| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07757604B2 |
Smoke enhancer
The inventions disclosed herein relate to a smoke generating device for use with portable grills. Various embodiments of the smoke generating devices disclosed herein incorporate some combination of a number of features to solve the problem of prior art smoke generating devices. For example, a various embodiments of the present inventions incorporate some combination of means for mounting the device in a lower portion of a barbecue grill to allow the device to benefit from fresh air which enters the grill in the lower portion, an ignition bar for transferring heat from the burner to the smoker particles by conduction, convection, and radiation, a cover which extends in the vicinity of the flame emanating from the burner tube for transferring heat from the burner tube to the smoker particles by conduction, convection and radiation, louvers on air inlets for preventing the smoker particles from blocking the inlet of air, and legs which contact the flames emanating from the burner tube from transferring heat from the burner tube to the smoker particles by conduction. |
| US07757602B2 |
Product de-topper
The present invention relates to equipment for assembling food products, and more specifically to an apparatus and method for separating or parting stacked food products during a food production process. The invention, a de-topper, facilitates the desired parting or separation of stacked products having at least upper and lower sections defining a separation line. In parting stacked products along the separation line, the de-topper comprises a longitudinal arm and at least one primary conveying path for conveying the at least upper and lower sections of the stacked products towards the arm. A drive reciprocates the arm so that the reciprocating arm sweeps the upper sections of the stacked products from the at least one primary conveying path and onto a secondary conveying path, located outwardly thereof. The lower and upper sections are thereafter conveyed on the respective primary and secondary conveying paths away from the reciprocating longitudinal arm. |
| US07757599B2 |
Sealing arrangement for relatively movable parts and device including such a sealing arrangement
A sealing arrangement for two relatively movable first and second parts and including a sealing ring positioned in a groove on one of the parts for sealing contact against the other one of the parts, so as to separate a first side of the sealing ring from a second side of the sealing ring, wherein the sealing ring is positioned in a sealing ring seat formed as a groove in the circumference of one of the parts, including liquid supply means for supplying liquid under pressure to the second side of the sealing ring, and means for balancing the pressure of the supplied liquid in the region of the sealing ring, whereby forces on the sealing ring resulting from the pressure prevailing on the first side of the sealing ring are counteracted and balanced in such a way that in operation the sealing ring is essentially free-floating in the groove. The invention also concerns a reciprocating piston device including such a sealing arrangement. |
| US07757595B2 |
Methods and apparatus for optimal resource allocation
Method and apparatus to automatically allocate and schedule weapon systems to threats for maximizing an engagement objective. In one aspect, methods and systems maximize threat killed. In another aspect, methods and systems maximize asset survival against threats. The methods and apparatus considers temporal and resource constraints such that weapons systems are able to engage threats assigned to them. |
| US07757593B2 |
Miter saw having fence unit
A miter saw having a laterally tiltable cutting portion and a fence unit that supports a workpiece without mechanical interference with the cutting portion regardless of its laterally tilting posture. A left fence unit and a right fence unit are provided on a base portion. The left fence includes a fixed left fence, a first left subordinate fence pivotally movably connected to the fixed left fence, and a second left subordinate fence pivotally movably connected to the fixed left fence. The first left subordinate fence is moved to a first position outside of a first titling region of the cutting portion, and to a second position outside of the first tilting region and a second tilting region in which a tilting angle of the cutting portion is greater than that in the first tilting region. |
| US07757591B2 |
Aligned multi-diamond cutting tool assembly for creating microreplication tools
The disclosure is directed to a cutting tool assembly used for creating grooves in a microreplication tool. The cutting tool assembly includes a mounting structure and multiple diamonds aligned in the mounting structure to a tolerance of less than 10 microns. For example, first and second tool shanks having first and second diamond tips can be positioned in the mounting structure such that a cutting location of the first diamond tip is identical to a cutting location of the second diamond tip. However, the second diamond tip may be a defined distance further away from the mounting structure than the first diamond tip, or the second diamond tip may have a different shape than the first diamond tip. In this manner, the first diamond tip may cut a groove into a work piece and the second diamond tip may cut a sub-feature into the groove to create a multi-featured groove. |
| US07757590B2 |
Fastener holding device
The present invention relates generally to a fastener retaining system (FRS) and kit for securing a fastener (such as a screw) to a driver (such as a screwdriver) to facilitate one-handed use of the driver in both fastening and un-fastening operations. |
| US07757589B2 |
Multi-bit, dual-mode screwdriver for either manual or powered actuation
A dual-mode screwdriver has a manual and powered actuation mode achieved by inverting the screwdriver body. The screwdriver has a driveshaft having two ends each adapted for receiving the shank of a screwdriver bit. The body contains a plurality of slots for storing a plurality of screwdriver bits. Magnets are contained in each of the slots for retaining the bits within their respective slots. The outside surface of the body is contoured for hand gripping and torquing. The driveshaft is adapted for coupling to a powered drill. |
| US07757584B2 |
Connecting rod and internal combustion engine and automotive vehicle incorporating the same
A connecting rod made of a titanium alloy is a split-type connecting rod which includes a rod main body, and a big end located at an end of the rod main body, the big end being fracture-split into a rod portion which continues from the end of the rod main body and a cap portion which is coupled to the rod portion. The rod portion and the cap portion each have a fractured surface on which rugged features are present. A difference in height between a highest portion and a lowest portion on each fractured surface is about 230 μm or more. |
| US07757583B1 |
Power floor boards
In one embodiment, there are power floor boards for a motorcycle or other two or three wheeled open vehicle, that is capable of using foot rests, such as an ATV. Each power floorboard has a toe part and a heel part. The two parts move from a first position where they are essentially flat on top and fully retracted, to a second position where the toe pad is angled up with respect to the heel pad, and both the heel and toe pads are fully extended toward a front of the vehicle. The toe pad is on rails and moves forward by a worm gear. The rails are fixed to the vehicles footrest mounts. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the angular motion of the toe pad compared to the relatively linear or flat motion of the heel pad, is achieved by a pivotable connection of the toe pad to the heel pad, and an elongated, relatively S-shaped cam slot with a follower therein for driving the toe pad first to slowly incline, then to faster incline, and then to slowly incline. |
| US07757582B2 |
Bicycle component mounting structure
A bicycle component includes a band and a band tightener. The band is configured to at least partially extend around a bicycle frame portion. The band tightener is coupled to the band to tighten the band on the bicycle frame portion such that a portion of the band tightener contacts the bicycle frame portion with the band tightened on the bicycle frame portion. |
| US07757578B2 |
Gear change control system of automatic transmission
A gear change control system of an automatic transmission, includes: a shift member, including a shaft portion having a selection axis oriented in a selecting direction, and a pair of arm portions formed on the shaft portion and projecting therefrom; shift rail members, having rail shaft portions, and having a shift axis oriented in a shifting direction; shift fork portions, formed on the rail shaft portions; shift lug members, formed on the rail shaft portions and including pillar-shaped portions. The arm portions swing about the selection axis to apply a pressure in the shifting direction from one side of the pillar-shaped portion by one of the arm portions to cause the shift fork portion to make a shifting operation, and to apply a pressure in the shifting direction from the other side of the pillar-shaped portion by the other arm portion to make a shift withdrawing operation. |
| US07757577B2 |
Position detecting device for transmission gear connecting mechanism and transmission having position detecting device
A position detecting device is basically provided with a control section, a detecting section and a setting section. The control section repeatedly controls a gear connecting mechanism in a vehicle transmission to selectively perform a gear connecting operation to obtain a selected gear range and a gear releasing operation to release the selected gear range after the gear connecting operation has been performed. The detecting section detects a position of a connecting member of the gear connecting mechanism after the gear connecting operation has been performed. The setting section sets a shift completion position at which connecting of the selected gear range is determined to be completed based on a plurality of positions of the connecting member of the gear connecting mechanism detected by the detecting section. |
| US07757567B2 |
Dispensing measurement device and method of measuring dispensing
A dispensing measuring device. The device correlates the relative proximity between a Hall effect sensor and a magnet. One is held stationary, while the other is movable in response to ordinary actuation which occurs during dispensing. Detection of changes in the proximity are correlated to the amount of material dispensed. |
| US07757565B2 |
Self-powered sensor
A self-powered sensor is provided for strain-rate monitoring and other low power requirement applications. The self-powered sensor is comprised of: a piezoelectric transducer; a non-volatile memory comprised of at least one floating gate transistor; a current reference circuit adapted to receive a voltage signal from the piezoelectric transducer and operable to output a reference current into the non-volatile memory; an impact-monitoring circuit having a triggering circuit and a switch; the triggering circuit adapted to receive the voltage signal from the piezoelectric transducer and operable to control the switch based on the rate of change of the voltage signal. |
| US07757564B2 |
Material testing machine
The present invention includes: a pair of columnar members 12 disposed on both sides of a specimen piece SP; a crosshead 15, bridging the pair of columnar members 12, that applies a load to the specimen piece SP by moving in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the columnar member 12 and; a movable member 31 disposed at a side of the columnar member 12, extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis and elastically supported so as to be movable in the direction of the longitudinal axis; a striker 35, integrally attached to the movable member 31 so as to be displaceable in the direction of the longitudinal direction, that is allowed to be pushed by a movement of the crosshead 15 to a position where the striker is attached; a position sensor 38 that detects a movement of the movable member 31 by being pushed by the striker 35; a limitation member 34 that limits the position where the striker 35 is attached; and an elastic member 36 that supports the striker 35 so that the striker 35 is capable of relative movement in the direction of the longitudinal axis relative to the movable member 31 by a predetermined extent from a position limited by the limitation member 34. |
| US07757563B2 |
Capacitance manometers and methods of making same
A capacitance manometer comprises: a flexible diaphragm including a first electrode structure; an electrode structure including second and third spaced-apart electrode structures secured relative to the diaphragm so as to establish a capacitance between the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure and a capacitance between the first electrode structure and the third spaced-apart electrode structure, wherein the capacitances between the first electrode structure and each of the second and third electrode structures change with changes in differential pressure placed on opposite sides of the flexible diaphragm; and a thick film dielectric material disposed between the first electrode and each of the second and third spaced-apart electrode structures so as to increase the gain in capacitance of the manometer without decreasing the distance between the first electrode structure and each of the second and third electrode structures and without increasing the stroke of the flexible diaphragm, while preventing the first electrode structure from shorting with either the second or third electrode structure in response to over pressurization conditions. |
| US07757560B2 |
Methods and apparatus for observing vessel contents
A method for observing a change in one or more parameters of a flowable material in a vessel is disclosed, the method comprising transmitting an ultrasound signal into a vessel containing a flowable material; observing a change in the ultrasound signal after it has passed through the flowable material; and, relating the change in the ultrasound signal to the change in one or more parameters of the flowable material. |
| US07757559B2 |
Oblique flaw detection using ultrasonic transducers
Ultrasonic transducers and methods for detecting oblique flaws in cylindrically-shaped objects using pulse-echo testing are provided. By mounting one or more transducers on a rotary tester for testing manufactured objects such as tubes and bars, offsetting each transducer horizontally from its position if it were to emit a beam that is perpendicular to the object's outer surface, and actuating the transducer so as to emit an angled beam, oblique surface flaws and internal flaws may be reliably detected without reducing inspection speed, significantly adding to transducer cross-talk, or requiring significant additional hardware or processing. |
| US07757553B2 |
Flow detector with a housing
A flow detector has a housing (1) with tongues (8), which allow to anchor it to a support to withstand pulling forces. The housing further comprises pegs (41) provided to mate with openings or recesses in the same support, which allow to secure it against lateral forces. The tongues (8) and pegs (41) are mounted to a hull (7) of a housing (1) of the detector, which carries on its opposite side an inlet (4a) and an outlet (4b) for the fluid to be measured. Connectors (5) are provided on the same side as the tongues (8) and the pegs (41) for connecting the detector to an external system. This design is robust and allows to mount the detector to the support in quick and secure manner. |
| US07757552B2 |
Downhole tool sensor system and method
An apparatus and method for determining forces on a downhole drilling tool is provided. The downhole tool is provided with a drill collar operatively connectable to the drilling tool, and a sensor mounted about the drill collar. The sensor is adapted to measure deformation of the drill collar whereby forces on the drilling tool are determined. The sensor may be part of a force measurement system, a strain gauge system or a drilling jar system. The drill collar is adapted to magnify and/or isolate the deformation applied to the drill string. |
| US07757549B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for predictive control of a turbocharger
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for predictive control of a turbocharger. The method includes interpreting a compressor performance model for a turbocharger, and interpreting at least one current operating parameter. The method further includes calculating a performance margin, calculating a performance margin derivative, and calculating a response value. The performance margin comprises a choke margin or a surge margin according to the position of an operating point in the compressor performance model. The performance margin is implemented in a first sigmoid function, and the performance margin derivative is implemented in a second sigmoid function. The response value is determined by applying a MIN function to the output of the product of the sigmoid functions in the choke margin case, and by applying a MAX function to the product of the sigmoid functions in the surge margin case. |
| US07757548B2 |
Calibrated air intake tract having air infusion insert
A Calibrated Air Intake Tract for Internal Combustion Engine is disclosed. The intake includes a Mass Airflow Sensor section that defines an inner diameter that differs from the diameter of the overall intake air tract piping. The Mass Airflow Sensor length and diameter are precision-tuned in order to provide the best engine performance without the typical “check engine” light being lit due to faulty mass airflow sensor readings. In those vehicles where necessary, an insert of the appropriate size and in the proper location is added to the interior wall of the MAFS section in order to correct final fuel trim level inadequacies. |
| US07757546B2 |
Camshaft and crankshaft position correlation simulation methods and systems
A system designed to simulate an internal combustion engine having improper valve timing is provided. The purpose of the simulation system is to calibrate and/or validate a proprietary cam-crank correlation diagnostic algorithm. The simulation system includes a simulator module that communicates with crankshaft and camshaft position sensors and an engine control module. The simulator module includes: a first selector that selects a shift value for shifting a periodic signal; and a modification module that receives a camshaft position signal from the camshaft position sensor and that generates a modified camshaft position signal based on the crankshaft position signal and the shift value. |
| US07757541B1 |
Techniques for calibration of gas flows
An embodiment of a method in accordance with the present invention to determine the flow rate of a second gas relative to a first gas, comprises, setting a flow of a first gas to a known level, taking a first measurement of the first gas with a measurement technique sensitive to a concentration of the first gas, and establishing a flow of a second gas mixed with the first gas. A second measurement of the first gas is taken with a measurement technique that is sensitive to the concentration of the first gas, and the flow of the second gas is determined by a calculation involving a difference between the first measurement and the second measurement. In alternative embodiments, the first measurement may be taken of a flow of two or more gases combined, with the second measurement taken with one of the gases removed from the mixture. Certain embodiments of methods of the present invention may be employed in sequence in order to determine flow rates of more than two gases. |
| US07757540B2 |
Device and method for testing torque wrenches
The present invention is directed towards inexpensive and reliable devices and methods for testing the calibration of torque wrenches. |
| US07757537B1 |
Accessory for the handle of a conduit bender
An accessory for a conduit bender has a support member which attaches to the handle of the conduit bender. The support member includes a hand hold for grasping during conventional bending. The support member defines an anti-skid surface. The anti-skid surface has an area greater than the cross-sectional area of the conduit bender handle. When the handle is placed on a horizontal surface for a shoulder bend the anti-skid surface engages the horizontal surface and prevents the handle from skidding or slipping on the horizontal surface. An aperture in the anti-skid surface receives the end of a conduit for bend backs. |
| US07757528B2 |
Method of manufacturing seamless pipe or tube
A billet is provided on a pass line between a pusher and a plug, and the billet is advanced and caught between a plurality of inclined rolls. At least between when said caught billet contacts said plug and when the piercing and rolling reaches a steady state, the advancing speed of the billet is not less than the advancing speed of the billet when the piercing and rolling is carried out without pushing the billet forward by the pusher in the steady state. By this manufacturing method, inner surface defects at a tip end of a hollow shell can be restrained. |
| US07757527B2 |
Process and apparatus for manufacturing shaped containers
A can shaping process in which container preforms (F) are mounted on a table (16) which is rotated so a preform is moved from an initial loading station (P1) to a molding station (P4). A molding unit (20) includes a two-part mold (20a, 20b) split vertically in half, with inner surfaces (56) of the respective mold halves shaped to produce a desired container profile. Once the preform is in place, a pressurization unit (102) is lowered into place from above the mold onto an open, upper end of the preform. The mold is then closed and pressurized air is introduced into the preform. The air pressure forces the sidewall of the preform outwardly against the inner surface of the mold to conform the shape of the container to a desired profile. After the shaping operation is complete, the pressurized air is withdrawn from the container, the mold halves are moved apart from each other, opening the mold. The pressurization unit is then removed and the table is rotated to an off-loading station (P7) where the shaped container is removed from the table and conveyed to the next operating location. As the table moves the contoured container to the off-loading station, another container preform is loaded into the mold. |
| US07757526B2 |
Method for changing force control gain and die cushion control apparatus
A method for changing a force control gain expressed as a ratio of force error to velocity command value in a control circuit performing a force control of a servo motor driving a die cushion disposed opposite to a slide in a press machine. The method includes: obtaining a difference between a displacement of the slide and a displacement of the die cushion in a state in which the slide and the die cushion collide with and are exerting force on each other; detecting the force when the difference of the displacements is obtained; calculating a spring constant of a structural portion based on a proportionality between the difference of the displacements and the force, when regarding the structural portion including the slide and the die cushion as an elastic structure; and changing the force control gain based on the spring constant using a fixed proportionality that exists between the force control gain and a reciprocal of the spring constant. |
| US07757524B2 |
Fastener shield device for locks
A shield device is for fastener(s) of a lock assembly that is adjustable between inoperable and operable states, each fastener including a head and being removably engageable with a door to connect the lock assembly therewith. The shield device includes a barrier displaceable between a first position, where the barrier covers the fastener head to prevent removal of the fastener, and a second position where the fastener is accessible to permit removal. The barrier is disposed in the first position when the lock is in the inoperable state and in the second position when the lock is in the operable state. Preferably, the lock assembly includes a member that adjusts the lock assembly between the operable and inoperable states and the barrier is coupled with the member. As such, when the lock member adjusts the lock assembly between the two states, the barrier displaces between the first and second positions. |
| US07757520B2 |
Steam generator and drum type washing machine with the same
A steam generator includes a case that forms a predetermined space for storing water, a heater provided within the case, a sealing member for preventing water leakage from the case, and a pressure part to press the sealing member and the heater. The sealing member is also configured to secure and seal the heater such that water is prevented from penetrating or leaking toward a circuit part of the heater. A drum-type washing machine having the steam generator installed therein is also disclosed. |
| US07757519B2 |
Method to produce textiles articles with warp-knitting machines and machine to carry out such a method
A method for producing textile articles with warp-knitting machines, comprising a plurality of steps of shifting at least a first thread-guide (3) bar (2) of jacquard type with shog translational movements and with swing transversal movements, so as to produce textile articles on at least one needle bed (52), shifting at least the first thread-guide (3) bar (2) by means of a corresponding first linear motor, with a shog movement of a first predefined width; varying automatically through control devices (60) the shift controlled by the first linear motor so as to vary the width of the shog movement during the production of the textile articles, and shifting at least the first thread-guide (3) bar (2) with a shog movement having a second predefined width differing from the first one, and automatically controlling by means of the control devices (60) connected to the first thread guide (3) bar (2) at least an individual shift of a needle space of at least a first thread-guide (3) of the first bar (2), in addition to or in deduction from and during at least one of said shog movements. |
| US07757514B2 |
Ejector-type refrigerant cycle device
An ejector-type refrigerant cycle device includes: a first evaporator 15 that evaporates refrigerant flowing out of an ejector 14; a branch passage 17 that branches a flow of refrigerant between a radiator 13 and the ejector 14 and guides this flow of refrigerant to a vapor-phase refrigerant suction port 14c of the ejector 14; a throttling mechanism 18 disposed in the branch passage 17; and a second evaporator 19 disposed downstream of the throttling mechanism 18 with respect to the flow of refrigerant. The throttling mechanism 18 is constructed to be provided with a fully opening function, and to fully open the branch passage 17 when the second evaporator 19 is defrosted. Therefore, in an ejector-type refrigerant cycle device including multiple evaporators, the function of defrosting the evaporators can be carried out with a simple construction. |
| US07757511B2 |
Refrigerated drawer having an icemaker
A refrigerated appliance includes a cabinet including a drawer and a refrigeration system having at least a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator. An icemaker unit is mounted in the drawer and includes a housing and an ice cube mold. The evaporator includes a coil mounted below the housing proximate to the ice cube mold. A mounting plate is attached to the housing with the evaporator coil sandwiched therebetween. With this arrangement, the evaporator coil is selectively operated to provide freezing temperatures to form ice cubes in the ice cube mold and establish refrigerated temperatures in the refrigerated compartment. That is, the refrigeration system is selectively operated to chill the evaporator in both an ice production mode and a refrigeration mode. |
| US07757509B2 |
Very low temperature stainless steel plate unit for preparing an on-site natural ice cream
A portable instrument for providing an on-site ice cream, comprise of all natural ingredients, in front of a customer is provided. The instrument according to the current application is comprised of; 1) a compressor equipped with a condenser having heat removal capacity of 12,000 BTU/hr, 2) an exit tube, 3) a condenser tube, 4) an expansion valve, 5) an outlet copper tube, 6) a coiled coolant pipe, 7) a stainless steel shallow bowl shape plate welded on the coolant pipes, 8) an inlet copper tube, 9) a separator, 10) a by pass line that connects the exit tube and the outlet copper tube, 11) a solenoid valve, and 12) a foot stepper to control on/off of the solenoid valve. Slurry of a mixture of fruits, milk, cream powder and honey syrup, formed from an electric mixer is dumped on the stainless steel plate, which is maintained at the very low temperature between −31 C to −35 C. |
| US07757508B2 |
Super energy saver heat pump with dynamic hybrid phase change material
A heat pump has a refrigerant loop, a compressor in fluid communication with the refrigerant loop, at least one indoor heat exchanger in fluid communication with the refrigerant loop, and at least one outdoor heat exchanger in fluid communication with the refrigerant loop. The at least one outdoor heat exchanger has a phase change material in thermal communication with the refrigerant loop and in fluid communication with an outdoor environment. Other systems, devices, and methods are described. |
| US07757504B2 |
Air conditioning controller
An air conditioning controller is provided with a room temperature-humidity combination calculation unit, a temperature-humidity setting value determination unit and a temperature-humidity control unit. The room temperature-humidity combination calculation unit is configured to calculate combinations of room temperature and room humidity corresponding to a target value of a thermal comfort index PMV. The temperature-humidity setting value determination unit is configured to select and determine a combination of the room temperature and humidity that achieves energy saving among the calculated combinations of the room temperature and humidity. The temperature-humidity control unit is configured to separately control the room temperature and humidity so that the room temperature and humidity would measure up respectively to the determined temperature and humidity values. |
| US07757502B2 |
RAM fan system for an aircraft environmental control system
An environmental control system includes a RAM air fan system downstream of a respective heat exchanger in the relatively high temperature RAM exhaust. The RAM air fan includes a RAM air fan electric motor such that the RAM air fan is driven at a speed independent of an air cycle machine. A fan rotor is completely supported by hydrodynamic foil journal and thrust bearings. As the RAM air fan is driven by the RAM air fan electric motor the RAM air fan is installed in the environmental control system as a self-contained system. |
| US07757497B1 |
Method and apparatus for cooling electronic components
A spray cooling system includes a spray delivery device and a cooling liquid delivered to the spray delivery device. The spray delivery device includes one or more inlet apertures and one or more corresponding outlet apertures, at least one pair of inlet aperture and corresponding outlet aperture being positioned relative to each so as to form an asymmetric non-uniform density full-cone spray pattern. |
| US07757493B2 |
Fluid catalytic cracking steam pressure letdown power recovery system and process
A system and method are provided for recovering power from hot flue gas of a catalyst regenerator in an FCC unit and an integrated fluid catalytic cracking steam pressure letdown. The system includes a flue gas power recovery system including an expander and a turbine for generating power by letting down steam from a higher pressure to a lower pressure for use in a refinery process such as an FCC unit. |
| US07757492B2 |
Method and apparatus to facilitate cooling turbine engines
A method facilitates assembling a gas turbine engine including a combustor assembly and a nozzle assembly. The method comprises providing a transition piece including a first end, a second end, and a body extending therebetween, where the body includes an inner surface, an opposite outer surface, coupling the first end of the transition piece to the combustor assembly, and coupling the second end of the transition piece to the nozzle assembly such that a turbulator extending helically over the outer surface of the transition piece extends from the transition piece first end to the transition piece second end to facilitate inducing turbulence to cooling air supplied to the combustor assembly. |
| US07757489B2 |
Engine configuration including an internal combustion engine
An engine configuration includes an internal combustion engine with a plurality of cylinders, at least one turbocharger and a first and a second exhaust gas tract. A turbine of the at least one turbocharger is associated with the first exhaust gas tract. Increased torque and increased power can be achieved when a bypass exhaust gas line emerging from at least one cylinder, which is associated with the first exhaust gas tract, is connected to the first exhaust gas tract such that it bypasses the at least one turbocharger. |
| US07757484B2 |
Exhaust treatment device having flow-promoting end caps
An end cap for an exhaust treatment device is disclosed. The end cap has a cylindrical housing with an axial direction, a radial direction substantially orthogonal to the axial direction, a first open end, and a second closed end opposing the first open end in the axial direction. The end cap also has an integral port member extending from an annular surface of the cylindrical housing. The integral port member has a central axis aligned in the radial direction, and an exterior surface of the integral port member tangentially connects to an exterior surface of the cylindrical housing. |
| US07757479B2 |
Secondary air supply system for an exhaust port of an engine
A secondary air supply system in which individual members may be arranged to be disposed on substantially the same straight line in an engine, whereby connection path lengths are reduced and the attachment thereof is facilitated. The secondary air supply system may be provided between an air cleaner and attached to an engine and an exhaust port of the engine. The secondary air supply system has a secondary air control valve, a lead valve and secondary air supply paths which connect the air cleaner, the secondary air control valve and the lead valve together and supply air to the exhaust port from the air cleaner. The air cleaner, the secondary air control valve and the lead valve may be arranged to be disposed on substantially the same straight line when viewed from the side. |
| US07757474B2 |
Gas turbine protection device
A gas turbine has a plurality of combustors in a toroidal arrangement to provide combustion gases to turbine blades, thereby rotating the turbine body. Thermocouples, the number of which is the same as or greater than the number of the combustors, are arranged toroidally at the outlets of the turbine blades and measure the temperatures of the combustion gases at the respective outlets. During the operation of the gas turbine, if an abnormality, such as misfire or fuel injection nozzle obstruction, occurs in one or more of the combustors, the resulting change in gas temperature triggers a signal to stop, and thereby protect the gas turbine. Based on the measured values of the blade pass temperatures of the thermocouples and set threshold temperatures, a fuel supply system may be caused to gradually decrease the fuel supplied to the combustors to bring the gas turbine body to an automatic stop, or it may be cut off instantaneously, thus immediately stopping the gas turbine. |
| US07757473B2 |
Manufacture method of power transmission chain and a power-transmission-chain manufacturing apparatus employed by the manufacture method
Manufacture method and manufacturing apparatus for power transmission chain according to the invention are adapted to accomplish exact positioning of pin members and link plates. This permits the pin members to be positively press-inserted into pin holes of the link plates and hence, the fabrication of the power transmission chain is facilitated. |
| US07757471B2 |
Agricultural harvester having automated tree sensing and shaking device and method
An automatically operated agricultural tree harvesting machine having systems for automatically steering, propelling and stopping the harvester machine to shake each tree, eliminating the need for the operator to steer or manually engage the shaker head. The system comprises a series of sensors to determine the location of each tree and a system for controlling the steering of the harvester and to determine the distance moved. |
| US07757469B2 |
Carousel merger
A carousel merger is provided that is designed to replace existing belt conveyor devices. The carousel merger device has a crop receiving passageway which extends through a top surface of the carousel merger device toward a bottom surface of the carousel merger device. The crop receiving passageway has a plurality of crop receiving regions and a crop flow region. The crop receiving regions have arcuate sidewalls, support plates rotatably mounted to the bottom surface and blades mounted to the support plates. The crop flow region is provided adjacent the crop receiving regions with a portion of the crop flow region extending through the crop receiving regions. The crop flow region has a back wall opposite from the arcuate sidewalls of the crop receiving regions. A discharge is in communication with the crop flow region. |
| US07757468B2 |
Device for strapping packages with strapping material
An improved retainer system allowing reliable strapping of a package while incurring only minimized wear. An additional retainer device (17) is placed in front of the inner side of the strap guide frame (11) and comprises an elastic, longitudinally stretching element (18, 19) and a mating support (30). The elastic element and mating support are made of a low-wear material relative to the strap and are mutually parallel, as well as parallel to the strap outlet aperture (23). The elastic element and the mating support together subtend a gap through which the strap is pulled. |
| US07757462B2 |
Multi-layer frankfurter loading method
A system and method for multi-layer loading of food items such as frankfurters in a receptacle includes the steps of displacing groupings of frankfurters along a staging area, allowing the frankfurters to drop downwardly by gravity to an accumulation and storage area until at least two layers of frankfurters are accumulated and allowing the double layer of frankfurters to drop downwardly into a packing receptacle in a packing area. The method of the invention is accomplished by providing a lug chain with lugs spaced to group frankfurters in desired groupings on the staging area, a first set of displaceable supports positioned below the lug chain to allow a layer of frankfurters to fall downwardly by gravity to the accumulation and storage area, a second set of displaceable supports positioned in the accumulation and storage area to allow at least two layers of frankfurters to be accumulated, then actuated to allow the two layers to drop vertically downwardly to a collection receptacle in the packing area, and a pair of tucking flaps that are actuated to an open position to allow two layers of frankfurters to fall downwardly therebetween and to a closed position in which frankfurters are forced by contact therewith into appropriate alignment within the receptacle. |
| US07757461B2 |
Method and device packaging flat objects
In order to package flat objects (1) with the aid of a quasi-endless packaging material web, the packaging material web is placed around a row (4) of the objects (1), in which these objects are conveyed one after the other and in an interspaced manner, whereupon longitudinal seams are made in the packaging material web and transversal seams are made between the objects (1) whereby separating the packaged objects from one another. The invention provides that the row is directly formed on the packaging material web (2) during which the objects are, by acceleration, separated out from a supply stream (3), in which they are fed while overlapping one another, and directly placed upon or pushed onto the packaging material web (2). Forming the row (4) directly on the packaging material web (2) eliminates additional conveying steps thereby shortening the entire required conveyor lines and rendering stabilizing means for stabilizing the objects (1) during conveyance unnecessary. |
| US07757457B2 |
System and method for floor covering installation
Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. Embodiments of the connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. The connectors can have a conductive component that allows electrical continuity to be maintained between adjacent tiles. In yet another embodiment, the connectors can be equipped as radio frequency identification tags by including radio frequency transponders. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. One or more tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges. The tiles are assembled on an underlying flooring surface without the need to attach them to the floor surface. Rather, the tiles are linked to each other with the connectors, so that the tiles create a floor covering that “floats” on the underlying floor surface. Additionally, the tiles need not be installed directly on the floor surface. Rather, an underlayment, such as a film or cushion or cushion composite, may be positioned on the floor surface prior to the installation of tiles. |
| US07757456B2 |
Monolithic abrasive snow retention system
A coating system for a roof for the retention of snow and ice thereon. The coating system employs a base layer, which is applied to the roof surface. The base layer may provide a liquid impermeable barrier layer on the roof surface. An aggregate is spread or broadcast over the base layer while the base layer is in a liquid state. The base layer and the aggregate are secured to the roof surface once the base layer has cured. The aggregate protrudes from the upper surface of the base layer to provide maximum snow and ice retention. |
| US07757455B2 |
Spacer arrangement with fusable connector for insulating glass units
A spacer frame arrangement for insulating glass units, comprising a spacer profile body extending in a first direction and having a predetermined cross section in a plane perpendicular to the first direction, the predetermined cross section defining a hollow inner space of the spacer profile body with predetermined dimensions in the plane perpendicular to the first direction, and a connector comprising a connector section adapted to be inserted in the first direction into the hollow inner space of the spacer profile body by having a cross sectional shape perpendicular to the first direction which corresponds, with predetermined tolerances, to the cross section of the spacer profile body limiting the hollow inner space, at least the outer surface of the connector section facing the inner surface of the hollow inner space of the spacer profile body after insertion of the same being made of a fusable material, preferably a material fusable by melting the same, wherein the connector section is inserted into the hollow inner space of the spacer profile body and the outer surfaces of the connector section and the inner surface of the spacer profile body facing each other are connected by fusing. |
| US07757452B2 |
Mechanical locking system for floorboards
Floorboards (1, 1′) are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system consisting of a separately machined locking strip (6) which is mechanically joined with the floorboard (1), the locking strip (6) being designed for mechanical fixing to the floorboard (1) by means of a joint, which is operable by snapping-in and/or inward angling, and the locking strip (6) being designed to connect the floorboard (1) with the essentially identical floorboard (1′) by at least inward angling.Moreover, a locking strip, a strip blank, a set of parts for making a floorboard and methods for manufacturing a floorboard and a locking strip, respectively, are shown. |
| US07757449B2 |
Removable floor
A removable floor includes a support piece (1) having a floor tile (15) affixed to the upper surface thereof, with the support piece being equipped to be secured to other support pieces, in order to facilitate the installation and removal of the floor by the user and to enable the supports to be installed in an aligned and/or out of phase manner such as to produce different decorative patterns. |
| US07757447B2 |
Water management building wrap
The present invention provides a water management building wrap that may be useable between a frame structure of a building and an exterior building covering. In at least one embodiment, the building wrap comprises a permeable membrane and an extruded polymeric drainage structure secured to the second side of the membrane. In at least one embodiment, the drainage structure includes a plurality of generally vertical members having a first thickness and forming boundaries for generally vertical water drainage channels, and a plurality of generally horizontal members attached to the generally vertical members and having a second thickness less than the first thickness and forming integral joints at intersections of the generally vertical members and the generally horizontal members that provide dimensional stability to maintain the orientation of the generally vertical members and form stable vertical water drainage channels. |
| US07757442B2 |
Flexible structures for use with dock seals and shelters
Flexible structures for use with dock seals and shelters are disclosed. An example flexible structure includes an elongate flexible panel assembly having first and second longitudinal edges and at least one flexible thin-walled member having a length along a longitudinal axis of the elongate flexible panel assembly. The at least one flexible thin-walled member is configured to have a cross-sectional geometry that provides sufficient rigidity to enable the elongate flexible panel assembly to be cantilevered from a surface via the first longitudinal edge without substantial deformation of the cross-sectional geometry of the at least one flexible thin-walled member along the length of the at least one flexible thin-walled member. |
| US07757440B2 |
Vented eaves closure
A method is provided for installing a ventilated eaves closure and tile support apparatus along the eaves of a roof. A vented eaves closure apparatus is disposed along the eaves to support the first course of roof tiles at a desired pitch. The apparatus provides support, ventilation, and drainage, while also providing a barrier to wind-driven precipitation, bird nesting, and animal invasion. The apparatus includes an array of openings configured to allow drainage and facilitate the flow of air beneath the tiles and throughout the air space between the roof deck and the tiles. The method and apparatus can be adapted to fit a variety of roof types and roof tiles having different sizes, shapes, and profiles. |
| US07757439B1 |
Fabric structures with tensioner and tensioner device
A fabric covered rigid frame structure having at least three elongate rafters; at least one column supporting the rafters; a fabric cover; a cord system or a web system encircling the fabric cover; and at least one tensioner formed in an end of at least one elongate rafter, wherein the tensioner includes an opening formed in an end of the elongate rafter along the axis of the rafter; a first fitting disposed between the opening and an end of the elongate rafter; a rod disposed in the elongate rafter along an axis of the rafter through the first fitting, wherein the rod comprises threads that are exposed to at least a portion of the opening; means for engaging the rod through the first fitting; and a sliding block with hook disposed on the threads of the rod interior of the elongate rafter wherein the hook engages the fabric cover. |
| US07757432B2 |
Electronic carpenter bee trap
A carpenter bee trap having a housing that contains a hole, an electrode in proximity to the hole, and a power source connected to the electrode. The hole is of a size similar to the size holes that carpenter bees normally make, thus attracting the carpenter bees to the hole. The carpenter bees will enter the hole, and make contact with an electrode. The electrode is energized through connection with a power source. In one embodiment, the power source includes a photovoltaic panel. Once the carpenter bee makes contact with the electrode, a high voltage discharge will take place through the body of the carpenter bee, thus killing the carpenter bee. The carpenter bee will then fall from the hole, and the trap will be ready for the next carpenter bee to enter. |
| US07757429B1 |
“Z”-bar rodent trap and method of use thereof
invention as presently conceived discloses a spring-loaded, baited mouse/rat/rodent trap device having a zig-zag configured spring trap bar. Although resembling a conventional spring-loaded mouse trap, the snap wire bar is not straight but has a “Z” or zig-zag shape. The zig-zag snap bar provides for a wider capture surface area of as much as an extra half-inch, dependent upon the overall trap dimensions. The bar's overall weight and wind resistance is still minor, and allows the bar to travel at a high rate of speed. The effective wider configuration makes it much more likely that the bar strike some part of the rodent's body resulting in a higher trap or kill ratio. |
| US07757420B1 |
Integrated firearm security lock
The difficulties and drawbacks of previous-type systems are overcome by the present invention which includes a locking device for a firing spring housing in a firearm. A main housing is provided including an internal cylindrical portion for receiving a firing spring. A lock rod is received in the main housing, for selectively engaging the firing spring. The lock rod is movable between an engagement position and a disengagement position with the firing spring. A combination disk is provided for engaging the lock rod, to selectively fix the lock rod in one of the engagement position and the disengagement position. |
| US07757419B2 |
Holder for a ceiling sign
A holding device for attaching a ceiling sign to a ceiling structure contains a base for attaching the ceiling elements and an adapter part for attaching the ceiling sign, the adapter part can be folded down from the base together with the ceiling sign in order to remove the ceiling elements. |
| US07757418B1 |
Display apparatus and method
Some embodiments of a display fixture can display a variety of products or images of available products in an appealing manner that draws attention from consumers. In some cases, the display fixture may employ a number of graphic inserts that fit within display windows to show images related to available products. |
| US07757416B2 |
Portable and stowable quilting design wall
A portable and stowable quilting wall has generally rectangular body composed of a smooth backing sheet sewn peripherally to a mating front sheet of heavy nap felt. A top hem mounts spaced pieces of hook fasteners interspersed with holes. A bottom hem confines a heavy rod, while the backing sheet mounts strips of loop fasteners that are spaced to engage the hook fasteners when the wall is rolled up on itself to retain the quilting wall in a rolled-up condition for easy movement and storage. The felt nap releasably engages pieces of quilt pieces placed and retains them in both rolled-up and unrolled conditions, without the use of added adhesive or mechanical fasteners. The holes in the top hem receive hooks to hang the unrolled sheet against a wall or door, while the rod maintains the quilting wall flat against a vertical surface. |
| US07757415B2 |
Horizontal ice cuttings conveyor for ice resurfacing machines
The horizontal conveyor of an ice re-surfacing machine implements auger flights in which successive half circles of the flight have slightly different radii. The successive contact of larger and smaller radius flights against ice building up in front of the horizontal conveyor breaks up and dissipates the ice. |
| US07757414B2 |
Footwear with pivotal and/or rotatable tongue
A revolving tongue for application to footwear provided a central pivot point that rotatably connects to a crossbar of the footwear, the crossbar extending between the lateral openings of the shoe, at upper edges of the shoe quarter portions. The tongue may be rotated, to disclose variations in coloration material and design for the shoes, as applied. A pivot pin or other connector secures the tongue, approximately centrally, to the crossbar, a guide may be provided at the lower or lateral edges of the circular tongue, secured within the shoe, to act as a guide to retain the tongue for its circular motion. In addition, openings may be provided within the upper quarter portions of the shoe, so the tongue coloration can show therethrough, and change, as the tongue is being pivoted for a different setting, and in addition, can also provide for aeration of the foot, at such location. |
| US07757413B2 |
Magnetic swivel sports shoes
A shoe that relates to safety of the participants' when sports shoes with cleats are employed, e.g. golf, football, and soccer. Knee, ankle, & hip injuries are brought about by abrupt leg turns after the foot is planted and the participant's knee continues to move in a separate direction.A principle objective of the present invention is also to enhance the participants' performance. The primary objective, however, is to minimize the frequency and/or seriousness of knee, ankle, and hip injuries brought about by knee and leg turns after the foot is planted on the playing surface. This invention will permit the foot to rotate under magnetic control when enough pressure is exerted by the participant's body. |
| US07757409B2 |
Cushioning member
A cushioning member for an article of footwear is disclosed. The article of footwear comprises a sole; and a cushioning member disposed in the sole, the cushioning member comprising: a substantially u-shaped heel chamber having an anterior wall, a curved posterior wall, and medial and lateral sidewalls disposed between the anterior wall and the posterior wall; a forefoot chamber; and a passage connecting the heel chamber and the forefoot chamber, wherein the sole is formed around the cushioning member such that at least a portion of the medial heel sidewall and the lateral heel sidewall are visible. |
| US07757407B2 |
Gas drying device
Gas drying device, consisting of a desiccant dryer (2) which makes use of a pressure tank (4) with a drying zone (5) and a regeneration zone (6), with an adsorption and/or absorption medium (7) which is alternately guided through the drying zone (5) and the regeneration zone (6); a primary circuit (8) in which the abovementioned desiccant dryer (2) is included, which makes it possible to guide the gas to be dried through the drying zone (5) of the desiccant dryer (2); a secondary circuit (9) which makes it possible for a part of the gas to be dried to be guided through the regeneration zone (6) of the desiccant dryer (2) and to absorb moisture there, characterized in that the device also contains a cooling dryer (1) which is inserted upstream the abovementioned desiccant dryer (2) in the primary circuit (8). |
| US07757406B2 |
Vehicle travel grade indicator (VTGI)
A method and device for determining the grade/slope of the road upon which a vehicle is traveling and displaying said grade/slope through a visual display that is adjustable by the driver/operator of said vehicle to his/her convenient sight of vision; wherein such device can also be used by many industries, machineries, and engineering fields of many types; wherein such device does so by its internal parts which include shafts, gears, bushes, weights, a spring, brake shoes, cylinders, and other, all within a shell, with (or in some cases without) oil; wherein positive or negative accelerations will not affect the performance of said device. Said device is fixed in the said vehicle by either said operator or the manufacturer of said vehicle and said device will measure said grade/slope independent of any driving members or parts of said vehicle or other devices, power, sensors of any kind, and/or anything else outside of its shell. |
| US07757405B2 |
Trimmer with reciprocating blades
A trimmer having a first cutting blade and a second cutting blade. A first drive gear assembly cooperates with the cutting blades so that as the first drive gear assembly rotates around a first axis, the cutting blades are caused to reciprocatingly move in first and second paths to produce a cutting action. A second drive gear assembly has a second drive gear that has teeth in mesh with teeth on the first drive gear assembly. The second drive gear is rotatable around a second axis to cause the first drive gear assembly to be rotated in the first rotational direction. A powered drive assembly rotates the second drive gear around a second axis in the one rotational direction. The teeth on the first drive gear assembly are defined by a first bevel gear. The second gear is a bevel gear in mesh with the first bevel gear. |
| US07757401B2 |
Method for manufacturing a screen for downhole use
An assembly method for a downhole screen is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the filtration layer is slipped over a perforated base pipe and an expansion technique is used to increase the base pipe diameter to the point where, preferably, an interference fit exists. The expansion can be fully underneath the filtration layer or can be done in discrete zones. The finished assembly can still be expanded further downhole, such as, for example, in open hole completions. An outer protective shroud can be employed over the filtration layer when the expansion of the base pipe occurs. |
| US07757397B2 |
Method for forming an element substrate
A method for forming an element substrate which includes a substrate, an ink supply port penetrating substrate and energy supplying means for supplying ejection energy to ink introduced through ink supply port, the method includes a step of forming the energy supplying means on the substrate, then; a step of thinning the substrate, and then; an ink supply port forming step of forming the ink supply port in the substrate. |
| US07757395B2 |
Method of manufacturing substrates with feedthrough electrodes for inkjet heads and method of manufacturing inkjet heads
A method of producing substrate 3 having feedthrough electrodes for an inkjet head, including: a step of forming grooves in the substrate 1 in the same pitch as that of the inkjet head; a step of setting conductive member 101 in the grooves; a step of adhering covering substrate 2 onto substrate 1; a step of cutting adhered substrate 1 and covering substrate 2 in a direction perpendicular to that of the grooves in a predetermined width. |
| US07757391B2 |
Method for applying viscous medium on a substrate
A method of applying viscous medium on a substrate that is arranged for mounting of components includes providing the substrate arranged for mounting of electronic components thereon and screen printing predetermined amounts of a viscous medium on predetermined positions on the substrate. In addition, the method includes add-on jetting of predetermined additional amounts of viscous medium on predetermined positions on the screen printed substrate. The add-on jetting is non-contact dispensing and the add-on jetting viscous medium is still in viscous form during the add-on jetting. |
| US07757389B2 |
Method of manufacturing an ultrasonic probe
For providing a flexible printed circuit board in which the distance between each of plural wiring patterns is a desired distance by cutting the flexible printed circuit board having plural wiring patterns, plural wiring patterns are formed so as to extend on the surface of an electrically insulative base film, and each of the plural wiring patterns is formed so as to include a portion where the distance between each of them is narrowed along the extending direction of the base film. |
| US07757385B2 |
System for fabricating semiconductor components with through wire interconnects
A method for fabricating a semiconductor component with a through wire interconnect includes the step of providing a substrate having a circuit side, a back side, and a through via. The method also includes the steps of: threading a wire through the via, forming a contact on the wire on the back side, forming a bonded contact on the wire on the circuit side, and then severing the wire from the bonded contact. The through wire interconnect includes the wire in the via, the contact on the back side and the bonded contact on the circuit side. The contact on the back side, and the bonded contact on the circuit side, permit multiple components to be stacked with electrical connections between adjacent components. A system for performing the method includes the substrate with the via, and a wire bonder having a bonding capillary configured to thread the wire through the via, and form the contact and the bonded contact. The semiconductor component can be used to form chip scale components, wafer scale components, stacked components, or interconnect components for electrically engaging or testing other semiconductor components. |
| US07757382B2 |
Bearing positioning tool set
A bearing positioning tool set includes a grip having an inner end fixed with a combining rod with a combining hole. One or more positioning press blocks to be fitted with the grip are respectively formed with different diameters and bored with a central insert hole and respectively formed with a first fitting member, a first holding edge, a second fitting member and a second holding edge. A combining member is combined with the combining hole of a grip. By having the fitting member and the holding edge of the positioning press block respectively contacting closely with the inner wall and the upper edge of a bearing, hammering force can be applied evenly to position smoothly and quickly the bearing in the insert hole of an axle. Further, each positioning press block is formed with two different diameters for matching with different-sized bearings. |
| US07757381B2 |
Electric staking die
An electric staking die that joins a joined material to a shaping material, wherein a bump is formed in the shaping material, the bump is inlaid in a hole made in the joined material and the electric staking die presses a shaping portion that is a portion exserting from the joined material as well as a part of the bump, have a recess on a pressing surface that presses said shaping portion of said shaping material wherein an open hole of said recess is larger than said hole made in said joined material, has been offered. The volume of the recess room is more than the volume of the shaping portion of the shaping material. The manufacturing facility comprises a supporting table, the electric staking die and a control means. A method to carry out the electrical staking operation using the electric staking die is presented as sufficient strength staking. |
| US07757371B2 |
Process for manufacturing a reference leak
A method for making a reference leak includes the steps of: (a) preparing a substrate; (b) forming a patterned catalyst layer on the substrate, the patterned catalyst layer comprising one or more catalyst blocks; (c) forming one or more elongate nano-structures extending from the corresponding catalyst blocks by a chemical vapor deposition method; (d) forming a leak layer of one of a metallic material, a glass material, and a ceramic material on the substrate with the one or more elongate nano-structures partly or completely embedded therein; and (e) removing the one or more elongate nano-structures and the substrate to obtain a reference leak with one or more leak holes defined therein. |
| US07757370B2 |
Methods of forming a needle and hub assembly for automatic injectors
A needle and hub assembly for automatic injectors includes a cap or skirt that has a forward surface interposed between and reinforced by first and second engaged hub portions. A needle is received in a contiguous channel formed in the two hub portions. Methods of forming the assembly include molding the first hub portion, placing the cap over the first hub portion, inserting the needle into the channel in the first hub portion, and then overmolding or otherwise forming the second hub portion on the exterior of the first hub portion and cap such that the second hub portion engages the first hub portion. An assembly created by this “two-shot” process can be used to seal a relatively large opening in a medicament cartridge and to support the needle more effectively than a conventional assembly. |
| US07757366B2 |
Coupling for connecting tubes with a nut-runner
A coupling for connecting pipes, having a seal, flanges, a threaded portion and a nut, where the end portion of the pipe is equipped with a concentric press surface located immediately proximal to the periphery of the pipe and designed to be able to take an axial pressure from a preloading tool, which pressure is distributed evenly or point-by-point about the periphery of the pipe. The preloading tool has two end sections connected to two or more rods, each rod being equipped with a hydraulic cylinder. |
| US07757365B2 |
Method for securing frame halves of a frame assembly with a clip structure
A method for securing two frame halves of a frame assembly, including providing a pair of frame halves each having an axially extending attachment rib. The frame halves are temporarily secured for storage and transport by detachably clipping the attachment ribs together with a clip. The frame halves can be disengaged, rotated, and lockingly clipped together for final installation with the same clip. |
| US07757362B2 |
Method for producing dielectric film, method for producing piezoelectric element, method for producing liquid-jet head, dielectric film, piezoelectric element, and liquid-jet apparatus
A method for producing a dielectric film, comprising: a coating step of coating a colloidal solution containing an organometallic compound containing a metal constituting a dielectric film containing at least a lead component to form a dielectric precursor film; a drying step of drying the dielectric precursor film; a degreasing step of degreasing the dielectric precursor film; and a firing step of firing the dielectric precursor film to form a dielectric film, and wherein the drying step includes a first drying step of heating the dielectric precursor film to a temperature lower than the boiling point of a solvent, which is a main solvent of the material, and holding the dielectric precursor film at the temperature for a certain period of time to dry the dielectric precursor film, and a second drying step of drying the dielectric precursor film at a temperature in the range of 140° C., to 170° C., the degreasing step is performed at a degreasing temperature of 350° C. to 450° C. and at a heating-up rate of 15 [° C./sec] or higher, and the firing step is performed at a heating-up rate of 100 [° C./sec] to 150 [° C./sec]. |
| US07757361B2 |
Method and system for delayed write scanning for detecting computer malwares
A method, system, and computer program product provides on-access anti-virus scanning of data files, which can be performed without introducing significant performance degradation and provides delayed file write operation scanning upon interception of a file write operation. A method of detecting a malware comprises the steps of intercepting a file access operation of the a process to a file, in response to the intercepting, waiting a time interval between the intercepting and scanning the file for a malware, and scanning the file for the malware, after waiting the time interval, wherein the process is associated with an application program and wherein the file access operation is a file write operation. |
| US07757357B2 |
Adjustable bundling device
An adjustable bundling device is disclosed that aids in the cinching and un-cinching of one or more items, such as the wrapping of food items in preparation for cooking. A cavity element and a stop element are attached to opposing ends of a length of flexible textured cord. The cord can be pushed through the cavity to form a loop that can hold various items. The loop can be tightened and loosened by sliding the cord within the cavity. The texture of the cord interacts with protrusions in the cavity to lock the cord in place. The cavity acts a type of clench and the end stop prevents the cord from slipping all the way out of the cavity. |
| US07757354B2 |
Apparatus at a carding machine having a cylinder, carding elements and displaceable holding elements
In an apparatus at a carding machine having a cylinder, working elements and displaceable holding elements, which determine the carding gap between the cylinder clothing and the working elements, a displacement device actuatable by thermal energy supply is provided for the working elements in order to compensate for changes in the carding gap that arise during operation, and at least one adjusting element cooperates with a fluid. Thermal energy is conveyable to the fluid. In order to keep the carding gap constant or substantially constant in a structurally simple manner, the fluid is expansible by thermal energy supply and the adjusting element is positionally displaceable by expansion and/or contraction of the fluid. |
| US07757351B2 |
Sanitary wipe and wipe dispenser for door knobs
The present disclosure relates to a wipe-dispensing device that can fit around commonly used doorknobs or door handles, and a method for issuing wipes from the device so that they may be used as a protective barrier between the hand and the doorknobs. The device may include a molded circular ring made of plastic or any suitable hardened polymer. The ring fits around a doorknob or door handle so that the inner edge of the ring is proximal to the outer edge of the doorknob base which is fixed to the door. Commonly used adhesive can be applied to the bottom half of the device to allow the apparatus to be attached to a door and to be positioned proximate to a doorknob as mentioned above. The device may also be attached to a door with screws inserted through the device. In an alternative embodiment, a gap can be included in the apparatus so that the ring is not continuous. |
| US07757347B1 |
Drapery carrier and method of assembly into a track
A drapery carrier comprising a carrier body with first and second coaxially joined wheels on opposite sides of the carrier body, and bearings entrapped within the drapery carrier between raceway seat portions of the wheels. An axial finger extends from the first wheel and is engagingly held within an axial bore of the second wheel. Respective outer circumferential wheel surfaces of the first and second wheels define first and second wheel outer diameters of the first and second wheels, and the bearing center-to-center orbit diameter is less than the first and second wheel outer diameters. Two embodiments of a carrier strip hold a plurality of the drapery carriers prior to and during insertion within a drapery track, and permit easy insertion of the drapery carriers into the track by sliding the track onto the drapery carriers while they are held by the carrier strip. |
| US07757343B2 |
Surface treating appliance
A surface treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner, includes a main body, a surface treating head and a support assembly. The support assembly is rotatably mounted to the main body for allowing the main body to be rolled along a surface. The support assembly also houses a component of the appliance, such as a motor for driving a surface-agitating device. Alternatively, or additionally, the support assembly may accommodate a fluid inlet for receiving fluid flow, a fluid outlet for exhausting fluid and a device for acting on the fluid flow received by the inlet such as a filter or suction apparatus. |
| US07757337B2 |
Vehicle wiper device
A pipe member is arranged along a wiper arm. A wiper blade has a lever rotatably coupled to the wiper arm and a blade rubber for wiping a surface to be wiped. A nozzle mechanism has an attachment member attached to the wiper arm, a nozzle member for supplying the washer liquid sent under pressure from the pipe member to the surface to be wiped, and an engaging portion provided in the nozzle member. The attachment member rotatably supports the nozzle member. The engaging portion engages with the wiper blade such that the nozzle member follows rotation of the wiper blade. Therefore, a vehicle wiper device facilitates replacement of the wiper blade, and allows washer liquid to be stably received by the surface to be wiped. |
| US07757335B1 |
Trowel
An improved trowel for facilitating the production of air pockets in a layer of mortar mix applied to a substrate for receiving marble-flooring pieces thereon. The trowel comprises a handle and an elongated blade joined together by a shank. The shape of the blade gradually narrows to a distal end that includes a plurality of tips separated by one or more V-shaped notch or notches. In various versions of the invention, the number of tips may vary and the tips may be flat or pointed. The V-shaped notch or notches may vary in depth. |
| US07757332B1 |
Sewer cleaning machine
Disclosed herein is an improved rotary drain cleaning machine having an improved support structure that prevents walking of the machine when in use. The machine is supported upon two rear mounted wheels and a forward pedestal. |
| US07757328B2 |
Oral brushing devices and/or methods
An oral hygiene device having one or more toothbrushes connected or connectible to the end of a handle, the one or more toothbrushes providing a desirable fit about the teeth and/or gums and/or providing a desirable brushing action. An oral hygiene device hereof may provide for mechanically providing the brushing movements of the professionally recommended manual tooth-brushing method known as the “Bass” or “Modified Bass” technique to thus reduce or eliminate the element of human error associated with the brushing of a user's teeth and gums. |
| US07757327B2 |
Electric toothbrush
An electric toothbrush in which the brushing head moves in an elliptical motion such that, on the brushing stroke, the bristles are proximate the teeth, and in the recovery portion of the cycle the bristles are pulled away from the teeth. A position sensitive switch automatically switches from a forward to a reverse operation of the electric motor, depending on the positioning of the toothbrush in a user's hand, allowing the user to brush both the upper and lower teeth using a stroke carrying the bristles from the gum line to the ends of the teeth, as is recommended by dental professionals, without having to move the toothbrush from hand to hand or manually move the switch from the forward to the reverse positions. A bridge pad engages the face of the teeth, maintaining a proper distance between the teeth and bristles during the elliptical rotation of the brush head. |
| US07757325B2 |
Custom fit system and method for custom fitting athletic shoes
A system for custom fitting athletic shoes to an individual wearer includes a foot measurement device, an adjustable footform and an infrared activation chamber. Shoes of a single width for each length size have at least a portion of the upper made of heat malleable material to be custom fitted for width. Foot measurement data is used to calculate length size, width size and a number of custom adjustment factors. After the length size is calculated, the appropriately sized shoe and last are assembled together and subject to infrared radiation until the heat malleable material becomes plastic. Adjustments are then made to the last in accordance with the adjustment factors to provide custom width sizing. After further heat treatment to set the shoe upper and cooling, the shoe is complete. In this manner, if used in a retail setting, shoes are custom fitted to the wearer in a matter of minutes. |
| US07757314B2 |
Collapsible structure
A collapsible structure is movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The collapsible structure includes a plurality of collapsible scissor assemblies. Each scissor assembly includes a first frame member pivotally coupled to a second frame member at a first pivot point. Frame members of adjacent scissor assemblies are coupled to a first connector assembly or a second connector assembly. A support assembly is coupled to a first scissor assembly and includes a member pivotally coupled at a first end to the first connector assembly or the first frame member and slidably coupled at an opposing second end to the second frame member. |
| US07757312B2 |
Fixture for disposing of bodily waste having an anti-overflow feature and a method for making the same
The present invention provides for an improved bathroom fixture for flushing bodily waste materials. This fixture includes a secondary drain that communicates liquid that is backing up during a potential overflow situation into a conventional drainage sewer without any modification to that sewer. |
| US07757310B2 |
Impact protection device
In one embodiment, the present invention provides an impact protection device including a base member, a cushioning layer secured to a peripheral edge of the base member and an impact shield operatively attached to an outer surface of the base member. The impact shield may be deflectable and/or moveable relative to the base member, and may be attached to the base member at a plurality of discrete locations. |
| US07757308B2 |
Clothing with adjustable waist size
Clothing includes a body part, a waistband part circumferentially provided at an upper end of the body part and having opposite end portions, and a rubber band encapsulated in the waistband part. Locking units are provided on a surface of the end portion and a back face of the end portion, opposite ends of the rubber band which can be exposed from a side end of the end portion and from a hole portion formed in the back face of the end portion are coupled by a coupling unit so that a length of the rubber band can be adjusted, the opening/closing portions integral with the opposite end portions can be separated leftward and rightward, and the units are invisible from the front when the opening/closing portions are closed. Therefore, clothing with a waist size, which can be adjusted by a wearer, and with good appearance can be provided. |
| US07757307B2 |
Jock support short
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a jock support short including a short member and an integrally-formed jock support member. The integral jock support member includes a pocket portion attached to a front portion of the short, which is configured to house a protective groin cup. At least two elongate members extend along opposing sides of the pocket portion and may intersect or meet at a crotch portion of the short such that the pocket and/or protective cup remains secured over a user's groin region during athletic or other physical activity. |
| US07757305B2 |
Lower body garment with integral back support
A garment comprising first and second lower leg portions each having a distal and a proximal end, each lower leg portion including an anchor disposed proximate the distal end thereof, a first keeper fixed to the first lower leg portion proximate the proximal end thereof, a second keeper fixed to the second lower leg portion, proximate the proximal end thereof, an elongate lumbar support assembly having a first end and a second end, a first mating member disposed at the first end of the elongate lumbar support assembly and adapted to releaseably mate with the first keeper, and a second mating member disposed at the second end of the elongate lumbar support assembly and adapted to releaseably mate with the second keeper. |