| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07811349B2 |
Vacuum cleaner with vortex stabilizer
A vacuum cleaner with a cyclone module assembly comprises a cyclone separation chamber for separating dust and debris from air, a dirt cup for collecting dust and debris that is separated from the air in the cyclone separation chamber, and a vortex stabilizer. The vortex stabilizer can be pivotally mounted to the cyclone separation chamber to allow access to the cyclone separation chamber when the dirt cup is removed from the cyclone module assembly. |
| US07811343B2 |
Method and apparatus for separating liquid droplets from a gas stream
A method and apparatus for separating liquid droplets from a gas stream. The method includes the steps of conditioning the gas stream which contains the droplets so that the gas stream exhibits substantially turbulent flow, passing the gas stream generally axially through a flowpath so that the gas stream is in communication with a collector surface, collecting the droplets on the collector surface, and draining the collector surface to remove the collected droplets from the collector surface. The apparatus includes a flowpath, a collector surface for collecting the droplets, a flow conditioner for conditioning the gas stream, and a drainage mechanism for draining the collected droplets from the collector surface. |
| US07811339B2 |
Method and apparatus for fabrication of fuels from pressed biomass and use thereof
Method and apparatus for fabrication of fuel from form pressed biomass wherein biomass, particularly grass, is dried prior to pressing, for example, into pellets, and use of such fuels, particularly in form of grass pellets, for energy generation. |
| US07811337B2 |
Ultracapacitor electrode with controlled sulfur content
Particles of active electrode material are made by blending mixing a mixture of activated carbon and binder. In selected implementations, sulfur level in the activated carbon is relatively low and the binder is inert. For example, sulfur content of the activated carbon and the resultant mixture is below 300 ppm and in other implementations, below 50 ppm. The electrode material may be attached to a current collector to obtain an electrode for use in various electrical devices, including a double layer capacitor. The electrode decreases current leakage of the capacitor. |
| US07811331B2 |
Tissue distraction device
An apparatus and method for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting two tissue surfaces. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the two tissue surfaces to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the tissue surfaces so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column. |
| US07811330B2 |
Spinal prostheses
An article including a spinal prosthesis having a unitary body with at least three attachment points attachable to spinal structure, the unitary body including a flexure assembly positioned between first and second attachment members, wherein flexure of the flexure assembly permits movement of the first attachment member relative to the second attachment member. |
| US07811324B2 |
Spinal prostheses
An article including a spinal prosthesis having a unitary body with at least three attachment points attachable to spinal structure, the unitary body including a flexure assembly positioned between first and second attachment members, wherein flexure of the flexure assembly permits movement of the first attachment member relative to the second attachment member. |
| US07811323B2 |
Spinal prostheses
An article including a spinal prosthesis having a unitary body with at least three attachment points attachable to spinal structure, the unitary body including a flexure assembly positioned between first and second attachment members, wherein flexure of the flexure assembly permits movement of the first attachment member relative to the second attachment member. |
| US07811320B2 |
Intraocular lens system
A multi-component intraocular lens implanted in an optical system of a human eye, including one or more foldable removable components, each component being foldable. One component acts as a base lens, including a flange with a slot. Another component acts an optical assembly that may include a top lens joined to or integrated with a mid lens. The top lens, the mid lens or the optical assembly may include at least one projection that engages the slot of the base lens. A medical adhesive may be applied to an outer circumferential surface of the top lens to join the top lens to the mid lens or may be applied to a top surface of the top lens opposing a bottom surface of the mid lens. |
| US07811307B2 |
Inter-laminar support
A vertebral support for positioning between the laminae of the vertebrae. The support may comprise an anterior portion inserted between the laminae of the vertebrae, suitable for giving an anatomical intervertebral spacing, and a posterior portion providing mobility in the region fitted with the implant. A retaining member may limit displacement of the support by shoulders projecting from the anterior portion of the support, and by two transverse projections. |
| US07811306B2 |
Modular applicator for use in reflexotherapy
A modular applicator for use in reflexotherapy, for stimulating specific reflex points on the surface of a human body. The applicator has an elastic base member and modules. Each module is made from metal and provided with an elastic base member which allows a cheaper manufacture, ensures a firm brace between needles and fastening member, eliminates breaking and provides greater comfort to users. |
| US07811303B2 |
Bodily tissue dilation systems and methods
A dilating system for dilating bodily tissue includes a elongate tubular first dilator and a elongate tubular second dilator. The second dilator has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the first dilator, the first dilator being configured to be received within the second dilator. In one embodiment, a first mating member is formed on the exterior surface of the first dilator while a second mating member is formed on the interior surface of the second dilator. The first mating member engages with the second mating member when the second dilator is passed over the first dilator so as to cause the second dilator to travel along a fixed path relative to the first dilator. |
| US07811302B2 |
Lancet device for puncturing the skin
A lancet device for puncturing the skin of mammals, in particular of a human, includes a punch element, a manipulator, and a bushing element for the internal, axially displaceable reception of the punch element. The punch element on its free end has a lancet, provided with a sharp tip, for intentionally entering the skin. The lancet, by means of a force acting in the axial direction on the free end of the bushing via the punch element can be made to enter the skin from the end of the bushing outward with a preadjustable momentum, and a blocking arrangement using an axially slidable sleeve inside the bushing is provided, which, once the lancet has entered the skin, prevents the possibility of a reentry by locking itself within the bushing. |
| US07811295B2 |
Tissue fastening devices and related insertion tools and methods
The invention in certain aspects relates to a one-piece coil-shaped surgical fastener for fastening tissue segments, especially suitable for fastening segments of the lower esophogeal sphincter and fundus in an endoscopic procedure for the treatment of GERD. The invention also relates to related methods and devices for insertion of such a fastener, especially along a juncture of the surfaces of such tissue segments. |
| US07811290B2 |
Apparatus and methods for reinforcing bone
Apparatuses and methods for reinforcing weakened or fractured bone are disclosed. An apparatus for delivering a bone reinforcing mixture to a bone includes a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the tube has at least one inner lumen capable of allowing a bone reinforcing mixture to pass through, and a bone fitting portion having an opening for accepting the tube, an insertion portion for insertion into the bone, and at least one relief valve. |
| US07811289B2 |
Artificial intervertebral disc trial having a controllably separable distal end
Instrumentation for implanting an artificial intervertebral disc includes a dynamic trial for distracting an intervertebral space and/or determining the appropriate size of disc to be implanted, which dynamic trial includes a shaft, at least two distal extensions coupled to the shaft, a bifurcated trial having a first trial half of the bifurcated trial coupled to a first of the extensions and having a second trial half of the bifurcated trial coupled to a second of the extensions, and a pin located between the extensions, wherein movement of the pin in a distal direction increases a separation between the extensions, and wherein varying the separation between the extensions varies a separation between the trial halves. |
| US07811288B2 |
Instruments and methods for adjusting separation distance of vertebral bodies with a minimally invasive spinal stabilization procedure
A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. Extenders may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The extenders may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars. An adjuster may be used in conjunction with the extenders to change a separation distance between the bone fastener assemblies. |
| US07811283B2 |
Open vessel sealing instrument with hourglass cutting mechanism and over-ratchet safety
An open electrosurgical forceps for sealing tissue includes a pair of first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to at least one subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive sealing plate for communicating electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. At least one of the jaw members includes a knife channel defined along a length thereof which is dimensioned to reciprocate a cutting blade therealong. An actuator is included which is operatively connected to one of the shaft members and selectively advances the cutting mechanism from a first position wherein the cutting blade is disposed proximal to tissue held between the jaw members to at least one subsequent position wherein the cutting blade is disposed distal to tissue held between the jaw members. The cutting blade is a generally hourglass-shaped flexible cutting blade having a notch disposed generally midway therealong which facilitates distal translation of the knife within the knife channel. |
| US07811277B2 |
Steerable device and system
A system includes a steerable device, such as a sheath or shaft, having proximal and distal ends. The steerable device includes an elongated body having a proximal section, a steering section, and a distal tip. Control wires are routed through the body and connected at or near the distal end of the steerable device. The system further includes a control unit to which the proximal end of the steerable device is functionally connected. In one embodiment, the control unit includes an actuator connected to one control wire and a biasing force generating device connected to a second control wire. The steering section is controllably manipulated by the control unit to facilitate steering of the distal tip of the steerable device as the steerable device is advanced through tortuous passageways of a patient's body. |
| US07811269B2 |
Negative pressure assisted tissue treatment system
A system for stimulating the healing of tissue comprises a porous pad positioned within a wound cavity, and an airtight dressing secured over the pad, so as to provide an airtight seal to the wound cavity. A proximal end of a conduit is connectable to the dressing. A distal end of the conduit is connectable to a negative pressure source, which may be an electric pump housed within a portable housing, or wall suction. A canister is positioned along the conduit to retain exudates suctioned from the wound site during the application of negative pressure. A first hydrophobic filter is positioned at an opening of the canister to detect a canister full condition. A second hydrophobic filter is positioned between the first filter and the negative pressure source to prevent contamination of the non-disposable portion of the system by exudates being drawn from the wound. An odor filter is positioned between the between the first and second hydrophobic filters to aid in the reduction of malodorous vapors. A securing means is supplied to allow the portable housing to be secured to a stationary object, such as a bed rail or intravenous fluid support pole. A means for automated oscillation of pressure over time is provided to further enhance and stimulate the healing of an open wound. A means for varying pump drive frequency and a means for managing a portable power supply are provided to increase battery life and improve patient mobility. |
| US07811268B2 |
Device for draining aqueous humor in cases of glaucoma
A device is made up of one piece, or two independent pieces, that can be linked with each other to make a unit. The anterior end of a drainage tube is introduced 2 mm into the anterior chamber of the eye while the rear end of the tube is placed in the scleral lake. A cover is a plane body slight in height and oval or oblong in format that is provided with four parallel cuts that create two girths. The said girths are used to retain the drainage tube below the cover, thus creating a curvature in it to form a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface. |
| US07811267B2 |
Kit and method in eye surgery
A kit is provided, which comprises a) a collagen patch and b) an adhesive composition comprising (i) fibrin, fibrinogen or a combination thereof, and (ii) a biocompatible polymer capable of forming a viscous aqueous solution.Also provided is use of the kit for the preparation of a sealing device for use in ophthalmic surgery to replace a natural lens which has been removed, in which sealing device the collagen patch of the kit is adapted to seal an opening in a capsular bag of an eye while admitting the entrance of an injection device through the opening for injection of a lens-forming material into the capsule; and in which sealing device the adhesive composition of the kit is adapted to be applied to the collagen patch so as to enable adhesion of the collagen patch to the capsular bag.Also provided are methods for sealing an opening in a capsular bag of an eye, in which methods the kit is employed. |
| US07811266B2 |
Volume reducing reservoir insert for an infusion port
An access portal is provided including a housing, a body defining a fluid reservoir, and a septum enclosing the fluid reservoir. A stem in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir extends from the fluid reservoir. The access portal also includes a reservoir insert disposed within the fluid reservoir, in which the reservoir insert decreases the fluid fill volume of the reservoir. |
| US07811265B2 |
Ultrasonic probe with positioning device for examination devices and operation devices
An ultrasonic probe with an ultrasonic head (K), which is arranged on or in a shaft (S) and is moveable with or in this shaft, and a positioning apparatus (P) for at least one examination or operating device is described, which is connected with the shaft. Also, medical operating apparatuses with examination probes and uses of the ultrasonic probe and the medical implements are described. |
| US07811264B2 |
Dialysis valve and method
A dialysis valve includes a tube attached between an artery and a vein which, when elongated, simultaneously narrows in diameter at least one location. The narrowed portion of the tube decreases the volume and velocity between the arterial and venous side of the patient to prevent damage or intimal hyperplasia on the venous side between dialysis treatments. When the valve is opened for dialysis, an unrestricted blood flow exists between the arterial and venous side, permitting a controlled, open blood flow during dialysis. |
| US07811261B2 |
Needle cover assembly for a syringe
A single-use cover assembly that obscures a substantial majority or an entirety of an injection needle from view before, during, and after an injection procedure. The cover assembly includes a housing and a needle sleeve that retracts and extends by sliding axially within the housing. The needle sleeve carries a locking collar that moves from a first position to a second position once the needle sleeve is fully retracted. In the first position the locking collar allows retraction of the needle sleeve from a fully extended position. In the second position, a portion of the locking collar covers a tip of the needle, thereby preventing retraction of the needle sleeve from the fully extended position. |
| US07811260B2 |
Apparatus and method to inject fluids into bone marrow and other target sites
Apparatus for delivering a quantity of fluid to bone marrow of a bone or providing access to remove fluids from a target site is provided. The apparatus may include a driver, a plunger operating and cartridge assembly mechanism, a cartridge assembly having a fluid reservoir and a bone penetrating needle. |
| US07811258B2 |
Medical line securement device
A securement device includes a simply-structured retention mechanism that permits a portion of a catheter hub or a similar medical article to be easily anchored to a patient, without the use of tape or needles and suturing. A unitary retainer desirably includes a base defining a locator mechanism. The locator mechanism interacts with a fitting of the medical device so as to position the medical device relative to the retainer. The locator mechanism also desirably guides the medical device fitting into contact with an adhesive member mounted on an outer surface of the retainer. In one form, the locator mechanism includes one or more posts that engage mating holes defined in the medical device fitting. In other forms, the locator mechanism includes a cradle defining an arcuate channel to receive a convex surface of the medical device, or a recess shaped to matingly receive the fitting. The retainer is attached to a flexible anchor pad that includes an adhesive bottom surface, which can be attached to the patient's skin. In use, a health care provider positions the medical device fitting on the retainer in a position established and guided by the locator mechanism, and attaches the fitting to the retainer via the adhesive member. |
| US07811252B2 |
Dosage control device
An injection device includes a dispensing chamber, a plunger, a controller, a memory device resistant to sterilization, and a housing at least partially enclosing the dispensing chamber and the plunger. The dispensing chamber has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a cavity for receiving a quantity of a substance. The plunger is engaged with the inner surface of the dispensing chamber, is capable of sliding in the cavity of the dispensing chamber, and is fluidly sealed to the inner surface of the dispensing chamber. The controller controls the operation of the injection device. The controller reads dosage data from the memory device and operates the injection device to deliver a dosage corresponding to the dosage data. |
| US07811251B2 |
Trocar anchor
Apparatus and methods for providing access to a body cavity without substantial loss of inflation gas therein. The apparatus includes an access assembly that has a tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, an elastic portion interposed the proximal end and the distal end, and a lumen therethrough. An anchor sleeve is disposed coaxially over the tubular member and has a radially expandable region. The anchor sleeve is moveable between an axially elongated configuration and an axially shortened configuration and is biased toward the axially shortened configuration by a force exerted by the elastic portion of the tubular member. The axially shortened configuration corresponds to the anchor sleeve being in the fully deployed position. Methods for providing anchored access to a cavity within a patient are also disclosed. |
| US07811250B1 |
Fluid injectable single operator exchange catheters and methods of use
A single operator exchange biliary catheter having a tubular member extending proximally from the proximal guidewire port. The tubular member defines a guidewire lumen extension adapted to permit the guidewire to be retracted from guidewire lumen and re-inserted therein. By retracting the guidewire from the guidewire lumen and into the guidewire lumen extension, fluid may be readily injected via the guidewire lumen without encountering resistance to fluid flow from the guidewire. The guidewire lumen extension also maintains guidewire lumen access such that the guidewire may be easily re-inserted into the guidewire lumen. |
| US07811248B2 |
Support device for a breast pump
A device that supports a breast pump in a “hands-free” manner is disclosed. The device includes a cover with an opening and strap that connects the cover to an article of clothing such as a nursing bra. When connected, the device securely orients a breast shield of a breast pump over the breast of a user. |
| US07811247B2 |
Method and arrangement for monitoring an administration of at least one medication
An arrangement is provided for monitoring a metering of at least one medication administered to a patient. The concentration of the active ingredient of the medication, which is measured in the breathing gas of a patient, is balanced with a computed concentration in the breathing gas. When a change of the administered quantity of the medication takes place, the concentration range (13) is adapted. The concentration, which is measured in the breathing gas, must lie by computation within this range. An arrangement for administering at least one medication and a method for monitoring a metering or dosing of the medication as well as a method for treating a patient are provided. |
| US07811246B2 |
Device for automatic regulation of the concentration of glucose in the blood of a diabetes patient
A device for regulating the concentration of glucose in the blood of a diabetes patient includes a measuring component for measuring the concentration, a pump component for selectively introducing glucagon, or glucose instead, or insulin into the body of the patient, for instance by way of at least one hypodermic needle to be inserted into the body of the patient; and a control component which receives signals from the measuring component which are representative of the concentration and which control the pump component on the basis of at least one reference value for the concentration pre-entered into the control component and a program; wherein the device is embodied such that the measuring component and the pump component can be in substantially permanent contact with the bodily fluid or the blood of a patient. |
| US07811244B2 |
Anatomical connection
A device for use in the total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) in order to optimize its hemodynamics. Although the current procedure of choice for single ventricle heart repairs, the TCPC has reduced the post-operative mortality to the level of simpler types of congenital heart disease repairs, Fontan patients are still subjected to serious long-term complications. The TCPC procedure, which restores the vital separation between oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, also leads to an increased workload for the remaining single ventricle, as it is now responsible for pumping the blood through both the systemic and pulmonary circulation. The present device reduces this workload by altering the surgically created design of the TCPC. Improved fluid mechanics and reduced energy dissipation at the connection site translates into less work for the single ventricle and improved transport of deoxygenated blood to the lungs, which may in turn contribute to improved post-operative results and quality of life. |
| US07811242B2 |
Motion controlling hinge for orthopedic brace
A motion controlling hinge for an orthopedic brace is provided. The hinge includes an actuator secured to one arm, and at least one spring member. As the arm with the actuator pivots in a first direction, at a predetermined flexion angle the actuator applies a force to the spring member, causing the spring member to flex. The spring member exerts a force on the actuator tending to bias the actuator away from the spring member, and tending to bias the arm in a second direction opposite the first direction. In one embodiment, the spring member comprises a plurality of flat bar leaf springs. A movable fulcrum enables adjustment of a force exerted by the spring member on the actuator. A variety of differently sized adapters are securable to the actuator. The size of the adapter determines the flexion angle at which the spring member first exerts force on the actuator. In some embodiments, the hinge includes an “ON”/“OFF” switch that enables a user to disengage biasing force provided by the spring member. When the switch occupies the “OFF” position, the hinge is freely pivotable to a maximum extension angle. |
| US07811238B2 |
Wire guide having distal coupling tip
A coupling wire guide structured to be slidably coupled to a previously introduced wire guide. The coupling wire guide includes a main body having a distal section. The distal section includes an outer wire disposed over a safety wire. A loop wire is connected to the safety wire at two axially spaced points. At least a portion of the loop wire is positioned outside of the outer wire to define a loop area sized to receive the previously introduced wire guide. |
| US07811236B2 |
Puncturing system for collecting body fluid sample
A microsampler puncturing system for collecting a body fluid from a body part is described, comprising a sample collection unit having a piercing element, and a puncturing instrument having a drive, by which a sample collection unit is movable on a movement path for piercing the piercing element into the skin of the body part and withdrawing it in a piercing and retraction movement, a setting device for setting the puncturing depth of the piercing wound to be generated, and a control device for controlling the piercing and retraction movement having the following sequentially executed movement phases: a forward phase, a retraction phase, and a collecting phase (S). The setting device is settable independently of the chronological mean |
| US07811229B2 |
Electronic endoscope system for fluorescence observation
An electronic endoscope system, which is adapted to observe a fluorescence image of autofluorescence emitted from a body cavity wall irradiated with excitation light, includes a controller that controls a light source apparatus to alternately introduce either white light or excitation light into a light guide while taking a normal color image and the fluorescence image, and controls an image signal generating system to generate normal color image signals and fluorescence image signals. The controller further controls a display device to display a still fluorescence image in a first window defined on a displaying area thereof based on the fluorescence image signals which have been generated when a still image switch is turned ON during the time to take the fluorescence image, and simultaneously to display a moving normal color image in a second window defined on a displaying area thereof based on the normal color image signals generated every time the body cavity wall is intermittently illuminated with the white light, the first window being larger than the second window. |
| US07811226B2 |
Endoscope inserting direction detecting method
An endoscope inserting direction detecting method includes receiving an endoscopic image, sampling pixels, which represent high densities, from data of the endoscopic image, defining an approximate expression for providing an approximate state of a distribution of sampling-pixels, evaluating a difference between a state of distribution of the sampling-pixels and a result of an approximation based on the approximate expression, and determining an endoscope inserting direction, in which an endoscope should be inserted, on the basis of a result of and evaluation of the fourth step. |
| US07811225B2 |
Optical trocar
An optical obturator which includes a sleeve having a longitudinal bore between a proximal end and a distal end is disclosed. The longitudinal bore of the sleeve is configured to receive at least a portion of an endoscope or like image transferring system. An image passing member, such as an optical window is positioned at the distal end of the sleeve and is provided to permit optical images to pass into the longitudinal bore of the sleeve and to permit illumination light to pass to the surgical site. An automatically retracting blade is positioned distal to the image passing member to facilitate penetration of body tissue. |
| US07811222B2 |
Method and apparatus for treating pelvic organ prolapse
An apparatus for treating pelvic organ prolapse in a patent is provided. The apparatus includes a support portion having first and second ends. A first elongated end portion is connected to the first end of the support portion. The first elongated end portion includes a first dilator configured to attach securely with a tip of a needle. A second elongated end portion is connected to the second end of the support portion. The second elongated end portion includes a second dilator configured to attach securely with a tip of a needle. The first and second needles include a straight portion, a tip, a first radius, and a second radius distinct from the first radius. The first radius and the second radius are disposed between the straight portion and the tip. A method and kit for the treatment is further provided. |
| US07811221B2 |
Extracardiac blood flow amplification device
Apparatus is provided including first and second chambers, adapted to be in fluid communication with first and second volumes of oxygenated blood of a subject, respectively, the first and second chambers having first and second surfaces, respectively. A third surface is adapted to apply an elastically-derived force, at least a first and second portions of the third surface in mechanical communication with, respectively, the first and second surfaces, during at least a portion of a cardiac cycle. A pressure-sensitive valve is coupled between the first and second chambers, the valve adapted: (a) to be in an open position during at least a portion of systole, such that the first chamber is in fluid communication with the second chamber; and (b) to be in a substantially closed position during diastole, such that the first chamber is substantially not in fluid communication with the second chamber. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US07811216B2 |
Inflatable exercise apparatus
An inflatable exercise apparatus having inflatable bladder segments in fluid communication with each other. The inflatable exercise apparatus includes a valve control mechanism that may control the flow of a fluid between the bladder segments, thereby allowing for the adjustment of the pressure in each bladder segment. Adjusting the pressure in each bladder segment may allow the user to vary the levels of resistance during exercise. The bladder segments may be operably connected to bases. The bladder segments may have a plateau that is configured to accommodate each user's stance dimension, along with ridges to assist in securing the feet of the user in a neutral position. The apparatus may also include band brackets for the attachment of other exercise devices, for example exercise bands or balancing devices. The bases may be pivotably connected so as to allow the apparatus to fold to accommodate a storage state. |
| US07811213B2 |
Adjustable dumbbell
An adjustable barbell or dumbbell or exercise device includes a handle having a narrowed neck segment formed on each end portion and having a base plate attached to each end portion, two or more weight members each having a slot for receiving the narrowed neck segment of the handle, and each having an enlarged opening communicating with the slot for receiving the handle and for retaining the weight members to the handle when the weight members are offset from the narrowed neck segment of the handle, and a sliding member slidably attached onto each end of the handle for engaging with the weight members after the weight members have been disengaged from the narrowed neck segment of the handle and for retaining the weight members to the handle. |
| US07811212B2 |
Adjustable kettlebell
An adjustable kettlebell includes a shaft having a narrowed neck segment formed on one end portion and having a base plate attached to the other end portion, two or more weight members each having a slot for receiving the narrowed neck segment of the shaft, and each having an enlarged opening communicating with the slot for receiving the shaft and for retaining the weight members to the shaft when the weight members are offset from the narrowed neck segment of the shaft, and a sliding member is slidably attached onto the shaft for engaging with the weight members after the weight members have been disengaged from the narrowed neck segment of the shaft and for retaining the weight members to the shaft. |
| US07811211B2 |
Single apparatus converging/diverging exercise machine
Principles of exercise machine construction, an exercise machine, components of an exercise machine, and methods related to exercising on or constructing an exercise machine that allows for the performance of multiple different exercises, where the user utilizes related arcs of an arm with a fixed path of motion for the different exercises. Generally the arcs will be utilized for both pull-type exercises and push-type exercises and/or for diverging and converging exercises. |
| US07811210B1 |
Crank assembly for fitness equipment
A crank assembly for fitness equipment includes a ductile spacer engaged between a crankshaft mounting surface and a crank arm mounting surface at the interface thereof and conforming respectively to each to maximize surface contact area to distribute loads across a larger area. |
| US07811209B2 |
Upper body exchange and flywheel enhanced dual deck treadmills
An exercise device includes a first treadle assembly supporting a first moving surface and a second treadle assembly supporting a second moving surface. The exercise device further includes an upper body exercise assembly operably associated with the exercise device. The first treadle assembly is pivotally coupled with the frame structure, and the second treadle assembly is pivotally coupled with the frame structure. In another form, an exercise device includes a frame structure, a first treadle assembly having a first endless belt in rotatable engagement with a first roller, a second treadle assembly having a second endless belt in rotatable engagement with a second roller, and a flywheel operably coupled with the first endless belt and the second endless belt. |
| US07811207B2 |
Exercise methods and apparatus
An exercise apparatus links rotation of a crank to generally elliptical motion of a foot supporting member. A foot supporting linkage is movably connected between a rocker and a crank in such a manner that the foot supporting member moves through paths of motion which are fixed, adjustable or variable. |
| US07811205B2 |
Spontaneous symmetrical weight shifting trainer device
A method of improving mobility skills of a user on a stationary elliptical exercise device comprising two footpads, each footpad associated with a stationary exercise device, comprising a frame member having a transverse pivot axis. A first and a second foot tread member are operatively associated with a coupling member for pivotally coupling the front end of each foot tread member to the pivot axis at a predetermined distance from the pivot axis, so that each foot tread member front end travels in an arcuate path about the pivot axis. Each foot tread member moves independently of the other foot tread member. Each foot tread member rear end is operatively associated with a glide member for moveable coupling of the rear end of each foot tread member to a support surface. The glide members direct each foot tread member rear end along a reciprocating path of travel, as each foot tread member front end travels in an arcuate path. |
| US07811204B2 |
Assisted rope climbing apparatus
A rope-climbing exercise apparatus comprising, a support structure, a continuous rope, a means for applying resistance to the downward force on the rope applied by the user, and a means for applying upward force to the user. |
| US07811199B2 |
Method for the operation of a drivetrain
A method for operating a multi-speed automatic transmission of a motor vehicle. The automatic transmission has multiple shift elements for transmitting torque and/or power. When in forward and reverse gears, a first number of shift elements are engaged, and a second number of shift elements are disengaged. To improve the shift speed of successive upshifts and/or successive downshifts which are implemented in an overlapped manner, during a first upshift and/or downshift, at least one shift element, necessary for a successive second upshift and/or downshift, is prepared during the first upshift and/or downshift such that when the first upshift and/or downshift reaches a synchronous point, immediate implementation of the successive second upshift and/or downshift is possible. Depending on a gear change to be implemented, the first upshift and/or downshift from a current gear to a desired gear is preferably implemented as a multiple shift rather than a single shift. |
| US07811198B2 |
8-speed transmission
The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets, six torque-transmitting devices, two fixed interconnections and a grounded member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. |
| US07811196B2 |
8-speed transmission with two fixed interconnections
The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting devices and two fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and with the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. |
| US07811188B2 |
Mechanical function control of continuously variable transmission hydraulic system
A simplified continuously variable transmission system control provides a variable clamping force and a differential cylinder pressure manipulation to change sheave ratios. The system control uses two pumps. The first pump provides the variable clamping force. The second pump provides pressure changes to effect ratio changes. The clamping force can be varied based upon operator demand on an associated engine. |
| US07811187B2 |
Continuously variable transmission
A continuously variable transmission has a primary pulley having a primary movable sheave that is capable of moving to change a groove width of the primary pulley, and a secondary pulley having a secondary movable sheave that is capable of moving to change a groove width of the secondary pulley. Endless flexible members are engaged with the primary pulley and the secondary pulley to transmit torque therebetween. At least one of the pulleys has a thrust applying mechanism that is capable of applying spring force and first fluid pressure force to the movable sheave of the pulley so as to narrow the groove width thereof and generating second fluid pressure force opposite to the spring force and the first fluid pressure force. |
| US07811182B2 |
Method for predicting a golfer's ball striking performance
A method for a predicting golfer's performance is disclosed herein. The method inputs the pre-impact swing properties of a golfer obtained from a CMOS imaging system, a plurality of mass properties of a first golf club, and a plurality of mass properties of a first golf ball into a rigid body code. Ball launch parameters are generated from the rigid body. The ball launch parameters, a plurality of atmospheric conditions and lift and drag properties of the golf ball are inputted into a trajectory code. This trajectory code is used to predict the performance of a golf ball if struck by the golfer with the golf club under the atmospheric conditions. The method can then predict the performance of the golf ball if struck by the golfer with a different golf club. The method and system of the present invention predict the performance of the golf ball without the golfer actually striking the golf ball. |
| US07811175B2 |
Torque transmission device
A torque transmission device is provided with an outer tube having a non-circular internal circumference and an inner tube having a non-circular external circumference inserted into the outer tube. The two tubes have a predefined rotational clearance as the result of a gap formed between the internal and the external circumference. At least one elastic wire cushion-like element is provided in the gap between the two tubes. The two tubes are displaceable in relation to one another, in the longitudinal direction of the tube, in such a way as to make possible length compensation, even under load. |
| US07811173B2 |
Interactive control of video machines and games therefor
An apparatus and methods to provide a game system utilizing a normal household DVD player. The apparatus typically uses multiple remote controls and a game disc to provide an interactive game such as a quiz game. The game disc manipulates the address locations within the DVD to provide movement throughout the disc and the remote controls similarly at an offset to the address locations to source particular media files on the disc to be displayed on an associated television or similar device. The remote controls are also provided with a mechanism to avoid conflict between near simultaneous signals that include receivers within the remote controls to receive the signals, resolve the first remote control operated and only allow an operational code from that remote control to be received by the DVD player. |
| US07811164B1 |
Video skill game
A method of playing a game of skill is provided which includes providing a display, providing several different insignia, and providing a group of several sets of insignia. Each set includes an equal number of insignia in a prearranged order. The group includes first and last sets and a plurality of sets arranged in a designated order on a virtual track. The first set abuts the last set thereby forming a continuous virtual track. The order remains constant. A player provides credits for a play and the display sequentially displays one set of the plurality of sets in the designated order on for a finite period of time. Each set is displayed in a matrix until the player requests the sets to stop the sequential displaying at a particular set. The player is awarded credits for stopping the sequential displaying on a set displaying a winning pattern of indicia. |
| US07811162B2 |
Combine rotor assembly with progressive pitch element pattern
A rotor assembly for a threshing system of a combine provides effective grain threshing and separation, while doing so in a manner that conserves power and avoids usage spikes and the like, by providing at least two helical patterns of elements for threshing and separating, having a helical pitch that progressively changes by an advantageous extent, while spacing between adjacent ones of the elements of each pattern is held about constant. |
| US07811158B2 |
Method for processing meat
A system and method is shown for processing animals, such as calves, from birth to slaughter by utilizing hot-fed rations during the feeding process. The system and method reduces or eliminates the need to use hormones and simultaneously reduces or eliminates the need to sterilize the meat products. Each calf or animal is weaned at a weaning station, fed at a feeding station, slaughtered at a slaughter station to provide a carcass that is substantially the same size as other carcasses for the same breed of animal processed in the system. The consistent carcass size enables manufacture of consistent carcasses which, in turn, facilitates providing substantially the same size meat cuts. This feature enables use of a standard-size packaging, such as a case-ready package, which may be shipped for display and purchase at a store. |
| US07811155B2 |
Grinding member for buttons on rock drill bit
The present invention provides a grinding member or connection to a drive connection member to form a grinding cup for grinding the hard metal inserts or working tips of drill bits (percussive or rotary), tunnel boring machine cutters (TBM) and raised bore machine cutters (RBM) to restore them to substantially their original profile, said grinding member having: a. a grinding section having top and bottom surfaces, a centrally disposed convex recess formed in the bottom surface of said grinding section having the desired profile to be ground; b. a support section adjacent the top surface of said grinding section; c. means to connect the grinding member to the drive connection member wherein the grinding member can be disconnected from the drive connection member when it becomes worn. |
| US07811150B2 |
Modular toy aircraft
Toy aircraft, modular toy aircraft, modular power systems, and toy aircraft kits are disclosed. Toy aircraft may include a self-contained power and control system and an airframe. The self-contained power and control system may include at least one propulsion unit operable to propel the toy aircraft and a power and control unit. The power and control unit may include at least one energy source, be electrically connected to the at least one propulsion unit, and be configured to control operation of the at least one propulsion unit to control flight of the toy aircraft. The airframe may include a wing, a first mount configured to removably retain the at least one propulsion unit, and a second mount configured to removably retain the power and control unit. |
| US07811147B2 |
Organic electroluminescent device and fabrication method thereof
Provided are an organic electroluminescent device and a fabrication method thereof. The organic electroluminescent device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, an organic electroluminescent layer formed on the first substrate, a thin film transistor formed on the second substrate, and first and second seal lines attaching the first and second substrates to each other. |
| US07811146B2 |
Fabrication method of active matrix organic electro-luminescent display panel
An active matrix organic electro-luminescent display (AMOELD) panel comprising a substrate, a pixel structure, an organic light-emitting layer and a cathode pattern layer is provided. The pixel structure layer is disposed over the substrate. The pixel structure layer further comprises an active device matrix and an anode pattern layer. The organic light-emitting layer covers at least the anode pattern layer and comprises at least a first organic light-emitting pattern, at least a second organic light-emitting pattern and at least a third organic light-emitting pattern. The cathode pattern layer is disposed on the organic light-emitting layer. The cathode pattern layer comprises a first cathode pattern disposed on the first organic light-emitting pattern, a second cathode pattern disposed on the second organic light-emitting pattern and a third cathode pattern on the third organic light-emitting pattern. Furthermore, the first, the second and the third cathode pattern are not connected to each other. |
| US07811145B2 |
Collapsible flotation device
A device comprises a spring and a sleeve. The spring is configured to form a closed loop. The spring is moveable between a coiled configuration when the spring is collapsed and an uncoiled configuration when the spring is expanded. The spring defines a circumference while in the uncoiled configuration. The spring is disposed within the sleeve. |
| US07811143B2 |
Shaft seal pressure compensation system for an underwater device
A shaft seal pressure compensation system for an underwater device such a remotely operated vehicle powered by motor driven thrusters where the shaft of the motor extends from a motor housing into the surrounding water and is sealed by a shaft seal by automatically supplying air to pressurize the thrusters to balance the internal pressure of the thrusters to match the ambient water pressure. The air is supplied by a variable volume container that responsive to a pressure differential between the external ambient pressure and an internal pressure within the variable volume gas container for adjusting the volume of the variable volume gas container so that the internal pressure equals the ambient pressure, and thus balancing the system. |
| US07811142B2 |
Fitting for cleaning a through hull port from inside a marine vessel
A marine through hull fitting (50) includes a cleanout housing (80, 204) attached thereto. The clean out housing (80, 204) is configured with a mechanical cleaning implement (94, 218) supported for movement through a first fluid conduit (59) that passes through a vessel hull (54) for scrapping debris from the side walls of the first fluid conduit when the conduit becomes fowled. The cleaning implement (94, 218) is attached to an actuator rod (92) which may be used to hand push the cleaning implement (94, 218) through the conduit (57). |
| US07811141B2 |
Boat propulsion unit
An outboard motor includes a variable speed mechanism portion arranged to transmit a driving force to propellers such that the driving force is changed in its speed by a low reduction ratio and a high reduction ratio, an upper housing that houses the variable speed mechanism portion, oil tanks provided on the outside of the upper housing and arranged to retain oil to be supplied to the upper housing, and an oil lubrication route arranged to supply oil in the oil tanks to the upper housing and to collect the oil supplied in the upper housing in the oil tanks. The above arrangement provides a boat propulsion unit capable of allowing both a performance of acceleration and a maximum speed to approach a level desired by a user and to prevent the occurrence of a loss of the driving energy of an engine. |
| US07811139B1 |
Multi-port cable connector with two-stage retention clips
A device of and method for making a multi-port cable connector is disclosed. The device comprises a connector housing having a plurality of orifices and a clip receiving portion extending into each orifice, each orifice being adapted to receive a corresponding cable connector therein and each clip receiving portion including, at least one grooved engagement surface disposed in a sidewall of the clip receiving portion and defining a first stage, and at least one second grooved engagement surface disposed below the at least one first grooved engagement surface in a sidewall of the clip receiving portion and defining a second stage; and comprises a plurality of retention clips adapted to slide between the first stage and the second stage in a corresponding clip receiving portion, each retention clip including a pair of engagement arms having a notched engagement surface for alternately engaging the pair of first engagement surfaces and the pair of second engagement surfaces. |
| US07811137B2 |
Network socket connector with built-in IP BOX function
A network socket connector with built-in IP BOX function includes a base, a front cover, a circuit board, an upper cover and a metallic housing. A rear surface of the base is provided with a plurality of conductive pins and a front surface thereof is provided with a plurality of electrode terminals. The front cover is assembled to the front end of the base and has a connecting port. The circuit board has a network AV streaming broadcast circuit. The upper cover is assembled with the base and the front cover. The metallic housing is configured as a hollow body for sealing the base, the front cover, the circuit board and the upper cover. When a plug of a network line is inserted into the connecting port to be electrically connected with the electrode terminals, the Internet can be accessed by the network AV streaming broadcast circuit of the circuit board. |
| US07811136B1 |
Pivot plug connector
A pivot plug connector has a cable mount, a pivoting member, a rotating member and a plug head. The cable mount is mounted on a cable. The pivoting member is connected pivotally to the cable mount. The rotating member is connected rotatably to the pivoting member. The plug head is mounted on the rotating member. When plugged into a socket connector, the pivot plug connector pivots and rotates to change its configuration and prevent interfering with nearby plug connectors. |
| US07811130B2 |
Differential electrical connector assembly
A differential connector has a plurality of rows. Each row includes a plurality of signal conductors provided as differential pairs. Each signal conductor has a first contact end connectable to a printed circuit board, a second contact end, and an intermediate portion having a first width. For each differential pair, one first contact end lies along a first line parallel to the plurality of rows and the other first contact end lies along a second line parallel to and spaced from the first line. The differential connector further includes a plurality of ground conductors, with each ground conductor corresponding to a differential pair. Each ground conductor has a first contact end connectable to the printed circuit board, a second contact end, and an intermediate portion having a second width that is at least twice the first width. |
| US07811126B1 |
Locking connector
A connector includes a body, a terminal base and a fixing base. The body has a terminal base groove consisting of a circular portion and a square portion suited to the profile of the terminal base. A protective base is provided to protect a first tenon from erroneously touched. A second tenon is utilized to engage with an annular recessed groove of the terminal base to combine the body with the terminal base in a first stage. The body has two sides having a first engaging projecting member and plural second engaging projecting members for engaging with those of the fixing base to complete a two-step engagement to enable the body, the terminal base and the fixing base combined together. The fixing base includes plural projecting-out rods and projecting-up rods to make the body combined with the fixing base, facilitating the connector conveniently assembled. |
| US07811125B2 |
Coaxial connecting element for the microwave band as well as a method for its production
A coaxial connecting element for the microwave range comprises a preferably bar-shaped inner conductor, which extends along an axis and is held concentrically in an outer conductor by means of at least one dielectric supporting element, wherein the outer conductor has a plurality of radial slots extending in the axial direction distributed around the circumference in the region of the at least one supporting element. |
| US07811122B2 |
Telecommunications patch
A connecting panel assembly including pivot modules that are pivotally connected to a frame of the assembly. The pivot modules include a plurality of jack modules. The jack modules have a plug opening on one side and wire terminations on an opposite side. The pivot modules are pivotally coupled at opposite ends of the frame. The pivot modules can pivot from a closed position wherein the pivot modules are aligned parallel with the frame, and an open angled position wherein the pivot modules are positioned at an angled position relative to the frame. The assembly also includes a support member that supports the pivot modules in the angled position. |
| US07811119B2 |
Smart cable provisioning for a patch cord management system
A network documentation and revision system is presented that includes first and second devices connected by a patch cord. The first device has provisioning and signal ports with corresponding contact assemblies. The second device has a switch port without a contact assembly. The patch cord has signal and control wires, a first connector that connects the signal wires into a signal port and the control wire to a corresponding contact assembly, and a second connector that connects the signal wires to the switch port and terminates the control wire. The second connector contains an indicator controlled by control circuitry, detection circuitry detecting whether the second connector is plugged into the second device, and ID circuitry providing an ID number through the first connector. Installation or removal of the patch cord is guided by indicators on the patch cord and first device without retrofit contacts being added to the second device. |
| US07811117B2 |
Cord fastening system and method
A system and method for providing cord fastening (CF) so Industrial, Commercial and Home users (ICAHUs) can assure that cords, including but not limited to electrical cords, cannot be accidentally unplugged. The system and method allows ICAHUs to work safely and efficiently and to avoid cords that may accidentally unplug themselves in the course of everyday use. ICAHUs can easily apply collar mechanisms to the end of cords aft of said cord's respective plug ends, and then subsequently attach said collar mechanisms together using a series of collar ties that are adjustable in length and tension, and tie connectors which facilitate said adjustment of said collar ties. The method comprises a system in which standard electrical cords may be fastened together then held tightly together without easily becoming accidentally unplugged. |
| US07811116B2 |
Connector, a connector assembly and a connecting method
A connector is provided with terminals (11) to be connected with terminals (32) of a mating connector (30) by bolting and a nut accommodating portion (20) for accommodating nuts (17) for bolting. An entrance (20A) enabling the insertion and withdrawal of the nuts (17) is formed at a connection surface side of the nut accommodating portion (20) with the mating connector. A nut cover (40) for preventing the nuts (17) from coming out through the entrance (20A) is detachably attachable to the nut accommodating portion (20) and includes inverted insertion preventing portions (46) for permitting a connection with the mating connector (30) when the mating connector (30) is in a proper orientation while coming into contact with the mating connector (30) to prevent the connection when the mating connector (30) is not in the proper orientation. |
| US07811112B2 |
Uniform, high radial contact force push-on connector
A novel, reliable, easy-to-install cable connector requiring a combination of push-on force with minimal torque for proper clamping and sealing to a target port is provided. Such a connector device includes a rubber element that encircles metal contact fingers and which is compressible through tightening of a hand-operable nut to secure contact between the metal contact fingers and the target port. The device also includes a contact basket with at least one cut-out portion that, upon tightening of the nut noted above, deforms into latching engagement with the external threads of the subject port. In such a manner, the inventive cable connector provides a highly effective apparatus for signal transfer, reduced interference and noise ingress, and reliable moisture prevention. A method of providing a signal connection and transfer in a cable system is also encompassed within this invention. |
| US07811107B2 |
Distribution board connection module
A distribution connection module which is used in the telecommunication and data technology field includes a housing defining a cavity in which at least one conductor plate is arranged. The housing includes at least one opening in the front side thereof through which a connection module can be inserted. The connection module is connected to at least the conduction plate in the inserted state. At least one support for a lifting tool is arranged on the housing in a lateral manner in relation to the connection module. |
| US07811097B1 |
Circuit with flexible portion
A circuit includes a first plurality of contacts configured to be in electrical communication with a plurality of electronic devices. The circuit card further includes a flexible portion including a dielectric layer, a second plurality of contacts, and a plurality of electrical conduits extending across a region of the flexible portion and in electrical communication with one or more contacts of the first plurality of contacts and with the second plurality of contacts. The flexible portion further includes an electrically conductive layer extending across the region of the flexible portion. The electrically conductive layer is superposed with the plurality of electrical conduits with the dielectric layer therebetween. The electrically conductive layer does not overlay one or more portions of the dielectric layer in the region of the flexible portion. |
| US07811092B2 |
Rotary electrical contact device
A rotary electrical contact device includes a stationary member configured to be coupled to a base, and a rotatable member supported for rotation relative to the stationary member and defining a center opening. A raceway includes a plurality of axially spaced annular contact rings supported by one of the stationary member and the rotatable member. A blade tower includes a plurality of axially spaced blade assemblies and is supported by the other of the rotatable member and the stationary member. Each blade assembly includes a radially extending contact blade in electrical communication with one of the axial spaced contact rings of the raceway. |
| US07811090B2 |
Interactive education system for teaching patient care
An interactive education system for teaching patient care to a user is described. The system comprises a patient simulator; a virtual instrument for use with the patient simulator in performing patient care activities; means for sensing an interaction between the virtual instrument and the simulator, and means for providing feedback to the user regarding the interaction between the virtual instrument and the simulator. In one aspect, the system includes a maternal simulator, a fetal simulator, and a neonatal simulator. |
| US07811089B2 |
Vehicle steering sensing apparatus
A steering sensing apparatus for measuring steering actions of a driver of a motor vehicle for use in an apparatus for simulated driving of the vehicle in which the motor vehicle remains stationary. The apparatus includes two ultrasonic transducers which are mountable relative to a steerable wheel of the vehicle to each transmit an ultrasonic signal to a target location on the steerable wheel, which target locations are on the same side of and equally oppositely spaced from the centre of the steerable wheel along a generally horizontal diametrical line. Each transducer provides an output electrical signal representative of the magnitude of steering movements of the steerable wheel. The signal representative of the steering movements can be used in the apparatus for simulated driving to deflect computer driven virtual scenic imagery to simulate turning of the vehicle in synchronism with the steering actions of the driver. |
| US07811088B2 |
Low-cost magnetically aided apparatus for separating dental amalgam from waste water
A replaceable module for capturing amalgam and mercury from the waste water disposal system of a dental office, in which the waste water flows into a settling chamber, overflows from the settling chamber into a magnetically-assisted sluice, and then after being further cleaned by the sluice, flows on to a sewer connection. |
| US07811087B2 |
Modular system for customized orthodontic appliances
A set of customized orthodontic brackets are provided with slots that are arranged substantially parallel to the tooth surface. The archwire, in an as-manufactured condition, has a portion of substantial arcuate extent, which is canted relative to the occlusal plane. The brackets are designed on a computer as a combination of three-dimensional virtual objects comprising the virtual bracket bonding pad and a separate virtual bracket body retrieved from a library of virtual bracket bodies. The virtual brackets can be represented as a file containing digital shape data and exported to a rapid prototype fabrication device for fabrication of the bracket in wax or other material and casting the wax prototype in a suitable alloy. Other manufacturing techniques are also contemplated, including milling and laser sintering. |
| US07811085B2 |
Gas preheater for chemical vapor processing furnace
A gas preheater (10) that includes an exit plate (20) having first and second sides (22, 24) and a plurality of through holes (26) and at least one body (34) mounted adjacent the first side (22), the at least one body (34) having a first end (36) and a second end (38), the second end (38) located between the body first end (36) and the exit plate first side (22), at least one sidewall (40) connecting the first and second ends (36, 38), a body opening (42) in the first end (36) extending into the body (34) and defining a body inner wall (44), and a plurality of passages (46) extending between the at least one sidewall (40) and the body inner wall (44). |
| US07811081B2 |
Off-gas flare
An off-gas flare system for disposing of a waste gas stream containing BTEX and VOC contaminants, and for safely handling slugs of excess liquids entrained in the waste gas stream. The flare system includes a flare stack, an enclosed steam tank disposed within the flare stack for receiving the waste gas stream and vaporizing any liquids in the waste gas stream into vapors, and an enclosed liquid tank disposed below the steam tank and in fluid communication with the steam tank for receiving the heated waste gas and liquid vapors and for temporarily containing any excess non-vaporized liquids. The flare also includes a waste gas burner disposed in the flare stack adjacent the steam tank and in fluid communication with the liquid tank, and a continuous means for igniting the waste gas burner. |
| US07811080B2 |
Injection unit
The invention is directed to an injection unit, in particular for an injection molding machine, comprising a screw which is guided in a plastication cylinder in a rotatable and axially movable manner and via which plastic material undergoes plastication and can be injected into a tool cavity. The screw is driven via an electric drive including an electric motor and is operatively connected to a support cylinder having a pressure chamber to which dynamic and/or support pressure can be applied during plastication and injection. The electric motor is coupled to a hydrostatic machine which during plastication is driven by the pressure medium displaced from the pressure chamber and which during injection conveys pressure medium into the pressure chamber so as to build up support pressure. |
| US07811075B2 |
Screw for extruder and method of manufacturing the extruder, and rubber member for tire and method of manufacturing the rubber member
A screw 12 for an extruder 10 rotatably supported on the cylinder of the extruder and carrying roll-heated rubber material supplied from a hopper port 13s provided at the rear part of the cylinder 11, wherein the height of the portion of the flight portion 12z of the screw 12 located below the hopper port 13s is set lower than the height of the flight portion 12a on the downstream side of the screw 12, whereby the pulsation of extruded matter can be reduced while maintaining a high discharge rate. |
| US07811073B2 |
Blow head for producing blown tubular film
The invention relates to a blow head for producing blown tubular films from thermoplastic materials. Films produced by conventional blow heads often have dull strips or wavy areas, the so-called spiral strips. The aim of the invention is to avoid these negative film properties. For this purpose, the blow head comprises a plurality of annular gap-shaped melt channels arranged concentrically around the center axis of the blow head, the spiral distributor of the inner melt channel being arranged on the inner limiting wall in relation to the center axis of the blow head and the spiral distributor of the outer melt channel being arranged on the outer limiting wall in relation to the center axis of the blow head. |
| US07811058B2 |
Cooling arrangement
Cooling with regard to high-pressure turbine platforms is important in order to maintain gas turbine engine efficiency. Cottage Roof dampers located below junction gaps between adjacent platforms have been used but tend to present spent coolant flow at a high angle relative to hot gas flows about the aerofoil blades. The present arrangement has the junction gap angled such that the emergent coolant flow remains adjacent to the suction side to create a coolant film lingering above that suction side of the platform. |
| US07811056B2 |
Turbine wheel for a gas operated medical handpiece and medical handpiece having a turbine wheel
A turbine wheel for a gas operated medical handpiece includes a plurality of blades which extend in radial direction from a hub and extend in axial direction from a side ring web of the turbine wheel, and the front side of which is substantially concavely curved about an approximately radially running first axis of curvature. In order to increase the drive power or to better exploit the drive power at least one blade has at least in an axial end region an inclination surface which is inclined in the axial direction towards the front side. |
| US07811052B2 |
Radially-compact assembly between a turbine shaft and a stub axle of a turbomachine compressor shaft
An assembly between a turbine shaft and a stub axle of a turbomachine compressor shaft, the assembly including a substantially cylindrical compressor shaft stub axle, a substantially cylindrical turbine shaft disposed coaxially inside the compressor shaft stub axle, a mechanism for transmitting torque between the turbine shaft and the compressor shaft stub axle, and a clamping mechanism for clamping a downstream end of the turbine shaft to the compressor shaft stub axle. The compressor shaft stub axle has a plurality of teeth extending radially from its inside surface, and the turbine shaft is provided at its downstream end with a plurality of axial slots, the teeth of the stub axle co-operating with the slots of the turbine shaft. |
| US07811051B2 |
Pump with cutting impeller and pre-chopper
Pump having a cutting impeller (38), counter knives (40) associated therewith, and a pre-chopper (48) which is driven by a shaft portion (46) that projects axially from the cutting impeller (38), characterised in that the counter knives (40) carry a cutting edge (52) that extends in longitudinal direction of the shaft portion (46). |
| US07811047B2 |
Underlayment stickering stacker actuation
In one representative example an underlayment stickering stacker includes a carriage/fork device configured to move a course of material with underlaid sticks from a course forming station to a hoist device, thereby forming the stack of material. The stacker also includes a rake-off device configured to facilitate removal of the course of material from the carriage/fork device. The stacker also includes a regenerative actuator configured to provide regenerative braking power to one of the hoist device, the carriage/fork device and the rake-off device. |
| US07811044B2 |
Apparatus for lifting, handling and transporting a container
A mobile carrier frame is used for lifting, handling, and transporting containers on to and off of the platform of a transport vehicle, such as a truck. Drive wheels and caster wheels are positioned such that the carrier frame may be more easily maneuvered into tight spaces, such as parallel parking spaces. The carrier frame may be remotely operated by means of a remote control device. A transverse element at the rear end of the carrier frame may be used to provide additional structural support to the carrier frame, especially when in an engaged position. |
| US07811042B1 |
Vertical carousel for lumber
A vertical carousel for lumber that provides storage for various lengths, sizes, and grades of wood. It comprises a housing structure, a carousel assembly, a motor assembly, and first and second gear assemblies. The carousel assembly is housed within the housing structure and comprises first and second drive chains that engagingly travel upon respective pulleys. The first and second drive chains have at least one cradle that is perpendicularly disposed and fixedly secured between them. The cradle has a first end and a second end. Extending from the first end to the second end is a concave base having first and second longitudinal edges. The first and second longitudinal edges have peripheral notches to receive forks of a forklift vehicle so that lumber may be placed onto the concave base. The cradle also has spindles with means to rock while it moves with the drive chains around the carousel assembly. |
| US07811040B2 |
Safety device applied to appliances for lifting boards onto ceilings and walls
A safety device applied to appliances for lifting boards onto ceilings and walls comprises a telescopic mast, an upper part of which accommodates the board holder and traction and safety ropes operated by a manually controlled winch, a component for attaching and fastening the traction rope and safety rope so that they are at the same fastening level, and a mechanism for tensioning the safety rope. The attachment component is fixed in the lower receiving part of the terminal inner section of the telescopic assembly. The tensioning mechanism is external relative to the telescopic mast and situated facing the winch for winding the traction and safety ropes. |
| US07811033B2 |
Tool with remote switch
A non-pneumatic system for use with a workpiece is described. A clamp assembly having a clamp pad is secured to the cabinet. An electrically operated tool is movably secured to the cabinet. The tool has a remote switch which when activated in turn activates the tool. A lever (e.g., a handle) is operatively coupled to the clamp assembly and the tool. When the lever is manually moved, the remote switch is activated and the clamp pad moves towards the work surface. Preferably, the tool also moves towards the work surface opening by manually moving the lever. For example, the tool utilized in this non-pneumatic system may be a drill or saw. |
| US07811029B2 |
Woven soil stabilization system
A soil stabilization system comprised of recent courses of soil bags woven and/or intertwined with geogrid and soil stabilization bodies pierce the soil stabilization bodies and protrusions on sides which protrude into the soil bags of the adjacent courses. Protrusions on the soil stabilization bodies shall protrude through holes in the geogrid to help anchor the soil bags relative to each other. |
| US07811027B2 |
Set of paving stones
A set of paving stones is provided, including a plurality of different paving stones that each respectively have a polygonal base surface, side surfaces with ribs and a visible side, for paving surfaces with optionally different laying patterns. |
| US07811025B2 |
Water wall
A water-ballasted barrier system incorporates a concave reflective design, wherein outer walls of the barrier segment are configured in a concave manner. The concave section is designed to prevent the tire of a vehicle, impacting the barrier, from climbing up the side of the barrier segment, by pocketing the tire in the curved center portion of the barrier wall. Adjacent barrier segments are attached together using an interlocking knuckle design, having a lug pin connection system. In some embodiments, wire rope cable is internally molded into each barrier segment to strengthen the barrier system. |
| US07811022B2 |
Flexible floor cleaning device
A flexible cleaning device with a handle having a first end and a second end, a malleable head at the first end of the handle, a cover selectively covering at least a portion of the malleable head, and a grip at the second end of the handle. A fluid reservoir may be supported on the handle or the malleable head, and a fluid deposition system provided and adapted to selectively deposit fluid from the reservoir onto a surface to be cleaned. The malleable head may be attached to a rigid structure at the second end of the handle, and have a non-absorbent flexible structure adapted to conform to grout lines in a typical tiled floor surface. An air inlet may be attached to the device, and an air passage provided and adapted to connect the air inlet to a suction source. |
| US07811012B2 |
Sliding mechanism for use in portable electronic device
A sliding mechanism (100) used in a portable electronic device (200) is provided. The sliding mechanism includes a sliding member (12). The sliding member includes a cover portion (121) and two sliding rails (123). The cover portion is made of a plastic material that can be electro-plated. The sliding rails are made of another plastic material that has a low coefficient of friction. |
| US07811011B2 |
Camera arrangement behind an inclined pane
A camera arrangement includes a camera having a lens pointed at a pane and being separated from the pane. A light-guiding element is between the camera lens and the pane. The light-guiding element guides at least light which is incident on the pane in a grazing manner from a direction of incidence to the camera. |
| US07811010B2 |
Camera apparatus with positioning tube and mounting base
A small-diameter positioning tube is formed in an external wall surface of a housing (upper case and lower case) that is a constructional element of a camera body via a stepped part. When the camera body is attached to a mounting base using screws, a positioning tube is fitted into an opening, and the stepped part is caused to abut on an outer peripheral edge of an upper surface of the opening. In this state, the screws are fastened so that the fastening force of the screws can be received by an abutting part between the stepped part and the opening. If the invention is constructed in this way, the fastening force of the screws does not directly act on the lens holding member that is received and fixed inside the housing, even if the camera body is firmly attached to the mounting base by the fastening force of the screws, any distortion caused in the lens holding member or a lens can be relieved. |
| US07811004B2 |
Shaft bearing seal
A seal (2) for a bearing (6) that rotatably supports a shaft (14) extending through a housing opening (8) of a housing element (10) that limits, at least partially, a lubricant-receiving chamber (4), includes a sealing ring (26) retainable between the housing element (10) and the shaft (14) and forming together with a limiting element (28) an annular gap (30), and having aeration recesses (34) which connect the annular gap (30) with the grease-containing chamber (4). |
| US07810999B2 |
Metal bearing
A metal bearing having a long operating life that is not affected by the operating temperature. The metal bearing includes a bearing surface capable of slidably contacting with a shaft member, including pores in a surface and interior thereof, and being composed of a sintered compact having a metal or alloy as a main component. A dispersion solvent is provided inside the pores, and maghemite particles exist in the dispersion solvent together with at least one of a gas and a liquid that has a boiling point lower than a boiling point of the dispersion solvent. |
| US07810994B2 |
X-ray imaging apparatus
An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray generation control unit configured to control the X-ray tube with a controller and a power supply, and a holding unit configured to hold the X-ray tube. The holding unit includes two support legs to be spread at an arbitrary angle, and a connecting portion configured to turnably connect upper ends of the support legs. The holding unit holds the X-ray tube near the connecting portion. |
| US07810992B2 |
Non-contact temperature-measuring device and the method thereof
This invention provides a non-contact temperature-measuring device including a distance sensor unit, an alarm unit, a temperature sensor unit, a microprocessor unit and a display unit. The distance sensor unit measures the distance between the device and a target. The alarm unit gives an alarm when the distance sensor unit measures a predetermined distance value. The temperature sensor unit measures a temperature of the target after the alarm unit gives the alarm. The microprocessor unit stores data of the predetermined distance value and the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor unit; the microprocessor unit also processes a distance signal emitted by the distance sensor unit and a temperature signal emitted by the temperature sensor unit. When the target's distance value equals the predetermined distance value, the microprocessor unit will further send a command for the alarm unit to give an alarm. The display unit of the device displays the temperature value that is measured by the temperature sensor unit and processed by the microprocessor unit subsequently. |
| US07810990B2 |
Apparatus and method for gelling liquefied gasses
The present invention is a method and apparatus for gelling liquid propane and other liquefied gasses. The apparatus includes a temperature controlled churn mixer, vacuum pump, liquefied gas transfer tank, and means for measuring amount of material entering the mixer. The method uses gelling agents such as silicon dioxide, clay, carbon, or organic or inorganic polymers, as well as dopants such as titanium, aluminum, and boron powders. The apparatus and method are particularly useful for the production of high quality rocket fuels and propellants. |
| US07810988B2 |
Fluid mixer for mixing fluids at an accurate mixing ratio
A fluid mixer is provided which can supply a fixed amount of fluid in each of supply lines to a mixing line all the time while maintaining a highly accurate mixing ratio even if a pressure on the downstream side of a back pressure valve of the mixing line is fluctuated and moreover can change the mixing ratio of the fluids in the supply lines with high accuracy in the state where the fluids are flowed. On the upstream side from a merging point where at least two supply lines: a first supply line and a second supply line are merged to a mixing line, diaphragm parts for adjusting the flow rates of the fluids and pressure reducing valves are arranged on the further upstream side of the diaphragm parts in series with the supply lines and a back pressure valve is arranged in the mixing line. Also, the back pressure valve and a flow meter are arranged in series in the mixing line, a fixed orifice or an regulating valve is used for the diaphragm parts and the pressure reducing valves and the back pressure valve are automatic valves. |
| US07810987B2 |
Automated solution maker apparatus
An automated solution maker is provided. The automated solution maker mixes a chemical with a solvent to a desired concentration. The concentration of the solution is monitored by measuring the conductivity of the solution. Based upon this measurement, the concentration of the solution may be adjusted. |
| US07810981B2 |
Backlight
The present invention relates to a backlight for a liquid crystal display (LCD). The backlight can comprise a back cover including a bottom plate and side covers, a light guide plate disposed on the bottom plate, and cold cathode fluorescence lamps (CCFLs) located on the sides of the light guide plate and enclosed by the side covers. The CCFLs can be disposed on four sides of the light guide plate. The CCFLs can be two lamps in L shape or four lamps in a straight line shape disposed on the sides of the light plate, with high voltage ends of one CCFL adjacent to the low voltage ends of another CCFL, thus allowing the LCD lighter, slimmer and more compact in structure. |
| US07810975B2 |
Headlight assembly for a motor vehicle
The invention concerns a light unit with at least one LED, which includes at least one light-emitting chip as light source, with at least one fiber-optic element optically connected after the light-emitting diode and widening in the light propagation direction, and with a secondary lens optically connected after the fiber-optic element, in which oppositely arranged surfaces bordering the fiber-optic element, which form a bottom surface and a cover surface in a longitudinal section intersecting these surfaces, have oppositely curved curve sections adjacent to the light entry surface, as well as such a fiber-optic element.A light unit with high light output requiring limited space is developed with the present invention. |
| US07810973B1 |
Vehicle light system
A vehicle light system includes a light assembly that includes a base having a top side, a bottom side, a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, a front edge and a rear edge. The base has a centrally positioned raised area along a line from the front edge to the rear edge. Each of the top and bottom sides is angled upwardly from the first and second lateral edges toward the line. The base is flame-shaped and each of the first and second lateral sides including a plurality of appendages. A plurality of light emitters is mounted on the top side of the base. A power source is electrically coupled to the light emitters. The power source is a power source of a vehicle. A plurality of fasteners is extended into the base to secure the base to the vehicle. |
| US07810971B2 |
Remotely deployable vehicle light apparatus
A remotely deployable vehicle light apparatus includes a support which is connected to a vehicle. A remotely-controlled light assembly deployment mechanism is connected to the support. One or more light assemblies are connected to the light assembly deployment mechanism. A remote control unit is provided for controlling the remotely-controlled light assembly deployment mechanism. Preferably, a second light assembly is included for providing a pair of light assemblies. Generally, the light assembly deployment mechanism provides for adjustable vertical deployment of the light assemblies up and down in a vertical plane. Also, a remotely-controlled light assembly rotation mechanism can be provided for rotating light assemblies. Generally, the light assembly rotation mechanism provides for rotation of the light units in a horizontal plane. |
| US07810968B1 |
LED unit for installation in a post-top luminaire
An LED unit is provided with a plurality of vertically oriented LED panels each having a support surface supporting at least one LED. The LED panels may be rotatable about a vertical panel axis. The LED unit may further be provided with a frame that may support the LED panels and the LED panels may be removable from the frame. |
| US07810963B2 |
Light emitting diode module with improved light distribution uniformity
In one embodiment, the invention is a light emitting diode module with improved light distribution uniformity. One embodiment of a signal head includes a light emitting diode and a reflector cup positioned to reflect light emitted by the light emitting diode, the reflector cup having a non-symmetrical curvature. |
| US07810958B2 |
Outdoor LED lamp assembly
An outdoor LED lamp assembly includes a receiving member, a driving circuit module received in the receiving member, an LED lamp mounted on the receiving member, and a switch received in the receiving member and electronically connecting with the driving circuit module to control power off and power on of the outdoor LED lamp assembly. The receiving member includes a bottom plate. The LED lamp includes a heat sink and a plurality of LED modules mounted on the heat sink. The bottom plate depresses the switch so that the switch is at an “ON” position to enable a current to flow to the driving circuit module via the switch. When the bottom plate is removed from the receiving member, the switch is changed from the “ON” position to an “OFF” position, whereby the current cannot flow to the driving circuit module via the switch. |
| US07810954B2 |
LED-based changeable color light lamp
Systems and methods are described that facilitate providing a user with interchangeable phosphor-coated shells, or envelopes, for generate different shades and intensities of white light from a single UV light source. The interchangeability of the low-cost phosphor-coated envelopes permits the use of a single light engine, which is the more expensive component of a solid state lamp. In this manner, consumers are provided with a greater number of lighting choices at low cost than can be achieved using conventional single-envelope lamps. |
| US07810949B2 |
Optical plate and backlight module using the same
An exemplary optical plate (20) includes a transparent plate unit. The transparent plate unit includes a light output surface (202), a bottom surface (203), a plurality of microstructures (206), a diffusion layer (205), and a lamp-receiving portion (204). The bottom surface is opposite to the light output surface. The microstructures are formed on the bottom surface. Each microstructure includes four side surfaces connected with each other. A transverse width of each side surface decreases along a direction away from the base surface of the microstructure. The diffusion layer is formed on the light output surface. The lamp-receiving portion is defined in the bottom surface. A backlight module (200) using the present optical plate is also provided. |
| US07810948B2 |
Illumination device having organic electro luminescence (EL) panels
An illumination device is provided that has a superior decorative effect achieving a favorable dramatic effect and atmosphere. Sub-panels (2, 3, 4, 5) having the same shape as a main panel (1) are mounted pivotally to each side of the rectangular main panel (1) via hinges (6). Surface-emitting parts (1a, 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a) formed of organic EL elements are mounted on the main panel (1) and each of the sub-panels (2, 3, 4, 5). By changing a set angle between the main panel (1) and each of the sub-panels (2, 3, 4, 5) and by independently controlling the lighting of each surface-emitting part (1a to 5a), a favorable dramatic effect and atmosphere can be created. |
| US07810943B2 |
Lamp support unit resiliently fixing a lamp, and backlight assembly and liquid crystal display including the lamp support unit
The present invention relates to a lamp support capable of stably and firmly mounting a lamp, and a backlight assembly and a liquid crystal display including the lamp support unit. The lamp support unit includes a socket housing, a socket terminal disposed in the socket housing gripping a lead of a lamp and a supporting member installed to the socket housing and supporting a lamp tube of the lamp. |
| US07810941B2 |
Multi-level flash diffuser
The present example provides a flexible and compact system for diffusing light in multiple levels when taking photographs. An adapter capable of coupling many types of flashes is fitted to a first diffusion device. The diffusion device may be fitted inside a light box fitted with a diffusion lens so that additional light dispersion is provided. The light box may be substituted with a black box that tends to direct diffused light for further control over exposure. Various filters may also be used in the system allowing for further flexibility in setting exposure. And finally a system of reflectors and shields allow further control of lighting effects. |
| US07810940B2 |
Adjustable table for shaping a mirror
A table comprising a base and a plurality of support members supported by the base is used to shape a mirror. The height of the plurality of support members is adjusted to form a predetermined shape. A mirror is placed over the plurality of support members, such that the mirror assumes the predetermined shape. A frame is then attached to the mirror such that when the mirror and frame are lifted off the table, the mirror substantially retains the predetermined shape. |
| US07810938B2 |
Laser configuration
A laser configuration for machining a workpiece includes a plurality of laser light sources for introducing a laser radiation into a predeterminable working area. Some or all of the laser light sources are disposed on an arc of a circle. |
| US07810933B2 |
Image projection apparatus
An image projection apparatus includes a one-dimensional spatial light modulating element and a polygon scanner having four or five mirror facets. The polygon scanner scans a light beam modulated by the one-dimensional spatial light modulating element in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the length direction of the one-dimensional spatial light modulating element so as to display an image. |
| US07810925B2 |
Bifocal contact lens
A contact lens having near vision and distance vision portions, the lens being movable on the eye between first and second positions, those positions corresponding with aligning the wearer's vision through the near vision and distance vision portions respectively. The lens is positionally stable on the eye in each of the two positions, and requires a force to be applied to the lens to move between the first and second positions. Preferably the lens has a back surface and a front surface, and said back surface has either one or two major back curve zones occupying a major portion of the lens back surface. |
| US07810920B2 |
Ink jet recording apparatus and ink jet recording method
A recording head is operable to eject ink toward a recording medium. A carriage mounting the recording head is operable to carry the recording head in a first direction. At least one infrared ray heater is provided on the carriage so as to oppose the recording medium. An input energy of the infrared ray heater is 60 W or less. |
| US07810916B2 |
Ink cartridges
An ink cartridge includes an enclosure, and the enclosure includes a first wall, a second wall opposite the first wall, a third wall connected to each of the first wall and the second wall, and a fourth wall connected to each of the first wall and the second wall. The third wall is substantially perpendicular to each of the first wall and the second wall, and the fourth wall is opposite the third wall and is substantially perpendicular to each of the first wall and the second wall. The ink cartridge also includes an ink chamber disposed within the enclosure, an air intake portion positioned at the first wall, and a first chamber disposed within the enclosure. The first chamber is coupled to the air intake portion via a first opening formed through the first chamber. Moreover, the ink cartridge includes an air communication path disposed within the enclosure and having a first end coupled to the first chamber, and a second chamber disposed within the enclosure. The second chamber is coupled to a second end of the air communication path, and is coupled to the ink chamber via a second opening formed in the second chamber. In addition a distance between the first opening and the third wall is less than a distance between the second opening and the third wall, and a distance between the second opening and the fourth wall is less than a distance between the first opening and the fourth wall. |
| US07810914B2 |
Liquid jet head and liquid jet device
A liquid jet head includes head modules each having a nozzle plate with a nozzle orifice and a passage-forming substrate having a pressure-generating chamber. The chamber communicates with the associated nozzle orifice and is pressurized by the pressure generating element so as to eject droplets. A head case is placed at the side of the passage-forming substrate opposite to the nozzle plate and has flow paths for providing a liquid to the pressure-generating chambers. The liquid jet head includes a fixing plate that has openings through which the nozzle orifices are exposed and carries the head modules positioned thereon. A connecting member is connected to the surface of the head module adjacent to the head case and has flow paths which communicate with the pressure-generating chambers. A reinforced portion made of an adhesive filling a clearance is positioned between adjacent head modules fixed to the fixing plate. |
| US07810913B2 |
Inkjet recording system and recording apparatus
An inkjet recording system includes an inkjet recording head in which a part of wall face of a pressure chamber in which a nozzle is provided is formed of a piezoelectric element. Centerline average roughness Ra of the piezoelectric element is 0.05 to 2 μm, viscosity of the ink is 2.0 to 10.0 mPa·s, and the following expression (1) is satisfied; r γ cos θ 2 η ≥ 0.07 ( 1 ) wherein r represents centerline average roughness (μm) of surface of piezoelectric element forming wall face of the pressure chamber, γ represents surface tension (mN/m) of ink, η represents viscosity of ink (mPa·s), and θ represents contact angle (degree) of ink with respect to piezoelectric element. |
| US07810912B2 |
Droplet discharging head and droplet discharging device
A droplet discharging head includes: a nozzle portion that discharges a liquid material; a liquid chamber that is in communication with the nozzle portion and supplies the liquid material to the nozzle portion in receiving a pressure from outside; and a reservoir that is in communication with a plurality of the liquid chamber through a plurality of ink supply passages and supplies the liquid material fed from outside via a material inlet to the plurality of liquid chambers. In the droplet discharging head, assuming that: a direction running from the material inlet toward the liquid chamber is a first direction; a direction perpendicular to the first direction is a second direction; a straight line passing through the material inlet in the first direction is a first reference line; and a straight line passing through the material inlet in the second direction is a second reference line, the longer a distance from the second reference line is for a liquid chamber, the shorter a distance from the first reference line is for the liquid chamber. |
| US07810907B2 |
Board for inkjet printing head and inkjet printing head using the same
Provided is a configuration for connecting common wires (a common power supply wire for connecting a plurality of printing elements commonly to a power supply and a common ground wire for connecting the plurality of printing elements commonly to a ground) to the outside, which configuration does not obstruct a constitution for reducing resistances of the common wires. For this purpose, the common wires are directly connected respectively to electrode leads of an electric wiring tape for external connection without use of electrode pads. In the case of this configuration, the widths of the common wires need not be narrower in vicinities of the electrode pads which would otherwise be in an edge of the board, and accordingly reduction of resistances of the common wires is not obstructed. |
| US07810905B2 |
Printing element substrate supporting member, manufacture method of printing element substrate supporting member, and ink jet printing head
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a printing element substrate supporting member made of resin material by which, without changing the inclusion rate of filler in the resin material, the linear expansion coefficient can be reduced, the deformation under a heating environment can be suppressed, and the printing element substrate can be suppressed from being peeled or broken. Thus, the printing element substrate supporting member of the present invention is formed by resin material including fibrous filler and has a supporting section for supporting a printing element substrate in which ejecting orifices capable of ejecting ink are arranged. This supporting section is structured so that the filler is oriented along the direction along which the plurality of ejecting orifices are arranged. |
| US07810899B2 |
Inkjet printer and printing head capping method
An inkjet printer has a printing head having a nozzle surface on which a plurality of nozzles are located that spray a plurality of kinds of ink and a cap that covers the nozzle surface of the printing head. This cap includes a ring-shaped seal lip that is constructed so that the tip end thereof comes in contact with the nozzle surface to perform capping and a partitioning lip that partitions the area inside the seal lip into areas for nozzle groups that correspond to the kinds of ink. The tip end of either seal lip or partitioning lip is shaped so that it is compressed more easily than that of the other. |
| US07810893B2 |
Apparatus for regulating viscosity of ink
Disclosed is an apparatus for regulating viscosity of ink, which is installed on a flow path of ink in a printing device for regulation of ink viscosity. The apparatus includes a housing installed on the flow path and having an introduction hole and a discharge hole through which ink is introduced and discharged; a rotary shaft installed in the housing and to which at least one rotating fan is coupled to rotate along with flow of the ink; a sensed member having a sensed body at one end thereof and coupled to the rotary shaft to rotate together with the rotary shaft; and a sensor for sensing the sensed body. |
| US07810890B2 |
Glide mechanism for roll out drawers and other items
A slide frame mechanism for a rollout accessory such as a wire drawer has two or more ball-bearing glides in a vertical orientation. Each of the glides includes a glide mount with a threaded aperture and cross-bars attached to extend between the glides. The accessory has a plurality of mounting tabs. Shoulder screws with partial threads pass through the accessory mounting tabs and threadably engage the threads of the slide mount apertures to secure the accessory to the glides. A compressible pad is positioned between the accessory mounting tabs and the glide mounts to provide a floating suspension which reduces binding of the glides when the accessory is rolled in and out. The screws fit loosely through oversized openings in the mounting tabs to allow limited movement of the accessory relative to the glides in a horizontal plane for further reduction of binding. Drawer dividers are constructed to detachably fit on drawers to provide separate compartments. |
| US07810887B2 |
Method and an arrangement for preventing overturning a dump vehicle
A method for preventing overturning a dump vehicle, the vehicle including a forward vehicle section with a forward frame and a wheel axle supported by the frame. The dump vehicle further includes a rear vehicle section with a rear frame and at least one wheel axle supported by the frame. The dump vehicle further includes an articulation joint, which connects the forward frame and the rear frame and allows the forward frame and the rear frame to pivot in relation to each other about an axis extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. During a tilting procedure for unloading material from a container of the dump vehicle, the method includes determining if there is a risk for a pair of wheels of the wheel axle of the forward vehicle section to lose ground contact or if the pair of wheels have already lost ground contact. A warning signal for preventing an uncontrolled rotation of the forward vehicle section relative to the rear vehicle section via the articulation joint is further established when it is determined that the wheels of the forward wheel axle have lost or are about to lose ground contact. |
| US07810886B2 |
Lock device and seat reclining apparatus
A lock device capable of suppressing a lack of smoothness in an unlocking operation, and of suppressing, in a case a plurality of lock members are operated by a cam member, unevenness in the timing for the plurality of lock members to become engaged in a locking operation. Guide portions of a lower guide include a plurality of cam guide faces that are arranged away from each other in the circumferential direction. A cam includes a plurality of guided faces that respectively abut against the plurality of cam guide faces in a release phase. The guided face in a direction in which the cam is decentered by a biasing force of the lock spring is extended to the release phase side with respect to the other guided faces. |
| US07810885B2 |
Single-hand height adjustment mechanism of highchair
A Single-hand height adjustment mechanism of a highchair includes an operating unit handled with a single hand, and a locking unit connected with the operating unit. The operating unit uses simple movement, such as handle pressing or button pulling, to pull adjustment wires. The adjustment wires then activate or release the locking unit. Therefore, the seat can be adjusted to higher or lower positions with the use of a single hand. |
| US07810877B2 |
Automobile hood
An automobile hood includes an outer panel and an inner panel. The inner panel includes a frame-shaped first inner member that joins with the outer panel and a second inner member disposed within the frame of the first inner member. The first inner member includes an outer edge portion, a first inner concave portion that forms an airspace portion, and an inner edge portion. The second inner member includes a second inner concave portion that has joint portions that join with the first inner member and form the airspace portions, panel joint portions that join with the outer panel at position on a center side of the panel, and an extension portion that extends into the first inner concave portion to join with the outer panel. |
| US07810876B2 |
Vehicle having a rear end body structure
A vehicle having a rear end body structure that includes first and second rear side castings. The first and second rear side castings interlock with at least one structure that at least partially defines a passenger compartment of the vehicle. |
| US07810875B2 |
Structural pan-chassis stabilization system
A rigidifying stabilizer device for installation against a floor pan of an automotive vehicle of a corresponding type with the device having a mating side substantially matching at least a substantial portion of a surface of the floor pan except at locations at which any interfering structures occur with the mating side having recesses provided therein to at least partially surround any of those interfering structures present. An opposite side shell is affixed to the mating shell at locations therein immediately adjacent to one another. A rigid solid filler is positioned between said opposite side shell inner shell surface and said mating side shell inner shell surface at locations therein where they are spaced apart from one another. The resulting rigidifying stabilizer device can then have the mating side shell thereof adhered to the surface of the floor pan of an automotive vehicle of the selected type. |
| US07810872B1 |
Sunroof support structure for a vehicle body
A roof structure for a vehicle body includes a roof having a roof opening that is closed by a cover member. The roof structure comprises a frame member, a left side panel member and a right side panel member. The frame member is configured to frame the roof opening. The frame member supports the cover member. Each side panel member forms a part of the vehicle body and is adhesively secured to the frame member. A peripheral edge portion of each side panel member includes at least one channel adapted to allow escape of an adhesive disposed between the side panel member and the frame member for ease of assembly of the roof structure to the vehicle body. |
| US07810853B2 |
Vehicle door lock
A vehicle door lock (1) is provided having a lock mechanism (3) cooperating with a striker (5) of a motor vehicle. The lock mechanism (3) has a fork (11), which can be set to a release position, in which it permits engagement and release of a respective seat (15) by the striker (5), and at least one lock position, in which it retains the striker (5) in, and prevents release of, the respective seat (15); a latch (12), which clicks onto the fork (11) to lock it releasably in the lock position; a release member (6) operated selectively to release the latch (12) from the fork (11) and allow the fork (11) to move into the release position; and interacting portions (42, 43) whereby the fork (11) and the release member (6) interact to define different indicating positions of the release member (6) corresponding to the release position and lock position of the fork (11) respectively. |
| US07810849B2 |
Threads with perturbations
A threaded connection includes a pin member having a pin thread having a pin thread crest, a pin thread root, a pin load flank, and a pin stab flank, a box member having a box thread having a box thread crest, a box thread root, a box load flank, and a box stab flank, wherein at least one of the pin thread crest, the pin thread root, the box thread crest, and the box thread root has at least one perturbation formed thereon, and wherein upon a selected make-up of the pin member with the box member, at least one of a localized clearance or a localized interference exists between the pin thread and the box thread at the at least one perturbation. |
| US07810848B2 |
Pipe joint and pipe joint structure having the same and method of using the same
A pipe joint for coupling a first pipe member and a second pipe member has a pipe mounting portion, an elastic displacing portion and an engagement portion. The pipe mounting portion is configured to be attached to one of the first and second pipe members. The elastic displacing portion connects the pipe mounting portion and the engagement portion and allows the engagement portion to displace in a radial direction. The engagement portion has a first contact portion for contacting a first engaged part of the first pipe member and a second contact portion for contacting a second engaged part of the second pipe member. |
| US07810842B2 |
Vehicular canister attachment structure
A vehicular canister attachment structure which dispenses with a drain tube, is readily installed, and is low in cost. A canister attached to a bottom or side surface of a floor frame and a cross-member forming part of a vehicle body has an air communication part, which is inserted into the floor frame. |
| US07810838B2 |
Interior structure of vehicle equipped with curtain airbag device
There is provided a restricting portion to restrict a movement of a roof trim at an upper end portion of a pillar trim behind the roof trim. Accordingly, there can be provided a structure that can properly restrain the roof trim from being deformed, for example, even if the passenger inadvertently pushes the roof trim toward a vehicle outside. |
| US07810837B2 |
Inflatable restraint system with deployment trajectory controller
An inflatable restraint system for selectively restraining an occupant of a motorized vehicle is presented herein. The inflatable restraint system includes a bladder having forward and rearward panel portions. The bladder is attached to the vehicle instrument panel, and configured to transition from a non-expanded state, in which the rearward panel portion is substantially flush with respect to the instrument panel, to an expanded state, in which the rearward panel portion is extended into the passenger compartment distal from the instrument panel. An inflation device is operatively coupled to the bladder, and configured to selectively transition the bladder from the non-expanded state to the expanded state. One or more trajectory control arms are attached at one end to the bladder, and a second end to the vehicle. The trajectory control arms are configured to redirect the bladder along an upward, arcuate path when transitioning to the expanded state. |
| US07810836B2 |
Invisible airbag cover having a tear line
An airbag cover, in particular for use in motor vehicles, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the airbag cover includes a molding and a visible cover of leather or leather-like material covering the molding, where at least one layer of a material that is softer than the material of the molding is disposed between the molding and the visible cover. The visible cover has a partial weakening and the transition from the weakened area to the non-weakened area is designed constant. A method for covering a molding disposed above an airbag with a partially weakened visible cover is also disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes introducing a weakened area into leather or leather-like material forming the visible cover on the side of the visible cover facing away from the visible side. The transition from the weakened area to the non-weakened is designed constant. At least one layer of a material that is softer than the material of the molding is applied on the molding. The visible cover is applied onto the layer of softer material. |
| US07810834B2 |
Apparatus and system for an expandable trailer
An apparatus and system are disclosed for an expandable trailer. The apparatus, in one embodiment, is an expandable trailer that lengthens from a compact position to one of a plurality of extended positions. The trailer may comprise an axle assembly to mount a plurality of wheels, a frame having a front and a back, and an extension mechanism configured to lengthen the frame from a compact position to one of a plurality of extended positions, such that the front extends a front distance from the axle assembly and the back extends a rear distance from the axle assembly. The extension mechanism further maintains a proportionally greater front distance than the rear distance. As a result, the expandable trailer provides a properly distributed load-bearing area, with respect to the axle assembly, in the compact position as well as the various extended positions. |
| US07810833B2 |
Ski binding having a dynamically variable upward heel release threshold
A ski boot binding securable to an alpine ski. The binding includes a heel unit having a base heel release threshold in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the ski to which the binding is attached. The heel unit includes a compensation mechanism that dynamically changes the base heel release threshold as a function of force conditions encountered by the ski during skiing. |
| US07810828B2 |
Splash shield for automobile having vertical walls and shielding member therefor
A splash shield for an automobile which is adapted to be mounted on a vehicle panel of the automobile, wherein the splash shield is adapted to be conform to the vehicle panel and to cover a tire, the splash shield comprises: at least two divided portions which are arranged in a front-rear direction of the automobile; a hinge which pivotably connects the divided portions to each other; at least two vertical walls which are formed on edges of the at least two divided portions and extend in a direction that is away from a rotation center of the tire, wherein two vertical walls from among the at least two vertical walls are formed on the edges of two divided portions from among the at least two divided portions, respectively, the two divided portions being adjacent to each other, and wherein the two vertical walls are arranged adjacent to each other on both sides of a gap that is located at a position that corresponds to the hinge, respectively; and a shielding member for covering the gap, the shielding member being fixed to at least one of the two vertical walls. |
| US07810826B2 |
Bicycle suspension damping system
A bicycle including a suspension system operably positioned between the bicycle frame and at least one of the front wheel and rear wheel of the bicycle. The suspension system includes a damping system including a first valve and a second valve, which cooperate to provide desirable damping forces throughout a broad range of relative velocities of the suspension system, while also being relatively lightweight and compact. The first valve includes a first orifice and a first valve body configured to regulate fluid flow through the first orifice. The second valve includes a second orifice. In one arrangement, the second orifice is defined by the first valve body. In another arrangement, the second valve includes a second valve body configured to regulate fluid flow through the second orifice. |
| US07810824B2 |
Skateboard deck
A skateboard deck is formed of several layers pressed and bonded together. Apertures are formed through the bottom-most layers, and impact support members are arranged within the apertures. The impact support members are more rigid than the other portions of the skateboard deck, and provide localized impact support while allowing the remaining layers of the deck to retain their performance characteristics and feel while strengthening the most vulnerable areas of the deck. |
| US07810821B2 |
Storage device for use with a pallet jack
A pallet jack assembly includes a pallet jack having a frame assembly. An attachment includes a shell having a bottom wall and at least one side wall. The bottom wall and the at least one side wall define a storage cavity. The bottom wall is supported by the frame assembly. |
| US07810818B2 |
Active vehicle suspension system
An active suspension system for a vehicle includes an active suspension element that is substantially rigidly attached to a frame of the vehicle such that a motion of an armature of the active suspension element is mechanically decoupled from a lateral motion of a wheel of the vehicle. A control rod is attached between the active suspension element and the wheel of the vehicle. |
| US07810817B1 |
Holder for replaceable tools
A holder for replaceable tools and having a body with an opening along a longitudinal axis for snugly and individually receiving various tools. Two balls are on the body for engagement with the tools, and there is a projection into the opening for contacting the tool in a location diametrically opposite the location of the balls. A sleeve member is slideable on the body, and has two sets of camming ramps and cylindrical surfaces extending radially over the balls for controlling the radially location of the balls relative to the tool. The tool has a surface for abutting the body projection to thereby hold the tool free of radial deviation relative to the holder axis. |
| US07810816B1 |
Seal
A seal is inserted into a space to be sealed. First and second end portions of the seal are engaged with first and second end surfaces of the space. The seal is compressed between the first and second end surfaces. The compression strains the seal. The strain includes the rotation of a cross-section of the seal so as to bias the seal into engagement with a surface forming one of an inboard surface and an outboard surface of the space. |
| US07810812B2 |
Transport device for folder-gluer
A transport device for transporting sheet elements into a folder-gluer comprising two longitudinal support structures between which there extend one or more movement slides, one or more lead screws and a drive shaft for a belt. At least one longitudinal member supports at least one endless conveyor belt driven by the shaft. The longitudinal member is mounted in sliding connection on the movement slides and on the drive shaft and is in helical connection with the lead screws. A protecting device over the drive shaft blocks user access to the shaft. It is illustrated as a profile over the shaft and slide. The protecting device transversely connects the two longitudinal support structures. |
| US07810804B2 |
Printing system, control method thereof, and printing apparatus
In order to maintain stackability while taking printing conditions into consideration, a control method for controlling a printing system for a stacking unit stacking a sheet printed by a printing unit, includes: determining whether or not a predetermined number of sheets on which the same printed data is printed by the printing unit are stacked continuously by the stacking unit; and controlling, in a case where a predetermined number of the sheets on which the same printed data is printed are determined by the determining unit to be continuously stacked by the stacking unit, the stacking unit so as to not continuously stack more of the sheets on which the same printed data is printed than the predetermined number of sheets. |
| US07810802B2 |
Roller and sheet feeding apparatus
The sheet conveying roller includes a shaft member and a sliding portion arranged in the circumferential direction of the shaft member. The sliding portion is adapted to make sliding contact with the shaft member. The sheet conveying roller also includes an elastic member configured to fasten the sliding portion to the shaft member and makes contact with a conveyed sheet at an outer circumference thereof. The elastic member generates a frictional resistance between the shaft member and the sliding portion by a clamping force of the elastic member. |
| US07810800B2 |
Method and apparatus for depositing a flexible material web
The invention relates to a method and a device for depositing a flexible material web, said web being introduced into a folding unit and being deposited from said folding unit at a depositing point. The aim of the invention is to achieve higher production speeds with an excellent fold quality, even for material webs with a low weight. To achieve this, compressed air is applied to the material web after the latter has exited the folding unit in order to support the festooning process by means of a blower device. |
| US07810799B2 |
Collapsible engine test stand
A moveable, collapsible engine test stand having adjustable engine supports and additional accessory supports that are all collapsible adjacent the base of the stand for convenient, compact storage. The stand may include accessories such as a radiator, fuel tank, instrument panel, battery, cooling lines, fuel lines, wiring harnesses, engine dynamometer and the like to permit prolonged operation and monitoring of an engine. |
| US07810796B2 |
Dead zone activation in vapor-liquid contacting apparatus
The invention involves a spacing element situated between a vapor-liquid contacting tray and a tray support to reduce the dead zone typically caused by the tray supports blocking of the perforations in the vapor-liquid contacting tray directly above the tray support. |
| US07810794B2 |
Break resistant joint
There is disclosed a portable misting fan formed by upper and lower body portions which are joined together along a joint. The joint is improved by providing the lower body portion with a non-circular neck portion along its top end, and wherein the upper body portion includes two halves which terminate in lower body collar sections, intended to be joined together in overlying relationship relative to the neck portion. A rail and groove system is employed as between the upper first and second body portions, and the neck portion, so that the rails will slidingly engage the grooves in the neck portion rendering the joint resistant to rotation. The neck portion includes an aperture into which a sleeve is press fitted, the sleeve includes upper and lower lips, and the lower body collar sections include inwardly extending flanges which overlie and engage the upper and lower lips formed in the sleeve, thereby brace and secure the pump assembly within the device. |
| US07810792B2 |
Modular lift assembly having telescoping member
A modular lift assembly configured for attachment between two substantially parallel support beams includes a chassis, at least one lift component attached to the chassis, a telescoping or other adjustable stiffener, and at least one attachment assembly. The chassis has a plurality of grooves formed in one surface thereof. The telescoping or other adjustable stiffener is disposed in at least one of the grooves and engages facing surfaces of adjacent parallel support beams. The attachment assembly is disposed in another of the grooves formed in the chassis for engaging at least one of the adjacent support beams. |
| US07810787B2 |
Animal watering valve having elastomeric diaphragm
An animal watering valve has an elastomeric diaphragm disposed in a bore of a housing upstream of a valve seat and having apertures formed therethrough for the passage of water. A valve stem has a head clamped between the diaphragm and the valve seat and a tail that is laterally deflectable to move the valve stem head relative to the diaphragm from a seated position. Upon moving it to an unseated position, the valve stem head pivots relative to the valve seat to permit water to flow out of the valve. At least portions of the flow aperture outlets in the diaphragm are located radially inwardly of and axially upstream of the upstream surface of the valve stem head. |
| US07810786B2 |
Gate valve actuator
In combination with an external actuator for electrically operating a gate valve for use with a recreational vehicle, a gate valve within a housing, a flow passageway, a valve closure member moveable transversely of the flow passageway to cause the passageway to open and close. The valve closure member comprises a valve stem and a connected handle. Also provided is an electrical control unit with a motor, an electrical drive means and a drive shaft to engage the handle. A switch means electrically connected to the control unit has an on and off position. In the on position, the actuator lifts the handle to move the gate and open the flow passageway. In the off position, the actuator retracts the handle to move the gate linearly to close the flow passageway. Also provided is a releasable ring pin which confines the handle and which, when removed, enables the manual override of the external actuator. |
| US07810784B2 |
Roller clamp
A roller clamp is configured to maintain at a prescribed rate the flow rate of a fluid that flows through a tube. The roller clamp includes a tube winding shaft part around which a fluid flow tube is passed and which prevents the setting of the flow rate being disturbed if the tube is subject to a tensional force. |
| US07810783B2 |
Fastening structure for steering wheel
A fastening structure for fastening a member to the rim of the steering wheel of a motor vehicle is disclosed to include a mounting base frame, which has two mounting holes at two distal ends for the mounting of an external member and two sets of hooks bilaterally protruded from the top wall between the mounting holes, and two elastic fastening belts, which have a hook hole one each of the respective two distal ends respectively hooked on the hooks at the mounting base frame to secure the mounting base frame to the rim of the steering wheel of the motor vehicle firmly in place. |
| US07810782B1 |
Clothes cleaning device support system
A clothes cleaning device support system includes a clothes cleaning device for washing clothes, drying clothes or both washing and drying clothes. A mount for supporting the clothes cleaning device over a floor surface includes a top wall and a perimeter wall is attached to and extending downwardly from the top wall. The perimeter wall includes a pair of side walls, a rear wall and a front wall. The front wall has an access aperture therein to access an area below the top wall. The access aperture extends upwardly into a bottom edge of the perimeter wall and toward the top wall. The clothes cleaning device is positioned on the top wall to space the clothes cleaning device above a floor surface. A container is positionable under the top wall and is accessible through the access aperture. |
| US07810780B2 |
Drive mechanism for power seat apparatus for vehicle
According to an aspect of the present invention, a drive mechanism for a power seat apparatus for a vehicle includes an electric motor, a speed-reduction gear mechanism, a gear housing for housing therein the speed-reduction gear mechanism and supporting thereto the electric motor, the gear housing including a housing body having an accommodating space, a cover mounted to the housing body, and a retaining member provided on the housing body for fixedly retaining the cover on the housing body by rotating the cover relative to the housing body upon assembly, and a bracket through which the gear housing is supported by the driven member, the bracket including a receiving portion and a rotation-restricting surface. |
| US07810776B2 |
Adjustable mechanism
An adjustable mechanism includes a first bottom plate, a second bottom plate, a receiving block positioned, a receiving block, and an elastic member. The receiving block is positioned between the first bottom plate and the second bottom plate. The receiving block defines a receiving cavity. The connecting member includes an inserted portion. The inserted portion defines a latching groove therein. The elastic member includes an elastic protrusion. The inserted portion and the elastic member are received in the receiving cavity in such manner that the elastic protrusion is received in the latching groove. |
| US07810770B2 |
Storage rack pallet support bar and method of its manufacture
A parallel support bar for use on a vertical storage rack is roll formed from a single blank of flat metal plate to provide an elongated body portion having a generally rectangular channel shaped cross section with one open corner. The body includes a horizontal top flange with a narrow vertical flange extending downward from one edge and a web extending downward from its other edge, and a narrow horizontal flange extend inwardly from the bottom edge of the web. A mounting bracket is integrally formed each end of the bar by shaping the end portion of the rolled body. |
| US07810769B2 |
Roller foot for an article of furniture
A wheel-type support for an article of furniture includes a laterally extending support member defining an outwardly facing end opening and a downwardly facing recess spaced inwardly from the end opening. A wheel is positioned within the downwardly facing recess, and a wheel retainer arrangement is secured to the support member at the outwardly facing end opening. The wheel is rotatably supported by the wheel retainer arrangement. The wheel includes a central passage, and the wheel retainer arrangement includes an axle that extends through the central passage such that the wheel is rotatable on the axle. The wheel retainer arrangement also includes an axle retainer that fixes the axle on either side of the wheel, and an end member that is secured to the support member over the outwardly facing end opening. |
| US07810766B2 |
Method and device for inserting a food stuff into a pliable bag
A resilient food stuff bag opener is disclosed, wherein the resilient bag opener is forcibly bent or bowed for easily entering a pliable food stuff bag, and upon relaxation of the bending forces, the bag opener resiliently deforms from its bent configuration to thereby open the food stuff bag in a manner that allows a food stuff residing on a food support surface of the bag opener to flow into the food stuff bag. The food support surface of the bag opener may be also used for processing foods such as cutting, dicing, washing, straining, etc. depending on the embodiment used. An inclined support may be optionally provided for maintaining the bag opener in a “hands-free” inclined position so that a food stuff provided on the food support surface can flow into the food stuff bag without a user having to hold the bag opener. |
| US07810759B2 |
Tube kite
What is disclosed is a tube kite comprising two front lines which are combined into a tug line and adapted to be releasably secured to the surfer, and comprising two back lines which are adapted to be secured to a bar, wherein a supplementary line serving as an additional front line during the flight phase is provided. |
| US07810758B2 |
Arrangement for coupling a coupling pivot for a trimmable horizontal stabiliser to the tail fuselage of an aircraft
A device for coupling a coupling pivot for a trimmable horizontal stabilizer to the tail fuselage of an aircraft, with an inner plate, an outer plate with first fastening holes and first passage holes in the inner plate respectively facing second fastening holes and second passage holes in the outer plate for the passage of a coupling pivot of the horizontal stabilizer, and with an upper lug and a lower lug respectively located above and below a cut-out for the horizontal stabilizer. The lugs are integral with separate reinforced zones of the covering in respective neighboring areas of the cut-out, in such a way that the plates between them clasp the respective reinforced zones in which the lugs are provided. |
| US07810752B2 |
Compact collapsible wire reel
A collapsible wire reel is disclosed. The device comprises a stationary arm that can connect the device to a building's rafters during use and two supporting arms that support a spool. The stationary and supporting arms are collapsible and enable the device to be easily folded for storage and transport. |
| US07810750B2 |
Biologically fit wearable electronics apparatus and methods
Detachable wearable electronic eyeglasses and head mounted gear with a plurality of electronic functions and interchangeable electronic function, and a wearable computer with optimal weight distribution and stretchable arms. |
| US07810749B2 |
Gyratory cone crusher with skewed non-co-planar conehead and main crusher centerlines
A gyratory cone crusher with a conehead centerline and a main centerline being skewed and non-coplanar with respect to each other. The conehead exhibits an elliptical movement path which results in faster throughput and enhanced cubicity performance. |
| US07810742B2 |
Ultrasonic fog generator
An ultrasonic fog generator including a container including therein an ultrasonic nebulizer and a liquid, the ultrasonic nebulizer operative to vibrate at very high frequencies and thereby break down the liquid into a fog including tiny vapor particles, the container having an exit opening for the fog to pass therethrough, and a driver and a driving fluid, the driver being operative to cause the driving fluid to flow past the exit opening and draw out the fog through the exit opening without the driving fluid substantially entering the container. |
| US07810739B2 |
Air conditioner
The invention provides an air conditioner including a radiant sensor device assembly inside a front panel of an indoor unit, in which a radiant sensor holder for holding a radiant sensor and a radiant sensor holder drive mechanism are assembled into the radiant sensor device assembly, the radiant sensor holder drive mechanism includes four projections provided on a part of the outer periphery of the radiant sensor holder in the radial directions, a drive motor attached to the radiant sensor device assembly so that the direction of a motor shaft extends in the same direction as the axis of rotation of the radiant sensor holder, and a sector-shaped connecting member being attached to the motor shaft and having three pins to be fitted between the four projections on the radiant sensor holder respectively for driving the projections. |
| US07810736B2 |
Transaction product with electrical plug
A transaction product, which is configured to interface with and receive electrical power from an electrical socket, includes a support member, an electrical circuit and an account identifier. The electrical circuit is coupled to the support member and includes an electrical plug and an electrically driven device electrically coupled with the electrical plug. The electrical plug includes at least two blades extending from the support member. The at least two blades are configured to interface with the electrical socket such that electrical power from the electrical socket is transferred to the electrically driven device via the electrical plug. The account identifier links the transaction product to an account or record, wherein the account identifier is machine readable. Other cards, products, assemblies and methods of using such cards, products and assemblies are also disclosed. |
| US07810735B2 |
Computer readable universal authorization card system and method for using same
A computer readable universal authorization card system including a card having a computer readable portion for conducting communications over a global network and a magnetic stripe for interfacing with card readers is disclosed. Here, the magnetic stripe has a stripe length and a stripe width, the card has a card length and a card width, and the stripe length is shorter than the card length. |
| US07810734B2 |
Anti-skimming card reader surface configuration
A card reader housing (20) has an exterior surface configuration (22) that includes a plurality of distinct surface portions (24-38) aligned at oblique angles relative to each other. The exterior surface configuration (22) prevents the placement of a skimming reader over the top of the card reader housing (20). In a disclosed example, a finger-receiving notch (50) is directly aligned with a reader (60) and has a depth and a dimension sized for receiving at least a portion of a finger holding a card inserted into a slot (46) in the housing (20). Any alteration of the notch (50) dimensions prevents proper operation of the card reader. |
| US07810730B2 |
Decoupled applications for printed materials
Interactive digital content for printed materials is provided using applications executing in a smart pen computing system. The applications and the printed materials may be developed by separate entities but appear well integrated from the perspective of a user of the smart pen computing system. Printed content produced by a first entity is obtained. The printed content is associated with a dot pattern. An application associated with the printed content and linked to the dot pattern is produced by a separate second entity. The application includes computer program instructions for, responsive to a selection within the dot pattern, invoking a function related to the printed content. The selection within the dot pattern may be made using a smart pen device, and the function may include presenting output to a user through an output device (e.g., a display or speaker) of the smart pen device. |
| US07810729B2 |
Card reader device for a cell phone and method of use
A card reader device for reading a card having data stored on a magnetic stripe incorporated into the card is disclosed in which the card reader device comprises a read head for passing a magnetic stripe of a card by to read data stored on a magnetic stripe and for producing a signal indicative of data stored on a magnetic stripe, a signal setting device for setting an amplitude of the signal indicative of data stored on a magnetic stripe, and an output jack adapted to be inserted into a microphone input associated with a cell phone for providing the signal indicative of data stored on a magnetic stripe to a cell phone. Data stored on the card and sensed by the card reader device is decoded by components such as a microphone amplifier, an analog to digital converter, and a microprocessor already resident in a cell phone. |
| US07810728B2 |
MICR reader
A MICR reading head is operable to read a MICR character printed on a medium fed in a first direction. A sensor is operable to detect an end portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of the medium. The MICR reading head is movable to a predetermined position at a predetermined distance from the end portion detected by the sensor. |
| US07810725B2 |
Microdot tag
A microdot tag for identifying a product, includes a substrate having a miniature marking portion for application to the product, and a handle portion larger in size than the marking portion to enable a user to manually hold the tag by the handle portion. A microdot containing indicia for identifying the product is applied on the marking portion. A frangible portion on the substrate between the marking portion and the handle portion, is provided for enabling the handle portion to be and remain attached to the marking portion during the application of the marking portion to the product, and for detaching the handle portion from the marking portion after the application of the marking portion to the product. |
| US07810724B2 |
Method of and apparatus for shipping, tracking, and delivering a shipment of packages employing the capture of shipping document images and recognition-processing thereof initiated from the point of shipment pickup and completed while the shipment is being transported to its first scanning point, to shorten the delivery time of packages to point of destination
An Internet-based shipping, tracking, and delivery network supporting the capture of shipping document images and recognition-processing thereof initiated from a point of shipment pickup and completed while shipments are transported to its first scanning point in said network so as to significantly increase velocity of shipping information through the network, as well as reduce delivery time over the network. |
| US07810722B2 |
System for delivering web content to fuel dispenser
A refueling environment is coupled to a remote facility disposed apart from fuel dispenser locations and is connected to a network. A user identification is sent to the remote facility. The remote facility establishes an access connection with a network node, on behalf of the customer. The network communications follow a client-server session format and are correlated to the user ID. The remote facility sends a cookie element to the server that was previously set by the server during an initial Web site visit. The cookie contains state information. The remote facility associates the unique identification number with the relevant user ID. The server uses the received cookie element to identify the corresponding user profile record maintained at the server side. The server generates customized content from the retrieved user profile record and sends it to the customer. |
| US07810721B2 |
Systems and method for vending machine settlement
The present invention relates to systems and methods for reconciliation or settlement of vending machine accounts. The present invention creates a transaction data packet having a transaction information for a credit transaction carried out on the vending device, where the vending device is configured to conduct a credit based vending transaction, forwards the transaction data packet for the credit transaction to a host processor, adds a host transaction identifier to the transaction data packet to create a modified transaction data packet for the transaction; sends the modified transaction data packet it to a merchant processor, receives an interim report from the merchant processor, calculates and applies individual interchange values to the transaction using stored rate table values, assigns a vending device identifier using the host transaction identifier to the modified transaction packet, identifies a correct time and date of a respective machine fill corresponding to the transaction on the vending device, forwards transaction information to a vending device route operator, and assigns the transaction to the vending device against a specific fill period for a total card transaction value and a card transaction value net merchant processor and association fees. |
| US07810720B2 |
Account payment using barcode information exchange
A system for effecting transactions, typically retail transactions, by using account information stored on a computing device, such as a cell phone, wherein the computing device is placed on an optical reader at the merchant's establishment. The computing device generates a pattern, such as a bar code, on a visual display, which can be read by the merchant's optical reader. The display encodes account number and other information for the transaction. The merchant's optical reader also includes a display, which can be read by the computing device by using the cell phone camera. The merchant's display includes transaction amount and other information allowing updating of account information in the computing device. The computing device may include security codes and/or a fingerprint reader to allow access to the account information. The use of the fingerprint reader can provide positive identification of the individual, which may be used for restricted items such as age restricted items such as beer, cigarettes, and senior discounts. |
| US07810718B2 |
Variable thickness data card body
According to the invention, a fare card for storing information in a plurality of different ways for use in a transit system is disclosed. The fare card includes a card body that has at least a first region and a second region. The first region is located adjacent to an edge of the card body and has a first thickness. The second region has a second thickness that is different than the first thickness. A first data storage element for storing fare information is included in the first region, and a second data storage element is included in the second region. |
| US07810717B2 |
Cash dispensing automated banking machine with locking frame panels
An automated banking machine is provided. The automated banking machine may include a fascia in operative connection with a frame. The machine may include a plurality of hardware devices which are accessible through the fascia. The hardware devices may include a cash dispenser, receipt printer, and a card reader. The machine includes a frame in operative connection with a chest. A top panel and at least one side panel are slidably connectable with the frame. When a door of the frame is in the closed position, the top panel is not capable of being slid out of operative connection with the frame. When the top panel is in operative connection with the frame, the at least one side panel is not capable of being slid out of operative connection with the frame. |
| US07810716B2 |
Multiple sheet detector apparatus and method
A detector for a deposit accepting apparatus of an automated banking machine or for another sheeting handling system includes an ultrasonic transmitter driven by a driving signal operative to cause the ultrasonic transmitter to transmit an ultrasonic sound signal through a sheet pathway of the detector. The detector also includes an ultrasonic receiver operative to generate a receiver signal responsive to the ultrasonic sound signal. The detector further includes first and second correlation filters. The first and second correlation filters are operative to generate first and second outputs responsive to the receiver signal. At least one processor is operative responsive to the first and second outputs of the correlation filters to determine information associated with changes in phase of the ultrasonic sound signal and to distinguish between single and multiple sheets in the pathway responsive to the information associated with changes in phase. |
| US07810711B2 |
Financial transaction card assembly with packaged product
A financial transaction card assembly comprises a financial transaction card, a package, and at least one article. The financial transaction card includes an account identifier linking the financial transaction card to at least one of a financial account or a financial record. The package is separate from the financial transaction card and defines an internal cavity. The at least one article is enclosed within the internal cavity. The financial transaction card is maintained outside of the internal cavity and is removably coupled to the package. Methods of assembling a financial transaction card assembly, methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a financial transaction card assembly, and other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US07810708B1 |
Combination mailbox housing and pedestal-planter assembly made of recycled materials
A combination mailbox housing, pedestal and planter is constructed of recycled materials to be all in one unit. The pedestal is constructed from four expended five-gallon buckets, which are screwed together and covered with wire lath and stucco, and artificial plastic rocks which rocks have in turn been constructed from expended plastic bottles. The mailbox housing is constructed from used cedar fence boards in a board and batten style to enclose a standard metal or plastic mailbox. When the mailbox housing and pedestal is assembled into one unit and installed, soil is put into the planter sections of the pedestal wherein plants and/or flowers can be planted. |
| US07810707B2 |
Materials for and method for manufacturing container with end supports and resulting container
In accordance with the invention, a method of manufacturing containers such as shipping, display and display ready packaging, for example, and resulting containers and associated preassemblies and blanks are provided, which, when utilized, result in preassemblies that include end supports that provide increased stacking strength and are easily and quickly assembled into fully assembled containers. |
| US07810703B2 |
Wire bonding method
A wire bonding apparatus includes a heat block and a heat plate provided on the heat block. A recess is provided in the heat plate to receive the first semiconductor chip and wires without contact therewith when the lead frame is provided on the heat plate such that the first main surface of the lead frame faces toward heat plate. A duct is provided in the heat plate to connect the recess to the outside of the heat plate. A gas supplied through the duct is heated by a heater and discharged into the recess. |
| US07810699B1 |
Method and system for optimized vibration welding
A method of minimizing mechanical resonance in an assembly during formation of a vibration-welded joint therein includes positioning work pieces such that they are directly adjacent to each other, and generating a set of control signals that cause one or more sonotrode weld heads to vibrate. A waveform characteristic of a mechanical oscillation of the sonotrode(s) and weld head(s) is varied to minimize the mechanical resonance occurring in the assembly, such as a multi-cell battery for a vehicle. An apparatus for forming the welded joint includes at least one sonotrode having a weld head or heads formed integrally therewith, and a weld controller. The controller is connected to a converter, sonotrode(s), and weld head(s), with the mechanical oscillation occurring in the sonotrode(s) and weld head(s). Variation of the control signals during formation of the welded joint varies a waveform characteristic of the mechanical oscillation, thus minimizing the mechanical resonance. |
| US07810698B2 |
Vision system for positioning a bonding tool
An apparatus for correcting a positional offset of a bonding tool during bonding operations comprises a first fiducial mark and a second fiducial mark spaced from the first fiducial mark located on the bonding tool. A first imaging path emanates from the first fiducial mark and a second imaging path emanates from the second fiducial mark when the first and second fiducial marks are illuminated at a reference position. An optical system is positioned along the first and second imaging paths to view images of the first and second fiducial marks. A processor is operative to calculate a current position of the bonding tool and to compare it to a desired position so that the bonding tool's positional offset may be corrected by moving it to the desired position. |
| US07810697B2 |
Turntable welding system with light curtain protection
A robotic welding system is provided that includes multiple welding cells equidistantly spaced in a circular arrangement, multiple perimeter light curtains to provide safety protection around the welding cells, a turntable centrally located in the circular arrangement, and multiple welding robots attached to the turntable. The welding system further includes a first welding process and a second welding process whereby both the first welding process and the second welding process each include a primary welding operation and a secondary welding operation whereby the turntable rotates between the welding cells to perform the primary and secondary welding operations. |
| US07810696B2 |
Internal pipe clamp alignment guides with purge backup
This invention relates to an apparatus for clamping adjacent ends of pipe sections to be welded, the apparatus comprising a plurality of clamping members movable between retracted and extended clamping positions, each of the clamping members comprising a clamping shoe and a connecting member connecting the shoe to the apparatus frame; each of the clamping shoes comprising a longitudinal groove on its clamping surface oriented parallel to the adjacent pipe ends, at least one gas passageway through the clamping shoe which extends from a surface of the shoe away from the clamping surface to a termination point within the longitudinal groove, and at least one alignment guide device in the longitudinal groove; a means for delivering an inert purge gas to the longitudinal groove through the gas passageway; and a means for moving the clamping members between the retracted and extended clamping positions. |
| US07810694B2 |
Tool for an ultrasound welding device comprising a reinforcing element for reducing the deviation of the working surface of the tool
A sonotrode for an ultrasound welding device including at least one working surface and a front surface that extends perpendicularly to the working surface. To avoid or reduce a deviation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sonotrode, the front surface has at least one reinforcing element. |
| US07810691B2 |
Gentle touch surgical stapler
Embodiments include a surgical device and a method. An embodiment of the surgical instrument includes at least one grasping jaw, the at least one grasping jaw being adapted to deliver surgical staples by a force generated from a force generator mechanism that is contained within the at least one grasping jaw or is in a proximity to the at least one grasping jaw. Another embodiment includes at least one grasping jaw, at least one actuation mechanism adapted to deliver surgical fasteners, the actuation mechanism being located in a proximity to or contained within the at least one grasping jaw, the surgical fasteners containing at least one shape-transforming material, at least one sensor, at least one chemical tissue sealant and at least one cutter. A method includes: grasping a body organ/tissue with at least one grasping jaw, adjusting a configuration of the grasping in response to a signal or a datum or an image, and releasing a surgical staple/fastener in response to the signal, datum or image. |
| US07810682B2 |
Juvenile seat with removable, wearable infant carrier sling
An infant basin is adapted to be mounted in a basin-receiving cavity of a seat shell. A shoulder strap is provided for the infant basin. |
| US07810677B2 |
One-way valve and apparatus and method of using the valve
A flexible pouch defining a variable volume storage chamber and one-way valve assembly for aseptically storing a substance, dispensing multiple portions of the stored substance therefrom in cooperation with a pump, and maintaining substance remaining in the pouch in an aseptic condition sealed with respect to ambient atmosphere. The one-way valve includes a valve seat and elastic valve cover portion overlying the valve seat forming an interference fit therewith defining a normally-closed seam therebetween. The valve portion is movable radially between (i) a normally closed position with the valve portion engaging the valve seat, and (ii) an open position with at least a segment of the valve portion spaced radially away from the valve seat to allow substance from the storage chamber through the valve opening. The one-way valve maintains substance remaining in the variable-volume storage chamber in an aseptic condition sealed with respect to the ambient atmosphere. |
| US07810672B1 |
Display device
A display device includes a chute supporting products in a stacked arrangement and a cartridge assembly for dispensing a lowermost product. The cartridge assembly includes a movable pocket biased in a closed position. A lever switch has a portion disposed within the pocket. An escapement member has an escapement arm and an escapement shelf disposed over the pocket. A cam body coupled to the lever switch has a cam surface. A timer device is disposed between the pocket and escapement member. As a product is removed from the pocket, the lever switch is raised. As the pocket is closed, the cam surface engages the escapement member, moving the escapement member into a retracted position, and allowing a product to drop from the chute into the pocket. This depresses the lever switch, moving the cam body and returning the escapement member to its forward position. |
| US07810669B2 |
Replaceable cartridge for liquid hydrogen
A replaceable cartridge for coupling to a consumer or to a filling station, wherein the replaceable cartridge comprises at least one disconnectable connection coupling for connection to the consumer or the filling station. Furthermore, the replaceable cartridge comprises a tank for holding liquid hydrogen. |
| US07810665B2 |
Shipping container
A multi-use shipment container includes an upper part and a lower part, respectively, each provided with a bottom and walls and nesting together. To produce a shipment container that offers a high level of security and also can be handled securely, the parts can be locked in relation to each other at a plurality of locking points which are distributed over the periphery of the upper part or the lower part. |
| US07810664B2 |
Squeezable multi-panel plastic container with smooth panels
The present invention relates to a plastic container comprising two substantially smooth opposing squeezable panels, separated by a vacuum panel and having at least one arcuate indentation adapted to allow flexure of the respective panel without permanent distortion or creasing when a force is applied to the panel toward the container interior. |
| US07810663B2 |
Tamper-evident closure
A bottle cap includes a mouthpiece having a dispensing orifice, a collar which extends downward from the mouthpiece to engage the bottle, a cover connected to the collar by a hinge and movable between open position and closed position covering the orifice, and a tamper-evident strap connecting the closed cover to the collar. The strap is hingeably joined to the collar by a lower portion of the strap and connected to the cover by a barbed upper portion. The upper portion cooperates with the cover to retain the strap to prevent manipulation of the strap to open the cover without severing the strap. The strap has a severable mid point which severs when the cover is first opened. When the cover is opened, both portions of the strap remain attached to the bottle and the lower portion swings away from the collar providing visible evidence of prior opening. |
| US07810661B2 |
Baby formula travel bottle
A baby-bottle apparatus for holding dry feeding formula separate from water in the bottle prior to in-situ mixing at feeding time combines a bottle, open and threaded at both ends, a powder chamber with a sealable, removable lid, and a piston-like pusher for releasing the lid and mixing the powder and water. |
| US07810658B2 |
Display fixture accessories
A method of assembling a merchandising system includes placing a display fixture on a floor in a retail environment. The display fixture includes a first end piece resting supported on the floor, a second end piece supported on the floor, a first member, and a second member, each of the first member and the second member being substantially horizontal with the second member extending substantially parallel to, and vertically offset from the first member. A display fixture accessory is releasably secured to the display fixture by receiving the first member in a first bracket of the display fixture accessory and receiving the second member in a second bracket of the display fixture accessory. A display piece is inserted into the display fixture accessory. Additionally, the display piece is maintained with the display fixture accessory in a substantially vertical position with the display fixture accessory extending above the display fixture. |
| US07810657B2 |
Product display unit
A product display unit (10) has a product support surface of selectively adjustable area. The unit comprises an attachment (13, 14) for securing to a support structure (15) and a cantilevered support member (11) extending from the attachment in a first length direction. A plurality of elongate support arms (23) extend lengthwise in a direction substantially perpendicular to said first length direction. Each support arm (23) is pivotably attached to the cantilevered support member for movement between a first position and a second position to vary the area of the product display unit available to support product. Each support arm may also be telescopically movable from the second position to a third position to further vary the product support area. |
| US07810655B2 |
Hanging organizer
A hanging organizer includes a top panel having vertical slots, storage boxes arranged at different elevations below the top panel, hanging straps for hanging the top panel on a hanging rod directly or on a door panel by means of hanging hooks, each hanging strap having one end affixed to one front vertical slot of the top panel and an opposite end inserted through one rear vertical slot of the top panel and folded portions respectively inserted through respective horizontal slots on the storage boxes, first pins inserted through respective transverse through holes on the hanging strap and stopped at the bottom side of the top panel, suspension straps inserted through respective vertical slots of the top panel, and second pins respectively inserted through a through hole at the top end of each suspension strap to secure each suspension strap to the top panel and set in folded portions of the suspension straps and stopped at the inside of the storage boxes to secure the storage boxes to the suspension straps. |
| US07810651B2 |
Water bottle with filtration feature
A flexible water bottle is provided that includes an approach for filtering unfiltered water within the bottle. The bottle includes a filter assembly located within the cap of the bottle such that the filter assembly need not descend into the bottle cavity when the cap is screwed on, thereby not displacing water while screwing on the cap. The filter assembly has an axial flow orientation. An illustrated filter assembly includes paper filters covering the upper and lower ends and can include an activated charcoal filter in between the paper filters. Water is filtered when pressure generated by squeezing the bottle forces water from the bottle cavity through the filter along an axial flow path and out through a spout. |
| US07810650B2 |
Faucet mounted water filter system
A faucet mounted water filtration system includes a base defining an inlet and a plurality of outlets. The base at least partially defines a filter compartment configured to house a filter cartridge. A first valve assembly is positioned within the base and defines a first passage and a second passage. A valve stem is movably positioned within the first passage. With the valve stem in a first position, the first passage provides fluid communication between the inlet and a first outlet and with the valve stem in a second position the second passage provides fluid communication between the inlet and the filter compartment. A body is rotatably coupled to the base and includes a first cam configured to urge the valve stem from the first position to the second position as the body rotates with respect to the base. |
| US07810649B2 |
Sifting screens
A frame over which woven wire mesh is to be stretched and secured to form a sieving screen and which can be used to screen solids from drilling mud recovered from down-hole when drilling for oil or gas. The frame comprises a rectilinear molded plastics frame having edge regions by which it is secured in place in a shaker. Within the frame is a plurality of rectilinear windows formed by an orthogonal array of intersecting ribs also of molded plastics material. Some of the ribs are internally reinforced by a structure comprising two spaced apart layers of orthogonal intersecting spaced apart wires, running parallel to the length and breadth of the rectilinear shape of the frame within the ribs to increase their rigidity. The edge regions of the frame are reinforced internally by metal box-section members joined at their four corners and defining perimeter reinforcement, and the ends of the wires are secured to the box-section members. The latter are encapsulated in the same plastics material from which the orthogonal array of intersecting ribs are molded. Alternate ribs are not reinforced with wires, and the non-reinforced ribs only extend partway between the upper and lower faces of the frame. Lengths of wire bent to form spacers and adapted to fit between upper and lower wires of the rib reinforcing structure, are joined to the upper and lower wires so as to extend therebetween and maintain the desired separation of the two layers of wires during the plastics encapsulation/molding process. |
| US07810638B2 |
Packaging for cosmetic products, typically a compact, with an improved grip and that can be opened with a single hand
Compact (1) for packaging cosmetic products for face care, the said compact comprising a cover (10) usually provided with an inner mirror (60) and a base (20) typically provided with an intermediate support for at least one cup that will contain a cosmetic product (70), the said base and the said cover each having a sidewall (11 and 21). The gripping area comprises two areas (22 and 23) located on the sidewall on each side of the plane of symmetry of the compact and having a height greater than the height of the remainder of the sidewall. Preferably, the sidewall (21) of the base (20) is made of elastomer, at least in the gripping area (22 and 23). The compact may comprise a side closer placed in the gripping area, under an elastomer layer. In another embodiment, the base comprises a flat base (25), a lip (50) acting as a sidewall (21) and a pusher (40) in the shape of an arc or U, trapped between the lip and the base. |
| US07810635B2 |
Substrate transfer apparatus and method of driving the same
A substrate transfer apparatus and a method of driving the same includes a first guide block and a second guide block, and a single ball screw shaft connected to the first and second guide blocks moves the guide blocks in an axial direction thereof. A first drive unit rotates the ball screw shaft to concurrently move the pair of guide blocks, and a second drive unit connected to the second guide block separately moves the second guide block with respect to the first guide block. |
| US07810630B2 |
Arrangement for the distribution of products on a high-speed conveyor belt
An arrangement for the distribution of products (Pn) includes a distribution device consisting of a phaser (23) that includes two belts (50, 52) driven independently and each comprising at least one cam (60) driven at a deflecting speed and selectively controlled in an operation mode for, according to a predetermined distribution sequence, contacting at least one product (Pn) of a first queue (F1) in order to deflect laterally the product (Pn) from an initial position to a determined final position which is transversally offset relative to the initial position so as to form at least a second queue of products (Pn) parallel or orthogonal to the first queue. |
| US07810627B2 |
Drive force transmitting apparatus for vehicle
A drive force transmitting apparatus for a vehicle including a drive source, a drive force transmitting path adapted to be connected to a drive shaft to transmit a drive force from the drive source to the drive shaft, and a clutch mechanism capable of connecting and disconnecting the drive force transmitting path. The drive force transmitting apparatus further includes a parking mechanism provided in the drive force transmitting path and capable of stopping the rotation of the drive shaft and an actuator mechanism capable of selectively operating the clutch mechanism and the parking mechanism. |
| US07810624B1 |
Centrifugal clutch with expansion ring assembly
A centrifugal clutch for utilization with an engine of a motorcycle is disclosed herein. The centrifugal clutch includes a clutch basket, a cover plate, a hub, first clutch plates, second clutch plates and a dynamic expansion ring assembly having cam members. The dynamic expansion ring assembly imparts substantially equal expansion forces in opposite directions. A gap is present when the engine is at an idle speed and cam members are positioned radially inward, and the gap is not present when the engine is operating faster than idle and the cam members are positioned radially outward by centrifugal force. |
| US07810622B2 |
Transmission clutches
A transmission includes first and second clutch members rotatable about the same axis. An axial groove is formed in one of the members to distribute lubricating fluid to the other member. Preferably, clutch plates with radial grooves extend between the clutch members. Fluid flows from the axial groove through the radial groove and across faces of the clutch plates to separate the plates during disengagement in order to minimize spin losses. |
| US07810621B2 |
Automatic shift control device and vehicle
In a clutch engaging and disengaging operation at the time of a shift change, a state in which the clutch position of the clutch is at a specific value between a first clutch position at which a half clutch state finishes and a second clutch position at which the clutch is in a mechanical maximum disengaged state is maintained until completion of a gear change is detected by a gear position sensor. Therefore, even if a dog abutment state occurs between first gears with engaging projections and second gears with engaging recesses, the dog abutment can be resolved properly. |
| US07810619B2 |
Fluid-pressure shock absorber
A fluid-pressure shock absorber comprising: an external cylinder with an open portion provided at one end thereof, a piston rod, a tip of which projects from the open portion of the external cylinder; a rod guide, wherein the open portion of the external cylinder is closed with caulking works so as to make a caulking portion, and further comprising: an annular bump cap coaxially arranged relative to the external cylinder; a cap holder arranged on a side of the tip of the piston rod relative to the rod guide so as to retain the bump cap, wherein an end portion on the rod guide side of the bump cap is abutted to the caulking portion, and a clearance in an axial direction is formed between an end portion of the cap holder on a side towards the tip of the piston rod and the bump cap. |
| US07810617B2 |
Friction element and disc brake
A friction element for a disk brake that includes a support plate (2) on which is fixed a friction material designed to come into contact with a first face of a brake disk. The friction element also includes an elastic element for returning the friction element to its rest position, said elastic element including a wound section of turns from which extend a first and second arm (30, 32) of different lengths designed to bear elastically against an arch of a caliper of the disk brake. The wound section of turns is fitted into an orifice made in a radial projection of the support plate. |
| US07810616B2 |
Electric direct-acting actuator and electric brake device
An electric direct-acting actuator is proposed which can maintain a large power increasing function without mounting a separate speed reducer. A plurality of planetary rollers (7) are disposed between the radially outer surface of a rotor shaft (5) of an electric motor and the radially inner surface of an outer ring member (1) fixed in position around the rotor shaft (5) so as to be rotatable about the rotor shaft (5) and about their own axes when the rotor shaft (5) rotates. A helical rib is defined by a rib member (9) engaged in a helical groove (8) formed in the radially inner surface of the outer ring member (1). The helical rib is engaged in circumferential grooves (10) formed in the radially outer surface of each planetary roller (7) at the same pitch as the turns of the helical rib. Thus, the rotary motion of the rotor shaft (5) is converted to a linear motion of the planetary rollers (7), so that it is possible to ensure a large power increasing function without mounting a separate speed reducer. |
| US07810613B2 |
Cart braking device
A cart braking device includes a swivel unit, a shaft unit and a braking unit which has a central shaft, an orientation member, a braking member and a base. The central shaft is coupled with the orientation member and has an elastic piece for moving the central shaft upward. A bottom of the orientation member has an orientation gear and a top of the braking member has a fixation gear corresponding to the orientation gear. The braking member is disposed in the base and includes two braking pads. An elastic member is disposed between the base and the braking member, and can move the braking member away from the base. When the braking pads are pressed against the wheel, the cart braking device stops the rotation of the wheel. When the orientation gear is engaged with the fixation gear, the cart braking device prevents the wheel from changing direction. |
| US07810611B2 |
Elevator car assembly having an adjustable platform
An elevator car assembly (14) includes a frame (28) having a horizontal plank beam (36) beneath a platform assembly (34). A plurality of braces (44) support the platform assembly (34) relative to the frame. The braces (44) include at least one slot associated with a fastener (58, 60) to facilitate adjusting a position of the platform assembly (34) relative to the frame. Adjusting the position of the platform assembly (34) allows for leveling the car frame assembly in an economical manner that does not require the introduction of weights or other expensive balancing measures. |
| US07810610B2 |
Exhaust device including elastically deformable annular member and vehicle with exhaust device
A muffler for a vehicle, such as a scooter type motorcycle, comprises an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member. An inner surface of the outer tubular member faces an outer surface of the inner tubular member. A ring shaped or annular member is positioned between the outer surface of the inner tubular member and the inner surface of the outer tubular member. The annular member has a substantially hollow cross section and is elastically deformable in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member. |
| US07810606B2 |
Electric power steering systems for vehicles with adjustable torsion bars and methods of retrofitting electric power steering systems for vehicles
An electric power steering system for a vehicle includes a torsion bar, a controller, and an electric motor. The controller is coupled to the torsion bar, and is configured to at least facilitate adjusting the stiffness of the torsion bar based at least in part on a parameter pertaining to operation of the vehicle and generating a steering assist signal based at least in part on a deflection or a strain of the torsion bar or a torque carried by the torsion bar. The electric motor is coupled to the controller, and is configured to receive the steering assist signal therefrom and to at least facilitate implementing the steering assist signal. |
| US07810605B2 |
Vehicle steering device and control method for vehicle steering device
A vehicle steering device and method for preventing steering wheel pull. A selectively engageable clutch is positioned between a steering wheel and a turning mechanism for turning at least one steered wheel. The clutch includes an engaging piece and has an engaged position where the steering wheel is mechanically connected to the turning mechanism and a disengaged position where the steering wheel is mechanically separated from the turning mechanism and steer-by-wire controls the at least one steered wheel. When the clutch is moved from the engaged position to the disengaged position, clutch release control is performed that provides a rotational angle of deviation between a steering wheel shaft connected to the steering wheel and the turning mechanism, the rotational angle of deviation provided in the direction of disengagement. |
| US07810600B2 |
Motorcycle with intake duct for belt chamber arranged between seat and rear fender
A motorcycle has a duct that is simple in construction to introduce cooling air into a belt chamber while simultaneously preventing invasion of dust, etc. into the belt chamber. A rear fender defines a wall that separates the seat and a rear tire. An outside-air intake port of the duct is arranged in a space formed between the seat and the wall. |
| US07810595B2 |
System and method for initiating operation of a fuel cell hybrid vehicle
The present disclosure provides a method and system for powering a hybrid electric vehicle with a fuel cell, and in particular, efficiently initiating power generation in the fuel cell, the method and system comprising electrically connecting a battery to an ultracapacitor-based propulsion energy storage; using the battery to charge the propulsion energy storage to a predetermined voltage level for powering an air delivery compressor for a predetermined amount of time; disconnecting the battery from the propulsion energy storage; electrically connecting the propulsion energy storage to the air delivery compressor; operating the air delivery compressor using the charge on the propulsion energy storage to provide a predetermined quantity of air to the fuel cell; and causing the fuel cell to generate electricity. |
| US07810593B2 |
Control system for a hybrid electric vehicle
In a control system for a hybrid electric vehicle equipped with an engine and an electric motor, when it is judged that the vehicle is in a preset state where torque required in the electric motor is zero, storage-rate retention control is carried out by causing the electric motor to generate minute torque having an absolute value smaller than the torque of the electric motor, which is required for a forced charge or discharge. |
| US07810584B2 |
Method of directional drilling with steerable drilling motor
Drilling a bore hole comprises rotary drilling at a first rotation rate until a first target value is substantially met, changing the first rotation rate to a second rotation rate when a trigger is substantially met, and then drilling at the second rotation rate until a second target value is substantially met. Preferably, the second rotation rate is substantially zero, so the drilling at the second rotation rate is slide drilling. Finally, the steps of rotary drilling at a first rotation rate, changing the rotation rate to a second rotation rate, and drilling at the second rotation rate are repeated. |
| US07810578B2 |
Nutrient device and method
The nutrient device of the present invention includes a ground having a ground surface. The coulter is mounted for rotation about a coulter axis and the coulter penetrates the ground and makes the ground penetration below the ground surface. A cleaning wheel is mounted for rotation about a cleaning wheel axis, and the cleaning wheel extends upwardly from engaging the coulter to a cleaning wheel point spaced away from the coulter. A conduit is positioned to deliver a nutrient onto the coulter for dispensing the nutrient into the ground penetration. A closing wheel is positioned adjacent the rear of the coulter and the cleaning wheel for closing the ground penetration. |
| US07810569B2 |
Method and apparatus for subterranean fracturing
A subterranean formation stimulation system, comprising a gas generator, a high pressure seal, and a fluid injection system. The high pressure seal may be a packer and or plug having an outer sealing surface on its outer periphery. The outer sealing surface is configured for metal to metal contact with the inner circumference of wellbore casing. The gas generator can be compressed gas or a propellant. A shaped charge can be included to activate the generator. The system is disposable in a wellbore on wireline, slick line, or tubing. |
| US07810559B2 |
Wellbore consolidating tool for rotary drilling applications
A subpart of a drill string is described having an outer circumferential surface which is contoured and adapted to engage the wall of the borehole with a small angle of attack while exerting during rotary drilling operations an compacting pressure on mud cake and/or cuttings present in the annulus between the drill string and the borehole. |
| US07810554B2 |
System, method and apparatus for conducting earth borehole operations
A system for conducting earth borehole operations comprising a CT carrier, a reel of CT rotatably mounted on the CT carrier, a mast carrier, separate from the CT carrier, a mast mounted on the mast carrier and movable between a lowered position for transport and a position transverse to the horizontal, a top drive carried by the mast, the top drive being longitudinally movable along the mast and a CT injector on the mast carrier. |
| US07810550B2 |
Heatable metering device for a hot chamber die-casting machine
A metering device for a hot chamber die-casting machine includes a casting container attachable to a crucible of the hot chamber die-casting machine, a riser channel in a riser channel area, and a casting piston unit for metered conveying of melt out of the crucible via the riser channel. A heating device is provided with a flameless heating unit for active heating of at least a part of the riser channel area. The heating unit is placed inside a piston rod leadthrough bore, electrically insulated from the riser channel in a riser bore containing the riser channel, or in a heater receiving space specially provided in the casting container. |
| US07810546B2 |
Lining support plate and associated production method
A lining support plate includes a base plate of cast metal and a plurality of pins which extend into the base plate and project from a support surface to anchor a friction lining material on the base plate. In the manufacture of the lining support plate, a support plate pattern (1) with a. plurality of cavities (4) in a lateral face is provided. Pins (6a-6d) are inserted into the cavities and partially protrude from the support plate pattern (1). The support plate pattern (1) and the protruding portions of the pins (6a-6d) are surrounded by a moulding compound which is compressed and/or cured. When the support plate pattern (1) is removed, the pins (6a-6d) are left behind in the moulding compound and a support plate casting cavity is formed. A melt is poured into the cavity, surrounding the portions of the pins (6a-6d) protruding into the cavity. Once the melt has solidified, the lining support plate can be removed from the mould. |
| US07810544B2 |
Door system
A door system has an axis, a door attached at a first end to the axis for winding and unwinding upon the axis, and a tensioned member surrounding and partially engaging an outer layer of the door wound upon the axis. The tensioned member exerts a radial force to the outer layer of the door wound upon the axis, thereby ensuring that the door is consistently wound tightly upon the axis and permitting the fast unrolling of the door from the axis. Although the tensioned member exerts a radial force upon the door, it imparts no significant lateral forces to the door. Accordingly, the door can have a simple construction with material, cost and space savings. |
| US07810542B2 |
Flexible guide for a mosquito net
A flexible guide (1) for a mosquito net (100) of a type which is fixable to a window opening, comprising a plurality of rigid adjacent links (2a, 2b, 200), in which each link (2a, 2b 200) exhibits a pair of opposite flanks (5a, 5b, 205) which between them receive the mosquito net (100), and a connecting portion (6, 206) arranged transversally and fixed to the flanks (5a, 5b), each link (2a, 2b, 200) being provided with a seating (4, 204) for receiving a flexible strap element (3, 203) in order to form, with adjacently-situated links (2a, 2b), a single chain. |
| US07810540B2 |
Hand-held electric sealer with dual heads
A hand-held electric sealer with dual heads includes a seat, a sealing module, a press cover, a supporting casing, and a battery cover. The seat has a central engaging rod and a first replacement element. The sealing module can be attached to, or detached from, the seat. The press cover includes a central engaging piece, a heat insulation block, and a second replacement element. Through engagement of the central engaging piece with the central engaging rod, the press cover can be selectively swung to press the heat insulation block against the sealing module, or to press the second replacement element against the first replacement element. The first replacement element and the second replacement element can be substituted with an appropriate module element upon demand on various functions. |
| US07810536B2 |
Apparatus for positioning packing boxes
An apparatus for positioning packing boxes relative to a covering sheet comprises a belt for conveying the sheet from a gluing unit to a device for centering the box on the pre-glued sheet and optical sensors for identifying the position of the sheet on a belt conveyor surface, the belt being made with at least two regions of the conveyor surface having contrasting colors. |
| US07810534B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire having at least two belt plies provided radially outwardly of a carcass ply in the tread. A belt cover ply is disposed radially outwardly of the at least two belt plies. The belt cover ply has reinforcing cords that extend in the circumferential direction of the tire and is covered with coating rubber. The belt cover ply extends beyond the edges of one of the at least two belt plies having a maximum belt width to have extension portions that extend at least 10 mm axially of the tire therefrom. The coating rubber of at least the extension portions of the belt cover ply is formed of rubber having a tan delta at a temperature of 60.degree. C. that is equal to or less than 0.1, and the ratio h/SH of a tire radial-direction length h between the edges of the extension portions and the edges of the belt ply having the maximum belt width to the tire section height SH is equal to or less than 1.5/100. |
| US07810533B2 |
Internal wheel suspension and shock absorbing system
An internal wheel suspension and shock absorbing system, including a hub with radially extending rods or blades, cooperating with sector braces, fixedly mounted by hubs to the interior of the rim for a wheel. The rods and blades secure onto a hub, that mounts onto the vehicle axle, for rotation. When a force is encountered, the forces are absorbed by the blades that extend either through or cooperate with the braces and biasing springs, which are adjustable, that bias against the outer radial edges of the blades or telescoping rods, and absorb the vector forces generated from any impact. |
| US07810531B2 |
Brush cutting head
The present invention relates to a brush cutting head for a brush cutter. The brush cutter head includes a cylindrical support body that has a first end, an opposed second end and an intermediate portion extending therebetween. The intermediate portion has a curved surface that defines the circular cross-section of the cylindrical support body. A plurality of collars is mounted to the cylindrical support body at spaced intervals along the intermediate portion. Each collar extends radially from the curved surface of the cylindrical support body. Additionally, each collar cooperates with an adjacent collar to define a mounting station between the adjacent collars. The brush cutter head further includes a plurality of cutting tooth assemblies carried on the outer surface of the cylindrical support body. Each cutting tooth assembly has a cutting tooth for placement within the mounting station and a mounting assembly engageable with the adjacent collars to secure the cutting tooth in the mounting station. |
| US07810524B2 |
Resin composite hose and method for producing the same
A resin composite hose includes a curved portion at an axial position thereof, and has a multilayer construction including a resin layer having permeation resistance to a transported fluid and serving as a barrier layer, an inner rubber layer and an outer rubber layer. The curved portion has a shape of progressively increasing a circumferential length while being flattened progressively increasingly from a curve beginning end of a perfect circle in cross-section to a curve terminal end or a curve middle portion of a flattened circle. |
| US07810523B2 |
Duct seepage reduction
A method is provided for reducing seepage through a leak (5) in a duct (1), the leak being defined in terms of its maximum dimension xL and its maximum width in an orthogonal direction yL and the effective size of the leak being given by formula (1): SL=(x2L+y2L)1/2. A plurality of sealing elements (3) are introduced into the duct, the sealing elements having dimensions a, b and c in mutually orthogonal directions and the effective size SE of the sealing element being given by formula (2): SE=(a2+b2+c2)1/2. The sealing elements have an effective size SE, which is less than the effective size of the leak SL, so that sealing elements (3A) are drawn to the leak locality and caused, by reason of a pressure differential at that locality and attributable to the leak, to move over the leak and reduce the seepage. |
| US07810522B1 |
Accumulator
To prevent abnormal deformation of a bellows, an accumulator has a regulation mechanism for reducing a pressure difference generated when liquid sealed in a liquid chamber and charged gas are thermally expanded at a zero-down time, a seal plate is arranged in an inner peripheral side of a bellows floating end, an elastically deformable thin plate is bonded to the seal plate, an outer peripheral portion of the thin plate is bonded to the bellows floating end, the seal plate is away from a seal at a time of a steady operation, the seal plate contacts with the seal at a zero-down time, and the thin plate is elastically deformed to make liquid pressure balance with gas pressure while the seal plate being kept in contact with the seal when the liquid and gas are thermally expanded. |
| US07810521B2 |
Sanitary fitting
Sanitary fitting (10, 10A) with an outlet (38) and a first supply line connection (74) connected hydraulically thereto and capable of being connected to a first source of liquid, with a pilot valve arrangement (48) arranged hydraulically between the first supply line connection (74) and the outlet (38), and with a second supply line connection (76) capable of being connected to a second source of liquid. The sanitary fitting (10, 10A) also exhibits a control device (50), which is connected on the inlet side to the first and the second supply line connection (74, 76) and on the outlet side to the pilot valve arrangement (48), the pilot valve arrangement (48) being permanently connected by hydraulic means via the control device (50) to at least the first supply line connection (74) or the second supply line connection (76). |
| US07810519B2 |
Fluid conduit connector apparatus
A fluid conduit connector apparatus that the approximates pneumatic characteristics of a removed pneumatic system component when a fluid conduit is removed from a pneumatic system. The fluid conduit connector apparatus includes a port portion having a valve disposed therein. The valve closes to provide a reduced fluid orifice when a fluid conduit is removed from the port. The reduced fluid orifice is configured to provide pneumatic characteristics of the device being disconnected to facilitate uninterrupted operation of a timed pressure source having pneumatic sensing capability. |
| US07810517B2 |
Multiple-input gas adjuster
A multiple-input gas adjuster includes a case having a chamber therein, an input channel, an output channel communicated with the chamber, a first input bore and a second input bore communicated with the input channel and the chamber. A pressure adjusting mechanism has a film assembly, a movable shaft to be reciprocated by the film assembly, a swing device pivoted in the case with an end thereof connected to the movable shaft and an opposite end for sealing the second input bore, and a driving device received in the first input bore and connected to the movable shaft for reciprocation to seal the first input bore. High pressure gas may flows into the first and second input bores through the input channel for pressure adjusting operation. With the action of the pressure adjusting mechanism, the present invention provides a well pressure reducing and stabilizing performance. |
| US07810516B2 |
Control of fluid conditions in bulk fluid distribution systems
An improved bulk fluid distribution for supplying process fluids to semiconductor process tools. The improved system having an alternating pressure vessel engine substantially eliminates pressure fluctuations in the bulk fluid supply line due to head losses from the changing weight of the fluid in the dispensing vessels. The system also enables flexible control of the flow conditions of the fluid in the fluid supply line. |
| US07810515B2 |
Smart water timer
A smart water timer which includes a water timer, a receiving unit connected to the water timer, and a moisture sensing unit which is in wireless communication with the receiving unit. The smart water timer can sense when the moisture level in the soil is too moist (based on a user setting) and turn off a water supply to a sprinkler as a result A soil moisture sensing unit is placed in the soil in the area to be watered. The soil moisture sensing unit uses a moisture sensing probe and wirelessly transmits a data signal to the receiver, which is connected to the water timer, indicating whether or not the water timer should be permitted to open a water valve. |
| US07810513B1 |
Substrate preparation using megasonic coupling fluid meniscus and methods, apparatus, and systems for implementing the same
An apparatus for preparing a substrate is provided. The apparatus includes a proximity head and a megasonic proximity head. The proximity head is configured to be applied to a substrate frontside and is capable of generating a preparation meniscus on the substrate frontside. The preparation meniscus includes a preparation chemistry that is configured to remove a material defined on the substrate frontside. The megasonic proximity head is configured to be applied to a substrate backside, and is capable of generating a coupling meniscus on the substrate backside. The megasonic proximity head is further capable of imparting megasonic energy to the coupling meniscus. The megasonic energy imparted to the coupling meniscus is configured to enhance a mass transport of the preparation chemistry through a material to be removed on the substrate frontside. |
| US07810512B2 |
Dishwasher
The present invention relates to a dishwasher. A dishwasher includes a washing tub in which dishes are placed, a steam generator that generates steam and a nozzle part in which a flow direction of the steam is diverted at least one time to allow the steam exhausted to the washing tub. |
| US07810511B2 |
Lens cleaner
A device may include a receiving surface to receive a cleaning device adapted to clean a surface of a lens when the device is proximate to the surface of the lens. The device may further include a mounting surface to moveably support the device on a host surface, where the host surface further supports a lens. The mounting surface may further maintain the device in a first position that maintains the cleaning device proximate to the surface of the lens to remove a foreign object from the surface of the lens, and maintain the device in a second position that maintains the cleaning device away from the surface of the lens to allow the lens to receive optical information related to a subject. |
| US07810510B2 |
Packaging and applicator assembly for mascara and its use in applying mascara
Package/applicator for mascara, comprising a receptacle of axis XX and a wall, defining an inside space, the top portion of the wall being stiffened, and the bottom portion of the wall being flexible and capable of being moved from an expanded position to a squeezed position, a closure for temporarily closing said receptacle; a head, that is mounted on a stem, that is secured to the closure and that is capable of being put into contact with mascara, in the closed position, such that the volume defined by the bottom portion represents 15% to 60% of the total volume defined by the wall Alternatively, the package/applicator is such that the major fraction of the head is facing the stiffened portion, perpendicularly relative to axis XX. |
| US07810509B2 |
Brush for application of mascara or the like
There is provided a brush for application of mascara or the like, comprising a brush core and bristles held on the brush core, wherein each of the bristles is in a shape of ring such as circle or ellipse of two-dimensional or three-dimensional planar or spatial curve and is held on the brush core in such a manner that a face of the bristle is at an angle of 0° to 90° with a longitudinal axis of the brush core. The brush, such as mascara brush makes it possible to apply quickly, simply and beautifully mascara even in a large amount onto the eyelashes by gently stroking onto the eyelashes. |
| US07810506B2 |
Apparatus and method for delaminating parcels of tobacco
The apparatus and method for delaminating tobacco in the form of slices from a layered parcel (10) comprise conveyor means (16) for delivering a parcel (10) of tobacco to a separating location (20) and a rotatable tine assembly (32) mounted on an axis (24) extending at right angle to the conveyor means (16) and parallel the layering of the parcel (10). The rotatable tine assembly (32) includes a plurality of tines (26) which are pointed and profiled to extend in the direction of rotation of the tine assembly (32) and are driven at a speed greater than that of the conveyor means (10). The tines (26) are adapted to enter the parcel (10) at an entering location (34) in a direction substantially parallel to the layering of the parcel (10) and to accelerate a layer (36) away from the parcel (10) for effecting separation of the layer (36) of tobacco from the parcel (10). The axis of the tine assembly (32) is arranged at a distance above the parcel (10) such that the line from the axis of the tine assembly (32) to the entering location (34) forms an angle between 14 and 24 with the horizontal and the peripheral speed of the tine assembly (32) is about three to five times the linear speed of the conveyor means (16). |
| US07810498B1 |
Volume expansion system for breathing gas in closed-circuit breathing apparatus
A volume expansion system increases the storage volume for breathing gas in a closed-circuit breathing gas apparatus. A flow controller is coupled to an inhalation side of the closed-circuit breathing gas apparatus and is also coupled to an expandable reservoir. The flow controller defines a first flow path that allows breathing gas in the inhalation side to automatically flow into the expandable reservoir when pressure in the inhalation side exceeds a threshold. The flow controller can also include the means to define a second flow path that allows on-demand return of the breathing gas in the expandable reservoir to the inhalation side of the breathing gas apparatus. |
| US07810497B2 |
Ventilatory control system
A system is provided for delivering a flow of breathing gas to an airway of a patient. The system includes a pressurizing flow module that generates a pressurized flow of breathing gas and a patient circuit coupled to the pressurizing flow module configured to communicate the flow of breathing gas to an airway of a patient. The system includes a sensor for monitoring a characteristic of a breathing pattern of the patient a controller that communicates with the sensor configured to increase a fraction of inspired carbon dioxide if the characteristic exceeds an upper threshold value and to provide servo-ventilation if the characteristic is less than a lower threshold value. The upper threshold value and the lower threshold value are changed based on the monitored characteristic of the breathing pattern of the patient. |
| US07810494B2 |
Dry powder inhaler
An Inhaler for delivering an aerosolized dose of a powdered drug for inhalation by a user is disclosed. The inhaler comprises a drug entrainment device vice to a receive a package having a piercable lid containing a dose to be delivered, the device including a drug outlet tube terminating with a primary piercing element to pierce an opening in said lid when a package is located in the inhaler, a secondary piercing member to pierce a plurality of peripheral openings in said lid and, an airflow path to enable the supply of a charge of gas into the package via said peripheral openings to scour the interior of a pierced package such that all or substantially all of the dose is entrained in the gas and flows out of the package via the drug outlet tube. A medicament pack is also disclosed. |
| US07810489B2 |
Solar air conditioner
A solar air conditioner includes an inlet assembly (20), an outlet assembly (30), a solar collector assembly (10), and a plurality of connecting assemblies (14) connecting the solar collectors, and the inlet and the outlet assemblies together. The solar collector assembly includes a plurality of solar collectors (12). Each of the solar collectors has a bottom plate (124), a heat-absorbing unit (123) mounted on the bottom plate, and a transparent panel (121) positioned on the heat-absorbing unit. The heat-absorbing unit divides an inner space of the solar collector into an upper heat-storage cavity (125) and a lower heat-absorbing cavity (125). The inlet and outlet assemblies seal two ends of the upper heat-storage cavity and communicate with two ends of the lower heat-absorbing cavity. |
| US07810486B2 |
Grill structure
A cart suitable for supporting a grill, including a firebox. The cart has four panels each of which has all four of its edges bent to form a flange that provides structural rigidity and a connection feature for facilitating the assembly of the cart. Two opposing side panels are carried by and preferably welded to a respective side frame. The side frames are joined by upper crossbars, one at the front of the cart and a second at the rear of the cart. A bottom panel fits into and is carried by troughs formed by upturned lips on the lower edges of the side panels. The structural integrity and racking strength of the cart is enhanced by the attachment of a rear panels, which has a lower lip that locks into engagement with the rear edge of the bottom panel. The top edge of the rear panel is fastened to the rear upper crossbar to complete the basic structure of the cart. Hooks welded to the side frames allow easy and secure attachment of side and front attachments to the cart. |
| US07810485B2 |
Stacked cooking unit
A cooking unit includes a base pan, a can positioned on the base pan, and a cooking drum located on the base pan and within the can. The cooking unit also includes a heat source positioned outside the can. |
| US07810480B2 |
Crossbow accessory for lower receiver of rifle and related method
A crossbow accessory for coupling to a modular lower receiver of a rifle includes an elongated frame coupled to a riser at a first end, and coupled above the lower receiver at its second end. An upper housing secured to the second end of the frame includes a rope spool and winding gears for retracting the bowstring toward a drawn position. A rope extends from the rope spool to a bowstring release for retracting the bowstring. The bowstring release is retracted into the upper housing proximate the modular lower receiver for selectively releasing the bowstring when a user pulls the trigger of the lower receiver. A method for creating a crossbow using the modular lower receiver is also disclosed. |
| US07810476B2 |
Method and apparatus for estimating exhaust temperature of an internal combustion engine
The invention comprises a method and an article of manufacture to estimate exhaust gas temperature of an internal combustion engine during ongoing operation of the engine. This comprises determining states of a plurality of parameters of a combustion charge. A heat release of the combustion charge is estimated based thereon, and an exhaust gas temperature is estimated based upon the estimated heat release. Exemplary parameters of the combustion charge comprise engine speed, mass air flowrate, engine fueling and fuel injection timing, and, recirculated exhaust gas fraction. |
| US07810474B2 |
Venting device for fuel tank
The fuel tank venting device is furnished with a full fuel control valve and a rollover valve that are installed on a fuel tank, and a fuel tank valve unit having a pressure valve that is situated between a canister and the two valves. The pressure valve is furnished with a casing that has a valve chamber, a valve body housed within the valve chamber, and a spring. The valve body has a disk-shaped valve part and a side wall that projects with tubular contours from the outside perimeter of the valve part, and has a cup shape defining a spring chamber that is bounded by the valve part and the side wall. The valve part is perforated by an orifice of smaller planar dimensions than the valve aperture. |
| US07810470B2 |
Return-flow electronic fuel pressure regulator
A return-flow electronic fuel pressure regulator for a fuel-injected engine fuel system is plumbed to the fuel rail and return line of the fuel system. The regulator includes a fill chamber connected to the fuel rail, a return chamber connected to the return line and a return reservoir disposed between the fill chamber and return chamber. Fuel flow from the fill chamber to the return reservoir is regulated via a diaphragm valve assembly. Fuel flow from the return reservoir to the return chamber is subject to restriction by an adjustable valve. Integral comparative pressure sensing means measures the fuel pressure drop between the return reservoir and return chamber. An electronic control module, preferably programmed to maintain a constant pressure drop between the return reservoir and return chamber, receives a signal from the pressure sensing means and outputs a power supply signal to the fuel pump to control pump speed. |
| US07810463B2 |
Quick restart HCCI internal combustion engine
The invention relates to an internal combustion engine operable in homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion mode and in conventional spark ignited combustion mode and a method for restart of HCCI combustion therein. Whilst cranking the exhaust valve is arranged to be closed before top dead center (TDC) during an exhaust stroke. The intake valve is arranged to be opened after TDC during an induction stroke. Fuel injection control means are arranged to perform a first fuel injection after closing of the exhaust valve and before TDC of the exhaust stroke. The ignition control means are arranged to cause said spark plug to ignite the first injected quantity of fuel before said opening of the intake valve. The fuel injection control means are arranged to perform at least one further fuel injection in the interval after TDC of the exhaust stroke and before TDC of a subsequent compression stroke. |
| US07810462B2 |
Method for operating an ignition device for an internal combustion engine
A method for operating an ignition device for an internal combustion engine, particularly of a motor vehicle, having a laser device which has a laser-active solid that has a passive Q-switch. The duration of a pumping light pulse that is applied to the laser device is selected as a function of a specifiable number of laser pulses that is to be generated using the laser device. |
| US07810455B2 |
Pet chew including compressible central portion
The present disclosure provides an animal chew comprising an elongated central portion of a first material and a pair of end caps of a second material. The end caps may be connected by a shaft and may vary from the central portion or from each other by one or more properties such as, color, texture, hardness, toughness, functionality, flavor, odor or moisture level. The central portion of the dog chew may comprise a bladder, or a composite of materials such as one or more layers overlying the bladder, having an attractive design in the shape and/or texture of, e.g. a sports ball. The composite may comprise a soft or even fibrous cover overlying an elastomeric bladder, the bladder formed to fit relatively loosely over the shaft, the composite providing a soft and easily compressed central portion compared to the end caps. |
| US07810454B2 |
Animal breeding plant
The inventive animal breeding plant comprises an animal stall area (1a-1f), means (11) for sharply flushing a cleaning fluid in said area in order to wash it and a channel which is used for recovering a mixture formed by said cleaning fluid and wastes flushed thereby and is arranged in front of said flushing means with respect to said area. The flushing means comprise at least one bucket (11) which is movably mounted between filling and flushing positions and whose shape is selected such that, when the filling level thereof with the cleaning fluid attains a predetermined threshold, the gravity center of the thus filled bucket (11) is shifted to such a point that the bucket (11) is tilted from said filling position to the flushing position in such a way that the fluid is sharply flushed in the area (1a-1f). |
| US07810451B2 |
Method and system for tracking and managing animals and/or food products
Embodiments of a method and system are described for tracking and managing animals and/or food products. These embodiments can include entering into a computer system identification data for animals and location data for locations occupied by the animals. This data can be collected, for example, by a data service provider and transmitted to a data trustee. The data trustee may filter the data into official data and non-official data. The official data may be sent to an official database. When a public health issue arises, such as an occurrence of mad cow disease, the government may use an identifier for a diseased animal or a location identifier to request a trace report from the data trustee. The data trustee may then use the official data to provide a report showing, for example, which animals have comingled with the diseased animal. Based on this report, other sick or potentially sick animals can be treated, quarantined, or slaughtered. As another example, the disclosed embodiments may be used to facilitate commercial transactions by providing data that validates, for example, an animal's health and food quality. |
| US07810450B2 |
Gate for domestic farm animals, an automated milking facility including such a gate, and method of training domestic farm animals to use such a gate
Cows are milked at a facility including a robotic milker, a pen, a first passage leading from the pen to the milker, and a second passage leading from the milker to the pen. Each passage includes a one-way gate. Each gate includes a barrier that turns about a horizontal axis from a quiescent position in only a first direction in response to the cows pushing against the barrier and turns in the opposite direction about the axis to the quiescent position after each cow has passed through the barrier. The barrier includes plural tines that turn independently of each other about the axis in both directions. In normal operation, the quiescent position of the tines is vertical. For training, the quiescent position of the tines is displaced from the vertical so the tines are above the heads of the animals but below their backs. |
| US07810448B2 |
Apparatus and method for the treating of workpieces
The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for the coating of hollow bodies, in particular for the internal coating of plastic drinks bottles by means of a PICVD. It is an object of the invention to ensure a flexible process sequence, a high throughput, an improved supply of fluid and a high-quality coating. The invention in particular proposes a rotary apparatus which comprises a treatment device with double reactors for receiving in each case at least one workpiece, a fluid supply apparatus and at least one fluid control device, which can be used to control the supply of fluid to the treatment device. It is preferable for the vacuum pumps to be arranged on the rotor such that they rotate therewith. |
| US07810446B2 |
Continuous coating of gum materials
A continuous coating process for chewing gum and bubble gum materials. Small cores or pieces of gum material are introduced into inclined rotating drums in solution material plurality cores or rotating requisite which heated air is circulated and a coating is applied (liquid or powder). The coating is dried on the pieces of material, and a of thin layers are formed on each of the small pieces of material. A series of drums can be provided to provide the number or thickness of coating layers. In an alternate embodiment, initial coatings of material can be provided on the cores by a batch-type process before the materials are introduced into the continuous coating drums. The formulas for the coating solution can also be adjusted at different stages of the coating process in order to provide a more consistent and uniform coating. |
| US07810445B2 |
Moving graduation lighting accent from pointer
A gauge may employ a dial plate, a pointer shaft driven by a motor, a printed circuit board having a plurality of light sources, such as LEDs, and a motor. An upper pointer may be located on a viewed side of the dial plate and a lower pointer may be located on an unviewed side of the dial plate. The upper and lower pointers are attached to the pointer shaft. The lower pointer is positioned to receive light from the light source and direct the light into indicia and graduations of the dial plate, and into the upper pointer. An area surrounding the upper pointer is more brightly lit than other areas of the dial plate. A light-collecting ring may collect light and transmit light into the lower pointer. The ring may be an integral or attached part of the lower pointer or it may be a detached and separate piece. |
| US07810442B2 |
Mooring/vessel snap hook device
A snap hook device comprises a detachable pole attached to a snap hook having a side link for securing a rope. The snap hook is generally U-shaped with a sloped spring closure having a first end attached to a first end of the hook and a second end of the spring closure being coiled and resting against a side of a second end of the snap hook. The second end of the U-shaped hook comprises a collar for receiving the detachable pole. The snap hook device enables a boat operator when alone in the boat to remain in the cockpit area of the boat, and capture a chain under a mooring buoy. The operator then maneuvers the boat with a rope attached to a link of the snap hook wherein the rope extends via the bow to the boat operator in the cockpit, so that by pulling the rope, the bow is easily and safely turned to be adjacent to the mooring buoy for attaching a mooring line. |
| US07810437B2 |
Shock absorber for the front or rear region of a railborne vehicle having at least one energy absorption device
The invention relates to an energy absorption device as part of a shock absorber for the front or rear region of a railborne vehicle, in particular a streetcar vehicle, wherein the energy absorption device is designed to absorb or dissipate at least a portion of the impact energy which occurs when the vehicle impacts an obstacle. The invention includes a bumper bar which is pivotably connected to the vehicle underframe by a first bearing, a pendulum support connected to the bumper bar by a second bearing and to the vehicle underframe by a third bearing such that the bumper bar and pendulum support form a tripod. The resultant moment of force of the bumper bar pivoting about a pivot axis defined by a first bearing is introduced as linear force into the energy-absorbing mechanism and at least partly absorbed or dissipated there. |
| US07810435B2 |
Power regulation device for model railway system
A power regulation device and method for a model railway system is provided. The device comprises inputs that connect to a supply of a digital command control (DCC) waveform and to a track section to be powered by the DCC waveform. The device comprises a current measuring circuit that measures current flow associated with the DCC waveform supplied at the inputs. A switch is connected between the inputs and outputs that are in turn connected to respective rails of the track section. A controller is provided that analyzes a current measurement signal produced by the current measuring circuit and controls the switch to disconnect supply of the DCC waveform to the outputs when a true over-current condition is detected. The device may also comprise an auto-reversing function to accommodate reverse loop track sections. |
| US07810428B2 |
Method of manufacturing pre-inked stamps and stamp member
At stamp manufacturing blank printing plate (3) and inked porous base plate are brought to contact for the moment of creation of printing pattern. Blank stamping member for pre-inked stamp consisting from blank printing plate (3), made from porous thermo-plastic material, printing plate's case (1) and porous base plate (2), filled by ink. Printing plate is attached to the case, but separated from the inked base plate by air clearance, due to what the printing plate is free from ink up to the creation of printing pattern onto its surface, whereas supporting elements (5) are used, that prevent the said air clearance to collapse spontaneously. When the stamping member is compressed in flash moulding machine, the printing plate is pressed against the inked base plate and become inked. |
| US07810426B2 |
Device for preparing froth
A device for preparing froth, in particular for preparing milk froth by means of hot steam output by a domestic coffee machine, contains an elongate nozzle body having a rear end and a front end, which can be connected in the region of its rear end to a hot steam source and which has an outlet nozzle in the region of its front end. A casing sleeve having a rear end and a front end surrounds the nozzle body and has an air intake opening in the region of its rear end and an outlet opening in the region of its front end, an intermediate space being formed between the nozzle body and the casing sleeve. An outer sleeve surrounds the casing sleeve at least in the region of the rear end of the casing sleeve. |
| US07810424B2 |
Device for increasing pressure in cylinders with control unit
In order to increase the pressure of the hydraulic medium in cylinders, especially those of the hydraulic longwall construction used in underground mining and tunnel construction, a control unit 21 is used which has suitably controllable, releasable check valves 29, 30 and 25, as well as a blockable check valve 31. These check valves and the associated directional valves create the possibility of filling both the cylinder space 20 proper and the piston rod cavity 26, which enables the pressure adjustment process with hydraulic medium in a specific manner, or accordingly their discharge, with no risk of reciprocal influence, seizing, or other damage. |
| US07810422B2 |
Protection device for an observation screen of a vehicle
A protection device for an observation screen of a vehicle, wherein it is constituted by a plate of armor positioned outside of the vehicle, and pivoting arms ensuring the displacement of the armor plate from a passive position in which the field of vision is totally free and one or several protection positions. |
| US07810420B2 |
Method of interrupting a tornado
The method of interrupting a tornado comprises the step of locating an area of ongoing tornadic activity. Ultra-cold substance is then released at low altitudes in the area of ongoing tornadic activity. In preferred embodiments, the ultra-cold substance is delivered to the area of ongoing tornadic activity by an airplane. The ultra-cold substance is preferably liquid nitrogen. |
| US07810419B2 |
Rotating log clamp
A rotating log saw clamp for clamping a product roll to be sawn. The rotating log saw clamp includes a first portion disposed for rotation about an axis and a second portion disposed for rotation with the first portion and movable relative to the first portion between an open position and a clamping position. The second portion is rotatable from the clamping position to the open position by relative rotation of the first and second rotating portions in a common direction. |
| US07810418B2 |
Automatically configurable blind cutting center
A method and apparatus for sizing window coverings slidably extendable from a bay into an aisle of a retail outlet. The method includes the steps of locating the center of the window covering relative to a cutting station utilizing a half scale for removing a portion of the window covering from each of its ends. |
| US07810417B2 |
Method for estimating self-vibration of milling tool in the operating process
In a cutting method of an oblique surface by a rotary tool, for analyzing in advance a stability limit depth of cut with respect to a self-excited cutting vibration in consideration of a pick feed amount and a work oblique angle and reducing the number of steps necessary for preparation and correction of NC data, a tool diameter, the number of cutting teeth and dynamic stiffness of the rotary tool, a cutting force coefficient determined by a combination of the tool and work materials, dynamic stiffness of the work, the pick feed amount, oblique angles between the tool and the work and the like are used as input values, an initial value of the stability limit depth of cut is determined based on the input values, and calculation is performed based on the initial value. In this case, the initial value is compared with the calculated value, the initial value is corrected by a certain rule, and the calculation is repeated until both the initial value and the calculated value fall in a constant error range to thereby calculate the stability limit depth of cut during the oblique cutting. |
| US07810415B2 |
Portable tool kit with auto-release clasp and expandable tools
A portable tool kit comprising a self-releasing clasp such that the clasp is released as a main body is rotated about a handle axle from a closed position to an open position with reference to a handle assembly. The main body and handle assembly cooperate to wholly enclose a set of tools when in the closed position. When in an open position, the tools of the main body are exposed to selection and rotation about a rivet of the main body cooperating with a biasing device of a biasing rivet of the main body to hold the tool in place. When fully extended, the main body and handle assembly permit the selection of a plurality of tools such as Phillips head and flat head screwdrivers of different sizes for extension from within the main body for use. Moreover, lamps may be provided on either end of the handle assembly for illuminating a work area. |
| US07810414B2 |
Depth adjustment device for power tool
A depth adjustment device is mounted to a front end of a power tool, having a coupling member fixed to the front end of the power tool, a hollow stationary sleeve, and a hollow adjustment sleeve. The coupling member includes a limit recess and a lock recess at an external periphery thereof. The stationary sleeve is sleeved onto the coupling member, having two first lock portions corresponding to the limit recess, a springy part formed at a rear end thereof, and a second lock portion formed at a distal end of the springy part. The first lock portions are stopped against the lock recess. The second lock portion is locked to the lock recess. The adjustment sleeve includes a lip portion at a front end thereof for lying against a surface of a workpiece and is threadably connected with the stationary sleeve to be movably mounted to the stationary sleeve. |
| US07810411B2 |
Connecting rod assembly for an internal combustion engine
A connecting rod assembly includes a first end and a second end having bore extending therethrough and adapted to be aligned with a piston pin bore and receive a piston pin. The second end further includes a terminal end and has a reduced width configuration. The reduced width configuration is formed by machining a pair of channels that are formed on opposite sides of the second end between each channel and the terminal end. The bushing includes at least partially annular grooves disposed on the contact surface along at least a portion of opposed distal ends, where the grooves substantially eliminate the need for the small end to undergo a deburring process after the second end is machined to provide a reduced width configuration. |
| US07810408B2 |
Energy absorbing mechanism of steering column supporting apparatus
There is provided a steering column supporting apparatus in which tilt pins are locked on a tilt bracket fixed to a vehicle body and engaged with tilt plates welded to respective both sides of a steering column, and slotted holes extended in the axial direction of the steering column are formed in the tilt plates. A bulging part is formed on a lower surface of the steering column, and is designed to be larger in size than a gap between the lower surface of the steering column and the tilt bracket and increased in height as it goes rearward in the direction of the length of a vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to effectively reduce impact load applied to the steering column in the event of head-on vehicle crash. |
| US07810392B2 |
System for measuring age on basis of physical strength
A system for measuring a person's age on the basis of his/her physical strength is disclosed. A system is provided using multiple exercise courses that make a user perform various kinds of exercises without overburdening the user and that include entertainment factors. A user's age can be calculated, based on the amount of time that the user takes to complete each course and all of the courses taken together, on the basis of the physical strength of a user and the degree to which the user can perform various exercise movements. This system includes multiple courses, to which various exercise devices or other features are provided. The exercise courses are formed so that the user demonstrates various physical abilities, including muscle strength at multiple portions of his/her body, flexibility of the body, balance of the body, and agility of the body. |
| US07810391B2 |
Aerodynamic hood lift and deflection measurement device
An aerodynamic hood lift deflection measurement device includes an airfoil body mounted to a front vehicle fender such that a portion of the airfoil body held over the vehicle hood. A laser measurement device is secured to the airfoil body in a position so as to be directly over the vehicle hood. The airfoil body is mounted at an angle such that a length direction of the airfoil body is parallel to an air flow direction. The resultant disruption of the air flow surrounding the vehicle hood is minimized due to the shape and positioning of the measurement device. |
| US07810386B2 |
Method for a plausibility check of the output signal of a rail pressure sensor
A method for checking the output signal of a rail pressure sensor of a direct-injecting internal combustion engine having a common rail system for plausibility, including the following steps: the output signal of the rail pressure sensor is detected over a predefinable period of time and recorded; the output signal is transformed into the frequency space; characteristic features are extracted from the transformed signal; a rail pressure value is calculated on the basis of the features and additional, predefined influencing variables; an average rail pressure value is simultaneously ascertained from the output signal of the rail pressure sensor; the average rail pressure value is compared with the calculated rail pressure value; in the event that the calculated rail pressure value deviates from the average rail pressure value by a predefined limiting value, an error signal is output and/or stored in an error memory. |
| US07810385B1 |
Process for determining a remaining creep life for a turbine component
A process for determining a remaining useful life for a turbine airfoil that suffers from creep damage in order to reuse a component that still has acceptable remaining life. The process includes the steps of removing the damaged component, scanning the damaged component with an optical scanner such as a white light scanner to produce a 3D solid model of the damaged component, scanning a new or undamaged used component to produce a 3D solid model of the undamaged component, comparing the two 3D solid models to determine the amount of creep damage on the damaged component, determining the length of time the creep damaged component was used and the temperature at which it was exposed, and analyzing the 3D solid model of the creep damaged component to determine how much longer the part can be used before the component will suffer critical damage or the engine will suffer unacceptable performance. |
| US07810383B2 |
Method for evaluating semiconductor wafer, apparatus for evaluating semiconductor wafer, and method for manufacturing semiconductor wafer
The present invention provides a method for evaluating nanotopography of a surface of a semiconductor wafer sliced from a semiconductor ingot, the method being conducted prior to polishing of the surface, the method at least comprising: measuring a surface profile of the wafer in the direction that the wafer is sliced; determining a maximum inclination value of warp change of the wafer surface in a sectional profile in the direction that the wafer is sliced of the measured surface profile; and estimating nanotopography of the wafer surface after being polished based on the determined maximum value. As a result, there are provided a method and an apparatus for evaluating nanotopography of a surface of a semiconductor wafer, and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor wafer exhibiting good nanotopography level on the surface. |
| US07810382B2 |
Method and device for determining material properties
The invention relates to a method of determining material properties of a contact formed between a measurement tip of a microscopic probe and a sample surface of a sample material. According to the method, a distance modulation is applied for modulating a distance between a support of the microscopic probe end the sample surface in a direction essentially normal to the sample surface and wherein a normal force signal indicative of a normal force is measured and demodulated. In the method it is proposed that the material properties be determined using measurement data comprised in the demodulated normal force signal and related to a (concave) buckling deformation of the microscopic probe relative to and away from the sample surface. |
| US07810376B2 |
Mitigation of gas memory effects in gas analysis
The gas absorption/adsorption memory effect in gas analysis can be reduced by controlling gas flow conditions such that the partial pressure of the analyte of interest is held constant, if the measured analyte concentration is within a predetermined range. Keeping the analyte partial pressure constant is helpful for mitigating the memory effect because changes in analyte absorption/adsorption rates tend to be driven by changes in analyte partial pressure. The memory effect can also be mitigated by performing concentration measurements at two or more different gas flow conditions, and employing a mathematical model to estimate true concentration and “memory effect” contributions to measured concentrations at one or more of the flow conditions. The mathematical model can be based on an assumption that the true analyte concentration is independent of flow rate or pressure, while the “memory effect” contribution to measured concentration is inversely proportional to flow rate or pressure. |
| US07810374B2 |
Single solder ball impact tester
A test apparatus applies high speed impact load to a sample to test the shear strength of attachment of a component part to the sample, by use of a rotary drive mechanism driving an impact tip. A support mechanism provides alignment between the impact tip and a portion of the sample to receive a test force, and prevents relative movement of at least one of the sample and the impact tip. The rotary drive mechanism establishes a impact force between the impact tip and the sample, and a force transducer receives the resultant force and providing a corresponding output. In one example the force transducer uses a piezoelectric film for sensing. The testing may be used, for example, to provide stable impact speed to a solder ball, and provide, as an output a force and displacement relationship curve. The stable speed can be acquired by clutch, and the data collection. |
| US07810373B2 |
MEMS shock sensors
A shock sensor comprises a substrate and at least one flexure coupled to the substrate and configured to deflect upon an application of force to the shock sensor sufficient to deflect the flexure. Deflection of the at least one flexure produces a detectable change in an electrical property of the shock sensor. Examples of detectable changes in an electrical property of the shock sensor include an open circuit condition, a closed circuit condition, and a variation in voltage of a piezo-electric detector. In some embodiments, the change in the electrical property of the shock sensor may be remotely read by interrogation of a radio frequency identification transponder positioned on the substrate using a remote radio frequency identification transceiver. The disclosure also relates to a shock sensing system and method of shock detection. |
| US07810355B2 |
Full perimeter chemical strengthening of substrates
Methods and apparatus for protecting the thin films during chemical and/or thermal edge strengthening treatment. In one embodiment, a portion of each individual sheet is laminated. Pairs of sheets are then sealed together such that the thin film sides face inward to form a thin film sandwich. In some embodiments, the sandwich in then immersed in a chemical strengthener. In other embodiments, a localized treatment is applied to the unstrengthened edges. |
| US07810353B2 |
Heat pump system with multi-stage compression
A multi-compressor heat pump system configured to provide heating and cooling over a range of ambient temperatures. The compressors can be operated independently and alone or together in series for maximum output. Heat exchangers are selectively fluidically connected to the compressors to enable refrigerant flow between the compressors and at least two heat exchangers in a manner that enables the heat pump system to be selectively operable in various modes. Preferred aspects include selectively operating the compressors based on the ratio of the evaporating and condensing pressures of the refrigerant within the heat pump system, a mixing chamber between the compressors, and a lubricant management system to prevent the accumulation of a lubricant in one of the compressors. |
| US07810347B2 |
Conveyor belt having rotating drive shaft
An apparatus and method for processing products by chilling or freezing includes a conveyor for conveying the products along a plane of travel; lifting means disposed for intermittent contact with the conveyor during processing; cam means rotatable for contacting and displacing the lifting means to contact and displace the conveyor from the plane of travel, thereby displacing the products on the conveyor to prevent the products from adhering to the conveyor and other of the products; and drive means operatively associated with the cam means to impart rotational movement to the cam means for intermittently contacting and displacing the lifting means. |
| US07810346B2 |
Icemaker and method for controlling the same
An icemaker and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. An object of the present invention is to provide an icemaker and a method for controlling the same, which has an improved structure to make a lot of ice in a short time. an icemaker includes an ice tray rotatable with at least one column of ice making chambers formed therein to make ice; an ejector rotatably provided in each ice making chamber to eject the ice formed in the ice making chamber; an operation device which rotates the ice tray; and a separation device which separates the ice from the ice tray. The separation device may be a heater which heats the ice. Preferably, the heater is operated until adhesive force which acts between the ice and the ice tray is smaller than pushing force in which the ejector pushes the ice. |
| US07810345B2 |
Refrigerating apparatus with a liquid supply system
A refrigerating apparatus, particularly a household refrigerator, has a liquid-supply system for a user device forming part of the apparatus, particularly a dispenser of a consumable product. The apparatus further comprises a protection system arranged for preventing flooding deriving from possible leakage of liquid, in particular from at least one of said supply system and said user device. |
| US07810344B2 |
Water tank and refrigerator having the same
Disclosed are a water tank and a refrigerator having the same. The water tank includes a tank main body provided with a water storage space formed therein and a discharge hole; a tank cover connected to the tank main body for opening and closing the water storage space; a valve movably installed in the tank main body for opening and closing the discharge hole; and a valve driving unit moving the valve using magnetic force so as to cause the valve to open and close the discharge hole. The water tank is opened and closed by the magnetic force of magnets and the restoring force of elastic members, and thus it is possible to prevent water stored in the water tank from leaking out in a process of attaching or detaching the water tank to or from the rear surface of a door or a refrigerator. |
| US07810341B2 |
Redundant upgradeable, modular data center cooling apparatus
A data center is configured in a room using alternating rows of racks containing heat-generating electronic devices and air conditioners or liquid conditioners. Chilled fluid, such as water or a refrigerant, for the air conditioners or liquid conditioners is supplied through redundant plumbing comprising first and second supply and return pipes below a raised floor. Attached to this redundant plumbing are standard fluid couplings configured to couple to either air conditioners or liquid conditioners. The air conditioners and liquid conditioners use the same chilled fluid so that they may share the redundant plumbing and continually receive chilled fluid in the event of the failure of one of the chilled fluid supplies. |
| US07810340B2 |
Quick freezing apparatus and quick freezing method
To provide a quick freezing apparatus and method making it possible to prevent a subtle reaction between an object-to-be-preserved and a gas inside its freezing store to prevent deformation and deterioration of the object-to-be-preserved as much as possible and freeze-preserve the object maintaining its freshness and quality at a high standard for a long term, and thereby applicable to a long-term preservation of a living tissue.A quick freezing apparatus includes a freezing store 11 including a door for bringing in or taking out an object-to-be-frozen 3, a freezer 17 capable of lowering a temperature inside the freezing store to a temperature equal to or less than approximately −30 degrees C., a pressure regulator 60 capable of adjusting a gas pressure inside the freezing store, and a ventilator 31 for sending cold air at a wind velocity of 1 to 5 m/sec toward the object-to-be-frozen placed inside the freezing store. The pressure regulator 60 includes an actuation controller 68 for detecting the temperature inside the freezing store; if the detected inside temperature is equal to or more than a predetermined value, then actuating a depressurizer 62 to decrease the inside gas pressure to a pressure equal to or less than the atmospheric pressure; and when the inside temperature drops below the predetermined value, stopping the depressurizer 62 and actuating the pressurizer 61 to increase the inside gas pressure to a pressure equal to or more than the atmospheric pressure. |
| US07810339B2 |
Air conditioner and method of controlling air conditioner
An air conditioner has a heat exchanger, an absorbing agent, and a controller. The absorbing agent performs an absorbing operation for absorbing moisture in passing air flowing through the heat exchanger functioning as an evaporator and a regenerating operation for desorbing moisture from passing air heated by the heat exchanger functioning as a condenser. The controller performs control such that the absorbing operation and the regenerating operation are switched at a predetermined switching time interval. The controller also performs control of a capacity of a compressor and control for changing the predetermined switching time interval such that a predetermined load out of a total heat load, which is the sum of the latent heat load and the sensible heat load, is preferentially processed. |
| US07810338B2 |
Control method for the air-conditioning treatment of products
A control method for the air-conditioning treatment of products cyclically measures, at definable time intervals, the product temperature and, according thereto, automatically adjusts several environmental parameters inside the treatment chamber. In order to provide a process that is automatic and gentle and to save energy and time in comparison to conventional methods, actual values for a characteristic temperature of the product, the temperature of the air inside the treatment chamber and the temperature of the incoming air are measured in each cycle. At least at the beginning of the treatment process, the desired final state of the product is defined based on characteristic parameters, and set values for the measured parameters for the next cycle are automatically determined from the measured and defined parameters and, in the next measuring cycle, are compared with the respective actual values. |
| US07810336B2 |
System for introducing fuel to a fluid flow upstream of a combustion area
Aspects of the invention relate to a system and method for introducing fuel to the flow of air along a surface upstream of a combustion area. Fuel injectors can be used to deliver fuel to the air flow at or near the boundary layer of the air flow. The fuel injectors are ideally located substantially outside of the flow path. Many benefits can be realized by keeping the injectors out of the flow path including avoidance of potential excitations and smaller pressure drops in the flow. The potential of flame from the combustion area traveling upstream to the fuel injector can be minimized by creating a disturbance in the boundary layer of the flow downstream of the fuel injectors. Such disturbances can be achieved by placing a turbulence generator in the boundary layer. The turbulence generator can be a surface protrusion or a fluid cross-flow. |
| US07810335B2 |
Core exhaust mixer, having a variable area, for turbo-fan jet engines of supersonic aircraft
The invention relates to a core exhaust mixer, having a variable area, for turbo-fan jet engines of supersonic aircraft, comprising a nozzle (24) intended to be arranged about a gas generator of the jet engine, the nozzle comprising a plurality of external air intake apertures (30) emerging in a convergence zone between cold and hot flows from the gas generator and in which lobes (32), movable between two positions, are mounted; a first position in which they block the apertures (30) of the nozzle (24) and a second position, different from the first, in which they unblock said apertures and extend radially into the nozzle (24) in order to admit external air, the lobes (32) having an azimuthal component in the same direction in order to give a swirling motion to the external air admitted into the convergence zone when the lobes are in the second position. |
| US07810333B2 |
Method and apparatus for operating a turbine engine
A method of operating a turbine engine includes providing at least one combustor having a chamber defined therein. The assembly includes at least one combustor wall defining the chamber and a first fluid passage defining a first fluid inlet within the wall. The first fluid passage is coupled in flow communication with the chamber and is configured to inject a first fluid stream. The assembly further includes at least one second fluid passage defining at least one second fluid inlet within the wall. The second fluid inlet is adjacent to the first fluid inlet and is coupled in flow communication with the chamber. The method also includes injecting the first fluid stream and injecting the second fluid stream into the chamber at an oblique angle with respect to the first fluid stream, thereby intersecting and mixing the second fluid stream with the first fluid stream. |
| US07810331B2 |
Method for capturing energy from mechanical actions associated with recovery of underground fluids
A method for capturing energy from mechanical actions associated with recovery of underground fluids, and for improving the economic feasibility of low producing, but viable, oil wells. The present method captures energy associated with an oil well pump device and waste water as each fall under the influence of gravity. This energy is converted into a premium form, stored in an easily verified and metered form, and sold on a market, in accordance with a legislative scheme. |
| US07810329B2 |
Dual-charged internal combustion engine and method for operating the same
The invention relates to an internal combustion engine, especially of a motor vehicle, which comprises an air path for intake air in which a mechanically driven charge unit (20), especially a compressor, which can be connected and disconnected by means of a coupling (36), an exhaust gas turbocharger (18), an intake pipe (32), connected to air inlets of a cylinder block (10) of the internal combustion engine, and a charge cooler (34) are mounted. One pressure outlet (35) of the mechanically driven charge unit (20 is directly connected to the intake pipe (32) and one pressure outlet (24) of the exhaust gas charger (18) is connected to an intake inlet (28) of the mechanically driven charge unit (20). The pressure outlet (24) of the exhaust gas charger (18) is connected to the intake inlet (28) of the mechanically driven charge unit (20) via an on-off butterfly valve (26) and upstream of said on-off butterfly valve (26) to the intake pipe (32) via a load butterfly valve (30). The charge cooler (34) is integrated into the intake pipe (32) to give an intake/charge cooler module. |
| US07810328B2 |
Parallel-sequential turbocharging for improved exhaust temperature control
A method is described for controlling the exhaust temperature of an emission controlling device in the exhaust using both a higher heat loss path and a lower heat loss path along with parallel/sequential turbocharging. The exhaust path is adjusted based on a rate of change of temperature control error. |
| US07810326B2 |
Torque actuator incorporating shape memory alloy composites
Multiple embodiments of ferromagnetic shape memory alloy (FSMA) based torque actuators are described. These torque actuators include a magnetic trigger and an FSMA member, which when actuated by the magnetic trigger, produces a torque for rotating a member. Examples of magnetic triggers include hybrid magnetic triggers having at least one electromagnet and at least one permanent magnet. The FSMA member can be configured as a coil (or plate) spring and can be fabricated of a true FSMA alloy (i.e., an alloy that exhibits both ferromagnetic and shape memory properties) or of an FSMA composite that includes a ferromagnetic portion and an SMA portion. Several embodiments include a central orifice in which the FSMA member and an axial rod configured to rotate when actuated are disposed; the magnetic trigger system is disposed about the periphery of the orifice. |
| US07810324B2 |
Buoyancy engine apparatus
A buoyancy engine and compression device having a plurality of rotating flexible chains formed of individual segments, each having a plurality of compressible flotation members engaged thereon. The chains rotate around axises at upper and lower frames. The flotation members are alternately compressed and expanded during rotation around the upper and lower frames during passage through an angled pathway defined by paired planar members in an angled engagement which rotate in time with the chain and engaged flotation members. Expanded flotation members circumventing the lower frame produce upward thrust as a function of their dimension and displacement of water. Mechanical energy from the system may be harnessed by conventional mechanical engagement of the rotating flexible chains or segments forming the upper and lower frames. |
| US07810323B2 |
Load control device for engine of work vehicle
A device for use in a work vehicle such as a wheel loader, capable of reliably preventing engine stall due to rapid application of high hydraulic load, without causing problems such as deterioration in fuel efficiency or vehicle performance and waste of energy. When determining that an engine speed detected by the engine speed detecting sensor has been decreased to the threshold value or lower, the controller implements a control to reduce the absorption torque of the variable displacement hydraulic pump. The hydraulic load is thus shifted to a low hydraulic load line. The change of the hydraulic load from the high hydraulic load to the low hydraulic load gives a margin to the current torque of the engine with respect to the low hydraulic load. Consequently, the actual speed of the engine is increased to return onto the regulation line, exceeding the threshold value. |
| US07810319B2 |
Catalytic device with fuel cell portion and catalytic conversion portion
An apparatus comprising an internal combustion engine, an exhaust system for conducting exhaust emitted by the engine, and a catalytic device associated with the exhaust system is disclosed, wherein the catalytic device comprises a catalytic conversion portion and a fuel cell portion disposed within an interior of the catalytic device, wherein the fuel cell portion comprises a first electrode and a second electrode configured to be in contact with exhaust gases in the interior of the catalytic device, the first electrode being disposed downstream of the second electrode in a direction of exhaust flow. |
| US07810317B2 |
Catalytic burner utilizing electrosprayed fuels
A catalytic burner wherein a liquid fuel is evaporated prior to catalytic combustion by employing an electrosprayer. The catalytic burner can be made into an electrical generator by the use of a thermal to electrical energy conversion (TEEC) module. |
| US07810316B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for exhaust aftertreatment efficiency enhancement
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for enhancing the efficiency of an exhaust aftertreatment application. The method may include determining the current operating conditions of the application, the optimal operating conditions of a target component, and the performance criteria of a conditioning component relative to the optimal operating conditions. The method may include determining an optimal fraction of an exhaust flow to pass through the conditioning component to achieve the optimal operating conditions of the target component. The method may further include manipulating a bypass valve position based on the optimal fraction of exhaust flow to pass through the conditioning component. The target component may be a selective catalyst reduction (SCR) component that operates optimally at a designed NO2/NOx mole ratio. The conditioning component may be a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) that affects the NO2/NOx mole ratio. A method is thereby provided to operate an exhaust aftertreatment application more efficiently relative to an application without the invention. |
| US07810314B2 |
Approach for controlling particulate matter in an engine
A method for operating an engine comprises correlating a measured property associated with a carbon nanostructure layer to an amount of particulate matter from an exhaust stream of the engine. In this way, engine operation may be adjusted based on an amount of sensed particulate matter. |
| US07810311B2 |
Cooling exchanger ducts
A heat exchange system for use in operating equipment in which a working fluid is utilized in providing selected operations thereof, including for use in lubricating systems for aircraft turbofan engine equipment, the heat exchange system for providing air and working fluid heat exchanges to cool the working fluid at selectively variable rates in the operating equipment developed airstreams. A heat exchanger core is provided in a controlled air flow duct system opening at its entrance to those airstreams and having its outlet end opening downstream in those airstreams. |
| US07810307B2 |
Lightened vibrating clamps for tree-shaking fruit harvesting machines
Lightened vibrating clamp for machines harvesting fruit by shaking, of the type featuring two jaws capable of being brought closer together or of being placed further apart from each other. At least one of the jaws includes an exterior jacket made of composite material and positioned around a web or core. |
| US07810303B2 |
Human powered lawnmower friction wheel driven blade assembly
A human powered lawnmower includes a frame, a handle assembly having one end thereof pivotally secured to the frame and having an opposed end thereof extending in a rearward direction, a rear axle centrally secured on the frame at a rear end thereof, a rear wheel mounted on the rear axle for rotation thereabout, a pair of front ground cover engaging wheels are rotatably affixed in spaced apart relationship to the frame and a blade assembly having at least one blade thereof mounted on the frame and rotating in a substantially horizontal plane. A front axle is mounted on the frame for rotation thereabout and a pair of sprocket wheels and a drive chain are provided for rotating the front axle upon rotation of the rear wheel. A friction wheel mounted on the font axle and a plate attached to the blade's shaft are provided for rotating the blade. |
| US07810302B2 |
Method of forming reclose mechanism in a reclosable package
A food package for sliced food products to be maintained with a fluffed appearance, the package including a rigid base member forming a compartment for receiving the food product and a rigid lid sealed to the compartment. Advantageously, the base member includes a bottom wall and side wall portions that are configured to engage the food product to hold the slices in a fluffed arrangement thereof. Preferably, one or more tapered side wall portions hold the food product upwardly toward the lid and inwardly toward a center of the package. In preferred embodiments, the base member and lid provide a rigid-rigid construction of the food package. In preferred embodiments, the food package is also configured to stand-up in a vertical display orientation and does not require the food product be contained within a sealed pouch within the compartment. |
| US07810301B2 |
Ice bagging apparatus
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, an ice-bagging apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus comprises an ice maker for making ice and hopper for receiving the ice from the ice maker. The apparatus further includes a drawer system, operatively associated with the hopper, for measuring the ice and delivering of the ice. The drawer system includes top door and drawer. A bag delivery mechanism for placing the ice in a bag is also included, with the bag delivery mechanism including a bag supply mechanism, a blower engaged to open the mouth of the bag to receive the product, and a sealer that seals the open mouth of the bag once the bag is filled with the ice. A control device is included that manages and monitors the drawer and bag delivery mechanism and allows transmission of the collected data to the Internet. |
| US07810300B2 |
Apparatus for packing articles, in particular stickpacks, in relative cartons
An apparatus is situated downstream of a stickpack manufacturing machine with multiple dropping channels for forming a same number of stickpacks, which are distanced from one another by an interaxial measurement which is more than twice the width of the stickpacks. The apparatus comprises a ring-wound conveyor line, in which two batteries of walled compartments are provided, which batteries are driven independently from each other so that each battery is alternately situated either upstream or downstream; the number of compartments of each is a multiple of the number of dropping channels; the compartments are distanced by a step which is equal to half the interaxial measurement. A robotic handler is provided upstream of the conveyor line, which handler collects the stickpacks exiting from the machine and piles the stickpacks in the compartments of the battery waiting there; first the compartments in odd order, i.e. first, third and so on are filled, then the battery is made to advance by a step in order to fill the compartments in even order, i.e. second, fourth and so on, until all the compartments of the battery have been filled. In a phase relation with a return upstream of the remaining battery, the battery with filled compartments is transferred to a downstream cartoning machine, where a pusher acting transversely to the line transfers at least one pile of stickpacks of a compartment to an adjacent carton, which is carried in synchrony of position and advancement by a relative supply line which is partially flanking the conveyor line. |
| US07810299B2 |
Manufacturing process for a floor tile
A floor tile for a raised floor. The floor tile is defined by a shallow upwardly-opening metal pan defining a shallow compartment in which a main preformed one-piece concrete block is secured. The main concrete block is preferably formed from a plurality of one-piece preformed concrete sub-blocks which are adhesively adhered in sideward abutting relationship to define a plan profile corresponding to the main concrete block. The main concrete block is then adhesively secured within the compartment of the metal pan. |
| US07810293B2 |
Multiple layer polymer foam and concrete system for forming concrete walls, panels, floors, and decks
Multiple layers of polymer foam form structural concrete into a desired planar shape that retains a foam panel when flat or upright. The polymer foam has a planar shape and an exterior surface with multiple channels into the panel. The channels are generally wider at the bottom and narrower towards the top, preferably a trapezoidal shape. In use, the panel is placed flat within a forming frame, exterior surface upwards. Then concrete is poured upon the exterior surface and into the channels. The trapezoidal shape of the channel prevents removal of the panel from the concrete. The concrete panel can then be used flat or upright as specified for a construction project. |
| US07810291B2 |
Connectable drainage device
A drainage tile used on a footing of a foundation to promote drainage of water along the footing and away from a foundation wall. The drainage tile comes in lengths that are less than the length of the footing. The drainage tile can be secured together with other drainage tiles to span the length of the footing. |
| US07810290B2 |
Compression post for structural shear wall
A compression post for a shear wall includes a plate mounted to the bottom of an end post of a shear wall. The plate is sized to conform to the lower end of each end post. An extended portion (e.g., a cylinder) is positioned perpendicularly to the plate. The extended portion has a cross section sized to fit through a hole in a mudsill of the shear wall and has a length selected to conform with a thickness of the mudsill. When the shear wall is mounted on a structural support (e.g., a footing or foundation), forces applied to the end post pass through the plate and the extended portion to the structural support. The extended portion may be secured to the plate (e.g., by spot welding, press fitting, bolting, or threaded engagement) or the two portions may be independent. The two portions may also be a cast unitary body. |
| US07810289B2 |
High impact, moisture resistant wall panel system
A high impact, moisture resistant, wall panel system and methods for mounting a high impact, moisture resistant wall panel to an existing structure are disclosed herein. A high impact, moisture resistant wall panel includes an inert substrate composed of a high density inorganic material, wherein the substrate is dimensionally stable, a laminate composed of a substantially rigid polymeric material, and an adhesive for engaging the laminate to the substrate. |
| US07810288B2 |
Cladding method and system for buildings
A cladding system for cladding a supporting structure, the cladding system includes two cladding panels each defining a respective substantially laterally extending panel flange. The cladding panels are attachable to the supporting structure in a substantially coplanar and side-by-side relationship relatively to each other. The system also includes a cladding moulding insertable between the first and second cladding panel, the cladding moulding defining a moulding base and two moulding legs each extending from the moulding base substantially opposed to each other, the two moulding legs being angled relatively to the moulding base, each of the moulding legs defining a respective leg edge substantially opposed to the moulding base. The cladding moulding being substantially resiliently deformable between an undeformed configuration and a deformed configuration, the moulding legs being spaced apart from each other by a smaller distance in the deformed configuration than in the undeformed configuration. The substantially resilient deformation of the cladding moulding allows for snapping the cladding moulding in place between the first and second cladding panels after the first and second cladding panels have been attached to the supporting structure and the removal the cladding moulding from the supporting structure while leaving the cladding panels in place by deforming the cladding moulding into the deformed configuration and sliding the cladding moulding through the gap formed between adjacent panel flanges. |
| US07810271B2 |
Modular rifle systems and methods
In embodiments, a modular rifle includes a lower receiver assembly, an upper receiver, and a coupling mechanism. The lower receiver assembly that can be separated into a lower receiver portion and a magazine well portion. The coupling mechanism is configured to releasably couple the portions of the lower receiver assembly together. The coupling mechanism including an aperture and a pin that can be moved into and out of the aperture. The upper receiver is releasably coupled to the lower receiver assembly. |
| US07810263B2 |
Back-lighted prismatic module price display system
A modular indicator of information relating to an article on display is provided. The indicator is made up of a plurality of display units which can be fixed each to the following other along a longitudinal axis of composition. Each display unit is made of a material translucent to light and configured in a substantially prismatic shape to gather incident tight into a first surface and reflect the incident light toward a front face of the display unit of a second surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to said front face. |
| US07810262B2 |
Solar powered led illuminated alphanumeric display
A lighted display for an address indication. The display includes a housing with a solar panel on top and a depending acrylic panel having numbers and letters etched thereon. The housing includes a rechargeable battery and appropriate electronics. A series of LEDs provided above the acrylic panel light the display. The panel includes grooves on the side of the top which interact with projections on the bottom of the housing which allow the panels to slide into place. A channel on the top of the panel receives the LEDs. The solar panel is preferably angled to receive more light and to shed water. |
| US07810258B2 |
Boot articulation support system
The present invention relates to a support system for use in relation to an articulation region of a boot. Embodiments of the present invention relate to a boot with a dorsal metatarsal articulation region that allows for articulation in the sagittal plane such as a telemark ski boot. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a telemark ski boot, including a shell, an articulation region, and an articulation support system. The articulation support system includes at least one tensile rigid region extending transversely between the proximal and distal sides of the articulation region. The tensile rigid region impedes rotation of the rear portion of the shell about the toe portion in a frontal plane. This form of rotation is often referred to as torsional rotation. The articulation support system may include one or more of a cable, an integrated shell portion, a material mesh, and/or other tensile rigid components which maintain bending flexibility. A second embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for increasing the torsional support characteristic of a telemark ski boot while maintaining the desired flexibility. |
| US07810256B2 |
Article of footwear with a sole structure having fluid-filled support elements
An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure incorporates a support element that includes a fluid-filled chamber, a first insert, and a second insert. The chamber defines a first surface, an opposite second surface, and a sidewall extending between the first surface and the second surface. The first insert is secured to the first surface and at least partially recessed into the polymer material of the chamber, and the second insert is secured to the second surface. In addition, the chamber may be pressurized to deform the first insert or the second insert. |
| US07810254B2 |
Shock attenuation system for the insoles of shoes
An adjustable shock attenuation system for an insole of a shoe includes an insole body and a pressure controller. The pressure controller uses two pressure controlling modes, and can be adjusted to select between the alternate pressure controlling modes using a rotatable shaft extending from the sole of the shoe. |
| US07810253B2 |
Vamp with edging
The invention provides for a vamp bound by an edging that allows the vamp to be attached to a base member of an interchangeable shoe forming assembly without bunching, gathering or pulling out of line. |
| US07810252B2 |
Laminate and method for making laminate
A method of insert molding comprises placing in a first mold a curable rubber composition comprising a reactive species; placing on a surface of the rubber composition a first thermoplastic material in a film or layer comprising a group reactive with the reactive species of the rubber composition; curing the rubber composition in the mold to form a first molded article of cured rubber having a first thermoplastic material layer covalently bonded through reactive of the reactive species and the group; placing the first molded article as an insert into a second mold, the cured rubber contacting an inside surface of the second mold and the thermoplastic layer facing into the second mold cavity; closing the second mold and injecting into the second mold a second thermoplastic material that to form a second molded article comprising the first molded article thermally welded and/or covalently bonded to the second thermoplastic material. |
| US07810250B2 |
Method and apparatus to mark opposing surfaces
The technology of the present application provides a system and method for marking opposing surfaces of varying sizes, shapes, and materials. This system and method allow a user to transfer the outline or location of a relevant feature such as, for example, a fastener, utility outlet, architectural feature, or window or door, from one surface to another through the use of a transferable marking substance, thereby eliminating the need for complicated and limited fixtures or time consuming and often inaccurate manual measurements. |
| US07810248B2 |
Coordinate positioning machine
A coordinate positioning apparatus has a base a structure and six struts joining the base and the structure. A working volume is defined by the base, structure and six struts. A support member extends from the supported structure. At least one access region is provided into the working volume, the access area being formed between two adjacent struts, the area of the access region being greater than the area between another set of adjacent struts. Access to the working volume is thereby improved. |
| US07810247B2 |
Method for entering commands and/or characters for a portable communication device equipped with a tilt sensor
Portable communication devices are disclosed. The devices each include a motion detector configured to measure a movement of the device relative to a neutral position of the device, an indicating unit configured to provide an indication that a current position of the device is to be set as the neutral position of the device, and a control unit configured to set the current position as the neutral position responsive to the indicating unit providing the indication. In an embodiment of the portable communication device, the control unit is further configured to associate the measured movement of the device relative to the neutral position of the device with an associated command and execute the associated command. In another embodiment of the portable communication device, the control unit is further configured to associate the measured movement of the device with an associated character and enter the associated character as an input character. |
| US07810243B2 |
Razors
Razor handles are provided for razors having a battery-powered functionality. Methods of manufacturing such handles are also provided. In one implementation, the handle includes a unitary grip portion constructed to receive a razor head at one end thereof, and a battery cover, mounted on the grip portion. The grip portion and the battery cover, when joined, may together define a water-tight unit prior to mounting of the razor head on the grip portion. |
| US07810240B2 |
Shaving razors and other hair cutting assemblies
A shaving razor blade unit including a housing having a primary guard at a front of the housing and a primary cap at an upper surface at a back of the housing, one or more primary shaving blades between the primary guard and the primary cap, a rear wall having a rear exterior surface extending downward from the upper surface at the back of the housing to a terminating surface, and a trimming blade mounted on the rear wall and having a trimming cutting edge extending at least partially beyond the terminating surface inside of an imaginary extension of the rear exterior surface, the rear exterior surface defining a secondary cap for the trimming blade. The back of the housing includes a trimming guard including spaced guard segments. |
| US07810235B2 |
Method of making an electrical connector with ESD grounding clip
A method is disclosed for making a connector for preventing electrostatic discharge during connection of a USB-type connector. The connector includes a grounding clip provided within a recess formed at least partially down into the surface of the second level of the base block. The grounding clip may have a proximal end affixed to a proximal end of a signal ground pin of the plurality of signal pins, though the grounding clip and signal ground pin may be coupled at other locations along their lengths. The connector including the grounding clip may be affixed to a semiconductor device. A portion of the grounding clip is provided at a height above the surface of the base block such that, when a shroud is slid around the connector, the shroud engages and remains in contact with the grounding clip. Accordingly, any electrostatic discharge built up in the shroud travels from the shroud, through the ESD grounding clip, to the signal ground pin where it is harmlessly dissipated. |
| US07810227B2 |
Process to manufacture CPP GMR read head
Using a beam of xenon ions together with a suitable mask, a GMR stack is ion milled until a part of it, no more than about 0.1 microns thick, has been removed so that a pedestal, having sidewalls comprising a vertical section that includes all of the free layer, has been formed. This is followed by formation of the dielectric and conductive lead layers in the usual way. Using xenon as the sputtering gas enables the point at which milling is terminated to be more precisely controlled. |
| US07810221B1 |
Knot keeper
Knot keepers for use with cordage, the knot keeper configured for securing a knot tied in the length of cordage are presented including: a trunk; and a number of branches radiating from the trunk, where the length of cordage is configured to receive the knot keeper along a cordage axis such that the trunk and a first portion of the number of branches is confined within the length of cordage, and where a second portion of the number of branches extends from the length of cordage. In some embodiments, the number of branches further includes a tip such as: a flat tip, a rounded tip, a pointed tip, a hooked tip, a barbed tip, a bull-nose tip, a bull-nose barb tip, a rectangular tip, and a rectangular barb tip. |
| US07810220B2 |
Coupling device
A coupling device for engagement with an anchor member is provided. The coupling device includes a lever that moves between a closed position that substantially covers the mouth of the device and an open position in which the mouth is substantially uncovered by the lever. The lever may be moved to the open position by camming forces or by direct manipulation of a portion of the lever by a user. The coupling device may include a cover with a recognizable shape such as a pet or fictional character. The protruding ears and/or head of the recognizable shape aid in the gripping and operation of the device and the mouth receives the anchor member. |
| US07810219B2 |
Clamp for timing belt
A belt clamp for securing the free ends of a length of timing belt stock together to form an endless timing belt. The clamp consists of an inverted, U-shaped cover, a U-shaped base, and a fastener that passing through aligned, centrally located apertures in the cover and the base to draw the cover and base together, in an overlapping relationship. A plurality of recesses is formed on the upper surface of the base. A bed is centrally located on the base and interrupts the recesses. The free ends of a length of timing belt stock are placed on the bed, and are retained in fixed position by the pressure applied by the fastener as the cover and base are drawn together. Protrusions, such as ribs, teeth, or buttons, formed on one, or both sides, of the timing belt stock are pressed into the complementary recesses in the base. |
| US07810217B2 |
Gin saw stand with adjustable seed roll retaining member
A saw type gin stand for separating cotton lint from seed cotton in which the improvement comprises one or more of the inwardly facing surfaces of the roll box being movably adapted to re-shape the roll box. Specifically the inner surface of the roll box door member and a seed roll retaining member are adjustable during operation of the gin to re-shape the shape of the gin to optimize performance and, when the breast is opened, to retain the seed roll within the roll box and prevent pieces of the seed roll from breaking off of the roll. |
| US07810213B2 |
Actuating mechanism for a pivotably mounted actuating arm
An actuating mechanism for a pivotably mounted actuating arm for driving a flap of a piece of furniture includes a spring device and a transmission mechanism. The spring device includes a spring-loaded setting member and the transmission mechanism converts the movement of the setting member into a pivoting movement of the actuating arm. The transmission mechanism includes at least one pivotably mounted interlever interacting between the setting member and the actuating arm so that interaction between the interlever and the setting member or the actuating arm occurs by a setting contour. The transmission mechanism includes at least one adjustment device to alter the transmission ratio between the movement of the setting member and the pivoting movement of the actuating arm. |
| US07810211B2 |
Vacuum cleaner having agitator performing linear translation
A vacuum cleaner is provided that includes a vacuum cleaner main body having a suction pump, a suction nozzle portion that sucks impurities by a suction force supplied by the suction pump, a suction passage that connects the suction nozzle portion to the suction pump, an agitator installed at the suction passage, and a driving device that makes the agitator perform a linear translation. As the agitator is formed narrow and long, a bottom surface of the suction nozzle portion may maintain a small suction area. Therefore the vacuum cleaner attains a high surface pressure which is an advantage of an ordinary type suction nozzle portion, and a high drag coefficient of impurities which is an advantage of a brush type suction nozzle portion. |
| US07810209B2 |
Self-propelled sweeper including a front steering axle
The self-propelled sweeper with electrical steering comprises a frame suitable for receiving the refuse container (13), waste collection and suction members (2; 4, 6), a suction and filtering unit, a driving position in the cabin (16) of the machine equipped with steer control members, and has the steer actuator of these members consisting of an electric motor (22). The sweeper also has the front steering axle (5) supported by arms of the suspension (20, 21) of which the upper ones (21) are arranged at a higher level than the maximum height of the wheel (18) of the same axle, the steer linkages (24, 25, 28) are also arranged at said upper-level; in the same way the lower arms (20) are shaped to receive said inner wheel in the position of maximum curvature; moreover, said container (13) is housed on a U-shaped plan rear axle (9). |
| US07810207B2 |
Cleaning assembly for a shaft
An assembly of tubular sections each telescopically arranged in a tubular housing, each of the tubular sections having one end provided with a cylinder head, and comprising an inner tubular member telescopically displaceable in an outer tubular member respectively, such as a telescopic cylinder, a tubular section comprising a sealing joint between the outer tubular element and the inner tubular member in translation inside the outer tubular element, a pipe wiper, and a blade positioned in series in relation to the pipe wiper, wherein the blade has a sharp cutting edge and is mounted by adjusting a tool angle thereof and a pressure it creates on an outer surface of the inner tubular member so that when sliding on this outer surface it removes contaminants such as organic and mineral material off the outer surface. |
| US07810203B2 |
Drain cleaning apparatus
An improved drain cleaning assembly (10) is provided having a coupling apparatus (18) designed to mate with the open end of a clogged drainpipe (12), an elongated, powered, axially-rotatable drain cable (16) passing through the apparatus (18) and into pipe (12), and water inlet and outlet lines (20, 26) coupled with apparatus (18) for delivery of water therethrough during the course of drain cleaning operations. The apparatus (18) includes a unitary main tubular body (38) receiving a drainpipe connection fitting (46) via quick-connect structure (44). The body (38) also has an internal sponge-type cable cleaning component (94) and a spray fitting (54) for directing incoming water onto cable (16). Preferably, the lines (20, 26) are each equipped with a check valve (21, 28) to control water flow through body (38) during drain unclogging and to facilitate visual verification of an unclogged condition. The inlet line (20) may also have a dispenser (24) for cleaning agent(s) such as soap, sanitizer and/or disinfectant liquids, so as to cleanse the cable (16) upon removal thereof. |
| US07810200B2 |
Electric toothbrush
An electric toothbrush wherein the number of revolution of a motor shaft is in match with the frequency of reciprocating motion of the brush. A motor (2) housed in a tubular case (1) is coupled to a reciprocating shaft (5) slidably extending through the forward end of the case by a scotch yoke mechanism (40) for converting one turn of rotation of the motor shaft (21) into one stroke of reciprocating pivotal movement of a pivotal body (4), and by motion conversion means (3) for converting one stroke of reciprocating movement of the pivotal body (4) into one stroke of linear reciprocating motion of the reciprocating shaft (5). |
| US07810198B2 |
Wheelchair lift apparatus
The present invention is directed to a wheelchair lift apparatus (1) for mounting to a vehicle, e.g., to a bus or a railway car, comprising a platform (2) having a bridge plate (3) pivotally hinged thereon, said platform (2) being retained by at least one carriage (5), said carriage (5) being carried for travel into and out of a housing (50) of the vehicle, said carriage (5) with the platform (2) being connected by two hinge arms (4) disposed on either side of the platform, said carriage (5) comprising at least one drive (6) for connection to the hinge arms (4), said bridge plate being pivotally carried in the platform (2) through a pivot axis (20), a push rod linkage (10), which is positively coupled at one end to the at least one hinge arm (4) and which is connected for rotation of the pivot axis (20) to the pivot axis (20) of the bridge plate (3) at the other end being provided, a limit stop (30) acting onto the pivot axis (20) being provided, said limit stop being spring-loaded for the bridge plate (3) to be swung open by the spring-loaded limit stop when the ramp platform is deployed. |
| US07810193B1 |
Inflatable support cushion
An inflatable support cushion comprising a T-shaped cushion component divided into a center space, a first side extension, a second side extension, and a bottom extension, wherein the cushion component can be inflated with air via a valve; and a first joint in between the center space and the first side extension, a second joint in between the center space and the second side extension, and a third joint in between the center space and the bottom extension; each joint being a place where the top surface is bent inwardly toward the bottom surface; wherein the cushion component can be slightly bent at each joint. |
| US07810191B2 |
Body support pillow and methods
In one embodiment, a pillow is constructed of a pillow body having a top portion, a middle portion, and a bottom portion. The top portion has a curved end and two curved sides that are generally parallel to each other. The middle portion is generally cylindrical in geometry. The bottom portion includes an enlarged section that flares outward from the middle portion. The bottom portion may also include a curved central section and narrow end section having a curved end. |
| US07810189B2 |
Folding bed
A folding bed for supporting an intended user having a torso and a pair of lower limbs. First and second supporting sections are provided for supporting respectively the torso and the lower limbs and are pivotally coupled together through a first-to-second section pivotal link for pivotal movement between an extended configuration and a bent configuration. When the first and second supporting sections are respectively in the extended and bent configurations, the first-to-second section pivotal link is respectively at a first and a second level relative to the frame base, the second level being substantially lower than the first level. A retaining member attached to the first supporting section constrains the movement of the first supporting section such that when the first and second supporting sections are moved from the elongated configuration to the bent configuration, the second supporting section is moved towards the retaining member. |
| US07810175B2 |
Swimming goggles
Swimming goggles have a left frame and a right frame respectively receiving lenses therein, a connecting bridge between the left frame and the right frame, a head strap, and buckles for supporting the head strap. Each buckle comprises an assembling frame and a strap frame pivotably assembled to each other. The assembling frame includes a pivoting shaft, an abutting arm extending from the pivoting shaft, and a resilient arm extending from the pivoting shaft and opposite to the abutting arm. Branches respectively extend from opposite sides of the resilient arm. A first controlling arm and a second controlling arm are formed on outward sides of the assembling frame and adjacent to the branches for controlling the branches. The strap frame defines a pivoting orifice for pivoting to the pivoting shaft, and a guiding hole for guiding the head strap. The head strap is operated by a couple of fingers, making manual operation ergonomic. |
| US07810172B2 |
Garment for accomodating medical devices
A garment for accommodating medical devices comprises a garment panel detachably coupled to a garment body. The garment panel contains a concealed pocket suitable for accommodating one or more medical devices. The garment panel is detachable from the garment body at predetermined attachment zones which provide access to device sites and permit complete detachment of the garment panel. The panel may also be fixed to the garment body at anchor zones, while allowing decoupling at attachment zones. The pocket may contain an inner compartment for receiving a supplemental material such as an absorbing or deodorizing material. Apertures to the inner compartment allow the supplemental material to proximate device sites on the patient body or medical apparatus stored in the pocket. Stabilizers positioned on the interior of the garment may be used to secure medical monitor wires, tubing, or other devices. The garment is intended for wear by children and adults. |
| US07810169B2 |
Garment and measuring scale combination
A protective garment conforming to NFPA standards is combined with a measuring scale, which is displayed along a portion of the protective garment, such a sleeve, body, or leg, so as to facilitate taking a measurement, while the protective garment is being worn by a person. In a preferred mode for carrying out this invention, the measuring scale facilitates taking a measurement, while the garment of the combination is being worn by each person in a series of persons, to facilitate tailoring a similar garment for each person in the series of persons. In an alternative mode for carrying out this invention, the measuring scale facilitates taking a measurement, while the garment of the combination is being worn by just one person, to facilitate tailoring the garment of the combination to fit such one person. |