provide up to six degrees of freedom to the hinge member and less than or equal to two degrees of freedom in the absence of the activation signal. |
| US07677638B1 |
Car and window shield device
A car covering for covering and protecting a car and the windows from elements and harsh weather comprising an outer shell having the shape of a vehicle; a set of window coverings removably attached to the outer shell via a set of fastening devices, wherein the set of fastening devices can be detached to allow a set of rigid plate members to be inserted into said window coverings, wherein when the set of rigid plate members are inserted into said window coverings the set of rigid plate members are sandwiched between the respective window coverings and the outer shell, the outer shell comprising a foam layer. |
| US07677635B2 |
Convertible vehicle
A convertible vehicle is provided with a rear windshield and a rear roof element that laterally comprises C pillars that are at least substantially located next to the rear windshield, adjoining which is at least one front roof element, arranged upstream thereof in the direction of travel when the roof is closed. In order to open the roof the rear roof element can move rearward and downward, and the front roof element can swivel toward the rear roof element. When the roof is open, the C pillars can be swiveled inward in relation to a center section comprising the windshield about axes into a position lying above the center position when the roof is open, and the axes when the roof is closed have at least one component in the direction of travel and one upwardly directed component. |
| US07677634B2 |
Foldable top assembly for a golf cart
A foldable top assembly for a golf cart having front and rear ends, passenger seating therebetween, rear support attachments disposed rearwardly of front passenger seating, and front supports mounted in front of the passenger seating is disclosed. The foldable top assembly includes an articulated frame including a pair of spaced, longitudinally extending main members connectable to the rear support attachments. A plurality of transversely extending support members is connected to the pair of longitudinally extending main members. A front support member is connected to ends of the longitudinally extending frame members and is detachably connectable to the front supports on the golf cart. A foldable top, such as a fabric or rigid top is mounted on the articulated frame. The frame is foldable to fold and nest the top in a storage position and unfoldable to a use position to cover the passenger seating. |
| US07677629B2 |
Movement device for vehicle seat
A movement device for a vehicle seat includes lower rails extending in a forward or rearward direction of a vehicle are arranged in a vehicle width direction on a vehicle floor. An upper rail provided at a lower part of a seat slidably movably engages with the lower rails. A recess is formed in the vehicle floor, enabling a carriage to be conveyed between the lower rails along the vehicle width direction. The carriage is separated from the vehicle floor, and guide rails are installed on the carriage. The guide rails are provided in extensions of the lower rails so as to be capable of directly accepting a sliding movement of the upper rail from the lower rails, as the upper rail is removed from the lower rail into the extension thereof. |
| US07677628B2 |
Unit for synchronous extension and retraction of two wire segments, and a motor vehicle having such a unit
The invention relates to a unit for synchronous extension and retraction of two wire segments that are wound onto a storage spool in such a way that upon a rotary motion of the storage spool in one rotation direction, both wire segments are synchronously unwound, and upon a rotary motion of the storage spool in the other rotation direction they are synchronously rewound, the wire segments being separated from one another and being fastened at their storage-spool ends to the storage spool, the storage spool comprising a catch that is effective in that rotation direction in which the wire segments are unwound from the storage spool, and is releasable via an actuation device. The invention furthermore relates to a motor vehicle using such a unit. |
| US07677627B2 |
Vehicle with cabin
A vehicle with a cabin comprising: a vehicle body supported by a plurality of wheels; a cabin bracket supported by the vehicle body; and an elastic member disposed between the cabin bracket and the cabin, wherein the cabin bracket comprises: a fixed member fixed to the vehicle body, a higher rigidity portion extended to the outward side of the body from the fixed member, and a lower rigidity portion that is extended to the outward side from the end portion of the outward side of the higher rigidity portion, and that is lower in rigidity in the vertical direction than the higher rigidity portion; and a vibration suppressing weight disposed at the end portion in the outward direction of the cabin bracket. |
| US07677625B2 |
Extendable flatbed manufactured primarily from aluminum
A primarily aluminum extendable flatbed trailer has front and rear flatbed sections adjustable to various trailer lengths. Reinforcing plates with holes therein are connected to an aluminum longitudinal rail on one flatbed section. Holes in the rail aligned with the reinforcing plate holes removably receive a locking pin which secures the front section to the rear section. The locking pin slidably engages the reinforcing plates and associated wear bars. A generally vertical web strengthener is secured to a vertical longitudinal web on the rail adjacent the suspension of the trailer. Tubular aluminum braces are used in various locations. A friction reducing plastic slide member on one flatbed section slidably engages the other flatbed section. Another trailer includes first, second and third flatbed sections whereby the first and second sections are joinable in an extendable configuration and the first and third sections are joinable in a standard configuration. |
| US07677621B1 |
Oil-dispensing asphalt shovel
An oil-dispensing asphalt shovel for preventing asphalt from sticking to the blade-like member of the shovel. The shovel includes a blade-like member having a top end to which is attached a tubular oil dispensing member. The blade-like member has a plurality of holes being spaced along and extending through a side wall thereof, and has inlet ports extending through a side wall thereof and being diametrically opposed to the holes. A hollow shaft support member has a top end and a pair of leg portions securely attached to the tubular oil dispensing member. The leg portions have apertures extending through a bottom thereof and aligning with an inlet port of the tubular oil-dispensing member. The hollow shaft member has a first end to which is attached a handle member and a second end securely attached to and extended into the hollow shaft support member for storing oil with the hollow shaft member having an opening extending through a side wall and near the first end thereof, and also having an outlet port extending through the second end thereof with the opening being closeable with a plug. An oil dispensing assembly allows oil to be dispensed from the hollow shaft member to the dispensing member. |
| US07677619B2 |
Collapsible remote mechanical grasper for handling explosive devices
A collapsible remote mechanical grasping apparatus that can be used to grasp explosive devices is provided. The collapsible remote mechanical grasping apparatus comprises a first rod and a second rod which are connected by a joint assembly. The collapsible remote mechanical grasping apparatus further includes a claw assembly pivotably connected to the second rod, a cable assembly mounted to the first rod, and a slidable locking sleeve assembly positioned around the first rod, the joint assembly, and the second rod. The cable assembly comprises a claw control lever and an actuation cable that is mechanically connected to the claw control lever and the claw assembly. Actuation of the claw control lever causes the actuation of the claw assembly. Additionally, the joint assembly allows the second rod to pivot towards the first rod when the slidable locking sleeve is retracted from the second rod and the joint assembly. |
| US07677612B2 |
Clamp
A clamp for connecting flanged tubes comprising a pair of tangs having a tampered groove around their insides to engage the flanges. One of the tangs is provided with a pivotally connected screw, which passes through an aperture in one end. A nut attached to the screw holds the tangs in position. To prevent rotation of the tang about the screw, the lower shaft of the screw is provided in a non-circular shape, with the aperture in the tang being provided in mating conformity. |
| US07677610B2 |
Connection and joint piece for well tubes
The connection and joint piece (1) comprises a housing (3) and a sleeve (12), made from a multi-piece injection moulded plastic part. The sleeve (12) comprises an outer piece (14), forming an outer seal and an inner piece (15), forming an inner seal and a region with spring tongues (24, 25) and locking tabs (26, 27). The sleeve (12) is a multi-component injection moulded piece. In the assembled state the sleeve (12) is located in the central cavity (4) of the connector piece (1) and encloses one end (6) of a well tube (2). |
| US07677606B2 |
Connector for an articulated connection of a first and second pipeline
A connector with an additional tolerance compensation capacity for articulately connecting a first and second pipeline of an engine-powered hot air supply system in an aircraft. One pipe end of the first pipeline is articulately connected by a tie rod with a pipe end of the second pipeline with the formation of a gap. The pipe ends each include a bearing ring incorporating an essentially centrically arranged receptacle for attaching the tie rod. The receptacle is connected with a bearing ring inner surface by at least two braces pointing radially outward. The opposing pipe ends are enveloped by a sealing unit for sealing the gap. A first end of the tie rod includes an adjusting unit in the form of a screw-on ball head for length adjustment while the second end includes a fixed ball head. |
| US07677604B2 |
Adjustable offset bushing type coupling
A nested bushing coupling for attaching a plumbing component to a conduit. The assembly includes at least one or more nested bushings having off-centered openings which may be situated at various orientations within a receiver. |
| US07677600B2 |
Roller ski
In-one aspect, a leg activated brake for a foot supporting rolling device, such as a roller ski. Roller skis generally have one wheel mounted to each end of the foot supporting frame which houses a ski binding for the skier's boot. The brake system mounts to the frame of the roller ski and when the brake is activated by the leg, the brake applies frictional force to the rear wheel to stop the roller ski. |
| US07677593B2 |
Side airbag curtain directional deployment bracket
An inflatable passenger protection system for a vehicle having a structural front pillar frame member to be covered by a separate interior trim component, and a side curtain airbag to be positioned in a stowed condition between the front pillar frame member and the interior trim component, the interior trim component having at least a portion movable between a covered position enclosing the side curtain airbag in the stowed condition and an opened position in response to inflation of the side curtain airbag to the deployed condition, includes an extruded support bracket extending between the front pillar frame member and the interior trim component. The bracket has a primary attachment point and a secondary attachment point for supporting the interior trim component. |
| US07677588B2 |
Hitch assembly with a guide element
A hitch assembly comprises a first coupling element and a second coupling element suited to be latched to the first coupling element. A rod member has a first end connected to the first coupling element. An actuator has a movable output member that can move between a retracted and an extended position. |
| US07677587B2 |
Trailer and hitch mechanism for a robot
A trailer and hitch system for a mobile robot. The trailer includes a front Ackerman steering linkage, a releasable locking mechanism for releasably positioning the Ackerman steering linkage in a turned position to arrest the trailer, a tow bar extending upwardly from the Ackerman steering linkage and terminating in a lunette ring, and spaced skid members extending downwardly and rearwardly. The mobile robot includes a hitch assembly for the lunette ring. The hitch assembly has a frame including a slot for the lunette ring and a guide portion for guiding the lunette ring into the slot, a latch pivotable with respect to the frame and biased to close the slot, and a decoupling mechanism configured to move the latch to release the lunette ring from the slot. A robot arm is maneuverable to engage the decoupling mechanism. |
| US07677583B2 |
Anti-rotation running board bracket
A bracket assembly including a plurality of components attached along a hem line, a plurality of attachment points along the hem line, a first bracket, and a second bracket. The first bracket connects to the plurality of components at at least one of the plurality of attachment points, and supports a longitudinal load applied to at least one of the plurality of components. The second bracket connects to the plurality of components, and supports a lateral load applied to at least one of the plurality of components. |
| US07677581B2 |
Travel cooler with collapsible sidewalls
A portable cooler assembly includes sidewalls connected by a bottom wall. The sidewalls and bottom wall collectively define an interior space. A rim is attached to a top of the collapsible side walls, and a lid is supported on the rim and encloses the interior space. A base defines a container receiving recess within which the bottom wall is received and supported. A drain conduit defines a passageway in fluid communication with a lower portion of the interior space. When the portable cooler assembly is in a first configuration, the collapsible sidewalls extend outwardly from the container receiving recess. When the portable cooler assembly is in a second configuration, the collapsible sidewalls are completely received within the container receiving recess in a collapsed condition, and an outer peripheral edge portion of the rim is at least partially received within the container receiving recess. |
| US07677580B2 |
Travel cooler assembly having separable wheeled base and insulated container
A travel cooler includes a wheeled platform and an insulated container configured to be selectively coupled to, and uncoupled from, the wheeled platform. The wheeled platform includes a base, a plurality of wheels mounted to the base for rolling movement of the platform and a first coupling component fixedly disposed on the base. The insulated container includes a second coupling component fixedly disposed on the container. The first and second coupling components are disengaged from one another when the insulated container is uncoupled from the wheeled platform. The first and second coupling components are disposed in interlocking engagement when the insulated container is coupled to the wheeled platform, whereby the insulated container is securely coupled to the wheeled platform in fixed disposition relative thereto for safe transportation on the wheeled platform. The base defines a container receiving recess within which a bottom portion of the insulated container is received when the insulated container is coupled to the wheeled platform. |
| US07677577B2 |
Sealing device with sound insulating seal
To improve performance without increasing size, a sealing device comprises a seal body (6) sealing a clearance (5) between the periphery of the shaft hole (3) of a housing (2) and a shaft (4) inserted into the shaft hole (3) and the sound insulating seal (7) insulating sound transmitted through the clearance (5), the seal body (6) comprises a bellows part (10) between a mounting part (8) fitted to the housing (2) and a seal lip part (9) contacting with the shaft (4), the sound insulating seal (7) comprises a sound insulating member (20) disposed at the inner peripheral side of the mounting part (8), and the sound insulating member (20) is held to the seal body (6) in the state of contacting with the mounting part (8) at its outer peripheral part (20a) and with the seal lip part (9) at its inner peripheral part (20b). |
| US07677576B2 |
Electronic last-to-answer timed response game
An electronic game that awards the last player to correctly answer a question before the expiration of a timer. The game includes a plurality of buttons and corresponding indicators coupled to a housing. Within the housing is a controller that causes a question to be displayed on a screen. A timer also counts to a time interval. The controller activates an indicator associated with a button that was depressed last by a player that provides a correct answer to the question at the expiration of a timer. The last player can then move a token on a board. The player that moves their token to the end of the board wins the game. |
| US07677571B2 |
Game apparatus
A game apparatus is disclosed. The game apparatus comprises a rotatable wheel having a display surface divided into fifty-four concentric areas including indicia of fifty-two standard playing cards and indicia of two joker playing cars with stopping pegs disposed between each of the indicia of fifty-two standard playing cars and the indicia of two joker playing cards. The rotatable wheel is rotatably mountable to a stationary wheel having at least three tangs. the game apparatus also comprises a horizontal playing surface used in conjunction with the rotatable wheel. The horizontal playing surface has a main playing area divided into six columns of nine plots including indicia of fifty-two playing cards and indicia of two joker playing cards and a plurality of vetting areas disposed on at least three borders of the main playing area. |
| US07677569B2 |
Stock car racing card game
A card game simulative of automobile track racing comprises a deck of cards having several categories of cards, including lap cards, offensive pit cards, defensive pit cards, sponsor cards, and a draft card, a die for determining a track condition for each round of play, and a method for keeping score to determine the order of finish for each player. The rules of the game closely simulate auto track racing with each player utilizing the cards in a strategic manner based upon certain track conditions and that approximates the strategic decisions an actual auto track racer makes during a race. |
| US07677568B1 |
Two-sided puzzle and box assembly
The unassembled puzzle pieces of a two-sided puzzle are stored in a right-triangular box to form a two-sided puzzle and box assembly. A representation of the image on one side of the two-sided puzzle when assembled is on one triangle-leg first side wall. And a representation of the image on the other side of the puzzle is on the triangle-leg second side wall. Thus, the person assembling the puzzle opens the box, dumps the puzzle pieces out and sets the box up generally with the right angle of the box facing her. She can easily then see both image representations by only moving her head slightly as she puts the puzzle together. She may then figure out which up-or-down way to flip the pieces, as she puts the puzzle together. The puzzle assembly method is also disclosed. |
| US07677564B2 |
Sudoku-type puzzle board game and method of play
A game apparatus is provided for one or more players having a first game member that includes a puzzle or a game area having indicia forming a grid having sub-grids including a plurality of cells. Each cell is assigned indicia in a solution pattern of the puzzle such that a distinct indicia appears once in each row, column, and sub-grid. The first game member displays the solution indicia for some of the cells and the remaining cells are divided into a number of sub-cells bearing the possible solution indicia for the corresponding cell such that each sub-cell includes a distinct indicia. A player speculates which sub-cell bears the correct solution indicia for the respective cell. The apparatus further includes at least one game piece adapted to randomly display an indicia when manipulated, the indicia modifying a game parameter such as a player's score or number of possible speculations the player can make in one turn. |
| US07677561B2 |
Transport roller, transport mechanism, and image forming apparatus
A transport roller is provided in a transport path in order to transport paper, the transport roller transporting the paper downstream in the transport path by making contact with the paper, and At least one contact portion that makes contact with the paper is provided in the transport roller. The contact portion is deformable in a direction that releases pressing force received from the paper when transporting the paper. |
| US07677559B2 |
Apparatus for laterally aligning printed products
The apparatus 10 has a conveyor 12 which may be configured as a multiple tape conveyor and the working section 14 of which, which is driven in a conveying direction (F), forms a supporting face 16 for the printed products 18 which accumulate in an overlapping formation (S). An aligning plate 66 is situated on each side of the conveyor 12. The working section 14 of the conveyor can be deflected out of a conveying plane by means of a switching means 34, in order, in particular for the aligning of thin printed products 18 with few pages, to form a bend 62 in the products which reinforces them transversely with respect to the conveying direction (F) so that they can be laterally shifted into alignment by the aligning plates without damage. |
| US07677558B2 |
Sheet conveying device and image forming apparatus
A sheet conveying device for conveying a sheet includes a displacement-amount detector configured to detect an amount of displacement of a conveyed sheet from a conveyance reference in a width direction being substantially perpendicular to a sheet conveying direction and a plurality of sheet conveying roller portions configured to be shiftable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction while pinching the sheet having the amount of displacement detected by the displacement-amount detector. Before the sheet reaches the sheet conveying roller portions, the sheet conveying roller portions are shifted based on the amount of displacement detected by the displacement-amount detector from a conveyance-reference position in a direction in which the sheet is displaced. After the sheet reaches the sheet conveying roller portions, the sheet conveying roller portions are shifted while pinching the sheet so as to reduce the amount of displacement. |
| US07677557B2 |
Sheet discharging apparatus and image forming apparatus
The sheet discharging apparatus for discharging sheets to a stacking portion by a discharging portion, including an opening/closing member openable and closable with respect to a main body of the apparatus; a lever member rotatably provided on the opening/closing member above the stacking portion and capable of taking a suspended posture by an own weight of the lever member in a position where the opening/closing member is closed; and a delay mechanism which delays a rotation of the lever member toward the suspended posture caused by the own weight of the lever member, when the opening/closing member is shifted from an open position to a closed position. It can be prevented from being caught by the sheet when the upper cover is opened and closed. |
| US07677555B2 |
Sheet conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus with vibration applying unit
A sheet conveying apparatus includes a sheet containing unit that contains sheets; a sheet conveying unit that conveys the sheets; a separating unit that separates a single sheet from the sheets; a holding unit that holds the separating unit; and a vibration applying unit that applies a vibration to any one of the sheets conveyed by the sheet conveying unit and the separating unit before starting conveyance of the sheets. |
| US07677554B2 |
Recording medium transfer apparatus
A recording medium transfer apparatus includes a motor control unit for controlling the motor to rotate at higher speed when the recording medium is fed to the liquid ejection area than that when the recording medium is discharged out of the liquid ejection area, and a feed control unit for controlling a next recording medium to be fed simultaneously with discharge of the recording medium, if a position of a rear end of the recording medium when recording or printing has been finished is situated upstream of a predetermined position, which is upstream of the discharge roller as much as a distance between a feed start position of the recording medium and the liquid ejection area, whereas controlling the next recording medium to start to be fed after discharge of the recording medium has been finished, if the position of the rear end of the recording medium when recording or printing has been finished is situated downstream of the predetermined position. |
| US07677550B2 |
Sheet feeding apparatus and image forming system
A sheet feeding apparatus includes: a sheet tray in which a plurality of sheets is to be stacked; a sheet feeding section which vacuums a sheet from the plurality of sheets stacked in the sheet tray and feeds the sheet to an image forming apparatus; a first sheet separator which has a member which separates each sheet from the plurality of sheets when the sheet feeding section feeds the plurality of sheets; and a second sheet separator which has a forward roller rotated in a sheet transport direction, which feeds the sheet to the image forming apparatus, and a parallel retard roller rotatable in an opposite direction so as to separate each sheet from the plurality of sheets. |
| US07677544B2 |
Booklet-loading device, post-treatment device and image-forming system
A booklet-loading device includes: a carry-out unit that conveys plural of booklets sequentially; and a transfer unit that transfers the plural of booklets sequentially conveyed from the carry-out unit, and arranges the plural of booklets in a partly overlapped state; a loaded unit that is loaded with the booklets transferred by the transfer unit; and a transfer control unit that controls a transfer amount per booklet in the transfer unit to a transfer amount depending on a quantity of booklets loaded on the loaded unit. |
| US07677538B2 |
Lateral displacement shock absorbing material
A lateral displacement shock absorbing material includes a material consisting of elongated tubular impact absorbing members, each having an axis of elongation. The axes of elongation are parallel to one another by virtue of lateral webbing interconnecting them together. Each of the tubular members has an outer surface made up of two frustoconical surfaces with their larger diameter ends abutting one another and their smaller diameter ends facing away from one another. Each tubular member includes a passageway defined by two frustoconical shapes with the smaller diameter ends abutting one another, and the larger diameter ends facing away from one another and defining the openings of each passageway. Upon impact, the side walls of the tubular members bulge or displace laterally to absorb impacts. |
| US07677537B2 |
Stopper structure for engine mount
A stopper structure including: a rigid abutting member extending in its longitudinal direction with a rectangular cross sectional shape; and a rubber stopper having a base portion of tubular cross sectional shape and secured press-fit onto the rigid abutting member without being adhesive thereto, two peripheral projections formed on laterally opposite sides of a first abutting plane of the base portion and extending in the longitudinal direction, and a central projection formed on an intermediate area interposed between the peripheral projections of the first abutting plane of the base portion. The peripheral projections are situated above laterally opposite edges of a first abutting plane of the rigid abutting member, and have a width dimension extending inside and outside the laterally opposite edges. The central projection projects outward from the first abutting plane of the base portion with the same height as the peripheral projections. |
| US07677534B2 |
Decorative fencing system
A decorative fencing system is provided for use as a small fence or decorative accent for a yard. The fencing system comprises several different structural components that may be joined in various combinations so as to create a limitless number of different configurations or arrangements. The components include base units, decorative end units and gate units, each of which may be attached to the other components in any combination thereof. Each of these components are attached to post sections which are inserted through post rings or post hinges on the individual components to thereby allow for each component to be rotated to the desired position relative to the post section. The post sections are secured to the ground by means of stakes that are first driven into the ground and the post section is then inserted into a sleeve in the stake to thereby provide support and stability for the fencing system. A separate and smaller pin is provided on the end units to anchor these components to the ground. |
| US07677528B2 |
Controller
A controller comprises power transmitting means (11) for amplifying the force applied on the operating shaft (6) and transmitting to the valve rod (4); and a slow start means (12) for slowly moving the operating shaft (6) upward are arranged. The slow start means (12) includes a piston (8) that moves up and down with respect to the operating shaft (6); a pressure spring (44), arranged between a pressure spring receiver (43) arranged at the operating shaft (6) and the piston (8); a constantly opened communication passage (47) and an auxiliary communication passage (49) for communicating the pressure chamber (10) and the operation gas introducing chamber (27); a flow adjusting valve (48) provided in the constantly opened communication passage (47); and an open-close valve (50), arranged in the auxiliary communication passage (49), for opening the communication passage (49) when the piston (8) is at the lower most position and closing the communication passage (49) when raised from the lower most position by a predetermined distance and reaching the auxiliary communication shut off position. |
| US07677526B2 |
Mechanical override for a valve actuator
An apparatus and method for manual operation of an actuator is disclosed. A mechanical override includes a housing coupled to the actuator, a drive ring, and a shaft extending through a bore of the housing. The drive ring rotationally keys to the bore such that the drive ring is capable of axial movement within the bore in response to automatic operation of the actuator. A backstop limits axial movement of the drive ring during manual operation. A thread located on an external portion of the shaft threads to the drive ring. In the manual operation, the shaft rotates through the drive ring imparting axial movement to the shaft capable of moving a valve between a first position and a second position. The override provides visual indication of the valve position during both automatic and manual operation. The backstop may be an insert that selectively permits movement of the shaft to a failsafe position in response to a temperature or pressure change. |
| US07677524B2 |
Self-stabilizing support assembly for an item furniture
The invention relates to a self-stabilizing support assembly (14) for an item of furniture, such as a table, stool or chair. The assembly includes a support structure (16) for connection at an upper end thereof to an upper portion of an item of furniture. The support structure has a first pair of feet (50) at a lower end (22) thereof. An elongated guides pin (38) projects from a lower end of the support structure. A displaceable support member (30), which has a second pair of feet (32), is provided with a housing (36) defining a guide passage, in which guide passage the guide pin is longitudinally slidably received. The housing is constructed such that a cross-sectional area of the guide passage is adjustable, to permit dimensioning of the guide passage relative to the guide pin such that automatic frictional engagement of the guide pin with walls of the housing defining the guide passage occurs in response to pivoting of the displaceable support member about a pivot axis transverse to the housing, to anchor the displaceable support member frictionally against sliding displacement relative to the guide pin. |
| US07677523B2 |
Gravity compensation device for a chip transfer apparatus
A gravity compensation device partially or completely compensates a force exerted by a basic mass (10) on a balancing device (12) at a first distance from an axis of rotation (13) by using a force generating device, such as spring (14), exerting a counterforce on the balancing device at a second distance from the axis of rotation. The first distance, the second distance, or both are selectable for providing the desired gravity compensation. One or more pulleys with an angle-variable radius may be used. The gravity compensation device does not add substantial mass to the basic mass, and is simple in design. |
| US07677519B2 |
Computer workstation
The computer workstation permits a user to work while reclining or in a supine position. The workstation has a monitor and a monitor platform for securely holding the monitor. The platform is independently adjustable and lockable in a selected horizontal and vertical position. The monitor moves with the platform so that the monitor is positioned in viewing position for the user when the user is in any position. The workstation also has a wireless transceiver for streaming signals between the monitor and a remote computer. The remote computer is wirelessly attached to the workstation. A keyboard/trackball platform is independently adjustable and lockable in selected positions. The keyboard/trackball platform has a wireless keyboard detachably mounted thereon. The keyboard assists the user to communicate with the remote computer. Additionally, there is a trackball for assisting the user to communicate with the remote computer. The trackball is detachably mounted on the keyboard/trackball platform. |
| US07677516B2 |
Arm apparatus for mounting electronic devices
An extension arm suitable for mounting an electronic device. The extension arm also includes a pair of end caps. The extension arm also includes an upper channel and a lower channel. Each channel has at opposite ends a pair of integrally cast rollers which are pivotably attached to each of the end caps. The upper channel includes an integrally formed boss for securing a ball stud. A tensioning assembly is contained within the extension arm having one end coupled to the ball stud and the other end coupled to one of the end caps. The upper and lower channels and the end caps form an adjustable parallelogram. |
| US07677507B1 |
Bag rack
A fixture is provided for a bag rack. The fixture has a wire frame with two mounting plates on it for mounting the fixture to two alternative locations on a bag rack. Two fixtures are mounted to each bag rack. Each fixture includes multiple rows of posts, with two posts in each row. Handles for a reusable bag are extended over arms on the bag rack and below the posts on the fixtures to keep the reusable bag open during filling. |
| US07677506B1 |
Truck air hose holder
An apparatus for holding a plurality of rearwardly extending coiled lines on a truck in an elevated side-by-side position for line-protection purposes includes an assembly having a first section, a second section, and components for holding the assembly together. A plurality of at least two line-gripping portions (preferably three) extend away from the elongated portion radially relative to the axis of elongation and in spaced-apart relationship to each other. The line-gripping portions define line-receiving openings with central axes extending intermediate the first and second sections generally parallel to the axis of elongation. So constructed, the apparatus provides sidewardly extending openings for receiving upwardly disposed and sidewardly extending loop portions of the rearwardly extending coiled lines. |
| US07677503B2 |
Rework bracket for electrical outlet boxes
A bracket for electrical outlet boxes that includes: a first end section, a middle section and a second end section, wherein each section has a substantially planar surface, a first side, a second side, a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the middle section is offset from and substantially parallel to the first and second end sections; first and second offset portions connecting the middle section to the first and second end sections; first and second opposing ends extending upwardly and substantially perpendicular to the first and second end sections; a first tab and a second tab extending in opposing relation to each other from the first side of the first and second ends; a first leg and a second leg extending downwardly from the second side of the first and second end sections; and a bendable member extending from the first side of the middle section. |
| US07677499B2 |
Aircraft wing coupling arrangement
An aircraft wing coupling arrangement couples services to and/or from a wing component which is translationally extendible from the wing of an aircraft. A housing is provided for mounting on the wing and includes a first coupling member. A hollow telescopic assembly extends from the housing for connection at a distal end to the wing component and has a second coupling member at the distal end. The telescopic assembly is extendible between a retracted and an extended position. A service carrying conduit arrangement carries the services to and/or from the wing component and extends through the hollow telescopic assembly from the second coupling member to the first coupling member. The service carrying conduit arrangement is flexible to locate excess thereof in the housing when the hollow telescopic assembly is in the retracted position. |
| US07677495B2 |
Baggage compartment, in particular an enclosed compartment for an aircraft cabin
An enclosed baggage compartment is arranged in a space configured to accommodate travelers in a vehicle. The compartment includes at least one wall defining the compartment and is visible from the travelers' space within which the compartment is located. The wall includes at least one opening closed off with a transparent material. |
| US07677492B1 |
Automatic mechanical control of rotor blade collective pitch
A rotary aircraft has a fuselage with wings and a rotor. The blades of the rotor are twistable about a pitch axis to vary collective pitch. A collective pitch shaft moves in an advancing direction to increase the collective pitch. Weights are mounted to the blades for outward movement along the blades in response to an increase in rotational speed of the blades. A linkage between each of the weights and the collective pitch shaft moves the collective pitch shaft in the advancing direction in response to an increase in rotational speed. A spring acting through a cam mechanism exerts a non linear force in opposition to the outward movement of the blades. |
| US07677491B2 |
Methods and apparatus for airborne systems
In various representative aspects, an airborne delivery system according to various aspects of the present invention comprises a container and an autorotating rotor system. The container may contain contents, and the rotor system facilitates control of at least a portion of the flight of the airborne system and the descent. Exemplary features may include a guidance system, for example to guide and control the airborne system, and a wing for gliding. |
| US07677489B2 |
Wire caddy
The wire caddy is designed to hold single or multiple spools of electrical wire commonly used in the building trades. This device allows wire spools to be inserted onto a support shaft and retained onto the support shaft by insertion of a retaining pin through retaining pin holes in the end of the support shaft. Wire is guided off the spool through a guide hole in the support bracket.The diameter of the support shaft is smaller than the diameter of the wire spool end plate center holes. The center line of the support shaft is positioned higher than the center line of the wire spool end plate holes. This creates a gap between the bottom of the support shaft and the edge of the wire spool hole. Thereby the wire spool is resting on and supported by the friction plate, and not the support shaft. Upon applying an upward pulling force, the wire spool is lifted off the friction plate allowing for uncoiling of the wire. Once the pulling force is stopped, the weight of the wire spool will force the wire spool end plates down onto a friction plate that will stop the turning momentum of the wire spool, causing the wire spool to stop quickly. By stopping the turning momentum quickly, turns of wire on the spool will not uncoil themselves thus preventing entanglement with each other. |
| US07677488B2 |
Recording tape cartridge
A recording tape cartridge which includes a case, a reel including a hub accommodated in the case, a locking member supported to be non-rotatable relative to the case and disposed within the hub, and a switching member disposed in the case. The hub is provided with an engaging portion therein. The locking member can attain a rotation-locking position, at which the locking member engages with the engaging portion and fills a gap between the reel and the case in an axial direction of the reel, and a rotation-enabling position, at which the state of engagement with the engaging portion is released and the locking member being withdrawn from the gap. The switching member retains the locking member at the rotation-locking position at times of non-use of the recording tape, and moves the locking member to the rotation-enabling position when operated in a predetermined direction by a drive device. |
| US07677487B2 |
Fly reel
The present invention relates to a fly reel, wherein the drag system installed in frame comprises: a drag knob that is connected rotation-controllably to one side periphery of center shaft; a drag spindle that is connected rotationally to periphery of said center shaft and distantly from said drag knob; a friction means for restraining controllably any one-directional rotation force of said drag spindle in accordance with transferred amount of said drag knob moved to axial direction of said center shaft; a drag spindle insert that is inserted rotationally to periphery of said center shaft and rotated by rotational manipulation of said spool; and a unidirectional bearing that is inserted at inside of said drag spindle for permitting one directional rotation and restraining the other directional rotation of said drag spindle insert being inserted therein. Overall configuration thereby can be made efficient and simple; direction setting of unidirectional bearing can be changed easily if necessary. |
| US07677484B2 |
Wear part for a crusher
A distributor plate adapted to be releasably mounted on a horizontal lower disc of a rotor of a vertical shaft impact crusher. The rotor has an opening for the intake of material to be crushed and at least one outflow opening for material leaving the rotor. The distributor plate is an equilateral polygon as seen from above. |
| US07677482B2 |
Electric charge concentration type droplet dispensing device having nonconductive capillary nozzle
Provided is a droplet dispensing device having a nonconductive capillary nozzle. The droplet dispensing device comprises: a nonconductive capillary nozzle disposed in a downward position; a pump connected with the nonconductive capillary nozzle through a hermetically sealed fluid tube and generating a negative pressure to decrease the influence of gravity on a solution within the nonconductive capillary nozzle and the fluid tube; and an open circuit voltage supplier applying a voltage to the solution. The droplet dispensing device supplies the solution by capillary force to regularly maintain the shape of a droplet surface in the tip of the nonconductive capillary nozzle without using a separate driving device. |
| US07677481B2 |
Device for electrostatically projecting a coating material and a method for controlling power supply to voltage increasing of said device
The inventive device for electrostatically projecting a coating product comprises a spray gun provided with voltage increasing means for producing a high direct voltage for a product electrostatic charge, wherein said spray gun is provided with a controllable valve for controlling an atomizing air flow inside the spray gun in the direction to a spraying head. A pressure sensor integrated into the spray gun is used for detecting the atomizing air pressure (P) representative value downstream of the valve and for delivering a signal (S1) for controlling the power supply of the voltage increasing means. Said invention makes it possible to control the power supply of the voltage increasing means according, in particular, to the signal (S1) received from the sensor. |
| US07677480B2 |
Enclosures for fluidic oscillators
For those spray applications that use a fluidic oscillator of the type that generates a spray by having a pressurized liquid flow through the oscillator and exhaust into a surrounding environment, and where such an oscillator has a boundary surface which has fabricated into it a channel in the form of what is referred to herein as fluidic circuit, an improved enclosure for this oscillator includes: a body having an interior and an exterior surface, wherein a portion of this interior surface is configured to attach to the oscillator boundary surface so as to form with the oscillator's channel an enclosed pathway through which the to-be-sprayed liquid may flow, and wherein a segment of this interior surface is configured so as to yield specified properties of the resulting spray. |
| US07677476B2 |
Extension pole apparatus
An apparatus includes an extension pole, a hydraulic valve, and a handle containing the valve. The handle has a forward end portion configured to receive the extension pole in an installed position. The handle also has a pistol grip portion inclined from the forward end portion. A valve trigger is supported on the handle. The valve trigger has a pistol grip section that extends along the pistol grip portion of the handle within reach of a user's hand grasping the pistol grip portion from behind. The valve trigger further has an upper grip section that projects forward beneath the installed position of the extension pole within reach of a user's hand grasping the extension pole from above. |
| US07677472B2 |
Drilled and integrated secondary fuel nozzle and manufacturing method
A secondary fuel nozzle is formed by brazing and welding a central core, a cylindrical body, and a unitary secondary fuel nozzle portion. The central core has a central bore for receiving a liquid fuel cartridge, and at least two passages concentric with the central bore. The secondary fuel nozzle portion includes a base flange and a main shaft having a central bore for aligning with the central bore of the core and for receiving the liquid fuel cartridge, and a plurality of peripheral bores disposed at spaced locations about the central bore for flow communication with the concentric passages of the core. The core is brazed to the base flange and the cylindrical body is disposed around the core and welded to the base flange to define a one-piece secondary fuel nozzle assembly. |
| US07677471B2 |
Modular fuel nozzle and method of making
A modular fuel nozzle configuration is defined which permits lower-cost manufacturing operations such as injection moulding to be employed. Also described is a method of making such a component. |
| US07677470B2 |
Spraying device
A spraying device includes a gas can and a sprayer/joint combination. The gas can is formed with a collar defining a cutout. The sprayer/joint combination includes a frame, two shoes, an expanding element and a sprayer. The frame defines two slots and includes a block formed thereon and disposed in the cutout. The shoes are pivotally connected to the frame, and each of them includes a head and a tail. The expanding element includes a cam with two lobes. The expanding element can be pivoted between a locking position where the lobes push the heads of the shoes against the collar of the gas can and an unlocking position where the lobes contact the tails of the shoes. The sprayer includes a nozzle, a knob and a connective unit. The connective unit of the sprayer is connected to the expanding element through the frame. |
| US07677468B2 |
Inductive heated injector using additional coil
A fuel injector assembly includes a first coil that induces a time varying magnetic field into a second coil that is utilized to heat fuel flowing through the fuel injector. The second coil generates a second magnetic field generated by a current induced by the first coil into the second coil. The induced current is generated by an alternating current signal that is interposed onto a direct current signal sent to the first coil. The second coil also is electrically connected to pass current induced from the first coil into a component in thermal contact with the flowing fuel. The current from the secondary coil resistibly heats the component to provide an alternate mode of heating fuel flow. |
| US07677464B1 |
Specialized space control and monitoring system
A specialized space control and monitoring system preferably includes a controller, a software program and a touch screen monitor. The software program is run on the controller. The controller may include a plurality of inputs and outputs for directly monitoring and/or controlling at least one parameter in a room. The plurality of inputs read various sensors. The plurality of outputs are used to actuate control devices for changing various functions. However, the controller could be connected to a facility controller. The touch screen monitor provides access to the software program. The software program preferably includes a selection screen, a parameter display screen, a setpoint screen and a room overview screen. |
| US07677462B2 |
Method of reducing electro-static discharge (ESD) from conductors on insulators
A non-conductive carrier having a conductive component comprising a plurality of sections to disrupt the conductive component's conductive path. Each section is isolated from other sections such that a charge accumulated in one section cannot combine with the charge accumulated in another section, thereby minimizing any potential electrostatic discharge from the carrier. |
| US07677461B2 |
Digital labels for product authentication
A label for a product includes an electronic display for displaying label information. The digital label includes a processor, a memory, and a display configured to store and display label information about a product to which the label is attached. The digital label also stores product authentication data for authenticating the product to which the label is attached. |
| US07677455B2 |
Safety marking
A safety marking and a method for producing a safety marking according to the CIT principle for printed areas are provided. The safety marking is a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image, the image elements of which are coded in a size and arrangement, which cannot be perceived by the human eye and are visible only with the help of optical decoders. A printable safety marking is created according to the CIT principle, which can be implemented at little expense at any place of a material being printed and therefore also in areas that are not rastered. This is accomplished by a coding of the image elements by locally different reflection properties of a lacquer coating formed from at least two different lacquer layers, the coding being independent of the chrominance and tonal value of the printed area. |
| US07677453B2 |
System and method for purchasing game and lottery tickets
A system and method for buying tickets for games or lotteries in which a seller receives predicted game or lottery outcome data communicated from a buyer over a communication path. The seller generates a printed ticket based on the received outcome data and the seller transfers the printed ticket to a custodian that holds the printed ticket on behalf of the buyer. The custodian transmits data relating to the printed ticket to the buyer over the communication path and notifies the buyer if the printed ticket corresponds to an actual game or lottery outcome. |
| US07677452B2 |
Method and system for providing signatures for machines
A method for identifying a machine and/or machine component includes storing an algorithm for generating a machine signature value associated with the machine and/or machine component. The method also includes receiving a first set of machine data from the machine and/or machine component. The machine data reflects at least one operational characteristic of the machine and/or machine component. The method also includes generating, using the algorithm, a first machine signature value based on the first set of machine data, storing the first machine signature value, and accessing the stored first machine signature value to verify the identity of the machine and/or machine component. |
| US07677443B2 |
Depositing items of value
A method of depositing items of value, the method comprising 1) receiving a tamper evident and coded container holding the items of value, the code relating to the content of the container; 2) verifying that the package has been received in an acceptable manner, and, if it has, 3) either incrementing an account with the value of the items of value in the container by reference to the code and without opening the container, or, if the account has previously been incremented, leaving the account unchanged. |
| US07677439B2 |
Process and assembly for identifying and tracking assets
An assembly and process for identifying and tracking assets, such as tubulars, equipment, tools and/or devices. An antenna is electrically connected to a responding device, such as a radio frequency identification device, and this assembly is connected to an asset. The antenna may be positioned about the exterior and/or the interior of the asset and significantly increases the range of signals that may be received and/or broadcast by the responding device. A transceiver may accordingly be positioned a greater distance from the asset without regard to the orientation of the asset and still permit communication between the transceiver and the responding device. In this manner, information that specifically identifies the asset may be compiled in a data base so as to maintain an accurate history of the usage of such assets as tubulars, equipment, tool and/or devices. |
| US07677434B2 |
Containers with tapered sidewalls and stacking tabs
A stackable container has a bottom panel, upstanding sidewalls, upstanding end walls, and an open top. According to one aspect of the invention, narrow reinforcing flaps are attached to the upper edge of at least one of the side and end walls, defining a stacking ledge and reinforcing the walls against outward bulge. The reinforcing flaps extend over only a small portion of the height of the side or end wall, and corner post flaps extend from opposite ends of the reinforcing flaps, extending diagonally across interior corners of the container. According to another aspect, the side and/or end walls lean inwardly, defining a narrower footprint at the top of the container than at the bottom. In a specific embodiment one of the walls leans in more than the other. According to a further aspect, an indexing and aligning tab extends upwardly from an upper edge of the container, and a complementary notch is formed in a lower edge for receiving the tab when the containers are stacked. According to a still further aspect, stacking tabs extend upwardly from the upper edge of the container, and slots are formed in the bottom panel for receiving the tabs when containers are stacked. Locking flaps extend into the slots to frictionally engage and hold the tabs. |
| US07677421B2 |
Twist tops
In another aspect the invention is a (drink bottle or container) closure assembly as a unit having an occlusion region providing first component, the first component being adapted for a closing engagement with a complementary bottle or container, and having a liquid passageway to be open from the bottle or container to an outlet below at least part of the occlusion region, as a second component, a spout or top with a dispensing outlet capable of being occluded by the occlusion region to provide a substantially liquid tight environment from an engaged liquid bearing bottle or container unless the second component rises from its dispensing outlet occluding condition, and a third component, rotation of which controls the rise and fall of the second component relative to said occlusion region. |
| US07677417B2 |
Storage/dispensing system and method for the application of a flowable substance
A storage/dispensing system (9) for a flowable dental substance is described with a solvent-tight, resiliently deformable container (10) for the storage and provision of the flowable dental substance and a dispensing device (1) connected to the container (10) for discharging the flowable dental substance from the container (10), with a cup (2) which has an outlet orifice (3) and a wall (4, 4′) in which a passage orifice (5) is provided for introducing the flowable dental substance from the container (10), wherein the passage orifice (5) has a cross-sectional area of 0.001 to 0.1 mm2 and the outlet orifice (3) has a cross-sectional area of 0.5 to 5 mm2, and wherein the inside of the cup (2) has a cross-section which is constant and/or reduces from the passage orifice (5) to the outlet orifice (3). |
| US07677407B2 |
Insulated beverage holder with vertical bracket and flat storage method
A beverage holder device made from a flexible foldable cylindrically-shaped insulated sleeve with a longitudinal seam that includes a piping or welt material along said seam. The sleeve has an inside diameter sized to receive and hold a beverage container. An elongated bracket is mountable to a vertical surface. The sleeve has a foldable insulated bottom portion which is attached to the sleeve to prevent the beverage container from dropping through the sleeve. The bracket has a longitudinal channel and a corresponding opening therein with a closed bottom end and an opening at its upper end. The channel is sized to receive by sliding engagement therein the piping or welt material so that when the piping or welt material is slid into the channel starting from the channel's upper end, the piping or welt material and the sleeve are held in place by the bracket. |
| US07677405B2 |
Crate for containers
A crate includes a bottom wall including a plurality of dividers defining a plurality of container pockets and a peripheral wall extending upward from a periphery of the bottom wall. The bottom wall and peripheral wall are thermoformed from a single sheet of plastic, such as recycled PET bottles. |
| US07677401B2 |
Load monitoring and control system with selective boom-up lockout
A method is disclosed for controlling a crane which comprises a boom that may be raised or lowered by angular adjustment of the boom about a base portion of the crane. The method prevents operation of the crane in an undesired condition by continuously monitoring operation of the crane, including monitoring at least the position of the boom with respect to the base of the crane. If the crane approaches a limit of its operating range or any operational parameter, its operation will be controlled so as to selectively prohibit or permit a boom raising operation of the crane, depending on the cause of the condition, rather than uniformly prohibit such an operation. |
| US07677399B2 |
Separation membrane and manufacturing process thereof
A process for manufacturing a separation membrane with excellent productivity, which can uniformly dry and imidize a separation membrane precursor solution formed on an inner surface of through-holes of a monolith substrate and which does not require complicated operations such as placement of a monolith substrate in a dryer, and the separation membrane manufactured by the process are provided. The separation membrane is manufactured comprising: causing a separation membrane precursor solution to pass through through-holes in a porous monolith substrate, to form a membrane of the precursor solution on the surface of the through-holes, and drying the membrane by causing hot wind to pass through the through-holes. |
| US07677396B2 |
De-inking screen
Multiple shafts are aligned along a frame and configured to rotate in a direction causing paper products to move along a separation screen. The shafts are configured with a shape and spacing so that substantially rigid pieces of the paper products move along the screen while non-rigid pieces of the paper products slide down between adjacent shafts. In one embodiment, the screen includes at least one vacuum shaft that has a first set of air input holes configured to suck air and retain the non-rigid paper products. A second set of air output holes are configured to blow out air to dislodge the paper products retained by the input holes. |
| US07677393B2 |
Wafer container and door with vibration dampening latching mechanism
A container for holding a plurality of wafers in an axially aligned, generally parallel spaced apart arrangement includes an enclosure portion having a top, a bottom, a pair of opposing sides, a back and an open front. At least one wafer support is provided in the enclosure along with a kinematic coupling on the bottom of the enclosure. The container has a door for sealingly closing the open front which includes a chassis and an operable latching mechanism on the chassis. The latching mechanism includes a cam selectively rotatable to shift the latching mechanism between a first favored position and a second favored position and at least one vibration dampener for dampening vibrations generated when the latching mechanism is shifted between the first and second favored positions. |
| US07677392B2 |
Trocar assembly tip protector
A packaging device for a trocar assembly includes a housing member having a compliant first sleeve adapted for selective frictional retention of a trocar assembly component relative to the housing member and a compliant second sleeve adapted for selective frictional retention of a trocar assembly component relative to the housing member. The first sleeve includes an inlet opening at a first end thereof and a closed second end defining a shield member positioned about a tip of a trocar assembly component positioned therein. The second sleeve includes an inlet opening at a first end thereof and a closed second end defining a shield member positioned about a tip of a trocar assembly component positioned therein. |
| US07677388B2 |
Disk protecting plate
A disk protecting plate includes a disk-shaped plate body having a central through hole. The plate body is provided on one side with a centered and low-raised annular wall, and a plurality of reinforcing ribs radially outward extended from the annular wall. Each of the reinforcing ribs has a top gradually inclined toward an outer circumferential periphery of the plate body. The disk protecting plate with the radially outward inclined reinforcing ribs may be made with reduced material to obtain a reinforced overall structural strength without forming an excessively thick outer periphery, and a plurality of disks concentrically stacked and packaged between two pieces of the disk protecting plates could therefore be effectively protected against damage caused by compression or impact against the disk protecting plate. |
| US07677385B2 |
Pre-scraper for a conveyor belt
A cleaning device for a conveyor belt for installation essentially transverse to the longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt. The cleaning device comprises a supporting structure (3) adapted to hold the cleaning device in place transverse to the conveyor belt (2), the cleaning device covering essentially the whole width of the conveyor belt (2) and consisting of a plurality of individual scraper segments (1′), each of which consists of a body having a scraping face (4), which scraping face (4) rests against the conveyor belt (2). The scraping face (4) on each of the segments (1′) is elastically connected to the supporting structure (3), the number of segments (1′) is relatively great and all the segments are covered by a flexible material. |
| US07677384B2 |
Apparatus for transporting containers to at least one processing station
An apparatus for transporting containers to at least one processing station, in particular a filling and/or sealing station, having a number of container carriers that accommodate the containers and having two parallel guides spaced apart from each other and extending in the transverse direction, which are used for the advance and return of the container carriers and have turnaround devices at their ends that perform the function of switching the container carriers from one guide into the other guide; pinions are also provided for transporting the container carriers and are situated between the guides and engage the container carriers. The turnaround devices each have arc guides that adjoin the ends of the two guides and are connected to them and that also transition in the arc from one guide to the other guide. |
| US07677381B2 |
Value medium processing device
A small-sized value medium processing device discriminates the genuine/false status of coins, and reads or write processes an electric information recording medium. The value medium processing device allows a coin slotted into a slot to roll along a coin path for discriminating the coin genuine/false status wherein the coin in the coin path can be cancelled by a canceling device. Slots for a coin and for an electric value recording medium are at least partly common with each other. A detecting device for the electric value recording medium is provided in the electric value medium slot. A deactivating device deactivates the canceling device based on detection by the detecting device. |
| US07677380B2 |
Optical sensing device for detecting optical features of valuable papers
An optical sensing device for detecting plural optical features of valuable papers is provided that comprises first and second photocouplers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 positioned in the vicinity of and on the opposite sides of a passageway 13 for guiding the valuable paper 64. Each of first and second photocouplers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 has a light emitting element 20, 22, 30, 32 for emitting a light, and a light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 for selectively receiving the light from the light emitting element 20 so that each light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 can receive lights reflected on and penetrating the valuable paper 64 for detection of multiple optical features from the valuable paper 64. Thus, the optical sensing device can derive plural optical scanning patterns by means of less number of light emitting and receiving elements to improve accuracy in valuable paper validation; can pick out optical patterns for different colors printed on valuable paper by means of plural lights of different wavelength irradiated on a same scan line or area on valuable paper; and can utilize inexpensive light emitting and receiving elements to reduce cost for manufacture. |
| US07677379B2 |
Optical sensing device for detecting optical features of valuable papers
An optical sensing device for detecting plural optical features of valuable papers is provided that comprises first and second photocoupers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 positioned in the vicinity of and on the opposite sides of a passageway 13 for guiding the valuable paper 64. Each of first and second photocouplers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 has a light emitting element 20, 22, 30, 32 for emitting a light, and a light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 for selectively receiving the light from the light emitting element 20 so that each light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 can receive lights reflected on and penetrating the valuable paper 64 for detection of multiple optical features from the valuable paper 64. Thus, the optical sensing device can derive plural optical scanning patterns by means of less number of light emitting and receiving elements to improve accuracy in valuable paper validation; can pick out optical patterns for different colors printed on valuable paper by means of plural lights of different wavelength irradiated on a same scan line or area on valuable paper; and can utilize inexpensive light emitting and receiving elements to reduce cost for manufacture. |
| US07677372B2 |
Conductor clamp for a trailing line
A conductor clamp (4) for a trailing line (5) which is secured to crabs (7) which can be moved along a carrier rail (1) comprises a support (8) for the trailing line, a clamping device (9) for securing the trailing line to the support and a shock absorber (10) for absorbing an impact of the first crab on the conductor clamp. The shock absorber has at least two spring bodies (20, 22) which have different characteristics and which are arranged one behind the other in the anticipated direction of action of the shock absorber. In this context, the most resilient spring body (20) is arranged closest to the end of the shock absorber which is provided for the application of an impact force. The shock absorber also has a lifting rod (16) which can be displaced under the effective impact force in the anticipated direction of action of the shock absorber. At the two ends of the lifting rod, spring bodies with different characteristics are arranged. The shock absorber has a housing in which the lifting rod is movably mounted, with an internal end of the lifting rod being located inside the housing, and an external end of said lifting rod being located outside the housing. |
| US07677367B2 |
Electric brake
In an electric brake of the present invention, a plunger of an actuator is connected through a pin to a pivot arm to which an engaging pawl engageable with a tooth portion of a ratchet is pivotably attached. A lower surface (a force-receiving portion) of the pin is adapted to receive an upward force which is applied by a tool inserted through a bolt hole threadably engaged with a watertight bolt. When the parking brake is operated (the engaging pawl is engaged with the tooth portion of the ratchet), if supply of current to the coil becomes impossible, the pin is moved upward by means of the tool, to thereby separate the engaging pawl from the tooth portion. Therefore, an emergency action to release the parking brake can be manually conducted. |
| US07677365B2 |
Bicycle rim brake assembly
A bicycle rim brake assembly includes a fastening shaft, a mounting part, a pair of brake arms and a pair of brake shoe attaching parts. The fastening shaft extends in an axial direction and is configured for attachment to a portion of a bicycle frame adjacent to the bicycle wheel. The mounting part includes a fastening portion that is configured such that the fastening shaft extends through the fastening portion. The mounting part and the fastening portion are movable between a plurality of mounting positions relative to the fastening shaft along a first direction that intersects the axial direction. The brake arms are supported in a freely pivotal manner on an outer perimeter of the mounting part. The brake shoe attaching parts are provided on respective ones of the brake arms. |
| US07677363B2 |
Evacuation assistance device for elevator
A rescue floor crowdedness detecting device detects crowdedness or uncrowdedness of an elevator region at a rescue floor. An evacuation guidance device installed in a building reports to those stranded in the building accessibility information representing accessibility of those stranded in the building to the elevator region at the rescue floor from a stair region when the rescue floor crowdedness detecting device detects that the elevator region of the rescue floor is uncrowded. An emergency control device has an evacuation operation performability determining portion for determining whether or not those stranded in the building can be conveyed from the rescue floor to the evacuation floor. The emergency control device also has an evacuation guidance device control portion for controlling the evacuation guidance device based on information from the evacuation operation performability determining portion and information from the rescue floor crowdedness detecting device. |
| US07677362B2 |
Actuator driving method and actuator driving circuit
An actuator has a driving first coil and a driving second coil. A capacitor is electrically connected to both the first coil and the second coil through a discharge switch using electric power accumulated in a capacitor which can be selectively supplied. An operation portion for operating the discharge switch is electrically connected to the discharge switch. For example, when an electric power supplied to the operation portion is cut due to a power failure, the second coil and the capacitor are electrically connected to each other through the discharge switch. |
| US07677356B2 |
Acoustic material and method for making the same
An acoustic material includes at least a kind of synthetic staple fiber and a kind of low melting point fiber having a melting point lower than that of the at least one kind of synthetic staple fiber. Method for making the acoustic material includes the following steps: a) blending the synthetic staple fiber with the low melting point fiber together; b) cross lapping the mixed fibers to a predetermined thickness; c) drying the fibers to bond the fibers together. |
| US07677354B2 |
Electronic apparatus having speaker unit incorporated therein
An electronic apparatus having a structure in which the inside of a cabinet having a speaker unit incorporated therein is effectively cooled, so that the speaker unit satisfactorily plays back a bass sound in which the speaker cabinet has at least two bass-reflex ducts. One bass-reflex duct is used for air-discharge, through which air in the cabinet is discharged by a fan unit, and another bass-reflex duct is used for air-intake. Thus, the inside of the speaker cabinet is effectively cooled while making use of the bass-reflex effect. |
| US07677346B2 |
Frame structure of motorcycle
A head pipe is disposed in a front side of a vehicle frame. Left and right main pipes extend from the head pipe toward a rear side of the vehicle frame. The Left and right main pipes are welded to the head pipe. A down tube extends from the head pipe toward the rear side and welded to the head pipe. The head pipe includes: a head pipe main body supporting a steering shaft; a main pipe connection portion disposed in a rear upper portion of the head pipe, the main pipe connection portion to which a front ends of the left and right main pipes are welded; and a down tube connection portion disposed in a rear lower portion of the head pipe. The head pipe main body, the main pipe connection portion and the down tube connection portion are integrally formed with one another by a casting or a forging. The down tube connection portion includes: an extension connection portion extending from the head pipe main body in a extending direction of the down tube; and a welding connection portion formed at a rear end portion of the extension connection portion, the welding connection portion to which a front end of the down tube is welded. |
| US07677341B2 |
Hybrid vehicle and control method of hybrid vehicle
When the driver heavily depresses an accelerator pedal to start a hybrid vehicle in an engine stop condition, the control of the invention waits until elapse of a preset wait time and then starts outputting a torque equivalent to a preset torque demand to a ring gear shaft or a driveshaft. The preset wait time is determined not to make the driver feel uncomfortable with a poor response. This arrangement desirably shortens a time period when the vehicle acceleration is restricted due to insufficient power output until the engine starts to output sufficient power and make significant contribution to the vehicle acceleration. The control of the invention thus desirably prevents the driver from feeling the unexpectedly slow acceleration. |
| US07677340B2 |
Hybrid-type forklift
When an engine is operated, a power dividing mechanism divides power of the engine to output the power to a motor for running operation and a motor for a cargo handling operation, respectively. Each of loads is driven via a rotational shaft of a corresponding one of the motors. By operating the engine and supplying the motors with electric power from a battery to operate the motors, each of the loads can also be driven by the sum of power of the engine and power of a corresponding one of the motors. When surplus power is generated in the power of the engine, each of the motors is operated as an electric power generating unit by the surplus power. As a result, the battery is charged. |
| US07677338B2 |
System, method, and apparatus for passive and active updrill features on roller cone drill bits
Strategically placed hardfacing material near the shank end of a drill bit above the transition edges provides additional protection for compensator areas and the upper leg surfaces of drill bits during updrilling and/or backreaming operations. The strategically located hardfacing is typically passive in the normal drill mode, but active in the updrill drilling mode and/or back reaming. Alternative designs including other strategic material placement, the formation of hardfacing materials in tooth/wear design shapes, bimetallic gage, graded composite hardfacing materials, recesses or cavities at edges of the outer diameter, and various methods of applying the material also may be employed. |
| US07677337B2 |
Construction device, in particular drilling device
The invention relates to a construction device comprising a carrier vehicle with an undercarriage, a mast element arranged at the front side of the carrier vehicle and a winch drum, which is supported in a rotatable manner on the carrier vehicle. In accordance with the invention provision is made for the winch drum to be adjustable between a first position, in which it is arranged on the upper side of the carrier vehicle, and a second position, in which it is arranged in a rear portion of the carrier vehicle. |
| US07677336B2 |
Portable drilling device
A portable drilling device for use in horizontal boring through a substrate beneath an impediment includes a motor mounted on an inclined stabilizer bar. The inclined stabilizer bar includes a handle for use by the operator of the drilling unit which allows the operator to guide the unit during operation. A shaft is operatively mounted on the motor and is rotatably carried by the stabilizer bar. The shaft is in turn attached to an auger which is rotatably carried within a bearing housing assembly that is attached to the inclined stabilizer bar at a predetermined angle. A skid shoe is mounted underneath the shaft-auger attachment point and is attached to both the housing and the inclined stabilizer bar, whereby, when the motor is engaged the shaft and the auger are rotated in order to bore a horizontal opening through the substrate beneath an impediment such as a sidewalk or driveway. |
| US07677335B2 |
Tools and technology of radical and level drilling/well completion under ultra-short radius
A system of components and a method is provided for radial and level drilling and completion with an ultra-short radius which includes a deflecting drill tool assembly and a level drill tool assembly. The deflecting drill tool has a deflecting rotary assembly, flexible drill pipe, directional follow-up tube, tail tube for deflecting drill tool, and drill pipe nipple joints. The level tool has a level rotary assembly, the flexible drill pipe, quick couplings, the directional follow-up tube, a tail tube for level drill tool, the drill pipe nipple joint, an adjusting nipple joint, a recessed left hand thread bushing, and convex left hand thread coupling. A triangle backing block is installed on outside of a casing of the deflecting rotary assembly. Splines matched with each other are provided at the level rotary assembly and the flexible drill pipe. The tail tube for level drill tool has a recessed left hand thread bushing and convex left hand thread coupling. A body of an inner ball is situated in a ball bowl and in frontal part of the main body of the flexible drill pipe and any single section of the flexible drill pipe may bend 3°-6°. |
| US07677334B2 |
Anti-surge/reverse thruster
An anti-surge/reverse thrusting tool for reducing the forces on a drill bit used in subterranean well drilling operations along with methods for drilling wells using a drill string employing the tool. The tool utilizes the pressure differential between drilling fluid flowing through the tool and the fluid located in the well bore annulus proximate the tool to reduce the likelihood of drill bit stall. The tool generally comprises an outer housing and a piston assembly that is axially shiftable relative to the housing. |
| US07677329B2 |
Method and device for controlling drilling fluid pressure
A method of reducing drilling fluid pressure during subsea drilling, where drilling fluid is pumped down into a borehole and then flows back to a drilling rig via the lined and/or unlined sections of the borehole and a liner, wherein the drilling fluid pressure is controlled by pumping drilling fluid out of the liner at the seabed, and where the liner annulus above the drilling fluid is filled with a riser fluid having a density different from that of the drilling fluid. |
| US07677327B2 |
Percussion mechanism for a repetitively hammering hand power tool
A percussion mechanism for a repetitively hammering hand power tool in the form of a rotary hammer has a striker movable axially forward and backward in a guide barrel and imparting impacts directly and without any intermediate parts to an end section of a tool bit that is insertable into the hand power tool, a device that exerts pressure on the striker, by which the striker is capable of being set into a forward motion in the direction of the tool bit, a blocking element, with which the striker is blockable in its forward motion, and the striking frequency of the striker is adjustable by controlling the blocking time of the blocking element, so that the striking frequency of the striker depends on how long the blocking element blocks the forward motion of the striker. |
| US07677325B2 |
Pneumatic tool
The invention of this application provides a pneumatic tool with a simple structure. The tool has a tubular housing, a stationary shaft, a first piston slidable along the stationary shaft, a second piston, a tool attachment member drivingly connected to the second piston, a compressed air supply path extending through the stationary shaft to supply compressed air between the first and second pistons, and an air discharge path for discharging the compressed air supplied between the first and second pistons to the outside of the housing when the first and second pistons are separated by a predetermined distance. The compressed air supply path has an axial portion in the stationary shaft and a radial portion, a compressed air inlet recess in the inner wall surface of a shaft sliding hole, and a supply outlet extending forward from the forward end of the compressed air inlet recess and communicating with a portion between the first and second pistons. |
| US07677322B2 |
System and method for a low drag flotation system
A low drag flotation system for placing screens in horizontal wells is provided which includes a screen exterior to the washpipe to be placed for sand control, and hydraulically actuated valves for trapping air within the washpipe. The air in the washpipe creates a buoyancy force that decreases the drag force of the pipe string in the horizontal well, allowing it to move further down the well under its own weight. As a result, screens can be placed in longer lengths of horizontal wells to maximize oil and gas production. |
| US07677316B2 |
Localized fracturing system and method
A method and apparatus useful for fracturing subterranean formations with ultra high fluid pressure. The apparatus is capable of producing isolated pressure in a formation surrounding a primary wellbore, sufficient pressure is included within the formation for creating a fracture at the edge of the perforation. The apparatus is comprised of a motor, pump, and nozzle, where the entire apparatus can be disposed within the borehole. The apparatus can be conveyed within the borehole via wireline, coil tubing, slickline, or other tubing. Alternatively, a drill bit can be included for creating the perforation just prior to the fracturing procedure. |
| US07677314B2 |
Method of condensing vaporized water in situ to treat tar sands formations
Methods for treating a tar sands formation are described herein. Methods may include heating at least a section of a hydrocarbon layer in the formation from a plurality of heaters located in the formation. Heat may be allowed to transfer from the heaters to at least a first portion of the formation. Conditions may be controlled in the formation so that water vaporized by the heaters in the first portion is selectively condensed in a second portion of the formation. At least some of the fluids may be produced from the formation. |
| US07677313B2 |
Method for controlling water influx into wellbores by blocking high-permeability channels
A method of blocking a high permeability channel in communication with a wellbore, including the steps of introducing an amount of an unreinforced gel into the high permeability channel via the wellbore and introducing an amount of a reinforced gel comprising an amount of a reinforcing material into the high permeability channel via the wellbore. The method may further include the step, after introducing the unreinforced gel and the reinforced gel into the high permeability channel, of introducing an amount of a chaser fluid into the wellbore. |
| US07677307B2 |
Apparatus and methods to remove impurities at a sensor in a downhole tool
Apparatus and methods to remove impurities at a sensor in a downhole tool are disclosed. During the testing and/or sampling of formation fluid in a borehole, the downhole tool creates a transient high rate of fluid flow of the formation fluid to remove impurities at the sensor. |
| US07677302B2 |
Spoolable connector
A spoolable connector which connects two opposing sections of coil tubing so as to transmit load between one section of coil tubing and another section of coil tubing. The spoolable connector has opposing non-circular grooves into which portions of the sections of coil tubing are deformed so as to create the torque transmitting connection between the spoolable connector and sections of coil tubing. The spoolable connector also includes a plurality of parallel radial slots on each opposing end to enhance bending of the connector at the ends as well as a plurality of longitudinal slots at each end to accommodate the weld seam line in the coil tubing. Seals may be installed as a sleeve which in use fits over the mid-section of the connector. |
| US07677301B2 |
Heat transfer plate, plate pack and plate heat exchanger
A heat transfer plate for a plate heat exchanger has a first port portion (A) with at least one port (1, 4) for each of two fluids and a second port portion (B) with at least one port (2, 3) for each of the fluids, and a heat transfer portion which is located between the port portions (A, B). The ports (1, 4) in the first port portion (A) are located along a first geometric line (LA; LA1-LA2) which is essentially parallel to a longitudinal direction (L) of the plate, while the ports (2, 3) in the second port portion (B) are located along a second geometric line (LB; LB1-LB2) which is essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction (L) of the plate. A flow limiter (5) is arranged at least in the first port portion (A) adjacent to at least one of the ports which is located nearest the second port portion (B). The second port portion (B) has a corresponding flow limiter (6). |
| US07677300B2 |
Method for making brazed heat exchanger and apparatus
Disclosed is a heat exchanger comprising a boiling passage and cooling passage defined by opposite sides of metal walls. Layers of brazing material between the metal walls and a spacer member bond components of the heat exchanger together. An enhanced boiling layer (EBL) comprising metal particles bonded to each other and to a boiling side of the metal wall provides nucleate boiling pores to improve heat transfer. The EBL has a melting temperature that is higher than the melting temperature of the brazing material. Also disclosed is a process for assembling the heat exchanger. |
| US07677295B2 |
Die casting process incorporating computerized pattern recognition techniques
A die casting process using pattern recognition techniques to identify those die castings manufactured under conditions likely to produce a die casting which would subsequently prove unacceptable for use. By promptly identifying such die castings, they may be discarded before being shipped to a remote facility for further processing. As a result, the rejection rate of die castings at the remote facility may be reduced and the raw materials used to form the discarded die castings may be more readily recycled. |
| US07677294B2 |
End mounting for supporting a roller
An end mounting for supporting the roller of a cover for an architectural opening, the end mounting including a main body of substantially constant cross-section extending axially from a proximal end for mounting adjacent an architectural opening to a distal end for insertion into an end opening of a roller. A slider is mounted in the main body at an axial location towards the proximal end of the main body and is movable between a retracted position wholly within the cross-section of the main body and an extended position in which at least part of the slider protrudes outside the cross-section of the main body. With the slider in the retracted position, substantially all of the main body can be inserted into the end opening of the roller and, with the slider in the extended position, the main body is prevented by the slider from being inserted into the end opening of the roller beyond the slider. |
| US07677287B2 |
Heavy load radial tire
A belt layer 7 of a heavy load radial tire includes second and third belt plies 7B and 7C in which belt cords are arranged at an angle in a range of 10 to 45° with respect to a circumferential direction of the tire, and a fourth belt ply 7D which is disposed outside of the second and third belt plies 7B and 7C and which is spirally wound in the circumferential direction of the tire. When ply widths of the belt plies 7B to 7D are defined as W2 to W4 and a tread ground-contact width is defined as Tw, the following relations are established: 0.85Tw≦W2, 0.85Tw≦W3, (W2−W3)≧14 mm, W4≧40 mm. A distance K between a tire equator and an outer end of the fourth belt ply 7D is in a range of 35% to 40% of the tread ground-contact width Tw. A reinforcing rubber layer 10 having the maximum thickness T1 of not less than 3.0 mm and a complex elastic modulus E* of in a range of 6.0 to 12.0 MPa is disposed between outer ends of the second and third belt plies 7B and 7C. |
| US07677286B2 |
Tire/wheel assembly and run-flat core
The present invention provides a tire/wheel assembly and a run-flat core, which enable reduction of a cavity resonance generated in a case where the run-flat core is inserted into a cavity formed between the pneumatic tire and a rim of a wheel. In the tire/wheel assembly of the present invention, the run-flat core is inserted into a cavity formed between the pneumatic tire and the rim of the wheel, the run-flat core includes a pair of elastic rings which are disposed on the rim respectively along bead portions of the pneumatic tire, and a circular shell which stretches between the elastic rings and extends in the tire circumferential direction. A sound absorbing member is provided to the circular shell. |
| US07677283B2 |
Workbench accessory
An apparatus that offers a simple method for using tools on a workbench without permanently mounting or positioning all of them at one time. The apparatus consists of a two individual interlocking components. There is a rectangular shaped metal base plate milled on the top, which allows for easy mounting of most bench tools to the base plate. A tool mounting plate is attached, one per tool, to the bottom of the tool in a predetermined manner enabling the user to change tools when needed without losing time changing the mounting plate. The tool mounting plate is designed with overhanging side edges that interlock with the base plate onto which it slides. The base plate is designed so that the protruding outer edges permit the tool mount to slide onto and into the base plate for secure positioning of the two plates together. The base plate is bolted to the worktable. A cam lock arrangement is used to hold the mounting plates securely in place until ready for removal. |
| US07677281B2 |
Power router tool
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a power router tool having an output shaft with a mechanism for attaching a working tool for engaging a work portion for performing a work operation thereon, comprising a generally cylindrical housing having a motor therein configured to drive the output shaft during operation, the housing having a nose portion from which the output shaft extends and a rear end portion opposite the nose portion, at least one switch in the housing operatively connected to the motor for controlling the operation thereof, an adjustable and removable depth guide mounted to the nose portion of the housing, the depth guide having an axial portion that is generally parallel to the output shaft and an end portion that is generally perpendicular to the output shaft, the axial and end portions having a construction that provided minimal visual obstruction during use. |
| US07677279B2 |
Delimb knife mounting arrangement for tree harvester head
A tree harvester head comprises a drive wheel, a delimb knife, a pin, a wheel-mounting inner sleeve to which the drive wheel is mounted, and a knife-mounting outer sleeve to which the delimb knife is mounted. The wheel-mounting inner sleeve surrounds the pin for rotation of the wheel-mounting inner sleeve and the drive wheel mounted thereto about the pin. The knife-mounting outer sleeve surrounds the wheel-mounting inner sleeve for relative rotation therebetween for rotation of the delimb knife about the pin. |
| US07677271B2 |
Portable flexible and extendable drain pipe
A flexible collapsible corrugated drain pipe has a corrugation structure that permits a tight bending radius and relatively facile collapsing and expansion of corrugations, thereby permitting convenient manipulation and installation of drain pipe and packaging, display, storage and transportation of the collapsed pipe sections. |
| US07677268B2 |
Fluid distribution system for a swimming pool cleaning apparatus
A fluid distribution system for controlling the operation of a swimming pool cleaning device includes a housing having an inlet for receiving a supply of pressurized fluid, a plurality of outlet openings and a valve chamber between the inlet and outlet openings. The housing has at least one compound cylinder having two portions with different bore diameters for slideably accommodating therein a mating stepped piston. Each portion of the compound cylinder fluidly communicates with pressurized water in the valve chamber via associated fluid pathways. The larger cylinder is vented by a relief valve actuated by a fluid driven cam that periodically opens and closes the relief valve. When the relief valve is closed, the pressure within the large cylinder pushes the piston to a first position which effects the opened/closed status of a port, e.g., allowing one of the outlets to communicate with the pressurized water in the valve chamber. When the relief valve is opened, the pressure within the larger cylinder is reduced, allowing the pressure in the smaller cylinder to push the piston to a second position which effects the opened/closed status of the port and/or opens another port to allow the pressurized fluid to be discharged through another outlet. |
| US07677267B2 |
Dunnage airbag inflation circuit
The dunnage airbag inflation circuit of this invention includes a pilot valve that is controlled by a pressure sensing line in communication with the dunnage bag, and an arrangement of other valves to allow the dunnage bag to inflate up to a certain preset pressure. The pressure sensing line controls pilot air to various valves and ultimately to the main pilot valve allowing airflow to the dunnage bag until the dunnage bag reaches a certain preset pressure. The inflation circuit also includes (i) a safety pressure valve to stop airflow to the dunnage bag if for some reason the dunnage bag continues to be inflated past the preset pressure, and (ii) a stop valve that allows an operator to manually override the pressure valve and stop the airflow to the dunnage bag. |
| US07677265B2 |
Fluid control apparatus with heating apparatus
A heating apparatus (11) has sheet heaters (12) arranged in both sides of at least one line and heating fluid control devices (2, 3, 4) and joint members (5), heat insulating boards (13, 14) made of an engineering plastic are respectively brought into contact with outer sides of the sheet heaters (12), and the heat insulating boards (13, 14) are coupled to each other by at least one thread member (15), whereby the sheet heater (12) is prevented from dropping out. |
| US07677258B2 |
Wheel washing assembly for an automated carwash and method of operating the wheel washing assembly
A wheel washing assembly contains a machine frame, a pendulum assembly pivotably supported on the machine frame, and two washing manifolds, including a first washing manifold and a second washing manifold, attached to the pendulum assembly. Each of the washing manifolds has a nozzle assembly for ejecting water at a wheel to be washed. The washing manifolds are pivotable between a start washing position and an end washing position by an automatic motion of the pendulum assembly. The washing manifolds further automatically track the wheels to be washes by a motion of one of the wheels. |
| US07677256B2 |
Wrapping materials for smoking articles
Smokable rods of cigarettes are manufactured using wrapping materials that incorporate at least one fibrous material (e.g., flax fibers, hardwood pulp fibers and/or softwood pulp fibers) at least one filler material (e.g., calcium carbonate in particulate form). The wrapping materials possess multi-layer coatings. The wrapping materials possess coatings in the form of series of spaced apart bands, each band possessing a series of layers. At least one of the coating layers can have a filler material dispersed or suspended within a film-forming material of that layer. |
| US07677253B2 |
Method of manufacturing regenerated tobacco material
A regenerated tobacco material is manufactured through extracting a natural tobacco material with an extracting solvent to obtain an extracted solution containing components of the natural tobacco material and an extraction residue. A regenerated tobacco web is prepared by using the extraction residue. On the other hand, the extracted solution is subjected to a fractionating treatment by means of ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis filtration, or reversed-phase partition chromatography to obtain a first fraction enriched in desired components and depleted in undesired components, and a second fraction enriched in the undesired components and depleted in the desired components. The first fraction is added, optionally together with the second fraction decreased in amount, to the regenerated tobacco web to prepare a regenerated tobacco material. |
| US07677252B2 |
Cigarette manufacturing apparatus with an in-line flavoring device
A cigarette manufacturing apparatus has an applicator that is interposed in a wrapping paper supply path for continuously supplying wrapping paper to a hoist and applies an aroma chemical to the wrapping paper, a high-frequency dielectric heating device that is installed in the applicator and dries the wrapping paper applied with the aroma chemical, and a warm air blower that supplies warm air to the inside of the high-frequency dielectric heating device and dehumidifies the inside of the device. Particularly, used as the high-frequency dielectric heating device is one that has one or more electrode pairs arranged opposite each other at a prescribed distance and applied with a high-frequency voltage in a range of from 10 to 100 MHz, and applies a high-frequency electric field to the wrapping paper introduced to between the electrodes to dielectrically heat the wrapping paper, so that the wrapping paper is provided to cigarette production after the aroma chemical applied to the wrapping paper is properly dried. |
| US07677249B2 |
Device and method for providing a lateralization effect
The present invention relates generally to a device and method for providing a lateralization effect such as in a medical procedure. The lateralization device can have a supporting member, which can be adapted to be supported in a fixed position. A lateralization member can be provided to at least partially wrap around the supporting member and be mounted thereto to provide a lateralization effect. The lateralization member can be formed and/or adjusted to provide a variable lateralization. For example, the lateralization member can comprise a cylindrical member with an eccentric cut-out portion adapted to fit over the supporting member. The inter wall of the cut-out portion and the outer wall of the supporting member can be formed with interference fittings so that the lateralization member can rotate in relation to the supporting member to provide a variable lateralization. |
| US07677244B2 |
Drug delivery device and method
Breathing apparatus for medicating an airstream, compring a breathing apparatus (139), a medication chamber (138) adapted to store and discharge a therapeutic agent, a delivery pathway (141) between the chamber (138) and an intake air pathway and releasing means (145) for selectively discharging the therapeutic agent from the chamber (138) into the intake air pathway. The apparatus is particularly suited for scuba diving, snorkels, gas masks and filters. The invention is suitable for asthma sufferers but also extends to other respiratory diseases. Also claimed are a medication chamber for use in medicating an airstream and a method of medicating an airstream. |
| US07677240B2 |
Food oven
An oven comprising a cooking chamber, a first tube having an inlet end associated with a heat source and defining an outlet opening disposed within the cooking chamber for delivering heat from the heat source through the outlet opening of the first tube to a first area of the cooking chamber, and a second tube having an end associated with the heat source and defining an outlet opening disposed within the cooking chamber for delivering heat from the heat source through the outlet opening of the second tube to a second area of the cooking chamber, the outlet opening of the second tube disposed above the outlet opening of the first tube. The oven may include additional tubes extending above the first and second tubes to deliver heat to other heights. The tubes may be aligned in a side-by-side manner and may be part of a tube assembly. The oven may further include oven racks disposed in the cooking chamber in a layered fashion corresponding to outlet openings of the tubes. |
| US07677239B2 |
Kitchen-range, an oven and a self-cleaning assembly
The present invention relates to a kitchen-range (1) and/or an oven (100) with a self-cleaning system, having a cleaning-element spraying assembly (6, 7, 106, 107), preferably water with detergent, arranged at the cooking top (13) and/or cooking chamber (113) for spraying it in a pressurized way and removing the existing dirt. A circuit is coupled to the cooking top (13) and/or cooking chamber (113), formed by conduits (5, 105, 4, 104) and a pump (19), so that the sprayed cleaning-elements can circulate and remove dirt from the surfaces to be cleaned. |
| US07677237B2 |
Furnace with integrated blower housing and heat exchanger
A combustion furnace includes a blower housing with a centrifugal blower impeller disposed therein and plural heat exchanger tubes disposed substantially around a major portion of the periphery of the impeller. The heat exchanger tubes receive combustion gasses from plural burner nozzles and discharge combustion gasses to a plenum in communication with a motor driven inducer gas pump. The integrated blower housing and heat exchanger may be disposed in a cabinet including support structure for a fuel delivery manifold, associated burner nozzles and forming air inlet and outlet openings for air being circulated by the blower. |
| US07677226B2 |
Hydrocarbon adsorption filter for air intake system evaporative emission control
The present invention is directed to the use of an improved hydrocarbon adsorbent coating for the treatment of evaporative emissions from a motor vehicle. More specifically, one or more hydrocarbon adsorbents, in accordance with the present invention, can be coated to any surface area of an air intake system to trap hydrocarbon vapors before they can escape to the atmosphere, through said air intake system. In another embodiment, one or more hydrocarbon adsorbents can be incorporated in the air filter of an air intake system. |
| US07677225B2 |
Fuel delivery system for engine
An integrated, modular system for delivering fuel to an engine component in an engine having a fuel tank, as well as engine employing such a system, and methods of implementing such a system, are disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the system includes a housing defining a chamber, an in inlet, and a passage leading to an outlet, the inlet receiving fuel from the tank and directing the fuel into the chamber, the outlet capable of providing fuel from the passage toward the engine component. The system also includes both a pump and a pressure regulator supported within the housing, with the pump having a pump input and output, and the pressure regulator having a regulator input and output. The pump input and regulator output are in communication with the chamber and the pump output and regulator input are in communication with the passage. |
| US07677211B2 |
Single hydraulic circuit module for dual lift of multiple engine valves
A single hydraulic circuit module is provided for controlling valve lift at multiple cylinders in an engine. The single module includes a housing that at least partially forms a supply passage and a control passage. The supply passage is in fluid communication with the fluid supply and the control passage is in fluid communication with the feed passage. At least one solenoid valve is provided and supported by the housing positioned between the supply passage and the control passage. The solenoid valve is controllable to vary fluid flow from the supply passage to the control passage to permit adjustment of hydraulic lift assemblies to vary lift of engine valves in response to control of the solenoid valve. |
| US07677208B2 |
Radial rotary engine with energy storage
The present invention is directed to a rotary engine power transmission system for use in vehicular as well as other applications. The power system includes a rotary engine or pump, which may be pneumatic or hydraulic in configuration. The power system includes components whose purpose is to convert rotational force into pneumatic or hydraulic pressure where that same fluid pressure can be reconverted back into rotational force. This conversion can be from a source to a driven component, or from the driven component back to the same source for use, for example, in vehicular applications for use. One purpose in a vehicular specific application is to convert rotational source energy into rotational power at the vehicles wheels, for acceleration, and to reverse this process to recapture deceleration losses. |
| US07677205B2 |
Portable or stationary animal alley
An alley for processing animals such as cattle or buffaloes is described which includes a pair of spaced-apart alleys at the entrance end of the alley and a single alley at the exit end of the pair of alleys at the entrance end of the alley. The outer side walls of the alleys are easily adjusted to vary the width thereof thereby enabling the alley to accommodate animals of different sizes. Rear-up prevention device mechanisms are also provided in each of the alleys to prevent the animals from raring up and falling over backwards. The alley may be either portable or stationary. |
| US07677204B1 |
Dog training device
An animal training device utilizes electrical voltage pulses applied between spaced electrical conductors placed in close proximity to the skin of the animal to provide a stimulus useful in training the animal. The conductors, are exposed and are substantially flat; and these spaced conductors may be placed side-by-side in a localized area, around the entire inner surface of a collar or strap on an animal's neck, or spaced on the body of the animal in different locations. Alternatively, the conductors may be located on the end of a livestock prod. |
| US07677198B2 |
Method and apparatus for growing a composite metal sulphide photocatalyst thin film
A method and apparatus are provided for growing a composite metal sulphide photcatalyst thin film, wherein photochemical deposition and chemical bath deposition are both performed for growing the composite metal sulphide thin film, such as (AgInS2)x/(ZnS)2(1-x), wherein x is 0-1. |
| US07677197B2 |
Treatment of tissue specimens
Apparatus for treating tissue specimens comprises a stationary outer casing (2) in the top of which is positioned an annular trough (3) for holding a liquid. Rotatably mounted in the outer casing (2) is a central hub (5) supporting a disc-like lid (6) the underside of which carries a magnet (7). In use, the magnets hold, in a detachable manner, tissue specimens (12) and the trough (3) is filled with a liquid for treating the specimens. The hub (5) is capable of vertical translational movement with respect to the casing (2) to enable the specimens to be lowered into and subsequently lifted out of the trough (3). A method of treating tissue specimens is also provided. |
| US07677193B2 |
Cloth cover for hatch lid of boat
A cover for a hatch lid or similar structure of a boat provides a secure, custom fit but is easily replaceable and maintainable. The cover includes a sheet of material having a periphery sized approximately to fit over a hatch lid of a boat and a securing feature including an elastic band extending along a portion of the periphery of the sheet, configured to securely couple the sheet of material to the hatch lid. The cover also includes a first corner strap and a second corner strap located on an underside of the sheet of material configured to fit over respective corners of the hatch lid. |
| US07677189B2 |
Manufacturing system and manufacturing method for sheet-like structure
An object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing system and a method for manufacturing sheet-like structures. The manufacturing system of sheet-like structures contains a loosened portion forming apparatus by which plural loosened portions, which are substantially U-shaped, are formed on a cord member, and plural linear portions, which connect each of the plural loosened portions, are formed substantially linearly; and a sewing apparatus by which each of the plural absorbing members and each of the plural linear portions are sewn with a thread member. |
| US07677188B2 |
Device and method for handling tubular knitted articles such as socks or the like to perform sewing of the toe
The device comprises a loading member (3) onto which the tubular knitted article (M) is loaded, and a pick-up member to engage the open toe of the article. The pick-up member has a plurality of elements (13) to engage the toe of the article, arranged about the axis of the loading member, which can take a circular or polygonal configuration and a substantially rectilinear flattened configuration to pick up the article from the loading member and insert it in a guide or in a guillotine (61) of a sewing machine. |
| US07677187B2 |
Pattern generating mechanism for sewing machine
A button-hole earn is mounted on a pattern selection cam shaft for mounting a pattern selection cam, the pattern selection cam shaft provided independently of a pattern cam shaft provided with a needle swing cam group. The rotation of a sewing machine main shaft causes rotation of a drive gear which in turn rotates a first follower gear in engagement with the drive gear and a second follower gear engaged with the first follower gear. Thus, the rotation of the first follower gear causes rotation of the needle swing cam group whereas the rotation of the second follower gear causes rotation of the button-hole cam. Thus, a pattern selected among a plurality of patterns by a pattern selection dial is generated to form button-hole stitches selected by the pattern selection dial. |
| US07677183B2 |
Pallet with walls hinged to support plate
The present invention relates to a pallet comprising a four-sided support plate, said support plate comprising two first edges arranged opposite each other and two second edges arranged opposite each other, first walls arranged along the first edges of support plate and hinged to the support plate. |
| US07677182B2 |
Two person work environment
A work space assembly for use by a pair of people where the pair of people include first and second persons, the system providing each of the first and second persons with a private space and also providing a shared space to be shared by the pair of people during collaboration, the assembly comprising an enclosure wall having first and second distal wall edges that are within an opening plane, the enclosure wall forming a station space including one open side between the distal edges, a rear portion of the enclosure wall spaced a station depth from the opening plane, the enclosure wall having an enclosure height of at least forty-eight inches, divider components including a table top having a table top length dimension between first and second oppositely facing ends and a table height of between 44 and 55 inches and wherein, divider components are positioned with the table top length dimension substantially perpendicular to the rear portion of the enclosure wall and extending therefrom toward the opening plane, the divider components together partitioning the station space into first and second subspaces. |
| US07677179B2 |
Vehicle and track system for flying corner amusement park rides
A vehicle for use in an amusement park ride to provide a flying corners effect. The vehicle includes a body and a guide slot or groove on the body. The guide slot is shaped for receiving and at least partially capturing or enclosing the track. The guide slot is defined in part by opposing first and second sidewalls that extend along a portion of the body. The guide slot is larger in width than the track such that the vehicle is able to move transversely or side-to-side a predefined distance such as in banked curves. Guides are provided on the sidewalls of the slot. The guides may be spaced apart from the edges when the vehicle is centered on the track and provide guidance after an amount of unrestrained lateral or transverse travel. Arms extend outward from the body to capture the track and prevent the vehicle from tipping. |
| US07677177B2 |
Device for the disassembly of rail anchors
The invention relates to a device for the disassembly of a rail anchor, connecting a rail to a sleeper of a track, comprising two opposing tool levers, connected by a rod, operated with displacement about a pivot axis by means of a press drive. A first tool lever is connected to the press drive, coupled to the tool frame. A further tool lever is defined at an upper end by the pivot axis. |
| US07677174B2 |
Method for cleaning an anilox inking unit
In a method for cleaning an anilox inking unit, a doctor bears against a roller and an intermediate roller bears against the roller and on an engraved roller. During cleaning, the intermediate roller has been or is displaced axially. Because the intermediate roller can be displaced axially, edge regions of the engraved roller can also be cleaned during a cleaning operation. |
| US07677172B2 |
Ink pad container for a self-inking stamp
An ink pad container for a self-inking stamp that is filled with ink by the top thereof at a pressure. The stamp has a housing and a stamping unit which is connected to an actuating element, movably arranged in the housing and provided with stamping characters. The ink pad container has a bottom and side walls projecting away therefrom. In use, horizontally arranged recesses are provided along a length of two lateral opposite side walls of the ink pad container and cooperate with continuous guiding and centering projections in an insertion compartment of the self-inking stamp to define precise guiding and centering of the ink pad container during its insertion. |
| US07677166B2 |
Adjustable vacuum food storage container
The invention is to provide an adjustable vacuum food storage container, comprising of a base, a socket mounted on the base, and a cover covering the socket; a vacuum controller, a pressure detective means, an out connector power means, a spare battery set, and a power switch are disposed on the base, and an exhaust valve are further added on upper cover; the pressure detective connected to the socket for auto-detecting the accommodation between the socket and the upper cover, and the vacuum controller combined to the pressure detective means for keep it at vacuum state at any moment. |
| US07677165B2 |
Food storage device
A food storage device includes a housing defining an interior area accessible through a door coupled to the housing. The food storage device includes a vacuum pump in communication with the interior area for selectively removing air from the housing. A pressure activated switch is in communication with the vacuum pump and interior area for selectively actuating the pump. A humidifier is also positioned relative to the interior area for maintaining that area at a predetermined humidity level. A humidity sensor communicates with the humidifier for selectively actuating the humidifier to add moisture to the interior area so as to maintain a desired humidity level. The food storage includes a pressure equalizing valve in communication with the housing interior area and with an area external to the housing for equalizing a pressure inside the interior area with a pressure outside the housing. |
| US07677164B2 |
Pressurized reactor for food processing
The subject of this invention is a reactor for food processing in a composite geometrical shape, and a cover screwed in to the upper section, which principle of operation to generate high levels of temperature and pressure will be to utilize hot air supplied by a compressor in series with a heat exchanger, which conducted through 3 inputs designed in position and angle to, in combination with the helicoidally design of the interior and a relief exit, generate a hurricane like effect that maintains the food in constant movement during all the process cycle time. The reactor is equipped with entrance and exit fast action butterfly like valves activated by mechanical actuators and temperature and pressure sensors, all connected in a network and managed by a Programmable Logic Control that monitors the parameters and executes the actions by software. |
| US07677161B2 |
Steam oven
There is provided a highly safe steam oven capable of controlling the amount of steam generated appropriately. Water dripped from a water feeder to the inside of a cooking chamber is converted into steam by a heater in the cooking chamber. The thus generated steam in the cooking chamber is discharged through a steam channel which keeps the inside of the cooking chamber connected to the outside of the steam oven. The temperature of steam passing through the steam channel is measured by a steam temperature measuring device. The amount of water fed from the water feeder is controlled in response to the measured temperature. |
| US07677157B2 |
Hot beverage maker with floating fluid level gauge
A hot beverage maker comprises a stand, a water reservoir, a filter basket to hold beverage grinds to be brewed, a brewed beverage tank for holding a brewed beverage, a dispenser for dispensing the brewed beverage from the brewed beverage tank, and a floating brewed beverage level indicator. The floating indicator is adapted to protrude through an aperture in a wall of the brewed beverage tank. At least a portion of the indicator is buoyant and floats on a surface of the brewed beverage. A portion of the indicator protrudes through the aperture to indicate an amount of the brewed beverage in the brewed beverage tank. |
| US07677156B2 |
Piston load of vehicle height adjusting shock absorber and method of machining the same
A piston rod installed to a vehicle height adjusting shock absorber includes a body portion having a hollow portion with first and second ends that are open. A step portion extends inwardly into the hollow portion a predetermined length from the first end of the hollow portion, the step portion having a thread formed on an inner surface thereof. A guide member threadly engaged to the step portion to plug the open hollow portion. |
| US07677154B2 |
Control unit for rotor blade adjustment
In an electrohydraulic control unit for rotor blade adjustment of a wind farm via a hydraulic cylinder, the hydraulic cylinder has one piston chamber and one piston rod chamber. Via an inflow valve assembly, a pressure fluid connection can be established between the pump and the piston chamber, while via an outflow valve assembly, a pressure fluid connection can be established between the piston rod chamber and the tank. Each valve assembly has at least two parallel-connected switch valves, which open and can be closed in various combinations in order to establish a desired position of the hydraulic cylinder. This control unit makes precise regulation of the rotor blade possible. |
| US07677152B2 |
Motorcycle equipped with a weapon
A motorcycle, which is equipped with a weapon, as well as with a front and rear wheel or a front ski and a rear-located track mat. The motorcycle includes a chassis member, a front frame, a handlebar, and a pivoting device fitted between the handlebar and the front wheel or ski. The pivoting device includes connecting mechanism including switch-over elements whereby the weapon is connectable to the handlebar for directing it in a lateral direction by turning motions of the handlebar or disconnectable from this engagement with the handlebar to use the handlebar for steering the motorcycle. |
| US07677151B2 |
Protective structure and protective system
A protective structure for protecting buildings, bridges, roads and other areas from explosive devices such as car bombs and the like comprises: (a) a mesh structure having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface defines an annular space; (b) a plurality of structural steel cables in contact with the mesh structure; (c) a composite fill material which resides within the annular space of the mesh structure and within the mesh structure; (d) at least one reinforcement member which resides within the composite fill material; and (e) a composite face material which resides upon the outer surface of the mesh structure. The mesh structure may be made up of, for example, steel wire. A protective system for protecting buildings, bridges, roads and other areas from explosive devices such as car bombs and the like comprises a plurality of the above described protective structures and a plurality of support members, wherein the support members provide interlocking engagement of the protective structures to the support members. |
| US07677146B2 |
Cutting tool using one or more machined tool tips in a continuous or interrupted cut fast tool servo
A cutting tool assembly having a tool post capable of lateral movement along a work piece to be cut and an actuator with at least one machined tool tip and possibly other tool tips. The actuator provides for control of the movement of the tool tip in an x-direction into and out of the work piece in order to make continuous or discontinuous microstructures in it. The machined tool tip provides for microstructures within microstructures. The machined work piece can be used to make microstructured articles such as films having non-adjacent lenslets. |
| US07677142B1 |
Pliers having ergonomic handle
A hand-held tool includes first and second metallic parts pivotally interconnected to one another. A first cushioned hollow sleeve is adapted to receive the first handle and a second cushioned hollow sleeve is adapted to receive the second handle. The first sleeve is relatively straight and elongate and the second sleeve is arcuate and truncate in extent. A user holds the tool with the arcuate sleeve abutting the palm while grasping the straight sleeve with the fingers until the concentrated stress caused by the arcuate shape begins to produce fatigue. The tool is then rotated so that the arcuate sleeve is grasped by the fingers and the straight sleeve abuts the palm. The straight sleeve distributes the stress over a wider, less concentrated area. Continued rotation of the tool enables a user to employ it without fatigue for a prolonged period of time. |
| US07677140B2 |
Tool having a telescoping handle
A tool having a telescoping handle including a main shank and an outer sleeve complementary shaped to receive the main shank therein. A guide groove is formed in an outer circumferential surface of the main shank for receiving a guide pin formed or attached to an inner circumferential surface of the outer sleeve. A locking collar may be provided to cause a bearing member to selectively engage locking structures formed on the main shank in order to selectively lock the telescoping handle in selected positions. The bearing member may also serve as the guide pin. Alternatively, at least two distinct locking and release mechanisms may be provided to selectively lock the telescoping handle in selected positions. |
| US07677137B1 |
Reversible ratchet mechanism for ratchet tools
A reversible ratchet mechanism for ratchet tools comprises a positioning portion the middle section of which is formed with a concave U groove. Two sides of the U groove are each formed with a receiving groove to which a wedge flake is wedged. An elastic part is provided in the U groove to elastically push open the wedge flakes. A reversible ring is set around the positioning portion, the inner circumference of which is formed with two stoppers that may drive the wedge flakes to turn. A ratchet is set around the positioning portion, the inner side of which is formed with a gear wedging the wedge flakes. Thus, when turning an angle, the reversible ring may drive one of the wedge flakes to release from the gear and thus make the ratchet clutch in a direction. |
| US07677133B2 |
Adjustable steering apparatus
An adjustable steering apparatus includes: a movable bracket to which a steering jacket including a steering wheel is fixed and to which a movable telescopic member having a tooth portion is fixedly mounted; a stationary bracket which is disposed externally of the movable bracket and fixed to a vehicle body, and to which a stationary tilt member having a tooth portion is fixedly mounted; a movable tilt member having a tooth portion meshingly engageable with the tooth portion of the stationary tilt member; and a stationary telescopic member having a tooth portion meshingly engageable with the tooth portion of the movable telescopic member. An elastic body for release from meshing engagement is disposed on an outer side of the stationary bracket, the elastic body being capable of urging the movable tilt member away from the stationary tilt member. The movable tilt member is engageable with the stationary telescopic member in order that the movable tilt member being disengaged from the stationary tilt member can bring the stationary telescopic member out of engagement with the movable telescopic member. |
| US07677132B2 |
Tilt and telescopic steering system
Disclosed is a tilt-and-telescopic steering system having a guide bush, the system including an interior tube and an exterior tube which surround a steering shaft; a distance member integrally fixed to an outer peripheral surface of the exterior tube; tilt brackets assembled with an outer peripheral surface of the distance member so as to limit a movement angle in tilt operation; and a lever and a bolt which hold and release the tilt-and-telescopic system, wherein a through hole is formed in the exterior tube and the distance member which are disposed between an outer peripheral surface of the interior tube and an inner peripheral surface of the tilt brackets, wherein a guide bush is inserted in the through hole. |
| US07677130B2 |
Painting robot with improved wrist conduit
The invention relates to a robot, specifically a painting robot, having at least one moveable member which has a conduit for lines which houses at least one line. It is proposed that the line is disposed in the conduit at least partially in a spiral or winding configuration and/or is carried by an axially compliant bellows to allow axial movement of the line with a change in the position of the robot. |
| US07677129B2 |
Multiaxis counterbalance and positioning system using a spatial linkage
A spatial linkage including an inboard gimbal plate that provides a ground for the spatial linkage, an outboard gimbal plate, and three links that couple the outboard gimbal plate to the inboard gimbal plate. Each link has a longitudinal axis and two pivotal couplings disposed at opposite ends of the longitudinal axis. Each link is pivotally coupled to the outboard gimbal plate at a first end of the longitudinal axis and pivotally coupled to the inboard gimbal plate at a second end of the longitudinal axis opposite the first end. The pivotal couplings allow the outboard gimbal plate to move relative to the inboard gimbal plate and preventing relative rotation between the outboard gimbal plate and the inboard gimbal plate. |
| US07677127B2 |
Rotation transmission member, rotation transmission assembly, and gear mechanism
There is provided a rotation transmission assembly that can be produced in large quantities and at low cost and has an anti-rotation function and an anti-release function. This rotation transmission assembly has a rotation transmission member formed in a substantially circular plate configuration, in a center of which there is a substantially circular cylinder shaped through hole that is formed by an inner circumferential surface, and that includes a rotation transmission portion located on an outer circumferential portion of the rotation transmission member; and an inner side member that is press-inserted into the through hole, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the rotation transmission member is provided with: a smooth ring-shaped surface that is placed adjacent to one end of the inner circumferential surface; and a plurality of protrusion shaped portions that, taking the ring-shaped surface as a basis, protrude inwards in the radial direction, and extend along a portion of the length in the axial direction of the through hole, and wherein the inner side member and the rotation transmission member mesh with each other within the range in which the protrusion shaped portions extend, and are in surface contact with each other within a range in which the ring-shaped surface extends. |
| US07677118B2 |
Magnetostrictive load sensor and moveable object including the same
A magnetostrictive load sensor includes a coil, a magnetic path forming member composed of a magnetic material, a rod composed of a magnetic material, two load transmitting members, a housing, and two load applicators. Openings are respectively formed at the approximate centers at both ends of the magnetic path forming member that covers the outer periphery and both ends of the coil. The rod is inserted into a through hole of the coil and the openings. Both ends of the rod respectively project through the openings, and the rod is arranged so as not to come into contact with the magnetic path forming member. Both the ends of the rod are respectively supported by the load transmitting members. Respective portions of the load transmitting members project outward through an opening of the housing. |
| US07677117B2 |
Force-sensing device for vehicle running gears
In a measuring device for the measurement of forces in a vehicle undercarriage, more particularly of the brake torque on a vehicle undercarriage, e.g. an aircraft landing gear, a sensor is introduced into a hollow connecting element that is transversally loaded by said forces, which sensor produces a measuring signal in function of a deformation of said connecting element. Distance measuring elements which detect the distance of the inner wall of said connecting element from said sensor are used as measuring elements. |
| US07677116B2 |
Force sensor device in a two-wheeled vehicle
A force sensor apparatus in a two-wheeled vehicle in which a main frame that connects a front wheel to a rear wheel is attached to at least one additional frame component for accommodating persons and belongings, has a bearing body with an integrated force sensor attachable at least in a region of a connecting point between the main frame and the at least one additional frame component and sensing forces that occur between the main frame and the at least one additional frame component. |
| US07677115B2 |
Magnetostrictive torque sensor and electric power steering apparatus
A magnetostrictive torque sensor having a rotating shaft on which at least one magnetostrictive film is formed, and has such a structure that the rotating shaft has small diameter portions and large diameter portions positioned on both end sides of the small diameter portions, and a length in an axial direction of the small diameter portion is determined in relation to a coil width of an induction heating coil to be used at a high frequency heating step and one magnetostrictive film is formed in the small diameter portion. |
| US07677113B2 |
Weighing system with plural weighing cells
A weighing system (1) with a plurality of weighing cells for respectively weighing a plurality of materials. The weighing cells have essentially the same configuration, are arranged interchangeably in a two-dimensional array, are releaseably fixed on a support element (6) and have electrical connectors. |
| US07677108B2 |
Accurate pressure sensor
The invention relates to a pressure sensor capable of measuring pressure accurately, and more particularly, to a pressure sensor comprising a box-shaped magnet, optionally having an inclined upper surface with a right side portion protruding higher than a left side portion, wherein the magnet is configured to radiate linear magnetic flux density in response to a change in distance along a straight line spaced uniformly apart from an N or S pole surface, whereby the pressure sensor can accurately detect a displacement in distance (position) and thus a pressure difference based on the displacement. The pressure sensor further includes a pipe connecting negative and positive pressures, a diaphragm movable in response to a difference between negative and positive pressures, a diaphragm support attached to a side of the diaphragm, a magnet attached to the diaphragm support to radiate linear magnetic flux density, a spring supporting the magnet, and the diaphragm and upper and lower cases housing these components. |
| US07677106B1 |
Internal pressure sensor
A pressure sensor for sensing changes in pressure in an enclosed vessel may include a first chamber having at least one expandable section therein that allows that first chamber to change in length. A reference member mounted within the first chamber moves as a result of changes in length of the first chamber. A second chamber having an expandable section therein allows the second chamber to change in length in response to changes in pressure in the enclosed vessel. The second chamber is operatively associated with the first chamber so that changes in length of the second chamber result in changes in length of the first chamber. A sensor operatively associated with the reference member detects changes in position of the reference member. Changes in position of the reference member are related to changes in pressure in the enclosed vessel. |
| US07677104B2 |
Acoustic transducer system for nondestructive testing of cement
An acoustic transducer system for use in the measurement of longitudinal sound velocity in a cement sample that is maintained at high temperature and pressure. The acoustic assembly is separate from the end plugs to optimize acoustic coupling between the individual elements of the assembly, to increase the amplitude and consistency of the acoustic signal and to provide an ability to replace the transducers as a separate assembly. The transducer includes an acoustic transmission line and utilizes a pressure isolation method to optimize the material and the manufacturing process to enhance the acoustic signal required for the measurement. The transducer assembly includes a high temperature piezoelectric ceramic and a load mass that improve the signal amplitude and provide the required electrical connections. The transducer improves the ability to measure the longitudinal wave velocity in a cement sample at elevated temperature and pressure for determining the sample's compressive strength. |
| US07677103B2 |
Systems and methods for non-destructive testing of tubular systems
Method and systems for non-destructive testing of a gas or liquid filled object at atmospheric pressure or high pressure. The method includes steps of: providing an acoustic pulse reflectometry (APR) system having a wideband transmitter, a pressure sensor and a short mixed wave tube, performing at least one calibration to obtain at least one calibration parameter; attaching the object to the APR system and performing a measurement to obtain an object test result and processing the object test result and the at least one calibration parameter to obtain an object impulse response that reflects a status of the object. |
| US07677095B1 |
Method for providing enhanced stability of a vehicle with a deflated tire
In a motor vehicle equipped with pneumatic tires and a hydraulically actuated wheel brake system, a method for enhancing stability of the vehicle by determining whether any tire on the vehicle is deflated, determining the current magnitude of brake pressure at the wheel of the deflated tire when the brakes are applied, and reducing the current magnitude of brake pressure at the wheel of the deflated tire. |
| US07677094B1 |
Method and system for testing road load durability of truck rear bed
A method for testing road load durability of a truck rear bed includes calculating road pseudo fatigue damage on the rear bed based on road load data indicative of loads imparted on the rear bed while the truck is traveling on a proving road, determining a cyclic input applied to a rear bed assembly mounted on a bench test stand with the rear bed assembly being separated from at least a cab of the truck so that bench test pseudo fatigue damage on the rear bed that is substantially equivalent to the road pseudo fatigue damage is achieved by the cyclic input, and performing a durability bench test of the rear bed by applying the cyclic input to the rear bed assembly mounted on the bench test stand with the rear bed assembly being separated from at least the cab. |
| US07677093B2 |
Method for continuous measurement of dynamic fluid consumption
A method for continuous measurement of the dynamic fluid consumption of a consumer by use of a two-way flow sensor, particularly the measurement of gaseous or liquid fuel, and possibly a conditioning device, whereby the pressure is reduced to a constant exit pressure downstream from the flow sensor. A minimum quantity of fluid is fed through the pressure regulator at any desired time whereby fluid is continuously returned in variable quantities from the region of constant exit pressure to the region between the flow sensor and the pressure regulator to make possible a continuous, accurate and timely highly defined consumption measurement with controlled exit pressure for the fluids using an open system which is able to maintain pressures in the entire line system even at highly dynamic consumption changes and which does not allow the formation of a multiphase flow. The device for to carrying out the method is provided with a pressure control device downstream from the flow sensor and a connecting line with a pump leading from the region behind the pressure control device to the region between the flow sensor and the pressure control device. |
| US07677092B2 |
Cylinder characteristic variation sensing device
A cylinder characteristic variation sensing device has a small injection controlling section that performs small injections sequentially in respective cylinders, a torque increase amount sensing section that senses an increase amount of output torque caused in connection with the small injection for each cylinder, an injection quantity sensing section that senses an actual injection quantity of the small injection for each cylinder, and a cylinder characteristic variation calculating section that calculates a variation in a cylinder characteristic among the cylinders (i.e., a cylinder characteristic variation) based on a variation in the sensing value of the injection quantity sensing section among the cylinders (i.e., an injection quantity variation) and a variation in the sensing value of the torque increase amount sensing section among the cylinders (i.e., a torque increase amount variation). |
| US07677091B2 |
Air-fuel ratio controller for an internal combustion engine and diagnosis apparatus for intake sensors
A computer calculates an estimated cylinder-intake-air amount based on outputs from an airflow meter and a throttle position sensor, and then calculates a reference cylinder-intake-air amount based on an air-fuel ratio in an exhaust gas and fuel injection amount. An error of the estimated cylinder-intake-air amount is calculated by comparing the reference cylinder-intake-air amount with an estimated cylinder-intake-air amount base value. The error is low-pass filtered. The estimated cylinder-intake-air amount base value is corrected to obtain the final estimated cylinder-intake-air amount. |
| US07677088B2 |
Cantilever probe and applications of the same
A method of fabricating a nanoscale cantilever probe. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of forming a cantilever having a tip vertically extending from an end portion of the cantilever, where the tip has an apex portion having a size in a range of about 1-1000 nm, and selectively doping the cantilever with a dopant to define a first doping region in the tip and a second doping region in the rest of the cantilever, where the dopant concentration of the first doping region is substantially lower than that of the second doping region. |
| US07677087B2 |
Quartz sensor and sensing device
Provided is a Angevin type quartz sensor which is high in measurement sensitivity, suppresses the influence of the surface tension of a sample solution during measurement, and enables an installed quartz resonator to stable oscillate. An opposing surface portion opposes one surface side of the quartz resonator via a housing area and a pouring opening formed in the outside area of the opposing surface portion. Measurement is conducted in a standstill state where the sample solution is filled in the lower side of the opposing surface portion. Since stress due to the surface tension of the sample solution does not act in this state, the quartz resonator can oscillate with reliability. Therefore, the quartz sensor can reduced the thickness of the quartz resonator, which realizes highly sensitive and highly accurate measurement. |
| US07677080B2 |
Dual mode contact sensor for automotive vehicle
A dual mode contact sensor for an automotive vehicle includes an impact-responsive tubular sensing member, and a first linear contact which is closed with the outer surface of the tubular sensing member. A second linear contact is mounted within the tubular sensing member such that a higher force impact, sufficient to cause plastic deformation of the tubular sensing member will cause a circuit to be closed with the second linear contact. |
| US07677078B2 |
Line-based calibration of ultrasound transducer integrated with a pose sensor
Apparatus for calibrating an ultrasound transducer providing B-scans for two-dimensional (2D) images, includes: an ultrasound probe for providing B-scans; a position sensing device, the position sensing device being attached to the ultrasound probe and operating as part of a position sensing system in cooperation with a fixed sensing control unit, for labeling the B-scans with their respective relative positions and orientations (pose); a phantom marker for being imaged by the ultrasound probe for providing measurements which together with known physical properties of the phantom marker are used to derive calibration information for relating measurement data from the position sensing device to the poses of the B-scans to construct a 3D image; and the phantom marker comprising an encoded line object with distinctive calibration characteristics indicative of position along the line object, wherein the line object is disposed in a generally circumferential manner about a common axis with the probe. |
| US07677077B2 |
Sensor calibration device and method for a tire
A sensor calibration device and method of construction for a force variation machine includes a circular plate having a test measurement region defined thereon. The test measurement region has a circumferentially extending inner track and a circumferentially extending outer track, the outer track having a projection and a valley for sidewall bulge and valley simulation formed therein and the inner track having a first and a second step formed therein separating the inner track into outward and inward inner track portions. A circumferentially extending radial edge track is provided having a first and a second step formed therein separating the edge track into outward and inward edge track portions. The projection and valley on the outer track have a depth equivalent to tire sidewall bulge and valley limits, respectively. The first and second steps in the inner track have a depth equivalent to a tire lateral run-out limit. The first and second steps in the edge track have a depth equivalent to a radial run-out limit. |
| US07677075B2 |
Methods and apparatus for evaluating sensors and/or for controlling operation of an apparatus that includes a sensor
A method for evaluating sensors includes receiving a first measurement signal from a first sensor configured to measure a parameter relating to a first apparatus, receiving a second measurement signal from a second sensor configured to measure the parameter as the parameter relates to a second apparatus, comparing the first measurement signal with the second measurement signal, and determining at least one of, whether the first measurement signal is inaccurate or the first sensor has failed based, at least in part, on the comparison between the first and second measurement signals. |
| US07677070B2 |
Shot-peening process
A method of shot peening in which with respect to a carburized and quenched metal part, only its surface abnormal layer detrimental to the fatigue strength thereof is scraped without scraping of the martensitic structure underlying the surface abnormal layer, namely, in which the fatigue strength can be rendered stable and enhanced without surface cracking. As bombardment shot, use is made of a shot with hardness higher than that (first hardness) of the surface abnormal layer occurring at a surface layer portion of metal part prior to shot peening but lower than that (second hardness) of the martensitic structure. |
| US07677049B2 |
Algorithm for activation of directed relief system from vehicle accelerometers during crash
A method of venting a refrigerant from an air conditioning system of a vehicle during a crash to mitigate leakage of the refrigerant into a cabin of the vehicle by crashing a test vehicle under a first set of predetermined conditions a number of crash events and measuring deceleration and determining the existence of leakage. The number of crash events in which leakage existed is divided by the number of crash events to establish a probability of leakage ratio. The test vehicle is crashed under a second set of predetermined conditions to determine a second probability of leakage ratio. A probability of leakage relationship is established correlating the probability of leakage ratios and the predetermined conditions. A deceleration relationship is established correlating the deceleration measurements and the predetermined conditions. A deceleration of the vehicle is sensed to determine a probability of leakage from the probability of leakage relationship and the refrigerant is vented in response to the probability of leakage exceeding a predetermined threshold. |
| US07677047B2 |
Inverted stiffened shell panel torque transmission for loaded struts and mid-turbine frames
A mid-turbine frame connected to at least one mount of a gas turbine engine transfers a first load from a first bearing and a second load from a second bearing to the mount. The mid-turbine frame includes a plurality of inverted panels and a plurality of struts. The inverted panels convert the first and second loads to a shear flow. The struts are connected to the inverted panels and transfer the shear flow to the mount. |
| US07677039B1 |
Stirling engine and associated methods
A stirling engine is disclosed. The engine includes at least two fluid chambers; a displacer, which may be rotary; and a movable seal. At least one displacer may be included in each of the at least two fluid chambers. The movable seal separates the at least two fluid chambers. In a further aspect, a stirling engine may include any one of at least one heat source, at least one heat sink, at least one converter, or any combination of any two or more of the preceding. |
| US07677027B2 |
Deterioration detecting apparatus for catalyst
A deterioration detecting apparatus for a purifying catalyst in an exhaust system of an engine. A first oxygen concentration sensor is disposed upstream of the catalyst. A second oxygen concentration sensor is disposed downstream. An amount of oxygen flowing into the catalyst is calculated from the oxygen concentration detected by the first sensor and the detected intake air flow rate. A control command value of an air-fuel ratio is alternately switched between a first value corresponding to a lean air-fuel ratio and a second value corresponding to a rich air-fuel ratio according to a result of comparison between the calculated inflowing oxygen amount and target values. Excessive inflowing oxygen amounts are calculated. The target values are corrected with the excessive inflowing oxygen amount. A deterioration degree of the catalyst is detected based on an output of the second sensor when performing the switching of the control command value using the corrected target values. |
| US07677024B2 |
Cable protection and guide device
A cable protection and guide device includes comb teeth-shaped connecting link units. A plurality of side plates of each unit are interconnected through coupling portions. Stopper links of an opposing unit fit between adjacent side plates and interengage the coupling portions. Stopper links limit the bending angle. Connecting arms are integrally molded with the side plates and reside on the bending inner circumferential side of the device opening/closing arms are integrally molded with one of the side plates and reside on the bending outer circumferential side. The comb teeth-shaped connecting link units are opposed to each other. |
| US07677023B2 |
Cabled carbon-fiber thread
Thread having at least two strands of continuous carbon fiber that are twisted around one another, whereby the carbon fibers of the strands are arranged approximately parallel to the thread direction. The at least two strands of continuous carbon fiber are twisted around one another and produced by direct cabling. A method for the production of the thread includes twisting each of the at least two strands of continuous carbon fiber around one another by direct cabling. An eyelet assembly with an eyelet that has a radius of at least 4 mm in the area of contact between the strands and the eyelet assembly. The thread is used as a sewing thread or a thread for reinforcing polymers, elastomers, rubber or concrete. |
| US07677022B2 |
Convertible mower deck with angled pivoting baffles
A convertible mower deck has a plurality of adjoining cuffing chambers under a mower deck, each cutting chamber having a cutting blade mounted to the lower end of a vertical spindle. Angled pivoting baffles are positioned in the openings between adjoining cutting chambers, and a baffle also is mounted in the discharge opening from one of the cutting chambers. The baffles may pivot between an open position for the grass clippings to be discharged or collected, a closed position for the grass clippings to be mulched, and one or more intermediate positions for some of the clippings to be discharged or collected, and the remainder to be mulched. |
| US07677014B2 |
Method for packaging a photosensitive film roll, resin case therefor, method for recovering and reusing the case, and photosensitive film roll package and method for conveying the same
A method of increasing manufacturing efficiency of printed wiring boards is provided that includes packaging a photosensitive film roll with a resin case, wherein the photosensitive film roll is formed, by winding around a core, a photosensitive film that comprises a supporting film and a photosensitive resin composition layer formed on the supporting film, wherein the photosensitive resin composition layer comprises a photosensitive resin composition that contains a binder polymer and a photopolymerizable compound having at least one polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated group within a molecule and a photopolymerization initiator, and wherein the resin case consists of a resin having a lower surface energy than the photosensitive resin composition. |
| US07677012B2 |
Unit for applying opening devices of packages of pourable food products
A unit for applying opening devices to packages of pourable food products having a rupturable portion includes a conveyor for feeding the packages successively along a given path; and a gripping device for receiving the opening devices at a pickup station, and which move cyclically between the pickup station and an application station interfacing with the path and where the opening devices are applied to respective packages; the trajectory of the gripping device from the application station to the pickup station is distinct from the path of the packages; and the unit also includes a pressure device generating a contact pressure between the packages and the opening devices as of the application station and along at least a portion of the path of the packages. |
| US07677001B2 |
Flooring systems and methods for installation
Floorboards for mechanical joining of floors in a herringbone pattern and in parallel rows with horizontal connectors which on the short sides have cooperating locking surfaces which are designed differently from the cooperating locking surfaces on the long sides. |
| US07676999B2 |
Curtain wall system and method
A connector device is provided for a curtain wall system of the type having structural members secured to the building framing to define frames to support glazing panels. The glazing panels each have a sash by which they are secured to the frames of structural members to form an outer wall portion of a building. The curtain wall system has connector devices securing one of the glazing panels to the frames of structural members. The connector device comprises a keeper secured to a frame, and a latch mechanism secured opposite the keeper on the sash. The latch mechanism has a latch bolt automatically displaceable to a locking position upon contact with the keeper. The keeper and the latch mechanism cooperate in the locking position to lock the glazing panel to the frame in a secured position. A method for installing the connector device is also provided. |
| US07676998B2 |
Multi-family, multi-unit building with townhouse facade having individual garages and entries
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a multifamily dwelling which may include: at least one building, which may include: a townhouse façade on at least a front of the building; at least three dwelling units in the building, each of the at least three dwelling units may include: an individual garage, and a non-shared, individual entry between each individual garage and an associated dwelling unit. |
| US07676997B1 |
Tendon tensioning anchor system having polymeric encapsulation with reduced shrinkage effects
A tendon tensioning anchor has a base member having a tubular section extending therefrom, and a pair of flanges extending outwardly on opposite sides of the tubular section, and a polymeric encapsulation in generally air-tight juxtaposition with an exterior of the base member. A hole is formed through each of the pair of flanges. The polymeric encapsulation extends entirely through and fills the holes so as to integrally connect the polymeric material overlying one surface of the flange with the polymeric material overlying an opposite surface of the flange. The hole is formed adjacent to the tubular section. |
| US07676981B2 |
Photoluminescent (PL) weapon sight illuminator
Methods and systems are described herein for an article of manufacture for use in a weapon sight wherein the article of manufacture comprises a passively charged photoluminescent material. When installed in a weapon sight, the passively charged photoluminescent material provides light to a fiber optic of the weapon sight during low light conditions to illuminate a reticle pattern of the weapon sight. |
| US07676978B2 |
Vehicular gun rest
A hunting vehicle incorporates a roll cage having a tubular frame member. A gun rest incorporates a standard mounted on the tubular frame member and provides a support moveable up and down on the standard between a plurality of supporting positions. The standard is mounted on the frame member so a hunter may place a rifle on the support to steady the hunter's aim. The standard is mounted on the tubular member for easy rotation by the hunter so the hunter may aim in a wide arc without unfastening or loosening any fasteners and without moving the vehicle. |
| US07676976B2 |
Systems for attaching a noise suppressor to a firearm
Apparatus and methods for easily, quickly and reliably longitudinally securing and rotationally locking a noise suppressor or other auxiliary device to the muzzle end of a firearm barrel, and to a fixture such as a flash suppressor affixed to the muzzle end of the firearm, and for easily, quickly and reliably removing the noise suppressor or other auxiliary device therefrom. |
| US07676971B2 |
Trade show marketing display system
A display system for trade shows and method for assembly thereof. The display system comprises lower and upper lateral frame members, and a plurality of vertical members adapted to connect releasably at the top and bottom to the lateral frame members. Each vertical member has a lower portion that extends outside a first reference plane, and an upper portion that extends outside said first reference plane in the direction opposite the direction of extension of the lower portion. The system further comprises a plurality of legs connected to respective vertical members and releasable fasteners for attaching a sheet of flexible material to the lower and upper lateral members and at least two vertical elongate members for displaying information. The invention also includes a method for assembling a display as described above without the use of extrinsic tools. |
| US07676967B2 |
Machine with automated blade positioning system
A system is provided for positioning a work implement. The system has at least one actuator for actuating a movement of a work implement. The system also has at least one sensor associated with the at least one actuator and configured to sense at least one parameter indicative of a position and an orientation of the work implement. Furthermore, the system has a controller configured to automatically create a travel path for the work implement and guide the work implement in response to the data received from the at least one sensor, wherein the controller is further configured to automatically modify the travel path when detecting an imminent collision between the work implement and an obstacle. |
| US07676966B2 |
Method for removing sediment from open waterways
A sediment removal system and method provides a versatile and controllable device for removing sediment from water in a focused manner that avoids generating unwanted turbidity. A suction pump draws water and sediment through a suction conduit and the injection of air into the suction conduit by air nozzles enables sediment to be removed from greater depths. The inclusion of water nozzles on an inlet opening enables hardened sediment to be dislodged such that it may be drawn into the suction conduit. A GPS receiver mounted to the suction conduit enables the location of the removal process to be tracked and a knife valve prevents backflow out of the suction conduit. The capturing of solid sediment by retention containers and the capturing of water containing suspended sediment by a tank enables the sediment and water to be transported to an appropriate location for treatment or disposal. |
| US07676960B2 |
Intelligent footwear systems
The invention is directed to intelligent systems for articles of footwear that adjust automatically in response to a measured performance characteristic. The intelligent systems include one or more adjustable elements coupled to a mechanism that actuates the adjustable elements in response to a signal from a sensor to modify the performance characteristic of the article of footwear. The intelligent system adjusts the performance characteristics of the article of footwear without human intervention. |
| US07676956B2 |
Article of footwear having a fluid-filled bladder with a reinforcing structure
A sole component and a method of manufacturing the sole component are disclosed. In general, the sole component includes a fluid-filled bladder and a reinforcing structure extending around the bladder. The reinforcing structure is bonded to the exterior of the bladder, and may be recessed into the bladder. In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure extends along the side surfaces of the bladder and between upper and lower surfaces of bladder. In manufacturing the sole component, the reinforcing structure may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing structure during the molding process. |
| US07676954B2 |
Drying method for a household appliance and household appliance for carrying the drying method
A drying method for a household appliance such as a dishwasher comprises a Peltier-element in addition to a heat-emitting part and also a heat-absorbing part for drying the washed items in the treatment area of the dishwasher. The heater-absorbing part cools a lateral wall of the washing container, which guides condensation of humidity into the air of the treatment area. Also, the air of the treatment area is circulated about an air channel by a blower and the air in the air channel is simultaneously heated with the aid of the heat-emitting part of the Peltier-element. The relative humidity of the air is reduced and the capacity of the air of the absorbing humidity is increased. |
| US07676952B2 |
Hair dryer with static atomizing device
A hair dryer having a static atomizing device, which has the capability of generating an electrostatically charged microparticle mist of 3 nm to 100 nm. The static atomizing device has a pair of an atomizing electrode and a counter electrode, a tank for storing a liquid such as water; a liquid transport member for transport water from the tank to the atomizing electrode according to capillary phenomenon, and a voltage applying unit. When a high voltage is applied between the atomizing electrode and the counter electrode, while water being supplied to the atomizing electrode through the liquid transport member, the electrostatically charged microparticle mist is generated. |
| US07676951B2 |
Method and apparatus for linear measurement of a stator core
A linear measurement device for a stator core inspection system includes a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted to a frame. Each of the wheels has a contact surface and a hub portion. The linear measurement device further includes an encoder gear rotatably mounted to the frame. The linear measurement device further includes a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of rotation of the encoder gear. The linear measurement device further includes a belt configured to engage the hub portion of each wheel and the encoder gear, and rotation of one wheel causing synchronous rotation of the encoder gear and the other wheels. |
| US07676949B1 |
Tape measure with rotating tape catch
A measuring tape (150) having a pivoting catch (160) that rotates (172) about a measuring tape axis (159). A rotational catch coupling assembly is secured to the distal end of the measuring tape. The catch (160) is pivotally assembled to the rotational catch coupling assembly via a pivot assembly having a pivot shaft (180) and a lock assisting spring (188). The pivot shaft (180) is oriented parallel to the measuring tape axis (159). A registration interface such as pins (174) and apertures (176, 177, 178) maintain the catch (160) in position. The catch (160) rotates 360 degrees, and can include registration at any angle, but preferably at least 0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees. |
| US07676946B2 |
Invisible mounting system
A method of construction, assembly, and suspension that allows for the mounting of properly cut, placed and independently hanging pieces of sheet material to form a complete image of any size, on drywall or other substrate, without any visible means of support and minimal wall damage. Applicable to any image that best describes itself in only two colors, such as black and white, or simply, positive and negative. |
| US07676943B2 |
Method and apparatus for using a surgical depth instrument
A method and apparatus are provided for measuring the depth of a hole with a first edge and a second edge, comprising positioning a distal end of a first member of a measuring instrument against a first surface in which the first edge is formed. Then, positioning a distal end of a second member against a second surface in which the second edge is formed, the first member and the second member being movably connected; and finally, measuring an electronic signal that represents the distance between the first member and the second member. |
| US07676936B2 |
Foot measurement apparatus
A foot measurement apparatus for measuring the dimensions of a foot. The foot measurement apparatus includes an integrally-formed unitary base having first and second sections each with proximal ends and distal ends and top and bottom surfaces. The first and second sections are connected by a living-hinge interconnection portion at their proximal ends. The foot measurement apparatus also includes a measuring scale attached to the top surfaces of the first and second sections. The foot measurement apparatus additionally includes an erectable heel-tab structure which is attached to the unitary base near the distal end of the first section. The heel-tab structure has a heel-contact portion which is pivotable between a collapsed position overlying the top surface of the first section and an erected position substantially normal to the first section. The foot measurement apparatus also includes an erectable toe-tab structure. |
| US07676931B2 |
Folding knife
A folding hand tool with an open-assist mechanism that is not mechanically linked to a folding knife blade is disclosed. The open-assist mechanism is allowed to rotate around the same pivot used by the blade, and includes a lug that interacts with the kick of the blade when rotated. Because the open-assist mechanism is not mechanically linked to the blade, it has a range of free motion that promotes safety, and allows the mechanism to rotate into the blade cavity when the blade is extended. The folding knife also may have a carabiner that shares the blade cavity with the blade, with the blade nesting into the carabiner to save space, thereby giving the folding knife a smaller profile. |
| US07676930B1 |
Dual handle safety folding knife
An improvement for a dual handle fighting knife having interlocking handles when in open position and multiple spring blades stabilization in open and closed position. The handle blade spring engagement provides for a safe, straight-forward interlocking blade position and spacing of said cutting edge engagement with said handle when in closed position. |
| US07676929B2 |
Razor blade platform and razor cartridge using same
The present invention is a razor blade carrier having a base with at least two stepped protrusion extending outwardly therefrom. The stepped protrusion define at least two landing positions that support a portion of the razor blade. The landing surfaces of the stepped protrusions cooperate to define at least two razor blade locations. The razor blade carrier is used in a razor cartridge. |
| US07676927B2 |
Method of making a skylight fall protection safety panel
A skylight fall protection safety panel formed from a single sheet of metal having a predetermined surface area A1 and a plurality of apertures are punched out of at least one central perforated portion of the sheet having a surface area A2 surrounded by strip portions having a perimeter surface area A3. A2 is as great as or greater than 0.60A1. The shape of the apertures can take many different forms but they would have a greatest width D1 that is less than 2.0 inches. The central perforated portion has a sufficient number of apertures of a sufficient size that 50 percent of A2 is open to pass light therethrough. The sheet metal safety panel would be secured under an existing fiberglass skylight panel. The sheet panel can also be corrugated to match translucent skylight panels that are corrugated. The sheet metal panel can also be inserted into a mold or cast with a top layer of resin material and a bottom layer of resin material and also having the central perforated portion apertures filled with resin. This assembled structure functions both as a skylight panel and also as a fall protection safety panel that will prevent workers stepping on the top of the assembled structure from falling therethrough and injuring themselves. |
| US07676926B2 |
Decorative fencing system
A decorative fencing system is provided for use as a small fence or decorative accent for a yard. The fencing system comprises several different structural components that may be joined in various combinations so as to create a limitless number of different configurations or arrangements. The components include base units, decorative end units and gate units, each of which may be attached to the other components in any combination thereof. Each of these components are attached to post sections which are inserted through post rings or post hinges on the individual components to thereby allow for each component to be rotated to the desired position relative to the post section. The post sections are secured to the ground by means of stakes that are first driven into the ground and the post section is then inserted into a sleeve in the stake to thereby provide support and stability for the fencing system. A separate and smaller pin is provided on the end units to anchor these components to the ground. |
| US07676923B2 |
Method and apparatus for manufacturing a helicopter rotor fairing, and a fairing obtained thereby
The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a tail structure for a rotary wing aircraft, the structure comprising: a tubular portion or duct (63) presenting two ends and including two collars or flanges (66, 70) extending respectively from each of said two ends; and two curved fairing side walls (45, 47) extending respectively around the two collars or flanges; said two side walls being made of a composite material comprising an organic matrix and reinforcement; in a method of the invention, the side walls are united by solidifying the matrix. |
| US07676920B2 |
Method of processing a circuit board
A test coupon on a printed circuit board used for verifying that vias in the printed circuit board are back drilled to a proper predetermined depth. Use of the coupon involves correlating a via on the board to a via of a test coupon drilling the board via and the test coupon via to substantially the same depth, where the depth is predetermined based on the board via. Then measuring the impedance of the test coupon to reveal the actual depth of the back drilling of the coupon via. Knowing the actual back drill depth of the coupon via is used to verify the back drill depth of the board via. |
| US07676916B2 |
Electronic component mounting system and electronic component mounting method
In an electronic component mounting method of mounting electronic components on a substrate by means of soldering by using an electronic component mounting system having a screen printing apparatus and an electronic component mounting apparatus connected to each other to manufacture a mounting substrate, prior to a screen printing process, the positions of pattern holes provided in a screen mask are measured to calculate mask aperture data, and the coordinates of a mounting position when a component mounting operation is performed by a mounting head are calculated, on the basis of the mask aperture data. In this way, it is possible to calculate the positional deviation of solder, without measuring the position of solder after printing whenever the solder is printed, and to prevent defects in mounting due to the positional deviation of solder, which results in high productivity. |
| US07676909B2 |
Apparatus for assembling a closure tab to a lid
A method and apparatus for assembling a first thermoformed workpiece, such as a tab closure, to a second thermoformed workpiece, such as a lid. |
| US07676906B2 |
Method for manufacturing lamina stacks from a plurality of separate strips of stock material
A progressive die assembly and a method for manufacturing lamina stacks from a plurality of separate strips of stock material. The die assembly includes a plurality of feed pathways for the material strips, each feed pathway having an associated punch set. Each punch set includes one or more punches for stamping lamina features in the strip, as well as at least one blanking punch for blanking individual laminas from the strips. The die assembly additionally includes a choke assembly which is adapted to receive laminas which are blanked from each of the material strips by the blanking punches. |
| US07676905B2 |
Method of manufacturing a self aligned magnetoresistive sensor
A magnetoresistive sensor having a pinned layer that extends beyond the stripe height defined by the free layer of the sensor. The extended pinned layer has a strong shape induced anisotropy that maintains pinning of the pinned layer moment. The extended portion of the pinned layer has sides beyond the stripe height that are perfectly aligned with the sides of the sensor within the stripe height. This perfect alignment is made possible by a manufacturing method that uses a mask structure for more than one manufacturing phase, eliminating the need for multiple mask alignments. |
| US07676899B2 |
Cable installation
A method of installing electrical cabling by securing an electrical cable clip to a structure using a fixing element that passes through the clip into the structure, subsequently inserting one or more electrical cables into a cable receiving channel defined by the clip and securing the electrical cables in that channel. The structure will typically be the wall of a building or the like and the fixing element is preferably a nail that is fired through the base portion of the electrical cable clip by means of a nail gun. |
| US07676898B2 |
Method and apparatus for manufacturing
Magnetic recording media are smoothed with a tape. Each magnetic recording medium has a magnetic film and a lubricant film thereon. Next, the smoothed magnetic recording media are taken out from a process case and put in a shipping case. The magnetic recording media are then taken out from the shipping case and tested. Non-defective ones of the magnetic recording media are put in the shipping case. |
| US07676896B1 |
Brake spring tool
A tool for assisting a worker in removing and reattaching brake springs includes an elongated shaft having an upper end and a lower end. Axially extending from the upper end is a tapered neck with a flattened stem extending therefrom. At a distal end of the stem is a C-shaped gripping member for grasping a brake spring. By holding the shaft, a worker can secure the C-shaped gripping member about the spring. The S-cam can be used as a fulcrum for the shaft, allowing the spring to be expanded as necessary for removal or attachment. The shaft may also include a light for illuminating dimly lit work areas. |
| US07676893B2 |
Silencer plating for fasteners
A fastener to removably mount an object in a mounting aperture of a panel is provided. The fastener includes a body having two opposing side members and defining a second aperture configured to accept at least a portion of the object, at least one elastic abutting flange disposed between the fastener body and the mounting aperture, a corrosion resistant coating, and a silencer plating overlying the corrosion resistant coating. |
| US07676892B2 |
Tie device with cam action lock pawl
A tie device has a tie strap and a buckle engaging serrations on a free end of the tie strap retaining the free end of the tie strap in the buckle A passage extends through the buckle from an insertion end to an exit end. A cam action lock pawl is located in the passage. The lock pawl has a first resilient leg that is attached to a fulcrum portion of the buckle; that slants upward with respect to a base wall of the passage toward the exit end of the passage and that terminates in a free end. The lock pawl has a second resilient leg that is attached to the first resilient leg and that extends back toward the insertion end of the passage. The second resilient leg has a plurality of teeth that are mutually engageable with respective serrations of the tie strap. |
| US07676890B2 |
Vibration dampening handle for a powered apparatus
A vibration dampening handle for a powered apparatus includes an elongate gripping member including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a longitudinal axis extending through the first end and the second end, and a wall defining an inner bore and having an inner surface. The inner bore extends along the longitudinal axis at least partially through the gripping member, and opens on at least the first end of the gripping member. A weighted mass is disposed at the second end of the gripping member. An elongate elastic beam member is one of attached to and integral with the gripping member. The beam member extends along a region of the longitudinal axis and a portion of the beam member is disposed within the inner bore and is spaced apart from the inner surface. The beam member further includes a first end that extends beyond the first end of the gripping member and includes a fastening member adapted to connect the handle to the powered apparatus. |
| US07676889B2 |
Hinge device for portable terminal
A hinge device for a portable terminal including a first housing, a second housing foldably coupled to the first housing is disclosed. The hinge device causes the first housing and the second housing to be rotatably coupled in such a manner that both housings are either rotated away from each other, or both housings are rotated close to each other. The hinge device includes a hinge shaft fixed to one of the first housing or the second housing. The hinge shaft has a first cam surface on one surface. A hinge cam is movably coupled on the other housing of the first housing and the second housing and has a second cam surface opposite to the first cam surface. An elastic member provides an elastic force in such a way as to cause the second cam surface to contact the first cam surface. The first cam surface has a first peak portion, and the second cam surface has a stopper groove. The first peak portion is engaged with the stopper groove when the second housing is opened with respect to the first housing between about 90° and 115°. |
| US07676888B2 |
Hinge for wings or doors
A hinge for wings or doors, in particular of electrical appliances, having a first element, a second element and a rocker lever for connecting the first and second elements; the lever pivots on the second element and has a first arm integral with the first element to render the first and second elements movable relative to one another with a tilting action between a closed position and an open position; the second element consisting of a substantially box-shaped body containing both elastic parts, inserted between the second element and a second arm of the lever to apply an elastic action on the lever, and a damping device, for applying a damping action on the lever during the reciprocal motion of the first and second elements, when the closed position is almost reached. |
| US07676887B2 |
Two-stage adjustable door hinge
A door hinge adapted to provide vertical and depth adjustments of an engaged door with a door frame. The hinge features a first hinge member adapted for fixed recessed engagement to a side edge of a door jam which is rotationally engaged with a support member extending from a second hinge member adapted for engagement to the door. Adjustment of height and depth of the door inside the door jam is easily achieved by rotation of adjustment screws accessible from a single surface that is visible when the second hinge member is engaged to the door. |
| US07676884B2 |
Vacuum cleaner equipped with bag compartment including a bag cage
A vacuum cleaner includes a housing, a suction generator carried by the housing, a bag compartment and a bag cage. The bag compartment is defined by a bag compartment wall including an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet. The bag cage is received in the bag compartment. The bag cage defines a bag cavity that hold a filter bag in a position spaced from the bag compartment wall so as to maintain a clear airflow passage. |
| US07676883B2 |
Vacuum cleaner
A changeover valve, for an upright vacuum cleaner, comprises a movable valve member (31) connected via a flexible duct to a dirt separator of the cleaner, and a valve body (30) having inlet ports (32, 33) connected, respectively, to an air inlet in the underside of a floor-engaging unit of the cleaner and, via a flexible hose, a suction nozzle of the cleaner. The valve member (31) is movable relative to the valve body (30) for selective alignment with either of the inlet ports (32, 33). |
| US07676877B2 |
Cleaning implements and substrates for cleaning surfaces
A cleaning implement for cleaning a soft or a hard surface comprises a handle, a sweeper head, rotating blades and a collection bin. The bottom wall of the collection bin includes an opening that is covered by a cleaning sheet during the cleaning operation. The height of this bottom wall relative to the surface being cleaned is adjustable by a user. The cleaning implement can be used with a disposable cleaning sheet, which includes protrusions that are capable of removing entangled hair from a carpet surface. |
| US07676876B1 |
Footwear washer
An apparatus for cleaning footwear includes a chamber having a toe area, a heel area, two opposed side areas and a bottom area. In one aspect, the apparatus includes two linearly reciprocating side brushes, wherein one side brush is disposed in each side area, each side brush being movable along a first direction. In another aspect, the apparatus includes two side brushes, the side brushes being linearly movable toward each other and way from each other. |
| US07676869B2 |
Apparatus for supporting a patient in a prone position during diagnostic imaging
A patient positioning apparatus to support a patient in a prone position on a patient table during a diagnostic imaging scan comprises a head support and an arm support. The head support is configured to extend beyond an end of a patient table and to support a patient's head relative to a table top of the patient table while the patient lies on the patient table in a prone position. The arm support is joined to the head support and is configured to extend below the patient table to support a patient's forearms below the patient table. |
| US07676868B2 |
Birthing bed foot support release handle
A limb support coupled to a patient-support apparatus comprises a frame having a pair of locks to block vertical and horizontal pivoting of the limb support in relation to the patient-support apparatus. The lock release actuator is configured to be coupled to the frame to simultaneously unlock both the vertical and horizontal rotation locks. The limb support includes a stowable leg support configured to provide support to the leg of a patient during obstetric delivery. |
| US07676867B2 |
Restriction-free suspended face support treatment table with hole designed to accommodate the face of a person
A restriction-free face support for health practitioner's tables designed for work on a prone person, comprising a plurality of optionally interconnected, adjustable support straps padded with memory foam designed to cradle the person's face over a headrest or cutout during a spa treatment, massage, chiropractic, or acupuncture sessions, or any other treatment involving a person lying face-down on a table. The face support allows for the person to rest and breathe comfortably and without the restrictive facial pulling/squeezing found in the prior art. The invention is simple, inexpensive, and can be built into massage tables or retrofitted onto existing tables, and the support straps are adjustable through use of buckles, hook-and-loop, or other means. Optionally, the support straps can have removable beads and other devices attached that allow for the device to put pressure on particular pressure points during the massage. |
| US07676865B2 |
Transferable patient care equipment support
A patient care equipment support is transferable between a first device having a first tapered socket and a second device having a second tapered socket. The equipment support includes an equipment supporting portion configured to support patient care equipment and a post coupled to the equipment supporting portion and extending generally downwardly therefrom. The post has first and second tapered portions. The first tapered portion is configured for receipt in the first tapered socket and the second tapered portion being configured for receipt in the second tapered socket. |
| US07676863B2 |
Bed skirt assembly
A bed skirt adapted to be removably attached to an associated bed sheet is disclosed. The bed skirt includes a first decorative side and a second decorative side. The bed sheet includes a top and an edge portion adapted to fit over one of a mattress and a box spring. A plurality of fasteners is provided to removably attach the bed skirt to the edge portion of the bed sheet, wherein one of the first decorative side and the second decorative side is outwardly facing. |
| US07676860B2 |
Security fastening structure of a base of a baby bed for babies to play in
A baby bed includes a base member arranged on a middle of a bottom of a frame thereof; the frame includes two connecting rods, which will extend along a same diagonal line of the bottom of the frame after the baby bed is expanded; two stopped components are joined on inward ends of the connecting rods respectively, and a stopping bar mechanism is pivoted on a middle of the base member; an elastic element is fitted on the stopping bar mechanism to bias the stopping bar mechanism into a stretched state; the stopped components will come into contact with the stopping bar mechanism to prevent the connecting rods from bouncing when the baby bed is in expanded configuration; the stopping bar mechanism will be apart from the stopped components to allow the baby bed to be folded after the stopping bar mechanism is pivoted with its upper ends moving upwards. |
| US07676858B2 |
Flush valve
A flush valve for a toilet has a valve body with a flow passage that narrows non-linearly down from the valve seat. The flow passage is formed by a surface that follows a polynomial expression so as to define a computationally derived flow profile that more closely follows the narrowing exhibited by falling water as it accelerates under gravity. The non-linear flow profile of the valve reduces the presence of air in the valve after a flush cycle is initiated so that greater flush efficiency can be achieved. The flush valve can also have a wide mouth overflow that narrows to improve flow in an overflow situation. |
| US07676855B2 |
Patterned thermal liner for protective garments
Disclosed are thermal liners for protective garments and protective garments that comprise thermal liners. In one embodiment, a thermal liner comprises an insulation layer comprising a batt of entangled flame resistant fibers, the insulation layer having a three-dimensional pattern that defines a plurality of closed-cell air pockets that are configured to trap air to insulate a wearer of the thermal liner, the insulation layer being shaped and configured for inclusion in the protective garment and for donning by the wearer. |
| US07676852B1 |
Maternity garment
Maternity wear of the invention accommodates the changing shape of a woman's body during pregnancy, minimizing the need for maternity clothes. In one aspect of the invention, pants or a skirt are worn with the upper end unfastened so as to conform to the shape of the swelling torso in pregnancy, and an elastic band shaped similarly to a tube top is worn generally around the waist, so as to overlap the top of the unfastened pants or skirt and retain them on the body. A top, such as a blouse or shirt, can be worn with its tail end extending over the band. In another aspect of the invention, too-large maternity clothing is worn with the band garment engaged over the upper end. If desired the band garment can be folded over on itself, thus doubling its thickness. |