| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07686824B2 |
Apparatus and methods for treating hardened vascular lesions
A plaque scoring catheter comprises a catheter body having a balloon or other radially expansible shell at its distal end. A non-axial scoring structure is carried over the shell and scores a stenosed region in a blood vessel when the balloon is inflated therein. The non-axial scoring structure may be formed directly on the balloon or may alternatively be part of a cage structure which floats over the balloon. Exemplary configurations for the scoring structure include helical, serpentine, and irregular. |
| US07686822B2 |
Hernia repair method
An article of manufacture suitable for positioning a sheet of mesh material over tissue is described. In one embodiment, the article comprises a surgical tack having a hook-type material such as Velcro® material carried by the tack, e.g., secured to the top of the head thereof. A plurality of such tacks are positioned around the site of a hernia or the like and the mesh is positioned over the site and the tacks. The mesh is made of a loop-type Velcro® material or the like which allows the mesh to be releasably engaged and disengaged from the hook-type material carried by the tacks so that the mesh can be appropriately positioned over the tissue. |
| US07686815B2 |
Method and device for filtering body fluid
Medical devices for filtering fluids flowing through a lumen and a method of forming medical devices. The devices can be used in vascular channels, urinary tracts, biliary ducts and the like, and filter emboli and other debris generated at a treatment site. |
| US07686814B2 |
Systems and methods for compressing and distracting vertebrae of the spinal column
Spinal surgical systems include a compressor mountable to a first vertebra and positionable relative to a fulcrum mountable to a second vertebra. The compressor and fulcrum are manipulated relative to one another to compress the first and second vertebrae. The systems further include a distractor mountable to a first vertebra and positionable relative to a fulcrum mountable to a second vertebra. The distractor and fulcrum are manipulated relative to one another to distract the first and second vertebrae. |
| US07686813B2 |
Traction apparatus
The invention relates to a hydraulic traction apparatus for surgery, in particular for knee surgery, having at least one pair of working sections which can be adjusted relative to one another and at least one exchangeable piston in cylinder arrangement made of plastic whose piston is releasably coupled to the one working section and whose cylinder is releasably connected to the other working section and which is stiffened by an outer support mount supporting the cylinder from the outside and by at least one inner reinforcement insert which can be inserted into the cylinder together with the piston. |
| US07686811B2 |
Surgical component fixation and method
An apparatus is provided for attaching a surgical component to a bone at a surgical site. The apparatus includes an elongated pin and a cam mounted to the pin. The cam is engaged with the surgical component such that rotating the cam about the shaft axis changes the surgical component position relative to the bone. |
| US07686810B2 |
Suture separation and organization devices for use with graft tensioning device
Suture separation and organization devices for use in a tissue graft tensioning system. The inventive devices help to separate and organize a plurality of suture strands that extend away from a bone tunnel of a patient's leg during joint repair surgery (e.g., while repairing or replacing the anterior cruciate ligament (“ACL”)). The suture separation and organization device may comprise one or more elongate bodies, or a one-piece body, comprising a plurality of suture retention recesses or protrusions disposed on a perimeter of a body. The suture separation and organization device also includes recesses or passages adapted to receive corresponding posts of a graft tensioning device. In this way, the suture separation and organization device can be removably attached to the graft tensioning device. |
| US07686809B2 |
Rod inserter and rod with reduced diameter end
An inserter tool for coupling a spinal rod with an implant includes an outer shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and an elongated opening extending between the proximal and distal ends, a handle secured to the proximal end of the outer shaft, and an inner shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the inner shaft being telescopically received within the elongated opening of the outer shaft and being adapted to move between the proximal and distal ends of the outer shaft. The tool includes a compressible clamping tip secured to the distal end of the inner shaft, the clamping tip including a first section secured to the distal end of the inner shaft, a flexible arm that extends from the first section, and an opening disposed between the first section and the flexible arm. A knob is coupled with the proximal end of the inner shaft, the knob being rotatable in a first direction for extending the clamping tip from the distal end of the outer shaft and in a second direction for retracting the clamping tip into the distal end of the outer shaft so as to compress the flexible arm of the clamping tip toward the first section of the clamping tip. |
| US07686807B2 |
Tool for bone fixation device
A tool for inserting a bone fixation device is provided. The tool generally includes an elongate outer body and an elongate inner body, each having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis. The tool typically includes a pin-receiving portion at the distal end of the outer body for receiving a proximal pin of a bone fixation device. The tool may further include first and second levers pivotally mounted to the inner member at respective pivot axes, and each of the levers having a gripping portion. The levers preferably include finger engagement portions, wire-gripping portions, and are preferably configured to be axially movable relative to the outer body. The levers are generally configured such that a proximal force on the finger engagement portions relative to the outer body will cause the pin engagement portions to close and to move proximally such that a guidewire of a bone fixation device placed between the wire-gripping portions may be gripped and pulled proximally. |
| US07686805B2 |
Methods for distraction of a disc space
Apparatus and a method of inserting spinal implants is disclosed in which an intervertebral space is first distracted, a hollow sleeve having teeth at one end is then driven into the vertebrae adjacent that disc space. A drill is then passed through the hollow sleeve removing disc and bone in preparation for receiving the spinal implant which is then inserted through the sleeve. Apparatus and a method of inserting spinal implants is disclosed in which an intervertebral space is first distracted to restore the normal angular relationship of the vertebrae adjacent to that disc space. An extended outer sleeve having extended portions capable of maintaining the vertebrae distracted in their normal angular relationship is then driven into the vertebrae adjacent that disc space. A drill is then passed through the hollow sleeve removing disc and bone in preparation for receiving the spinal implant which is then inserted through the sleeve. |
| US07686803B2 |
Ablation probe with stabilizing member
A surgical ablation probe assembly particularly suitable for ablating tissue on a surface of a patient's heart having an ablation member and a stabilizing member for guiding the probe assembly to an intracorporeal location such as a surface of the patient's heart. The elongated ablation member generally has at least one ablation electrode on a distal shaft section. The stabilizing member has a vacuum lumen which applies a vacuum to the inner chamber of the stabilizing member to aspirate fluid from within the chamber or about the stabilizing member and can aid in holding the stabilizing member to an intracorporeal surface such as the epicardial or endocardial surface of the patient's heart. The probe assembly may also have a removable stylet to help retain the shape of the distal portion. The assembly is suitable for treating a patient for atrial arrhythmia, by forming linear or curvilinear lesions and preferably a continuous lesion on the surface of the patient's heart. |
| US07686800B2 |
Anti-recoil catheter
A design is disclosed for a catheter assembly used during interventional and/or diagnostic procedures. The catheter includes a plurality of openings that allow for controlled fluid flow as the fluid exits the lumen of the catheter and can be inserted into the vascular system over a guidewire. As a result, the openings balance the fluid forces and, thereby, stabilize the distal tip to accommodate a wide range of injection parameters. The particular design of the catheter assembly of the present invention also reduces and/or eliminates recoil of the catheter tip during high volume injections, such as those associated with coronary or ventricular angiography. |
| US07686794B2 |
Feminine hygiene short
A feminine hygiene device offers full protection from heavy menstrual flow by securely covering the inner thigh, buttocks and pelvic area against menstrual leakage. The hygiene device is in the nature of a pair of shorts having vertical elastic seams on each side to hold the device snug on the wearer's pelvic region and legs. Elastic elements on the bottom of each leg of the short secure against downward leakage. The short is made of a liquid impervious cloth having an absorbent cotton blend layer and an outer plastic layer. Additional absorbent padding is incorporated in the short to provide normal coverage in the vaginal region. An elastic waist element aides in supporting the device on the wearer. The cloth may be vapor permeable and the side vertical seams air permeable for cooling effects. A diaper may be readily fashioned of the device. |
| US07686790B2 |
Nonlinear, undulating perimeter embossing in an absorbent article
An absorbent feminine care article (20) having a longitudinal direction (22), a lateral direction (24), first and second longitudinally opposed end portions (72, 72a), and an intermediate portion (76) located between the end portions. The article (20) comprises an absorbent body structure (30) sandwiched between a cover (26) and a baffle (28). In a particular aspect, the absorbent structure (30) can include one or more distinctively configured embossment regions (34), and the embossment regions can be distributed along the intermediate portion (76) of the article. |
| US07686789B2 |
Chemical liquid injection system
A medical liquid injection system capable of automatically preventing a piston drive mechanism from being driven when a cylinder holding mechanism does not hold a medical liquid syringe properly. When a cylinder member (210) is being held, in a specific direction of rotation about the axis of the mechanism, by a cylinder holding mechanism (120), an RFID chip (230) and an RFID reader (131) become communicable, making the piston drive mechanism operable. On the other hand, when the cylinder member (210) has been rotated by a specified angle from a specific direction, the RFID chip (230) and the RFID reader (131) become incommunicable, not making the piston drive mechanism operable. As a consequence, the piston drive mechanism is not driven when the cylinder holding mechanism (120) is not holding the medical liquid syringe properly. |
| US07686787B2 |
Infusion device and method with disposable portion
A delivery device includes a durable housing portion and a separable disposable portion that selectively engage and disengage from each other. The disposable housing portion secures to the patient and may be disposed of after it has been in use for a prescribed period. Components that normally come into contact with a patient or with infusion media are supported by the disposable housing portion for disposal after the prescribed use, while the durable housing portion supports other components such as electronics for controlling delivery of infusion media from the reservoir and a drive device and drive linkage. |
| US07686784B2 |
Disposable syringe
A disposable syringe, which is enhanced for a safer use, is disclosed. The disposable syringe includes a cylinder having both ends open, an adapter tube inserted in one side of the cylinder, an insertion tube inserted in the adapter tube, and allowing the adapter tube to be in airtight contact with an inner circumference of the cylinder, and a piston inserted in the cylinder. |
| US07686779B1 |
Extracorporeal blood processing methods and apparatus
A preconnected disposable and method for red blood collection is provided wherein the preconnected disposable includes a red blood cell collection assembly comprising a leukoreduction filter and a red blood cell storage bag. Such a red blood cell collection assembly is preferably preconnected to a blood component separation vessel, cassette assembly and a blood removal/return assembly for removing blood from a donor, separating the blood into components for collection and providing for filtration of the separated red blood cell component. |
| US07686775B2 |
Method and apparatus for multidirectional positioning of a shoulder
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for manipulating a shoulder joint, by independently manipulating the upper arm in two directions. One direction is “longitudinal”, wherein the upper arm moves substantially along its longitudinal axis. The second is “lateral”, in which the upper arm moves laterally from a first to a second position, with the second position being spaced apart from the first and such that the longitudinal axes of the upper arm in the two positions are substantially parallel. The apparatus is adjustable, but includes two parts stationary during use; an elongate yet platelike “upper arm supporting plate” configured to be situated under the upper arm of the patient (extending proximate the armpit and extending proximate the elbow) and an elongate “forearm member” configured to be positioned proximate the forearm of the user when the user's arm is in position bent approximately 90 degrees. Two other elements cause controlled movement of the arm relative to the structure so the surgeon may perform the desired procedure. These inflatable bladders may be selectively inflated or deflated to provide a desired effect. These can be referenced as an “upper arm bladder” and a “forearm bladder”, although they may be also referenced as first and second bladders, although not necessarily in that order. By inflating the upper arm bladder, the upper arm is moved away from the upper arm supporting plate, causing perpendicular (a.k.a., “lateral”) force to occur to elevate the humerus perpendicularly from the glenoid to allow good clean glenoid work. |
| US07686774B2 |
Electromagnetic cushion providing knocking and oscillating massages to acupoints in male and female private body parts
The invention relates to massages for acupoints in sensitive private parts of male and female private parts. It comprises a cushion shell, knocking and oscillating massagers for acupoints of the private parts, a sponge pad, an arc cover board, a bottom cover of cushion shell, a computer controlling board of integrated circuits and a hand-held switch controller. The knocking and oscillating head for massaging private parts is arranged and mounted at the position of the central line C of the cushion shell. An arc supporting plate for knocking and oscillating massages for private parts on it is installed at the massage head. The distances between each of the knocking massagers can be adjusted within a proper range. The benefits of the invention are its simple structure, good curative effect and convenience in use. |
| US07686772B2 |
Apparatus for measuring calories consumed during sleep
An apparatus for measuring calories consumed during sleep comprises determination means for determining a breathing/heartbeat oscillation, a body motion and an the intensity of the body motion, coefficient calculation means for calculating a coefficient which is a reference value for calculating calories consumed during sleep, based on the signals in a given period of breathing/heartbeat oscillation and a sleep metabolic rate, consumed calorie calculation means for calculating calories consumed during sleep, based on consumed calories according to the magnitude of each signal and the coefficient, and storage means for storing various arithmetic expressions in advance. Accordingly, the present apparatus makes it possible to acquire calories consumed by the motions of the body of an individual subject in more detail and to measure calories consumed during sleep more accurately. |
| US07686767B2 |
Catheter with variable magnetic field generator for catheter guidance in a subject
A catheter, particularly an intra-vascular catheter, has at least one magnetic field-generating element arranged in the catheter envelope in the region of the catheter tip, characterized in that the magnetic field of which is variable while the catheter is inserted into a patient. |
| US07686765B2 |
Pulse detecting device and ultrasound diagnostic apparatus
There is provided a pulse detecting device which resists fluctuations in the quality by locating an ultrasound transmitting piezoelectric element and an ultrasound receiving piezoelectric element with high precision. In the pulse detecting device, a detection sensitivity of the pulse is improved. A transmitting piezoelectric element and a receiving piezoelectric element are fixed onto a substrate by electrodes. The transmitting piezoelectric element is excited in response to an inputted drive voltage signal to generate an ultrasound and transmits the generated ultrasound to a living body. The receiving piezoelectric element receives an echo produced by reflecting the ultrasound transmitted into the living body by a blood flow of the living body and converts it into a voltage signal. A processing arithmetic unit compares the frequency of the ultrasound generated by the transmitting piezoelectric element with that of the echo received in the receiving piezoelectric element to thereby detect a pulse. |
| US07686763B2 |
Use of contrast agents to increase the effectiveness of high intensity focused ultrasound therapy
Ultrasound contrast agents are used to enhance imaging and facilitate HIFU therapy in four different ways. A contrast agent is used: (1) before therapy to locate specific vascular structures for treatment; (2) to determine the focal point of a HIFU therapy transducer while the HIFU therapy transducer is operated at a relatively low power level, so that non-target tissue is not damaged as the HIFU is transducer is properly focused at the target location; (3) to provide a positive feedback mechanism by causing cavitation that generates heat, reducing the level of HIFU energy administered for therapy compared to that required when a contrast agent is not used; and, (4) to shield non-target tissue from damage, by blocking the HIFU energy. Various combinations of these techniques can also be employed in a single therapeutic implementation. |
| US07686762B1 |
Wireless device and system for monitoring physiologic parameters
A system for monitoring blood pressure and other physiologic parameters is provided. The system is designed such that it can be delivered to the patient with ease and minimal invasion. The system contains at least one self contained implantable sensing device consisting of a sensor, an electrical circuit for signal conditioning and magnetic telemetry, a biocompatible outer surface and seal, an anchoring method, and an external readout device. The implant is small in size so that it may be delivered to the desired location and implanted using a catheter, although direct surgical implantation is also possible. The circuit, sensor, and antenna for telemetry are packaged together and sealed hermetically to the biologic environment. The larger readout unit remains outside the body but proximal to the implant for minimizing communication distance. |
| US07686756B2 |
Brachytherapy devices and related methods and computer program products
A low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy device having a spatiotemporal radiation profile includes an elongated body having a radioactive material in a spatial pattern to provide a spatial radiation profile with a radiation intensity that varies along a length of the elongated body. The radioactive material includes at least first and second radioisotopes having at least first and second respective decay profiles that together provide a temporal radiation profile that is different from the first and second decay profiles. The spatial radiation profile and the temporal radiation profile form a net spatiotemporal radiation profile configured to provide a radiotherapy plan for a patient. |
| US07686751B2 |
Board sport training device and method of use
A board sport training device comprises a base configured for attachment to a platform such that the base is disposed beneath the platform. The base comprises a plurality of separate base portions, each base portion comprising at least two bowl-shaped pivot areas and each base portion having sufficient flexibility that each base portion conforms to a curved bottom surface of the platform. A plurality of the pivot areas are positioned along a longitudinal axis of the platform and separated by a distance from the platform. |
| US07686749B2 |
Exercise apparatus
An exercise apparatus includes a compact resistance unit that houses a pneumatic cylinder. The cylinder is connected to a pulley wheel that moves at least toward the cylinder. A main cable extends about a portion of the pulley wheel. One end of the main cable is fixed to the unit housing and the other end is attached to a pulley block of a block-and-tackle mechanism. A user cable extends through the block-and-tackle mechanism and is connected to a handle. The pneumatic cylinder resists movement of the handle away from the unit. |
| US07686744B2 |
Scalable high-performance bouncing apparatus
A scalable high-performance bouncing apparatus provides convenient access to untensioned internally semi-mounted springs/tension elements. A holster retains the inoperative semi-mounted elements and avoids contact or friction with fully engaged tension elements. Adjustable connection elements permit compensation for lengthening of spring elements due to creep or elongation set. The connection elements include collars that compress the tension elements, and may be connected to the springs/tension elements by first stretching the elements beyond their working elongation and then placing the collars onto the stretched portions. |
| US07686743B2 |
Elliptical rock climber exercise apparatus
The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates lateral rock climbing with arm exercise. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with the motion of the feet. Each pedal follows a separate elongate curve with lateral movement. As one pedal moves downward on the inside portion of one pedal curve, the other pedal moves sideways upward following the outer portion of the other pedal curve. A pair of cranks rotate in opposite directions when driven by the pedal movement. The orientation of the pedal curves is adjustable to exercise leg muscles differently. Arm exercise is positioned above the shoulders of an operator to simulate rock climbing and is coordinated with the foot pedal movements. |
| US07686741B2 |
Exercise apparatus having a surface for sliding
An exercise apparatus including: a pair of platforms, each of the pair of platforms having: a base including a lower surface and a pair of opposed flanges extending upwardly from the lower surface; roller units received side-by-side in the base and being independently rotatable, each of the roller units extending between the pair of opposed flanges of the base and including at least two roller bodies spaced from one another by a groove, each of the at least two roller bodies including an outer surface, at least a portion of the outer surface being in continuous contact with the lower surface of the base; a retainer coupled to the base for maintaining the rollers units on the base; and a connector for coupling the pair of platforms to one another to provide a surface for sliding. |
| US07686737B2 |
Speed control structure and method for work vehicle
A load control structure for a work vehicle comprises: set rotation speed detection device for detecting a set rotation of an engine of the work vehicle; actual rotation speed detection device that senses an actual rotational speed of the engine; continuously variable speed change device that receives power from an engine of the work vehicle; speed change position detecting device for detecting a speed change operation position of the continuously variable speed change device; operating device for speed-shifting the continuously variable speed change device; control device for controlling the operation of the operating device; wherein the control device calculates a drop amount of the actual engine rotation speed from the set rotation speed based on the detected information from the set rotation speed detection device and the actual rotation speed detection device, and sets a limit operation position for the continuously variable speed change device based on the calculated drop amount and a correlation data that correlates the actual engine rotation speeds with operating positions of the continuously variable speed change device, and controls the operating device such that the operating position of the continuously variable speed change device moves to the limit operating position based on the set limit operating position and detected information from the speed change position detecting device, and wherein the control device has command device for commanding a change of the correlation data. |
| US07686736B2 |
Shift and throttle management during cruise control
A control system for regulating operation of a vehicle having a transmission driven by an engine during a cruise control mode includes a first module that determines an operating point of the vehicle and that compares the operating point to one of a shift line and a torque converter clutch (TCC) release line. A second module regulates a throttle of the engine to maintain the operating point a threshold distance from the one of the shift line and the TCC release line, when the operating point is at the threshold distance. |
| US07686735B2 |
Continuously variable power-branched transmission, and a method for regulating a continuously variable power-branched transmission
A continuously variable power-branched transmission for a motor vehicle, including an input shaft, a variable speed drive unit having pairs of conical disks and a continuously variable transmission ratio, a gear system, and an output shaft. Two control clutches connect the variable speed drive unit and the gear system so that when going through the entire transmission ratio range of the power-branched transmission the adjustment range of the variable speed drive unit is passed through a plurality of times. The transmission also includes rotational speed sensors and a controller that determines whether a change in rotational speed is triggered by a change in the transmission ratio, and when it is not triggered by a change in the transmission ratio, the controller adjusts the variable speed drive unit so that the change in rotational speed not triggered by a change in the transmission ratio is compensated. |
| US07686734B2 |
Apparatus and method of using a hardness differential and surface finish on mating hard gears
An apparatus and method for finishing the mating surfaces of a gear set or gear train includes at least a first and a second rotatably connected gear element in dynamic, lubricated contact and rotating at different cycle rates. A hardness differential is employed between mating gear surfaces to balance surface damage imparted by friction and plastic deformation. The mating surfaces are of a hardness of at least approximately 70 on the Rockwell superficial hardness scale (70HR-30N), and are subjected to a polishing process, such as isotropic chemical finishing, to shape the surface asperity profile, thereby reducing accumulative damage due to friction and plastic deformation. |
| US07686731B2 |
Wide ratio transmission with four planetary gear sets and three fixed interconnections
The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets having seven torque-transmitting mechanisms and tree fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The seven torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members and with the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. |
| US07686730B2 |
Multiple speed automatic transmission
A multiple speed transmission includes an input and output; a first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets, each gear set including a sun gear, a ring gear, a carrier, and pinions supported on the carrier and meshing with the sun gear and the ring gear; a first epicyclic gearing assembly including the first gear set, the second gear set, a first clutch, a first brake, a second brake, and first, second, third and fourth rotating members, said first clutch being operable to couple said first rotating member to the input, said first brake being operable to hold said fourth rotating member against rotation, and said second brake being operable to hold said second rotating member against rotation; and a second epicyclic gearing assembly including the third gear set, the fourth gear set, a second clutch, a third clutch, a third brake, and fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth rotating members, the third rotating member being secured to the eighth rotating member, said second control clutch being operable to couple said fifth rotating member to the input, said second control clutch being operable to couple said seventh rotating member to the input, said third brake being operable to hold the seventh rotating member against rotation, and said sixth rotating member being secured for rotation to the output. |
| US07686726B2 |
Electric drive transmission
An electric drive transmission for a skid steered vehicle has a central casing housing a pair of propulsion motors comprising respective stators and rotors, each rotor being coupled to drive a respective through shaft via a respective epicyclic gear change mechanism. The through shafts are coupled at their inboard ends to a controlled differential with an input from a steer motor, and are coupled at their outboard ends to respective epicyclic gear reduction mechanisms. The through shafts are supported in the casing by respective bearings and the propulsion motor rotors are supported on the through shafts by respective bearings. By supporting the rotors on the through shafts rather than in separate bearings to the casing the diameter and speed rating of the requisite rotor bearings can be reduced. |
| US07686724B2 |
Torque transfer device with hydrostatic torque control system
In one form, the present teachings provide a power transmission device that includes a rotatable input shaft, a rotatable output shaft and a ring gear fixed for rotation with the input shaft. A carrier is fixed for rotation with the output shaft. A pump assembly includes an inner rotor supported for rotation on the carrier and an outer rotor encompassing the inner rotor. The outer rotor is in driving meshed engagement with the ring gear. The pump provides pressurized fluid to one of first and second fluid ports. A flow restrictor is moveable to selectively restrict fluid flow relative to one of the first and second ports.In another form, the present teachings provide a power transmission device with a ring gear and a carrier assembly that are coupled to first and second rotary members, respectively. The carrier assembly includes pump assemblies, each of which having a rotor pin, an inner rotor rotatably received on the rotor pin, and an outer rotor that is rotatably received over the inner rotor. The outer rotors have planet gear teeth that are meshingly engaged with teeth of the ring gear. First and second fluid conduits are coupled to first and second sides of the pump assemblies, respectively, to facilitate the flow of hydraulic fluid into and out of the pump assemblies when they are operated in a first rotational direction. A valve is coupled to at least one of the first and second fluid conduits. The valve has a valve element, which is movable between first and second positions, for controlling fluid flow through the valve. |
| US07686720B2 |
Portable power take-off unit
A portable power take-off unit for mounting to and dismounting from the rear of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, providing mechanical operational power to construction and farm implements and machinery includes an engine for driving a belt and pulley assembly that drives a chain and sprocket assembly that, in turn, drives a power take-off shaft at selectable high or low speeds. An elongated drive shaft from the machinery is connected to the power take-off shaft for connection to the implement or machinery so that power can be provided thereto. The power take-off unit includes a hydraulic system, comprising a pump, reservoir, couplers, and hoses, for controlling the operation of the machinery, and a manually operable engagement lever for engaging and disengaging the belt and pulley system thereby controlling the engagement and disengagement of the power take-off shaft. |
| US07686718B2 |
Timing chain drive system
In the timing drive of an internal combustion engine, cyclic variations in chain tension, in the span traveling from a camshaft sprocket toward the crankshaft sprocket are leveled by synchronous reciprocating movement of a guide in sliding contact with that span of chain. The maximum rearward speed of the guide coincides approximately with the maximum tension in the span of chain, and the maximum forward speed of the guide coincides approximately with the minimum tension in the chain. |
| US07686715B2 |
Hybrid clamping mechanism for belt continuously variable transmission and method of use thereof
A hybrid clamping mechanism for a belt continuously variable transmission (CVT) is disclosed. A pulley having adjustable belt-engagement surfaces allow for a variable effective diameter of the belt when about the pulley. A clamping spring disposed to bias the belt-engagement surfaces closer together exert a clamping force on the belt. A first hydraulic drive is disposed to assist the clamping force of the clamping spring, and a second hydraulic drive is disposed to oppose the clamping force of the clamping spring. The total clamping force at the belt results from the clamping spring, the first hydraulic drive, the second hydraulic drive, or any combination comprising at least one of the foregoing. |
| US07686714B2 |
Metallic arrow shaft with fiber reinforced polymer core
The present invention is directed to a shaft and arrow system. The shaft and arrow system includes a hybrid structure that may include two concentric tubes. A first of the two concentric tubes may comprise an outer shell or jacket of thin-walled metal alloy. A second of the two concentric tubes may include an inner core of thin-walled fiber reinforced polymer. The two concentric tubes may be bonded together by a suitable adhesive such as epoxy or urethane. The shaft may have a reduced diameter as compared to conventional arrow shafts, and the shaft may be receptive of a variety of inserts, points, nocks, and other components. Some inserts may be completely recessed within a first end of the shaft. |
| US07686713B2 |
Racquet stringing machine
An ergonomically-designed racquet stringing machine. In certain embodiments, the stringing machine includes a stringing platform supporting at least one racquet mount for securing the racquet in a stringing plane at an angle of about 1 to about 15 degrees from a horizontal surface. A control unit may be coupled to the stringing platform and operably coupled to a platform tilt assembly for adjusting the position of the stringing platform and the angle of the stringing plane. Additionally, the stringing machine may include a tool storage tray coupled to the stringing platform, with the tool storage tray having a bottom surface that is in a plane non-parallel with the stringing plane. |
| US07686710B2 |
Golf divot repair tool
A golf repair tool includes a pivot repair member movable between a stored and a deployed position, and includes a spring assist construct that facilitates movement from the stored to the deployed position, and vice-versa. |
| US07686709B2 |
Golf ball dimples
A multi-lobed golf ball dimple is provided. The dimple comprises a plurality of lobes positioned radially around the center of the dimple, wherein each lobe is defined by a circumferential segment and may be further defined by spoke-like ridges. Each lobe comprises a first curved profile extending from the circumferential segment toward the center of the dimple and the first curved profile of each lobe abuts each other in an uninterrupted manner. The multi-lobed dimple may include uniform and non-uniform dimples. The curvature of the circumferential segments can be defined by a ratio of an inside radius to an outside radius. Each dimple also includes a slightly convex floor that is continuous and smooth. The curvature may match that of the outer surface of the golf ball. Further, a sloped wall interrupted by spoke-ike ridges may connect the convex floor with the outer surface of the golf ball. |
| US07686705B1 |
Golf club
An improved design for a golf club shaft and method increases stroke accuracy by significantly reducing stroke take-back distance. A ball traveling at a set initial velocity will travel a different distance on different parts of the course due to the friction of the grass on the ball which varies in response to height and moisture level. An inline weight management system that allows the moment of inertia of the club to be adjusted in a predictable manner. An increase in the moment of inertia translates into an increase in force which is in turn proportional to club velocity and resulting ball velocity. As green speed decreases, moment of inertia can be increased so that a stroke with a uniform take-back distance will deliver a shot that travels as far as the same stroke would deliver on a fast green. |
| US07686703B2 |
Practice device for corrected golf swing
A practice device for corrected golf swing basically comprises a frame which is relatively long in one direction and a pair of strip-shaped members extending in alignment with each other in the one direction so as to define a straight target line. The frame includes a pair of space defining members extending in the one direction in parallel to each other leaving a space therebetween so that said space is adjustable. The strip-shaped members linearly extend outward in the one direction from respective middle locations on the lines connecting respective pairs of the frame ends which are opposed in a direction orthogonal to said one direction, respectively. |
| US07686702B2 |
Golf ball restraining apparatus
Apparatus 10 for a golf swing training device comprising a golf club 20 with a shaft 24 with a grip 22 at one end and a club head 26 at the other end of the shaft with a receptacle 12 attached to the face 14 of the club head with the receptacle opening on the front towards the intended target. In use, a ball 28 is placed in the receptacle 12 with the intention of releasing the ball from the receptacle at a desired point during the swing at a target. In practice, if during the back swing the receptacle 12 is incorrectly tilted, due to poor swing mechanics, the ball 28 will fall out. Also, if the bore of the receptacle 12 is not in alignment with the target line at the ball's 28 point of release the ball trajectory will be skewed from the target. As an additional element, the receptacle 12 can have a retainer 92 to impede the ball 28 from easily falling out and the receptacle can be removably attached at 36, 38 to the club face 14. |
| US07686701B2 |
Shaft behavior automatic measuring system
A shaft behavior automatic measuring system 2 according to the present invention includes a metal member 14 provided on a surface of a shaft 8 in a golf club 4, and a radar device 6 to be a Doppler radar. The radar device 6 has at least one transmitting portion for emitting a radar wave to the metal member 14 in the golf club 4 during a swing and at least three receiving portions 16 for receiving the radar wave reflected from the metal member 14. The shaft behavior automatic measuring system 2 includes a calculating portion for calculating three-dimensional coordinates of the metal member 14 based on a signal received by the at least three receiving portions 16. A coating material containing metal powder, a resin sheet containing metal powder, a metallic foil and a metallic thin film are taken as an example of the metal member 14. |
| US07686695B2 |
Counter track joint with building space
A constant velocity joint (11) in the form of a counter track joint wherein, when the joint is in the aligned condition, the ratio (V1) of the pitch circle diameter (PCDS) of the shaft toothing in the inner joint part (15) in the power of three relative to the product of the ball diameter (DK) squared and pitch circle diameter (PCDB) of the balls (17) assumes a value ranging between 0.9 and 1.3. |
| US07686694B2 |
Gaming machine having components located in a bumper recess
A gaming machine includes a bumper which is preferably positioned at the front-most portion of a play area of the gaming machine. The bumper defines a recessed area. Gaming machine components such as player input devices including a keypad, buttons, and/or card reader slot, or other components such as a ticket printer slot and/or bill validator slot, are located at or in the recessed portion of the bumper of the gaming machine. |
| US07686690B2 |
Game machine and method for grouping players into teams participating matchup game
The present invention is directed to a game apparatus adapted for executing game performed by plural teams, and is adapted to acquire bio-information of players of the game by biosensors (31), (32), . . . (3n) to allow bio-information to be associated with players of the game. In a control unit (10), bio-information caused to be associated with respective players are analyzed to judge, by the analysis result thus obtained, teams to which respective players belong. The judged team classification result is notified to the players to thereby eliminate troublesomeness of operation such as team designation by players, thus permitting the players to sufficiently enjoy amusement of the fighting game. |
| US07686687B2 |
Methods and apparatus for providing tickets from gaming devices and/or lottery terminals which are not dependent on a player's success on the underlying game
Gaming devices dispense tickets which are unrelated to a player's success on a particular game played on a gaming device or to the player's credits on a credit meter or other “cash out” indicator. The gaming devices provide gaming awards and also provide tickets. Other methods provide tickets during the play of wagering games. Still other embodiments comprise lottery terminals which dispense tickets other than those purchased by a lottery patron or won on a purchased lottery ticket. |
| US07686685B2 |
Wagering game having player selection features having reduced volatility index
A method for conducting a wagering game on a gaming terminal comprises displaying a plurality of player-selectable elements that initially mask a value, at least one of the player-selectable elements comprises an end-game outcome having a variable value, and in response to a player selecting one of the player-selectable elements that is not the end-game outcome, revealing the value of the selected one of the player-selectable elements and decreasing the value of the end-game outcome. |
| US07686678B2 |
Tool setter for a grinding machine
A device or tool setter has the purpose of setting the position of a support bar, adjustably connected to a grinding machine, in relation to a rotatable grindstone of the machine for obtaining a desired edge angle of a tool supported for grinding by the support bar. The device is provided with discs for defining two contact points with the grindstone and a hole for connection to the support bar. |
| US07686676B2 |
Precision sharpener for hunting and Asian knives
A knife sharpener is provided which is capable of precision sharpening of hunting and similar knives that have a first and second blade face, each of which terminates at a facet that meets the corresponding facet to create the knife edge. At least the first of the blade faces has a lower distinct planar or concave section adjacent the edge facet with the lower planar or concave section of the face being set at an angle to the center line of the blade thickness that is different from the angle of the adjoining upper section of the same blade face located adjacent to the back of the blade. The sharpener includes a sharpening member such as one having an abrasive coated surface. The sharpener also includes a planar angle knife guide surface of a knife guide which is designed for intimate sliding and sustaining contact with the second face of the blade in order to position an edge facet on the first of the faces into precise angular relation with the sharpening surface. The sharpener also includes a knife holding spring that applies force against the first face of the blade predominantly at one or more locations on the lower planar or concave section of the first face that is adjacent to the edge facet being sharpened in order that the lower section adjacent the edge on the second face of the blade is pressured to align with and remain in intimate sliding alignment with the guide surface as the blade edge facet on the first face is being sharpened. |
| US07686673B2 |
Working shape prediction method, working requirement determination method, working method, working system, method of manufacturing semiconductor device, computer program, and computer program storage medium
The relationship between polishing conditions constituting elements and the worked shape (amount of polishing) obtained by way of these polishing conditions is input beforehand into polishing condition determining mechanism along with the type of the object of polishing, and polishing conditions (invariable polishing conditions) that are used in common for the polishing of this object of polishing. The polishing condition determining mechanism determines the polishing conditions on the basis of these conditions. Specifically, the above-mentioned polishing conditions constituting elements are given in a time series, or combinations of the above-mentioned polishing conditions constituting elements are converted into variations in the swinging velocity of the polishing body, and the swinging velocity corresponding to the swinging position is determined. The polishing apparatus control mechanism input the polishing conditions determined by the polishing condition determining mechanism, and control the polishing apparatus so that these polishing conditions are realized. As a result, working conditions for obtaining a specified worked shape in a working apparatus can be simply and accurately determined. |
| US07686660B2 |
Connector and receptacle therefor
An assembly (10) comprises a receptacle (12) having a base (14) including a single longitudinal row (16) of male connector pins (18) extending above and below the base. First wall and second walls (20, 22) project above the base (14) and have similar heights but differing widths, W and W1. The first wall and the second wall are spaced differing distances D and D1 from the single row of pins (18). A connector (24) with a central body (26) is formed to engage the receptacle (12) by mating with the uneven walls W and W1 and the asymmetric spacing of the pins (18). The uneven walls and the asymmetrical spacing of the pins (18) from the walls provide plural asymmetries assuring a positive alignment for the pieces of the assembly (10). |
| US07686659B2 |
Battery connector assembly
A battery connector assembly (100) includes a first connector (200) and a second connector (300). The first connector includes an insulating housing (1) defining an elongate end face (102) and a tongue portion (11) projecting forward from and extending along a longitudinal direction of the end face. A plurality of signal contacts (21) extends on the tongue portion and power contacts (22) of blade shape are projected from the end face and vertical to the longitudinal direction. The second connector is mated with the first connector. |
| US07686655B2 |
Mini plug connector
A mini plug connector has an insulative housing, a plurality of terminals and a metal shell. The insulative housing has a base, a tongue and a plurality of mounting holes. The tongue protrudes from the base and has a top, a space and at least one top elongated recess. The space and the at least one top elongated recess are defined in the top of the tongue. The terminals are mounted respectively through the mounting holes. The metal shell covers the insulative housing. The at least one top elongated recess prevents the insulative housing from being defective and deforming when the insulative housing is manufactured by an injection molding process. |
| US07686654B2 |
Memory card for an ExpressCard slot
A memory card is disclosed resembling a CompactFlash card, but which is compatible with an ExpressCard slot. |
| US07686651B2 |
Sensor apparatus
The sensor module has four internal terminals that include a first ground terminal, a second ground terminal, an output signal terminal, and a power terminal, three external terminals are connected to the first ground terminal, the output signal terminal, and the power terminal, respectively, a sensor main body portion is obtained by molding the sensor module to which the external terminals are connected integrally in a insulating resin, and a connector connecting portion and a mount portion are molded integrally with the sensor module in this sensor main body portion. With this system, different orders of arrangement of the three external terminals may be formed while insuring that capacitors may be mounted between certain terminals without spanning other wiring patterns. |
| US07686650B2 |
High speed modular jack with flexible compensation circuit
A jack capable of handling both Category 6 and Category 7 speed communications. The jack includes a shield, a housing disposed in the shield and a contact block disposed in the housing. The contact block includes a base member and a plurality of contacts carried by the base member. Each contact includes a contact portion effective to touch a corresponding contact of a plug when the plug is inserted into the jack, a first end portion effective to be inserted into a circuit board, and a second end portion. A flexible substrate is connected to the second end portion, the substrate including a compensation circuit for the jack. |
| US07686647B1 |
Terminal assembly and sealed electrical connector
A terminal assembly includes a cable, an electrically-conductive terminal piece, a cavity block member and an electrically-conductive shielding member. The cable has an electrically-conductive core strand, an electrically non-conductive wire insulation surrounding the core strand, an electrically-conductive shield layer surrounding the wire insulation and an electrically non-conductive sheath surrounding the shield layer. The terminal piece is electrically connected to the core strand. The cavity block member defines a cavity block member passageway extending through the cavity block member. The cavity block member passageway is sized to slidably receive and retain the terminal piece therein. The shielding member defines a shielding member passageway extending through the shielding member. The shielding member passageway is sized to slidably receive the cavity block member. The shielding member is connected to the shield layer. The terminal assembly is employed with a receiving connector assembly and an insertable connector assembly to form a sealed electrical connector. |
| US07686646B2 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes a mount plate and a metallic housing. The metallic housing includes a metallic frame and at least one hook-shaped rib which extend from the metallic frame and are used to hold the mount plate. The mount plate is made of low-cost material to replace expensive side tab extending from the metallic housing. Thus, size of mould for the metallic housing is decreased, scraps is fewer and cost is lowered. |
| US07686634B2 |
Charging connector
The invention relates to a charging connector, comprising a plug provided with a plug housing and a socket outlet provided with a socket outlet housing, wherein the plug housing and the socket outlet housing each comprise standard fixing holes for fixing a handle in an interchangeable manner, wherein the charging connector is additionally provided with interchangeable adapters for fluid lines and/or pilot contacts, wherein the adapters are arranged on the interchangeable handles and can be fixed therewith to the charging plug housing and/or socket outlet housing. |
| US07686633B2 |
Memory card connector with improved switch structure
A memory card connector (100) for insertion of a memory card (8) includes an insulative housing (1) defining a cavity (110) for receiving the memory card, a number of contacts (22), a pair of switch contacts (5) and a card eject mechanism (3). The switch contacts (5) include a first switch contact (51) and a second switch contact (52). The card eject mechanism (3) includes a slider (31) movably assembled to the insulative housing, a coiled spring (32) and a link rod (33) mating with the slider. The slider includes a protrusion (315) driven by the memory card to abut against the second switch contact (52) so that the second switch contact touches the first switch contact (51) in a vertical direction to achieve switch function. |
| US07686629B1 |
Electronic device with a sliding protective cap
An electronic device is provided for connecting to an external device. The electronic device includes a main body, a connector at a proximal end of the main body, a bottom case coupled to the main body at a distal end, and a top case slidably located opposite to the bottom case. The electronic device further includes a first cantilever locking arm and a second cantilever retaining arm on at least one side of the main body. The top case is slid towards the bottom case to expose the connector and the top case is slid towards the connector to cover the connector. The first cantilever locking arm includes an open locking mechanism and a close locking mechanism for maintaining the top case in an open state and a closed state respectively. The second cantilever retaining arm retains the top case on the main body. |
| US07686624B2 |
Electrical connector with contact shorting paths
An electrical connector includes an insulator holding a plurality of contacts in an array corresponding to an array of pads on an electronic device. At least one shorting path electrically connects at least two of the contacts in the array. The insulator includes a plurality of apertures therethrough, with each aperture defining a contact location on the insulator. The insulator includes a channel formed between at least two contact locations. The channel defines a location of a shorting path and the shorting path is at least partially within the insulator. |
| US07686614B2 |
Dental handpiece drive train with non-intersecting axes
A dental handpiece includes a body having a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions disposed at an ergonomic angle to each other. A drive gear extends from the second portion toward the first portion. The drive gear has a first axis of rotation and rotatably drives at least one driven gear having a second axis of rotation. The at least one driven gear is operatively connected to a bur disposed in the first portion to rotatably drive the bur about a third axis of rotation. The drive gear and the at least one driven gear do not include a taper gear or a face gear. |
| US07686612B1 |
Rotary kiln seal
An improved, heat resistant seal assembly for deformation compensation of rotary kilns having a plurality of integrated seal segments interconnected to form a biased expandable constrictive ring around a rotating drum, the seal segments being attached to a portion of a stationary in-feed or out-feed hopper of a kiln assembly, each seal segment assembly having a plurality of friction wear pads, the seal assembly forming a long lasting expanding and contracting sealing ring that prevents the buildup of material particles and escaping heat and gas from degrading the biasing components or interfering with kiln deformation compensation. |
| US07686607B2 |
Actuator
An actuator is disclosed, in particular for a locking unit of an injection compression machine, comprising a hydraulic force translator with two piston units moving relative to each other with different effective areas. The foregoing enclose a pressure chamber together with a cylinder or spacer of the force translator. The smaller piston unit is electrically driven, wherein the axial displacement of the smaller piston unit may be transmitted to the cylinder. The cylinder can be fixed relative to a chassis of the injection compression machine by means of a hydraulic clamping device. According to the invention, the pressure necessary for clamping is delivered by a high-pressure reservoir which may be charged during the displacement of the smaller piston unit. |
| US07686606B2 |
Imprint embossing alignment system
An imprint embossing alignment system. In one embodiment, the system includes a die having a bottom surface, an embossing foil positioned above the bottom surface, and a mandrel, to receive the substrate, having a rod portion that extends through a central portion of the die. The system also includes a ball bushing positioned around the rod portion and a ring portion positioned between the ball bushing and the embossing foil to hold a precise alignment of a centerline of the rod portion and a centerline of the embossing foil. |
| US07686600B2 |
Vaccum pump having shaft seal to prevent corrosion and to ensure smooth operation
Abstract A shaft seal structure (17) is provided around an outer circumferential surface of the bearing member (16M, 16FM) located on the cylinder inside of each of the screw rotors (13M, 13FM). The shaft seal structure (17) forms a static pressure seal. A seal gas is introduced between the outer circumferential surfaces of the bearing members (16M, 16FM) and the inner circumferential surfaces (7) of the rotor cylinders of the screw rotors (13M, 13FM) through the bearing members (16M, 16FM). |
| US07686597B2 |
Linear drive device provided with an armature body having a magnet carrier
A linear drive device comprising at least one excitation winding for producing a variable magnetic field and is provided with an associated yoke body conducting a magnetic flux and an armature body which comprises a magnet carrier provided with at least two permanent magnet parts, preferably in the form of a plate, and to which an axial oscillation movement can be transferred by the magnetic field of the excitation winding. In order to avoid eddy currents in the magnet carrier, it is made of an electrically insulating material at least in the part thereof which penetrates into the magnetic field area defined by the pole surfaces of the yoke body and the excitation winding or which are arranged in said area. The magnet parts can be provided with ferromagnetic covers. |
| US07686594B2 |
Refrigerant compressor arrangement
The invention concerns a refrigerant compressor arrangement with a compressor having a suction inlet, a casing, in which the compressor is located, a suction socket, which is in communication with the casing, a suction opening in the casing, which is connected with the suction socket, and a telescopic pipe, which is located between the suction inlet and the suction opening in the casing. It is endeavored to manufacture a refrigerant compressor arrangement in a cost-effective manner. For this purpose, the suction opening is surrounded by a drawing through in the casing wall, whose inner wall forms a sliding surface for the telescopic pipe. |
| US07686592B2 |
Compressor
A suction muffler receives low-temperature refrigerant gas discharged into a hermetic container from a suction pipe by a gas catcher, and feeds the gas to a compressor. The lower end of an opening of the gas catcher is located at a position lower than the lower end of an orifice of the suction pipe so as to catch the refrigerant gas falling obliquely downward inside the hermetic container. |
| US07686591B2 |
Support structure for a portable air compressor
A portable air compressor assembly includes a tubular frame having a pair of parallelogram shaped side sections. A support plate is connected between the side sections and horizontally positioned in a compressor normal operating position. A plurality of operating components connect to the support plate. A fluid pressure tank is supported perpendicular to the side sections and forward of the operating components. The frame envelopes the operating components' outer perimeter and angularly extends to a stop point rearward of the operating components. When tipped rearward to the stop point, the compressor assembly returns by gravity to the compressor normal operating position. An instrument and connector panel including an engine on/off switch is mounted in a protected position. Wheels and structural feet are removable and a handle is retractable and removable for shipping. |
| US07686588B2 |
Liquid chemical supply system having a plurality of pressure detectors
A liquid chemical supply system that performs accurate pressure feedback control and controls the discharge flow rate of liquid chemical with high precision, even when the pressure setting value of the operation pressure differs due to changes in the type of liquid chemical, includes a pump having a pump chamber and an operation chamber separated by a diaphragm comprised of a flexible membrane. The intake and discharge of liquid chemical is performed in accordance with the change in pressure inside the operation chamber. An electro-pneumatic regulator supplies operation gas pressure to the operation chamber. A plurality of pressure sensors having different pressure detection ranges is provided for detecting the operation gas pressure. A controller selectively employs any of the detection results of the plurality of sensors in accordance with the pressure setting value of the operation air that is set for each use, and performs pressure feedback control. |
| US07686587B2 |
Pump controller system and method
A method and apparatus for a pump control system. One or more embodiments of the invention include a pump controller that can perform a self-calibrating procedure, can provide precise motor speed control, can provide a limp mode before shutting down the motor when system parameters are exceeded and/or fault conditions occur, can detect fault conditions, and can store fault conditions for later retrieval. |
| US07686586B2 |
Compressor
A compressor comprises an impeller (1) provided with a plurality of radial blades (4). The impeller (1) has an inducer diameter defined by the outer diameter of front edges (5) of the blades (4), and an outer diameter defined by the outer diameter of the blade tips (6). Each blade (4) is backswept relative to the direction of rotation of the impeller (1) with an angle of backsweep in the range 45° to 55°. The ratio of the impeller inducer diameter to the impeller outer diameter is in the range 0.59 to 0.63. The ratio of the compressor diffuser outlet diameter to the impeller outer diameter is between 1.4 and 1.55. |
| US07686585B2 |
Locking of the blades in a fan rotor
A fan rotor is provided. Each blade of the fan rotor is held by a bolt. Each blade includes a blade root engaged in a groove of the rim and held by a bolt. The bolt includes a concave plate with its curve directed upstream. |
| US07686584B2 |
Elastomeric bearing with heatable shims
An electrically heatable elastomeric bearing provides a multiple of elastomeric material layers and a multiple of shim layers. At least one of the multiple of shim layers includes an electrically heatable shim layer. |
| US07686581B2 |
Serpentine cooling circuit and method for cooling tip shroud
A serpentine cooling circuit is formed in a gas turbine blade to cool portions of the tip shroud, primarily the fillet between the airfoil and the tip shroud and the shroud edges. |
| US07686580B2 |
Turbine element
A turbine element airfoil has a cooling passageway network with a slot extending from a trailing passageway toward the trailing edge. A number of discrete posts span the slot between pressure and suction sidewall portions. A trailing array of the posts are spaced ahead of an outlet of the slot. |
| US07686566B1 |
Method of using a lifting hoist
A hoisting device and method for hoisting material up an extension ladder. The device includes a load-carrying carriage having a wheel and roller axle assembly that also serves as rollers for engagement with the rails of the ladder. The wheel and roller axle assembly allows the cart to transition from the ladder rails to the roof surface. Also provided is a dual braking means that serves to prevent the carriage from rolling back down the ladder or off of the roof in cases of cable malfunction. The method employs a hoisting mechanism having a removable winch used in conjunction with a releasable coupled pull cable that is brought to the roof surface on the carriage, detached from the carriage, mounted on the roof and used to return the carriage to and from the roof during hoisting operations. An adjustable ladder support is provided to support the ladder during a hoist. |
| US07686560B2 |
Rack, conveyor and shuttle automated pick system
A rack and conveyor shuttle system for placing and retrieving articles of various sizes including a rack system having a shelving framework of at least two tubes spaced apart from one another at a distance, wherein the distance between the tubes is sufficient to support the article in a single stack and a motorized, conveyor shuttle system having at least two finger-like conveyors spaced apart from one another at a distance, wherein the distance between the finger-like conveyors is sufficient to move in between the two tubes so as to engage the article wherein the conveyor shuttle system is adapted to interlace in between the rack system for both placing and retrieving the article. |
| US07686558B2 |
Arrangement scheme of a container wharf and the container loading/unloading process
The present invention discloses an arrangement scheme of a container wharf, in which the containers positioned in the yard is arranged in a direction being perpendicular to the direction of the containers positioned in the ship, comprising: a quayside container crane for loading/unloading containers in the first direction; a low elevated system including low elevated track, low elevated system lifting trolley and low elevated system plane carriers, the low elevated system plane carrier can be operated by the low elevated system lifting trolley and the low elevated system can be operated by the quayside container crane; a transportation carriers system including transportation carrier track along the second direction and transportation carriers being able to rotate 90 degrees together with container put thereon, the transportation system can be operated by the low elevated system; a yard crane having a yard crane track along the second direction for loading/unloading the containers with the yard. The arrangement scheme of the container wharf according to the present invention increases the efficiency and technical level of the container handling port significantly. |
| US07686556B2 |
Wood truss fastener
A truss fastener which includes a shaft having a head and a tip. Threading extends along the shaft from the tip end toward the head end of the shaft. The threading is interrupted, abbreviated, and/or otherwise separated by wings projecting from the surface of the shaft. The interrupting projection extends in a generally oblique orientation to the center axis of the fastener. |
| US07686555B1 |
Wedge based fastener
A fastener that includes a shaft and a sleeve is provided. The shaft extends along a longitudinal axis that passes through a central portion, e.g., the centroid of a head of the shaft. The sleeve is wrapped partially around the shaft. The sleeve has a gap that separates first and second circumferential extents thereof, a first thickness adjacent the first circumferential extent, and a second thickness between the second circumferential extent and the first circumferential extent. The first thickness is less than the second thickness. The sleeve has a first rotational position relative to the shaft and a second rotational position relative to the shaft different form the first rotational position. The longitudinal axis is in substantially the same location in both the first and second rotational positions. |
| US07686553B2 |
Precision positioning and fastening system
A locator/fastener has a first outer member with a precision-machined external body portion, a retention head protruding from a first end, and a multi-diameter throughbore. A fastener, which may take the form of a cap screw, floats in the throughbore of the locator with the threaded portion protruding from a second end of the locator. A receiver has an internal precision-machined surface which contacts the precision-machined body portion of the locator and a threaded bore which receives the protruding fastener. By separating the locating and fastening functions, a quick connect disconnect device is created which does not bind or gall. A hangar system allows a sub-base plate to be attached to a base using the locator-fastener disclosed herein. |
| US07686549B1 |
Motorcycle stand for motorcycle transport
This invention is a motorcycle stand for securing a motorcycle to a vehicle. The apparatus has a hook which pulls down the foot peg of a motorcycle onto a receiving portion on the base member of the frame. The hook is attached to a sliding member which slides within an elongated cavity defined by the frame. This sliding motion is tilted so that the hook applies a forward force on the peg to more securely stabilize the front tire of the motorcycle. In addition, the motorcycle stand has a linkage with a groove which fits around a shaft so that the motorcycle peg is secured in a clamping position between the hook and the receiving portion. The device has locking apertures which aligns when the hook is placed in the clamping position for protecting the motorcycle against theft. |
| US07686540B2 |
Transport corridor infiltration system
A roadway or other transport corridor infiltration system which collects runoff while allowing for the easily removal of litter from its surface. The infiltration system comprises at least the edge surface of the roadway or other transport corridor being formed by a plastics grid structure having at least its upper surface formed by an array of alternate openings and support members, such that water can permeate therethrough. An infiltration layer is located at least below and in communication with said grid structure, filled with aggregate material, which is larger in cross-section than the width of the openings of said grid structure. A geotextile wrapped water permeable infiltration tank located below and in communication with said infiltration layer, such that runoff passes through the grid structure into the infiltration layer and into the permeable infiltration tank, where the water is stored and/or flows back into the soil through the walls of the tank and the geotextile. |
| US07686538B2 |
Portable vibratory screed with bubble vial inclination indication system
A portable vibratory screed includes a blade that is connected to a handle constructed to be manipulated by an operator. Nodes of minimum vibrational amplitude are formed at specific locations along the length of the blade when the exciter is driven at a rated operating speed. A site level and/or the handle is attached to the blade at or in the vicinity of one or more of these nodes, therefore, is relatively isolated from induced vibrations. |
| US07686537B2 |
Road grader/spreader
A road grader comprising an elongated grader blade adapted to be pushed by a vehicle such as a bulldozer and having mutually parallel side members attached to the lateral ends of the blade perpendicularly to the blade's longitudinal axis, each of said side members comprising a pair of spaced apart walls that house a slidable mounting plate on the lower end of which is attached a ground contacting skid. Each slidable mounting plate is separately actuated to move upwardly or downwardly with respect to the side member in which it is housed. Relative upward or downward movement of the side member, with respect to the ground contacting skid, results in lowering or elevating the respective ends of the grader blade with respect to the level of the respective ground contacting skid. Separately adjusting the height of the lateral ends of the grader blade and driving the blade by a pushing vehicle permits the precision depth application of a layer of road material at any desired angle or tilt. |
| US07686534B2 |
Device for fastening at least one elongated object to a base
A device for fastening cable is provided, the device including a base having a carrier part for holding the cable. A first connecting unit includes a sleeve connected to the carrier part, and the device further includes a second connecting unit comprising a guide part connected to the carrier part and a holding part releasably engageable with the guide part. The guide part includes an outer sleeve that defines a guide cavity for receiving the holding part. The guide cavity has a cross section that is longer in the longitudinal direction than in the transverse direction. The holding part includes an inner sleeve having a smaller diameter than the diameter of the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve includes at least one engagement element that engages at least one engagement element on the outer sleeve to fasten the cable to the carrier part. |
| US07686533B2 |
Universal coupler
A universal coupler for coupling multiple orthopedic instruments is disclosed. The universal coupler includes a body having a boss and an internal bore, a locking shaft having a first portion and a second portion, a trigger including a trigger bore, and a connection portion. The trigger is operable between a first position and a second position, where in the first position the first portion and boss are misaligned and in the second position the first portion and the boss are aligned. |
| US07686531B2 |
Universal rotation-inhibiting connector apparatus and method for threaded utility handles
A universal connector apparatus for securing a male-threaded utility handle end into a female receptacle of a tool assembly comprising a tool, comprising: a substantially-circular friction ring; a substantially-circular thread neck attached at a leading end thereof to, and centrally-aligned with, a trailing end of the friction ring; and a substantially-circular threaded-end aperture running centrally through the friction ring and thread neck combination. |
| US07686526B2 |
Document feeder device
A document feeder device is disclosed. The document feeder device includes a frame and at least one cantilevered roller shaft for advancing a document, where an unsupported end of the at least one cantilevered roller shaft floats. The document feeder device eliminates the need for a rigid frame to support the unsupported end. This decreases the cost of production by eliminating the need for additional frame hardware and/or more rigid frame hardware. The document feeder device can be implemented in existing designs. |
| US07686525B2 |
Printing system
A print controlling method in a print controlling apparatus for controlling printing processing by using printing limitation information indicating printing limitation, including an obtaining step of obtaining printing limitation information; an identifying step of identifying printing setting set to the printing data; a deciding step of deciding the printing setting by which the printing setting is within the printing authority information by using the printing setting identified at the identifying step and the printing authority information; a determining step of determining whether the printing setting decided by the deciding unit is inconsistent with the other setting set to the printing data; and an executing unit for allowing the printing setting for the printing data outside the range of the printing authority information if it is determined as inconsistent at the determining step, is disclosed. |
| US07686524B2 |
Image pick-up device unit having a dust-proofing member that is vibrated to remove dust, the dust-proofing member being pressed by a spring pressing member toward a sealing structure that seals an interval between the dust-proofing member and an image pick-up device
A camera includes a dust-proofing member which has a transparent portion through which a visible light component is transmitted. The transparent portion is opposed to the front of an image pick-up device at a predetermined interval. A vibration member is arranged at a peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member and vibrates the dust-proofing member. A sealing part seals a space between the image pick-up device and the dust-proofing member. And a spring pressing member presses the dust-proofing member at a periphery thereof toward the sealing part. |
| US07686522B2 |
Optical coupling component for use in an optical communication connector and an optical connector using such optical coupling component
An optical coupling component for use in an optical communication connector is provided which comprises a pair of columnar sending side and receiving side optical functional sections and a joint section integrally molded with the optical functional sections and made from the same material as the material of the optically functional sections and having joint regions adjoining the side walls of the optical functional sections, the joint regions of the joint section having a circumferential length along the side walls of the optically functional sections which is equal to or less than a half circumference of the optically functional sections. |
| US07686517B2 |
Wheel bearing apparatus for a driving wheel
A wheel bearing apparatus for a driving wheel is formed as a unit of a wheel hub, a double row rolling bearing and a constant velocity universal joint. The double row rolling bearing has an outer member with a body mounting flange mounted on a knuckle and double row outer raceway surfaces. An inner member includes the wheel hub and an outer joint member of the constant velocity universal joint. The wheel hub has an inner raceway surface corresponding to one of the double row outer raceway surfaces. The outer joint member has another inner raceway surface corresponding to the other of the double row outer raceway surfaces. Double row rolling elements are rollably arranged between the outer and inner raceway surfaces. Seals are mounted in an annular space opening formed between the outer member and the inner member. A sensor is fit into a mounting aperture formed in the knuckle. A pulser ring is mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the outer joint member. It opposes the sensor via a predetermined radial gap. The outer diameter of the pulser ring is smaller than the inner diameter of the knuckle. |
| US07686508B2 |
CMOS temperature-to-digital converter with digital correction
Methods and systems for producing a digital temperature reading are provided. In an embodiment, one or more current sources and one or more switches are used to selectively provide a first amount of current (I1) and a second amount of current (I2) to the emitter of a transistor (Q1), during different time slots of a time period, to thereby produce a first base-emitter voltage (Vbe1) and a second base-emitter voltage (Vbe2), where I1=I2*M, and M is a known constant. An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) digitizes analog signals representative of the magnitudes Vbe1 and Vbe2. A difference is determined between the magnitudes of Vbe1 and Vbe2. A digital calculator produces a digital temperature reading (DTR) based on the difference between the magnitudes of Vbe1 and Vbe2. |
| US07686505B2 |
Method and system for indirect determination of local irradiance in an optical system
The invention concerns a method for the indirect determination of local irradiance in an optical system; wherein the optical system comprises optical elements between which an illuminated beam path is formed and a measurement object which absorbs the radiation in the beam path at least partially is positioned in a partial region of the beam path selected for the locally-resolved determination of the irradiance and the temperature distribution of at least one part of the measurement object is determined by means of a temperature detector. |
| US07686502B2 |
Apparatus with automatic balancing for mixing paint disposed in containers having different configurations
An apparatus and method are provided for mixing paint disposed in either a conventional one gallon paint container or a square paint container having a body with a handle passage extending therethrough. The apparatus includes a square bucket for holding the container. A rocker is pivotably mounted to a side wall of the bucket and includes a pair of heads aligned over a pair of openings in the side wall. A floor of the bucket has a plurality of support structures extending upwardly therefrom. When the conventional one gallon paint container is disposed in the bucket, the container rests on the floor, the vertical axis of the container is offset from the central axis of the bucket, and both heads of the rocker are disposed against the container inside the bucket. When the square paint container is disposed in the bucket, the container is supported on top of the support structures so as to be elevated above the floor, the vertical axis of the container is collinear with the central axis of the bucket, and one of the heads of the rocker is disposed in the handle passage of the container. |
| US07686495B2 |
Light source unit, backlight unit and display apparatus having the same
A light source unit capable of obtaining white light with reduced color irregularity includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes (25R, 25G and 25B) having different emission spectrum peak wavelengths, and a light mixing member (21) that receives lights from the light-emitting diodes through an entrance surface (21a) and that allows lights to mix together before exiting through an exit surface (21b). The light mixing member (21) has anisotropic diffusing elements (22) that diffuse incident lights from the light-emitting diodes in a specific plane to effect light mixing. |
| US07686494B2 |
Backlight assembly of liquid crystal display
A backlight assembly having a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a light guide plate for uniformly guiding light emitted from the LEDs to a liquid crystal substrate is provided. The backlight assembly includes a reflective structure having at least one reflective surface facing the LEDs and tilted at a constant angle. The light emitted from the LEDs is reflected by the reflective surface to have the shape of light emitted from a line light source and be incident on the light guide plate. In effect, hot spots degrading screen quality and screen brightness distribution non-uniformity can be prevented. |
| US07686491B1 |
Actively point-lighted, decorative panel
Modular panels can be attached to a substratum, e.g. a wall or ceiling, to display an actively lighted star field. Each panel displays a respective subarea of the star field, the panels being attached onto the substratum in edgewise juxtaposed relationship according to the star field. Each panel defines a set of apertures extending through the panel and distributed over the panel according to the panel's respective subarea. On a back face of each panel is a set of light pipes respectively corresponding to the panel's set of apertures, each light pipe being illuminated by a light emitting diode. Panels can include twinkling stars, constant stars, and/or shooting stars, and energization of the corresponding light emitting diodes is constant or varied accordingly. |
| US07686489B2 |
Light source device and vehicle lighting device
An LED light source device and an illumination device using the same, including vehicle lighting devices, can have a light weight and thin profile and can form a desired light distribution pattern while employing a simple configuration. The light source device can include a plate shaped light guide member made of a material that is transparent in a visible range. The light guide member can have a front surface serving as a light emitting surface and having a plate shape, and a rear surface having a luminance control element for controlling a luminance distribution on the light emitting surface. A point or linear light source facing towards an end surface of the light guide member can be provided. The luminance control element controls light reaching the element from the end surface of the light guide member and configures the luminance distribution on the light emitting surface, the luminance distribution being obtained by reducing a light distribution pattern to be projected (and in some cases horizontally and vertically reversing the pattern). |
| US07686487B2 |
Door mirror equipped with lamp body
A door mirror comprising a mirror portion and a side blinker which is one example of lamp bodies allows easily performed maintenance for the side blinker. It is also structured so as to make a lamp body elongated in lateral dimension. A second opening is formed on the back side of a mirror housing with fixing pieces formed on the second opening. A lamp unit integrates a lens portion with the back face of a base body having an inner base and an outer base which covers the front face of the inner base and is structured so that the base end side avoids the vehicle body mounting portion. The lamp unit is inserted into the second opening through the back face side of the mirror housing, and fixing pieces on the lamp unit and the mirror housing-fixing pieces are tightened by screws. |
| US07686486B2 |
LED lamp module
An LED lamp (10) has a housing (12) with an interior wall (14) defining a cavity (16). An LED light source (26) is positioned in the cavity (16) and project light in a forward direction. A reflector (28) having a reflective surface (30), a forward opening (32) and a rear opening (34) surrounds the light source (26) and a complex lens (38) closes the forward opening. The lens (38) comprises a first optical refractive element (40) arranged around a peripheral edge (42) and a second optical refractive element (44) centrally located on the lens (38); the first optical refractive element (40) including a plurality of flute lenses (40a) and the second optical refractive element (44) comprising a concavo-convex lens (44a). |
| US07686480B2 |
Light valve device
A light valve device includes a light valve disposed adjacent to a circuit board, and a heat-dissipating structure including a heat-dissipating main body and a heat-dissipating block. The heat-dissipating main body is disposed opposite to the light valve, and is formed with a groove defined by a first contacting surface and two engaging surfaces. The first contacting surface extends in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and has two opposite longitudinal edges. The engaging surfaces respectively extend from the longitudinal edges and define an open side of the groove opposite to the first contacting surface in the vertical direction. The open side has a width in the transverse direction smaller than that of the first contacting surface. An engaging portion of the heat-dissipating block is disposed in the groove so that a second contacting surface is in contact with the first contacting surface. |
| US07686479B2 |
LED flat-plate type multi-chip high power light source
The present invention provides a LED flat-plate type multi-chip high power light source comprising a heat dissipating substrate, a reflecting cover mounted on the heat dissipating substrate, a circuit board embedded in the heat dissipating substrate, LEDs mounted on the circuit board and in the reflecting cover, and the circuit board also connecting to a socket set in the heat dissipating substrate. The heat dissipating substrate is made of high heat conduction metal. In the present invention, the heat dissipating substrate is made of high heat conduction metal, and the heat conducting pole is abolished. Comparing with the conventional art, the present invention decreases the heat dissipating path, increases the sectional area, and eliminates the intermediate link of high thermal resistance. |
| US07686476B2 |
LED dock light
A warehouse dock light includes a lamp assembly which is provided with a plurality of LEDs arranged in such a fashion as to collectively provide sufficient light for illumination of an area. The LEDs are arranged in two columns with each column having both LEDs with narrow angle and wide angle lens, and with each column being angled so as to project outwardly from a central axis. Heat from the LEDs is dissipated through bi-metal boards to an extruded aluminum heat sink, and air is blown through the ribs of the heat sink by a fan. A heat sensor is provided with electronic circuitry to responsively turn on the fan and/or turn off the LEDs at predetermined temperature thresholds. |
| US07686474B2 |
Light emitting device
A light emitting device including a substrate, a plurality of light sources and a lens array is provided. The light sources and the lens array are disposed on the substrate, and the light sources are arranged to a polygon. The lens array includes a plurality of first lenses and a plurality of second lenses. The first lenses surrounded by the second lenses cover the light sources and respectively correspond to one of the light sources. |
| US07686470B2 |
Ceiling light fixture adaptable to various lamp assemblies
A ceiling light fixture includes a housing forming a channel having a trapezoidal cross section and a light-transmitting cover panel fixed in and covering the channel. The channel has a bottom wall forming a slot. A circumferential mounting frame is formed on a back of the bottom wall of the channel and barbs extend from the mounting frame. The bottom wall further forms a fitting hole. The ceiling light fixture selectively receives a first lamp assembly in the mounting frame and secures the lamp assembly with the barbs so that a light source of the lamp assembly is exposed through the slot for irradiating light or alternatively an end seat of a lamp tube is fit and retained in the fitting hole to set and fix the lamp tube in the slot to realize interchangeable use of the ceiling light fixture with different lamp assemblies. |
| US07686461B2 |
Integral ballast-igniter-lamp unit for a high intensity discharge lamp
A high-intensity discharge lamp bulb with an attached housing for ballast and ignition electronics, forming an integral bulb and electronics unit. The electronics housing forms a removable closure for an access opening in a lamp enclosure. The electronics housing isolates the electronics from heat inside the lamp enclosure. A heat sink and radiator on the back of the housing provides heat transfer to a surrounding environment behind the lamp enclosure to cool the electronics. The electronics may be sealed in the housing for protection against entry of foreign substances. The electronics housing is fixed to the access opening of the lamp enclosure and to a boss or reflector mounted in the lamp enclosure, thus providing stable two-point fixation for the unit, reducing vibration. |
| US07686459B2 |
Lens array optical system, projection optical unit, and image projection apparatus
A lens array optical system includes a first lens array that includes plural first lens cells arranged in first and second directions, the first lens array being configured to split a light flux to plural split light fluxes and to condense each split flux; and a second lens array that includes plural second lens cells arranged in the first and second directions, each second lens cell being configured to receive the split lights from each first lens cell, wherein a ratio between a width of an arrangement area of the first lens cells and a width of an arrangement area of the second lens cells in the first direction is different from a ratio between a width of an arrangement area of the first lens cells and a width of an arrangement area of the second lens cells in the second direction, and wherein at least one of the first and second lens arrays has a toric surface. |
| US07686458B2 |
Supporting mechanism of reflector and projection apparatus
A reflection surface (1a) of a mirror (1) has a rotationally-symmetrical shape about an optical axis (110). The mirror (1) is rotatably supported by a pivot supporting portion (41) on the position of the optical axis (110) of the reflection surface (1a) or in the vicinity of the optical axis (110). Furthermore, the mirror (1) is slidably supported by slide supporting portions (42) at two positions on the upper part thereof. With such a configuration, the mirror (1) is supported at three points. Further, even when the mirror (1) expands and contracts due to the change in temperature or the like, the deformation of the reflection surface (1a) of the mirror (1) is prevented by the action of the slide supporting portions (42). As a result, it is possible to prevent the generation of distortion of an image projected on a screen (300). |
| US07686455B2 |
Optical system and projection display device
Light in primary colors RGB modulated in a first modulation optical system is transmitted through a relay lens (36) and further divided into a P-polarized light and an S-polarized light by a PS separation wire grid (37). The S-polarized light is transmitted through a wavelength spectral filter (39) to select red/green/blue light components R1, G1, B1 of 615, 515, 450 nm in wavelength, which are then modulated by a Y1 device (44). The P-polarized light is transmitted through a wavelength spectral filter (46) to select red/green/blue light components R2, G2, B2 of 650, 550, 475 nm in wavelength, which are then modulated by a Y2 device (51). The 3 -primary color lights modulated by the Y1/Y2 devices (44), (51) are combined with each other at a PS composite wire grid (55) to project a synthetic light on a screen. |
| US07686452B2 |
Apparatus and method for assessing visual suppression
A device is used to determine the presence of and the amount (depth) of visual suppression in a subject. The device includes a first light source emitting a first light and a second light source emitting a second light. Intensities of the light sources are independently controllable. A first filter disposed over one eye of the subject allows transmission of the first light and prevents transmission of the second light. A second filter disposed over the other eye of the subject allows transmission of the second light and prevents transmission of the first light. In a method of using the device, the intensity of at least one of the first and second lights is independently controlled, wherein the difference in intensities of the first and second lights at which the lights appear to be at equal brightness to the subject determines the amount of visual suppression in the subject. |
| US07686451B2 |
Explicit raytracing for gimbal-based gazepoint trackers
One embodiment of the present invention is a method for computing a first gaze axis of an eye in a first coordinate system. A camera is focused on the eye and moved to maintain the focus on the eye as the eye moves in the first coordinate system. A first location of the camera in the first coordinate system is measured. A second location of the eye and a gaze direction of the eye within a second coordinate system are measured. A second gaze axis within the second coordinate system is computed from the second location and the gaze direction. The first gaze axis is computed from the second gaze axis and the first location using a first coordinate transformation. |
| US07686450B2 |
Device for measuring and surgical correction imaging errors in the human eye
The invention relates to a device for measuring imaging errors in the human eye, wherein substantial scanning of the lens of the eye with a light beam or laser diode determines the measuring accuracy of local refractive power. Measuring accuracy of locally dependent refractive power is achieved by a two-dimensionally refractable tilting mirror which is embodied in the form of a microscanner mirror with the aid of a piezomotor for positioning and by electrically controllable liquid lenses. As a result, it is possible to manufacture the measuring device as small as possible, enabling it to be integrated in to a processing laser in order to monitor the result of treatment with a laser during individual adaptation of contact lenses, intraocular lenses or surgical correction of the retina in situ and to calculate data of a required correction. |
| US07686449B2 |
Eyewear retention system and method
Disclosed is an eyewear retention system. In some embodiments, the eyewear retention system retains a lens by using at least one padding structure located between the lens and the lens holder. In some embodiments, the lens can be press fit into the frame and retained by the resulting interference fit. The lens holder, such as an orbital, can fully or partially surround the lens. |
| US07686447B2 |
Safety eyewear including a prescription insert
Exemplary embodiments include a safety eyewear including a prescription insert, which inset may be useable between different safety eyewear. Such eyewear may also include: a frame; a removable lens carrier removably attached to the frame, the removable lens carrier including a permanently attached lens; and a prescription insert removably attached to the frame, wherein the removable lens carrier is capable of being removed and attached to the frame during the use of the safety eyewear. |
| US07686443B2 |
Printing ink for ink-jet printing
This invention relates to inks for use in ink-jet printers that are cured using ultraviolet radiation. Specifically, the present invention relates to an ink-jet ink which is substantially free of water, volatile organic solvents and multifunctional (meth)acrylates comprising at least one monofunctional (meth)acrylate monomer, at least one α,β-unsaturated ether monomer, at least one radical photoinitiator and at least one coloring agent, the ink having a viscosity of less than 50 mPas at 25° C. This provides extra-low viscosity inks, which still meet the requirements for printing onto porous substrates such as paper and board. |
| US07686440B2 |
Ink storage module with a valve insert to facilitate refilling thereof
The invention provides for an ink storage module for a printer cartridge having a number of ink storage modules. Each cartridge module operatively stores a different colored ink for delivery to a printhead of the printer. The module includes upper and lower plate members having an ink bag located between the plate members to define an ink volume, said plate members displaceable towards and away from each other. The module also includes a bag constrictor assembly engaged with said plate members and configured to act on the bag when the plate members are displaced towards each other to reduce the ink volume, as well as a lid engaged with the plate members and bag constrictor assembly, the lid having at least one port in fluid communication with the bag, to deliver ink to a printhead or to facilitate refilling said bag with ink. The module further includes a valve insert located between the lid and the bag, with the insert having an inlet valve and an outlet valve arranged in fluid communication with respective ports in the lid. The inlet valve facilitates refilling of the bag with ink, and the outlet valve facilitates ink delivery to the printhead. |
| US07686438B2 |
Liquid tank
A liquid tank includes a liquid chamber for holding liquid and an absorption chamber containing an absorber for absorbing and holding the liquid. The liquid chamber and the absorption chamber are separated by a partition. The partition has a communication part allowing communication between the liquid chamber and the absorption chamber. The liquid chamber is substantially sealed except at the communication part. The absorption chamber has a liquid outlet and an air inlet. A liquid-guiding path is disposed on the bottom surface of the liquid tank. The liquid-guiding path extends from the communication part to a point a predetermined distance away from the liquid outlet. |
| US07686437B2 |
Cradle unit for receiving a print cartridge to form a print engine
The invention relates to a cradle unit for receiving a print cartridge to form a print engine. The cradle unit includes a main body defining an opening for receiving said cartridge, the main body having a frame structure including end plates with drive and exit rollers mounted therebetween. The cradle unit also includes a printed circuit board (PCB) pivotally mounted between the end plates for housing control electronics for controlling the operation of the print engine. Also included is a cover assembly for securing said cartridge in the opening, the cover assembly pivotally mounted between the end plates, the cover assembly configured to pivot the PCB into electrical contact with a printhead controller on the cartridge when in a closed position, and to pivot the PCB out of electrical connection with said printhead controller when in an open position. |
| US07686436B2 |
Ink recharging system for ink cartridge, bulk ink cartridge used in said system, and ink recharging method using them
The present invention relates to an ink recharging system in which the ink can be recharged into a used ink cartridge repeatedly, a bulk ink cartridge used in the system, and a method for recharging the ink into the ink cartridge using them. The ink recharging system for the ink cartridge installed in an inkjet printer comprises a compressor and a positive pressure tank for providing the compression force to supply the ink stored in the quantitative ink supply cylinder to the ink cartridge, a charging cylinder for applying the compression force and the suction force to the quantitative ink supply cylinder, automatic quantitative position control means for measuring the movement displacement of the charging cylinder, a vacuum pump and a negative pressure tank for producing a vacuum in the ink cartridge, and a compressed air supply tube diverged and connected to the inlet and outlet of the charging cylinder from the positive pressure tank via the solenoid valve for air pressure. The present invention provides a recharging system for the ink cartridge and a method for recharging the ink cartridge, in which the remaining air or ink in the recycled ink cartridge can be easily discharged and vacuum degree of the ink cartridge can be precisely controlled by the control means for the quantitative position, to thereby charge the quantitative ink into the recycled ink cartridge rapidly and accurately, and relates to a bulk ink cartridge which can prevent wrong installment with simple identifying members. |
| US07686433B2 |
Membrane stiffener for electrostatic inkjet actuator
An apparatus has an electrode plate having an array of electrodes, a flexible membrane separated from the electrode plate by a gap, the membrane having localized regions corresponding to electrodes in the array of electrodes, and each localized region having a stiffener. A print head has an ink reservoir, a nozzle plate to deliver ink from the reservoir to a print substrate, an ink inlet on an opposite side from the print substrate to provide ink from the reservoir to the nozzle plate, and a flexible membrane arranged so as to draw the ink through the ink inlet when actuated and to dispense the ink through the nozzle plate when released, the flexible membrane having a stiffener. A method of manufacturing a membrane device includes providing an electrode plate having an array of electrodes, forming an air gap adjacent the electrode plate, and forming a membrane of conductive material having localized regions with a stiffener, the localized regions corresponding to electrodes in the array. |
| US07686430B2 |
Printer system having wide heater elements in printhead
A printer system is provided having a printhead which has nozzles, a bubble forming chamber corresponding to each nozzle, and heater elements disposed in each chamber each configured for thermal contact with a bubble forming liquid such that heating heater elements to a temperature above the boiling point of the bubble forming liquid forms a gas bubble that causes the ejection of a drop of an ejectable liquid through the nozzles. Each heater element is an elongate strip suspended between corresponding electrodes on opposite sides of the chamber. Each strip has a cross-section with a lateral dimension different than that of each other strip of the corresponding chamber and at least triple that of the thickness of that strip. The thickness of each strip is less than 0.3 microns. The heater elements and electrodes are arranged so that the electrodes are non-coincident with the electrodes of the other heater elements. |
| US07686425B2 |
Printhead assembly with symmetrical tri-layer outer shell laminate
A printhead assembly for an inkjet printer includes an outer shell of a hot rolled tri-layer laminate of two different metals; a core element within the shell, the core element defining four separate ink reservoirs; a printhead constructed using MEMS techniques to provide ink nozzles, chambers and actuators; and a micro molding for distributing ink from the ink reservoirs to the printhead. The tri-layer shell is configured such that the effective coefficient of thermal expansion of the shell as a whole is substantially equal to that of silicon, and the outer layers of the tri-layer laminate are symmetrically disposed around a central layer thereof. |
| US07686424B2 |
Printhead
Devices used to degas and eject fluid drops are disclosed. Devices include a flow path that includes a pumping chamber in which fluid is pressurized for ejection of a fluid drop, and a semi-permeable membrane including an inorganic material having an outer surface positioned in fluid contact with the flow path. The membrane allows gases to pass therethrough, while preventing liquids from passing therethrough. |
| US07686422B2 |
Ink-cartridge attaching and detaching device, recording apparatus, and liquid ejecting apparatus
An attaching and detaching device includes a cartridge forcing unit configured to, only when a cartridge holding unit holding an ink cartridge is moved in the dismounting direction of the ink cartridge in association with the turning of a lever arm, force the ink cartridge by leverage in the dismounting direction with respect to the cartridge holding unit. |
| US07686419B2 |
Method of maintaining a printhead using a roller action
A method of maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing an elastically deformable roller having a contact surface for contacting an ink ejection face of the printhead; and (b) rolling the roller across the face. |
| US07686418B2 |
Inkjet image forming apparatus having a capping unit
An inkjet image forming apparatus includes an inkjet head having a nozzle unit having a length in a main scanning direction corresponding to a width of a printing medium, a capping unit to move to a capping position to cap the nozzle unit and an uncapping position for a printing. The capping unit includes a cap member having a spitting hole and covering the nozzle unit, an absorbing member to absorb an ink passing through the spitting hole, and a support member disposed at a position where the cap member and the absorbing member are installed, the support member receiving the ink spitted. |
| US07686415B2 |
Liquid droplet jetting apparatus
An ink-jet printer includes an ink-jet head which includes a nozzle, a main liquid droplet trapping section 30 which traps only a main liquid droplet, and a cover member which surrounds a space in which a satellite liquid droplet which is jetted from a nozzle at the same time when the main liquid droplet is jetted, flies. It is possible to suppress a decline in an accuracy of a landing position of the satellite liquid droplet, caused due to a change in a trajectory of flying of the satellite liquid droplet due to an effect of a flow of air in the space. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a liquid droplet jetting apparatus which is capable of controlling accurately the landing position of a very small satellite liquid droplet. |
| US07686414B2 |
Method of printing on large format flexible substrate and printing apparatus
Disclosed is a method of multi pass inkjet printing on wide format flexible substrates where errors in flexible substrate positions are corrected by adapting the geometry and position of the next printed swath to the geometry of the adjacent earlier printed image swath. |
| US07686412B2 |
Printing system for layered object printing
A printing system is provided having a conveyor for conveying a substrate along a conveying direction, and a sequence of printhead groups arranged along the conveying direction for printing respective object layers onto one another. A first printhead group within the sequence prints its respective object layer onto the substrate. At least one of the printhead groups is configured to print its respective object layer with at least two materials. |
| US07686409B2 |
Driver device and print head
A print head has m driver devices 1 that are fed with a supply voltage VDD and that control the driving of resistive elements acting as heaters and a regulator 2 that is fed with a supply voltage VH higher than the supply voltage VDD and that converts the supply voltage VH into a supply voltage VG, which the regulator 2 then feeds to the individual driver devices 1. |
| US07686405B2 |
Self-closing sliding door assembly
This self-closing, sliding door assembly is used for a cabinet having a front opening and a pair of doors each mounted for movement in upper and lower tracks. A counterweight is attached to each door by a sash-line having a vertical length attached to the counterweight and a horizontal length attached to an associated door. The sash-line is guided from the vertical to the horizontal by a pair of pulley bracket assemblies one being mounted to a cabinet wall in a vertical plane and the other being mounted to a cabinet wall in a horizontal plane. The sash-line is retained on the pulleys by the pulley brackets during movement of the counterweight to guard against slip off the pulleys. |
| US07686402B2 |
Machine for machine working the ground
The invention concerns a ground-machining machine (100) comprising: a secondary chassis (104) able to move in translation with respect to the ground (118); a main chassis (106) carrying a machining device (110) and able to move with respect to the secondary chassis (104) between an idle position and a machining position and vice versa; a maneuvering mast (102) integral with the said secondary chassis (104) and extending along a principal axis (160) substantially vertical with respect to the ground (118), the said maneuvering mast (102) comprising driving means (134) for moving the main chassis (106) from the said idle position to the said machining position and vice versa; an actuation means (120) mounted on a top plate (622) disposed at the top of the said maneuvering mast (102), the said actuation means (120) allowing actuation of the said driving means (134) by a user; the ground-machining machine (100) being such that the maneuvering mast (102) and the said driving means (134) are adapted to allow the adjustment for height of the said actuation means (120) along the said principal axis (160). |
| US07686397B2 |
Easy entry seat track release mechanism
A seat assembly for an automotive includes a seat cushion and a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat cushion. A riser mechanism extends between the seat cushion and a vehicle floor. The riser mechanism includes spaced apart front, center, and rear legs each pivotally movable at opposing upper and lower ends. A latch mechanism is operably coupled to each of the center legs for movement between a latched position preventing movement of the front, center, and rear legs relative to the floor and an unlatch position allowing pivotal movement of each of the front, center, and rear legs relative to the floor for moving the seat assembly between a seating position and at least one of an easy entry and forwardly dumped positions. |
| US07686396B2 |
Method and apparatus to enhance proprioception and core health of the human body
A device to actively enhance proprioception and core strength of its user consisting of a motion control system providing a tilt plate that is dampened with a suspension system to provide a system to deliver an exercise regimen that automatically detects and strengthens core muscles in an unobtrusive manner by allowing the individual to move freely while seated. The device can be configured into a chair, stool, wheelchair seat insert, vehicle or airplane seat or exercise device generically known as balance board. The device is intended to enhance the user's proprioception core strength, sense of balance, and overall physical well being. |
| US07686394B2 |
Vehicle seats
A vehicle seat may include a seat back that includes an upper half corresponding to a shoulder portion of a passenger, a lower half corresponding to a waist portion of the passenger, at least one angular adjustment mechanism and at least one upper half height adjustment mechanism. The at least one angular adjustment mechanism is disposed between the upper half and the lower half and is arranged and constructed to tilt the upper half back and forth relative to the lower half to intermediately fold the seat back at an intermediate folding position. The at least one upper half height adjustment mechanism is disposed in the upper half and is arranged and constructed to vertically move the upper half relative to the intermediate folding position. |
| US07686392B2 |
Vehicle seat cover
Disclosed is an improvement in a bucket seat cover, which permits the functionality of seat-integrated seat belts and seat-attached armrests, which comprises: a vehicle seat cover of a type and size adequate to cover both the front of a vehicle seat and the back of a vehicle seat, characterized by elastic lined pass-through openings in the shoulder and hip area, connected by a zipper or other separation means to permit the transverse of seat-integrated seat belts, and, optionally incorporating additional openings on side panels, behind zipper, for transverse of seat-attached armrests. |
| US07686391B2 |
Cover for an infant seat
A cover for an infant seat, comprising: (1) a flexible, bag-form main body having, in a top portion thereof, an opening for introducing therethrough an infant into the main body, and having a leg through-hole for allowing the leg of an infant to extend out of the main body, and (2) a flexible flap extending from a portion of the main body, which portion is positioned above the leg through-hole, wherein the flap has a free end, wherein when the flap is allowed to hang downwardly, the flap is engaged with the main body to close the leg through-hole, and wherein when the main body is installed on the seat in a manner such that the flap is placed on or wrapped around a support means provided on the seat for preventing the falling of an infant, the infant in the main body is prevented from directly contacting the support means. |
| US07686389B2 |
Seat apparatus for vehicle
A seat apparatus for a vehicle includes a seat cushion frame for supporting a seat cushion and operated to move between a first position and a second position relative to a vehicle floor, a link member including first and second ends respectively pivotably connected to the vehicle floor and to a first end portion of the seat cushion frame, a guiding member provided at the vehicle floor for supporting a second end portion of the seat cushion frame to the vehicle floor and including a guiding groove, and a sliding member provided at the second end portion of the seat cushion frame and slidably engaged into the guiding groove. The guiding groove extends along a connection line connecting the sliding member and a connection point between the seat cushion frame and the link member so as to move the seat cushion frame between the first position and the second position. |
| US07686387B2 |
Reinforcing sleeve for a tubular beam
A tubular beam assembly having a tubular member with first and second spaced apart sides and an internal portion. The first side has an insertion opening and a first fastener receiving opening that open into each other. The second side has a second fastener receiving opening and a shoulder defining opening that open into each other. A reinforcement sleeve includes a fastener receiving sleeve portion and a protrusion that supports the reinforcement sleeve in a fastener receiving position within the internal portion of the tubular member. The protrusion is supported by one or both of the insertion opening and the shoulder defining opening. The fastener receiving sleeve portion is aligned with the first and second fastener receiving openings when the reinforcement sleeve is in the fastener receiving position. |
| US07686384B2 |
Spoiler
A spoiler device, especially a rear spoiler, is adjustable between a non-usage setting and at least one usage setting. The rear spoiler is joined at its rear end area as viewed in the direction of travel via a covering device having a folded structure with a body, especially with a trunk lid of a motor vehicle. The covering device is embodied as a two-component part. |
| US07686382B2 |
Reversibly deployable air dam
Vehicle air dams that include an airflow control member and an active material based actuator for deploying the airflow control member so as to change airflow about the vehicle. |
| US07686381B1 |
Trailer deck system
A trailer deck system includes a housing that includes a bottom wall, a top wall and a perimeter wall extending between the top and bottom walls. The perimeter wall includes at least one door to access an interior of the housing. The perimeter wall includes a lateral wall. A panel has a rear edge, a front edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, a top side and a bottom side. The rear edge is hingedly coupled to the perimeter wall to allow the panel to be moved between a stored position vertically orientated with the top side facing the lateral wall and an extended position extending outwardly from the lateral wall and is horizontally orientated. A motor assembly is mechanically coupled to the panel. The motor assembly moves the panel to the extended position or the stored position when the motor assembly is actuated. |
| US07686378B2 |
Power swinging side door system and method
A vehicle is provided having an automatic swinging side door with an actuator for opening and closing the door. A controller has an algorithm for moving the actuator, a sensor for detecting an obstacle via contact with the door; and a sensor for detecting the obstacle without contact with the door. The controller interrupts movement of the door when the obstacle is detected. The door has a measurable and selectable opening angle. A hydraulic pump actuates the actuator using fluid pressure, and a hydraulic fuse monitors flow through a bypass valve to detect the contact. A method of opening a side-swinging vehicle door includes recording a door opening angle; detecting a door operating mode, opening the door when one mode is detected; closing the door when a second mode is detected; and opening the door to the recorded angle when a third mode is detected. |
| US07686375B1 |
Vehicle window sunshade assembly
A vehicle window sunshade assembly includes a vehicle structure, a trim member, a sunshade and a close-out member. The trim member is dimensioned to at least partially cover the vehicle structure. The trim member also has a sunshade opening and attachment portions for coupling to the vehicle structure. The sunshade has an end supported by the vehicle structure. The sunshade is movable between a retracted position and an extended position such that in the extended position at least a portion of the sunshade extends through the sunshade opening. The close-out member is supported by the vehicle structure and positioned such that with the trim member installed to the vehicle structure the close-out member extends generally around the end of the sunshade to conceal an area behind the end of the sunshade from view through the sunshade opening. |
| US07686373B1 |
Sun visor handicap hang-tag holder/displayer
A combination hang-tag holder and displayer which includes a body; one or more fasteners of sufficient size to attach the body to an automobile sun visor; a hanging device located on the front of the body, either on the left side or right side, such that a hang-tag may be temporarily hung from the hanging device without requiring physical modifications to the hang-tag; and a securing device located on the front of the body on the upper corner opposite the hanging device. The combination hang-tag holder and displayer may be attached to an automobile sun visor, and a hang-tag may be hung from the hanging device for display of the hang-tag. The hang-tag may then be rotated to a horizontal position and secured by the securing device for storage. |
| US07686372B2 |
Spot sun visor
A spot sun visor for use in transportation vehicles having a body of a little larger area than the disk of the sun. By moving the body in the direction of the penetrating sunlight and place the body directly in front of the position of the sun, the sunlight from the front view can be blocked or effectively reduced without undue interference of the field of the front view. The body has at least one arm to support and move the body and an axle of the arm is equipped with a slide device stored in a unit case, which stores the body during non-use. The arm pulls out the body along the front glass and is controlled by a brake device installed at the end of the arm. An electric control and drive system may be used to manually or automatically position the spot sun visor. |
| US07686370B2 |
Vehicle foot well and floor tray system
A three-dimensional digital model of a vehicle foot well is used to mold a vehicle floor tray such that large areas of at least two upstanding walls of the tray depart from respective surfaces of the foot well by no more than an eighth of an inch. |
| US07686365B2 |
Pickup box side module
A storage module having at least one exterior panel of a motorized vehicle, at least one door, and at least one inner panel. The door is at least partially formed by at least one of the exterior panels. At least one of the exterior panels and at least one of the interior panels define at least one area to form the storage module. |
| US07686362B2 |
Stone lifting device
A stone lifting device comprises two handles (2, 3) that pivot in relation to each other. A first gripping jaw (11) is located at the one end region of the one handle (2) and a second gripping jaw (9) is located at the one end region of the other handle (3). The one handle (2) and the other handle (3) can be pivoted at their end regions in relation to each other around an axis (7) such that in a clamping position a cobblestone can be clamped between the first gripping jaw (11) and the second gripping jaw (9). A locking mechanism (12) is provided that can be either activated or deactivated. In their activated condition in the clamping position the positions of the handles (2, 3) are maintained and the cobblestone remains clamped between the gripping jaws (9, 11). In the deactivated condition the clamping position is maintained by a clamping force that is exerted onto the handles (2, 3) manually by an operator. |
| US07686361B1 |
Animal waste handling device
An animal waste handling device includes an elongated foldable. A hand hold thereon has a trigger that operates against a spring bias. A clamp including an upper and a lower clamp element is provided on the handle. A sliding housing is provided on the handle adjacent to the clamp elements and the clamp elements are pivotally attached to the sliding housing. The sliding housing is moved against a spring bias. When the trigger in the hand hold is operated, a cable attached to the trigger moves the sliding housing against the spring bias and opens or closes the clamp elements. A bag for the animal droppings is attached to each of the clamp elements such that the animal waste may be scraped from the ground and contained in the bag, which may then be disposed of in a sanitary manner. |
| US07686357B2 |
Operating mechanism
An operating mechanism for building components such as windows, doors and the like comprises at least one handle and an actuating element that ca be made to engage the handle in a mutually non-rotational manner. A blocking device is situated between the handle and the actuating element and is designed so that the actuating element is insertable in a first direction into the handle whereas its displacement in the opposite direction is blocked. |
| US07686355B2 |
Rotary locking mechanism for outside vehicle door handle
A locking device is provided for preventing a motor vehicle door from opening when a handle portion of a handle assembly moves with acceleration above a predetermined threshold relative to a base thereof. The locking device includes a lock cup fixedly secured to the base and having a plurality of teeth. The locking device also includes a spool rotatably coupled to the lock cup and operably connected to the handle portion. The spool includes a pawl rotatably mounted thereto. The locking device further includes an inertia element disposed between the lock cup and the spool. The inertia element is coupled to the pawl such that upon the acceleration above the predetermined threshold the inertia element lags rotation of the spool and forces the pawl into engagement with one of the plurality of teeth to stop movement of the handle portion relative to the base and prevent the door from opening. |
| US07686351B2 |
Soft insert gasket
Gasket comprising an inner ring having an outer surface, an outer ring having an inner surface, and an intermediate ring disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring, wherein the intermediate ring has an inner surface in contact with the outer surface of the inner ring and an outer surface in contact with the inner surface of the outer ring, and wherein the intermediate ring is made of a material that has a hardness less than the hardness of the material of each of the inner ring and the outer ring. |
| US07686349B2 |
Tube couplings
A tube coupling includes a body having a cylindrical projection to engage in a tube to be secured to the body. A grab ring is mounted by arms having openings to snap onto abutments on the coupling body. The grab ring encircles with a clearance the projection and engages an outer surface of a tube pushed onto the projection to grip and resist withdrawal of the tube from the projection. |
| US07686347B1 |
Couplers for use with ducts of concrete segmental construction
A coupler apparatus for use with concrete segments has a first duct, a first coupler member having a connector and a flexible boot extending therefrom and having an end extending over a surface of said first duct, a second duct, a second coupler member having a connector and a flexible boot extending therefrom and extending over an exterior surface of the second duct, and a gasket received in the connectors of the first and second coupler members for forming a liquid-tight seal between the first and second ducts. Clamps are affixed over the ends of the flexible boot so as to establish a liquid-tight seal with the respective ducts. The connector includes an annular section affixed to an end of the flexible boot and an annular groove formed around this annular section. |
| US07686346B1 |
Transition tee coupling
An improved coupling, such as a transition tee coupling, is described having press-connect fittings on the ends and a push-connect fitting on the outlet. The improved transition tee coupling is formed using a reduced-outlet tee having press-connect fittings on all three sockets. An unfinished end of a tailpiece having a push-connect fitting on the opposite end is inserted into the outlet socket of the press-connect tee. The press-connect fitting of the outlet tee is crimped using a special press tool jaw that does not damage the push fitting on the tailpiece. |
| US07686345B2 |
Plug-type coupling comprising a molded sealing ring and venting means
The plug-type coupling includes a molded sealing ring for producing liquid-tight or gas-tight connections, the plug-type coupling having a socket and a plug that can be axially plugged into each other, and the molded sealing ring being implemented as a lip seal disposed in a circumferential groove of the plug. The object is to further develop a plug-type coupling including a molded sealing ring of the above type in such a way that a pumping effect is prevented, in order to thus prevent a vacuum on the groove bottom during pulsating stresses on the plug-type coupling. |
| US07686333B2 |
Airbag cushion structure with variable inner vent hole
The present invention provides an airbag cushion structure with variable inner vent holes, which has at least two chambers into which an inflation gas is delivered from an inflator. According to the airbag cushion structure, safe inflation performance of an airbag is maximized in an early inflation by increasing the size of inner vent holes, passenger collision energy absorption performance of the airbag is secured in the latter inflation by decreasing the size of the inner vent holes. Further, it is possible to improve both the safe inflation performance and passenger collision energy absorption performance of the airbag when a passenger-contact portion of the airbag cushion that contacts with the passenger's head and chest is close to a region of the airbag cushion that inflates, such as a crash pad with an airbag cushion, by increasing the size of the inner vent holes and decreasing the size of the inner vent holes around a region where the passenger-contact portion contacts the passenger. |
| US07686332B2 |
Integrated side impact air bag with single layer sail panels
A two panel, woven, inflatable air bag with a single panel sail portion, and method of making the same. |
| US07686329B2 |
Airbag module for a motor vehicle
An airbag module for a motor vehicle includes an airbag that may be inflated for restraining a person, at least one outlet opening for releasing gas out of the module and originating at least partially from the inflated airbag, and a reservoir containing coolant for cooling the gas released from the module through the outlet opening. The reservoir includes a wall that sealingly encloses the coolant and is opened to bring the coolant into direct contact with the released gas to cool the released gas. |
| US07686325B2 |
Gas generator and device for electrically contacting a gas generator
A gas generator for filling an airbag of a vehicle is provided. The gas generator can be integrated into the vehicle in such a way that it is electrically insulated from the same, and can be directly connected to the electrical ground of the vehicle, especially to a defined ground potential, by means of a separate ground connection. The separate ground connection thus provides an improved ground connection of the gas generator. |
| US07686319B1 |
Double amputee conveyance
A double amputee conveyance includes a main frame with two rear wheels, for propulsion, and two swiveled castor wheels, for directional control, attached to the main frame. A seat assembly is attached to the main frame to provide relative movement between a rearward and a forward position and is constructed so that a forward edge extends beyond the main frame in the forward position. A stabilizing mechanism includes a stabilizing bar pivotally attached to the main frame so as to extend outwardly in a forward direction from the main frame and for movement between a raised and a lowered position. An activating lever is linked to the stabilizing bar to move the bar into the raised or the lowered position. The stabilizing bar engages the floor in the lowered position to stabilize the conveyance with the seat assembly in the forward position. |
| US07686317B2 |
Ellipticycle with torque amplifying pedal beams and a fully enclosed multiple speed dual rear wheel drive
An Ellipticycle features a conventional bicycle front wheel assembly which is joined by two parallel lengths of bicycle tubing to a cast aluminum gear case within which a multiple speed transmission is enclosed. A crank shaft extends out through bearings in the left and right side halves of the gear case at its forward end with a crank arm fixed on each end of the crank shaft. A pedal beam is rotatably mounted near its center on a spindle fixed in the end each crank arm. A cam roller bolted on each side of the gear case at its aft end engages a short length of steel angle riveted on the inside of each pedal beam providing a downward force to counter balance the weight of the rider on the cantilevered forward portion of the pedal beam. A length of aluminum tubing is bolted on each side of the gear case at its aft end and encloses a drive shaft which passes out through bearings in the gear case. Power is delivered from the crank shaft to the transmission by a conventional bicycle chain coupling a large sprocket fixed on the crank shaft with a smaller sprocket fixed with multiple spur gears on a parallel shaft rotatably mounted in the gear case. A one way clutch is mounted on the outboard end of the drive shaft on each side between a pair of ball bearings inside the aluminum tube. Each rear wheel is fixed on an integral extension of the one way clutch on that side which drives the wheel yet permits differential rear wheel speeds on turns. |
| US07686313B2 |
Wheel end vented through sensor cable
A speed sensor for a wheel end that has an interior that is substantially isolated from an atmosphere around the wheel end. The speed sensor is carried by a housing of the wheel end for monitoring the rotation of the wheel end and indicating the angular velocity of the wheel end. The speed sensor includes a cable leading from the sensor to a location remote from the wheel end and further includes leads that transmit a signal and a sheath that encloses the leads. The sheath is open enough to allow a fluid to flow through its interior. A vent channel provides communication between the interior of the wheel end and the interior of the sheath on the cable. |
| US07686312B2 |
Blank for an axle beam, wheel suspension comprising an axle and a method for manufacturing an axle
A blank for an axle beam intended to support a wheel axle is formed from a continuous piece and, at its respective ends, has, on the one hand, a bushing constituting a bearing for a kingpin for supporting a wheel spindle and, on the other hand, lug-shaped protrusions on each side of the bushing, and a wheel axle made from such a blank. The invention can provide a blank which is suitable both for steerable and non-steerable wheel axles for vehicles. |
| US07686310B2 |
Elevated work platform and multi-function tool
This invention pertains to a multi-function tool that when assembled in different configurations would meet many needs of the home or commercial mechanic. One configuration is height adjustable allowing users to work safely in an elevated position over the engine compartment of a light truck (i.e. half-ton to one-ton vehicle) even if that vehicle is lifted or taller than factory normal. Another configuration is an engine stand to hold a small engine block so the mechanic may repair it. Yet another configuration is a crane or hoist to assist in lifting engines or parts of engines (e.g. heads) out of the engine compartment to prevent injury to the mechanic. This hoist could also aid in lifting the engine or engine parts onto the engine stand or onto another conveyance (i.e. onto a truck). |
| US07686307B1 |
Multistage wagering card game and method therefor
A blackjack-type card game with multistage wagering that provides a predetermined set of rules for when a player receives two or three cards, thus removing the option of splitting, doubling-down, or purchasing insurance. The game comprises areas for a player to place an first wager and a second wager. A transitional area is used to transfer the first wager to in given circumstances. The invention may or may not also include an area for an optional bonus wager, wherein the bonus wager would be either collected or paid according to a preset payout schedule and depending upon the cards of the player placing the bonus wager. |
| US07686304B2 |
Methods and devices for on-the-roll sports games
An approach to realistically schematizing professional team sports embodied as board games, and particularly a preferred embodiment schematizing American football, baseball and basketball, as well as soccer, ice hockey and golf. One key to the realistic play of the game is the On-The-Roll™ (“OTR”) mechanism where, once play begins, real time play continues, generally against a clock, where both teams, generally, continue to roll dice continuing sub-play actions or elements, until a play is completed, as by a touchdown, tackle, or otherwise. Other games employ a one-player OTR mechanism for processes such as putting or hazard escape in golf. An additional essential element is a series of rules and charts, based on statistical compilation of many actual professional games, that map various combinations of offensive and defensive strategy options and dice rolls onto realistic game situations and the progression among them. Further, a mechanism is often employed where both teams: secretly choose a strategy, generally by selecting a card placed face down; roll one or more dice; reveal strategy choices by turning cards face up; determine a situation chart to consult, and further determine which result is selected from within the chart, based on some combination of which cards were played and the results of the dice rolls. An additional element is a variety of play cards that effect the overall game momentum of either team. Additional authenticity is achieved in golf, for example, by constructing a variety of dice roll mechanisms and progress rules that each correspond to the specific performance of an environmental or landscaping element such as wind magnitude and direction, ground slant, grass roll speed, and various hazards of diverse properties and difficulties including water, trees, roughs, and sand traps of various depths. |
| US07686303B2 |
Gaming device having a rate dependent game
The present invention provides a gaming device having a game that may be implemented in a primary or bonus game. More specifically, the present invention provides a processor controlled gaming device that presents a plurality of masked value choices to the player, provides a time period in which the player can elect to accept a masked choice and reveals and provides a value associated with the choice to the player if the player accepts in time. If the player does not accept in time or decides not to accept the choice, the gaming device, in one preferred embodiment, reveals the value the player could have accepted when the time period lapses or times out. When the player has successfully accepted a predefined number of masked choices, the game adds or multiplies the values yielded by the choices to form an award for the player. |
| US07686302B2 |
Feeder device for feeding media sheets
A feeder device for feeding media sheets along a feed path, including: (a) an accommodator for accommodating the media sheets; (b) a feed mechanism including (b-1) a roller that is to be held in contact with the media sheets accommodated in the accommodator and (b-2) a motor that is controllable based on a variable so as to rotate the roller, so that the media sheets can be fed along the feed path by the roller; (c) a detector operable to detect an amount of rotation of the roller or the motor; (d) a controller operable to adjust the variable on the basis of the amount of rotation detected by the detector such that feed movement of each media sheet can be achieved substantially as desired; (e) a monitor operable to monitor the variable that is adjusted by the controller; and (f) a media-related information obtainer operable to obtain information related to the media sheets fed by the feed mechanism, based on the actual value of the adjusted variable monitored by the monitor. |
| US07686300B2 |
Driving device
A sheet processing apparatus is disclosed which is capable of preventing a motor from losing synchronization when initializing a roller position at power-up time, even if a diagonal feed mechanism does not have a sensor for detecting a position of a diagonal feed roller pair. |
| US07686299B2 |
Registration carriage nip release with reduced reaction forces
This is a paper registration system that allows for a lateral reset while the paper is present in the nip space. By separating the nips, the carriage can move to reset position for the next sheet while the previous sheet is still present in the carriage.In addition, the configuration of the system of the invention is reduced or elimination of reaction forces on the carriage lead screw is provided. The registration embodiments of the present system are especially useful in a high speed marking system. |
| US07686292B2 |
Sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus
A sheet feeder (20) includes a tray (30) for receiving a recording sheet (P). A feed roller (41) is disposed above the tray (30) and feeds the sheet (P). A bottom plate (50) is at a downstream end of the tray (30) and moves up and down for pressingly contacting a leading end of the sheet (P) with the roller (41). A position changer (60) moves the bottom plate (50) between a first position (S1) where the bottom plate (50) contacts the roller (41), and a second position (S2) where the bottom plate (50) is spaced from the roller (41). An elevating mechanism (70) moves the bottom plate (50) set to the second position up and down each time the sheet (P) is fed and brings the leading end of the sheet (P) into contact with the roller (41) when the bottom plate (50) is moved. |
| US07686282B2 |
Handle-operated brake/release mechanism for a cable drum winch
A handle operated brake and release mechanism for a cable drum winch provides a winch that can be used in the assembly of inland river barges to form multi-barge tows. The handle of the brake and release mechanism can in one function and entirely by hand (without using any other tools) release the cable tension and apply the brake at the same time. The entire brake and release mechanism is mounted on the outside of a winch frame having winch side plates, thereby allowing the mechanism parts to be replaceable in the field without taking the winch side plates apart. |
| US07686281B2 |
Staple remover
The base member 1 is pivotally connected to the lever member 2 by a pin 5 that provides a leverage fulcrum point. The tongue 3 extends from the front end of the base member 1 and is used to wedge under the staple crossbar 11. The teeth 4 extends from the front end of the lever member 2. The user then lifts the lever member 2 into a second position so that the wider top section 8 of teeth 4 lifts the staple 10 from the substrate. The front edges 9 of teeth 4 are curved such that it does not go below the baseline of base member 1, and thus do not interfere with or damage the substrate. The base member 1 presses against substrate providing support and allows the leverage operation to be performed on pliable and flexible substrates such as sheets of paper, and minimizes damage to the substrate. |
| US07686279B2 |
Non-reopenable clamp for tubing sets
A non-reopenable, single-use clamp for receiving and pinching collapsible resilient tubing thus forming a mechanical tubing seal and having an open position for insertion of tubing, a neutral position for holding the tubing and a closed position for non-reopenably closing the tubing with a locking mechanism with locking hooks. |
| US07686277B2 |
Tool support apparatus
A tool support apparatus includes a body adapted to be secured to an end of a handle of a tool. A ground piercing member is pivotally secured to the body for pivotal movement between an operative position and a stored position. In the operative position, the ground piercing member protrudes past the end of the handle, such that the ground piercing member can be inserted into the ground to support the handle of the tool in a substantially upright orientation. In the stored position, the ground piercing member is oriented substantially parallel to the handle so as not to interfere with the normal usage of the tool. |
| US07686271B2 |
Display device
According to one embodiment, a display device is provided with a body, a stand to support the body, and an adjustment system which is arranged between the body and the stand and adjusts the tilt of the body. The adjustment system has a first positioning portion and a second positioning portion which is arranged independent from the first positioning portion. The first positioning portion determines the position of the body on the stand. The second positioning portion has the first positioning portion function as a pivot point to rotate the body in a predetermined angle with respect to the stand to determine the position of the body on the stand in the predetermined rotated angle. |
| US07686269B1 |
Hands away pharmaceutical holder
The present invention provides a medical safety device for holding a container. The medical safety device is used to hold the container while extracting liquid by a syringe from the container. The medical safety device is a unitary flexible main body having two opposing ends. On each end is a hand hold for grasping by the user's hands. A longitudinal slit is positioned within a center portion of the main body. When opposing force is applied to both ends toward the center of the main body, the slit widens, allowing positioning of the container within the slit. Release of the force upon the ends narrows the slit and the container is retained within the slit of the medical safety device. The user may then extract the liquid from the container without holding the container. |
| US07686267B2 |
Operating table support clamp
A clamp assembly for use in connection with an operating table rail is disclosed. The clamp assembly includes a top clamp member, a base clamp member and an operating lever to move the top clamp member relative to the base clamp member. The base clamp member and the top clamp member include complimentary V-shaped channels that allow the clamp assembly of the present invention to be installed on the sterile side of the surgical field. The base clamp member is provided with dual guide pins and an actuator pin, extending upwards from the base clamp member and through the top clamp member. The actuator pin is affixed with a fastening means to engage the top of the actuator pin and the base clamp member together. Further, the base clamp member includes apertures for receiving various surgical support fixtures. |
| US07686264B2 |
Quick release mechanism for use with a sign stand
A sign stand assembly includes a support base with a plate portion defining a locking recess, an upright mast joined to the support base, and at least one leg having a wall defining a hollow interior of the leg. The leg is pivotally attached to the plate portion, and a locking pin carried on the leg, is provided for movement toward and away from the locking recess defined by the plate portion of the support base. An actuator is movable between lock and unlock positions and has a first end portion engaging the locking pin, and an opposed second end portion with a hollow bail member defining a hollow interior for receiving the leg. A fulcrum portion is located adjacent the first end portion and engages the leg, whereby, upon pressing the bail member, the locking pin is retracted to the unlock position. |
| US07686262B2 |
Archers caddie
An archer's caddie includes a portable, freestanding quiver and bow support. The caddie is fabricated from solid plastic parts, which parts are attached with metal fasteners. The upper end of the caddie terminates in a padded bow support. A removable beverage holder can be disposed at two positions on the caddie. An array of receptacles is provided for containing accessories such as conventional arrows, crossbow bolts, shooting gloves, quick release, pencils, markers, etc. A base member defines the lower end of the caddie. The base member is weighted and designed with bent feet to enhance stability when the caddie is positioned on uneven surfaces. |
| US07686261B2 |
Supporting bracket assembly
A supporting bracket assembly for supporting a base unit of a portable computer includes a base, a supporting bracket, a locking member, and an operation portion. The supporting bracket is pivotably engaged with the base. The supporting bracket includes a supporting arm with a locking ring. A plurality of locking holes is defined in the locking ring. The locking member is slidably arranged in the base. The locking member includes a positioning post. The positioning post is selectively inserted in one of the locking holes of the supporting arm to lock the supporting bracket. The operation portion is connected with the locking member, and the locking member is driven by the operation portion to slide for locking or unlocking the supporting bracket. |
| US07686255B2 |
Space vehicle having a payload-centric configuration
In one aspect, a space vehicle includes a structure configured to expand from a first configuration to a second configuration and at least two equipment compartments attached to the periphery of the structure. The structure includes at least one of an antenna mesh, a light-shielding mesh, an optical reflector mesh and a net.In another aspect, a space vehicle includes an antenna structure configured to expand from a first configuration to a second configuration and at least two equipment compartments attached to the periphery of the antenna structure. At least one of the at least two equipment components include a solar panel, a propulsion system and an antenna feed.In a further aspect, a space vehicle includes a payload element and at least two spacecraft-support structures attached to the periphery of the payload element. At least one of the at least two spacecraft-support structures includes a propulsion system and a tracking, telemetry and control system. |
| US07686247B1 |
Vehicle recovery
The present disclosure includes various apparatus and method embodiments for vehicle recovery. One embodiment includes at least one inflatable member having a target area for impact of a vehicle thereon and wherein the at least one inflatable member is inflated with a fluid provided by an inflation source. |
| US07686246B2 |
Method and system for controlling helicopter vibrations
A method/system for controlling helicopter vibrations is provided that includes a vibration canceling force generator for actively generating a vibration canceling force. The system includes a resonant actuator having a natural resonant frequency and a resonant actuator electronic control system. The resonant actuator electronic control system provides an electrical drive current to the resonant actuator to drive the resonant actuator about the resonant frequency when commanded by a received command signal. The resonant actuator has a feedback output with the feedback output fed back into the resonant actuator electronic control system wherein the resonant actuator electronic control system adjusts the electrical drive current based on the resonant actuator feedback output to generate the vibration canceling force. |
| US07686245B2 |
Rotary aircraft download alleviation apparatus and methods
Apparatus and methods for alleviating rotary aircraft downloads are disclosed. In one embodiment, a rotary aircraft includes an airframe assembly having a fuselage, at least one rotor assembly operatively coupled to the airframe assembly and configured to provide a downwash over at least a portion of the airframe assembly during operation of the at least one rotor assembly, and at least one download alleviation strake operatively coupled to the fuselage, each download alleviation strake extending at least partially along a length of the fuselage and being configured to reduce a downwash download during operation of the at least one rotor assembly. In some embodiments, the airframe assembly includes at least one fuel tank, and the at least one download alleviation strake is coupled to the at least one fuel tank. The download alleviation strake may be pivotably coupled to the at least one fuel tank. |
| US07686240B2 |
Kitchen appliance with a safety interlock
A kitchen appliance with a safety interlock for processing foodstuff including a housing with a motor and a switch to actuate the motor within the housing. A bowl has a first actuator therein for selectively actuating the switch. A bowl lid is removably mountable over a mouth of the bowl and is mounted to a mouth of the bowl when the bowl and bowl lid are in a working position. A feed tube defines a feed cavity including a feed mouth. The feed tube has a second actuator in an operative relationship with the first actuator. A feed tube lid is pivotably and removably mounted to the feed tube and includes a tab. The tab contacts and moves the second actuator to its operative position to thereby actuate the switch through the first actuator when the feed tube lid is in a closed position. |
| US07686237B2 |
Discharge/vent module for power sprayer
A manually operated sprayer for a container of liquid to be sprayed includes variable volume pump means having liquid inlet and outlet means for discharging the contents of the container. The sprayer further includes a control module having product and vent valves reciprocably disposed therein, the product and vent valves being simultaneously reciprocable by means of the manual actuator between valve open and valve closed positions. In the valve open position, the product and vent valves respectively prevent flow of product and air respectively into the liquid inlet means and into a vent passage in communication between atmosphere and an interior of the container, and in the vent closed position, the product and vent valves respectively enable flow of product and air respectively into the liquid inlet means and into the vent passage. |
| US07686236B2 |
Stem rotation control for a sprinkler and methods therefor
A sprinkler includes a stationary portion configured for connection to a fluid source and a head with an outlet for emitting fluid. A stem supports the head and is configured for translating along a longitudinal axis and for rotating about the longitudinal axis. At least one retainer is disposed between the stationary portion and the stem. The retainer is configured for permitting the stem to rotate about the longitudinal axis relative to the stationary portion when a rotational force applied to the stem exceeds a predetermined amount. |
| US07686235B2 |
Check valve assembly for controlling the flow of pressurized fluids
A check valve assembly has a valve seat for positioning in a passageway between a water supply and an outlet device such as a sprinkler head or a pipe section. A disc valve is located on the water supply side of the valve seat, and a separate actuator is movably mounted on the opposite side of the seat for movement between an operative position extending through the valve seat to hold the valve in the open position, and an inoperative, retracted position. The disc valve is moved by the actuator into the open position when the sprinkler head is located at the outlet. Release or removal of the actuator as a result of removal of the sprinkler head or other outlet device will allow fluid pressure at the fluid supply end of the passageway to urge the valve into the closed position. |
| US07686234B2 |
Mobile irrigation machine with underground water application
An irrigation assembly has a main pipeline supported at intervals by mobile towers, a plurality of drop tube assemblies at spaced intervals along the pipeline and a collector positioned to receive water from the drop tube assembly. A plurality of targets are positioned on the ground in the paths of motion defined by the movement of the collectors. The targets may be dishes. Each dish preferably has a perforated drain that penetrates beneath the surface of the ground. Interaction between the collector and the target causes the water stored within the collector to be released into the target. The irrigation assembly may provide for underground irrigation without a collector where a dish or trough receives water from the drop tube assembly and underground drains allow for water to be dispersed below the ground. |
| US07686232B2 |
System and method for food safety inspection
A system and a method for monitoring and inspecting food safety is disclosed. The system adopts insert and use concept that only requires an initial push on a button to begin its function. The system provides visual alert for different conditions if food products are in unsafe status. The system is pre-calibrated during manufacture without complicated or multi-step calibration or recalibration procedures during application. The system relies on modern surface-mount microprocessor technology that enables long-term calibration stability along with very low power consumption for extended battery life. |
| US07686229B2 |
RFID reader device having closely packed antennas
A reader device for locating and tracking multiple tags includes a plurality of closely packed antenna circuits and at least one controller configured to control the plurality of closely packed antenna circuits. The at least one controller is configured to activate one or more of the antenna circuits to generate at least one resonance signal field configured to interrogate at least one tag associated with the one or more active antenna circuits while substantially preventing or reducing cross-coupling of signals between the one or more active antenna circuits and at least one antenna circuit within the at least one resonance signal field to a sufficiently low level, wherein the sufficiently low level substantially prevents misreads from unwanted tags, to thereby track the multiple tags in a substantially controlled manner. |
| US07686227B2 |
Cordless hand scanner with improved user feedback
Increased confidence in, and acceptance of, cordless hand-held scanners may be obtained through a cordless hand-held scanner with improved user feedback. In an illustrative embodiment, the state of one or more indicators is changed as a result of feedback from a coupled host processor. The indicators are set to a first (or pending) state when a scan is performed, and remain in the first state up until the time the host feedback is received. The indicators are set to a second (or successful) state if the feedback indicates the host successfully received the scan data. The indicators are set to a third (or failure) state if the feedback indicates the host failed to properly receive the scan data. Obtaining timely confirmation that the host processor has received the scan successfully leads to increased confidence in, and acceptance of, the cordless hand-held scanner. |
| US07686206B2 |
Collapsible gift box
A collapsible box comprising a body having a front panel, a bottom panel, a back panel, a top panel, a closing panel, a left panel, a right panel, a front folding panel, and a back folding panel. Each of the front and back folding panels comprises foldably connected center panel and two side panels. The bottom panel edges are foldably connected to edges of the front, left, back, and right panels. The opposite edges of the top panel are foldably connected to the back and closing panels. The edges of the front folding panel are foldably connected to one set edges of the left and right panels, and edges of said back folding panel are foldably connected to opposite set edges of the left and right panels. |
| US07686193B1 |
Mechanical actuator for aerosol can
A mechanical actuator for attachment to a conventional aerosol can to allow for holding the can with a comfortable handle and controlled dispensing of substances, such as spray paint, using a trigger-type actuator. The device further includes a quick can loading and unloading system including a resilient band that facilitates rapid hands free unloading and one hand loading of aerosol cans. A manual actuator is provided to selectively stretch the band to facilitate loading (and unloading) of aerosol cans. Relaxing the manual actuator allows the resilient band move into constricted engagement with the can. |
| US07686190B2 |
Dispensing head for a pressurised container receiving a pressurised free-flowing medium
Dispensing head made of plastics for a pressurised container receiving a pressurised free-flowing medium, comprising a cap which may be positioned onto the pressurised container, which comprises an actuating portion which may be moved relative to the cap, for a dispensing valve which is attached to the pressurised container and which is connected to a channel in the dispensing head and an applicator on the dispensing head which may be connected to the outlet of the channel, via which the medium is discharged, characterised in that inside the cap a movable locking portion is provided which, in a locked position, blocks an actuation of the actuating portion and the applicator is movably mounted relative to the dispensing head such that, with a movement in the direction of the dispensing head, it moves the locking portion into a release position, in which an actuation of the actuating portion and thus an actuation of the dispensing valve is permitted. |
| US07686188B2 |
Drain-back spout fitment closure with drip-less pour tip
A snap on, drain back fitment closure for a container, wherein the drain back pour spout fitment has a snap fit structure overlaying a container or bottle neck finish and which may be secured thereto with adhesives. The snap fit structure has an outer annular skirt with an internal, radial inwardly facing bead engaging a radial outwardly facing surface of the bottle finish. Spaced from the outer annular skirt by a horizontal upper flange, the spout fitment includes an inner annular skirt with internal threads on the fitment to receive an externally threaded closure. The closure has a plug seal above the threads engaging the fitment. Further the pour spout has a radial outwardly extending drip-less pour spout at an end thereof. |
| US07686186B2 |
Golf ball container
A container that holds the golf balls for sequential dispensing of golf balls from an interior cavity through an opening between a pair of opposing legs and a projecting stop movable from a first position for holding one of the golf balls between the legs and retained by the projecting stops to a second outward position sufficient for the golf ball to pass by the projecting stops. A method of holding and sequentially dispensing golf balls for play is disclosed. |
| US07686183B2 |
Container lid and holder and system and method for attaching a lid and holder to a container
An apparatus, system and method for attaching a lid to a beverage container is provided. In one embodiment a lid is positioned over the container opening and fastened to a first bead located around the opening. The lid also fastens to a second bead that is either located on the container, or located on a collar that is positioned adjacent to the first bead. The collar may extend around the container, or it may only extend partway around the container. The collar may be removable and may also include a handle. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims. |
| US07686175B2 |
Container crane
A container crane includes a container including first and second side walls spaced apart and generally parallel, a bridge adapted to travel in a substantially longitudinal direction along the first and second side walls, a trolley adapted to travel in a substantially longitudinal direction along the bridge, a jib coupled to a bottom surface of the trolley, and a hoist mounted to the jib. |
| US07686174B2 |
Vehicle crane with a telescopic boom, as well as process for assembling and disassembling the anchor supports of the telescopic boom
The within invention concerns a vehicle crane with a telescopic boom that can move on a horizontal axle and rotate on an upright axle with a pivot section, telescoping sections that can telescope out of the pivot section, and also with two anchor supports flexibly housed on one of the sections so that they can pivot out of transportation position, in which they are folded essentially parallel to each other against the section, and can be spread apart into an erect, particularly V-shaped, operation position. The invention also concerns a process for assembling or dissembling said anchor supports of the telescoping boom of the vehicle crane. According to the invention, when the boom is lying in essentially horizontal position, the anchor supports can be disassembled, are positioned on brackets provided next to the boom, and after the boom is raised are raised from the brackets and loaded by the boom itself. |
| US07686170B2 |
Deflector for spiral separator, and method of spiral separation
A deflector (1) for attachment to a spiral separator (2), for capturing and redirecting a portion of a flowing stream of material (5). The deflector (1) includes an attachment means (3), to attach the deflector (1) to the spiral separator (2), a capturing portion (4) to capture a portion of the flowing stream (5), and, a redirecting portion (6) to emit a portion (7) of the stream. A method of separating particles of different densities using the deflector device (1) in conjunction with a spiral separator (2) is also disclosed. |
| US07686168B1 |
Container
A container for transporting and handling materials such as ice has a side wall having a top, a middle and a bottom. The side wall forms a containing portion. The top has an opening to the containing portion. The side wall has a recess adjacent to the bottom. The container has a bottom wall. The containing portion extends from the bottom wall to the opening. The container has a top handle adjacent to the top of the side wall. The container has a recess handle that extends from the bottom of the side wall to the middle of the side wall adjacent to the recess. |
| US07686167B1 |
Stackable container with front and rear windows, and method for using the same
A container for transporting and displaying baked products. The container can be stacked in a 0° and 180° stacking configuration, and when in the former, utilizes stacking feet projections to provide additional strength for carrying heavier products, and to substantially prevent lateral motion of the stacked containers. Further, the containers comprise curved stacking feet and stacking receptacles so that when containers are stacked in the 180° stacking configuration, they can be more easily removed. The containers further include substantially non-glossy, non-smooth areas that allow stickers to be more easily removed, and to reduce errors in counting containers by automated counting equipment. |
| US07686164B2 |
Golf bag stand
A golf bag has an extensible stand which incorporates legs having a compound bend. The legs provide increased stability when deployed, without increasing the splay angle of the leg pivots. The compound bend in the legs also permits the legs to fold compactly against the golf bag body. |
| US07686159B2 |
Exchangeable attachment and attachment holder for modular belts
A belt module suitable for use in a modular belt and designed for holding attachments such as flights. The belt module has an attachment holder with a dovetail section on the upper surface that accommodates attachments and the like that are designed to be removably attached to the holder by means of attachments furnished with foot extensions that fit into the dovetail section by sliding the foot laterally into a locked position relative to the attachment holder. |
| US07686156B2 |
Slip tube system for adjusting drive force of shaft driven conveyor system
A slip tube system is configured to transport a load along a conveying path of an overhead conveyor system. A stationary frame has at least one rotating shaft with a shaft axis extending along the conveying path of the stationary frame, and a movable carriage configured to transport a load along the conveying path. A slip tube is placed on at least one of the least one rotating drive shafts and each slip tube has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of a respective drive shaft, and is in rotational sliding engagement therewith. At least one driven wheel is attached to the carriage to engage with an exterior of the slip tube surrounding the at least one rotating drive shaft to push the slip tube into driving engagement with the rotating shaft, and to rotate the slip tube therewith. The driven wheels are canted with respect to a shaft axis of the drive shaft and slip tube, and the canted contact produces a helical loci of engagement between the exterior of the slip tube and each of the driven wheels. As the drive shaft rotates, traction is developed between the rotating shaft and an inner surface of the slip tube, and between an outer surface of the rotating slip tube and the driven wheels to provide sufficient drive force to propel the carriage and the load along the conveying path. |
| US07686154B2 |
Inspection station for screening hand luggage and other items carried by persons
In order to check hand luggage and other objects carried by persons, control stations are needed, which have a control unit, in particular an X-ray checking unit, a conveyor which extends through the control unit, a depositing point which is arranged ahead of the conveyor, and a removal point which is arranged behind the conveyor, for the objects and having transport tubs which can be placed onto the conveyor. Small objects and items of clothing are placed in the transport tubs and conveyed through the control unit for checking. A return conveyor for the transport tubs is arranged next to or below the conveyor which passes through the control unit, which return conveyor reaches from the removal point behind the conveyor at least as far as into the region of the depositing point ahead of the conveyor. |
| US07686153B2 |
Package temporary storage control mechanism for a cuboidal package conveying apparatus and operating method thereof
A package temporary storage control mechanism is located between a feeding end and a discharge end of a cuboidal package conveying apparatus, and includes a temporary storage trough, which has two upright plates defining an upper supporting zone and a lower waiting zone therebetween. Two supporting mechanisms are driven to ascend and descend vertically in the supporting zone and each includes a plurality of supporting fingers that can be extended into the supporting zone to locate at a supporting position for receiving and supporting a plurality of cuboidal packages fed from the feeding end to the supporting zone. Two carrying mechanisms are driven to ascend and descend vertically in the waiting zone and each includes a plurality of carrier seats that can be extended into the waiting zone to locate at a carrying position for carrying the cuboidal packages moved downward from the supporting zone. |
| US07686143B2 |
Magnetorheological device and system and method for using the same
A controllable magnetorheological (MR) damper having first, second and third portions is disclosed. The first and second portions have a translational degree of freedom therebetween, and the third portion has a rotational degree of freedom with respect to the first and second portions. The first and third portions are coupled via a translation-to-rotation converter, and the second and third portions are coupled via a magnetorheological (MR) fluid. A bearing is disposed between the first and second portions for supporting a side load therebetween, a magnetic field generator is in field communication with the magnetorheological fluid, and a signal path is in signal communication with the magnetic field generator. The third portion is rotationally responsive to translational motion between the first and second portions, the shear stress characteristic of the magnetorheological fluid is responsive to the magnetic field generator, and the magnetic field generator is controllably responsive to an excitation signal from the signal path. |
| US07686141B2 |
Brake-equipped retracting device for retractable member
A brake-equipped retracting device (3) returns a liquid crystal display device (1) from a deployed position (1B) to a stored position (1A) using an elastic returning force of a spiral spring (18) that is wound up when the liquid crystal display device (1) is opened by the rotational force of a motor. A braking force for preventing the liquid crystal display device (1) from returning with too much force is applied to an input shaft (17a) of a reducer by having a rope (21) whose tensile force increases and decreases in relation to the opening and closing of the liquid crystal display device (1) be wound around a slip clutch (15) that is connected to the input shaft (17a). In emergency situations such as when the rope (21) breaks, a centrifugal grip (53) of a rotation-restraining mechanism (50) strikes an engagement notch surface (56b) on a fixed side, and the rotation of the input shaft (17a) is forcibly halted. A retracting device for a liquid crystal display device comprising a braking device that has a simple structure, is reliable, is highly safe, and is low in cost can be realized. |
| US07686139B2 |
Elevator device
In an elevator apparatus, a brake device for braking the running of a car is controlled by a brake control device. The brake control device monitors a speed of the car and a degree of deceleration of the car at a time of emergency braking of the car. When the degree of deceleration of the car reaches a preset target deceleration, the brake control device generates a target speed pattern for decelerating the car from a speed of the car at that time. |
| US07686134B1 |
Ladder support and bracing apparatus
A ladder support and bracing apparatus includes a panel that has a top side, a bottom side, a first end, a second end, a first lateral side and a second lateral side. Each of a pair of lips is attached to and extends upwardly from the top side and each is coextensive with one of the first and second lateral sides. A vertical support is hingedly coupled to the bottom side and is positioned adjacent to the first end. The panel is substantially horizontally orientated when the vertical support is vertically orientated. The bottom side of the panel adjacent to the second is positioned on a step and the vertical support adjusted to horizontally orientate the panel. A ladder is then positioned on and supported by the panel. |
| US07686130B1 |
Dual mode vehicle exhaust system and associated method
A dual-mode exhaust system includes a housing with an input port attached to the existing muffler exhaust system and positioned downstream thereof. The system further includes a mechanism for selectively distributing vehicle exhaust from the input port to the first and second output ports, upper and lower chambers vertically stacked within the housing, and first and second vertically spaced pendulum arms disposed within the upper and lower chambers respectively and anchored at respective distal ends thereof respectively. First and second vehicle exhaust pipes are coupled to the first and second output ports. |
| US07686123B2 |
Straddle-type vehicle with belt type continuously variable transmission having resin-block-type belt
A noise suppressor for a straddle-type vehicle provided with a belt type continuously variable transmission having a resin-block-type belt. A portion of an air passage for guiding air to a belt chamber is formed in a closed casing. The closed casing includes a dish-shaped first casing member and a dish-shaped second casing member. An inlet port and an exhaust port are formed in the second casing member. Partition walls in the form of curved plate pieces are formed in the first casing and second casing members. Air flow paths formed by the partition walls are U-shaped, thereby forming a serpentine flow. |
| US07686119B2 |
Apparatus for reinforcing seatbelt usage in automobiles
A technique for reinforcing seatbelt usage in automobiles is described. One implementation of which includes a weight sensor in the car seat that detects occupancy by a person and generates an occupancy signal that is transmitted to a seatbelt monitor unit that receives both the occupancy signal and a buckled seatbelt signal (based on a magnetic switch in the female portion of the buckle), and based thereupon, generates an unbuckled seatbelt alarm signal if the buckled seatbelt signal indicates that the buckle is not buckled when the transmitted occupancy signal indicates that the respective seat is occupied. A program executing on the automobile's stock computer then receives the unbuckled seatbelt alarm signal from the seatbelt monitor unit and handicaps the operation of the automobile in a predetermined way (e.g., speed limitation, engine kill, etc.). |
| US07686112B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling hybrid vehicle
An apparatus for controlling a hybrid vehicle including a first coupling element disposed between an engine and a motor-generator, a second coupling element disposed between the motor-generator and driving wheels of the hybrid vehicle, a sensor for sensing temperatures of the first coupling element and/or the second coupling element and a controller. The controller controls an amount of slippage in either the first coupling element, the second coupling element, or both, depending on the sensed temperatures. |
| US07686111B2 |
HV battery cooling with exhaust flow of fuel cell systems
A fuel cell system for a hybrid vehicle that includes a high voltage battery, where the system uses a cathode exhaust gas airflow from a fuel cell stack to draw air through a battery compartment in which the battery is mounted to provide battery cooling. An air intake line is in fluid communication with the passenger compartment of the vehicle and the battery compartment. An ejector line is in fluid communication with the battery compartment and the cathode exhaust gas pipe. The flow of the cathode exhaust gas around the injector pipe creates a low pressure area, which draws air through the battery compartment from the passenger compartment. In one embodiment, a compressor that provides the cathode inlet air to the fuel cell stack is used at low stack output loads, such as during vehicle idle, to direct air through the cathode exhaust gas pipe, and cool the battery system under low load conditions. |
| US07686109B2 |
Motorized snowboard
A gasoline engine powered snowboard having an endless track trained about a support frame containing driven and idler wheels. A molded chassis having alternative contoured track support pans cooperate with flexible track surfaces (e.g. fringe or pleat members) and forward and rear foot supports to enable steering with foot and body movements. Engine operation is directed from an upright operator support column and directed servos coupled to the engine. One support pan exhibits a beveled contour and includes a recessed elliptic channel; another supports a reciprocating plate and steering wheels. Slit fringe members and pleats along right and left peripheral track edges cooperate with the pan contours and/or wheels to steer the vehicle. UHMW covered drive lugs and formed UHMW stiffener surfaces project from internal track surfaces. Ground contact lugs exhibit contoured thickness profiles, elongated, inverted V-shapes and include recesses. Diverter and agitator assemblies rid snow and ice from the track support assembly. |
| US07686107B1 |
Zero-turn radius vehicle with steerable front wheels
The present invention relates to a zero turning radius vehicle having at least one steerable front wheel and a multistage steering input system separately capable of steering the at least one front wheel and selectively driving the drive wheels. A front wheel steering system comprises at least one oblongated sprocket meshingly connected to a steering shaft. An engagement cam system provides the ability to selectively, independently couple the steering wheel to pump arms driving a first and second drive wheel. A steering cam shaft comprises at least one steering cam that acts on at least one bearing. Once the engagement cam system rotates the at least one bearing into place to receive the at least one steering cam, rotation of the steering cam independently alters the speed of one drive wheel in relation to the other drive wheel in response to steering input provided by the operator. |
| US07686101B2 |
Method and apparatus for laterally drilling through a subterranean formation
An internally rotating nozzle for facilitating drilling through a subterranean formation is rotatably mounted internally within a housing connected to a hose for receiving high pressure fluid. The rotor includes at least two tangential jets oriented off of center for ejecting fluid to generate torque and rotate the rotor and cut a substantially cylindrical tunnel in the subterranean formation. |
| US07686097B2 |
Three point hitch frame, draft arm and rear counterweight design
A three point hitch for a work machine includes a first and a second draft link each having a mounting end portion and a free end portion opposite the mounting end portion. Mounting end portion being mounted to a first side of a work machine to allow upward and downward pivotal movement of the free end portion beside an upwardly and downwardly extending fixed structural element of the work machine. Mounting end portion of the second draft link being mounted to a second side of the work machine opposite the first side to allow upward and downward pivotal movement of the free end portion of the second draft link. A sway restrictor mounts on the free end portion of the first draft link and restricts sideward swaying thereof toward and away from the structural element. A counterweight for use with the three point hitch is interchangeable with a fluid motor. |
| US07686096B2 |
Brake system for a towed agricultural implement
A surface brake system for a detachable agricultural implement towed by a tow vehicle is provided. The detachable agricultural implement includes a frame connected by a telescoping tongue assembly at the tow vehicle. The frame and tongue assembly are movably supported by at least one wheel assembly having a circumferential tread surface. The brake system includes a pivot linkage pivotally connected at the frame of the detachable agricultural implement, and a horizontal aligned brake arm attached at the pivot linkage. The brake system further includes an actuator cylinder interconnected between the pivot linkage and the frame. Movement of the actuator cylinder causes the brake arm to engage a brake pad assembly against the outer circumferential tread surface of the wheel assembly so as to restrain movement of the wheel assembly and frame of the agricultural implement as the tow vehicle extends and retracts the telescoping tongue assembly. |
| US07686093B2 |
Dual extinguishment fire suppression system using high velocity low pressure emitters
A fire suppression system is disclosed. The system includes a gaseous extinguishing agent and a liquid extinguishing agent. At least one emitter is in fluid communication with the liquid and gas. The emitter is used to establish a gas stream, atomize and entrain the liquid into the gas stream and discharge the resulting liquid-gas stream onto the fire. A method of operating the system is also disclosed. The method includes establishing a gas stream having first and second shock fronts using the emitter, atomizing and entraining the liquid with the gas at one of the two shock fronts to form a liquid-gas stream, and discharging the stream onto the fire. The method also includes creating a plurality of shock diamonds in the liquid-gas stream discharged from the emitter. |
| US07686092B2 |
Plug systems and methods for using plugs in subterranean formations
Methods and apparatus for subterranean well bore operations. An exemplary embodiment of a method is a method of activating a device in a subterranean well bore, the device having a baffle adapter configured to achieve sealing contact with a cementing plug, the cementing plug having an outer body and a detachable inner mandrel attached to the outer body, including the steps of: displacing the cementing plug into contact with the baffle adapter so that the outer body of the cementing plug achieves sealing contact with the baffle adapter; and applying a differential pressure across the cementing plug, thereby activating the device. An exemplary embodiment of an apparatus is a baffle adapter, having an inner bore designed to engage and seal against the outer body of a plug. |
| US07686090B2 |
Liner hanger tool with re-latchable cementing bushing
A liner hanger assembly comprises a tool mandrel (104) suspended on a running string, and a slip assembly (120) for engaging a casing to support the liner hanger and liner from the casing. The release assembly (175) releases the set liner hanger from portions of the assembly to be retrieved to the surface. A cementing bushing (130) is releasable and reinsertable into the liner, and includes a circumferential loading ring (226). |
| US07686088B2 |
Equalized load distribution slips for spider and elevator
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus for supporting a tubular that more evenly distributes stress along the contact length of a tubular. In one embodiment, an apparatus for supporting a tubular is provided. The apparatus includes a bowl having a longitudinal opening extending therethrough and an inner surface for receiving a gripping member. The gripping member is movable along the surface of the bowl for engaging the tubular. The apparatus is configured so that an upper portion of the gripping member will engage the tubular before the rest of the gripping member engages the tubular. |
| US07686084B2 |
Well bore servicing fluids comprising thermally activated viscosification compounds and methods of using the same
Well bore servicing fluids are provided that include a thermally activated viscosification compound. Further, methods of servicing a well bore are provided that include displacing such a servicing fluid into the well bore, wherein a viscosity of the servicing fluid increases as it passes down the well bore due to its temperature increasing. Thus, the viscosity of the servicing fluid is effective to suspend solids therein when the servicing fluid is in the well bore. The servicing fluid may be, for example, a cement slurry, a drilling fluid, a gravel packing fluid, a fracturing fluid, a completion fluid, or a work-over fluid. In an embodiment, the thermally activated viscosification compound includes at least one water-soluble hydrophobically modified polymer comprising a hydrophobic substituent having from about 1 to about 22 carbon atoms. |
| US07686083B1 |
Method and apparatus for cutting off a well
A method and apparatus for cutting off a well which includes hydraulic rams, a sharp blade and a supporting structure that surrounds the well and holds it in place while the hydraulic rams and sharp beveled blade shears the well and cuts it off. The entire apparatus is operated with an hydraulic system and can be lifted over any well with a crane. |
| US07686081B1 |
Squeeze process for reactivation of well treatment fluids containing diatomaceous earth
A process for fracturing a subterraneous formation in the production of an oil well is described. The process steps include injecting an initial charge of a mixture, the mixture being formed from at least diatomaceous earth and at least one well treatment agent, into a well bore formed in the subterraneous formation so as to form a down-hole matrix within the formation; injecting a solution comprised of an additional amount of the well treatment agent into the formation after the initial charge of the at least one well treatment agent has been substantially depleted; and then pressurizing the well bore for a time and under conditions sufficient to reactivate the down-hole matrix in the formation, so that the treatment agent activity of the matrix is increased relative to the treatment agent activity of the matrix just prior to injecting the solution. |
| US07686080B2 |
Acid-generating fluid loss control additives and associated methods
Many methods are provided herein including a method of providing fluid loss control comprising: providing a treatment fluid; adding to the treatment fluid an acid-generating fluid loss control additive comprising an acid-generating component wherein the acid-generating fluid loss control additive forms droplets in the treatment fluid; and placing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation. Other methods are provided as well. |
| US07686077B2 |
Methods and apparatus for determining wellbore parameters
One embodiment of a system for determining a wellbore parameter includes a pulse generator positioned in fluid communication with a wellbore such that a fluid can flow from the wellbore through the pulse generator, wherein the pulse generator selectively releases the fluid to flow through the pulse generator causing pressure pulses in the wellbore; a receiver in operational connection with the wellbore, the receiver detecting the pressure pulses; and a controller in functional connection with the receiver, the controller determining a wellbore parameter from receipt of a signal from the receiver in response to the detected pressure pulses. |
| US07686076B2 |
Expandable tubulars for use in a wellbore
The present invention generally relates to methods and systems for mitigating trouble zones in a wellbore in a preferred pressure condition and completing the wellbore in the preferred pressure condition. In one aspect, a method of reinforcing a wellbore is provided. The method includes locating a valve member within the wellbore for opening and closing the wellbore. The method further includes establishing a preferred pressure condition within the wellbore and closing the valve member. The method also includes locating a tubular string having an expandable portion in the wellbore and opening the valve member. Additionally, the method includes moving the expandable portion through the opened valve member and expanding the expandable portion in the wellbore at a location below the valve member. In another aspect, a method of forming a wellbore is provided. In yet another aspect, a system for drilling a wellbore is provided. |
| US07686069B2 |
Cooling apparatus having low profile extrusion and method of manufacture therefor
A cooling apparatus has a low profile extrusion with a plurality of micro tubes extended there through. The low profile extrusion is placed into thermal connection with heat producing components. A heat transfer fluid removes heat via an adiabatic process. |
| US07686066B2 |
Die and method of manufacturing cast product
According to one embodiment, a die is provided with a stationary die and a movable die. When the movable die is combined with the stationary die, a biscuit section, a product section in which a product is to be cast, a main runner configured to guide a molten metal from the biscuit section toward the product section, a main gate provided between the main runner and the product section, a sub-runner diverging from the main runner and extending along a side edge part of the product section, and a sub-gate provided between the sub-runner and the product section are formed between the stationary die and the movable die. The sub-gate is connected to the side edge part in an end portion of the product section. The sub-runner extends beyond the product section in a direction in which the side edge part extends. |
| US07686064B2 |
Motorized/manual clutch of curtain track
A motorized and manual clutch of curtain track, set on a curtain track, the curtain track is provided with a belt which is driven by motor and carrier hook parts which are used to hang curtain. The motorized and manual clutch is composed of a clutch body module and a clutch bar module, the clutch body module and said clutch bar module are detachably connected. A gap is provided on the belt, the clutch body module is set in the gap, connected with the belt and moved with the belt. The clutch bar module is set under the clutch body module connected with the carrier hook parts and moves the carrier hook parts. The application of the new practical motorized and manual clutch of curtain track solves the operation problem when power cut or breakdown motor or electrical circuit. It further improves the practical value of motorized curtain track. |
| US07686063B2 |
Motorized drapery system having a pull-away master car
A drapery system for moving a suspended drapery fabric allows the drapery fabric to be decoupled from a drive system, such that the drapery fabric may be manually moved. The drapery system comprises a master car comprising a driven portion and a non-driven portion. The driven portion is coupled to a drive belt of the drive system, while the non-driven portion is coupled to the drapery fabric. The master car comprises a spring having a snap adapted to be received in a snap-receiving structure, such that the driven portion is coupled to the non-driven portion. The non-driven portion is operable to move in response to movement of the drive belt to move the drapery fabric when the non-driven portion is coupled to the driven portion. The non-driven portion is operable to be decoupled from the driven portion, such that the position of the drapery fabric may be manually adjusted. |
| US07686062B1 |
Dust barrier curtain and mounting system
A curtain mounting system for creating a dust barrier that includes a curtain and a mounting system. The mounting system is made up of multiple support assemblies with each assembly having a holding member for attaching and supporting the curtain to a support structure such as wall or ceiling. The support assembly also has an elastic member coupled to the holding member and is also attached to the curtain. The elastic member is configured to suspend additional portions of the curtain creating an overlapping fold in the curtain. The curtain will lengthen when it is tugged on due to the curtain fold and will return back to its original length once the tugging has subsided due to the nature and placement of the elastic member. |
| US07686056B2 |
Apparatus and method for applying strips of thermoplastic material to thermoplastic membranes
Apparatus for applying thermoplastic strips to thermoplastic membranes, each strip having an upstanding central portion and opposed flange portions extending widthwise therefrom. The apparatus includes a housing having drive wheels for movably supporting the housing. A guide assembly fixed to the housing includes a first pair of guide wheels for disposition around an applied first strip and movable along the first strip with one guide wheel on either side thereof, and a second pair of guide wheels for disposition around a second strip to be applied and movable along the second strip, so as to guide the second strip to a welding station on the apparatus. The welding station is adapted to heat weld the second strip to the membranes along the length of the second strip equidistantly from the first strip. |
| US07686055B2 |
Welding machine for joining laterally overlapping webs of sealing material
A welding machine for joining overlapping webs of sealing material, with a powered chassis supported by rolls, with a heating system for local heating of the webs of sealing material that is mounted laterally to the chassis (4) and can be placed between the webs of sealing material in edge regions, with at least a first pressure roll installed on the chassis for pressing together the webs of sealing material to be joined by means of heat, where a second pressure roll serving as a replacement pressure roll is placed in the chassis, whose weight rests on the drive shaft and which can be exchanged without tools for the first pressure roll that is coupled to the drive shaft of the welding machine and presses together the bitumen webs to be joined. In addition, the pressure roll (3) may have at least one contact surface made of hard metallic material; and a stripper element is provided whose free end contacts the contact surface or is in close proximity to the same. Therefore, even with materials to be welded that will contaminate the pressure roll, the welding machine is capable of operating for long periods. |
| US07686053B2 |
Cord tensioning and feed mechanism for a tire cord applicator head
A cord tensioning mechanism for a tire cord applicator head includes a closed loop timing belt extending between spaced apart pulleys and a tension adjustment pulley pressuring the cord laterally against the timing belt sufficiently to place the cord into a desired tension. |
| US07686050B2 |
Device for the detachable fitting of a traction aid to vehicle wheels comprising a rim and a tire with running surfaces
A device has a detachably fitting traction aid to be attached using at least two fixing devices, applied to the inner circumferential surface of a rim, in the vicinity of the rim edge, disposed opposing each other, substantially vertically on the plane of the rim and aligned with each other. A first fixing device, faces the wheel inner side, and has a first fixing element for the hooking and unhooking to a second fixing element, complementary to the first fixing element, mounted on one end of the traction aid. The second fixing device, faces the wheel outer side, and has a second fixing element being a coupling device, for coupling and tensioning a tension element, mounted on the other end of the traction aid, such that the traction aid may be tensioned transversely across the tire on the running surface, between both fixing devices. |
| US07686048B1 |
Method and apparatus for a golf club head cover
A golf club head cover and method of using is disclosed. The golf club head cover includes a body having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion adapted for protecting the head of the club, the lower portion operatively connected to the upper portion for protecting at least a portion of the shaft of the club, the lower portion having an open collar. The golf club head cover can include an identifier that identifies a size of the golf club head cover. The present invention also includes a method of using the golf club head cover. The method includes providing a golf club head cover having a body with an upper portion and a lower portion, inserting a golf club head into the upper portion, and pressing the hosel or shaft of the club into the lower portion to secure the golf club head cover to the club. |
| US07686047B2 |
Golf club cover
Various exemplary implementations of the principles described herein provide a cover for a golf club. The golf club may include a head and a shaft, the head having a heel end and a toe end, and the shaft connected at the heel end. The cover may include a toe portion substantially shrouding the toe end of the club head and a heel portion substantially shrouding the heel end of the club head and a first length of the shaft. The cover may include a sleeve portion extending from the heel portion and substantially shrouding a second length of the shaft, the second length being greater than the first length. The sleeve portion may have an opening opposite the heel portion. The cover may include a first pull member on the heel portion. |
| US07686046B2 |
Router base securing mechanism
The present invention is directed to a mechanism and method for providing above the table securing/unsecuring of a router motor housing. The mechanism of the present invention employs a mechanical connection included on a pivot member to couple with a wrench device extended through the tabletop. The mechanism permits a user to adjust or release the motor housing without having to reach under the table surface. |
| US07686041B2 |
Modular surface mount manifold assemblies
A modular manifold system is provided for interconnecting fluid components of a fluid system in a reduced area. The system is comprised of a one or more bridge fittings having an internal fluid passageway which has an inlet end in fluid communication with an outlet port of a first fluid component, and an outlet end in fluid communication with an inlet port of a second fluid component. The bridge fittings may additionally comprise two or more ports, which one of said ports may be in fluid communication with a manifold on another substrate level. The bridge fittings may be mounted within a channel of a backing plate for structural support or in channel blocks of varying sizes. An optional locator plate may be utilized which is mounted over the ends of the bridge fittings in order to align the inlet and outlet ports of the fluid components with the inlet and outlet ends of the bridge fittings. The bridge fittings may also be mounted to the locator plate in multiple directions forming multiple flow paths. Additionally, the bridge fittings may be stacked to form multiple layers where bridge fittings of one layer may be in fluid communication with bridge fittings of another layer. The invention may further comprise seals provided in a recess between the fluid ports and the mating bridge fittings ends. |
| US07686040B2 |
Electro-hydraulic devices
A microfluidic device includes a substrate including multiple electro-hydraulic valves and/or electro-hydraulic pumps that each include a flow channel and one or more hydraulic control channels, actuators for controlling the electro-hydraulic valves and/or electro-hydraulic pumps, and a hydraulic pressure source operatively connected to the hydraulic control channels. |
| US07686036B1 |
Valve apparatus for movable oxygen cylinder
The valve apparatus includes: a valve body whose one side is combined with the movable oxygen cylinder, which communicates with a discharge port at the other side thereof along a path from one side thereof lengthily therein, to thus discharge out the oxygen of the oxygen cylinder through the discharge port. An opening which opens outwards from an insertion space provided along the path, and a post valve which is installed at the other side of the valve body and controls discharge of oxygen through the discharge port from the oxygen cylinder according to operation of a lever. A charge adapter whose one side is detachably installed in the opening of the insertion space, which charges oxygen supplied from the outside into the oxygen cylinder when the post valve closes the path, and discharges oxygen of the oxygen cylinder through the discharge port when the post valve opens the path. |
| US07686033B2 |
Valve connector
A connector housing of a valve connector integrally has a tube connecting portion on one axial end thereof, a pipe inserting portion on the other axial end thereof, and a valve housing between the tube connecting portion and the pipe inserting portion. A valve housing houses a valve body and a compression spring that biases the valve body in an axial direction into abutment with a housing inner surface. Anti-rotation ribs are provided integrally on an inner peripheral surface of the valve housing. The anti-rotation ribs abut the valve body so as to restrain the valve body from rotating. |
| US07686032B2 |
First stage scuba diving regulator having an intermediate pressure spring protected from ice-induced blockage
In a scuba diving first stage pressure regulator soft silicone rubber is bonded to the first stage spring to prevent water from freezing between the coils of the spring thereby assuring unrestricted movement of the spring coils even during freezing conditions. By placing a soft molded material bonded directly to the spring surface through the method of chemical and/or mechanical bonding, a soft pliable silicone rubber encapsulates or cocoons the entire area between spring coils and works as a barrier to prevent water from filling the regions between the spring coils and freezing in cold diving conditions. The thickness and volume of the pliable material silicone is not critical as long as the area between the coils is occupied with enough material to prevent ice from forming and otherwise preventing the spring from deflecting. Further, a radial clearance hole is needed to allow the piston to fit inside the silicone bonded spring hollowed center. Any extra area in the spring hole may be filled with a freeze resistant material such as Teflon or silicone grease. |
| US07686025B1 |
Beach cane flip-flop system
A sole has forward and rearward ends and lateral side edges. The sole has an upper and a lower surface with a periphery. A forward extent and a rearward extent each constitute a minority of the length of the sole. A central extent is provided between the forward and rearward extents. An upwardly extending tube has a free upper end and a lower end coupled to upper surface of the sole. The tube has a threaded aperture. A bolt is threadedly received within the threaded aperture. Strengthening ribs couple to the upper surface of the sole. |
| US07686022B2 |
Nozzle device, and cleaning apparatus equipped with the nozzle device
The present invention provides a nozzle device comprising a substantially cylindrical nozzle body and a cup member which is arranged within the cylinder of the nozzle body and jets out fluid droplets from the tip thereof while being driven to turn, wherein two or more fluids including a detergent and a gas are mixed and jetted out of the tip of the nozzle in order to achieve sufficient cleaning of a single wafer without a re-adhesion of contamination or destruction of the pattern of the wafer. Therefore, the fluid droplets can be controlled to a smaller size than the conventional double-fluid cleaning system or high pressure jet system. |
| US07686021B2 |
Pharyngeal tissue stabilization
A patient's pharyngeal wall is treated by inserting an expander member into the airway and positioning an active portion of the expander member in opposition to portions of the pharyngeal wall to be treated. The expander member is activated to urge the wall portions outwardly to an outwardly displaced position. The expander member is then deactivated while leaving the wall portions in the outwardly placed position and the expander member is removed from said airway. A further aspect of the treatment includes stabilization of at least a portion of the pharyngeal wall after compression of portions of the wall. |
| US07686016B2 |
Medication holder
A medication holder is disclosed comprising a housing (10) having an outer wall (12) and an inner wall (11) preferably in sleeved relationship to each other. The outer wall may be moved between a closed position in which the housing (10) is sealed for ingress of moisture or other contaminants and an open position providing access to the medication container discharge outlet. The second wall may (12) be slid longitudinally or rotated circumferentially to access the cavity and may, in the process, open an air pathway through the cavity. The medication container is preferably a pressurized canister (22). Alternatively, it may comprise a frangible vial (603) with a volatile liquid. In the latter case, an evaporation grid (563) may also be supplied to enhance absorption of the liquid which is preferably methoxyfluorane. Opening means (561) may be provided to open the frangible vial and discharge the contents onto the evaporation means (563) which is in fluid contact with the air pathway (806). A medication chute (26) may be rotatable between stowed and deployed positions. The chute (26) may include an auxiliary air inlet (556). The medication holder may also include one-way valves (605) to channel inspiratory air through the chamber and direct expiratory air elsewhere. The expiratory air may pass through unidirectional valve (810) and also through an absorbent filter (805) to minimize environmental contamination. |
| US07686015B2 |
Disposable active humidifier for the mechanical ventilation of a patient
A disposable active humidifier for the mechanical ventilation of a patient, which has the particularity that it comprises a cartridge which forms a humidification chamber which is delimited by an inlet and by an outlet and can be interposed in the ventilation circuit. The cartridge has an interspace which is externally delimited by a heat exchange surface and is internally delimited by a hydrophobic membrane which surrounds the humidification chamber. A humidification fluid, originating from a bottle or bag, can be introduced in the interspace. |
| US07686014B2 |
Nebulizer-connecting device for respirators
The aim of the invention is to connect a nebulizer to a breathing air tube of a respirator. This aim is achieved by a nebulizer-connecting device that has a breathing air-directing unit that is provided with a first mechanism for connecting a duct supplying breathing air, a second mechanism for connecting a duct evacuating breathing air, and a third mechanism for connecting the nebulizer, and a sealing unit which is arranged on the third connecting mechanism and by which a flow path for an aerosol generated by the nebulizer can be unblocked when the nebulizer is connected while the flow path for an aerosol generated by the nebulizer can be sealed therewith when the nebulizer is removed. A sealing member is opened when the nebulizer is connected while being closed when the nebulizer is removed. |
| US07686013B2 |
Variable resistance pulmonary ventilation bypass valve
A collateral ventilation bypass trap system directly linked with a patient's lung or lungs may be utilized to increase the expiratory flow from the diseased lung or lungs, thereby treating one aspect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The system includes a trap, a filter/one-way valve, an air carrying conduit and a retention device for securing system elements in position. The system also includes a flow restriction device for controlling the flow of air through the air carrying conduit. |
| US07686007B2 |
Tile saw with releasable tool
A tile cutting machine includes a tub having at least one sidewall and a bottom for holding water. An opening may be positioned in the sidewall and selectively covered by a door. A cutting head assembly includes a cutting device having a blade and a motor for powering the blade. The cutting device is selectively coupled with a rail assembly and movable there along. A tile supporting surface is located in the tub for supporting a tile to be cut. The tile supporting surface having areas of varying heights to accommodate tiles of various sizes. |
| US07686004B2 |
Pneumatic paintball gun
A gun device includes a housing having a gas supplying passage communicating with an inner chamber of the housing for coupling to a pressurized gas supplying source, a feed tube attached to the housing for feeding a bullet into the housing, a tubular member rotatably received in the housing and having an opening communicated with a bore of the tubular member for aligning with the feed tube and for selectively receiving the bullet into the bore of the tubular member. The opening of the tubular member is movable or disengageable from the feed tube when the tubular member is rotated relative to the housing for preventing the other bullet from entering into the housing. |
| US07686002B2 |
Toy projectile launcher
The present invention is a toy launcher which is transfigurable from a compacted state to an operative state for launching projectiles. In one embodiment, the launcher utilizes a hand-pressurized air pump for providing the launching power, and may accommodate multiple types of projectiles to be loaded in the gun at the same time. Projectiles may include, for example, a bolo bullet, grapnel, or miniature missiles. Auxiliary retractable features such as targeting components and a flashlight with a logo projector may be added to enhance the play value of the invention. |
| US07686001B2 |
Throwing apparatus
The invention consists in a throwing apparatus comprising an elongated handle and a cup mounted on the handle at or adjacent one end thereof. The cup is shaped to receive a throwable, non spherical, object and to retain such object until the handle is swung whereupon the object is released from the cup. |
| US07686000B2 |
Controller and method for controlling an ignition coil
A controller for an ignition coil, the controller comprising means for determining a rate of change of current flow through a primary winding of the ignition coil; and means for switching off current flow through the primary winding of the ignition coil as a function of the rate of change of current. |
| US07685995B2 |
Controller for internal combustion engine
The alcohol concentration detection value estimated or detected by the alcohol concentration sensor is corrected in accordance with intensity, frequency and the like of knocking to set the alcohol concentration detection value after the correction as the alcohol concentration for ignition timing control. Thereby, occurrence of the knocking can be prevented by changing ignition timing in accordance with the knocking state. In regard to the fuel injection control, the alcohol concentration detection value before the correction is used as the alcohol concentration for fuel injection control as it is without using the alcohol concentration detection value corrected in accordance with the knocking state. This prevents a fluctuation of the fuel injection quantity due to correcting the alcohol concentration detection value in accordance with the knocking state, leading to prevention of a torque fluctuation or combustion deterioration. |
| US07685991B2 |
Engine and a method of making same
An internal combustion engine 10 is provided with cylinders 19 having a predetermined surface finish thereon comprising of at least two differing patterns. The first pattern is designed to provide a predetermined storage volume for oil used to lubricate a piston 22 which is slidingly engaged in the cylinder 19. The second pattern is different to the first pattern in that it provides little or no storage capacity for the oil. The second pattern is applied to the wall 28 of each cylinder 19 at one or more positions where impingement of unburned fuel against the cylinder wall 28 is to be expected. The reduced storage volume of the second pattern reduces the volume of unburned fuel that can be transferred from the cylinder 19 to the oil supply of the engine 10. |
| US07685989B2 |
Two-cycle engine
A 2-cycle engine 1 is provided with an ignition device 8; an exhaust control valve 24; and a controller 40 for controlling the ignition device 8 and the exhaust control valve 24. The controller 40 controls spark ignition combustion by activating the ignition device 8 in a high load range, and controls self-ignition combustion of a mixture in the combustion chamber 10 by adjusting pressure in a cylinder chamber 3a with adjustment of the opening of the exhaust port 21 in a low load range. In a low load and low rotational speed range, moreover, there is formed a stratified mixture field, in which the air and the fuel are much distributed in the central portion 10c of the combustion chamber 10 and in which burned gas remaining in the combustion chamber 10 is much distributed in the outer side 10b of the central portion of the combustion chamber 10, so that the self-ignition combustion of the mixture may be performed by forming the stratified mixture field in the low load and low rotational speed range. |
| US07685987B2 |
Cylinder liner and method for manufacturing the same
A cylinder liner for insert casting used in a cylinder block is disclosed. The cylinder liner has an outer circumferential surface, and upper, middle, and lower portions with respect to an axial direction of the cylinder liner. A high thermal conductive film is formed in a section of the outer circumferential surface that corresponds to the upper portion, and a low thermal conductive film is formed in a section of the outer circumferential surface that corresponds to the lower portion. The high thermal conductive film and the low thermal conductive film are laminated in a section of the outer circumferential surface that corresponds to the middle portion, thereby forming a laminated film portion. As a result, temperature difference along the axial direction of the cylinder is reduced. |
| US07685986B2 |
Disc valve system for an internal combustion engine
A disc valve system for a piston driven internal combustion engine. The disc valve system comprises at least one rotating disc valve and an intermediate seal member. The disc is mounted between a cylinder head manifold having exhaust and intake ports and an engine cylinder housing the piston and defining a combustion chamber. The disc comprising sequencing ports to be brought into periodic communication with the exhaust and intake ports at cyclic intervals of the rotating movement thereof, thereby providing for the exhaust and intake ports to be brought into periodic communication with the combustion chamber. The intermediate seal member is mounting between the disc and the cylinder so as to seal the combustion chamber at a junction of the disc and the cylinder. The intermediate seal member comprising a dynamic seal for contact with the disc and a stationary seal for sealing contact with the engine cylinder. The rotating movement of the disc sequentially opens and closes each exhaust and intake ports synergistically with the translational movement of the piston. Engines comprising these disc valve systems are also disclosed herein. |
| US07685983B2 |
Systems and methods of lubricant delivery
Embodiments of a lubricant delivery system comprise a lubricant feeder comprising at least one outlet port with an outwardly tapering cross section, and a lubricant delivery pipe operable to receive lubricant from the at least one outlet port of the lubricant feeder. The lubricant delivery pipe also comprises at least one lubricant discharge nozzle disposed on the lubricant delivery pipe, wherein the at least one lubricant discharge nozzle is operable to deliver lubricant to portions of the lubricant delivery pipe. |
| US07685979B2 |
Variable valve timing mechanism for internal combustion engine
A variable valve timing mechanism comprises a drive shaft including a rocker arm, a control shaft, a stopper, a first spring member and a second spring member. The rocker arm opens and closes at least one of an intake/exhaust valve in response to rotation of the drive shaft. The control shaft changes a position of the rocker arm to continuously change valve lift characteristics of the intake/exhaust valve in response to rotation of the control shaft by driving a control shaft actuator. The stopper regulates an operating range of rotation of the control shaft between upper and lower limits. The first and second spring members urge the control shaft towards the upper and lower limits, respectively. The first and second spring members return the control shaft to a balance position between the upper limit position and the lower limit position when the internal combustion engine stops. |
| US07685976B2 |
Induction tuning using multiple intake valve lift events
A tuned induction control system for an engine at or near full load having a piston that is reciprocally disposed in a cylinder includes a first module that actuates an intake valve associated with the cylinder and a second module that determines a second intake valve open timing based on an intake air temperature, pressure and an engine speed. The first module actuates the intake valve during a first intake event and actuates the intake valve during a second intake event that is subsequent to the first intake event. The first and second intake events occur during a common intake stroke of the piston and the intake valve is opened at the second intake valve open timing during the second intake event. |
| US07685971B1 |
Comfort adapter for electronic collars
A comfort adapter for electronic collars that replaces the standard post electrodes normally found on electronic training collars with a plurality of acorn nut electrodes. This design ensures proper electrical contact with the dog's skin while increasing the comfort of these collars on small dogs, which have smaller necks. The adapter can be utilized with different types of electronic training collars, such as those used to facilitate training, to curb aggressive behavior and barking, and to confine dogs by means of an invisible fence. |
| US07685970B1 |
Aerial capture-and-carry of cattle by land vehicle, and apparatus
An aerial pen raised and lowered by a driven land vehicle has sidewalls defining an open bottom, a retractable platform for a targeted animal to stand on, a livestock head gate, and a retractable crowding gate cooperatively arranged with the deployed platform and head gate for securing the targeted animal for aerial carrying. Use of the aerial pen is like practicing, on a large-scale, a box-trap style ‘pursuit-and-pounce’ of cattle catching, albeit at an unhurried pace of pursuit, followed by an unhurried pounce. The box-trap style capture might be likened to the activity of ‘pouncing’ or, more fancifully, likened to the activity of netting as practiced by insect collectors with aerial nets (eg., butterfly nets). Presumptively, the livestock animal is sick or otherwise slowed, which permits this activity to be practiced without harm to the animal. |
| US07685967B2 |
Feed cake assembly
A feed cake assembly includes at least a first portion formed from a first feed material combination and at least a second portion formed from a second feed material combination, the first portion and second portion being fused together to form the feed cake assembly. The first portion is preferably a seed cake portion formed from a first feed material combination and the second portion is preferably a flavor blend portion formed from a second feed material combination. |
| US07685965B1 |
Apparatus for shielding process chamber port
A port provides access to a process chamber interior for exemplary gas injection and process analysis and measurement. Centering the port in an external RF coil reduces the strength of an electric field across the port in generating plasma in the chamber. Plasma-induced etching and deposition in a bore of a gas injection injector mounted in the port is reduced by a grounded shield surrounding a region defined by the port, extending the life of the injector and of a chamber window in which the port is provided. The shield surrounds the region, and is configured with a longitudinally-extending slot defining a retainer arm and a flexure junction, and with a retainer foot on the arm. The junction urges the arm to extend the foot into a retainer groove of the port, and flexes to permit foot movement out of the groove in removal of the shield from the port. |
| US07685964B2 |
Device for wetting cable-ends
A device for wetting cable-ends includes a stand supporting a control, a bath-container with a bath, and a conveyor unit for conveying to the cable-end a wetting agent which forms the bath. The conveyor unit has a drive, a pump unit, a conveyor-pipe, and a nozzle with throttle. The pump unit conveys the wetting agent through the conveyor pipe to the nozzle with the wetting agent flowing through an exchangeable throttle that determines the shape and size of the free jet of the wetting agent. |
| US07685963B2 |
Method of and apparatus for dispensing photoresist in manufacturing semiconductor devices or the like
In a photoresist dispensing apparatus for use in manufacturing a semiconductor device, to coercively emit photoresist from a bottle by using a dispensing pump and to pass it through a supply line and a filter to obtain a filtering operation, and to spray the filtered photoresist to a wafer through a spraying nozzle; a bubble removal unit is equipped with the supply line, before the dispensing pump. Large and micro bubbles generated in the midst of flow of photoresist, and foreign substances, are substantially filtered off so as to supply photoresist of a good quality. A floating load in a foreign substance removal filter is substantially removed, thus spraying photoresist under an always uniform and stabilized pressure by using a dispensing pump, to cover a wafer with photoresist in a uniform thickness and obtain a precise pattern formation. |
| US07685962B1 |
Fallen game locator
A fallen game locator to aid the hunter in locating the precise location game was when shot. A cylindrical, cone shaped device with unspecified fluorescent or brightly colored series of rings on the exterior, working in conjunction with a target site viewer tube, extending through the small center tip of the cone shaped device, through and beyond the larger opening of the cone shaped device with the back plate in place, and secured to a riser so as to enable the series of colored rings to be seen from multiple locations, at a distance, with the naked eye, a scope, or binoculars, thus economizing the length of time required to find shot game. |
| US07685954B2 |
High speed, multi-unit, articulated surface effect ship
A multi segment articulated Surface Effect Ship. Flexible air seals are formed between hull modules with a gas cushion contained between the side hulls under the entire length of the ship. In one embodiment the cushion formed may act as one continuous gas cushion whereby air cushion pressure generated or flowing from a leading car, or modular segment, flows rearward to supply or augment the cushion pressure necessary to support the following modules at the required operational draft. Hull configurations adaptable to the multi-unit, articulated surface effect ship described in the invention include conventional and air cushion assisted catamaran, trimaran and quadramaran designs and configurations. The ability to vary the cushion pressure at any point or area underneath the length of the ship gives the craft unique and novel passage-making abilities and extreme shallow draft capabilities that can be easily altered while underway to suite the routes and areas it serves in addition by dynamically adapting to varying sea states or other wave type and wave height conditions encountered during transit. |
| US07685950B2 |
Furrow opener apparatus with two way depth control
A furrow opener device includes a disc arranged to open a primary furrow in the ground. A scraper body has a leading scraper edge supported alongside the disc to scrape the disc. A wing member is supported on a bottom portion of the scraper body in proximity to a bottom end of the disc and extends laterally outwardly away from the disc so as to be arranged to open a groove in the primary furrow projecting laterally to one side of the primary furrow, and a tube extends generally downward to an output opening located adjacent the wing member and is arranged for depositing product into the groove. A packer wheel is arranged in a first configuration where depth of disc penetration is gauged by a gauge wheel adjacent to the furrow opener and in a second configuration in which depth is gauged by the packer wheel. |
| US07685943B2 |
Traveling duct for carrying exhaust captured from moving diesel-powered locomotives
A traveling duct allows a bonnet to remain over the exhaust pipes of diesel-powered locomotives in motion, and to remain in fluid communication with an Emissions Control Unit (ECU). The bonnet includes a shell with a compliant fender for enclosing the exhaust pipes. One or more of the bonnets are positioned over the exhaust pipe or pipes of the locomotive and are secured to the exhaust pipes or to a top surface of the locomotive. The traveling duct includes an outer duct having a bottom gap or slot. The bonnets may either be connected to an extendable inner duct within the traveling duct, or to a duct transport unit slidably residing within the traveling duct. Exhaust from the locomotive is captured by the bonnet and fed from the bonnet into the traveling duct. The exhaust is then carried by the traveling duct to the ECU for processing. |
| US07685942B1 |
Frangible powdered iron projectiles
Frangible projectiles for firearms and processes for making such projectiles are disclosed. The projectiles include a sintered, compacted mixture of powdered iron particles with other particles, including powdered copper particles and optionally powdered tin particles. The disclosed projectiles produce a similar feel and mimic the ballistic properties of lead projectiles of similar size and caliber, yet readily break-up upon impact with a hard surface in order to minimize ricochet or splatter. The disclosed projectiles and processes for making the projectiles meet the need for inexpensive, lead-free frangible projectiles. |
| US07685941B2 |
Projectile with a penetration capability
A penetration-capable projectile has a casing and a fuze with a fuze housing lower part. An interface area between the casing of the projectile and the fuze housing lower part is formed with a shape and/or strength modification which prevents the fuze housing lower part from being pushed into the casing on impact with a target that is to be penetrated. |
| US07685938B2 |
System for interleaf sheet removal in an imaging system
A removal system for removing an interleaf sheet that is interposed between plate sheets in an imaging system, wherein said removal system contains a substantially horizontal member, at least two roller assemblies, a disposal roller assembly, a rail assembly, and at least one springing roller. |
| US07685935B2 |
Food processor with tools combined to a tool unit
Provided in a food processor (1) is a driveable holder (13) for a tool unit (29), which tool unit (29) is equipped with multiple tools (26, 27, 28) and can be relocated in relation to the holder (13), so that one tool (26) at a time from the tool unit (29) can be brought into an operational position in the area of a window (25) in a holder wall (21) of the holder (13), and the other tools (27, 28) are hereby covered by the holder wall (21). |
| US07685934B2 |
Refrigerator and method for keeping food using the same
A refrigerator and a method for keeping food items fresh therein are provided. The refrigerator may include a main body, storage compartments provided in the main body to store food items therein, and irradiation devices that irradiate visible light into the storage compartments. The irradiation devices may switch a wavelength of irradiated light depending on the type of food items stored in the corresponding storage compartment. The refrigerator may also include a sensor that senses whether food items are stored in the storage compartments, and purification devices provided in the compartments to remove ethylene generated by the food items stored in the storage compartments. |
| US07685933B2 |
Multi-speed food processing device with electrical motor
A food processing device having a motor shaft of a motor from the device coupled to the tool carrying shaft for multi-speed operation. The tool carrying shaft and the motor shaft are connected by two distinct trains, continuously driven, each train comprising one free wheel, mounted with relation to the free wheel of the other train in such a way that power from the motor is only transmitted to the tool carrying shaft by the relevant train in a single direction of rotation of the motor and that for the other direction of rotation of said motor, the power is only transmitted to the tool carrying shaft by the other train. |
| US07685925B2 |
Intensifying cylinder
An intensifier is operable to supply force and includes a housing defining a cavity. A ram is slidably positioned within the cavity and partially extends from the housing. The ram is moveable between retracted and extended positions along a longitudinal axis. First and second links are rotatably coupled to one another about an axis of rotation and are selectively moveable between retracted positions where the axis of rotation is not axially aligned with the ram and partially extended positions where the axis of rotation is axially aligned with the ram. The intensifier includes a plurality of power pistons axially aligned with each other and the ram. The power pistons are selectively operable to provide an output force to the ram when the first and second links are in the partially extended positions. |
| US07685922B1 |
Composite ballistic armor having geometric ceramic elements for shock wave attenuation
The present invention's stratified composite material system of armor, as typically embodied, comprises a strike stratum and a backing stratum. The strike stratum includes elastomeric matrix material and inventive ceramic-inclusive elements embedded therein and arranged (e.g., in one or more rows and one or more columns) along a geometric plane corresponding to the front (initial strike) surface of the strike stratum. More rigid than the strike stratum, the backing stratum is constituted by, e.g., metallic (metal or metal alloy) material or fiber-reinforced polymeric matrix material. Some inventive embodiments also comprise a spall-containment stratum fronting the strike stratum. The inventive ceramic-inclusive elements geometrically describe any of various inventive modes, including: first mode, having a flat front face and a textured back face; second mode, having a pyramidal front section and a prismatoidal (especially, prismoidal, e.g., truncated pyramidal or prismatic) body section; hybrid mode, combining features of first and second modes. |
| US07685917B2 |
Apparatus and method for clearing land mines
A method and an apparatus for clearing land mines includes a mine detonator, a unmanned propulsion device and a rake member-electromagnet combination. The mine detonator includes a roller assembly, which is connected to and propelled by a prime mover of the unmanned propulsion unit. The mine detonator additionally may include a segmented column of weights that function to exert ground pressure to detonate hidden land mines. The rake member-electromagnet combination includes a rake member to turn up soil as the device advances in a minefield, and a magnetic member to pick up surface or sub-surface metal on the minefield. |
| US07685916B2 |
Product clamp for food slicing machine
A clamping mechanism for a food slicing machine having a product holder that is driven cyclically through a food slicing blade along an arcuate or linear path. The clamping mechanism is driven by the drive means that drives the product holder, thereby assuring the timing of the clamping during the cutting portion of the stroke. A drive rod extends from the drive means, which can be a driveshaft, and extends to a plate that is pivotably mounted to the product holder. The plate pushes plungers through the sidewall of the holder to seat against and clamp the food product against the sidewall of the holder. |
| US07685915B2 |
Cutting auxiliary device in band saw
In a band saw, blade drift is corrected and straight line cuffing of an object is easily performed. A cuffing auxiliary device in the band saw used to correct a shift of a cutting line when the cutting line is shifted from a straight line in the band saw for cutting a work by using a flexible steel band. The cutting auxiliary device in the band saw has a laser projector attached to a band saw main body side and projecting a laser beam so as to be overlapped with the shifted cutting line when the work is straightly cut by the flexible steel band on the working board and the cutting line is shifted from the straight line; and a working board fixing portion for fixing the working board to a receiving portion of the band saw main body side in a place which the straight line of the laser beam projected from the laser projector and a mark on the working board are aligned. |
| US07685913B2 |
Apparatus for producing an imaging member belt having an angular seam
There is provided an apparatus for producing a cross-sectional angular surface along a substrate, such as a flexible electrostatographic imaging member belt. The apparatus may include a support body, and a blade support member connected to the blade support body. The blade support member comprises a cutting blade having a straight blade edge. The cutting blade may be positioned at an angle relative to a plane of an associated substrate to be cut. |
| US07685904B2 |
Adjustable riser assembly
A handlebar riser assembly for use with a steering mechanism of a vehicle is disclosed. The riser assembly includes a pair of mounts for coupling a handlebar to a steering stem of a vehicle. Each mount includes a first member having an elongated slot and a protrusion extending from the side of the first member, and a second member having an elongated slot and a protrusion extending from the side of the second member. The first and second member are positioned together such that the protrusion from the first member is slidably disposed within the elongated slot of the second member, and the protrusion from the second member is slidably disposed within the elongated slot of the first member. |
| US07685902B2 |
Industrial robot
An industrial robot including a parallel kinematic manipulator of an object in space. The manipulator includes a stationary platform, a movable platform for carrying the object, and at least three arms connecting the platforms. Each arm includes a first arm part connected to the stationary platform for manipulating the movable platform. |
| US07685901B2 |
Device for movable support of an input/output unit
A device for movable support for an input/output unit, especially a flat screen, which is electromotively pivotable from a lying non-use position into an upright position of use and vice versa and which in the non-use position is covered by a cover. The movement of the cover is coupled with the movement of the input/output unit by means of a cam plate as coupling element. |
| US07685900B2 |
Vehicle mounted with continuous stepless transmission
A vehicle mounted with a continuous stepless transmission having a continuous stepless transmission and a controlling section for performing speed-changing operation of the continuous stepless transmission, the speed change ratio of the continuous stepless transmission being switchable by a speed change operation section, includes: a shift-mode-switching section which switches the mode of a speed change ratio switching, the speed change ratio switching being performed by the speed change operation section, between a first mode for switching the speed change ratio in stages among a plurality of preset speed change ratios and a second mode for switching the speed change ratio continuously or substantially continuously; in which the controlling section further includes a vehicle speed setting section which sets a target vehicle speed at least based on the speed change operation signal detected by operating the speed change operation section and a mode signal detected by switching the shift-mode-switching section. |
| US07685899B2 |
Single clutch transmission
A two speed transmission including an input shaft; a lay shaft spaced from the input shaft; a first gear train connecting the input shaft to the lay shaft; a second gear train connecting the lay shaft to an output shaft, the gear train including a one way clutch or similar; and a clutch for engaging the input shaft with the output shaft. When the clutch is disengaged, power is transmitted from the input shaft via the gear trains and the lay shaft via the one way clutch to the output shaft which typically provides first or low gear for use in low speed maneuvering or where greater torque is required. With the clutch engaged, power may be transmitted from the input shaft directly to the output shaft to provide a second gear for when the watercraft is cruising. |
| US07685896B2 |
Fluid mixing apparatus
A reciprocating drive assembly is disclosed for use in a fluid mixer to impart reciprocating movement along a longitudinal axis to a shaft carrying a mixing head. The drive assembly includes a housing, a flywheel mounted for rotation about a rotational axis, a crank member projecting from the flywheel, and a yoke supported by the housing for movement along a yoke axis parallel to the longitudinal axis. The yoke is releasably connected to the shaft and has a linear race formed therein for receiving the crank member. Guide assemblies are connected to the housing and to the yoke for sliding engagement therewith along guide axes parallel to the yoke axis. The yoke is between the guide assemblies. The crank member is caused to translate linearly within the race, thereby urging the yoke to move along the yoke axis to effect longitudinal reciprocating movement of the mixing head. |
| US07685895B2 |
Substrate inspection device, substrate inspection method, and recovery tool
A substrate inspection device includes a substrate rotating device for holding a substrate on a holding surface and causing rotation, a disk having a disk body rotatably supported on a base and three lift cams fixed to an upper side of the disk body and formed with cam faces that are inclined surfaces inclined in the rotational direction, and a lifter having a lifter body with a support surface on which the substrate is mounted and guiding in the vertical direction and lifter driven sections respectively projecting to and fixed to a lower side of the lifter body, where lower sides of the lifter driven sections respectively contact the cam faces in a sliding manner at contact points, and if the contact points are moved to an upper side of the inclined surfaces the support surface becomes higher than the holding surface. |
| US07685893B2 |
Syringe block for automatic machine for analysis of liquids, in particular for blood analysis
A syringe block (1) includes a plurality of syringes (2) and a collector (3), the syringes each having a suction volume, and the collector includes electromagnetic valves. First tubes directly link the electromagnetic valves to the internal volumes and second tubes extend from the electromagnetic valves towards the containers for the sample and/or other liquids, at least one of the syringes being an air pump (15, 16). The syringe block can be used as a support for various components used for the operation thereof, and can be arranged in a climatic condition reproducer. One such syringe block is especially adapted to be used in a liquid analyser, the air pump being used especially to take a sample and/or to drain and clean different recipients containing a sample. |
| US07685889B2 |
Multi-function digital tool
A multi-function digital tool includes a body portion positioned between a handle portion and a driving portion; said driving portion having a driving head; a space provided for installing a electronic mechanism inside said body portion; and a volume provided for installing at least two electronic units with tiering inside said electronic mechanism. |
| US07685888B2 |
Coriolis measuring system with at least three sensors
A flow measuring system of the Coriolis type for measuring a mass flow, with a flow tube and with excitation elements for causing the flow tube to rotate about an axis of rotation, with at least three sensors arranged free of the flow tube for generating analog signals that correspond to the movement of the tube, and with elements for digitizing the analog signals and for computing the mass flow from the digitized sensor signals. The computation elements are arranged for using exclusively the time information from the sensor signals. The accurate time information of the sensors is used by algorithms in digital electronic circuits for accurately determining the ratio between amplitudes due to excitation and those due to Coriolis forces. The mass flow is derived from this ratio. |
| US07685887B2 |
Air flow meter for an automobile
An air flow meter includes a tube having an exterior surface and an interior surface, which defines an interior space. A collector is disposed within the interior space of the tube and a plurality of transmission pins protrude from the interior surface of the tube. The plurality of transmission pins are configured to create ions when a voltage from a high voltage power supply is applied to the plurality of transmission pins. The collector is configured to collect the ions created by the plurality of transmission pins and output a collector signal. |
| US07685884B2 |
Load sensing arrangement
A system to remotely report the load condition of a railroad car including a mechanism to sense the load condition in the form of a switch responsive to load condition to change the state of an electrical circuit, a controller to recognize the state of the circuit and a radio wave transmitter directed by the controller to report the condition to a remote receiver. Load is sensed by recognition of the distance between two components of the car, one which remains relatively fixed regardless of the weight of the car, the other which moves relative to the first component as the car weight changes. |
| US07685881B2 |
Sensor element and sensor assembly provided with a casing
A sensor element having a sensitive sensor portion on an upper side of a substrate layer. The upper side of the substrate layer is provided with a recess on the periphery of the sensitive sensor portion. The recess provides mechanical isolation or decoupling of the sensitive sensor portion, as a result of which external forces do not cause stress in the sensitive sensor portion. In addition, a sensor assembly is described which is provided with at least one sensor element and a casing. |
| US07685878B2 |
Apparatus for structural testing of a cylindrical body
Two transducers to be rotated around a circumferential location on a cylindrical body for structural testing of the body are carried on a mounting and drive apparatus including a magnetic attachment which can be manually brought up to a pipe from one side only for fixed connection to the pipe on that side at a position axially spaced from a weld. A collar shaped support for the pair of transducers is formed of a row of separate segments which wrap around the pipe from the one side and is rotated around the axis of the pipe to carry the transducer around the circumferential weld. The segments carry rollers to roll on the surface and are held against the pipe by magnets. The transducers are carried on the support in fixed angular position to track their position but in a manner which allows slight axial or radial movement relative to the pipe. |
| US07685877B2 |
Semiconductor mechanical sensor
A semiconductor mechanical sensor having a new structure in which a S/N ratio is improved. In the central portion of a silicon substrate 1, a recess portion 2 is formed which includes a beam structure. A weight is formed at the tip of the beam, and in the bottom surface of the weight in the bottom surface of the recess portion 2 facing the same, an electrode 5 is formed. An alternating current electric power is applied between the weight portion 4 and the electrode 5 so that static electricity is created and the weight is excited by the static electricity. In an axial direction which is perpendicular to the direction of the excitation of the weight, an electrode 6 is disposed to face one surface of the weight and a wall surface of the substrate which faces the same. A change in a capacitance between the facing electrodes is electrically detected, and therefore, a change in a physical force acting in the same direction is detected. |
| US07685874B2 |
Thermal type flow sensor with a constricted measuring passage
A thermal type flow sensor includes a base portion provided along the direction of a fluid flowing through a main passage, and a sensor element mounted on the base portion and having an exothermic resistor formed on a substrate for detecting the fluid flow rate. The base portion has a rectangular recessed portion in which the sensor element is fixed so that the surface of the detecting portion of the sensor element is positioned lower than an upper edge of the recessed portion. A wall portion of the measuring passage facing the sensor element is constricted. The exothermic resistor is disposed along the fluid passage and spaced away from the upstream side upper edge of the recessed portion and cannot be substantially affected by a fluid flow disturbance due to a step portion formed between the upper edge of the recessed portion and the detecting portion surface. |
| US07685873B2 |
Method for path-averaged cross-wind measurement
A method for crosswind velocity measurement including using a correlation between the atmosphere turbulence strength and the spatial scale spectrum of turbulence eddies in the atmosphere to calculate wind velocity. |
| US07685868B2 |
Measuring head for nanoindentation instrument and measuring method using same
A measuring head for a nano-indentation instrument capable of positioning a sample relatively to the measuring head, which includes a measuring axis, a reference axis and a component for detecting a depth of penetration of an indentor into the sample. The measuring and reference axes are attached to a frame for connection to the instrument. The measuring axis incorporates an actuator and includes the indentor, the reference axis incorporates an actuator and includes a reference tip, and the measuring and reference axes each have a component for detecting a force applied by its actuator. Penetration depth is detected by measuring a displacement of the indentor relatively to the reference tip. |
| US07685866B2 |
Leakage checking and calibrating of a liquid delivery system
A liquid delivery system having at least one channel, at least one valve within that channel, at least one flow sensing device within that channel, and a pressure source downstream of the valve capable for generating variable pressures. |
| US07685859B2 |
Crimping apparatus and method
A crimping apparatus and method are provided that enable secure crimping of objects to one another even when the objects are subject to thermal or stress cycling. Specifically, an apparatus for crimping a work-piece includes a die pair with a first die that defines a first groove characterized by a first cross-sectional shape as well as a second die opposing the first die. The second die defines a second groove characterized by a second cross-sectional shape different than the first cross-sectional shape. When the dies are moved together for crimping the work-piece, the first and second grooves are aligned to define a die cavity with a compound cross-sectional shape for crimping the work-piece. |
| US07685853B2 |
Pin-a-plug time saving device for re-keying a lock
A device for re-keying a lock that frees the locksmith from having to handle individual tumblers. A magazine is provided for each tumbler in the lock. Each magazine is numbered or coded to indicate the size of the tumblers within. The magazines fit into the top of a housing that temporarily holds the plug portion of the lock to be re-keyed. Upon alignment of the magazines with their corresponding holes in the plug, the tumblers fall into place and the lock has effectively been re-keyed. The plug is then removed from the housing and ready to be placed back in its original lock assembly. |
| US07685851B2 |
Security padlock having a secondary locking system
By providing a padlock having a primary shackle and a secondary shackle which is easily employed whenever the primary shackle has been cut, an effective, easily produced, key operated or combination controlled padlock is achieved which enables the padlock to be quickly and easily opened for inspection by security personnel, while also enabling the padlock to be quickly relocked after inspection using a secondary locking shackle. In addition, the secondary locking shackle provides the user with notice that the padlock and suitcase had been opened by security personnel. In accordance with the present invention, the padlock incorporates a housing and a primary shackle which is constructed for being lockingly engaged with the housing, as well as dis-engaged from the housing whenever the padlock is opened. |
| US07685850B2 |
Security wrapper
A security device comprising a retaining member forming an adjustable loop, including a cable; a ratchet member connected to the cable, operable to narrow the loop and to prevent widening of the loop, including a first main part comprising a gear ring extending in a first plane with a saw tooth profile raised from the plane, a second main part, rotatable relative to the first main part, including a latch member biased towards the first plane to engage the gear ring, and a drum for winding up of the cable. |
| US07685849B2 |
Methods and apparatus for monitoring a washing machine
A control system for a home appliance includes a cabinet, a wash tub positioned within the cabinet and configured to receive laundry therein, and a fill device configured to deliver liquid into the tub. The control system includes a first detecting component configured to detect an amount of the liquid delivered into the wash tub, a second detecting component configured to detect a liquid level in the wash tub, and a controller operatively coupled with the detecting components. The controller is configured to receive signals from the detecting components and calculate an amount of the laundry positioned within the wash tub based on the received signals. |
| US07685847B2 |
Drum washing machine
A drum washing machine having an improved frame structure, the rigidity of which is reinforced. The drum washing machine includes side frames forming side surfaces thereof, where inclined planes are formed between front and upper surfaces of the side frames so that additional frames for reinforcing the rigidity of upper parts of the side frames are respectively connected to the upper surfaces of the side frames and upper regions of the front surfaces of the side frames. The drum washing machine further includes top brackets respectively connected to the upper surfaces, the inclined planes, and the upper regions of the front surfaces of the side frames for reinforcing the rigidity of upper parts of the side frames. The drum washing machine further includes a front frame, and a bottom panel or a top panel, connected to the side frames for reinforcing the rigidity of front, lower and upper parts of the side frames. The drum washing machine efficiently supports load increased according to large-scale and high-speed trends of the washing machine, and provides a frame structure capable of withstanding all loads without using a sheathing member, thus having various designs without limit. |
| US07685842B2 |
Invert mechanism for a glassware forming machine
An invert mechanism for a glassware forming machine includes a support frame having a base adapted removably to be mounted on a forming machine frame. A linear actuator is suspended from the support frame and a linear gear rack extends from the actuator within the support frame. A hollow shaft has a central portion carried for rotation on the support frame and oppositely extending end portions with axial external splines and open ends. A gear is coupled to the central portion of the shaft for co-rotation with the shaft and has external teeth coupled to the gear rack. A pair of ball nuts are disposed on the end portions of the hollow shaft, and a pair of hollow pneumatic pistons are respectively disposed on the ball nuts over the open ends of the shaft. Invert arm mounts are respectively disposed on the pistons, and a spring is disposed within each piston operatively extending between the piston and the shaft to bias the pistons to a position adjacent to the support frame. An air inlet is disposed on the support frame adjacent to the gear. The gear has an air passage that couples the air inlet to the hollow shaft, and through the shaft to the respective pistons, at least one angular position of the gear and shaft. The invert mechanism is adapted to be mounted as an assembly to the forming machine frame by means of the support frame. |
| US07685834B2 |
HVAC desiccant wheel system and method
An HVAC system includes a desiccant wheel, wherein the wheel's speed varies with airflow, the wheel is energized for at least a set period at startup, and/or a heat recovery system (e.g., an air-to-air heat exchanger) upstream of the wheel enhances the system's ability to dehumidify air. |
| US07685832B2 |
Energy picking-up system by using water of river, lake, and sea as low-grade energy source
An energy picking-up system by using water of river, lake and sea as low-grade energy source, includes energy collecting device, energy exalting device and radiator in series. The energy collecting device includes a circuit, which is comprised of a heat collector, a low-grade heat exchanger and a diving pump. The heat collector includes a siphon tube, a drain tube and a vacuum equipment. One end of the siphon tube is placed in the heat collecting well that is located near river, lake or sea, and the other end is placed into the water of river, lake or sea. The vacuum equipment is connected with the siphon tube. One end of the drain tube is connected with the outlet of the low-grade heat exchanger, the other end is placed into or onto the water of river, lake or sea. The diving pump is positioned in the heat collecting well, and is connected with the inlet of the low-grade heat exchanger coin. The energy picking-up system has a simple structure, which is easy to install and maintain, and can work normally in any cases. |
| US07685820B2 |
Supercritical CO2 turbine for use in solar power plants
A solar-powered supercritical carbon dioxide turbine system includes a supercritical carbon dioxide turbine system and a solar heating system. The solar heating system has a molten salt heat transfer fluid for providing thermal energy to the supercritical carbon dioxide turbine system. |
| US07685816B2 |
Cooling system for construction machine
A cooling system for a construction machine, which can reduce noise of a cooling fan and can reliably produce cooling air at a required flow rate.The cooling system comprises a cooling fan 25 for producing cooling air introduced to an intercooler 22, a radiator 23 and an oil cooler 24, a fan hydraulic motor 26 for driving the cooling fan 25, a fan hydraulic pump 27 for delivering a hydraulic fluid to the fan hydraulic motor 26, an air temperature sensor 31 for detecting an air temperature T1 at an outlet of the intercooler 22, a cooling water temperature sensor 33 for detecting a temperature T2 of cooling water for the radiator 23, a working oil temperature sensor 36 for detecting a temperature T3 of working oil for the oil cooler 24, and a controller 29 for outputting a control signal corresponding to a maximum value among calculation values N1, N2 and N3 of cooling fan rotation speed, which correspond respectively to detected values T1, T2 and T3 from the air temperature sensor 31, the cooling water temperature sensor 33 and the working oil temperature sensor 36. |
| US07685812B2 |
Exhaust purification device and exhaust purification method of internal combustion engine
A NOx storing catalyst (11) comprising a precious metal catalyst (46) and NOx absorbent (47) is arranged in an exhaust passage. When the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas is lean, the storing catalyst cold stores the NO2 contained in the exhaust in the absorbent when the catalyst is inactive and hot stores the cold stored NO2 in the absorbent when the catalyst is made active. The NO2 contained in the exhaust is cold stored in the absorbent when the catalyst is not activated, and when a predetermined NOx storing catalyst restoring condition (107) is met, a NOx storing catalyst restoring control (109, 115) including raising the NOx storing catalyst temperature to a predetermined temperature to active it (109) is executed so as to restore the cold storing capability of the NOx absorbent. |
| US07685811B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling a fuel-fired burner of an emission abatement assembly
A method of operating a control unit of an emission abatement assembly includes communicating with an engine control unit of an internal combustion engine. An emission abatement assembly is also disclosed. |
| US07685810B2 |
Engine control apparatus and engine operating method
When an abnormality occurred in a SCR device is detected, the output of an engine is restricted. To this end, in one embodiment, at the time of an abnormality occurrence, a map adopted for calculating a fuel injection quantity is switched from that for a normal time (S407). Further, as the abnormality to be detected, the clogging of an injection nozzle, the dilution of urea water stored in a tank, or the like is adopted. |
| US07685809B2 |
On-board ammonia generation and exhaust after treatment system using same
Often NOx selective catalysts that use ammonia to reduce NOx within exhaust to a harmless gas require on-board storage of ammonia which can be hazardous and inconvenient. In order to generate ammonia in exhaust, the present disclosure increases a NOx concentration in exhaust from at least one combustion chamber, at least in part, by injecting fuel in a predetermined increased NOx generation sequence that includes a first injection during non-auto ignition conditions and a second injection during auto ignition conditions. At least a portion of the NOx is converted to ammonia by passing at least a portion of the exhaust with the increased NOx concentration over an ammonia-producing catalyst. |
| US07685806B2 |
Method and apparatus for supersonic and shock noise reduction in aircraft engines using pneumatic corrugations
An aircraft engine is provided with at least one pulse detonation device connected to an engine exhaust nozzle portion with a plurality of supersonic injectors. The flow from the pulse detonation device is passed through the supersonic injectors into the primary engine flow path. The injector flow is injected at a velocity such that the injected flow penetrates into the primary flow path. This injected flow creates a virtual obstacle for the primary flow, and their interaction creates a virtual surface or an aero-lobe, thus controlling the nozzle exit area to reduce engine noise. |
| US07685803B2 |
Gas turbine system for injecting a mixture of high value hydrocarbons plural distinct fuels into the gas turbine combustion chamber
A gas turbine uses a first fuel at full load and an improved emission behavior is achieved by operating the gas turbine (11) at partial load with a second fuel, which has a richer mix of higher-value hydrocarbons (C2+) with 2 and more carbon atoms per molecule like ethane (C2H6) and propane (C3H8). |
| US07685802B2 |
Methods and apparatus to facilitate gas turbine fuel control
A method for controlling a dynamic response of a fuel control valve in a gas turbine fuel control system is provided. The method includes regulating a fuel supply pressure for a gas turbine using a component model, sensing a pressure of a fuel supply to the gas turbine, and applying a proportional plus integral control algorithm combined with a gas supply pressure feedforward signal to a pressure command signal controlling the fuel control valve to increase a system response in rejecting a pressure disturbance and increase a disturbance rejection bandwidth of a fuel control valve response. |
| US07685801B2 |
Method and apparatus for prescribing and manufacturing a corrective horseshoe
A method and apparatus for manufacturing a shoe for an animal is disclosed. The hoof of an animal may be aligned to a pre-determined position. The animal may then be examined against a criteria. It is then determined whether the bone structure of the animal satisfies the criteria. The hoof may be re-aligned to a different pre-determined position if the criteria is not satisfied. A shoe is then manufactured for the animal according to position data corresponding to a satisfactory position. |
| US07685792B2 |
Apparatus for enhancing reinforcing and firestopping around a duct extending through a structural panel
An angular flange for reinforcing and firestopping in the annulus between a structural panel such as a wall, ceiling or floor and a duct extending therethrough. The prefabricated angular flange includes a primary angular flange leg to be secured to the duct and a secondary angular flange leg approximately perpendicularly oriented relative thereto. Each flange includes a sealing member of flexible intumescent paper positionable therealong to facilitate firestopping therebetween. The sealing member preferably including two panels at an obtuse angle with respect to one another and being flexible to become approximately perpendicular with respect to one another responsive to securement of the angular flange to the duct and the surrounding structural panel. One or more uniquely designed corner brackets can be included for mounting the adjacently positioned angular flanges with respect to one another selectively. |
| US07685790B2 |
Floor member
The floor member is a laminated structure in the form a floor tile or a floor plank. A bottom portion of the floor member is formed with a plurality of moisture dispersal pathways that lead toward peripheral side edges of the bottom portion. The moisture dispersal pathways permit any moisture that develops between a floor base and the bottom portion of the floor member that is installed on the floor base to flow in the moisture dispersal pathways toward at least one of the peripheral side edges of the bottom portion, for passage beyond the one peripheral side edge of the bottom portion. Adjacent tiles of a floor tile installation have communicable moisture dispersal pathways such that moisture is not entrapped below the floor member and can migrate through the communicable pathways to an outermost peripheral side edge of the floor tile installation for dissipation of moisture into the ambient air. |
| US07685788B1 |
Wall strap tensioner for tensioning a wall strap of a metal wall
A wall strap tensioner for tensioning a wall strap of a metal wall. The wall strap tensioner includes first and second links pivotally connected together. A fastener is secured to each of the first and second links for engaging and fastening to the wall strap. Disposed about the opposite end of the tensioner is a flexible cable adapted to be secured to a portion of the metal wall. A connector connects to the flexible cable and a handle is pivotally connected to the connector and movable between first and second positions. Once the handle assumes the second position, the metal strap is tensioned and can be fastened to an appropriate area of the metal wall. |
| US07685785B2 |
Roof underlayment
An underlayment sheet (10, 10′) is applied in overlapping courses to a roof deck (36) for establishing a weather-resistant membrane for use as a final exposed surface or below a roof covering (50). The underlayment sheet (10, 10′) has a bottom surface (16, 16′) to which a pressure sensitive adhesive section (22, 22′) is applied generally continuously along its length. A non-adhesive section (24, 24′) also extends the length of the bottom surface (16, 16′) adjacent its upper long edge (18, 18′) for providing a contact surface with the roof deck (36) which is devoid of any adhesive material. The non-adhesive section (24, 24′) is attached to the roof deck (36) using tin tags (44, 44′) or other mechanical fastening components. When subsequent underlayment sheets (10, 10′) are applied in overlapping courses, the adhesive sections (22, 22′) bond over the preceding underlayment sheet (10, 10′) to establish a water tight seal. The top surface (14) of the underlayment sheet (10) may include a supplemental bonding strip (30) which adheres directly to the adhesive section (22) of an overlying underlayment sheet (10) to establish a tenacious seal. The top surface (14′) may also be impregnated with a course granular material (52) to serve as a final, exposed surface for the roof in lieu of shingles or the like. If a future re-roofing operation is required, the subject underlayment system can be removed from the roof deck (36) without damaging or delaminating the roof deck (36) material. |
| US07685783B2 |
Kit of parts for band joist insulation and method of manufacture
A kit of parts having batts (200) of insulation, and one or more batts (200) have partially divided segments (200a), wherein each of the segments (200a) has an R value and thickness and has length and width dimensions of, at least somewhat greater than 9.5 inches by at least somewhat greater than 14.5 inches to fill band joist cavities between spaced apart joists (106); and the batt (200) is either three segments (200a) in length or four segments (200a) in length, or is folded at intervals of the three segments (200a) in length or four segments in length (200a), and the batt (200) has a width of either one segment (200a) or two segments (200a), and the segments (200a) of the same batt (200) are partially divided from one another and remain in the batt (200) until separated at the point of use or installation. |
| US07685781B1 |
Mobile home skirt guard
A skirt guard for a mobile home skirt having a skirt base on the ground and in a channel of which the bottom of the skirt sits. The skirt guard is formed of a flat elongate panel with a top and bottom edge and having a groove near and parallel to its bottom edge. In use the bottom edge of the skirt guard is bent upward along the groove to form a hook. To install the skirt guard the hook is inserted into the skirt base channel alongside the bottom of the skirt and the hook fastens the skirt guard in the channel. |
| US07685778B2 |
Rodent guard
A rodent guard configured to be attached to an end of a gutter for preventing rodents from entering the gutter, climbing the gutter to the roof and entering a house is disclosed. The rodent guard may include a gutter receiving opening at one end and a cover receiving opening at a second end generally opposite to the first end. A perforated cover formed from a rigid material may be removably attached to the rodent guard body at the second end that enables the cover to be removed from the base during use such that debris within the gutter can be easily removed from the gutter. The perforated cover may be sized to allow water to pass through the cover, but prevent rodents from entering the gutter through the cover. |
| US07685777B2 |
Weather strip for motor vehicle
A weather strip exhibiting excellent sealing properties, of which a tubular seal portion is prevented from readily tilting when attached to a curved flange in a vehicle body. The weather strip includes a trim portion having a generally U-shaped cross-section and a tubular seal portion. The tubular seal portion includes a first outer seal wall, a second outer seal wall, a first inner seal wall, a second inner seal wall, an outer flexing part and an inner flexing part. The thickness of the tubular seal portion decreases in the order of joint areas of the first outer seal wall and the first inner seal wall to the trim portion, the second outer seal wall and the second inner seal wall, and the outer flexing part and the inner flexing part. |
| US07685776B2 |
Sealing system for sliding door/window
A sealing system connects a panel to a frame and includes an anchor and a pair of opposing docking collars. The anchor extends from the frame or panel, and the opposing docking collars are disposed within a guide portion in the other of the frame or panel. The sealing system has an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. In the unlocked configuration, the panel moves relative to the frame along a plane substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the anchor. In the locked configuration, the anchor is positioned between the docking collars, and the anchor is engaged by the docking collars to prevent movement of the panel relative to the frame along the plane. |
| US07685773B2 |
Sliding window assembly with windload and impact resistance
A sliding window assembly includes two rectangular sash frames each enclosing an insulated glass panel unit and supported by a surrounding main support frame. At least one of the sash frames is supported for horizontal movement, and horizontally extending interlocking members are formed on the adjacent upper and lower horizontal frame members of the sash frame and main support frame. The interlocking members have interfitting horizontal hook portions positioned to permit each movable sash frame to move freely between a closed position and an open position. The interfitting hook portions are effective to engage and interlock each other in response to a substantial positive or negative windload or such a windload after an impact which breaks the glass panel unit, to limit deflection and prevent permanent deformation or release of the sash frame. |
| US07685769B2 |
Methods for storing conifer somatic embryo germinants
In one aspect, the present invention provides methods of storing conifer somatic embryo germinants germinated on a sterile germination medium for delayed transplanting into a growth medium. The methods of the invention comprise the steps of: (a) placing the germinants while still on sterile germination medium into a cold environment in which the temperature is in the range of 0.5° C. to 10° C. for a time period up to six months, said germinants comprising a visible, well-defined epicotyl and radicle; and (b) placing the germinants in water for a time greater than about 1 hour at a temperature below about 24° C. prior to transplantation into growth medium. |
| US07685766B2 |
Individual plant watering device
The invention concerns a fitting consisting of a part made of injected plastic for connecting a water tank (1) and a hollow cone (2) made of porous ceramics, so as to produce a device for dispensing water individually to plants, in particular potted plants, proximate to their roots, and in predetermined amount, comprising three coaxial parts; a disc-shape intermediate part (4) with a central hole (5); a part (A) consisting of one or two cylinders, arranged on one side of the disc (4) and designed to be permanently fixed to the cone (2); a part (B) consisting like part A of one or two cylinders bearing a thread on the inner surfaces, arranged on the other side of the disc (4) and capable of receiving a bottle (1) removably screwed. |
| US07685758B2 |
Accessory rails for firearms and methods of operating the same
Accessory rails for use with firearms are disclosed. An example rail includes a front sight arrangement that has a width less than the width of the rail, wherein the front sight arrangement is retractable and wherein the front sight arrangement is laterally adjustable. The example rail also includes a rear sight arrangement that has a width less than the width of the rail, wherein the rear sight arrangement is retractable and wherein the rear sight arrangement is laterally adjustable. |
| US07685750B2 |
Collapsible ironing board
A collapsible ironing board comprising a board arranged on two legs (1, 2) forming an X configuration, the center of the X constituting the central axis (C) about which the two legs (1, 2) can pivot; at least one (2) of the two legs being hinged and consisting of two continuous segments pivoting about a hinge axis (D), which ironing board is characterized in that it includes return means (R) located in the environment of the hinge axis (D), said return means (R) comprising a first end and a second end connected to the first segment and to the second segment, respectively, of the hinged leg (2). |
| US07685748B1 |
Vehicular plow
A vehicular plow comprises front and back plastic sheet members which are molded together to form a single seamless piece or moldboard. The back side of the moldboard has reinforcing ribs and rib members molded thereinto to add strength and rigidity to the plow. The plow is lightweight, frameless, durable and will not rust. |
| US07685745B2 |
Traction member for shoe
A traction member, such as a shoe cleat, for a shoe is described. According to one exemplary embodiment, a cleat securable to the sole of a shoe can include a hub with an exposed surface facing away from a shoe sole when the cleat is secured to the shoe. The cleat can further include a first group of large traction elements and a second group of small traction elements. The first group of large traction elements can be circumferentially-spaced about a periphery of the hub and with each large traction element extending downward and radially outward away from the exposed surface of the hub. The second group of small traction elements can be spaced-apart on and extend downward away from the exposed surface of the hub. The large traction elements can terminate at respective foot portions extending downward away from the hub by a first distance and the small traction elements can terminate at respective foot portions extending downward away from the hub by a second distance less than the first distance. The foot portion of each large traction element can include a generally downward facing surface that is sloped in a circumferential direction relative to the hub. |
| US07685738B2 |
Computer to plate color sensor and drying/curing system and method
A printing plate curing system includes a color sensor that measures at least one color value of a printing plate. The color value is used to control a parameter of a curing system, such as energy output or conveyor speed. Multiple color sensors may be used to measure color values of a printing plate before and after imaging, developing and curing. Each sensor may measure multiple color values. The measure values may be used to control an imager as well as a curing system. |
| US07685737B2 |
Process and system for drying and heat treating materials
This invention discloses systems and methods for conversion of high moisture waste materials to dry or low moisture products for recycle or reuse. The equipment systems comprise a gas turbine generator unit (preferred heat source), a dryer vessel and a processing unit, wherein the connection between the gas turbine and the dryer vessel directs substantially all the gas turbine exhaust into the dryer vessel and substantially precludes the introduction of air into the dryer vessel and wherein the processing unit forms the dried material from the dryer vessel into granules, pellets or other desired form for the final product. Optionally, the systems and methods further provide for processing ventilation air from manufacturing facilities to reduce emissions therefrom. |
| US07685732B2 |
Orientation sensing apparatus and a method for determining an orientation
An orientation sensing apparatus includes a rotatable first member, an orientation sensor device fixed with the first member for generating orientation data relating to an orientation sensor device orientation, and a rotation sensor device for generating rotation data relating to rotation of the first member. A method for determining an orientation includes assembling a set of sensor data including the orientation data and rotation data and processing the set of sensor data to generate a set of corrected orientation data. The set of corrected orientation data includes the orientation data which has been corrected using the rotation data to reduce the effects of rotation of the first member and misalignment of the gravity sensor device. One or more sets of corrected orientation data may be processed to determine an inclination orientation of the first member or a toolface orientation of a second member which is connected with the first member. |
| US07685730B2 |
Tile marking and/or cutting device
A tile marking tool uses a probe mounted on a biased marking arm to engage and follow a contour of an obstruction, such as a wall, cabinet, or heat vent, adjacent which floor tile must be installed. As the tool is moved along the wall, a marking element on the other end of the marking arm marks or cuts the contour of the obstruction on a tile or tiles to be laid, facilitating cutting and/or placement of the tile in such a way as to fit well against the obstruction. Embodiments include a corner marking arrangement for marking tiles to be laid in reentrant corners. The corner marking arrangement includes a corner arm attachable to and orthogonal to the marking arm so that the tool is used in usual fashion as it approaches the reentrant corner. |
| US07685711B2 |
Microwave fabrication of airfoil tips
A method of producing a metallic component includes: providing a body made of a first alloy; providing a preform comprising a metallic powder made of a second alloy and formed in the shape of an extension of the body; and heating the preform with microwave energy to sinter the metallic powder together and to bond the preform to the body. The method may be used to make new components as well as to repair or modify existing components. |
| US07685706B2 |
Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
A manufacturing method of a wiring board and a semiconductor device at low cost and by a simple process, without performing complicated steps many times is proposed. Furthermore, a manufacturing method of a wiring board at low cost and with fewer adverse effects on the environment, and a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device using the wiring board are proposed. A pattern of a conductive material is formed over a first substrate, a conductive film is formed over the pattern by an electrolytic plating process, the pattern and the conductive film are separated, an IC chip including at least one thin film transistor is formed over a second substrate, and the conductive film is electrically connected to the IC chip. |
| US07685701B2 |
Method and apparatus for restoring alignment of the support socket in the manufacture of leg prostheses
An apparatus for restoring the alignment of the support socket with other structural components during the fabrication of a leg prosthesis comprising a stand with base, a means to secure the lower aspect of the leg prosthesis to the stand base, and a laser source attached to the top of the stand that emits visible cross-beams downward onto the leg prosthesis when the prosthesis is mounted on the stand base. The method of the invention uses the described apparatus with leg prosthesis mounted thereon to mark points on the inside of a check or test socket that coincide with the laser cross-beams; transferring these marks from the check socket to the permanent support socket; and re-aligning the permanent support socket with the lower aspect prosthetic components by mounting the leg prosthesis with permanent support socket on the alignment apparatus and matching the marks to the laser cross-beams. A removable base plate allows for a number of leg prostheses to be fabricated concurrently, using the same alignment apparatus. The method and apparatus of the present invention reduces the time and expense of orthotic fabrication while increasing the accuracy of alignment of the finished prosthetic product. |
| US07685700B2 |
Compensating unit for a tool unit and method for inserting an element into a workpiece
A compensating unit for a tool unit for inserting an element into a workpiece, in particular a setting unit for inserting a joining element into a workpiece. The tool unit is fastened to a mounting and being mounted, oriented in an axial direction, in such a way that, during the machining operation, a compensating movement in a plane oriented at least approximately perpendicular to the axial direction is made possible. |
| US07685698B2 |
Manufacturing method of magnet rotor
A magnet rotor includes a drive arm with a rotary shaft and a hollow cylindrical-shaped permanent magnet bonded by a light curable resin. The drive arm is composed of a light transmitting resin, and the permanent magnet is an anisotropic magnet with an axis of easy magnetization. During fabrication, the light curable resin is applied to the rotary shaft, and a hollow portion of the magnet is fitted to the rotary shaft. While holding the magnet in a position where a direction of the axis of easy magnetization corresponds to a magnetic field direction, the drive arm is irradiated with light to cure the resin and bond the drive arm and the permanent magnet. |
| US07685692B2 |
Process for removing material from a substrate
A process for skiving a substrate is described, wherein the substrate is skived with a roller or a device or apparatus including the roller. The roller provides a cleaner skive than previously known methods without damage to underlying materials. |
| US07685691B2 |
Method of casting a concrete-mix countertop
A method of producing a countertop upon a workspace furnishing such as floor cabinets by casting a polymer-modified cementitious casting compound thereupon has some of the following steps. Given the workspace furnishing, temporarily attaching edging forms or flow checks around all the free edges of the top deck thereof, both of which the forms the and flow checks operate to check the flow of the casting compound at least to the height of a given rise. Following that, pouring a polymer-modified cementitious casting compound over the countertop to the height of the given rise and as checked within the edging forms and flow checks. The edging forms have depending-flange relief cavities that descend below the plane of the deck that give the hardened casting compound an appearance of a virtual thickness that disguises in part the actual thinness of the rise over the deck. |
| US07685683B2 |
Clamp
A clamp comprising a band (10) having, at one end, a pair of axially spaced jaws (16, 18) comprising an upper jaw (16) and a lower jaw (18) and, at the other end, a tongue (28) that can be inserted between the jaws. The tongue has an upper surface and a lower surface and the top jaw (16) has a lower surface that includes a single engagement tooth (20). The upper surface of the tongue includes an engagement tooth (29) having a cavity (30) behind it that can accommodate the engagement tooth (20) of the upper jaw to hold the clamp in a closed position. The lower surface (48) of the tongue is provided with a recess (40) that accommodates the lower jaw (18) when the clamp is in the said closed position. |
| US07685682B2 |
Method and apparatus for attaching a boutonniere or corsage to a garment
A boutonniere attachment device comprises a backing member and a pin member. The pin member is attached to the backing member and extends from the backing member to a pointed terminal end. The backing member can be engaged with a non-exterior surface of a portion of a garment while a portion of the pin member that includes the pointed terminal end is positioned external to the garment, and while at least part of the portion of the pin member extends at least partially through the stem of a boutonniere in a manner such that a portion of the stem is biased against the exterior surface of the portion of the garment and such that the portion of the garment is biased between the portion of the stem and the backing member. |
| US07685679B2 |
Pivotal hinge with an oil-retaining collar
A pivotal hinge has multiple washers, positioning spacers and an oil-retaining collar mounted around the washers and the positioning spacers filled with lubricating oil. The oil-retaining collar prevents the lubricating oil from flowing out of the pivotal hinge, prevents the components from wearing away, keeps the pivotal hinge rotating smoothly and has hooks formed separately on the two edges. The hooks hold the collar securely around the pivotal hinge. |
| US07685673B2 |
Manually guided blower
A manually guided blower having a housing in which is disposed a drive motor that rotatingly drives an impeller. The impeller draws in an air stream via an intake opening and conveys the air stream through a discharge opening of the housing. The blower has at least one attachment that can be detachably connected to the housing in the region of one of the openings. The blower has at least one switch that is actuated when the attachment is secured to the opening, whereby the drive motor is in a ready-to-operate state only when the switch is actuated. |
| US07685672B2 |
Vacuum eraser for blackboards
This invention is a new structure of blackboard eraser with cordless vacuum functionality. The main components in the design include a chalk eraser, chalk dust collector and vacuum fan. A brusher mounted in the edge of inlet hole of chalk dust collector removes the chalk dust from the surface of eraser belt shape fabric and then the chalk dust is vacuumed into the collector chamber by vacuum fan. The roller shafts are inserted to the eraser bracket side holes and then go to the center of cylinder rollers.The eraser belt shape fabric covers to the external of the four rollers and eraser bracket. The eraser belt fabric will be conveyed back and forth by the friction with rollers and erase the chalk dust from the blackboard. One filter bag installed in the collect chamber filters the chalk power from the inlet air of the vacuum fan. The vacuum function driven by fan and electric motor can transport the chalk power to the external surface of filter bag and no leaking to the outside and that harms the health for anyone nearby. The built-in rechargeable battery for the fan motor allows the eraser to be used cordlessly. |
| US07685671B2 |
Bare floor cleaner
A bare floor cleaner for wet and dry bare floor surfaces comprises a base with wet and dry suction nozzles and a handle pivotally connected to the base. A diverter mounted in the working air conduit between each of the dry suction nozzle and the wet suction nozzle to a recovery tank is movable by movement of the handle between a dry suction position and a wet suction position for selectively at least partially blocking working air flow from the wet suction nozzle and the dry suction nozzle, respectively, to the recovery tank. |
| US07685666B2 |
Method for producing waterproof seams
Method for sealing seams in shoes having an exterior upper with a lower end, an interior upper with a lower end, an insole with a circumferential edge, and a sole, the lower end of the exterior upper, the lower end of the interior upper, and the outer edge of the insole being sewn together, characterized in that a tape is selected that is provided on both sides with a layer that is adhesive at room temperature, and that this tape is used to join and fix the lower end of the exterior upper to the lower end of the interior upper before the exterior upper, interior upper, and insole are sewn together. |
| US07685664B2 |
Mattress with heel pressure relief portion
A mattress configured to support a patient including a foot section having a leg portion, a heel pressure relief portion, and a raised calf support portion positioned intermediate the leg portion and the heel pressure relief portion. |
| US07685663B2 |
Using a software application to configure a foam spring mattress
An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements. |
| US07685662B2 |
Pneumatic control valve and power reserve for a mattress
A pneumatic control valve and power reserve in the form of pressurized gas in a pressurization chamber, for elastically deforming a diaphragm without closing off two admission (2) and respectively discharge (3) orifices of said valve and able to place the opening of the valve by depressurization of said pressurization chamber 5 is disclosed. The valve may be used for total and rapid deflation of a therapeutic mattress having a plurality of compartments that are inflated with air, including at different pressures. |
| US07685660B2 |
Cot height indicator
A patient transport cot comprises a height adjustment component coupled to the patient transport cot and configured to raise or lower the cot to a plurality of heights. The patient transport cot further comprises a mechanical height indicator, which comprises at least one height setting, wherein each height setting corresponds to a target cot height. The mechanical height indicator further comprises a moving height marker configured to move with the cot as the cot is raised or lowered, wherein the cot is adjusted to the target cot height when the moving height marker is aligned with the height setting. |
| US07685658B2 |
Body support apparatus having automatic pressure control and related methods
A body support such as a cushion, mattress, chair or the like has at least one inflatable air chamber. A pressure sensor senses interface pressures at different locations on a surface of the air chamber. Indicators derived from the interface pressures indicate the onset of a trend toward bottoming out. A controller controls air pressure within the air chamber based at least in part on values of the indicators. The controller may be implemented as a state machine. |
| US07685656B1 |
Transfer device
The invention provides a convenient, compact and lightweight transfer device for transferring or transporting humans, animals or other objects or substances. One person can lift or maneuver the device under an object with a minimum of effort, with ergonomic safety, and little chance of injury or strain. The device has a generally flat and semi-rigid support member, a plurality of omnidirectional ball rollers for translating the support member across a generally horizontally disposed surface. The ball rollers are positioned in cylindrical extensions extending downwardly from the lower surface of the support member and are distributed in an anterior to posterior direction in parallel rows along the lower surface of the support member. The device has at least one vertical side extending upwardly from the support member. The device can also have a handle positioned on at least one of the vertical sides. |
| US07685654B1 |
Disposable shaving tray, sink and drain protector, and rubbish collector
A disposable sanitary protector for sink basins is provided in the form of a generally rectangular cover with two non-parallel low-tack adhesive strips on the underside, one of each strip being on the underside of the cover near the left and right edges. The non-parallel low-tack adhesive strips increase the probability of engaging the rim of sinks with either a curved or linear shape at the sides of the sink. An optional perforated slit is provided to allow a portal for the faucet assembly to protrude. A second differently sized backup slit is provided in the event the first slit tears. The cover is made of fabric, paper, plastic or a like material. |
| US07685650B2 |
Oilskin-type water-tight and air-tight protective garment
The invention relates to a protective garment made of water-tight and air-tight outer cloth formed by superimposing an external layer of a film of polyvinyl chloride and an internal layer of woven cloth, the film and the woven cloth being bonded together. At least one section of the garment is lined internally by a lining made with cloth and including a foam sheet extending in the lining, the cloth of the lining being bonded at least on its periphery to the woven section of the external cloth in bonding zones, the foam sheet being arranged substantially free between the cloth of the lining and the external cloth, the foam sheet being integral with the external cloth and/or with the cloth of the lining at least towards its upper section in order to be held and not fall in the lining. The garment can be a vest, a pair of trousers or an apron. |