Document Document Title
US07690886B2 Pump and liquid supply apparatus having the pump
To provide a pump comprising an impeller which sucks and discharges liquid, a motor unit which drives the impeller, a parting plate which is disposed between the impeller and the motor unit and which partitions the impeller and the motor unit, a case formed with a pump chamber in which the impeller is accommodated, a suction port which is connected to the case and which sucks liquid and a discharge port which discharges liquid, wherein the case is provided with a discharge passage which discharges liquid introduced into the pump chamber from the suction port, the discharge passage has a predetermined diameter, the discharge passage is provided along an outer periphery of the pump chamber at a location at a predetermined distance from the outer periphery of the pump chamber, the pump further comprises at least one reflow passage which brings the discharge passage and the pump chamber into communication with each other and through which liquid flowing through the discharge passage flows back to the pump chamber.
US07690883B2 Pivoting basket stacker for deep-drawn articles
A device for stacking articles which are molded and stamped in a multi-impression molding and stamping tool includes a transfer device having a single gripper plate made of lightweight construction for accepting all articles ejected from one work cycle of the molding and stamping tool. A stacking station having two stacking baskets arranged on respective arms is arranged so that the baskets are pivotable about a first axis for moving a first basket of the two baskets to a transfer position and a second basket of the two baskets to an ejection position, the transfer device transferring the articles to the transfer position of the stacking station. An ejector unit and conveyor belt are arranged proximate the ejection position, each of the first and second baskets being pivotable about a second axis, perpendicular to the first axis, at the ejection position to a pivoted position. The ejector unit pushes a row of article stacks onto the conveyor at the pivoted position, the each of the first and second baskets being movable in steps to align successive rows of articles stacks with the ejector unit, and the ejector unit being movable transversely to the movement of the each of the first and second baskets.
US07690881B2 Substrate-processing apparatus with buffer mechanism and substrate-transferring apparatus
A substrate transfer apparatus for loading and unloading substrates in a reaction chamber, includes: an arm having a distal end which is laterally movable in a straight line direction; and end-effectors for loading and unloading substrates in a reaction chamber, which include a lower end-effector and an upper end-effector. One of the lower end-effector or the upper end-effector is movably coupled to the arm at a distal end of the arm, and the other end-effector is fixed to the movably coupled end-effector. The fixed end-effector is fixed to the movably coupled end-effector.
US07690880B2 Locking device for hydraulic attachment interface
An interface between a hydraulic power system and an hydraulically actuated engagement member includes a first portion that is pivotally coupled to a second portion, and has an inlet capable of being coupled to the power system. The second portion is fixedly attached to an attachment bracket capable of interfacing with an attachment. The first portion has a path to provide oil to the second portion, which in turn provides oil from the first portion to the attachment bracket. The attachment bracket includes a housing that accepts an engagement member capable of being hydraulically actuated to secure or release the attachment with respect to the power machine.
US07690874B2 Rotary tapered tool holder with adapter sleeve
A rotary tapered tool holder includes a body and an adapter sleeve disposed about a portion of the body. The body and the adapter sleeve have front and rear contact surfaces with different taper angles. The front contact surfaces are optimized for an interference fit and the rear contact surfaces provide an axial stop and support band when the tool holder is assembled into a clamping receptacle. Face contact is achieved between a flange contact surface of the body and a face contact surface of the clamping receptacle.
US07690871B2 Locking chuck
A chuck for use with a manual or powered driver having a housing and a rotatable drive shaft extending therefrom is provided. The chuck includes a generally cylindrical body member having a nose section and a tail section. Each of a plurality of jaws is slidably positioned in one of a plurality of angularly disposed passageways in the body. Each jaw has a jaw face formed on one side thereof and threads formed on the opposite side thereof. A nut is rotatably mounted on the body in engagement with the jaw threads so that rotation of the nut moves the jaws axially within the passageways. A locking member, in a first axial position, is rotatable with respect to the driver housing. In a second axial position, it operatively engages the housing and the nut so that the locking member is rotationally held to the housing and the nut so that the nut is rotationally held to the housing. The locking member is axially reciprocal between the first axial position and the second axial position.
US07690869B2 Non-contact transport apparatus
An inner member having a supply port is installed at the inside of a housing, wherein the housing and the inner member are connected together by connecting bolts. Air is supplied to the supply port of the inner member and is directed and introduced through communication passages into an annular passage. Thereafter, the air is directed outwardly from a plurality of lead-out holes, which communicate with the annular passage, in a swirling direction with respect to an annular recess facing the workpiece. In addition, by having the air flow along the annular recess, which is formed with a substantially trapezoidal shape in cross section, the workpiece is maintained in a non-contact state with respect to a holding surface of the inner member.
US07690864B2 Hydraulic riding trowel with automatic load sensing system
A high performance, multiple rotor, hydraulically driven riding trowel for finishing concrete includes a rigid trowel frame with two or more downwardly-projecting, bladed rotor assemblies that frictionally engage the concrete surface. The rotor assemblies are tilted with double acting hydraulic cylinders to effectuate steering and control. Double acting hydraulic cylinders also control blade pitch. Hydraulic pressure to the rotors is monitored and controlled by an unloader valve system that monitors drive pump pressure with a shuttle valve to derive an unloader pilot signal. A sequence valve responds to the unloader pilot signal to control a pressure valve that bypasses the normal foot control valve in an overpressure situation. The pressure control head signal normally applied to the hydraulic drive motor control heads is modified with a feedback signal to automatically control the associated pump swash plates.
US07690862B2 Quick connect transit boarding platform panel
The present invention relates to a transit boarding platform panel for use along an edge of a transit platform adjacent a track. The panel comprises a molded base portion formed from a reinforced composite polymer, and having a top deck and bottom plate, a first side intended to be adjacent a track at an edge of the transit platform, a second side opposite said first side and intended to be adjacent the transit platform, a first end and a second end, and between the top deck and bottom plate a series of internal support members. The top deck has a detectable warning surface consisting of raised truncated domes detectable by the visually impaired in accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities. The first and second ends are provided with means to interconnect adjacent panels and to secure the panels to the platform. In a preferred embodiment the means to interconnect adjacent panels and to secure the panels to the platform includes a groove provided on the first end of each panel, said groove sized and shaped to accept a corresponding sized and shaped tongue provided on the second end of an adjacent panel. There is also provided an improved method of installing a transit platform with a series of transit boarding platform panels along an edge of said transit platform adjacent a track.
US07690861B1 Temporary slurry markers
Disclosed is a temporary pavement marker for pavement surface treatment of existing pavement. The temporary pavement marker may include a base configured to be placed against the existing pavement. An upright section may be connected to the base. The upright section may include a bridge connected between a first upright and a second upright to form a treatment passageway. The bridge, the first upright, the second upright, and the base may be positioned around the treatment passageway.
US07690860B1 Traffic control device
A traffic control device includes a base having a post aperture, a post adjustably and removably coupled to the base through the post aperture and a pavement marker. The pavement marker is affixed to a surface. The base may include a recess for receiving the pavement marker, such that a bottom side of the base rests on the surface with the pavement marker retained within the base. The post aperture extends from a top surface of the base to the recess of the base. The post includes one of a magnet and a metal plate coupled to an end of the post. The pavement marker includes one of a magnet and a metal plate, wherein the pavement marker comprises a magnet if the post comprises a metal plate and the pavement marker comprises a metal plate if the post comprises a magnet.
US07690856B2 Connection device
A connection device for connecting objects. The connection device includes a first elongated element with a first groove and a locking portion, a second elongated element with a second groove and a through hole, a spring member and a pin connected to the spring member, and an actuating member adapted for actuating the spring member and moving the pin.
US07690852B2 Imaging apparatus and interchangeable lens
There is provided an imaging apparatus on which an interchangeable lens is detachably mounted, which includes a mount unit to which the interchangeable lens is attached. In the imaging apparatus, the mount unit is provided with, on its periphery, a colored area having a specific color along an outer edge of said mount unit, and with respect to a specific interchangeable lens, which meets a predetermined requirement on adaptability to said imaging apparatus, among interchangeable lenses, a mount unit, which is connected to the mount unit of the imaging apparatus, of the specific interchangeable lens is provided with, on its periphery, a colored area having the same color as the specific color along an outer edge of the mount unit of the specific interchangeable lens.
US07690848B2 Optical fiber plug connector
The invention relates to an optical fiber plug connector, comprising at least one pair of plug connectors and a coupling, whereby each plug connector comprises a ferrule, each two ferrules of a pair of plug connectors are detachably guided and aligned together within a guide sleeve and the coupling has a housing, for each of the plug connectors. According to the invention, a compact space-saving optical fiber plug connector made from few components may be achieved, whereby the coupling is made from only one component.
US07690844B2 Method and system for guidance system positioner
Apparatus and methods for incrementally positioning at least one adjustable axis of a guidance system where the guidance system may be an image based guidance system.
US07690843B2 Failsafe mechanism for preventing an integrated circuit from overheating
Techniques for preventing an integrated circuit (IC) from overheating are described herein. According to one embodiment, an exemplary process includes detecting whether a temperature of an integrated circuit (IC) exceeds a threshold independent of an operating state of the IC, and removing at least a portion of a power from the IC if the temperature of the IC exceeds the threshold. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
US07690842B2 Composite material including nanocrystals and methods of making
Temperature-sensing compositions can include an inorganic material, such as a semiconductor nanocrystal. The nanocrystal can be a dependable and accurate indicator of temperature. The intensity of emission of the nanocrystal varies with temperature and can be highly sensitive to surface temperature. The nanocrystals can be processed with a binder to form a matrix, which can be varied by altering the chemical nature of the surface of the nanocrystal. A nanocrystal with a compatibilizing outer layer can be incorporated into a coating formulation and retain its temperature sensitive emissive properties.
US07690838B2 Thermal properties measurement apparatus
A thermal property measurement apparatus capable of directly measuring thermal conductivity distribution in a ROI within a target only by measuring the temperature distribution that already exists in the ROI without generating other temperature fields artificially. The thermal property measurement apparatus includes a temperature detector for measuring temperatures at plural positions in the ROI, a distance controller for controlling a distance between the temperature detector and the target, a scanner for changing a relative position therebetween, a stage for putting the object thereon, a recorder for recording measured temperature data, position data and time data, a determination unit for determining whether at least one of thermal conductive phenomena and convection phenomena is dealt with or not, a processor for calculating thermal conductivity distribution in the ROI from the recorded data and temporal changeable references of the thermal conductivity in the ROI, and a controller.
US07690835B2 Mixer with pivotable bowl
A mixer system including a bowl for receiving a material to be mixed, a mixer body having a rotatable output component, and a hinge. The bowl is pivotable about the hinge relative to the mixer body such that the bowl can be pivoted between a loading/unloading position and a closed position relative the mixer body. The mixer may include a magnetic bowl detector and the bowl may include a magnet thereon.
US07690831B2 Surface light source device
A surface light source device includes two or more point light sources that are arranged linearly, a light guide plate having an incident surface on which light emitted from each of the point light sources shines, for outputting input light from a front surface thereof, and light diffusing means provided on a back surface of the light guide plate, for diffusing light. The incident surface of the light guide plate is inclined toward a back side.
US07690828B2 Illumination device
An illumination device comprising an LED (14) mounted on a rear of a PCB (12), and a light pipe (16) to direct light from the LED through an aperture (18) in the PCB to illuminate a legend (10) on the front of the PCB, the light pipe diffusing the light so as to prevent uneven illumination of the legend.
US07690824B2 Mirror assembly for vehicle
An interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element having a front surface, a rear surface and a reflector. A display element is disposed to the rear of the rear surface and is operable to emit light when actuated, the emitted light passing through the mirror reflective element to be viewable to a driver of the vehicle. A garage door opener device is included in the rearview mirror assembly, which includes at least one user actuatable input device associated with operation of the garage door opener device. Actuation of at least one user actuatable input device causes the display element to provide a visual indication to the driver viewing the front surface, when the mirror assembly is installed in the vehicle, of at least one of (i) operation of the garage door opener device and (ii) coding the garage door opener device.
US07690822B2 Swivel joint for lighting fixture
A lighting fixture swivel joint for pivoting an upper conduit having a fixture head disposed at an upper end thereof downward with respect to a lower conduit generally includes an upper swivel joint member and a lower swivel joint member rotatably coupled to the upper swivel joint member about a plane of rotation. The upper swivel joint member includes an upper conduit receptacle defined by a longitudinal axis and being adapted to receive a lower end of the upper conduit, whereby the upper conduit is coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis. The plane of rotation is disposed at an angle of between zero degrees (0°) and thirty degrees (30°) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the upper conduit receptacle of the upper swivel joint member.
US07690820B2 Optical sheet and display device including the same
An optical sheet includes a substrate having rear and front surfaces, a micro-lens-array on the front surface of the substrate, the micro-lens-array including a plurality of micro-lenses, a plurality of protrusions spaced apart from each other on the rear surface of the substrate, and an intercepting reflector layer on the protrusions.
US07690817B2 Illumination device with semiconductor light-emitting elements
An illumination device includes a base board, an insulator, a conductor, a plurality of semiconductor light-emitting elements and a light-transmissive sealing member. The base board includes a surface and projection portions. The projection portion is formed to become gradually thicker from its end toward the surface of the base board. The insulator is formed on the surface. The conductor is formed on the insulator. The semiconductor light-emitting elements are mounted on the projection portions. The semiconductor light-emitting elements are electrically connected to the conductor via connection members. The sealing member covers the insulator, the projection portions, the semiconductor light-emitting elements and the connection members.
US07690816B2 LED lighting system
A fountain lighting system including a light engine head containing an LED light engine and a control housing containing control gear electronics includes a fixture support providing thermal separation between the light engine head and the control housing. The fixture support includes a lid with a bar extending from the edge thereof. The lid closes the control housing while the bar mounts the light engine head. An anchoring mount is also on the bar. The lid includes receptacles for receiving power, control and light engine cables with wicking barriers separating the various components provided in the lid itself. Temperature sensors in the light engine head and in the control housing send data communication to the control gear electronics to limit power to avoid thermal loading. The control gear electronics modulates the power to prevent apparent cycling. A pool lighting system provides similar features in a niche. A gap open to the niche thermally separates the light engine head from the control housing.
US07690815B2 Portable lighting device
The present invention relates to a portable lighting device comprising a body, a light source coupled to the body and configured to emit a beam of light along a central axis, a head assembly rotatably coupled to the body, and a filter assembly rotatably coupled to the body. The filter assembly has a rotational axis and a plurality of filters offset from the central axis. Rotation of the head assembly rotates the filter assembly to align different filters of the plurality of filters along the central axis on an output side of the light source.
US07690812B2 Apparatus and methods for conformable diffuse reflectors for solid state lighting devices
Provided are solid state lighting devices and methods for forming the same. A solid state lighting tile according to some embodiments of the invention includes a substrate, a solid state lighting element mounted on a surface of the substrate, and a reflector sheet on the surface of the substrate. A method of forming a solid state lighting device according to some embodiments of the invention includes providing a substrate of a solid state lighting tile, mounting a solid state lighting element on a surface of the substrate, and attaching a reflector sheet to the surface of the substrate.
US07690811B2 System for improved backlight illumination uniformity
An illumination system includes a backlight housing, a plurality of light valves coupled to the backlight housing, and a plurality of light sources arranged in the backlight housing and optically coupled to the light valves. The illumination system may further include a light-scattering substrate optically coupled between the plurality of light sources and the light valves, and a plurality of light modulating dots patterned on the substrate to modulate transmitted intensity of light from the plurality of light sources to achieve increased luminance uniformity by decreasing banding caused by the separated light sources. The light modulating dots may include comprise reflective dots, transmissive dots, absorptive dots, or a combination thereof.
US07690809B2 LED lighting device inlaid on a ceiling
The present invention provides an LED lighting device inlaid on a ceiling. The ceiling is divided into a plurality of lattice by a matrix of metal strip, plastic strip or wood strip, a matrix of LED are installed on the lattice; an AC power is inputted through a power line to an AC/DC converter for being converted into a DC power, and then the DC power passes through a current stabilizer, a resistor, a connector for being inputted to two ends of each row of the LEDs; LEDs of each row are serially connected.Another embodiment of the present invention is to divide a ceiling into a plurality of lattice by a matrix of metal strip, plastic strip or wood strip, a plurality of vacated frame are formed on the lattice for being inlaid with a plurality of LED module respectively; a connector and a matrix of LED are installed on the LED module; a plate is installed on the upper edge and lower edge of the vacated frame; a power line, an AC/DC converter, a current stabilizer and a resistor are installed on the plate; an AC power is inputted through the power line to the AC/DC converter for being converted into a DC power, and then the DC power passes through the current stabilizer, the resistor, the connector for being inputted to two ends of each row of the LEDs; LEDs of each row are serially connected.
US07690808B2 Prefabricated light reflecting system mounted to ceiling of elevator cage
Disclosed herein is a prefabricated light reflecting system having standardized reflectors to be mounted to corners of the ceiling of an elevator cage. Here, a required number of reflectors are successively connectable to correspond to the size of the elevator cage. The light reflecting system includes a corner reflector, a bulb mounting plate, and an end reflector. If necessary, one or more intermediate reflectors may be added.
US07690806B2 Illuminating headlamp providing substantially uniform illumination
An illuminating headlamp consisting of a headband and at least one optical device providing illumination at a known distance from said optical device attached to said headband. Each optical device consists of a housing having an open first end and an open second end. There is a light emitting device attached to a mounting which is attached to the second end causing said light emitting device to be orientated at a known angle to an axis of said housing. At least one optically transparent lens is incorporated into said first end, and a means for adjusting said optically transparent lens in order to cause a focal point of the lens to be positioned behind said light emitting device, wherein a zone of substantially uniform illumination is projected at said known distance.
US07690805B2 Lighting device, and liquid crystal display device using same
There is provided a lighting device that lights a liquid crystal panel, including a substrate (51) on which red, green and blue light separating plates (52R, 52G, 52B) are alternately disposed with a pitch of w in array. Red LEDs (53R) are disposed one at every other center between the green and blue light separating plates (52G, 52B), green LEDs 53G are disposed one at every other center between the blue and red light separating plates (52B, 52R), and blue LEDs (53B) are disposed one at every other center between the red and green light separating plates (52R, 52G).
US07690804B2 Backlight unit of liquid crystal display
A backlight unit is presented that contains lamp support structures uniquely fitted to facilitate installation of lamps in a particular orientation. The backlight unit has tube light-emitting lamps, each of which is fitted to an asymmetric lamp holder. Lamp supports fixedly engage the asymmetric lamp holders fitted to the tube type light-emitting lamps. At least one of the lamp holders has an asymmetric hole. An outer case includes the supports to fix and support each lamp. At least one lamp has a treated surface that includes an optical sheet having a light transmittance lower than 100%.
US07690803B2 Light emitting sheet module
A light emitting sheet module includes a light guiding sheet to cover a plurality of key switches, at least one LED disposed on at least one end portion of the light guiding sheet, and a circuit board disposed on the one end portion of the light guiding sheet on which the LED is disposed. When the light emitting sheet module is, mounted on a switch board, it is capable of adaptation to key switches in a wide variety of forms and to illuminate the key switches with light emission of high brightness.
US07690801B2 Lighting apparatus
Lighting apparatus for an image-gathering device, includes a light frame supporting a plurality of light emitting diode lamps configured to emit light at a tungsten balanced color temperature, and a support member that defines a filter tray aperture to accommodate a filter tray. The light frame defines a circular aperture to enable the light frame to be located around the barrel of a camera lens, and the filter tray aperture is visible within said circular aperture of said light frame. A manually adjustable filter clamp is provided for holding a filter tray in place once located with respect to the filter tray aperture. Lighting apparatus arranged to accommodate a plurality of filter trays.
US07690800B2 Mirror angle controller
A mirror angle controller is provided which includes a pivot plate (H) which is attached to a reverse side of a mirror (M), and an actuator (A) which holds the pivot plate (H), in which the actuator (A) includes a housing (A1), a rod (A3) which pushes and pulls the pivot plate (H), and a motor which provides driving force to the rod (A3), in which, a ringed holder (121) which is placed to surround the rod (A3) is formed in the housing (A1), and in which the pivot plate (H) includes a ringed sliding part (H31) which is contact with and arbitrarily slides on the holder (121), and an engaging part which is engaged with an end of the rod (A3) so as to securely hold the mirror (M).
US07690795B2 Projector/camera system
A projector/camera system includes a projector, configured to project a sequenced image to a projection location, and a camera, located at the projection location and oriented to take an image of a region including the projector. The camera is configured to capture a sequenced image that is synchronized and out of phase with the sequenced image of the projector, thereby to minimize light interference from the projector.
US07690792B2 Projector and method of controlling ultrasonic speaker in projector
A projector having an ultrasonic speaker including an ultrasonic transducer for emitting an ultrasonic wave signal to a screen; a distance measuring device for measuring a distance between the ultrasonic transducer and the screen; and an ultrasonic frequency control device for controlling a frequency of the ultrasonic wave signal based on a measured result of the distance measuring device and a sound pressure of the ultrasonic wave signal emitted by the ultrasonic transducer, so that the ultrasonic wave signal has a predetermined sound pressure at or in a vicinity of the screen. The projector may include a storage device for storing a propagation loss characteristic in air of the ultrasonic wave signal emitted from the ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic frequency control device controls the frequency of the ultrasonic wave signal by referring to the propagation loss characteristic of the ultrasonic wave signal stored in the storage device.
US07690790B2 Vision test pattern indicator
A vision test pattern indicator is provided with a color display for displaying optotypes used for binocular vision tests which are conducted with a red filter set in front of an eye of an examinee and a green filter set in front of the other eye, and an arithmetic control part which controls the color display as a first optotype figure is displayed in a green color, a second optotype figure is displayed in a red color, a third optotype figure for fusion stimulus is displayed in a color excluding red and green components and a background of the optotypes is displayed in a white color.
US07690788B2 Driving circuit of electromechanical transducer device and retina scanning display device having the same
The present invention provides a drive circuit for driving a capacitive electromechanical transducer device. The capacitive electromechanical transducer device is constituted of two electromechanical transducer parts consisting of a first capacitive electromechanical transducer part and a second capacitive electromechanical transducer part and is operated in response to two-phase sinusoidal signals having mutually opposite phases. The drive circuit includes an inductor which resonates with the first electromechanical transducer part and the second electromechanical transducer part, and a resonance frequency of the resonance circuit is set substantially equal to an operation frequency of the electromechanical transducer device.
US07690786B2 Device for changing bridges, side arms and browbars of rimless spectacles and for changing bridges and side arms of metallic and plastic spectacle frames
In exchangeable spectacle frames, in which the side arms and bridge are fastened to the lenses or central part of the spectacle frame by a support element, the support element is a rod-shaped, rail-shaped or plate-shaped metal part with a metallic threaded pin and an additional metallic positioning pin or threaded pin. The metallic or plastic end of the side arm on the side of the lens, or the connecting element between the support element and metallic or plastic side arm, is shaped with recesses which are adapted to the form of the support element, have the same length as the metallic part and engage the metallic part. The recesses in the side arm form at least two catches on the lateral, inner plastic interfaces which interact with the threaded pin and positioning pin. Alternatively, the side arms or bridges are made of an elastic material with a slit-shaped recess, in which recesses are located for form-fittingly receiving the pins of the support element and locking them after their insertion.
US07690785B2 Pager with built-in printer
A digital pager has a built-in printer to enable the printing of a text message and/or a graphic image upon a page as the pager housing traverses the page. The pager can be maintained compact and lightweight as no paper storage or paper feed mechanism need be provided.
US07690783B2 Ink for inkjet printing, lithographic printing plate using it and method for making such plate
The present invention provides an ink for use in inkjet printing which can be cured by irradiation of radiant ray, characterized in that said ink for use in inkjet printing contains at least a colorant, a polymerizable compound and a photopolymerization initiator, further including a compound capable of forming a complex with a metal, as well as a method for making a lithographic printing plate that doesn't need a development process using said ink, and such plate can solve the foregoing problem. The ink of the present invention for use in inkjet printing has an excellent adhesion between the ink cured by irradiation of radiant ray and a printing medium, as well as a lithographic printing plate using it and a method for making such plate.
US07690781B2 Ink jet printer using UV ink
A UVLED (62) or a UVLED array unit (64) is employed in the UV-ray emitting body of a UV-ray irradiating means (60) for curing a UV-ink drop, shot at the surface of print media (50) mounted on a platen (20) from the ink jet head (30) of an ink jet, by irradiating it with UV-rays. Power consumption of the UV-ray irradiating means (60) is suppressed greatly, the UV-ray irradiating means (60) is reduced in size and weight or simplified, waiting time of the UV-ray irradiating means (60) is eliminated when the UV-ray emitting body is lighting, or generation of ozone is prevented when the UV-ray emitting body is lighting.
US07690772B2 Ink jet printer with high capacity tank and associated ink refilling system
The ink jet printer comprises a printhead (22) movable in front of a printing medium (30) and provided with an ink cartridge (25) integral with it; the cartridge is filled with ink from a main, high capacity tank (35), which is connected at intervals to the cartridge (25) by means of a capillary element. During each connection, the capillary element (101) is brought into contact with the sponge (41) inside the cartridge, while a peristaltic pump (134) mounted integral upon the main tank provides a pressure suitable for generating a sufficient flow of ink to refill the cartridge (25) in a short time frame. To perform the refilling, the cartridge is brought at the end of its stroke into a service station (5) mounted on the body of the main tank (35), which is moved against the cartridge by means of a motor-driven linkage, controlled by a refilling management program, in response to the signals of a cartridge ink level sensor.
US07690771B2 Liquid ejection head, liquid ejection apparatus, and manufacturing method of liquid ejection head
A liquid ejection head includes a channel unit with a channel substrate provided with a channel section having pressure chamber cavity rows formed by arranging a plurality of pressure chamber cavities in rows. The liquid ejection head also includes a nozzle substrate provided with a plurality of nozzle orifices formed so as to correspond to the pressure chambers. A sealing plate of the liquid ejection head seals an opening of the channel section of the channel substrate, in which the nozzle substrate is joined, with one surface of the channel substrate. The sealing plate is joined with the opposite surface of the channel substrate so that the channel unit has a series of liquid channels from a common liquid chamber to the nozzle orifices. The liquid ejection head has a head case to which the channel unit is fixed.
US07690770B2 Sheet-member stacked structure, lead frame, lead-frame stacked structure, sheet-member stacked and adhered structure, and ink jet printer head
A sheet-member stacked structure produced by a method including one or more of the following steps: stacking lead frames on each other, and stacking sheet members of one lead frame on sheet members of another or other lead frame or frames, each lead frame including a frame portion, the sheet members, and bridge portions which connect sides of the sheet members; to an inner peripheral portion of the frame portion and one of its adjacent sheet member, or to respective one sides of its two adjacent sheet members; stacking sheet members on each other via an adhesive; and stacking sheet members on each other, the sheet members including a liquid-chamber sheet member formed of a rolled metal sheet and having liquid chambers arranged, separately from each other, in a direction perpendicular to a direction of rolling of the metal sheet.
US07690761B2 Inkjet printhead assembly with printhead segment cradle member
An inkjet printhead assembly includes an elongate ink supply body. The body defines a plurality of ink supply channels. An elongate cradle defines a plurality of rows of apertures and can be fast with the body so that ink within the ink supply channels can pass through respective rows. A plurality of printhead segments each includes a carrier. Each carrier defines a plurality of rows of ink supply passages arranged so that the ink supply passages can be placed in alignment with respective apertures when the carrier is cradled within the cradle. Each printhead segment further includes an elongate ink ejection printhead mounted to the carrier in fluid communication with the ink supply passages.
US07690756B2 Ink-jet recording apparatus and cap
An ink-jet head includes nozzles which are configured to discharge ink droplets, an ink discharge surface which has ink discharge apertures of the nozzles formed therethrough, and a cap configured to cover the ink discharge surface. The cap includes a base member which opposes the ink discharge surface. The base member has a recess formed therein, and the recess has a communication hole formed therethrough. The cap also may include a damper film which is connected to the base member at an outer periphery of the recess and covers the recess, and a lip which is formed along an outer periphery of the base member and is configured to selectively contact the ink discharge surface. Moreover, the ink-jet head may include a cap holder which is connected to the cap and is configured to selectively apply a force to the cap toward the ink discharge surface.
US07690755B2 Image-forming apparatus having purge/wiping mechanism
An image-forming apparatus having an inkjet type printer is configured to prevent ink from being wastefully consumed through a purge processing. Before next purge processing is executed, test printing is carried out. The user looks at the result of the test printing and inputs instruction indicating whether or not the next purge processing is to be executed. If the inputted instruction indicates that immediate purge processing is unnecessary, execution of the purge processing is prolonged. In this manner, a purge processing is not automatically executed but executed only when the test printing indicates that an ejection condition of ink is no good.
US07690754B2 Inkjet printer head and inkjet printer
An inkjet printer head including: (a) a front head unit having (a-i) an outside surface which is to be opposed to a print media, (a-ii) an inside surface opposite to the outside surface, (a-iii) a plurality of nozzles opening in the outside surface and arranged in row, and (a-iv) an ink inlet opening in the inside surface; (b) an ink-channel defining unit supplying an ink into the front head unit through the ink inlet; (c) a head holder holding the front head unit; and (d) a reinforcement member fixed to the inside surface of the front head unit. The front head unit and the head holder are fixed to each other, with the reinforcement member being interposed therebetween. The ink-channel defining unit is fixed to one of opposite side surfaces of the reinforcement member that is remote from the front head unit. Also disclosed is an inkjet printer including the above-described inkjet printer head, a carriage, a heat dissipater and a bubble discharger, wherein the heat dissipater, bubble discharger and front head unit are mounted on the carriage, and are arranged in a direction of movement of the carriage.
US07690749B2 Method for evaluating bleeding, and image recording method and apparatus
The method for evaluating bleeding into a recording medium of ink discharged onto the recording medium, the method comprises the steps of: outputting a bleeding evaluation print including a plurality of bleeding evaluation patches created by recording lines of a prescribed length of ink colors, at a prescribed width, and varying at least one of a recording speed at which recording data is recorded onto the recording medium, a volume of ink discharged, and a fixing energy which fixes the discharged ink onto the recording medium, as a parameter, between a plurality of different levels; measuring density of each of the bleeding evaluation patches in the outputted bleeding evaluation print; and evaluating the bleeding of the ink into the recording medium according to a density measurement result on the bleeding evaluation patches.
US07690746B2 Systems and methods for detecting print head defects in printing clear ink
A method for detecting a defect in an inkjet print head for printing a substantially clear ink includes including an ultraviolet or infrared sensitive material in the substantially clear ink, marking a test image on a substrate by jetting the substantially clear ink through one or more jets of the inkjet print head to be evaluated, exposing the test image to activating radiation having a wavelength to which the included ultraviolet or infrared sensitive material responds. During or following the exposing, the test image is evaluated with an image sensor, and whether the inkjet print head or any one of the one or more jets thereof being evaluated is defective is then determined based on the evaluation. A system for the method is also set forth.
US07690743B2 Nozzle drive control device and method
A nozzle drive control device and method includes applying a drive voltage to a nozzle, sensing a size or speed of an ink droplet ejected by the applied drive voltage, determining whether the sensed result is included within a predetermined range, and calculating the drive voltage to eject an ink droplet when the sensed size or ejecting speed of the ejected ink droplet is not included within the predetermined range.
US07690740B2 Pull-out guide system for drawers
Pull-out guide system for drawers, having a basic-structure rail, a drawer rail and, if appropriate, having a center rail arranged between these two rails. The load of the drawer is transmitted by way of a first rolling-contact body and at least one second rolling-contact body, and the first rolling-contact body has a smaller diameter than the at least one second rolling-contact body. The drawer rail is designed such that, when the drawer is in the closed state, the first rolling-contact body is subjected to loading by the drawer rail and, when the drawer is opened, the first rolling-contact body is relieved of the loading of the drawer rail.
US07690737B2 Method of controlling an automotive vehicle having a trailer
A system and method of controlling an automotive vehicle and trailer includes determining the presence of a trailer and applying brake-steer to the vehicle in response to the trailer to reduce the turning radius of the vehicle and the trailer.
US07690731B2 Highchairs
A collapsible highchair for an infant has a seat (3), a back-rest (4) and a front leg-support (5) that are provided in one by an elongate, contoured moulding (1). Rear leg-support is by tubular legs (2) which are pivoted to the one-piece moulding (1) under the seat (3) and which are held in rearward extension in the erect condition of the highchair by a pivoted tubular frame (10) which snaps into a socket (11) under the seat (3). Release of the frame (10) from the socket (11) allows the legs (2) to fold onto the underside of the front leg-support (5) for collapse of the chair. A tube (14) attached at each end under the seat (3) extends up either side of the seat (3) to form arm-rests (15), and a backwardly/forwardly slidable tray (18) is attached by releasable mounts (20) to the arm-rests (15).
US07690730B2 Seat support structure
A seat support structure for facilitating assembly of a frame support member. The seat support structure includes a seat support portion mounted on a seat rail of a vehicle, the seat support portion having an opening portion; a mount rubber having an engaging groove portion on an outer peripheral portion thereof, an insertion portion arranged closer to a distal end side than the engaging groove portion, and a through hole penetrating through the mount rubber. Upon mounting the seat, the insertion portion of the mount rubber is inserted into the opening portion of the seat support portion, the portion of the seat to be supported is inserted into the through hole, and the mount rubber is moved in the radial direction in an inside of the opening portion, and a portion of a groove wall of the engaging groove portion is brought into pressure contact with the opening portion.
US07690724B2 Message chair
A massage chair including an electric reclining mechanism for moving a backrest into different sloping positions, a holding mechanism for holding at least one forearm of a user to fix to the base side, and a controller that controls operations of these mechanisms. The controller allows the holding mechanism to hold the at least one forearm and allows the electric reclining mechanism to move the backrest into at least one sloping position before moving the backrest into a final position. An inclination of the at least one sloping position from a sloping position of the different sloping positions when the at least one forearm is held by the holding mechanism is smaller than an inclination of the end position from a sloping position of the different sloping positions when the at least one forearm is held by the holding mechanism.
US07690721B2 Junction structure for connecting two profiles in a vehicle support frame
The invention relates to a junction structure for connecting two profiles(1, 2), especially in a vehicle support frame. The first profile (1) has at least two planar, parallel sides and the second profile (2) comprises two parallel, opposite girders (3, 4) and at least one strip (5, 6) connecting the girders (3, 4). The girders (3, 4), with their lateral ends, project relative to the strip (5, 6), the projections forming paired, parallel flanges (31, 41, 32, 42). The junction structure is characterized in that the first profile (1) at the location of connection, is provided with a recess (7) into which the second profile (2) is inserted on the front side in such a manner that the parallel sides of the opposite ends (8, 9) of the first profile limiting the recess (7) rest in a form fit against the insides (31a, 41a, 32a, 42a) of the opposite flanges (31, 41, 32, 42) of the second profile (2) and are connected thereto.
US07690717B2 Retractable roof and vehicle fitted with said device
A retractable roof for a vehicle, including a roof panel configured to be displaced by a guide from a closed position in the passenger area of the vehicle to a retracted position in a rear area of the vehicle. The roof also includes a rear cover structure including a rear shelf. The rear shelf can be automatically controlled between a rest position and an open position.
US07690715B2 Open-close portion structure of vehicle body
An open-close portion structure of a vehicle body includes: an open-close member which opens and closes an opening of the vehicle body; a first hinge member provided on the vehicle body; a second hinge member provided on the open-close member, being pivoted with the first hinge member; and a stretchable stay provided between the vehicle body and the open-close member and biasing the open-close member to open, wherein an end of the stretchable stay is coupled to the second hinge member.
US07690714B2 Lightning protected golf cart
A golf cart altered such that the occupants are protected against the effect of lightning strikes comprises an electrically conductive grid (23 & 23a) on the roof, preferably star shaped, connected electrically to electrically conductive down-conductors, preferably at least 6 in number, four of which may be the roof supports (16 & 24) and the other two (18) moveable to allow ease of access to the golf cart and each to be connected to a plurality of flexible electrically conductive members (26) so as to touch the ground, preferably via a metal chassis. The movable electrically conductive members are connected to at least one of the roof or the base construction by a bearing. The invention defines a protective electrically conductive cage enclosing the golf cart and surrounding its occupants with improved rigidity, safety and practicality.
US07690709B2 Rear door for fitting to a motor vehicle, and a set of two rear doors
The invention relates to a rear door for a motor vehicle, the door including hinges (16, 16′) embodying an axis (Y) for pivoting the door on the vehicle between a closed position and an open position. The door includes a motor (17) for generating a driving torque about the pivot axis of the door.
US07690708B2 Front to rear console mikiri overlap
A vehicle console center console assembly including a first portion secured to an instrument panel and incorporating a gear shifter and a second portion supported upon a vehicle floor and establishing a mating profile along each of first and second sides with the first portion. Upper located and angled mating shoulders established between the portions limit the effect of sagging of the first portion, via support provided from the second portion. The appearance of gaps in the mating profiles is further limited by overlapping the edges of the second portion to those of the first portion. The second portion further includes inwardly configured support tabs proximate its side edges and which establish channels therebetween for seating the trailing edges of the first portion and permitting a limited degree of non-evident misalignment between the portions.
US07690707B2 Hoisting frame and method for its use
A hoisting frame that can be connected at an upper side to hoisting cables and have a device on an underside for picking up a secondary hoisting frame. The hoisting frame may be adjustable between a retracted position, in which its transverse dimension is equal to that of the secondary hoisting frame, and an extended position. Pick-ups are adapted to pick up a single secondary hoisting frame in the retracted position and to pick up two mutually adjacent secondary hoisting frames in the extended position. A method for transferring containers may include picking up one load at a first location when the hoisting frame is retracted, or two loads when the hoisting frame is extended, lifting, displacing to a second location and then lowering the hoisting frame with the picked-up load(s), uncoupling the load(s) from the hoisting frame, lifting the hoisting frame, moving the hoisting frame from one to another position. A secondary hoisting frame may be coupled or uncoupled and the steps repeated.
US07690706B2 Gripper device
An apparatus for transporting objects may include a plurality of grippers having a first spacing at a first position and second spacing at a second position. A drive mechanism may be provided is for selectively displacing the grippers from the first position to the second position to adjust the spacing between the grippers.
US07690700B2 Door latch device for a domestic appliance, in particular for a dish washer
A door latch device for a domestic electrical appliance, in particular for a dishwasher, has a frame (10) provided or to be provided on a first component of the domestic appliance, a latching unit (28) arranged so it can be displaced relative to the frame between an open position and a latched position for engagement with a closure system of a second component of the domestic appliance that can be moved relative to the first appliance component and is to be locked with respect thereto, and a latching spring assembly that pre-tensions the latching unit and which in the open position of the latching unit forces the unit into engagement with a blocking surface (24) that blocks relaxation of the latching spring assembly. According to one aspect of the invention a control member (52) that is separate from the latching unit and arranged so it can be moved relative thereto is provided, comprising an application system (64) for an actuating portion of the second appliance component and comprising an impact system for a block-cancelling effect on the latching unit. According to a further aspect the latching unit is formed by a one-piece latching body on which, in addition to a latching system (38) for engagement with the closure system of the second appliance component and a blocking system (50) for engagement with the blocking surface (24), supporting surfaces for the latching spring assembly are also arranged.
US07690692B2 Electrostatic discharge solution for angled fuel port of a fuel pump
Fuel port structure (10) of a fuel pump (20) includes a fuel port (12) having a periphery (14), an internal portion defining a fuel passage (16), and a free end (18). An electrically conductive grounding structure (22) has a first portion (24) disposed at least partially within the fuel passage and a second portion (26) extending from the free end. A fuel delivery tube (28) is coupled to the periphery of the fuel port at the free end thereof. The fuel delivery tube has an electrically conductive portion (30) in contact with the second portion of the grounding structure to provide a discharge path for static electricity created when fuel flows through the fuel passage.
US07690690B1 Display medium having a bibliographic reference corresponding to date
A daily display is associated with a text display, the daily display comprising a specific Gregorian calendar date, the text display comprising an abbreviated name of a text reference work wherein the text display is associated with the specific Gregorian calendar date to constitute a complete bibliographic citation.
US07690683B2 Airbag with automatic vent closer
Disclosed are embodiments of apparatus, methods, and systems for automatically closing a vent opening in response to inflation of an airbag cushion. In some embodiments, primary and secondary tethers are provided, both of which are coupled to an airbag cushion. The primary tether may be used to restrain the inflation size of the airbag cushion during a partial deployment. A tether cutter may also be provided to cut the primary tether upon detecting a condition that would warrant full deployment of the airbag cushion. The secondary tether may be configured to at least partially close one or more vent openings in response to the airbag cushion being inflated to a fully-inflated configuration after the primary tether has been cut.
US07690679B2 Passenger-protecting system for automotive vehicle
A passenger-protecting system includes a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure in an inner space of a door and a side airbag installed in the door. The pressure in the inner space increases when a side collision occurs. When the pressure in the inner space of the door exceeds a predetermined threshold level, the side airbag is inflated to protect a passenger from a side collision. There are certain situations where the operation of the side airbag is not necessary even if the pressure in the inner space of the door exceeds the threshold level. Such situations include: when the door is abruptly closed and a front airbag is inflated to protect a passenger from a frontal collision. According to the present invention, unnecessary operations of the side airbag are effectively avoided.
US07690676B2 Vehicle pillar trim panel assembly
A trim panel attachable to a structural pillar of an automotive vehicle for covering an expandable side-curtain air bag. The trim panel can also be part of a vehicular pillar structure or a vehicle subassembly. The trim panel is composed of a unitary molded body having first and second body portions connected to each other. The first body portion is formed of a first material and the second body portion is formed of a second polymeric material that is more flexible than the first material. The second body portion is configured as a deflectable flap movable between a first position in overlying relationship with the side-curtain airbag in a non-deployed state and a second deflected position upon deployment of the side-curtain airbag.
US07690675B2 Body receptacle for a wheeled frame
A body receptacle for a wheeled frame allows for the transport of babies in a bicycle trailer. The body receptacle has a flexible mat that is brought into the intended transport form with the help of tensioning devices.
US07690674B2 Snow riding implement
A ski in accordance with the invention increases in width from a tip or shovel portion to a mid-portion. The mid-portion includes at least a slight sidecut. The ski then decreases in width from the mid-portion to a tail portion. The ski also includes an undersurface with a substantial portion being rockered. A substantial portion of the mid-portion of the ski is not rockered.
US07690673B1 Self-latching ball clamp coupler
A ball hitch coupler permits self-latching with a ball hitch. The ball hitch coupler has a housing with a generally downwardly facing open socket for receiving a ball hitch. A ball clamp member within the open socket is attached to an adjustment lever by a clamp rod that extends through a top surface of the housing. A camming surface provided on the lever causes the clamp rod to pull the ball clamp member upwardly and outwardly from the socket as the lever is pivoted to an open position. When the lever is in a neutral ready position, a ball hitch may be inserted into the socket and will automatically be coupled with the ball hitch coupler without further adjustment.
US07690672B2 Adjustable towing hitch assembly
Receivers are attached to motor vehicles to tow a variety of objects such as trailers. Due to the variety of makes and models of motor vehicles, several different sized receivers are required to fit most motor vehicles. The present receiver, however, provides adjustability in at least three directions. This adjustability means that one receiver can fit many different makes and models of vehicles.
US07690671B1 Trailer hitch with alignment mechanism
An alignment mechanism for aligning the ball with the socket of trailer hitch comprised of a ball portion attached to a towing vehicle and a socket portion attached to a trailer. The alignment mechanism has an alignment body that is cylindrical-shaped having an outer wall, an upper face, a lower face, and a circular opening passing through the center of the body. The circular opening has a diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of the socket. The upper face has a U-shaped slot and a wedge-shaped slot, the slots being adapted to receive the outer end of the socket portion. The lower face has a truncated conical surface extending upwardly and inwardly between the outer wall of the alignment body and the circular opening. A stop member extends downwardly from the truncated conical surface.
US07690670B1 Trailer hitch alignment aid
The invention is a trailer tongue alignment accessory that attaches to the tongue of the trailer. The invention includes a mounting assembly, three lighted posts, and position sensing means. The position sensing means comprises a laser projector that is attached to the mounting assembly, and a reflector that is attached to the trailer hitch.
US07690669B2 Adapter for a quick-connect tractor hitch
An adapter to facilitate attaching non-standard implements to a tractor equipped with a proprietary quick-connect hitch system. An elongated horizontal member, equipped with cylindrical end regions adapted for securing in hook regions of a quick-connect hitch system, carries a ball hitch or other similar universal hitch attachment mechanism. The novel adapter, therefore, allows attachment of implements having a ball hitch, a universal pin type hitch or other non-standard attachment mechanism to tractors equipped with quick-connect hitch systems. The novel adapter is rotatable around its major axis to allow two diverse hitches to be accommodated. For example, a ball-type hitch as well as another type connection my be selected by rotating the adapter 180° around its major axis.
US07690665B2 Rear bicycle frame structure
A rear bicycle frame structure which has different rear triangles that make up a common tubular structure that forms part of the front frame, an upper tie bolt and a lower tie bolt. The upper tie bolt and the lower tie bolt are joined by a fourth side forming four-sided piece. A rear axle is placed on the fourth side of each four-sided piece formed.
US07690663B2 Vehicle suspension with linked air bags
An air suspension system for a load carrying vehicle has multiple air bags associated with selected vehicle wheels to at least assist supporting the load and to control relative movement between the respective wheel and a supporting frame structure of the vehicle. A high flow-rate air tube connected to at least one air bag receives air from the connected air bag when air pressure in the air bag increases above that in the air tube. Air flows from the high flow rate air tube to a connected air bag when the air pressure in the air tube is above that of the air bag. The flow rate of air from the air tube to the air bag is controlled by the structure of the fittings between the respective air bags and the high flow-rate air tubes. A height valve maintains a predetermined pressure in the air bags when the vehicle is at rest.
US07690655B2 Hold 'em poker with multiple opponents hands
The player is dealt two hole cards. Each opponent is dealt two hole cards. The player has the option to raise or check. If the player raises, all opponents must raise. If the player checks, all opponents must check. Then three community cards are dealt. If the player raises or checks, all opponents must raise or check likewise. Then the final two community cards are dealt. If the player raises or checks, all opponents must raise or check likewise. All of the opponents hole cards are exposed. Whoever has the highest five card poker hand by category wins the pot. If two or more of the opponents and the player have the same highest five card poker hand by category, the hand is a tie and the pot carries over to the next round of play.
US07690653B2 Foosball table
The present invention generally relates to a game device. In one aspect, a foosball game apparatus is provided. The foosball game apparatus includes a game body having a playing field, an endwall adjacent each end of the playing field, and a sidewall adjacent each side of the playing field. The foosball apparatus further includes an electronic digital display formed in each end wall for indicating a time period and a score. In another aspect, a method of playing a timed foosball game is provided.
US07690647B2 Stack holding device to prevent push-out
A mechanical device to stabilize the stack height position of a compiler output tray and compress the sets in the tray is provided. The small mechanical device may be mounted in the back wall of the stacker tray near the top limit. The mechanical device includes a gravity-activated arm that moves out of the way when a set is ejected and, then, when the stacker tray lowers, the arm returns to the extended position. The tray rises again to the compiling position for the next set, pushing the arm upwards and compressing the set against the rubber contact member. The compression reduces the stack height, increases tray capacity and prevents each new set from pushing out the top of the stack.
US07690646B2 Sheet storing device, post-processing apparatus equipped with the device and image forming system equipped with the apparatus
A sheet storing device having a conveyance device that converts the conveyance direction while holding the sheet and a storing section that has the first support member supporting the surface of the sheet substantially vertically, the second support member supporting the edge of the sheet and a pressing member pressing the sheet against the first support member, a post-processing apparatus equipped with the sheet storing device and an image forming system equipped with the aforesaid items.
US07690643B2 Sheet feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus
There is provided an apparatus provided with a tray which goes up and down with sheet stack being supported, a pickup roller which feeds the sheet on the tray a first detecting sensor which detects a object placed on the tray other than the sheets to be fed by the pickup roller, as the tray goes up.
US07690641B2 Gateless diverter—'S' shaped paper path
In accordance with one aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, a system transports paper to prevent stubbing within a printing machine. The paper path facilitates transport of one or more sheets of paper from the first end to the second end, each sheet of paper has a leading edge. A first entry point is located between the first end and the second end that allows one or more sheets to enter the paper path in succession. A first nip is adjacent to the first entry point to direct the leading edge of the one or more sheets away from the first entry point. A second entry point is located a distance from the first entry point that allows one or more sheets to enter the paper path. A second nip is adjacent to the second entry point to direct the leading edge of the one or more sheets away from the second entry point. A gateless diverter directs the one or more sheets of paper through the paper path which includes a convex section that is adjacent to a concave section to divert the leading edge of each of the one or more sheets away from the first entry point and the second entry point. The one or more sheets of paper are advanced to the convex section via the first nip in advance to the concave section to the second nip.
US07690632B2 Sheet bending apparatus and sheet postprocessing apparatus
A sheet bending apparatus and a sheet postprocessing apparatus are provided for improved alignment of recording sheets during center-folding. A center-folding unit mounted in a sheet postprocessing apparatus performs a center-folding processing to a stack of recording sheets aligned on their sides and placed in a sheet holding member. Side aligning is performed near a central portion in a sheet conveyance direction of the sheet holding member. The center-folding unit includes: two upper end aligning members positioned upstream in the sheet conveyance direction on the sheet holding member and movable equally in opposite width directions of the sheet holding member; and a pair of lower side end aligning members positioned on downstream in the sheet conveyance direction on the sheet holding member and are movable equally in opposite width directions of the sheet holding member and independently from the upper end aligning members.
US07690630B2 Long travel, high force combination spring
A long travel, varying spring rate combination spring includes two differing rate springs connected end-to-end in such a way that the lower rate spring is compressed until positive engagement of a plunger with an intermediate flange member occurs with the higher rate spring thereafter compressed. Each spring may be assembled separately and connected together with a coupling to create a combination spring, allowing various springs to be combined to meet the requirements of a particular application.
US07690624B2 Valve drive device
A valve drive device which can prevent a locknut fixing a stem nut to a drive sleeve from getting loosened. The valve drive device comprises: the stem nut for screwing a valve stem thereinto; the drive sleeve engaging with a male spline formed on a peripheral outer surface of said stem nut, said drive sleeve including a worm gear on a peripheral outer surface thereof; a worm in meshing engagement with said worm gear; and a housing that supports said drive sleeve by bearings. The valve drive device further comprises: a stem nut fastening member having a first male screw that engages with a female screw provided on a peripheral inner surface of said drive sleeve; and a locknut that engages with a second male screw provided on a reduced diameter portion of said stem nut fastening member, said second male screw having a reverse screw thread relative to said first male screw, so that no slack may arise between said stem nut fastening member and said drive sleeve.
US07690622B2 Diaphragm-type electromagnetic valve with closing-force strengthening mechanism
An auxiliary valve member, an auxiliary pilot pressure chamber for applying a pilot fluid pressure to the auxiliary valve body, and a transmitting rod for transmitting operating force of the auxiliary valve body to a main diaphragm are provided other than the main diaphragm which is in contact with or separating from a main valve seat by operating by means of application of the pilot fluid pressure in a diaphragm valve portion, as a mechanism for strengthening valve-closing force of the main diaphragm, so as for the main diaphragm not to be separated from the valve seat even when the fluid pressure from a load is applied to the main diaphragm as adverse pressure.
US07690613B2 Transformer base for lighting poles
A breakaway transformer base for a lighting pole includes four upstanding corner members (preferably formed of aluminum castings), and four side sheets. Each side sheet is attached to two of the corner members, e.g., by welds or fasteners, thereby interconnecting the corner members. Each corner member forms bolt holes for enabling the base to be bolted to a lighting standard and to an anchored foundation.
US07690612B1 One-piece slip-on accessory hangers
A one-piece slip-on accessory hanger includes an engaging and support portion, an extension portion, and an end portion, all of which are formed of a single length of an elongated rod member. The accessory hanger is formed by including a plurality of spaced bends, with each bend formed at a predetermined bend location, with a predetermined bend angle, and in a predetermined bend direction. The accessory hanger is specifically structured for being slipped over and securely engaging an upper portion of a support structure such as a PVC fence, without the need for any fastening devices. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope and meaning of the claims.
US07690604B2 Rudder pedal assembly including non-parallel slide rails
A rudder pedal assembly exhibits sufficient ergonomic feel for a pilot, and is relatively small in overall size. The rudder pedal assembly includes a plurality of rails disposed non-parallel to each other within a common plane, and a rudder pedal. The rudder pedal is movably coupled to the plurality of rails and is configured to receive an input force in at least a first direction and a second direction. The rudder pedal is further configured, in response to the input force, to move along a path constrained by the plurality of rails in at least the first direction and the second direction, respectively, and within the common plane.
US07690602B2 Satellite active motion damping
Methods and apparatus are provided for active motion damping of a spacecraft whose attitude control system (SACS) has experienced a partial failure. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises, an attitude control processor (ACP), a motion damping controller (MDC) coupled to the ACP, a control moment gyro (CMG) comprising a gimbal loop controller (GLC) coupled to the MDC and a gimbal motor with input coupled to the GLC and gyroscopic torque output coupled to the satellite. Normally, a gimbal rate command (GRC) from the ACP passes to the GLC for execution to rotate the CMG gimbal and the coupled satellite. If the ACP output becomes invalid, the MDC assumes control and can modify CMG operation in several ways to safely decelerate a moving satellite without hazardous mechanical stress. Following such active motion damping, the CMG remains quiescent until a RESET is received whereby further valid GRCs are then executable.
US07690599B2 Method of illumination for in-flight refueling
An illuminating system, device, and method are provided to illuminate an in-flight refueling operation involving a first aircraft, serving as a tanker aircraft and carrying the illuminating system of the present invention, and a second aircraft, entering an in-flight refueling position relative to the first aircraft. The system, device, and method of the present invention provide eye-safe, covert illumination suitable for illuminating the in-flight refueling position such that the second aircraft is illuminated upon entering the in-flight refueling position.
US07690595B2 System, method, and apparatus for throat corner scoop offtake for mixed compression inlets on aircraft engines
A system, method, and apparatus for throat corner scoop offtake for mixed compression inlets for high speed aircraft engine applications is disclosed. The throat corner scoops are small air intakes located inside the large mixed compression inlet. They are positioned in a region otherwise prone to generate low pressure airflow. The throat corner scoops capture and remove the low pressure airflow from the bulk stream that is passed on to the engine. This location also provides inlet stability enhancement, and the airflow is used on the auxiliary systems.
US07690592B2 Interlock system
The invention provides an interlock system whereby operation of a domestic appliance such as a food processor containing an electric motor capable of driving a bladed or similar processing tool at relatively high speed is inhibited unless a vessel having a first or a second base configuration is securely mounted to the appliance so as to contain the tool; the vessel having a lid or cover intended to be in place for safe operation when the processing tool is driven by the motor. A vessel-supporting surface of the appliance carries several up-standing latches, each of which is formed with features capable of co-operating with vessels having either of the base configurations to temporarily latch either type of vessel operationally to the appliance. At least one of the latches is formed with first and second apertures allowing operational access for respective interlock actuators responsive to the lid or cover of a vessel being in place as intended, to an interlock switch whereby electrical current is permitted to flow to the motor only when a vessel having one or other of the different base configurations is latched to the appliance and the vessel is safely closed by its lid or cover.
US07690591B2 Roller mill
The invention relates to a roller mill, particularly intended for dressing ores.To reduce the energy demand for comminution and classifying a grinding product, a classifying device is positioned below the grinding area and to it is supplied the comminuted ground material under gravity action, as well as classifying air from an annular chamber in the lower region of the grinding bowl and which has at least one fine material outlet and coarse material outlet.
US07690585B1 Volcano food fountain
A volcano food fountain is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the volcano food fountain includes a fountain base having a bowl, a simulated volcano carried by the fountain base in the bowl, a pump provided in the simulated volcano and communicating with the bowl, a volcano opening provided in the simulated volcano and communicating with the pump and a tray carried by the fountain base.
US07690579B2 Answer to reset (ATR) pushing
A wireless-enabled smart card reader receives an Answer to Reset (ATR) from a smart card and transmits the ATR using a wireless communication link to a computing device without waiting for an ATR request from the computing device. The computing device may cache the ATR and use it for subsequent communication sessions with the smart card.
US07690577B2 Registering a biometric for radio frequency transactions
A method for registering biometric information for use in a transponder-reader system is disclosed. The method includes steps of detecting, verifying and storing a proffered biometric sample. During detecting, a sensor detects a proffered biometric to obtain a biometric sample. During the verifying step, the biometric sample is compared with other stored samples and/or other information. During the storing step, the biometric sample is stored on a database, for use by the transponder-reader system in authorizing transactions.
US07690576B2 Handheld mobile communication device with moveable display/cover member
Handheld mobile communication devices according to the disclosure have a closed position, in which the display member of the device covers at least a portion of the keys of on the keypad member of the device, and an open position, in which the keys are accessible and the device is operated. When the display member is in the open position, it forms an ergonomically desirable angle (e.g., on the order of about 155°) relative to the keypad member. However, unlike clamshell-type cellular phones, the display member does not simply flip open about a conventional pivot joint. Rather, it moves from the closed position, where it is parallel and adjacent to the keypad member, to the open, angled position through a sliding/sweeping motion; through an eccentric, “up-and-over” rotational motion; or through a combination sliding/“up-and-over” motion.
US07690568B2 Tag reading apparatus
There are provided a barcode reader for reading an article code in a barcode form from an article tag, and an RFID tag reader for reading a shelf code from a shelf tag in a non-contact wireless manner. The article code read by the barcode reader is stored in an article code memory, and the shelf code read by the RFID tag reader is stored in a shelf code memory. There are also provided an information processing unit, a control unit and a transmission unit. The information processing unit is controlled by the control unit to process the article code and the shelf code as one set of information for article management. Then, the transmission unit transmits the processed information to a personal computer.
US07690564B2 Automatic classification of credit card customers
According to embodiments of the present invention there is provided a computer-based method and a computer program product for automatically sorting customers who make purchases from merchants using a credit card. The computer-based method includes the following steps. An adjusted index is calculated for a customer based on an amount of money the customer spent across merchants during a time period. The adjusted index is compared to a cut-off value. The customer is classified based on the comparison of the adjusted index to the cut-off value. In an embodiment, the method also includes re-classifying the customer based on at least one of (i) information about the merchants, or (ii) a number of transactions in a predetermined industry.
US07690561B1 Check accepting and cash dispensing automated banking machine system and method
A card actuated automated banking machine system and method accepts checks and dispenses cash to users. The banking machine is operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash is dispensed to the user from the banking machine in exchange for the deposited check.
US07690560B2 Compact protocol and solution for substantially offline messaging between portable consumer device and base device
A method for providing messaging between a portable device and base device is provided. The method includes communicating one or more message codes maintained in the portable device to the base device. The base device then composes a message for a user of the portable device using a dictionary of message codes. The message codes have corresponding message values, which are used to generate the message for the one or more message codes. The generated message is then provided to the user.
US07690557B2 System and method for displaying received data using separate device
A method and apparatus for displaying received data using a separate device that makes a user's receiving terminal, that has received only a unique code of data, transmit the unique code to a separate display device connected to the Internet, and which makes the display device access a server, in which the data is stored, and display the data corresponding to the unique code. The apparatus displays received data using a code generation unit for generating a first unique code that matches metadata received from a data server that stores the data and the metadata, a first communication unit for transmitting the first unique code to a receiving terminal, and a second communication unit for receiving a second unique code from a display device and transmitting the stored metadata that matches the first unique code to the display device if the first unique code corresponds to the second unique code.
US07690553B2 Methods and systems for mitigating residual tensile stresses
Residual tensile stresses can be mitigated through methods and systems provided by the present invention. Such a method can include securing a metal member (10) to a substrate and at least partially surrounding a portion of the metal member (10) with a cooling fluid (18). As a result, the cooled portion of the metal member (10) contracts a predetermined amount. Once cooled, the metal member may be fixed, preferably welded, to another metal member in a constrained relationship. As the portion of the metal member is returned to its original temperature, expansion of the metal member acts to mitigate residual tensile stresses in the metal assembly. Tensile stress in restrained members, cambering, and structural deformation can be readily controlled in an assembled structure.
US07690545B2 Hand-operated stapler
A hand-operated stapler comprises an arm, a sliding belt and a blocking member, wherein the arm comprises a front end which acts as an effort, a rear end which acts as a fulcrum, and a load portion in between the front end and the rear end of the arm; and the rear end of the blocking member is connected to a front end of the sliding belt. At a non-stapling default position a front end of the blocking member is biased to be disposed above the stopper and blocks the upper clincher member from engaging with the lower clincher member. At a stapling position the rear end of the sliding belt is pulled upward, thereby pulling the blocking member rearward and away from the stopper and thus allowing the upper clincher member to engage with the lower clincher member.
US07690543B1 Tennis ball holder
A housing assembly is formed of a front sheet overlying a rear sheet with a curved periphery for the majority of the lower and upper extents of the housing assembly forming a passageway. A waist band with a clasp is secured by stitching to the upper edge of the housing assembly.
US07690539B1 Viscous material dispense system
A viscous material dispense system including a dispense valve having an outlet, a mix tube secured at an upper end thereof to the outlet of the dispense valve, a mixer shroud positioned telescopically over the mix tube and including a conical lower end, and an air shroud fitted telescopically over the lower end of the mixer shroud and defining a conical surface positioned in confronting relation to the conical tip portion of the mixer shroud. The air shroud and the lower end of the mixer shroud coact to define a plurality of circumferentially spaced axially extending flutes extending downwardly between the outer surface of the mixer shroud and the inner surface of the air shroud and a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending flutes defined between the conical tip portion of the mixer shroud and the conical surface of the air shroud. Each radial flute communicates with a respective axial flute so that air enters proximate the upper end of the air shroud, moves downwardly between the air shroud and the mixer shroud as a series of axially spaced air streams, and thereafter moves radially inwardly between the lower end of the mixer shroud and the air shroud as a plurality of radially inwardly moving air streams which impinge upon a material bead exiting from the lower end of the mix tube to impart a swirling movement to the bead.
US07690533B2 Lighted product dispenser
A container for dispensing liquids or gels, where the container includes a light module, a sound module, or both. When the contents of the container are dispensed by the user, light is automatically dispersed inside the container and into the contents to provide a desired visual effect for attraction of consumers to the product.
US07690530B2 Dispenser for viscous material
A dispenser for viscous material packaged in a collapsible sleeve includes a chamber for receiving the packaged material and a piston rod and piston assembly for compressing the collapsible sleeve to dispense the viscous material through a dispensing orifice in a closure removably retained on the forward end of the chamber. The piston assembly includes a movement-limiting member having a distal surface that extends forward of a piston for limiting movement of the piston rod and piston by engaging the peripheral surface of the closure. The movement-limiting member also has an outer peripheral surface that is positioned inwardly of an inner surface of the chamber to provide an annular compartment for receiving portions of the collapsible sleeve therein when the viscous material in the sleeve has been dispensed.
US07690527B2 Shaped sealing gasket
The invention described herein is a shaped seal or gasket for use with a screw cap as commonly used in chemical barrels. The shaped gasket has a profile that includes a winged portion for contacting a sealing surface. The winged portion of the gasket defines a concave surface. The gasket has a second surface, or zone of contact, for contacting against a second surface, such as the underside of a screw cap. The winged portion of the gasket profile is wider than the zone of contact. The gasket profile can take on many different configurations, as shown in the drawings.
US07690525B2 Screw cap
The screw cap of plastic for closing a filling and/or removal opening of a container for the transport and storage of liquids is equipped with a plug, in which a venting and aerating device is integrated. The screw cap has a sealing cap; and a protective cover, which completely covers the screw cap and protects the screw cap against contamination.
US07690522B2 Extendable cargo system and method therefore
A cargo bin formed of a medial cargo module having opposing open ends formed to securely engage an extension member to extend the length of the bin, or an end wall, for use when a non-extended bin is required. A unique engagement mechanism is provided for securely affixing the extension member or end wall to the medial cargo module, wherein there is provided a cradle formed to receive an engagement rod, the engagement mechanism formed to securely guide the components together so as to align engagement apertures associated with the side edges of the units, which engagement apertures, when aligned, are secured via retention pins or the like.
US07690517B2 Washing accessories for supporting an article
A washing accessory is provided for supporting an article. The washing accessory includes a basket and can include an article positioning device adapted to be at least partially located within the reception area of the basket. If provided, the article positioning device comprises a first positioning element adapted to be removably attached with respect to the basket. The washing accessory can also comprise an optional cantilever support structure for supporting the washing accessory relative to a dishwasher rack.
US07690516B1 Vehicle rack
A rack for storing a wheeled vehicle include a base, a raised portion and a finger. The rack also includes a socket into which a wheel of the vehicle may be inserted. The rack may be mounted to either a vertical or a horizontal surface.
US07690513B1 Gravel log washer with groups of offset paddles wherein paddles within each group are further offset
A log washer apparatus having two longitudinal shafts. The shaft includes paddles arranged into groups. Some of the groups are aligned about the circumference of the shaft such that each of the paddles in the group extend outward from the shaft at the same circumferential location about the shaft. Some of the groups are offset such that paddles within the offset groups are offset with respect to the adjacent paddles so as to increase fluid flow in the log washer.
US07690512B1 System and method for processing shredded vegetables
In a system to separate shredded vegetable pieces, a slicer cuts a vegetable having leaves and a core into pieces to form a mixture of leaf and core pieces. The mixture then passes through a sorting mechanism that separates the core pieces from the mixture.
US07690510B2 Child-proof carton package
A childproof package consists of a rectangular folding box of cardboard with at least one strip-like blister pack inside, which can be pulled out from one of the short, narrow sides of the folding box. The folding box is designed to be reclosed in such a way as to be childproof again, and the folding box and the blister pack have cooperating means, which are designed so that the blister pack cannot be pulled completely out of the folding box.
US07690507B2 Package for containers
A package is formed from a carton and containers extending through a bottom panel of the carton. Engaged upper and lower strut pairs and brace apertures in the carton sidewalls provide support for the containers accommodated within the carton.
US07690505B2 Wheel hub shipping retainer system
A packaging system for protecting a wheel hub containing inboard and outboard bearings separated by a spacer. The packaging system comprises a shipping retainer having inboard and outboard elements that are reversibly locked together within the axial bore of the wheel hub to seal the ends of the axial bore and maintain the alignment of the bearings and spacer. The packaging system further includes a stackable shipping tray having first and second sides, the first side adapted to receive the inboard end of a wheel hub with the shipping retainer installed and the second side adapted to receive the outboard end of a wheel hub. The shipping tray cooperates with the shipping retainer to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the shipping retainer.
US07690502B2 Carrier and method
The carrier has a central vertical support panel structure with two foldable receptacles extending outwardly from the vertical support panel structure. The outside wall of each receptacle is extended upwardly and bent over to cover the receptacle, and the top portions of those walls are joined together to form a carrying handle structure, either with or without the upper portion of the vertical support panel structure. The potions of the outside walls forming the covers can have openings to receive the necks of bottles such as wine and beer bottles to give added lateral support for the bottles.
US07690498B2 Method for transferring a product in a packaging machine and transfer device for carrying out said method
In a device for relocating a product, in particular a blister, in a packaging machine and with an associated method, the product is received at a supply location and deposited at a deposition location. The relocating device has a first pivotable relocating arm and a second pivotable relocating arm which each have a holding mechanism for the product. The relocating arms can be adjusted along different trajectories between a transfer position at the common supply location and a deposition position at the common deposition location, and pass each other during their adjustment motion.
US07690492B2 Apparatus for directing fluid along a flow path in a motor vehicle transmission
A component surrounding an axis for directing fluid along a flow path in a transmission for a motor vehicle. The component includes a first wall having a thickness formed with an inner surface facing the axis, and a hole spaced about the axis and extending through the thickness of the wall, and a channel formed in the wall, communicating with the hole and the inner surface, including a base having a length that extends angularly about the axis, and having a depth that increases along the length as distance from the hole decreases.
US07690490B2 Friction clutch and actuator thereof
The invention relates to a friction clutch consisting of primary and secondary disks and a pressure plate. The clutch also includes an actuator with two coaxial rings that can be rotated independent of one another. The rings compress the disks during relative rotation. In order to provide an actuator which operates accurately and with zero loss, an electric motor having at least one drive wheel is provided for the relative rotation of both rings. The drive wheel is drivingly connected to the two rings by a traction means. Two chains of the traction means lead from the drive wheel to the rotatable rings, wherein the ends of the chains are fixed to their corresponding ring, and the two rings have different diameters.
US07690489B2 Clutch including damper springs
A clutch for effectively prevents a clutch outer from tilting at the time when torque is varied. The clutch includes damper springs for transmitting, to a clutch outer, torque inputted to a driven gear, and a thrust washer for regulating positional change of a position of the clutch outer with respect to the driven gear in a direction of the shaft axis. The thrust washer is disposed between the driven gear and the clutch outer in an axial direction. The thrust washer is disposed only outward of the damper springs in a radial direction.
US07690485B2 Power cord cooling apparatus for a vacuum cleaner
A power cord cooling apparatus disposed in a cord reel chamber formed inside a main body of the vacuum cleaner to cool a power cord wound around a cord reel, wherein the power cord cooling apparatus allows outside air to enter the cord reel chamber, to contact the power cord wound around the cord reel, and to be discharged outside the cord reel chamber via a center space in the cord reel.
US07690478B2 Continuously variable tuned resonator
A resonator for a vehicle air intake system is disclosed, wherein the resonator is variable tuned to militate against the emission of sound waves caused by the engine and other sources at a wide range of engine speeds.
US07690476B2 Clearance adjusting decelerator and electric power steering apparatus having the same
Disclosed is a clearance adjusting decelerator and an electric power steering apparatus having the same.
US07690471B2 Hydraulic-drive work vehicle
A hydraulic-drive work vehicle includes a plurality of variable capacity hydraulic motors which are rotated by receiving pressure oil from a variable capacity hydraulic pump. Wheels provided at two or more axles are rotated due to torques of the hydraulic motors. The work vehicle is provided with a traveling stabilizer, the traveling stabilizer including a traveling-state detector for detecting a traveling state of the vehicle, and a controller which receives a signal from the detector and varies a capacity of at least particular one of the plurality of hydraulic motors according to the traveling state of the vehicle.
US07690469B2 Central differential for a working vehicle
Presented herein are four-wheel drive systems incorporating a bi-directional overrunning clutch design to control the torque transmission between front and rear transaxles. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a four-wheel drive system comprising a front transaxle, a rear transaxle, a transmission receiving drive power from a prime mover, and a bi-directional overrunning clutch drivingly coupled to an output shaft of the transmission and selectively coupled to the front and rear transaxle.
US07690464B2 Battery package mount bracket
A battery package mount bracket. An illustrative embodiment of the battery package mount bracket includes a body mounted bracket having a pair of spaced-apart bracket attachment flanges and an HEV mounted bracket detachably carried by the body mounted bracket. An HEV battery package is attached to the HEV mounted bracket. The HEV mounted bracket includes a main bracket plate and a transverse flange and a side flange extending from the main bracket plate in generally perpendicular relationship with respect to each other.
US07690463B2 Straddle-type vehicle
A straddle-type vehicle that adequately and smoothly sucks air into an air cleaner arranged between a front wheel and a leg shield while inhibiting foreign matter from being drawn thereinto. An intake port of the air cleaner is opened rearwardly. The leg shield is formed with a recess that surrounds the air cleaner. The recess includes a round portion along a direction in which the intake 61a is opened.
US07690462B2 Off-road vehicle with air intake system
An off-road vehicle includes a frame and a plurality of wheels. An engine powers the wheels. An air intake system supplies air to the engine. The air intake system has an air inlet through which ambient air enters the intake system. The air inlet is positioned higher than the wheels. An air intake duct extends rearward to the engine from the air inlet. At least a portion of the air intake duct is positioned lower than the tops of the wheels.
US07690461B2 All terrain vehicle
An all terrain vehicle is constructed to prevent rainwater or the like from entering an inner portion of an air cleaner without complicating the structure of the vehicle or making the assembly work difficult, while improving the external appearance of the vehicle. An air cleaner is provided below a seat, and the air cleaner is positioned between left and right rail main bodies when viewed from above. Left, right, bottom and rear surfaces of the air cleaner are covered with an undercover, which is separate from the air cleaner.
US07690454B2 Hybrid drive, in particular, for a motor vehicle
A hybrid drive, in particular, for a motor vehicle, includes: an internal combustion engine and a transmission disposed on the output side of the internal combustion engine, which transmission is drivable by the internal combustion engine; and an electric motor associated with the transmission having an electrically driven rotor through which the transmission is additionally drivable. The transmission includes an input shaft that is driven by the internal combustion engine and runs in the longitudinal direction of the transmission, an output shaft to drive a machine disposed on the output side of the transmission, or drive wheels in the case of a vehicle, and a plurality of manually or automatically shiftable gear stages to set the various gear ratios between the input shaft and the output shaft. The electric motor at its longitudinal axis and/or rotational axis of its rotor is attached to the output shaft in parallel or essentially parallel fashion laterally externally to the transmission.
US07690452B2 Vehicle control by pitch modulation
A method for fore-aft stabilization of a vehicle for motion in a specified direction over an underlying surface. The vehicle has at least one forward wheel and at least one aft wheel, and the forward wheel is characterized by a force normal to the instantaneous direction of motion of the vehicle. A motor actuator drives each aft wheel, and a controller governs the motor actuator or motor actuators in such a manner as to dynamically stabilize the vehicle, according to a uniform control law, when the forward wheel is in contact with the underlying surface or not. A torque is applied to the aft wheel on the basis of vehicle pitch or the force on the forward wheel normal to the direction of motion. Additionally, a periodic rotational modulation may be applied to the aft wheel, and a stabilizing torque provided based on a detected response, either of vehicle pitch or of normal force on the front wheel. Left and right motor actuators may independently control left and right aft wheels to continue turns as governed by user steering, whether or not forward wheels are in contact with the ground.
US07690448B2 Car
A car includes a car body having a bottom portion, a wheel that is rotatable, and a supporting member for supporting the wheel, the supporting member being provided to the bottom portion. At least eight pairs of the wheel and the supporting member are provided. The supporting member has a first supporting portion for supporting the wheel rotatably, a second supporting portion for supporting the first supporting portion so that a direction of the wheel supported by the first supporting portion can be changed, and a turning portion that is rotatable about a rotation axis with its axial direction along a direction orthogonal to the bottom portion, the turning portion being provided to the bottom portion. The turning portion supports the second supporting portion so that a distance between the wheel and the bottom portion can be changed, and a position of the wheel can be moved by a rotation of the turning portion in a state that the distance is maintained.
US07690446B2 Single cone rock bit having inserts adapted to maintain hole gage during drilling
A roller cone drill bit is disclosed which includes a bit body adapted to be coupled to a drill string. A bearing journal depends from the bit body. A single roller cone is rotatably attached to the bearing journal. The roller cone has a plurality of inserts disposed at selected positions about the cone. The journal defines a rotation angle with respect to an axis of rotation of the bit such that the roller cone includes a wall contact zone and a bottom contact zone. At least one of the inserts disposed in the wall contact zone has an extension portion terminating in a substantially planar upper surface.
US07690445B2 Oil contaminated substrate treatment method and apparatus
A method and apparatus for treating for disposal oil contaminated substrates, such as drill cuttings from drilling with an oil-based mud, by steam distillation. If necessary, the contaminated substrate 10 can be pretreated with an emulsion breaker 14. The contaminated substrate 10 can be treated with steam 16 in a first mixing still 12. The substrate can be optionally treated with a second steam source 20 in a second mixing still 18. The steam provides heat to vaporize the oil, moisture to treat the substrate and water to the reaction mixture. Recoverable constituents in the vapor can be condensed in a vapor collection system 24. The treated substrate 22 is essentially free of oil and can have a controlled water content. The process exhibits low energy consumption, rapid treatment, compact equipment and a high degree of process control.
US07690443B2 Apparatus, system, and method for casing hole formation in radial drilling operations
The present application is directed to an apparatus for forming one or more holes in a wellbore casing, the apparatus comprising a deflector assembly and a drive assembly to drive said deflector assembly, wherein the deflector assembly may be optionally assembled at a surface of the wellbore prior to casing hole formation, and to methods employing the apparatus.
US07690439B2 Automatic latch for three point hitch quick coupler and PTO connection module
An automatically actuating apparatus for engaging an implement to an ASAE S278.6 three-point hitch quick coupler utilizing a pivoting motion about an upper hitch point and an automatic latching mechanism to engage and retain lower hitch pins that simplifies connection of an implement. The mechanism also includes a mechanism for automatically engaging the PTO driveline between a tractor and a powered implement as the implement is engaged with the hitch.
US07690437B2 Methods and apparatus for well construction
A method of constructing a well comprising a borehole drilled through underground formations, comprises: positioning at least one device on the outside of the tubular string (e.g. a drill string or casing string), the device being operable to move between first and second configurations; positioning a tubular string in the borehole with the device positioned in the annular space between the tubular string and the borehole wall in its first configuration so as to interact with the tubular string and the borehole while allowing borehole fluid to flow along the annular space and around the device; and operating the device so as to move it from its first configuration to expand into its second configuration in which it substantially fills at least part of the annular space so as to inhibit flow of fluids along the borehole in the space. Apparatus comprises: a string of tubular members; at least one device positioned on the outside of the string, the device being operable to expand between: (i) a first configuration in which, when the tubular string is positioned in the borehole with the device located in the annular space between the tubular string and the borehole wall, interacts with the tubular string and the borehole while allowing borehole fluid to flow along the annular space and around the device; and (ii) a second configuration in which it substantially fills at least part of the annular space so as to prevent flow of fluids along the borehole in the space.
US07690436B2 Pressure isolation plug for horizontal wellbore and associated methods
A wellbore pressure isolation apparatus is deployed in a wellbore and has a sealing element that can be activated to seal against an interior surface of a surrounding tubular. Once set, a ball valve in the apparatus restricts upward fluid communication through the apparatus, and another ball valve in the apparatus can restrict downward fluid communication through the apparatus. These ball valve can have disintegratable balls intended to disintegrate in wellbore conditions after different periods of time. To facilitate deployment of the apparatus in a horizontal section of the well bore, the apparatus has a plurality of rollers positioned on a distal end. In addition, the apparatus has a ring disposed about the body between the distal body portion and an adjacent body portion. The ring has an outside diameter at least greater than that of the adjacent body portion to facilitate pumping of the apparatus in the wellbore.
US07690435B2 Wellhead hold-down apparatus and method
An apparatus (100) and method for removably mounting a lubricator assembly (106) to a component of the wellhead stack. The component of the wellhead stack is an annular blowout preventer (BOP) (50). Tool and communication conduit lubrication and access to the wellbore without requiring activation of the packing element of the BOP (50).
US07690434B2 Offshore vessel mooring and riser inboarding system
There is disclosed an offshore vessel mooring and riser inboarding system (12) for a vessel (10) such as an FPSO or FSO. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first mooring element (16) adapted to be located in an offshore environment (18); a riser (20) adapted to be coupled to the first mooring element; a connector assembly (22) 11 adapted to be mounted on the vessel, the connector assembly comprising a second mooring element (28); and a transfer line (32) adapted to be coupled to the riser; wherein the first and second mooring elements are adapted to be connected to facilitate coupling of the riser and the transfer line; and wherein the connector assembly is adapted to permit relative rotation between the vessel and the first mooring element about three mutually perpendicular axes of rotation. This facilitates weathervaning of the vessel relative to the first mooring element, as well as pitch, roll, heave and surge, under applied wind, wave and/or tidal forces.
US07690432B2 Apparatus and methods for utilizing a downhole deployment valve
Methods and apparatus for utilizing a downhole deployment valve (DDV) to isolate a pressure in a portion of a bore are disclosed. The DDV system can include fail safe features such as selectively extendable attenuation members for decreasing a falling object's impact, a normally open back-up valve member for actuation upon failure of a primary valve member, or a locking member to lock a valve member closed and enable disposal of a shock attenuating material on the valve member. Actuation of the DDV system can be electrically operated and can be self contained to operate automatically downhole without requiring control lines to the surface. Additionally, the actuation of the DDV can be based on a pressure supplied to an annulus.
US07690431B2 Methods for controlling migration of particulates in a subterranean formation
Methods comprising: providing a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore wherein the well bore comprises perforated casing that comprises a plurality of perforations, providing an acidic treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and an acid composition, placing the acidic treatment fluid in the well bore in a manner that allows the acidic treatment fluid to reduce debris present in the perforations, providing a consolidating agent, and placing the consolidating agent in a near well bore region.
US07690430B1 Well casing extraction accessories and method
A tool for extracting well pipe casings resembles an enlarged pipe-thread tap. The tool is designed to be suspended under and driven by the traveling rotary table and hydraulic vertical drive system of a conventional drilling rig. By this means, well pipe casings are withdrawn from wells by engaging the tops of such well pipe casings, and unlike the prior art, which grapples well pipe casings at their very bottom, and at the end of a cable. Unlike withdrawing casing by a cable pull, wherein cables stretch and unstuck casings might launch like projectiles, the extractor tool manages to withdraw well pipe casing in a recoilless manner, which is more controlled, and safer.
US07690429B2 Methods of using a swelling agent in a wellbore
In an embodiment, a sealant composition comprising a swelling agent is displaced into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation to maintain isolation of the formation. The sealant composition may be displaced into a permeable zone through which fluid can undesirably migrate. In another embodiment, the sealant composition comprising the swelling agent is displaced into the wellbore to reduce a loss of a fluid to the formation during circulation of the fluid in the wellbore. The fluid may be, for example, a drilling fluid, a secondary sealant composition, a fracturing fluid, or combinations thereof. The sealant composition may be displaced into a flow pathway through which fluid can undesirably migrate into the formation. In both embodiments, the swelling agent contacts water such that it swells and thereby reduces fluid flow through the permeable zone/flow pathway. The swelling agent may comprise a crosslinked co-polymer.
US07690426B2 Method of repairing failed gravel packs
The invention is directed to controlling sand production in an oil and/or gas well. A preferred embodiment of the invention is directed to repairing a downhole screen by pumping neutrally buoyant resin coated material into a damaged portion of a gravel pack screen and also into any void behind the damaged portion of the screen. The neutrally buoyant resin provides for the repair of a portion of the screen even if the damaged portion is located on the uphole side of a deviated well. Any excess resin coated material may subsequently be removed from the central passageway of the screen and then circulated to the surface because the resin coated material is neutrally buoyant. Neutrally buoyant resin may be pumped into a well that does not have a sand control system. The porous neutrally buoyant resin allows production of hydrocarbons, but prevents production of sand into the well.
US07690424B2 Well bore anchors
A formation engaging member for use in an open hole anchor (10) is described. The formation engaging member has at least one first open hole surface engaging element (20) for penetrating a surface of an open hole, and at least one second open hole surface engaging element (22) for fractionally interacting with a surface of the open hole to form an interference engagement. A method of anchoring to a formation surface of an open hole and an anchor are also described.
US07690422B2 Drill-string connector
A connector (10) which provides a fluid tight connection between a fluid supply and a drill-string (4), the connector (10) comprising a piston-rod (20) and a cylinder (15), the piston-rod (20) having a seal at or towards its free end which is adapted to sealingly engage the drill-string (4) when the piston-rod (20) is at least partially extended from the cylinder (15).
US07690419B2 Porous media cold plate
A heat exchanger for cooling a heat generating device including a base having a recess with a base coolant inlet opening and a base coolant outlet opening. A porous core is positioned within the recess of the base, and has a core coolant inlet opening and a core coolant outlet opening that are arranged in corresponding relation with base coolant inlet opening and a base coolant outlet opening so as to be in fluid communication. A porous gasket is pinched between the porous core and the base.
US07690417B2 Thin cast strip with controlled manganese and low oxygen levels and method for making same
A method for making a thin cast strip with reduced meniscus marks includes assembling a pair of casting rolls laterally positioned to form a nip therebetween, preparing molten steel having a carbon content in the range of 0.01 to 0.3% by weight, a manganese content between 0.1 and 0.8% by weight, a silicon content between 0.05 and 0.5% by weight, a calcium content between 0.0008 and 0.004% by weight, an aluminum content between 2 and 500 ppm by weight, having a free oxygen content below about 50 ppm at 1600° C., forming a casting pool of the molten steel supported on casting surfaces of the casting rolls above the nip, and counter-rotating the casting rolls cause thin strip to be casted downwardly from the nip.
US07690415B2 Lifting control apparatus for window covering
A window covering lifting control apparatus includes a holding unit, a locating set and a pushbutton. The holding unit has a first spacer and a second spacer formed thereon that are spaced from each other. The spacers have two slots inclining downwards. The first spacer has a strut on one side to be coupled with a spring on an outer side. The locating set includes two gears, two locating rods, two locating heads and a spring assembly to hold the two gears between the spacers. The pushbutton is movably coupled on the strut of the holding unit to control movement of the two gears in the slots. The window lifting control apparatus can be installed in a lower elongated member to control retraction upward or extension downward of the window covering. The two gears of the locating set can engage with and latch a lift cord assembly to provide improved locating effect.
US07690403B2 Automatic liquid dispenser and automatic liquid dispensing method
An automatic liquid dispenser and automatic liquid dispensing method are disclosed capable of transmitting ultrasonic to an upper surface of a receptacle, and receiving the ultrasonic reflected from the upper surface of the receptacle to detect a receptacle height, whereby the receptacle height may be freely detected regardless of shape, material and surface state of the receptacle, and regardless of a position where the receptacle is placed.
US07690400B2 Noise reducing fluid passageways for fluid control devices
Trim disk assemblies for use in fluid flow control devices include a first disk and a second disk. An elongated void is formed in a surface of each of the first disk and the second disk. The second disk is aligned with the first disk to provide fluid communication between the void of the first disk and the void of the second disk, the void of the first disk being offset or staggered from the void of the second disk. The void of the first disk and the void of the second disk at least partially define a fluid passageway having a cross-sectional area characterized by increases and decreases in cross-sectional area, which define an expansion/contraction mechanism of the fluid passageway.
US07690399B2 High flow nozzle system for flow control in bladder surge tanks
A surge tank is sized to retain a volume of fluid. A fluid inlet/outlet port is attached to the tank, and an elastomeric bladder is disposed within the tank and separates the fluid from a volume of gas. A nozzle system is disposed within the tank and has a nozzle member comprising a first plurality of axially elongate perforations, and a second plurality of perforations. The nozzle member can extend a partial or complete distance with tank. The tank body includes a throat that extends outwardly from a portion of the tank adjacent the port, and a portion of the nozzle member comprising the first plurality of perforations is disposed within the throat. An annular space exists adjacent the nozzle member in the neck to facilitate the flow of solid constituent within the fluid from the tank and into the nozzle member.
US07690397B2 Digital rotary control valve
A valve includes a body having an interior and defining at least one inlet passageway and discharge passageway. The valve also includes a flow diverter disposed within the body between the inlet and discharge passageways to receive a fluid from the inlet passageway in an inlet direction. The diverter is adapted to discharge the fluid to at least one discharge passageway in a direction that differs from the inlet direction. The diverter is rotatable to vary the discharge direction. According to one embodiment, the discharge direction is substantially perpendicular to the inlet direction.
US07690395B2 Multi-mode hands free automatic faucet
A hands-free faucet comprises a proximity sensor, a logical control, a handle, a spout, and a touch control operably coupled to at least one of the spout and the handle.
US07690393B2 Irrigation system external water supply shutoff
The present subject matter relates to controlling water sources external to a structure and more particularly to an external water shutoff. One embodiment of the present subject matter includes an apparatus having an electrically operable valve placed on a water supply line internal to a structure between a location where the water supply line enters the structure and a location where the water supply line exits the structure, an auto-drain valve, and means for controlling the electrically operable valve, wherein the means for controlling is external to the structure, further wherein the means for controlling the electrically operable valve is communicatively connected to the electrically operable valve external to the structure.
US07690392B1 Cartridge and valve device for mixing effluent with liquid or solid using venturi
A mixing body for diverting a portion of a liquid, e.g., water flow, into a cartridge of fertilizers, fungicides, hormones, pesticides or the like to form effluent. The effluent is reintroduced to the water flow and goes to a downstream sprinkler or application system. The cartridge, which may contain liquid concentrate, is inserted into the mixing body, which has inlet and outlet one way valves that puncture a sealing layer of the cartridge. The diluted effluent exits through the outlet one way valve and is thus delivered to the irrigation system. The amount of effluent can be regulated by a needle valve that controls the amount of effluent exiting the manifold. The mixing body has a locking system to securely hold the cartridge in place. There is also a plate to protect a user from the sharp inlet and outlet valves when the cartridge is removed.
US07690387B2 Synthesis and incorporation of high-temperature ammonia-release agents in lit-end cigarettes
A tobacco smoking mixture and/or a cigarette wrapper with high-temperature ammonia-release agents therein are provided, wherein the high-temperature ammonia-release agents are present in an amount effective to reduce the cytotoxicity of gas phase or particulate matter formed during smoking of the cigarette. The high-temperature ammonia-release agents are capable of reducing the cyotoxicity of gas phase or particulate matter by evolving ammonia at temperatures greater than about 200° C., wherein the ammonia can interact with the particulate matter. Additionally, the high-temperature ammonia-release agents can be formed by heating an aqueous mixture of an iron precursor compound, an ammonia source compound and an acid.
US07690386B2 Intermediate wrapper and method of making
A tobacco product is formed by perforated cigar or shell, the shell comprising a sheet of material with an intermediate sheet, the sheet comprising tobacco leaves and/or homogenized tobacco paper. The cigar or shell is packaged for shipment to an end user or consumer. The cigar or shell remains in the rolled, shaped tube form inside the package. After the cigar or shell is removed from the package, a consumer can fill the cigar or shell with crushed tobacco leaves or other tobacco filler material of a favorite blend, thereby eliminating some steps in the making of a “roll-your-own” tobacco product. A liquid can be added to the cigar or shell to moisturize same. The liquid can include flavoring.
US07690385B2 Opposed seam electrically heated cigarette smoking system
An electrically heated cigarette smoking system includes a cigarette that is formed with a tobacco rod portion, a filter tube portion, a tobacco mat layer wrapped around the tobacco rod portion and the filter tube portion with opposite ends of the tobacco mat layer abutting along a seam parallel to the central axis of the cigarette and cigarette paper wrapped around the tobacco mat layer and bonded to itself along an overlapped seam that is offset from the seam of the tobacco mat layer. The method of manufacturing the cigarette includes wrapping the tobacco mat layer and the cigarette paper around the tobacco rod portion and the filter tube portion on a single, high-speed machine.
US07690382B2 System and method for salivary stones removal and joint arthroscopy
A method and probe device are presented, suitable for use in joint arthroscopy. A beam of pulsed laser radiation of a wavelength range of about 2700-3000 nm and a predetermined frequency of pulses is produced, directed to a joint region inside a fluid medium and maintained substantially focused on a treatment target within the joint region during a predetermined time period. By this, a tissue within the treatment target is effected by the laser radiation.
US07690381B2 Intervertebral prosthetic disc and method for installing using a guidewire
The present invention includes an intervertebral prosthetic disc, a method for installing a plate into an intervertebral space, and a method for installing a prosthetic disc into an intervertebral space. The intervertebral prosthetic disc can include a superior endplate and an inferior endplate, wherein at least one of the superior endplate and the inferior endplate is adapted to receive a guidewire. In the methods for installing a plate into an intervertebral space and for installing a prosthetic disc into an intervertebral space, a guidewire is used to facilitate installing plates onto vertebral bone endplates.
US07690379B2 Pressure indicator for positive pressure protection masks
A pressure indicator for positive pressure protection masks, including powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) that monitors and determines relative air pressure between the internal space of a protection mask and the ambient environment to alert users of negative or threshold level air pressure, and in turn, to ensure safe operation of the protection masks. The pressure indicator, which is incorporated in the mask, alerts users when the air pressure in the mask reaches a critical level by transmitting optical signals, auditory signals, vibrational signals or a combination thereof that are detectable by the user. The optical signals are projected into the user's line of vision either directly or through a head-up display. The pressure indicator may cause the signal to indicate a safe and danger mode, or may cause the signal to indicate only during a danger mode.
US07690377B2 High temperature solar receiver
The invention provides receivers which can be used to heat a working fluid to high temperature. In preferred embodiments, concentrated solar radiation is received and converted to heat at varying depths in the receiver such that multiple layers of surface are used to heat the working fluid. In addition, the depth-loading configuration helps to trap received heat to reduce radiant thermal loss.
US07690373B2 Paintball gun with readily-removable pneumatic assembly
A paintball gun having a quick-removal assembly for readily removing a pneumatic assembly from a chamber of the paintball gun body preferably includes a lift cap hingedly connected to an end of the pneumatic mechanism. A lift pin is preferably connected to the lift cap and removably engaged within a pin receptacle of the paintball gun body. Lifting of the lift cap preferably withdraws the lift pin from the pin receptacle and enables the pneumatic assembly to be removed from the paintball gun. A self-venting mechanism can also be provided to safely release compressed gas stored in the pneumatic assembly from the paintball gun during removal of the pneumatic assembly. A latching mechanism can latch the lift cap in a forward and closed position until a user desires to remove the assembly from the paintball gun. Slots can be arranged in the lift cap to permit rearward movement of the lift cap and to cause the lift cap to move away from a body of the paintball gun to allow rotational movement of the lift cap about a hinged axis.
US07690372B2 Eccentric elements for a compound archery bow
A pulley arrangement for a compound archery bow (100) that combines the forgiveness and symmetry of a “dual cam” system with the positive draw stop (hard wall), enforced synchronization (or built-in timing) between opposite pulley assemblies, and high let-off associated with “single cam” systems. The pulley rigging (112) includes only a single cable reference anchor to a limb (104, 106). Certain pulleys (108, 110) include rotating module portions (183, 214) effective to change the wrapped lengths of power and control cables (270, 272) to change draw length (LD) while the bow (100) is strung, and at a brace condition with the drawstring (116) under full tension, and without changing the timing of the pulley members (108, 110), or changing the lengths of rigging members (112). Certain embodiments include a resilient element (196) in a positive draw stop (194) to reduce noise as the draw stop (194) engages a rigging element (270). A resilient element (206) adapted to reduce drawstring vibration may further be included, in one or more pulleys, and arranged to contact the drawstring (116) as the pulleys (108, 100) over-rotate. A preferred mounting arrangement employs a flanged bearing assembly (200) to resist bearing walk relative to the pulley on which the bearing assembly (200) is installed. Certain preferred embodiments of pulleys (108, 110) include a spiral cam shape at a let-off portion of the string cams (150, 210).
US07690369B2 Fuel pressure controlling device of engine
A fuel pressure controlling device for an engine is provided including a fuel injection device, an ignition device, a catalyst for removing pollutants from engine exhaust. A controller selects a combustion mode from at least a homogeneous combustion mode fuel is injected the intake stroke and the fuel is ignited before compression top dead center. The fuel injection device injects the fuel based on a target fuel pressure according to the selected combustion mode. The controller detects whether or not a request is present for raising the temperature of the catalyst. In the homogenous combustion mode, when a request is present, the target fuel pressure is set to a first target fuel pressure, and when a request is not present, the target fuel pressure is set to a second target fuel pressure, the second target fuel pressure being lower than the first target fuel pressure.
US07690367B2 Internal combustion engine and vehicle having the internal combustion engine
An engine (internal combustion engine), in accordance with an embodiment, includes: a cylinder head disposed above a crankcase; a cylinder head cover attached to cover an upper side of the cylinder head; and an ignition plug provided with a plug part inserted into the cylinder head and a plug cap disposed outside the cylinder head cover. The cylinder head cover includes a gas passage formed in such a U-shape as to surround the plug cap of the ignition plug as viewed from an insertion side of the ignition plug, the gas passage allowing fuel gas (blow-by gas) containing oil to flow in from the crankcase.
US07690354B2 System and method for improving operation of a fuel injector at lower temperatures
A system and method to heat a fuel injector is described. Resistive heating may be selectively applied to improve the performance of a fuel injector. Specifically, current can be supplied to an electrically operable mechanical valve to improve the operation of the valve at lower temperatures. The method can improve engine performance and lower emissions, at least under some conditions.
US07690353B2 Synchronizing common rail pumping events with engine operation
Noise and vibrations associated with a common rail fuel system drive linkage are reduced by synchronizing a high pressure common rail supply pump with engine operation. This may be accomplished by selecting a linkage associated with a desired ratio of engine speed to pump speed along with selecting a number of pump plungers and cam lobes that results in synchronizing action of the pump with engine combustion events. In particular, a pattern of pumping events per engine cycle repeats during each engine cycle. In a more sophisticated version, the pattern of pumping events per engine cycle includes a sub-pattern of pumping events that repeats an integer number of times each engine cycle, where the integer number equals the number of engine cylinders.
US07690351B2 Throttle valve control device
To reduce cost and size of a throttle valve control device, one end 3a of a throttle valve shaft 3 fixedly has a throttle valve lever 5 energized in valve opening direction by a throttle valve lever open spring 8, and rotatably has a drive gear 6 connected to a motor gear 9, a limp opening control lever 15 is fixed at another end 13b of a drum shaft 13 axially supported by a first cover 12, an accelerator drum 14 energized in valve closing direction by a drum close spring 16 is fixed at one end 12a, a first opening directional end face 5a of the throttle valve lever 5 is provided facing a limp opening control end face 15b, and a second opening directional end face 5b of the throttle valve lever 5 is provided facing a drive pin 6a of the drive gear 6.
US07690350B2 Method and device for controlling an internal combustion engine with variable valve lift and motor vehicle equipped therewith
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine with variable valve lift has the following steps: Determining the pressure in the intake manifold; predetermining the pressure in the intake manifold following a changeover of the valve lift; determining a selection criterion for a valve lift to be set; and setting that valve lift at which the higher pressure is reached in the intake manifold, unless the selection criterion requires the use of the valve lift at which the lower pressure is reached in the intake manifold.
US07690344B2 Method and apparatus for supporting stop-and-go engine functionality
A vehicle includes a direct-start engine and a fuel rail with a threshold fuel pressure, a transmission having a threshold fluid pressure, and a fuel delivery system. The system has a controller, a motor having a shaft, and an integrated pump assembly including a high-pressure (HP) fuel pump and a low-pressure (LP) fluid pump each connected to the shaft. Threshold pressures are maintained during the predetermined engine state, which includes an engine idling and an engine cranking state. A method for providing stop-and-go functionality in a vehicle having a direct-start engine includes detecting a current engine state, rotating a motor shaft to energize a secondary HP fuel pump at a first threshold pressure during engine cranking, and rotating the shaft to energize an LP fluid pump at a second threshold pressure during engine idling and engine cranking. The secondary pumps can also be used when primary pumps are temporarily inoperable.
US07690336B2 Adaptive miller cycle engine
A Miller cycle combustion engine capable of operating on multiple fuel types, and a method of operating the engine, is provided. The engine includes a fuel type determiner to determine the fuel type, and a compression adjustor to adjust the compression of a first cylinder of the engine to match the requirement of the determined fuel type. The compression adjustor is a variable valve timing system that provides a maximum compression when a fuel type requiring maximum compression is determined, and that advances or retards the opening of the intake valve to provide lower compression when a fuel type requiring lower compression is determined.
US07690333B2 System and method for the co-generation of fuel having a closed-loop energy cycle
A system is provided that draws heat from an open-loop engine cycle into a closed-loop working fluid circulatory system that utilizes computer-aided feedback mechanisms. The closed-loop working fluid draws engine heat from multiple sources: exhaust stack gases, the engine block, the engine transmission, and the engine headers and exhaust manifold near the valves. Heat exchangers are arranged in an ascending pattern according to the temperature of the heat at each heat generating location of the open-loop engine cycle. A wankel or similar type engine receives the heated working fluid and rotates a shaft connected to a generator to generate electricity. An electrolysis unit is powered by the generated electricity and separates water into hydrogen and oxygen. A reformation unit receives fuel such as diesel and the generated hydrogen to reform the fuel prior to injection into the engine for combustion. Oxygen from hydrolysis is combined with ambient air to increase combustion efficiency and reduce harmful emissions.
US07690330B2 Aquaculture raceway with waste removal section
Waste removal from raceways for raising aquatic animals is improved by providing a waste removal section at the downstream end of the raceways whereby the waste removal section is separated from the rest of the raceway by a vertical or near vertical screen. The mesh size of the screen is sufficient for the waste to pass through but not allow the aquatic animals to pass through. The natural flow of water through the raceway carries the waste material downstream within the raceway. A perforated pipe in the bottom of the waste removal section provides the outlet for the waste removal. A waste control valve connected to the perforated pipe controls the flow of the waste out of the waste removal section. Optional freeze protection for the waste control valve is provided.
US07690328B2 Milk conveyer device
The invention relates to a milk conveyer device (100) for an animal. The milk conveyer device is to be implemented in a milking arrangement which comprises a milk storage reservoir (101) coupled to a milking attachment for attaching to an animal to be milked through a main milk conduit (103, 105). A sample element (109, 111) extracts milk, which is collected in a sample reservoir (115, 117). The sample reservoir (115,117) is connected to an analysis element (129) through an analysis conduit (123, 125). During the flow of the milk from the sample reservoir to the analysis element (129), the milk itself provides a cleaning effect. The flow is initially at a high flow rate and later at a reduced flow rate. A plurality of analysis conduits (123, 125) are connected to the analysis element (129), which comprises a selector unit (127), which couples milk from one of the analysis conduits (123, 125) to the analysis element (129). The device provides a self-cleaning effect and a low carry-over of milk between two successive milking operations, i.e. between the milk of two different animals.
US07690322B2 Pole/finger flag assembly
A flag capable of being unfurled or crested in the wind by use of a finger or flagpole comprising: first means for attaching the flag to a finger on a hand, and adjoining second means attached to the first means for attaching the flag to a flagpole; wherein the first means for attaching the flag to a finger comprises panels that sandwich an end section of the flag comprising a tubular member integrally attached to the panels, the tubular member having an inside diameter in an unstretched mode less than the outside diameter of a finger; and the adjoining tubular second means comprises a member for attaching the flag to a flagpole, the adjoining tubular member having an inside diameter in an unstretched mode less than the outside diameter of the flagpole.
US07690319B2 Anchoring system and method
An apparatus for docking and/or mooring vehicles, particularly water craft and for restraining loads in truck beds or trailers. The apparatus utilizes ropes or cables in housing unit that provides for the extension and retraction of the rope or cables preferably without the need of electrical or manual cranks. The housings are adaptable to be mounted on the vehicle or at an attachment or docking location and are biased to retract but may contain stops or cleats for manually tying off and thus stopping the extension or retraction of the rope or cable. The housings may be further adapted to be flush mounted in relation to surrounding surfaces.
US07690317B2 Computer workstation with moveable monitor support
A computer workstation includes a worksurface moveable a first distance between first and second worksurface positions and a monitor support coupled to the worksurface. At least one of the worksurface and the monitor support is automatically moveable in response to a movement of the other of the worksurface and the monitor support. The monitor support is moveable a second distance between first and second monitor positions as the worksurface is moved the first distance between the first and second worksurface positions, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance. A method of adjusting the position of a monitor support on a computer workstation is also provided.
US07690313B2 Cableway system with a safety device
A chairlift has chairs for conveying persons. The chairs may be detachably fastened to a haulage and conveying cable. A closing bar can be moved from a closed position into an open position and is mechanically connected by way of a Bowden cable or the like to a lever which interacts with rails that are arranged at the entry and exit of a station of the cableway system. In order to check whether the closing bar is completely opened or closed, a sensor for detecting the position of the actuating device is arranged in the region of the end of the rails as viewed in the conveying direction of the cable.
US07690312B2 Tungsten-iron projectile
A projectile, including a compacted and sintered mixture of a plurality of tungsten particles and a plurality of iron particles. At least a portion of the plurality of iron particles are bonded together, and no intermetallic compounds or alloys of the tungsten particles and iron particles are formed during the compaction and sintering processes. The final density of the projectile is from about 8.1 grams per cubic centimeter to about 12.1 grams per cubic centimeter, and no substantial densification occurs during sintering. A method of producing such a projectile is also disclosed.
US07690306B1 Use of barite in perforating devices
Disclosed are barite compositions. The barite compositions may be utilized for manufacturing perforator devices, including casing and liner components.
US07690301B2 Ink composition, inkjet recording method, printed material, production method of a planographic printing plate and planographic printing plate
An ink composition including a cationically polymerizable compound (a), a compound (b) that generates acid by irradiation with a radiation ray, and a basic compound (c) that becomes less basic by irradiation with a radiation ray. Also, an inkjet recording method and a printed material using the ink composition, as well as a planographic printing plate obtained by using the ink composition and a method of producing the planographic printing plate are disclosed.
US07690297B1 Baler tie feed apparatus
A baler tie feed apparatus is provided having a compaction chamber, a platen and a door, wherein aligned channels are defined within the top and bottom of the compaction chamber, the platen and the door so as to define a plurality of continuous open channels surrounding a bale of compacted material having horizontal top and bottom portions and vertical front and rear portions. A tie feed apparatus is provided which comprises a plurality of elongate tie engaging members, each of which engages tying media inserted through the top and rear portions of the channels and is advanced to thread the tying media through the bottom portion of the channels.
US07690296B2 Waste baling method and apparatus
A method and associated apparatus designed to effectively twist and cut baling wire during the baling process. The apparatus includes a twister assembly that has a plurality of gear-driven twister heads. During the baling process the twister assembly extends from a slide housing so that the twister heads engage and twist adjacent strands of baling wire. The twister assembly then retracts back into the slide housing so that the twisted portion of the baling wire is cut by a cutting assembly attached to the slide housing.
US07690295B2 Method for producing wash-free rice and apparatus therefor
The present invention provides a method for producing wash-free rice which does not require washing before cooking. The method comprises the following steps: preparing polished rice from brown rice polished by a built-in rice polishing machine and sifted by a built-in sifting machine and/or polished rice from outside sources; preparing rice polishing bran (parched bran) used as an abrasive; preparing a mixture consisting of the polished rice and the abrasive in a desired ratio; stirring the mixture in a tank by revolving stirring blades such that the polished rice and the abrasive are mutually rubbed in order to strip sticking bran including skin bran and foreign debris from the surfaces of the rice grains; sifting the stirred mixture in order to separate bran from the rice; separating residual sticking bran and foreign debris from rice grains in order to obtain finished wash-free rice; and recovering the separated bran for recycling as the abrasive.
US07690293B2 Coupling system for use with fluid displacement apparatus
A magnetic coupling system may be used in a fluid displacement apparatus to magnetically couple a drive shaft to a piston. The magnetic coupling system may include first and second magnetic couplers at the ends of the drive shaft and piston, respectively. The second magnetic coupler is configured to magnetically engage the first magnetic coupler and configured to mechanically engage the first magnetic coupler if the couplers disengage magnetically.
US07690289B2 Missile launcher
A missile launcher including a forward support for supporting a forward portion of a missile, and an aft support for supporting an aft portion of the missile where the forward support is arranged to swing clear of the aft portion of the missile during the initial period of its launching run where the forward support comprises a roll member being in the shape of a segment of a circle and pivoted at the circle center, wherein the perimeter of the roll member is arranged to make frictional contact to the missile fuselage in order to confer mechanical energy to the roll member to make the member to swing clear of the aft portion of the missile during the initial period of the missile's launching run.
US07690284B2 Safe lancet disposer
The object of this invention is to provide a safe lancet disposer which prevents a lancet, having been used for blood collection, from being reused, thus preventing secondary infection and cross infection. The safe lancet disposer (100) of the present invention includes a cutting unit (110) which cuts an end of a needle of a lancet, a receiving unit (140) which is disposed under the cutting unit (110) to receive therein the cut end of the needle, and an operating unit (170) which is rotatably mounted to the receiving unit (140) and operates the cutting unit (110). The cutting unit (110) has an insertion plate (112), a support plate (118) and a cutting plate (128). The receiving unit (140) has a receiving housing (142) and a receiving container (160). The operating unit (170) has an operating lever (172).
US07690274B2 Pipette with a tip removing mechanism
The invention relates to a pipette, comprising a tip remover element which, upon moving it against a tip, disengages the tip. The remover element is operated with a mechanism, comprising a rotatable ramp member which is provided with a circle-forming ramp surface, including one or more segments within which the ramp surface has a high point and a low point, whereby the ramp surface, upon rotating through a single segment, forces the remover element first to move against the tip and then allows it to return.
US07690269B2 Coriolis flow meter having bearings for mounting the measuring tube in the region of the oscillation nodes
There is described a mass flow meter which operates on the Coriolis principle. A measuring tube is mounted in a chamber, which is provided with at least two openings for directing the medium to and from the respective end of the measuring tube. The mounting of the measuring tube is arranged between the two tube ends at an axial distance from them. It is preferably at an oscillation node of the first bending mode. The mounting arranged at an axial distance from the tube ends has the advantage that thermal expansions have virtually no influence on the internal mechanical stress conditions of the measuring tube, and consequently scarcely influence the measurement result. The mass flow meter can be used with particular advantage for gaseous media.
US07690268B2 Method and device for the continuous gravimetric metering of flowing materials for burner systems
A method for the continuous gravimetric metering of flowing materials for burner systems, in which the instantaneous mass flow is determined and metering occurs by means of a metering unit can be achieved by means of determination of the type of flowing material. The instantaneous heat output for the flowing material is determined from the type of flowing material and the heat capacity thereof and the mass flow determination. The output from the metering device is regulated to match the set feed rate, depending on the instantaneous heat output. In addition, a device for the continuous gravimetric metering of flowing materials for burner systems comprises a metering unit by means of which the flowing material can be metered. Also provided is a material recognition system for determining the type of the flowing material, an arithmetic unit for determining the instantaneous heat output of the flowing material and a metering controller by means of which the output from the metering unit is regulated to match the set feed rate, depending on the instantaneous heat output.
US07690265B2 Constant moment testing device for elongated members
A testing device applies a load controlled bending moment which is constant along a length of an elongated member. The testing device also includes a drive system which rotates the elongated member while the bending load is applied to rapidly find defects which may only appear at a particular rotational position to determine whether the bending stiffness is uniform about the entire diameter of the elongated member.
US07690264B2 Method and apparatus for applying bending load to an axle of an aircraft landing gear
Apparatus for applying bending load to an axle of an aircraft landing gear. The apparatus comprises a dummy wheel having a dummy wheel bearing; and a load tool having a convex outer surface which is configured to engage the dummy wheel when in use so as to bend the axle via the dummy wheel bearing. The dummy wheel is shaped to enable it to roll over the convex outer surface of the load tool as the axle bends. The load tool has a load tool bearing which permits the load tool to move as it bends the axle. One or more sensors are provided to sense the load applied to the axle; and one or more sensors are provided to sense the response of the axle to the applied load.
US07690262B2 Pressure sensor device including temperature sensor contained in common housing
A pressure sensor device includes a temperature sensor mounted on a common housing composed of a resin head and a resin pipe both hermetically connected to each other. The pressure sensor device is mounted on, for example, on an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine to measure an amount of air supplied to the engine based on detected pressure and temperature of the air. A pressure sensor is mounted on the resin head, and a temperature sensor element is supported in the resin pipe. A lead wire of the temperature sensor element such as a thermistor is electrically connected to a conductor bar embedded in the resin pipe. The temperature sensor is directly exposed to the air in the intake manifold, and a size of the temperature sensor and the lead wire is made small to make a response speed of the temperature sensor element high.
US07690258B2 Buried pipe examining method
An impact elastic wave test is conducted to measure propagating waves in a pipe to be examined, a frequency spectrum of the propagating waves is analyzed, and at least a spectral area value in a first frequency region and a spectral area value in a second frequency region of the frequency spectrum are evaluated, thereby determining a type of a deteriorated state of the buried pipe. A correlation relationship between a parameter obtained from a force-deformation relationship indicating a relationship between a force externally input to a sample pipe and a deformation of the sample pipe due to the force, and impact elastic wave test data obtained by conducting an impact elastic wave test with respect to the sample pipe is previously obtained, an impact elastic wave test is conducted with respect to a pipe to be examined to collect impact elastic wave measurement data of the pipe to be examined, and the actually measured impact elastic wave measurement data is evaluated based on the correlation relationship, thereby quantitatively determining a degree of deterioration of the pipe to be examined.
US07690257B2 Method and device for checking a welding seam present at one of the interior surfaces of a reactor pressure vessel
In a method and a device for testing a weld seam (8), located on the inner surface of a reactor pressure vessel (2), by which the outer circumference of an instrumentation nozzle (4) leading into the interior of this reactor pressure vessel (2) is welded onto the reactor pressure vessel (2), an ultrasound test probe (20) with a linear ultrasound transducer array (30) is inserted into the instrumentation nozzle (4), which ultrasound transducer array (30) is parallel to the central axis (12) of the instrumentation nozzle (4) in terms of its longitudinal direction, and is used to couple a transmitted ultrasound signal (S) into the instrumentation nozzle (4) in the region of the weld seam (8) and to receive a reflected ultrasound signal (R).
US07690256B2 Sensing device
To provide a Colpitts oscillation circuit formed with a quartz resonator and a transistor amplifier circuit, which can secure sufficient negative resistance, obtain stable oscillation, negate the need for an amplitude control circuit, and realize stabilization against temperature variations. In order to solve the problem, a structure in which the impedance of a tuning circuit provided in a collector of the transistor exhibits inductivity at the oscillation frequency is provided. The impedance ratio at the oscillation frequency of a capacitor C2 connected between a base and an emitter to a capacitor C3 connected between the emitter and a ground, of the transistor is set at 3 to 1 or more. Furthermore, the impedance of capacity C2 connected between the base and the emitter at the oscillation frequency is set at 300 Ω or more. A bias resistance R1 connected between the collector and the base of the transistor is set at 3 kΩ or less. A temperature compensation diode D1 is inserted in series between the base and the ground (GND) between the transistor.
US07690255B2 Three-axis inertial sensor and method of forming
A three-axis inertial sensor and a process for its fabrication using an silicon-on-oxide (SOI) wafer as a starting material. The SOI wafer has a first conductive layer separated from a second conductive layer by an insulative buried oxide (BOX) layer. The SOI wafer is fabricated to partially define in its first conductive layer at least portions of proof masses for z, x, and y-axis sensing devices of the sensor. After a conductive deposited layer is deposited and patterned to form a suspension spring for the proof mass of the z-axis sensing device, the SOI wafer is bonded to a substrate that preferably carries interface circuitry for the z, x, and y-axis devices, with the SOI wafer being oriented so that its first conductive layer faces the substrate. Portions of the BOX layer are then etched to fully release the proof masses.
US07690254B2 Sensor with position-independent drive electrodes in multi-layer silicon on insulator substrate
A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) includes a housing defining an enclosed cavity, stator tines extending from the housing into the cavity, a MEMS device located within the cavity, the MEMS device including a proof mass and rotor tines extending from the proof mass, each rotor tine being positioned at a capacitive distance from a corresponding stator tine. The rotor tines include a first section extending a first distance from an insulating layer of the rotor tines and a second section extending a second distance from the insulating layer in an opposite direction from the first section. The stator tines include a first section extending a first distance from an insulating layer of the stator tines and a second section extending a second distance from the insulating layer in an opposite direction from the first section, the stator tine first distance being greater than the rotor tine first distance.
US07690251B2 Marine reversing gear assembly
The present invention provides a marine reversing gear assembly, wherein a manual directional control valve 7a and an electromagnetic directional control valve 7b for a forward/reverse directional control valve 7 for hydraulic oil supply circuit 10 have a common structure of an oil line joint surface for the hydraulic oil supply circuit 10 for friction discs of a forward clutch 2f and a reverse clutch 2a, and the forward/reverse directional control valve 7 for the hydraulic oil supply circuit 10 can be changed to either the manual directional control valve 7a or the electromagnetic directional control valve 7b by exchanging spools 7c or 7e of the manual directional control valve 7a or the electromagnetic directional control valve 7b. Therefore, the operational manner of the forward/reverse directional control valve for the hydraulic oil supply line of a marine reversing gear assembly can be changed quite easily between the manual directional control valve and the electromagnetic directional control valve.
US07690248B2 Measurement of paper stack topography
This is a probe that can be used to measure any curl on a stack of sheets in a sheet stacking tray. In printing systems including electrophotographic systems, sheets tend to curl on edge portions. This curl can adversely affect the final copy and copies fed to finishing stations.This probe lightly contacts the upper stack surface and detects sheet curl especially on the edge portions of the stack. The probe measures deviations of the surface as compared to a starting point defined on the terminal edge of the stack. The information provided by the probe is then fed to a user or controlled for transmission to a correcting apparatus.
US07690247B1 Autonomous biobuoy for detecting a characteristic of a marine biosphere and method of assembling the biobuoy
Autonomous biobuoy for detecting a characteristic of a marine biosphere and method of assembling the biobuoy. An autonomous biobuoy is provided for detecting a characteristic of a marine biosphere, comprising a detector assembly for detecting the characteristic of the marine biosphere, the detector assembly capable of generating a detector assembly output signal responsive to the characteristic detected thereby and a transmitter coupled to said detector assembly for broadcasting the detector assembly output signal.
US07690234B2 Tip tool guide apparatus and method for bringing in tip tool guide apparatus
A tip tool guide apparatus is brought into a water chamber of a steam generator of nuclear power equipment, and guides a tip tool, such as a shot peening head, along a necessary region. For this purpose, a tip tool guide apparatus 1000 is composed of a swivel support portion 100, a slide table 200, and a manipulator 300. The swivel support portion 100 is self-supported and fixed within the water chamber, and turns the slide table 200 connected thereto. The slide table 200 connects the manipulator 300, and moves the manipulator 300 slidingly in a fore-and-aft direction. The manipulator 300 grasps the tip tool at its leading end. For bringing into the water chamber, the swivel support portion 100, the slide table 200, and the manipulator 300 are separated from each other, brought in individually, and assembled within the water chamber to constitute the tip tool guide apparatus 1000.
US07690232B2 Locking device with a locking cylinder and a key
A locking device having a locking cylinder and a key. The locking cylinder includes a cylinder core with tumblers in a cylinder core, which is rotatably mounted in a cylinder housing. Standard coding for the key is produced by a step with longitudinal profiling on at least one flat side of the edge profile of the key, said step being associated with a counter step on the tumbler. In addition to the standard coding produced by step and counter step, the key has at least one set of beveled edge coding in a corner section of the edge profile. The beveled edged coding consists of recesses in the form of beveled cuts in the corresponding corner sections of the edge profile, relative to which are provided counter touching points in the corresponding tumbler. In a section of the key shaft, either the standard coding or beveled edge coding can optionally be used, thereby considerably increasing the diversity of the locking device while retaining the space-saving design.
US07690230B2 Housing for electronic lock
A housing assembly adapted to fit into a mortised recess in a door is provided for accommodating components of an electronic lock mechanism. The housing assembly comprises a housing including opposed major side walls at least partially defining an opening into the housing. A circuit board comprising electronic circuitry for operating the lock mechanism is disposed in the housing. A bracket for holding batteries is adapted to be disposed in the opening in the housing. The bracket is accessible when the housing is in the mortised recess of the door such that the bracket is movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position. In the first position the bracket is in the housing and in the second position the bracket is at least partially outside of the housing such that batteries may be inserted into or removed from the bracket.
US07690227B2 Drum type washer
A drum type washer is provided in which replacement of a washing ball provided in a drum lift device may be simplified, and in which a volume of the drum may be increased. The washer may include a tub, a drum rotatably provided within the tub, and a lift provided within the drum. The lift may include a base detachably coupled to an inner surface of the drum and a cover detachably coupled to the base. An exposing hole may be formed in a surface of the cover to expose a portion of the washing ball positioned between the cover and the base. A width of the cover may be gradually decreased from a rear end portion to a front end portion thereof so as to minimize a size of the lift and increase an interior volume of the drum.
US07690226B2 Washing machine and method for manufacturing door thereof
A washing machine and a method of manufacturing a door thereof are provided. The washing machine may include a door rotatably coupled to a cabinet, and a door ring positioned on the cabinet at an external circumference of the door to reinforce a rigidity of the cabinet and to improve an external appearance of the washing machine.
US07690219B2 Vapor compression refrigerating systems and modules which comprise a heat exchanger disposed within a gas-liquid separator
A module, such as a module configured to be used in a refrigeration system, includes a gas-liquid separator which is configured to receive a first refrigerant, to separate the first refrigerant into a gas portion of the first refrigerant and a liquid portion of the first refrigerant, and to transmit the gas portion of the first refrigerant. The module also includes a heat exchanger which is configured to receive a second refrigerant and to exchange heat between the second refrigerant and the gas portion of the first refrigerant and/or the liquid portion of the first refrigerant. Moreover, the heat exchanger is disposed within the gas-liquid separator.
US07690216B2 Oil separator for air conditioners
Disclosed herein is an oil separator for air conditioners that is capable of separating oil from refrigerant. The oil separator comprises a shell having a cylindrical space defined therein, a refrigerant introduction pipe for introducing refrigerant into the shell, a refrigerant discharge pipe for discharging the refrigerant out of the shell, and oil-drop growth accelerating member for accelerating growth of oil drops contained in the refrigerant flowing in the shell.
US07690214B2 Micro-spray cooling system
A micro-spray cooling system for a plurality of heat sources includes an evaporator contacting the heat sources and comprising a plurality of actuators corresponding to the heat sources, a condenser connected to the evaporator, and at least one driving circuit connected to the actuators to drive some or all of the actuators sequentially according to a predetermined timing to cool the heat sources. The refrigerant in the evaporator is sprayed by the actuators to thermally contact the heat sources, evaporated by heat from the heat sources, condensed in the condenser and re-enters the evaporator.
US07690213B2 Waste heat utilization device and control method thereof
A waste heat utilization device includes a refrigeration cycle having a compressor, a Rankine cycle using a condenser in common with the refrigeration cycle, and a control unit which controls operation of the refrigeration cycle and the Rankine cycle. The control unit performs a continuation control of the Rankine cycle, in which the Rankine cycle is continuously operated regardless of an operation state of the compressor, when a load of the refrigeration cycle is lower than a predetermined load. In contrast, the control unit performs an intermittent control of the Rankine cycle, in which the Rankine cycle is intermittently operated in accordance with the operation state of the compressor such that the mechanical energy recovered by the expansion unit is larger than a driving energy of the compressor.
US07690211B2 Refrigerating apparatus
To provide a refrigerating apparatus that can control the supercooling degree of liquid refrigerant irrespective of changes in circulating refrigerant amounts in a refrigeration cycle, a refrigerating apparatus includes a refrigeration cycle having one or more compressors or inverter compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator; a liquid introduction circuit that guides decompressed refrigerant obtained by extracting one part of high pressure liquid refrigerant from the refrigeration cycle and decompressing, to a supercooling heat exchanger provided in the refrigeration cycle to perform heat transfer between the decompressed refrigerant and high pressure liquid refrigerant, and then introduces the refrigerant into refrigerant for intake into the compressors or inverter compressor or an intermediate pressure part of these compressors; a controller controlling shutdown of the compressors or driving frequencies of the inverter compressor based on suction pressure detection values with respect to pressure setting values for suction pressure of the compressors or inverter compressor; and a flow controller controlling the amount of high pressure liquid refrigerant flowing through the liquid introduction circuit based on the circulating volume of refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle.
US07690207B2 Gas turbine floating collar arrangement
A crack-resistant floating collar mounting arrangement is provided comprising a collar mounted between spaced-apart mounting flanges, the flange being fixed to a dome from an outer surface unexposed to the hot combustor temperatures.
US07690204B2 Method of maintaining a fuel Wobbe index in an IGCC installation
A method of reducing a modified Wobbe index of a fuel stream fed to diffusion combustors of a gas turbine that is used in connection with an IGCC installation in which a nitrogen stream is fed into the head ends of the combustor of NOx control and the modified Wobbe index of the fuel stream has been increased in an amount that is greater than at least about 10 percent of a design Wobbe index for the fuel to be fed to the gas turbine. The reason for the increase is the conversion of the carbon monoxide within the fuel stream to hydrogen and carbon dioxide by a water gas shift reaction and subsequent removal of the carbon dioxide. The nitrogen stream is maintained at the same level both with and without conversion and subsequent removal of carbon atoms. The nitrogen stream is divided to subsidiary streams that are respectively fed into the head end of the combustors and that are mixed with a fuel to lower the modified Wobbe index to acceptable levels for the gas turbine.
US07690203B2 Removable diffusion stage for gas turbine engine fuel nozzle assemblages
A gas turbine engine fuel nozzle assemblage (10) comprises a nozzle outer body (25) comprising a premixing section (23) and an interiorly disposed first fuel passageway (22) to supply fuel to the premixing section (23), and more interiorly a central channel (33) comprising an inlet (30) from an air supply, an aperture (19) at an upstream end to receive a lance (18), and a downstream-disposed annular bearing surface (21) adapted to slidingly engage the lance, the fuel nozzle assemblage adapted so that the lance may be alternatably selected as any interchangeable one of a gas lance, an oil lance, and a non-fueling dummy lance. Between the lance and the central channel (33) is formed a cooling fluid passageway (24) that is in fluid communication with the inlet (30) and one or more cooling fluid passageway exits (60). The interchangeability of the lances (18) is effective to provide a desired flexible functionality to said fuel nozzle assemblage. The architecture of the fuel nozzle assemblage (10) may be utilized for higher level architectures of benefit to gas turbine engine facilities.
US07690202B2 Mobile gas turbine engine and generator assembly
A method for supplying power to a remote load includes coupling a gas turbine engine to a vessel that is not used to provide propulsion for the vessel, coupling a generator to the gas turbine engine, coupling an intercooler system downstream from a first compressor such that compressed air discharged from the first compressor is channeled therethrough, the intercooler system includes an intercooler and a first heat exchanger, channeling a first working fluid through the intercooler to facilitate reducing an operating temperature of air discharged from the intercooler to a second compressor, channeling a second working fluid flowing through the first heat exchanger to extract energy from the first working fluid to facilitate reducing an operating temperature of the first working fluid, and operating the gas turbine engine and generator to supply power to a load that is located remotely from the vessel.
US07690201B2 Method of efficiency and emissions performance improvement for the simple steam cycle
A method for improvement of a fossil fuel energy conversion into electrical energy for the simple sub- and supercritical steam cycle is proposed through introduction of additional regenerative cycle duties to improve the evaporation rate per unit of fuel burned, thus minimizing condenser heat loss of the working media. The additional duties provide a supplemental energy credit in the form of heat input to a steam generator where a modified combustion process is realized to convert fossil fuel into carbon monoxide and hydrogen at atmospheric pressure and thus achieving an essential reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) formation. The additional duties also involve a direct contact heat transfer to recover latent and thermal energy, contained in the discharged combustion products to provide yet another energy credit that satisfies both conventional and/or added regenerative cycle duties. A water surplus is also achieved in the said process of heat recovery from the combustion products to significantly improve water usage of the simple steam plant. The proposed heat recovery process also minimizes coolant usage while achieving a complete water recovery from combustion products and maintaining draft capabilities in the stack.
US07690192B2 Compact, high performance swirl combustion rocket engine
A rocket engine includes a combustor assembly for carrying out a combustion process of fuel and oxidizer rocket propellants to produce thrust. A swirl generator is positioned within the combustor assembly to produce a turbulent flowfield of the fuel and oxidizer rocket propellants within the combustor assembly.
US07690188B2 Combination engines for aircraft
An engine combination for generating forces with a gas turbine engine generating force, and an internal combustion engine provided in the combination as an intermittent combustion engine generating force having an air intake, there being an air transfer duct connected from a compressor in the gas turbine engine to the air intake to transfer compressed air thereto.
US07690179B2 System and method for maintaining the location of a fiber doff inner-diameter-tow at the point of payout within a constant inertial reference frame
A method of maintaining the location of a fiber doff inner-diameter-tow at a point of payout within a constant inertial reference frame includes providing a flat fiber tow payout system with a center-pull doff of flat fiber tow that pays out at a point of payout along an inner diameter of the center-pull doff with rotation of the center-pull doff about a vertically oriented axis of rotation, the flat fiber tow payout system including a constant inertial reference frame for payout of the flat fiber tow along the inner diameter of the center-pull doff without twisting the flat fiber tow; and accelerating and stopping rotation of the center-pull doff with the flat fiber tow payout system so as to maintain payout of the flat fiber tow along the inner diameter of the center-pull doff in the constant inertial reference frame, preventing twisting of the flat fiber tow.
US07690174B2 Compressing and conveying article through shrink packaging machine
An apparatus for conveying an article through a hot air chamber of a shrink packaging machine comprises a first conveyor and a second conveyor. Each conveyor includes a plurality of rollers. The rollers of the plurality are interconnected together to form an endless conveyor belt. The conveyor further includes a drive assembly for advancing the endless conveyor belt in a first direction, and a track member having a surface disposed in engagement with particular rollers of the endless conveyor belt. Each of the particular rollers of the endless conveyor belt rolls over the surface of the track member when advanced through the shrink packaging machine. The first conveyor is located over the second conveyor in opposing facing relation therewith such that a compressible item to be shrink wrapped may be compressed and conveyed through the shrink packaging machine between and by the first and second conveyors.
US07690171B2 Machine for filling sealed soft containers in an aseptic environment, and method for their filling
A machine for filling a sealed soft container (2) with fluid material in an aseptic condition comprises a sealing box (3) comprising two complementary half-boxes (4a & 4b) having respective sealing edges (21, 22, 23) that can be brought into mutual contact to isolate their interior from the outside environment when the complementary half-boxes (4a & 4b) are clamped together, vertical and horizontal blades located in the sealing box (3) for forming an aperture (5) in a portion of the container (2) inserted in the sealing box (3), filling device (8, 9) for filling the container (2) through the aperture (5), suckers (28a) for widening the aperture (5), and welding device (32) for sealing the aperture (5) on termination of filling.
US07690169B2 Roof cladding element and method for manufacturing roof cladding elements
The present invention relates to a roof cladding element, which roof cladding element has been manufactured of profiled plate material and which roof cladding elements are adjacently and in succession mountable such that the edges of a roof cladding element will be placed a distance overlapping with the edges of adjacent roof cladding elements. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing roof cladding elements in which method a plate material in strip form is formed into profiled roof cladding element strip with a forming device and in which method a finished formed roof cladding element strip is cut with a cutting device at even intervals into roof cladding elements. Characteristic to a roof cladding element in accordance with the invention is the fact that to at least one corner of a roof cladding element a recess reaching at least partly under the lower surface of the part of the roof cladding element surrounding the corner has been formed. Characteristic to the method in accordance with the invention is the fact that to at least one corner of the roof cladding element a recess reaching at least partly under the lower surface of the part of the roof cladding element surrounding the corner is formed with a forming device.
US07690163B2 Polymeric door facing with textured interior surface, and method of forming same
The present invention is directed to a door facing formed from a polymeric composite material. The door facing has a first major surface intended to be interiorly disposed and a second major surface intended to be exteriorly disposed. At least a portion of the first major surface is to be subjected to thermal and mechanical stresses during door assembly. The first major surface has a textured pattern in the portion to be subjected to thermal and mechanical stresses. The textured pattern includes a plurality of spaced grooves extending into the first major surface and minimizing thermal and mechanical stresses. A door formed with the disclosed polymeric door facing and a method of forming a door facing are also disclosed.
US07690160B2 Modular floor tile system with transition edge
The present invention provides a modular flooring system including a ramp to facilitate entry and exit from the flooring system. The ramp may be modular and interconnect with all or parts of a perimeter of the flooring system, and the ramp may also interconnect with adjacent ramp members.
US07690159B1 Relocatable personal and/or pet safety appliance
Relocatable personal and/or pet safety shelters for protecting occupants from dangerous conditions such as those from hurricanes and tornadoes. The shelters can include metal wall and ceiling panels of approximately 10 gage to approximately 12 gage thick and be able to withstand winds of up to approximately 250 miles per hour or greater, and be able to withstand a projectile such as 2 inch by 4 inch wood member shot at approximately 100 miles per hour from penetrating inside. The shelter can have a length of approximately 60 inches, a width of approximately 30 inches, a height of approximately 55 inches, with a total weight of up to approximately 940 pounds. The shelter can have fixed bench seats along opposite sides of the door from each other, and be attached in a fixed horizontal orientation above the floor by elongated L-shaped brackets that are attached to the walls be removable fasteners. The bench seats can also be attached by hinges so that the bench seats can have folded up positions adjacent to side walls and can fold down to horizontal positions to allow occupants to sit thereon. A fold down table can be included to fold down between the two bench seats when being used. A safety window such as plexiglass, can be formed in the door to allow the occupants to see outside environmental conditions. The shelter can be fastened to a concrete pad base, or driveway or concrete floor and the like, both inside and outside of a garage, a home, a trailer, and the like.
US07690158B2 Sight and sound barrier
In one embodiment, the sight and sound barriers of this invention have a flexible sheet of lightweight, resilient foam as a core. This core is covered by a fabric or other suitable covering to further enhance the acoustic properties and to make the walls attractive. In this embodiment the core of polyethylene, polystyrene, urethane, or a mosaic thereof, for example, is made flexible with alternating wall and hinge portions. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the barriers or panels are formed with mitered grooves to allow the panel to be bent into larger degree corners, such as 90 degrees in one direction or 180 degrees in the opposite direction.
US07690157B2 Secure data center having redundant cooling and blast protection for protecting computer servers by the positioning of air handling units, fiber optic cable and a fire suppression system
A data center is contained within a building which includes protection from vandalism, high winds, earthquake, and storms. Circulated water within the building is used for cooling or fire suppression. Explosions emanating from inside or outside of the building are protected against by the construction components of the building containing the data center.
US07690156B2 Door opening/closing control device
A control device controls opening/closing of a sliding door of a vehicle by a motor in cooperation with a drive device that opens and closes the sliding door, and applies proportional plus integral plus differential control to motor speed based on a driving pattern of the sliding door. When a difference between a door speed and a motor speed exceeds a threshold, the control device judges that the vehicle is parked in a tilted state, and adjusts a sum of a proportional element, an integral element, and a differential element of a proportional plus integral plus differential control to a vehicle-tilted time element.
US07690155B2 Window regulator for vehicle
A window regulator for a vehicle includes first, second, third, fourth belt guiding members, a loop belt member including a plurality of teeth at a first surface and installed on the belt guiding members with exhibiting an eight-shape, and a rotational member engaged with the belt member and driven by a motor. The belt member includes first and second moving portions, which are arranged in parallel with each other, and third and fourth moving portions, which are arranged to intersect each other. First and second supporting members are connected to the belt member at the first and second moving portions, respectively. First and second twisted portions are provided at the belt member at the third and fourth moving portions, respectively, by twisting the belt member for reversing first and second surfaces of the belt member. Accordingly, the teeth of the belt member contact all of the belt guiding members.
US07690152B2 Opening and closing member control system
An opening and closing member control system includes a rotation sensing device, which outputs a pulse signal synchronously to a movement of a window glass, and a controller, which senses pinching of an object by an opening and closing member based on the pulse signal. The controller has leaning stored data Δωm based on the pulse signal. The controller computes a rotational speed difference Δω at a current position of the window glass based on the pulse signal while the window glass is driven in a closing direction. The controller computes a difference between the rotational speed difference Δω and leaning stored data Δωm in such a manner that the controller determines whether the pinching of the object based on a comparison between the difference and a pinching determining threshold value β.
US07690150B2 Planter
A plant container with a pot and a coaster (2) made of plastic, in particular as a flowerpot, whereby the coaster (2) which is closed at the bottom to serve as a water dish is to be attached undetachably via coupling devices to the pot (1) which is provided with holes at the bottom and is designed in the sense of an easy but secure connection of the pot and the coaster in such a manner that the coaster (2) and the pot (1) are interconnected via coupling elements (11, 15) by at least one conically tapering guide face (9, 16) and are mutually engaged by a rotational movement.
US07690147B2 Rearming electronic animal trap with baffle, mechanical switch and multiple-killing-plate configuration
An electric or electronic animal trap with a CPU-controlled, rearming, multiple killing plate configuration and automatically resetting mechanical switch for triggering a high voltage cycle. A high-voltage output circuit is connected to killing plates which are activated with a high-voltage pulse train when a pest closes the mechanical switch. The trap is configured to automatically rearm an indefinite number of times until a first dispatch is detected. Once the first dispatch is detected, the circuit will automatically rearm twice more. Accordingly, a plurality of mice may be dispatched and retained within the trap before the trap requires servicing.
US07690146B2 Decoratable deer repellent cheating dummies
A cheating dummy for repelling deer and similar animals from forbidden site is invented. In addition to cheating ability, the dummy also equipped with sensor for detecting approaching animals and capable of triggering actions such as spreading water toward approaching animals, generating ultra-sound to scare them and even making a gunshot sound to repel them. By combining cheating and scaring functions, the repelling effect is expected to be much better than those devices using only sprinkling water or ultra-sound repelling alone. The cheating dummy is user decoratable by dressing with customized outfits for decoration or increasing cheating ability.
US07690142B2 Note holder
A holder for clamping flexible sheet material includes an extruded plastic, elongated channel member having a base wall having two ends. The base wall is connected at one of the ends to a relatively short, upstanding forward leg having an inner face forming a bearing surface. The forward leg has a free upper end, and the base wall is connected at the other of the ends thereof to a relatively long, upstanding rearward leg having an upper end, and a top wall is joined to the upper end of the rearward leg. The top wall extends down behind the forward leg and has a free end which resiliently engages the bearing surface of the forward leg and it also has a crease or bend line spaced apart from the upper edge of the forward leg so as to define a wedge-shaped opening therebetween.
US07690138B2 Rolling assembly mounted on a trencher
In one aspect of the invention a trenching machine for degrading natural and man-made formations, comprising a plurality of roller assemblies exteriorly mounted to a trenching boom or wheel. The rollers comprising a plurality of pointed inserts radially arranged along the wheel's outer diameter. The inserts are adapted to degrade the formation when the boom or wheel is activated.
US07690137B2 Method and device for connecting a wear part to the support thereof on material handling devices on heavy construction machinery
A device for connecting a wear part to a support thereof on materials handling equipment for public works machines, comprises a key placed in an axial alignment with regard to an elastically deformable sleeve placed in part of an adapter. The key has a key foot and a key head on either side and opposite ends of a body. The key head is arranged with a part forming an off-centered seat. The key foot comprises an anchoring element for temporarily penetrating into the elastically deformable sleeve. Rotation of the key causes its misalignment with regard to its initial axis and the tight securing of the key, either in the sleeve by anchoring, or against metal parts of the tooth and of the adapter on differentiated support zones.
US07690135B2 Deep sea mining riser and lift system
Applicants have created a method and system of deep sea mining comprising mining SMS deposits from the sea floor with a subsea miner, pumping the solids from the subsea miner through a jumper and pumping the solids from the jumper up a riser to a surface vessel. Further, applicants have created a method of deploying a deep sea mining system, comprising stacking a riser hangoff structure on top of a subsea pump module forming an assembly; picking up the assembly by a hanging mechanism, hanging the assembly on a moon pool, attaching a first riser joint; disconnecting the riser hangoff structure from the assembly; and attaching at least one second riser joint to form the riser.
US07690133B2 Shoe, in particular for a child
Shoe (10), in particular for a child, which advantageously has an unusually long lifetime, is of the type comprising a sole (12) and a upper (14), that define a determined fitting volume (V2), in which a determined length (L2) and a determined fitting (C2) are individualized, said shoe (10) comprising at least one removable, fittable spacer (20), which determines a reduced fitting volume (V1), in which a reduced length (L1) and a reduced fitting (C1) are individualized with respect to said determined length (L2) and said determined fitting (C2), respectively.
US07690130B1 Punch deflection gauge
A punch deflection gauge is provided having a die adaptor, indicator base, and dial indicator. An indicator stem of the dial indicator measures deflection of a punch in a punch orifice. In some embodiments a plurality of variably sized die adaptors are provided and are removably attachable to the same indicator base.
US07690125B2 Construction layout tool
A construction layout device comprising a body having a front face, rear face and two side faces; at least one base plate fastened to the underside of said body and providing support therefor atop a worksurface; a handle fastened atop said body, said handle having one termination proximate to said front face and a second termination proximate to said rear face; a first protrusion fastened to either said front face or one of said side faces, said protrusion having a through bore, said through bore normal to said worksurface; and at least one adjustable pin inserted in said through bore for holding a chalk line or other layout means.
US07690124B1 Self-supporting stud finder with line-laser
A self-supporting apparatus and method for locating a stud in a wall and providing a hands-free laser-level with visible indication of the stud includes a body and a rare earth magnet attached to the body. A battery-operated laser assembly is attached to the device and emits a laser-line that is visible on a surface of a wall when it is energized. A means for leveling the laser is attached to the body to align or indicate when the laser-line is plumb or disposed at an angle with respect to vertical.
US07690121B2 Invertible punch tool
A punch tool for the punching of a shape through a sheet of material. The punch tool includes a punch and a die portion disposed within a housing having a slot for receiving a sheet of material. A lower ramp is disposed within the housing and, when rotated, raises the punch to engage the die. The lower ramp may be rotated regardless of the orientation of the punch tool. Thus, the punch tool may be used even when in an inverted position.
US07690120B2 Arrangement for retro-actively cutting wiper blades
The invention relates to an arrangement for retro-actively cutting wiper blades, comprising a first guiding element (D) which engages in grooves which are arranged on both sides of the wiper blades, and a second guiding element (L) which is arranged in close proximity to the edge of the lip (M) of the wiper blade which is to be retro-actively cut. A blade (J) is arranged in close proximity to the second guiding element (L). The second guiding element (L) has a fixed width such that the lip (M) of the wiper blade is guided in a smooth-running manner.
US07690118B2 Bar steel cutting tool
A bar steel cutting tool in which a fixed blade body and a rotary blade body that is capable of rotating around a first shaft, by operating a handle, are provided at the front end of a tool base for shearing bar steel with concave blades formed on outer peripheries of the fixed blade body and the rotary blade body. The handle is so constructed that the front end of a proximal portion of the handle thereof is supported by a second shaft at a position above the tool base and equipped with an elongated hole extending obliquely backwards from the second shaft. The rotary blade body has an arm portion extending backwards, and forms branch portions which nip both the right and left sides of the proximal portion of the handle at the rear end thereof.
US07690117B2 Shaving apparatus with a short-hair cutting device and a long-hair cutting device
In a shaving apparatus (1) with a housing (2) and with a short-hair cutting device (30) projecting out of housing (2) and with a long-hair cutting device (36, 37) projecting out of housing (2), a common carrying device (45) is provided for the cutting devices (30, 36, 37), wherein the carrying device (45) is adjustable for height relative to the housing (2), so that all the cutting devices (30, 36, 37) can be adjusted for height together, and wherein there is a drive connection to a motor (16) of the shaving apparatus (1) in each operating position of the cutting devices (30, 36, 37) and consequently all the cutting devices (30, 36, 37) are drivable in each operating position of the cutting devices (30, 36, 37).
US07690115B2 Method of making a micro-fluid ejection device
A method is provided for making a multi-fluid cartridge for holding multiple fluids in segregated containment localities. The cartridge body contains fluid supply paths in fluid flow communication with the containment localities. A nozzle plate is attached to a device side of each of a plurality of defined ejection head substrates on a semiconductor wafer. Each of the ejection head substrates has a fluid supply side and two or more fluid flow paths therein for supplying fluid from the supply side to the device side thereof. The fluid flow paths in the ejection head substrates have a flow path density of greater than about 1.0 flow paths per millimeter. The wafer is diced to provide a plurality of micro-fluid ejection device structures. A circuit device is attached to the device side of each of the substrates. An adhesive is stencil printed with a bond line density of at least about 1.2 mm−1 on the micro-fluid ejection device structures or on the cartridge body. At least one of the micro-fluid ejection device structures and attached circuit is adhesively bonded to the cartridge body for flow of fluid from the containment localities to the device side thereof.
US07690114B2 Tube having reinforcing structures made of profile rolled metal and method of producing same
Disclosed is a tube made of a profile rolled metal product, in particular for use in heat exchangers, a rolled metal product and a method of producing the same. The tube includes a first wall and a second wall forming two opposing sides of the tube, and a plurality of reinforcing structures connecting the first and second walls and forming longitudinal passages between them. Each reinforcing structure is formed by a longitudinal ridge on the first wall projecting towards the second wall and a longitudinal ridge on the second wall protecting towards the first wall. The ridges are joined to each other at their sides.
US07690113B2 Process for producing a high temperature-resistant structure with application of lubricant
A process for producing a high temperature-resistant structure provides at least one at least partially structured metallic layer. A smooth metallic layer is deformed by a rolling process, in which oil at least partially wets the at least one layer. The oil is at least partially removed. Lubricant is fed onto at least one subsection of the at least one layer. A structure is at least partially shaped. Technical joining connections are produced for fixing the structure.
US07690110B2 Methods for manufacturing miniature circuitry and inductive components
A method for making plural plated through holes in a single circuit board via is provided. The method includes plating copper in the walls of said circuit board via to form a first plated through hole and applying a thin layer of first adhesive promotor to the surface of said plated via. The method further includes vacuum depositing an organic layer having a high dielectric strength unto said layer of first adhesive promoter and applying a second layer of adhesive promoter over said organic layer. The method even further includes plating copper over said second layer of adhesive promoter to form a second plated through hole in said circuit board via.
US07690106B2 Ceramic header method
A ceramic header configured to form a portion of an electronic device package includes a mounting portion configured to provide a mounting surface for an electronic device. In addition, the ceramic header includes one or more conductive input-output connectors operable to provide electrical connections from a first surface of the ceramic header to a second surface of the ceramic header. The ceramic header also includes one or more thermally polished surfaces.
US07690103B2 Method of forming a printed circuit board with improved via design
A circuit board includes an electrically conductive sheet having an insulative coating surrounding the conductive sheet, with a surface of the insulative coating around an edge of the conductive sheet having an arcuate or rounded shape. At least one electrical conductor is conformally deposited on at least the rounded insulative coating around the edge of the conductive sheet and defined via photolithographic and metallization techniques. Each electrical conductor on the insulative coating thereon around the edge of the conductive sheet conforms to the arcuate or rounded shape of the insulative coating and, therefore, has an arcuate or rounded shape.
US07690099B2 Transformation station for a packaging production machine
A transformation station for a packaging production machine comprises side frames between which tool-carrier cassettes are mounted. The side frames support slides on which members slide for the mounting of the tool-carrier cassettes. The members for mounting the tool-carrier cassettes comprise cassette supports that can be moved in opposition across and according to material advancing direction dimensions of the tool-carrier cassettes. The cassette supports are fitted with first devices for attaching in position the cassette supports and second devices for locking the tool-carrier cassettes to the supports.
US07690097B1 Methods of assembling well screens
In some embodiments, methods for securing a cylindrical screen jacket to a base pipe include heating the screen jacket to expand it so that its inner diameter becomes greater than the outer diameter of the base pipe, positioning the base pipe at least partially within the screen jacket and allowing the screen jacket to cool and contract, engaging the base pipe.
US07690091B2 Loop closure
A loop closure includes a deformable loop and a closure with at least one entrance opening for at least one end of the loop which is fixed in the closure. The closure has a locking bolt opening with a locking bolt fixed once in the closure. By way of the locking bolt the end of the deformable loop is positively and/or non-positively fixed in the closure.
US07690090B2 One-sided rail slider for reclosable zipper
The disclosure relates to a slider and a reclosable zipper, particularly a zipper with first and second profiles for watertight vessels, packages or similar devices. The slider is generally C-shaped with an upper arm, a lower arm, and a support wall in between. The support wall includes a groove which captures a rail formed on the first profile so that the slider can slidably move along the rail, riding the first profile. The lower arm includes separator blades which separate the first and second profiles when the slider is moved in the opening direction so as to urge the second profile between the upper and lower arms. When the slider is moved in the closing direction, the second profile travels between the upper and lower arms and is urged into engagement with the first profile by the upper arm. At the final closing position, the slider is stabilized or parked within a cut-out portion of the second profile.
US07690089B2 Reverse opening type slide fastener
The reverse opening type slide fastener has a separable bottom end stop including upper and lower sliders, wherein a stopper for preventing the lower slider from slipping off is provided at the bottom end of a box pin. A first engaging portion is formed on an opposite side edge opposite to an insert pin of the box pin and a second engaging portion is formed on an opposite side edge opposite to the box pin of the insert pin to position the insert pin in a downward direction when the second engaging portion engages the first engaging portion. A projecting portion which makes contact with the inner face of the blade of the upper slider to suppress a free sliding of the upper slider, is formed on at least any one of front and rear side faces opposite to the inner face of the blade of the upper slider of the box pin.
US07690087B2 Button
A button comprises a button body (10, 10a, 10b) and a prong (20, 20a, 20b) adapted to be arranged on the side of cloth (30) opposite to the side thereof on which the button body mentioned above is set in place to nip the cloth therebetween and to fixedly secure the button body to the cloth. The button body mentioned above contains an outer shell member (13), which comprises a button back (15, 15a, 15b) and a cap (14, 14a, 14b), and an insert (11, 11a, 11b) accommodated in the outer shell member. In order to make a whitish button which could be heretofore obtained only by plating, at least the button back mentioned above is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Preferably, the button back mentioned above is made of an aluminum alloy containing 3-6% by weight of magnesium, and the cross-sectional thickness of the above-mentioned button back is in the range of 0.25-0.6 mm. Further, it is desirable that the above-mentioned cap and the insert should also be made of an aluminum alloy.
US07690086B2 Fleece-laying apparatus
A fleece-laying apparatus with an upper carriage (4) and a laying carriage (5) which move above an output conveyor belt (2) transversely to the transport direction of that belt to lay a card web (11) supplied to the fleece layer in partially overlapping layers on an output conveyor belt (2), an endless card web conveyor belt (14) traveling exclusively in the laying carriage (5) wraps around at least one first laying roller (12) in the laying carriage (5). The belt has upper and lower strands (14o, 14u), which extend between the first laying roller (12) and a deflecting roller (15), which is supported in the laying carriage a certain distance away from the laying roller and around which the belt partially wraps. The lower strand (14u) of the web conveyor belt (14) traveling around exclusively in the laying carriage (5) passes only a very short distance away from the output conveyor belt (2), and its upper strand (14o), namely, a section of the upper strand adjacent to the laying gap, supports a length of the card web (11) to be laid from underneath. This length of the card web (11) is covered by the opposing section of another traveling card web guide belt (6).
US07690085B2 Pole grip
The invention relates to a pole grip (1), particularly for walking sticks, trekking poles, alpine ski poles, cross-country ski poles and Nordic walking poles, comprising a grip body (3) and a hook-like device (14) for attaching a hand-retaining device particularly provided in the form of a hand strap or a glove. Latching means (6, 11) are placed in the area of the hook-like device (14) in such a manner that a strap-shaped, ring-shaped or eyelet-shaped device (33), which is inserted from above into the hook-like device (14) and which is provided on a hand-retaining device, is fixed in the hook-like device (14) in a self-latching manner. This simple and self-latching mechanism enormously simplifies use and is preferably combined with a safety release in the event of a heavy load acting in the opening direction of the hook-like device.
US07690084B2 Structure of anti-vibrating rotation shaft
The present invention provides a supporting rack, one lateral end thereof is provided with a connecting section and the base thereof is provided with an extending section, at least one clamping ring is formed at the free end of the extending section and an opening is provided between the clamping ring and the extending section; an auxiliary connecting member used to connect a reinforcing sheet to the extending section, a positioning sheet is formed by vertically bending one end of the reinforcing sheet and is formed as one piece with the reinforcing sheet; a core hole is axially provided on the positioning sheet, with respect to a location of a shaft hole of the clamping ring and with respect to a size of a shaft rod; a pivotal shaft, the shaft rod is axially extended from the pivotal shaft; the shaft rod passes through the core hole of the positioning sheet and is tightly connected thereon, and is covered by at least one clamping ring.
US07690083B2 Clip fixture for the fast assembly of fittings, such as swiveling lever-type closures and hinge parts, in breakthroughs of a thin wall
The description is directed to a snap fastening for fast mounting of fittings such as socket wrench latches, swivel lever latches, hinge parts in openings in a thin wall, comprising a head part which is to be arranged on one, outer side of the thin wall and which overlaps the outer rim of the opening, and a body part which proceeds from the head part and projects through the opening in the mounted position, and holding elements which project from the body part and are flexible in direction of its outer surface, the free end of these holding elements being provided with a first inclined surface (run-in bevel) such that the holding element is pushed back in a spring-loaded manner by the opening edge and with a second inclined surface (stop bevel) for supporting the body part without play on the rim or edge of the opening of the other, inner side of the thin wall, which second inclined surface is substantially perpendicular to the first inclined surface. According to the invention, the body part and holding element and spring are separate parts.
US07690077B2 Central vacuum units with an acoustic damping pathway
Central vacuum units are provided with a canister having a sidewall forming a hollow interior, a vacuum motor disposed within the hollow interior, an exhaust port in fluid communication with the hollow interior, and an acoustic damping pathway. Examples of the acoustic damping pathway can include a plurality of acoustic damping chambers in fluid communication with each other. In addition or alternatively, the acoustic damping pathway can include an inner acoustic damping chamber and an outer acoustic damping chamber. In addition or alternatively, the acoustic damping pathway can form a serpentine passage from the motor to the exhaust port.
US07690076B2 Water pipe starter and cleaning device
A hookah accessory comprising a motor driven vacuum secured in a housing, vacuum port, filter between the vacuum port and vacuum used to apply a suction force used to ignite and start a hookah, blower port in pneumatic communication with the output/return port of the vacuum to provide a blow force used to clean hoses, switches in the vacuum and air pressure ports to automatically turn on the accessory when inserting a hose and fixed resistors in series with the switches for setting the vacuum at two constant speeds for a set suction force and set air pressure force. Alternatively, the accessory may have a variable resistor (rheostat) to adjust the speed of the motor, which adjusts the suction and blowing forces. The filter is in line with the vacuum port and vacuum to capture debris before it reaches the vacuum or vacuum motor. The vacuum and blower ports securely receive and hold different sized hoses and, or hose tips in a manner that creates a substantial airtight seal.
US07690075B2 Central vacuum cleaner control, unit and system with contaminant sensor
A central vacuum cleaning system 3 has a central vacuum unit 17 with a motor 10, a motor compartment 19, and a vacuum chamber 25. The system 3 also has a control circuit 1 for controlling power to the motor 10, and one or more airborne contaminant sensors 15 for sensing contaminants within the system 3. The sensors 15 may be located in pipes 31 motor compartment 19, vacuum chamber 25 and hose handle 34. Vacuum air may be drawn through aperture 37 in wall valve 38.
US07690072B2 Side cutting tool
A side cutting tool has a sponge 1 inserted within a hand piece 2. The sponge 1 is fixed within the hand piece 2 by a pin 3 inserted through adjustment holes 4 in a handle 5. A suspended plate 8 is inserted adjacent to the curved face 9 of the hand piece 2. The suspended plate 8 is fixed within the hand piece 2 by a pin 10 inserted through holes 11 and 12 in the suspended plate 8 and holes 13 and 14 in the hand piece. An adjustment plate 15 is inserted between the suspended plate 8 and the curved face 9 of the hand piece 2.
US07690062B2 Method for cleaning a steam generator
A method for cleaning a steam generator may include supplying water to the steam generator and boiling the water in the steam generator to separate and expel at least some deposits in the steam generator.
US07690061B2 Method and apparatus for controlling a laundering process
A method for controlling a laundering process includes determining a concentration of a detergent within a wash fluid during at least one cycle of an article laundering process, and dynamically adjusting at least one characteristic of the laundering process based at least in part upon the determined concentration of the detergent. An apparatus for controlling a laundering process includes a fluid chamber to contain a wash fluid, a sensor coupled to the fluid chamber to determine a detergent concentration within the wash fluid, and a controller coupled to the sensor and configured to dynamically adjust at least one characteristic of the laundering process based at least in part upon the determined detergent concentration.
US07690060B2 Articulated mattress
The present invention refers to an articulated mattress that does not need any specific frame for its perfect functioning, mattress that may be provided with a massage device, pertaining to the general market, having particular application in the field of health and prevention and being included in the group of products that provide comfort and wellbeing. The said mattress is characterized in that it is articulated, in that it is provided with an internal support structure of the plate and of the cushion and with an external stabilization structure, the internal structure comprised by a superior element, an inferior element and a central element, the external structure being connected to the other two elements by means of joints and having at least two supports for pivoted fixation of the elevation mechanisms responsible for the movement, independently, of the superior element and of the inferior element, the internal structure being, in turn, connected to the external structure by means of, at least, a foot with which is provided the central element, connection that is of the removable type.
US07690051B2 Harness type safety belt
A harness type safety belt absorbs dropping shocks to a user who accidentally falls from an elevated position. If the user fails to apply a rope hook to a life line and falls from the elevated position, an air bag in a mounting body inflates to absorb the dropping shock to reduce the dropping impact applied to the user. If the user falls with the rope hook connected to the life line, the rope suspends the user. The body of the user is supported by a waist belt, shoulder belts and thigh belts. Therefore a tension applied by the rope to the body of the user is dispersed to each of the belts so the body of the user is stably supported.