Document Document Title
US07735370B2 Method for testing the condition of a drive shaft of a rotary machine
A method for non-destructive testing of a drive shaft that is accessible by only one of its ends in longitudinal waves, using a multi-element annular ultrasonic transducer. Such a transducer consists of independent elements that can be excited by electrical pulses of the same frequency, but for which different electronic phase shifts will be applied, in the invention, to the pulses transmitted to the elements. Such an electronic phase shift allows the focussing or deflection of a final beam synthesized by all the elements constituting the transducer, the said final beam being concentrated to adopt a generally cylindrical shape with a cross-section that is far smaller than the cross-section of the shaft to be tested and is highly energetic over a long distance due to the waveguide effect created by the cylindrical geometry of the shaft.
US07735366B2 Method and apparatus for measuring the volume of an animal paw
Disclosed is an improved method for measuring the volume of an animal paw, suitable for use in a rat paw edema assay. Also disclosed is a novel apparatus for measuring the volume of liquid displaced by the insertion of an object into a liquid filled cup (1) which is on a cup holder basin (3), the liquid filled cup and cup holder basin being inside a rectangular support assembly (5), the measurement obtained by determining the buoyant force produced as a result of the displacement of the liquid by the animal paw.
US07735364B2 Thermal mass flow meter and method for its operation
A thermal mass flow meter is disclosed for determining a material flow through a vessel. In this case, a sensor arrangement is mounted on a holder immersed into a vessel with a flowing medium. It is proposed that the sensor arrangement comprises a first and a second measuring element, with one of the respective measuring elements being heated while the other respective measuring element is not heated and that the two measuring elements can be heated alternately.
US07735363B2 Aircraft engine pre-dressing unit for testing facility
A turbofan text cell pre-dressing unit that enables the installation of the engine in a text cell in minimal time is provided.
US07735362B2 Thermomechanical sensor for fluid diagnostics
A method for diagnosing a fluid includes sensing a property of the fluid and the temperature of the fluid at the time the property is sensed, then determining the status of the fluid from the sensing. The sample volume may be small in comparison to the total fluid volume.
US07735360B2 Method for determining the reversal of direction of rotation of an engine
Method for determining the reversal of the direction of engine rotation for internal combustion engines having a crankshaft fitted with a target wheel having teeth, one of which is a long tooth, with a unidirectional crankshaft position sensor delivering a signal used for counting teeth and with an engine management device including a processor and a model of the engine behavior in a stalling phase, including: recording the signal and measuring each time difference between two successive edges of the signal, calculating, on the basis of the model, the time variation of the engine position from the time differences between the edges of the signal, and estimating the stopped position of the engine, wherein the model is a second-order polynomial function of time, and the position of reversal of the direction of rotation is estimated from the calculation of the peak position of this second-order polynomial function.
US07735359B2 Process quantity measurement method and apparatus of engine output
A process quantity measurement method with which an engine output is accurately measured in a relatively simple manner. Torque of an engine is measured based on the amount of torsion of the output shaft of the engine, and an engine output is obtained based on the measured torque. On the other hand, an engine output is calculated based on input and output heat quantity, and a difference between the engine output based on the torque and the engine output based on the input and output heat quantity is obtained in advance. When the engine is operated, the previously obtained difference is added to the engine output that is based on the calculated input and output heat quantity to obtain the engine output.
US07735357B2 SPM cantilever and manufacturing method thereof
An SPM cantilever of the present invention including: a support portion (1) fabricated by processing a single crystal silicon wafer; a lever portion (2) formed in a manner extended from the support portion; a probe (3) disposed at a free end side of the lever portion; a coating of graphite film (5) covering all over the side on which the probe is formed and the entire probe; and a piece of thin line (6) consisting of a carbon nanofiber (CNF) or carbon nanotube (CNT) or graphite nanofiber (GNF) grown/formed from the graphite film at a probe terminal end portion (3a).
US07735354B2 Liquid-condition detection sensor
A liquid-condition detection sensor (1) including a sensor element (51), at least a portion of which contacts a urea aqueous solution; connection terminals (52) fixedly attached to the sensor element (51); connection cables (53) which electrically communicate with the concentration sensor element (51) via the connection terminals (52); an inner tube (42) which holds the concentration sensor element (51) at a distal end portion (421) by use of a holder member (55) and surrounds a portion of the connection cables (53) and the entire connection terminals (52); and a separator formed from a material having rubberlike elasticity (54) including a terminal-inner-tube-insulating portion (542) which intervenes between the connection terminals (52) and the inner tube (42) to thereby insulate the connection terminals (52) and the inner rube (42) from one another.
US07735352B2 Multi-dimensional portable gas chromatograph system
A portable multi-dimensional gas chromatograph, the gas chromatograph including a carrier gas container, a regulator fluidly connected to the carrier gas container, a dopant chamber containing a reference chemical, at least one pre-concentrator which is fluidly connected to the regulator and the dopant chamber, a first separation column fluidly connected to the at least one pre-concentrator, a second separation column fluidly connected to the at least one pre-concentrator, a first detector fluidly connected to the first separation column, and a second detector fluidly connected to the second separation column.
US07735351B2 Electronic shoe wear indicator
A system measures an amount of wear in athletic footwear by measuring the amount of shock transmitted to a user. The measured shock is used to indicate an amount of how much cushioning has been lost by the footwear. The amount of wear is proportional to the loss of cushioning and an increase in transmitted shock to the user.
US07735350B2 Measuring intensity of shot peening in areas with difficult accessibility
Determining shot peening intensity by affixing a Almen test strip to a shot peening surface, removing the peened strip from the shot peening surface, measuring an arc height of the shot peened strip, and determining peening intensity on the surface from the measured arc height. The strip may be affixed with an adhesive such as rubber cement and may be a sub-size strip cut from a full size Almen strip. The arc heights of the sub-size strip may be correlated to arc heights of the standard strips. A sub-size strip may be affixed to and a full size standard strip may be mounted on a peening surface of a block and be simultaneously shot peened. Arc heights may be measured on a gage having support means for holding both strips.
US07735346B2 Door of drum-type washing machine, and method of manufacturing door with decorative portion thereof
A door of a drum-type washing machine, a method of manufacturing a door having hairlines for the drum-type washing machine, and a method of manufacturing a hairline sheet for the door are disclosed herein. The door of the drum-type washing machine comprises a door frame hingeably provided to a front surface of the drum-type washing machine, and a door glass provided to a central hole opened through the door frame. The door frame is provided on the front surface thereof with a multiple ring-shaped hairline sheet. The door frame is reinforced by means of the hairline sheet, and enhanced in an overall aesthetic appearance of the door. The hairline sheet can be conveniently replaced with a new one, if necessary, so that, when the surface of the door is severely damaged or contaminated, these can be overcome by replacing the damaged or contaminated hairline sheet with the new one.
US07735342B1 Apparatus for forming an unbalanced, circular knit fabric and a coated fabric produced therefrom
An apparatus for forming an unbalanced, circular knit fabric for coating in a subsequent operation, the apparatus comprising: a circular knitting station; and a thermal relaxation station downstream from the circular knitting station for relaxing the fabric in all directions. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a slitting station downstream from the circular knitting station. Also in the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a thermal finishing station downstream from the thermal relaxation station for setting the desired width of the fabric thereby also setting the desired stretch of the fabric in its length direction. A coated fabric, the coated fabric comprising a circular knitted, single knit fabric substrate, wherein the stretch of the fabric in the wale direction is greater than the stretch of the fabric in the course direction. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the coated fabric further includes an outer coating. Also in the preferred embodiment, the fabric is formed by a four feed repeat.
US07735340B2 Method and apparatus for homogenizing a glass melt
The present invention is directed toward a method of reducing contamination of a glass melt by oxide particulates, such as particulates of platinum oxide, which may condense on the inside surfaces of a stir chamber, particularly the stir shaft, and fall back into the glass melt. The method includes causing a flow of gas through an annular space between the shaft and the chamber cover. In one embodiment, the flow of gas through the annular space is caused by drawing a vacuum in the chamber. An apparatus for practicing the method is also provided.
US07735337B2 Ring guard having offset adjustable flanges
An arcuate-shaped ring guard for use in combination with a circular finger ring for reducing the interior circumference of the finger ring. The arcuate-shaped ring guard includes an arcuate ring reducer member being substantially crescent shaped. The ring reducer member includes an outer curved perimeter wall surface, and an interior wall surface, and opposing side wall surfaces for forming the ring reducer member. The arcuate-shaped ring guard further includes a pair of offset adjustable flange members that are attached to each of the opposing side wall surfaces of the ring reducer member in a spaced-apart and in an offset manner. Each of the offset adjustable flange members includes a first end and a second end. Each of the second ends of the offset adjustable flange members are placed adjacent to and in contact with the exterior band surface of the finger ring and are wrapped around the exterior band surface of the finger ring. The outer curved perimeter wall surface is placed adjacent to and in contact with the interior band surface of the finger ring. The interior wall surface is placed adjacent to and in contact with the skin on the under surface of the wearer's finger in order to provide a snug fit.
US07735336B2 Locking mechanism for magnetic connector assembly used with an ornamental accessory
A locking mechanism for jewelry, purses and other accessories is provided. The locking mechanism comprises first and second magnetically attracted surfaces and a collar. The second magnetically attracted surface is adapted for magnetic coupling to the first magnetically attracted surface. The collar is hingeably coupled to either the first or second magnetically attracted surfaces and is operable between an open position and a closed position. When the first and second magnetically attracted surface are magnetically coupled one to the other, and the collar is in the closed position, at least a portion of the collar surrounds a perimeter of the first and second magnetically attracted surfaces.
US07735331B2 System and method for controlling temperature of an energy storage device in a vehicle
A system and method for controlling temperature of an energy storage device of a vehicle via a movable device. The method includes determining a set of inputs, the set of inputs including a representative temperature of the energy storage device and a cabin temperature corresponding to an operator cabin. The method further includes generating a control signal based at least in part on the set of inputs, outputting the control signal to the movable device, and modifying a variable rate of movement of the movable device in response to the control signal such that a corresponding variable amount of operator cabin air is moved past the energy storage device.
US07735327B2 Active thermal insulation system utilizing phase change material and a cool air source
An active thermal insulation system is disclosed. The system utilizes a cool air source or ambient air below a threshold temperature in conjunction with a phase change material and/or conventional insulation. In a controlled manner, the cooled air or ambient air facilitates the transition of the phase change material from a substantially liquid state to a substantially solid state allowing the solid phase change material to absorb heat. Cooled air or ambient air may be directed to the phase change material via a gap or plenum capable of introducing the cooled air or ambient air adjacent to the phase change material. A fan, blower or air intake device may be used to direct ambient air to the gap or plenum.
US07735319B2 Power generating apparatus
Power generating apparatus includes a float mounted on a support pivotally mounted to a base and secured to a beam extending rearwardly of the base to a vertically extending elongated structure carrying a pair of vertically movable gear racks in guideways. Each rack is engaged by a gear wheel driven by movement of the racks and a one-way drive arrangement connects each gear wheel to an output shaft. Driving weights are secured to each rack to drive the racks in opposite directions under the action of gravity forces acting on the weights, thus causing the output shaft to rotate in a given direction. The free end of the beam is connected to a cross-arm vertically moveable on a guide on the elongate structure, the cross-arm having a motion transmitting arrangement to raise each weight during vertical movement of the cross-arm resulting from movement of the float.
US07735317B2 Buoyancy pump power system
A system for generating electricity includes a buoyancy pump operable to convert wave motion from a body of water into mechanical energy. The buoyancy pump includes a buoyancy block that reciprocally moves in response to wave motion to pump an operating fluid that is delivered to a turbine to produce electricity. The buoyancy block is preferably sized such that a diameter of the buoyancy block is no less than about one-sixth a wavelength and no greater than about one wavelength of an average wave for a region in which the buoyancy pump is operated.
US07735316B1 Exhaust apparatus and method for gasoline driven internal combustion engine
This embodiment of this exhaust apparatus relates to an air intake device and a rotating blade assembly (50 and 51) which significantly reduce greenhouse gases, hydrocarbon and oxides of nitrogen emissions and other gases and pollutants not yet required to be tested, exhaust noise and temperature of the exhaust gases. By its chilling effect it also improves the efficiency of an internal combustion engine. An electric motor drive shaft (69) is coupled to the drive shaft (67) at the rear of the unit. The drive shaft (66) is attached to the centrifuge and rotating blade assembly (51) creating a vacuum which draws chilled exhaust gases into the unit. The vacuum helps to cool the engine and chill the gases. The gases are mixed and the resultant gaseous mixture exits from the blades into a mixture of exhaust gases (43) and chilled air (35), making a chilled air and exhaust gas mixture (58) exiting through a discharge port in the rear of the unit (65). The test results demonstrated significant reductions in greenhouse gases and exhaust gas emissions and significantly reduced engine exhaust temperature.
US07735315B2 Device and method for producing an operating medium for a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a device and a method for producing an operating medium for a motor vehicle, especially for use in the exhaust gas post-treatment of the motor vehicle. According to said method, an operating medium is produced from an initial product and air using a catalyst device. Said initial product is heated and mixed with air and the heated mixture of initial product/air is fed to the catalyst device. A part of the initial product is converted to the gaseous phase by means of a preheating element and is entrained by a stream of air when leaving the preheating element, said stream of air leading to a combustion chamber. The method allows to efficiently produce an operating medium, especially a reducing agent for regenerating NOx storage catalysts.
US07735312B2 Method for determining the instant at which a nitrogen oxide storage catalyst is switched from the storage phase to the regeneration phase and for diagnosing the storage properties of this catalyst
When a nitrogen oxide storage catalyst is being regenerated, the regeneration may be terminated for example as a result of a premature load change in the engine, which can lead to incomplete emptying of the storage catalyst. The residual filling level which remains in the catalyst following an incomplete regeneration of this nature is used as the starting value for calculation of the filling level during the next storage phase. After incomplete regeneration, the nitrogen oxide conversion rate is initially greater than would be expected, on account of the residual filling level. By taking this increased conversion rate into account when calculating the filling level during the storage phase, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of the calculation.
US07735307B2 Annular concentric-lay bead cord
The disclosed bead cord which is lightweight and inexpensive and high in formability includes an annular core and a wrap wire helically wrapped around the annular core, the annular core being made of a medium carbon steel or an alloy steel having a lower carbon content and containing specific elements in suitable amounts. The diameter dC of alular core satisfies 1.04≦dC/dS≦1.30 where dS is the diameter of the wrap wire. The wrap wire has a coil diameter DS which is 0.5 to 1.3 times diameter DC of an annular shape of the annular core. The annular core may be formed with a plating layer of an Al—Zn alloy or a thick plating layer of Zn, or the annular core may be made of stainless steel.
US07735302B2 Device for picking up articles from a supply station and for inserting the articles into a container
A device for picking up articles from a supply station and inserting the articles into a container, comprising: at least an operating head, provided with a group of depression-activated gripping units, each of which is shaped in a special format to pick up and retain a corresponding article; control devices, which verify a presence of an article at each of the gripping units; movement organs which cause the operating head to perform outward and return runs, respectively from a picking up station of the articles to a release station of the articles, situated nearby the container, and vice versa; a conveyor device, provided at the release station, above the opening of the container, and destined to be interposed between the opening and the operating head to guide insertion of the articles into the container; enabling organs, activated in a phase relation with the movement organs, for activating the gripping units at the supply station in order for a corresponding number of articles to be picked up by the use of the gripping units, and for deactivating the gripping units at the release station, thus disengaging the articles from the gripping units and causing the articles to fall into the conveyor device located there below.
US07735297B2 Apparatus for capping bottles and a method for realising the cap
An apparatus for capping bottles, comprising: gripping devices for bottles containing products, constrained to a transporter, each of which gripping devices exhibits on a side thereof a gripping means of a corresponding bottle, and on an opposite side thereof hooking-receiving-stabilizing organ of a cap; at least a channel for supplying caps, arranged superiorly of the transporter upstream of a capping zone overlying the hooking-receiving-stabilizing organs transiting below the channel, into which a row of caps is conveyed, a head cap of the row of caps being held elastically by a lower end of the supply channel in order to position an internal surface of a relative head such as to intercept a front head (96a) of an underlying hooking-receiving-stabilizing organ in order to enable the head cap, in combination with the advancing of the transporter and with the striking and guiding action exerted by the supply channel, to disengage from the supply channel in order to locate in the corresponding hooking-receiving-stabilizing organ, with the relative body facing downwards; at least a pick-up organ, located in the capping zone, operating in phase relation with a corresponding hooking-receiving-stabilizing organ, with the body thereof facing downwards; at least a pick-up organ destined to hook and extract the cap present therein, and to position the cap axially in an inlet mouth of the corresponding bottle supported by the gripping device flanking the hooking-receiving-stabilizing organ, in order to perform insertion of the body of the cap in the mouth of the bottle in order to close the bottle.
US07735296B2 Apparatus and method for a carton carrier
This invention relates to a product cartoning system having dynamic carton carriers that may restrain or not restrain the package during different steps of the cartoning process. Certain steps such as vibrating may benefit from open carton carriers while other steps such as closing a side of the carton may benefit from closed carton carriers. This invention also relates to a product cartoning system having adjustable carton carriers driven by more than one carton chain to allow varying a width between two of the carton carrier sidewalls to accommodate different size or shape cartons. This invention also relates to methods of use for the product cartoning systems of this invention.
US07735292B2 Masonry cavity wall construction and method of making same
A masonry cavity wall structure includes a cast-in-place reinforced concrete structural wall member erected between and in confronting engagement with the outer side of a first, inner masonry wythe and the inner side of an outwardly spaced-away, upstanding wall of rigid insulation panels supported by wire tie members in embedded engagement in the mortar joints of the inner wythe, the inner wythe and tie-supported insulation panels also being used during construction of the cavity wall to provide the supporting concrete formwork for the poured structural wall member. A second, outer veneer wythe is erected a predetermined spaced distance outwardly from the insulation panels and forms an airspace cavity therebetween, the wire tie members also engaged in the mortar joints of the second, outer wythe whereby to structurally tie the masonry cavity wall together. The placement of the cast-in-place reinforced structural wall immediately adjacent the inner wythe and inwardly of the insulation provides maximum thermal mass qualities of the cavity wall construction.
US07735291B2 Corner flashing system
A corner flashing system is provided for sealing the corners of recessed window frames against moisture penetration. In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises first and second double-flap members, a half-cube member, and caulking. The first and second double-flap members, and the half-cube member are preferably made of asphalt or petroleum based material. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises one double-flap member, a modified half-cube member, and caulking. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises a single member that combines a double-flap member and a half-cube member, and caulking. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises a combination member, a double-flap member, and caulking.
US07735287B2 Roofing panels and roofing system employing the same
A roofing system comprising a plurality of roofing panels each having a bottom surface and a top surface, opposite upper and lower edges and opposite lateral edges. The top surface of each roofing panel has the appearance of a plurality of individual shingles. The roofing panels are adapted for sliding engagement with each other along their opposite upper and lower edges and opposite lateral edges when positioned vertically and horizontally adjacent.
US07735276B2 Glass block assembly for non-vertical use
An assembly of glass blocks held in a structural frame comprises a plurality of glass blocks, a rectangular structural perimeter frame, a plurality of primary muntins, each said primary muntin comprising an elongate web, the primary muntins extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, a plurality of extruded secondary muntins, and a plurality of structural rods inserted through the secondary muntins and extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, such that the primary and secondary muntins form a matrix within the structural perimeter frame with openings for receiving the plurality of glass blocks.
US07735275B2 Elevated batten system
Various embodiments of the invention are directed to an elevated batten system that includes a horizontal batten strip to which cylindrical-shaped pads are coupled. The pads elevate the horizontal batten strip above the roof deck surface, preventing water and debris from gathering on the roof deck surface and eliminating the need to install the vertical and horizontal battens in separate steps. Other various embodiments of the invention are directed to an elevated batten system that includes a horizontal batten strip to which pads are coupled that define a depressed portion. The depressed portion receives a fastener for coupling each pad to the horizontal batten strip, and in some embodiments, prevents irregularities in the height of the horizontal batten strip relative to the roof deck surface when installed on the roof deck surface.
US07735273B2 Poured concrete column hole
A form system is provided for forming a structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like, such as a concrete column or footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The system includes a support system, including a wire support member and an associated base foam ring having an offset center hole corresponding to the centerline of the concrete footing, which is placed at the bottom of the earthen hole. A lower vertical form system, including multiple interlocking pieces, is assembled and joined at one end to an offset disk member. The disk member of the lower vertical form system is then placed onto the base foam ring in abutting engagement. The form system is then plumbed and positioned, e.g., in relation to one or more layout strings. Once the form system is in the correct position, the earthen hole is backfilled, e.g., with dirt or other material, thus holding the properly positioned form system in place. The lower vertical form system is then cut to grade. Reinforcing assemblies, such as rebar, can then be inserted into the lower vertical form system. Concrete can then be poured into the lower vertical form system, thus forming a lower portion of the concrete column or footing. An upper vertical form system can then be used to form the upper portion of the concrete column or footing, e.g., that portion that is above grade.
US07735272B2 Strengthened assembly enclosed in construction
A system of construction using a mechanical device (20) which applies a force to an assembly of elements having a high resistance in compression in order to build walls, roofs, floors, and beams. The device makes it possible to preserve the integrity of the assembly even when undergoing changes in volumetry. It comprises three parts: a first component, namely a winch (24) applies a force to the assembly at one of its ends. A second component, a thin steel band (22) transmits the force to the assembly over a long distance. A third component, a spring (30) in compression maintains the force applied by the first two components even when there is a change in volumetry. A compressible and impermeable membrane (49) ensures the sealing of the assembly and metal fasteners ensure the stability of the assembly, sideways.
US07735270B2 Rooftop equipment support and method of use
A rooftop equipment support includes a polymer material block and a metal fastener support attached to an upper portion of the block. The fastener support has a fastener portion that is configured to receive one or more fasteners for securing piping or other equipment. According to one embodiment, folded-down lips of the metal fastener portion form a channel configured to accept one or more fasteners, such as pipe clamps. In another embodiment, the metal fastener portion is a plate having one or more threaded inserts. The threaded inserts may be located between a sheet metal part of the fastener portion and a top surface of the polymer material block. The polymer material block may be made of a polyurethane foam material. The metal fastener portion may cover at least part of the edges of a top surface of the polymer material block.
US07735264B2 Motor vehicle door
A motor vehicle door has a door body formed from a door inner part and a door outer panel fastened thereto. The door body has a shaft opening for a window shaft located inside the door body, and a shaft reinforcement fastened to the door inner part. The reinforcement extends below the shaft opening and supports the door outer panel via a downwardly bent flange of the door outer panel. A window seal for the shaft opening is received in a fastening groove formed by an upright longitudinal web of the shaft reinforcement and the downwardly bent flange.
US07735254B2 Projectile and method for sealing a projectile in a barrel
A weapon (104) including a stock, a barrel assembly (105) slidably mounted on said stock whereby, on discharging said weapon, the barrel assembly (105) slidably recoils relative to said stock, and a damper (107) for decelerating the recoiling barrel assembly, wherein said barrel assembly (105) includes a plurality of projectiles axially disposed within a barrel (108) wherein each of said projectiles is associated with a discrete propellant charge for propelling said projectile from the barrel. Suitably the weapon further includes a breech block (109) which slidably recoils relative to said stock and a further damper (106) for decelerating the recoiling breech block.
US07735251B2 Card carrying business communication product and method of producing same
A card based business communication is produced in a unique manner in which a pigmented coating is applied over one face of the card substrate so as to change the appearance of the card material and provide a based for a high resolution image. An image is applied either directly over the pigmented coating or alternatively, the image may be reverse printed on a transparent film such that when the film is applied over the pigmented coating, the image will be visible through the face of the film.
US07735250B2 Decorative element for a planting system and a method of forming a decorative element
A decorative element includes a first layer and a second layer. The decorative element is disposed on an article, both the article and the decorative element being biodegradable. The first layer includes a protective material and the second layer includes at least one seed embedded therein. The first layer is disposed adjacent the second layer. An adhesive comprising a biodegradable material secures the decorative element to the article.
US07735248B2 Piping struture of front work machine
There is provided a piping structure of a front work machine which prevents an increase in total with of the front work machine caused by hydraulic piping extended from the main machine side, and enables the piping following a structure of the front work machine turning vertically, by which a burden on the hydraulic piping accompanying the turning of the front work machine can be reduced to improve the durability.
US07735241B2 Shoe having an inflatable bladder
An article of footwear including a sole and an upper with an exterior and interior surface, and a bladder which comprises at least one of the exterior or interior surfaces. The bladder comprising sheets of polyurethane attached together via welding. The bladder includes a medial compartment and a lateral compartment attached to each other under the foot of the wearer. The article of footwear also includes a inflation mechanism for selectively introducing air to the chambers. The inflation mechanism is located under the foot of the wearer to be activated by the normal action of the wearer.
US07735240B2 Shoe sole for correcting gait
Disclosed herein is a shoe sole having functions of correcting a gait, of absorbing shocks, and of mitigating partial side wear of the sole. The shoe sole according to the present invention includes a main sole, which has a front foot part provided with a soft front midsole and a front outsole, and has a rear foot part provided with a hard rear midsole. The shoe sole further includes a subsidiary sole. The subsidiary sole includes an elastic member, a rear outsole, which is coupled to the lower end of the elastic member, and a connection member, which is provided on the upper end of the elastic member. The connection member has an internal threaded part, which couples the connection member to the rear midsole, and stop protrusions, which are provided around the internal threaded part. The shoe sole further includes a coupling support, which is provided under the rear midsole. Stop holes corresponding to respective stop protrusions are formed in the coupling support. A through hole is formed in the coupling support at the center of the stop holes, so that a bolt can be secured into the internal threaded part through the through hole. Therefore, the orientation of the subsidiary sole with respect to the main sole is changeable, or the subsidiary sole is replaceable with a new one, depending on the characteristics of the gait of a user.
US07735239B2 Automatic dryer control based on load information
A drying machine according to the present invention includes an interface unit connected to a separate washing machine with a data communication line for receiving load information from the washing machine, a rotatable drum containing a load of wet clothes which are previously washed by the washing machine, and an air supply system coupled to the drum for supplying dry air into the drum. The machine further includes a heater coupled to the air supply system for heating the dry air, and a dryer controller generating a control signal to the heater in accordance with a set of operation values which are determined based on the load information. A method of operating a drying machine according to the present invention includes the steps of receiving load information from a separate washing machine that performs wash/dehydration cycles on a load of clothes, determining a set of optimal operation values for operating a heater on the basis of the load information where the heater heats the dry air being supplied into a drum containing the load of wet clothes, and generating a control signal to the heater in accordance with the determined optional values.
US07735237B1 Versatile caliper mounting and measurement accessory
Several caliper accessories are provided that make a conventional caliper suitable for more sophisticated applications traditionally reserved for more expensive measurement devices. One of these accessories, a magnetic caliper mounting device, has a shallow scale-bar-mounting channel for receiving the scale bar of the caliper, a retainer adapted to releasably secure the scale bar of the caliper within the channel of the caliper mount, and a magnet associated with the caliper mount to secure the apparatus to a planar metal surface. Another accessory, a caliper jaw extender, is either incorporated into a magnetic caliper mounting device or provided as a spring pack accessory to a magnetic caliper mounting device. The caliper jaw extender has a spring-biased retractor that hooks onto a caliper's movable frame and biases the frame toward an extended position. Kits are also provided comprising various combinations of a conventional caliper and accessories.
US07735235B2 Marking and fastening device and method of using same
A fastening device is provided and a method of using same is provided. The fastening device includes a male member having a having a projection on a first side and a securing means on a second opposing side. A female member configured to receive the male member detachably secures the female member onto the male member. The securing means on the second opposing side of the male member is configured to mate with a corresponding securing member so as to detachably fasten the male member onto the corresponding securing member. A detachable fastening device for detachably fastening a material onto an object is also provided.
US07735227B2 Method for providing a lubricating layer to a bearing
A method for forming a lubricating layer, comprising the steps of a process for inserting a bearing, which has a tubular-shaped retainer holding a plurality of rollers and inserted in an outer ring, in a forming die having an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the outer ring of the bearing; a process for feeding a fluid lubricant including a thermoplastic resin into the forming die; a process for reducing pressure in the forming die with the fluid lubricant fed therein to remove air bubbles included in the fluid lubricant; a process for pressing a cylindrical elastic solid, which has an outer shape greater than a minimum inner diameter of the retainer, into an inscribed circle in which the plurality of rollers are inscribed; and a process for heating and setting the thermoplastic resin to form a lubricating layer.
US07735224B2 Methods of applying ozone-depleting catalysts to air stream components
Systems and methods of applying an ozone-depleting catalytic coating to an air stream component for producing a durable surface with optimal ozone depletion characteristics are provided. An air stream component having a surface with favorable adhesive properties or coatings is exposed to a concentration of ozone-depleting catalytic particles, wherein the receptive surface of the coated substrate binds the ozone-depleting catalytic coating.
US07735220B2 Method of manufacturing circuit board
A circuit board for a brushless DC motor whose rotation is controlled based on data stored on a rewritable non-volatile memory of a micro-computer mounted on the circuit board includes a substrate defined by a plurality of a circuit areas and a non-circuit area. The circuit areas and the non-circuit area are connected by a plurality of conductive patterns. The micro-computer having the rewritable non-volatile memory is mounted on each of the circuit areas. The rewritable non-volatile memory is connected to writing terminals arranged on the non-circuit area by the conductive patterns. By connecting a program writer to the writing terminals and activating the program writer, data are written to the rewritable non-volatile memory of each of the circuit areas. After writing data, the circuit areas are detached from the substrate, and a plurality of circuit boards are manufactured.
US07735219B2 Method for machining a board
A method for machining a board includes forming a backup board, supporting the board by the backup board and machining the board while the board is supported by the backup board. The backup board has a fibrous layer and a surface layer formed on one side of the fibrous layer, the surface layer being in contact with the board during said supporting machining the board. The backup board is formed by: forming an impregnated fibrous mat by impregnating a thermosetting adhesive into a fibrous mat of the kenaf fibers, the kenaf fibers; forming the fibrous layer having a density of about 600-900 kg/m3 by curing the impregnated fibrous mat; forming a resin paper by impregnating a thermosetting resin into a paper; and forming the surface layer on said one side of the fibrous layer by curing the resin paper.
US07735215B2 Holder for holding a head carriage in a hard disk drive
A holder with includes: a holder body formed by molding a resin material, a contact surface on the holder body for receiving an operating object to be held on the holder body, a grip portion on the holder body at a position apart from the contact surface for being gripped by an operator, and an electric conductor extending from the contact surface to the grip portion.
US07735211B2 Method and system for handling a stator bar using a pit
A stator bar facility including: a stator bar workstation; an in-ground pit below the workstation; a stator bar elevator extending from the workstation pit, and a coupling mechanism attached to the elevator, wherein the coupling mechanism further comprises a rotational mount to receive at least one stator bar, wherein the rotational mount enables the received stator bar to be turned from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position.
US07735208B2 Pipe unit and method for assembling pipe conduit using the same
A pipe unit and a method for assembling a pipe conduit using the same are provided. The pipe unit comprises a pipe body, a first flange, a second flange, and an adjusting structure. The pipe body has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first flange and the second flange are respectively disposed on the first end and the second end. The adjusted structure is disposed between the first flange and the second flange and is for adjusting the length of the pipe unit.
US07735207B2 Process for making a plastic-lined metallic pipe for conveying liquid or gas
A process for making plastic-lined metallic pipes for conveying liquid or gas includes the steps of heating a metallic pipe evenly to a first temperature; cooling a plastic pipe evenly to a second temperature; inserting the plastic pipe into the metallic pipe to constitute an inner sleeve; drawing the metallic pipe from its two ends; and cooling the sleeved pipe to a storage temperature. The pipe includes a continuous inner plastic sleeve and an outer seamless metallic pipe. The outer diameter of the plastic sleeve is circumferentially melt-bonded to the inner diameter of the outer pipe. The plastic sleeve constitutes an uninterrupted lining for the metallic pipe.
US07735203B2 Process for producing folded and compressed tampons
A method and apparatus for producing a stabilized tampon from a tampon pledget. The method includes the steps of providing a tampon pledget; providing a compression mold having disposed therein a plurality of fluid communication passages; moving the tampon pledget into the compression mold, the compression mold being in an open position; applying a force delivery means through the fluid communication passages to deform the tampon pledget into a pre-folded shape; and compressing the pledget in the compression mold by closing the compression mold into a closed position to form a folded, compressed tampon.
US07735200B2 Apparatus at a spinning preparation machine, especially a flat card, roller card, or the like, having a roller, e.g. a cylinder, which has a cylindrical clothed peripheral surface
In an apparatus at a spinning preparation machine, especially a card, having a clothed roller, at least machine element located opposite the roller clothing and spaced radially therefrom, and having two fixed lateral holding devices on which work elements are mounted, first and second measuring elements, connected to a control device are provided for detecting variables linked to the dimensions of the roller. The first measuring element comprises a temperature probe for the temperature of the roller surface. The second measuring element comprises a rotational speed sensor for the roller speed. To allow an actual carding nip to be determined, permitting a comparison with a preset carding nip, a third measuring element for the temperature of the holding devices is provided and the control device determines the actual spacing for the roller and the side panels.
US07735194B2 Casement window hinge with sash locator
A sash locator for locating a casement window sash relative to a sash arm, includes an abutment structure disposed at a selected disposition relative to the sash arm such that positioning the sash proximate the sash arm with a selected portion of the sash abutting the abutment structure disposes the sash relative to the sash arm in a desired disposition for affixing the sash to the sash arm. A method of sash location relative to a sash arm is also included.
US07735190B2 Compact, modular storage system
A shelving includes two tracks, two pair of end pieces, a stationary shelving unit attached to one of the two pair of end pieces and including a plurality of posts and a shelf, a mobile shelving unit includes a plurality of posts and a shelf supported by the posts, and a plurality of wheels adapted to roll on the tracks. Each of the tracks includes a plurality of bases, each base having a rail channel on a top and a recess on a bottom, a plurality of rails disposed in the rail channel with the first rail end projecting beyond the first base end and with the second rail end being recessed from the second base end, and a coupling member disposed in the recess of the track base, joining the first base end to another base end.
US07735188B2 Air inlet cover and portable blower/vacuum incorporating same
A blower/vacuum having an air inlet cover and a blower tube, both of which attach to a blower housing for operation of the blower/vacuum in a blower mode. The air inlet cover may removably attach to both the blower housing and to the blower tube. In some embodiments, operation of the blower/vacuum may generally be restricted unless both the blower tube and the air inlet cover are first installed. The blower/vacuum may further be adapted to operate in a vacuum mode by removing the air inlet cover and blower tube and replacing the same with a vacuum tube assembly and a vacuum collection container, respectively.
US07735187B2 Bag cage having bag caddy
A vacuum cleaner includes a housing, a suction generator carried by the housing, a bag compartment and a bag cage. The bag compartment is defined by a bag compartment wall including an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet. The bag cage is received in the bag compartment. The bag cage defines a bag cavity that hold a filter bag in a position spaced from the bag compartment wall so as to maintain a clear airflow passage. The bag cage includes a bag caddy having a bag holder.
US07735185B2 Upright type vacuum cleaner with water cleaning function
An upright type vacuum cleaner having a water cleaning function includes a head portion; a body portion rotatably installed at an upper side of the head portion; a water cleaning unit; and a flow-path changing hose selectively supplying an intake force of the fan motor to the head portion and the water cleaning unit.
US07735184B2 Wiper blade for cleaning glass or polymeric windshields
Embodiments of the present invention include a windshield wiper comprising preferably of a dual blade design wherein a portion of the outside surface of each blades has a specific scrubbing configuration molded within or attached to outside surfaces of the one or more protruding blade components. The inside surface of each blade protruding component preferably has a smooth finish but for certain applications, may include the specific scrubbing configuration molded within or attached to one or more protruding blade components. The primary embodiment utilizes a plurality of triangular scrubbing configuration the projects from the outside surface of each blade. The triangular scrubbing configuration functions by engaging and impinging a piece of debris with the tip or point of the triangular configuration. The piercing small radius is followed by the wider section of the triangular configuration, which functions to split and shatter the engaged piece of debris. It is contemplated by the Applicant that another plurality of scrubbing-configurations such as a diamond or hexagon shape can be utilized to achieve the advantages of the present Invention. Furthermore, it is also contemplated by the Applicant that different scrubbing configurations can comprise the plurality of scrubbing projections.
US07735178B2 Methods and apparatus for cleaning surfaces
Methods and apparatus for cleaning according to various aspects of the present invention include a cleaner and a lighting system. The cleaner, such as a handheld cleaner like a brush or lint roller, cleans the item or area to be cleaned. The lighting system illuminates the area or item to be cleaned. In one embodiment, the lighting system generates ultraviolet light to illuminate debris having phosphor materials.
US07735176B2 Sweeping machine with variable wheel tracking
A compact sweeping vehicle has steerable front wheels of variable track with a minimum track dimension for sweeping and a maximum track dimension for travel to and from the workplace. The front wheels are steerable and independently driven by hydraulic motors and are each supported on extendable parts of a telescopic axle beam which is supported on trailing arms supported by ball joints from the chassis of the vehicle. The extendable parts are extended and retracted by track change cylinders and steering is by a hydraulic cylinder extending between the axle beam and a steering arm of a bell crank lever for one of the wheels, which is connected by a forwardly extending drag link to a bell crank forming part of a steering relay mechanism which is connected by a cross link to a second bell crank lever, one arm of which is connected to a rearwardly extending drag link to a steering arm of the other wheel.
US07735171B2 Support structure with side guards
A support structure includes a mattress, a bottom sheet, at least one side guard and at least one positioning assembly. The mattress has a plurality of bladders. The side guard is disposed on any one lateral side of the top surface of the mattress. The positioning assembly can fix the side guard to the mattress. The side guard can protect two sides of a bedded person and prevent the bedded person from falling from the mattress. When the side guard is pushed by an external force, the bedded person does not fall into the vertical gap.
US07735170B1 Diaper changing pad
The invention provides a stabilizing platform, a diaper changing pad which includes the stabilizing platform and a diaper changing bag.
US07735166B1 Hammock assembly and associated method
A multi-functional hammock assembly for providing user comfort and enjoyment may include first and second elongated rectilinear poles, a hammock, and first and second sleeves slidably positioned about the bottom ends of the first and second poles. The hammock assembly may further include at least one accessory and a mechanism for effectively anchoring the at least one accessory to the first and second poles. The assembly may further include a mechanism for synchronously rotating at least one of the first and second sleeves and the first and second poles about a centrally registered longitudinal axis passing through the one pole to thereby conveniently assist a user to penetrate the one sleeve into a ground surface.
US07735165B2 Single step wheelchair transfer device
A wheelchair transfer device is configured for moving an invalid patient from a flat surface to a seated position for transport in the seated position on the transfer device. The transfer device includes a rolling base supported by casters and convertible low profile rollers that are configured to fit under the base of a hospital bed and convert to a larger diameter wheel without altering the height of the transfer device. The transfer device includes a leg portion, a torso portion and a seat portion configured to be coplanar for adaptation to a hospital bed, so that an invalid patient can, with assistance, roll onto the device. The seat portion can then be raised against the patient's buttocks, generally perpendicular to the leg and torso portions, and the whole assembly can then be rotated to a vertical position, with the seat portion supporting the weight of the patient.
US07735164B1 Disposable patient transfer mattress
A disposable patient transfer mattress includes a rectangular top sheet, a rectangular bottom sheet, internal baffles, and a receptacle configured to receive a connector for supplying air to inflate the mattress. The bottom sheet corresponds to the top sheet, and the periphery of the bottom sheet is joined to the periphery of the top sheet. The internal baffles extend between the top sheet and the bottom sheet. Each baffle is a rectangular sheet with first and second parallel edges, and each baffle is joined to the top sheet along the first edge and to the bottom sheet along the second edge. The bottom sheet has a plurality of holes configured to provide a continuous cushion of air under the mattress when the mattress is inflated. The top sheet, bottom sheet, and internal baffles are made of fabric backed with a thermally weldable material, where the thermally weldable material faces the interior of the mattress for facilitating thermal welding of the baffles to the top surface and the bottom surface.
US07735163B2 Swimming pool gap securement assembly
A swimming pool gap securement assembly prevents the accessibility of persons, animals or other objects into swimming pools, because of gaps left between the edges of a swimming pool cover and the surfaces of vertically rising decorative landscape obstructions associated therewith. The assembly provides one or more protective extensions of a swimming pool cover which covers any gaps present when a swimming pool cover encounters these vertically rising obstructions. These panels, one for each gap encountered, are generally of triangular shape, of the same fabric as the main pool cover or any other pool cover materials, and are sewn into, or otherwise attached to, the reinforced webbing at the edge of the pool cover. The lower horizontal edge and the vertical end edge of the wing extension panel have an attached edge strip with a linear array of holes engageable with one or more anchors imbedded into the deck or on the side of the obstruction itself.
US07735161B2 Chest protector
A chest protector to reduce risk of commotio cordis. The chest protector includes an inner protector member and an outer shell. The inner protector member includes a protector plate and one or more supporting members. The protector plate has a first surface facing the user's chest and a second surface facing away from the user's chest, and the first surface has a central portion and side portions. The one or more supporting members are attached to the side portions of the first surface of the protector plate but not to the central portion of the first surface such that an air space is defined by the central portion of the first surface and the one or more supporting members. The protector plate and the one or more supporting members are configured such that the central portion of the first surface of the protector plate is spaced apart from the chest. When an object impacts the second surface of the protector plate, the impact force is distributed to the supporting members and passed to side portions of the user's chest.
US07735160B1 Chin guard apparatus for use with a helmet
A chin guard apparatus has a shell having a cup suitable for fitting upon a human chin, a resilient layer received within in the cup of the shell and having a periphery overlying an outer peripheral edge of the shell, a first strap affixed to one side of the shell and extending outwardly therefrom, and a second strap affixed to an opposite side of the shell and extending outwardly therefrom. A bladder is affixed to a surface of the resilient layer opposite the shell. Strap splitters are associated with each of the first and second straps so as to allow portions of the strap to be attached to different hook-ups of the helmet.
US07735158B2 Helmet
A helmet which can ventilate the interior of a head protecting body well by a ventilator mechanism and can decrease the degree of injury or the like of a wearer that may increase by the presence of the ventilator mechanism. At least one of a plurality of attaching mechanisms that attach a cover member or air current deflecting member to the shutter attaching member of the ventilator mechanism includes an engaging projection portion and an engaging hole having a gap. The engaging projection portion is configured to be relatively pressed into the gap and then relatively inserted and held in the engaging hole through the gap.
US07735155B2 Pants with attached skirt
A pair of pants with attached skirt has first and second leg portions. Each of the leg portions has an inner side and an outer side. An abdominal portion has an upper end and a lower end and connects to the leg portions at the lower end. The abdominal portion has a waistband at the upper end. A skirt attaches to the waistband. When the pair of pants with attached skirt is worn, the skirt will cover a wearer's buttocks and thus provide modesty for the wearer. The skirt may surround the entire abdominal portion or may surround only the front or rear section of the abdominal portion. The skirt may be permanently or removably attached to the pants. The skirt may be formed at the rear as a pair of flaps meeting at a center point on the waistband.
US07735150B2 Safety harness
A safety harness system to facilitate attachment and storage of a safety harness. The safety harness is secured to a garment to allow the safety harness to be removed and stored with the garment, thereby preventing entanglement and loss of the safety harness during removal and storage. By securing the safety harness to the garment, the safety harness is less likely to become tangled, lost or damaged during storage.