Document Document Title
US07854459B2 Automotive interior bamboo trim structures
The present invention provides a variety of interior trim structures for use within a passenger compartment of a motorized vehicle. Each interior trim structure includes a structure body configured to attach to the vehicle. The structure body has at least one exterior wall that is visible to occupants of the passenger compartment. At least a portion of the visible wall is fabricated entirely from a segment of natural bamboo stalk. In one embodiment, the segment is a one-piece, monolithic ring of natural bamboo. Alternatively, the segment can be fabricated as a trim panel that is formed from a plurality of precut natural bamboo slats. The interior trim structure can be configured as a storage receptacle, electronic dial, instrument cluster gauge fixture, storage compartment lid, or cosmetic trim panel.
US07854450B2 Tube fixing structure and fixing member used therefor
In a tube fixing structure, a tube is fixed to a joint by means of a fixing member. The joint comprises a pipe whose one end is fitted into the tube, whose outside diameter is larger than an inside diameter of the tube, and whose outer surface is flattened with respect to the axial direction; and a main body that is connected with the other end of the pipe. The fixing member comprises a cylindrical holder made of a flexible material, which holds a portion of the tube having the pipe fitted therein by cramping the portion from its outer periphery, the holder having a through hole into which the tube is coaxially disposed and a slit formed to reach the through hole.
US07854449B2 Composite laminated sheet material for containment sumps
The present invention is a composite laminated sheet material suitable for structures such as containment sumps. The laminated material comprises a fabric-backed thermoplastic layer upon which thermoset plastic is applied to the fabric side. The thermoplastic layer is formed by contacting a layer of fabric onto a layer of molten thermoplastic such that the liquid thermoplastic permeates a portion of the fabric layer to form a mechanical bond with the fabric layer when the thermoplastic layer cools and hardens. Thermoset plastic, such as fibreglass resin, is sprayed onto the fabric side of the thermoplastic layer to allow the liquid resin to permeate the fabric layer. Once the resin cures and hardens, the fabric layer is mechanically bonded to the cured thermoset plastic layer to effectively bond the thermoplastic layer to the thermoset plastic layer.
US07854445B2 Equalizer for a suspension system
An equalizer for a suspension system for a trailer is configured to absorb or dampen the harsh shocks or vibrations coming off of the leaf springs proximate to a center frame hangar, thus allowing for a “softer” ride. The equalizer utilizes one or two independent equalizer arm assemblies or castings which are each rotatably secured within the equalizer. Each equalizer arm assembly or casting is operatively associated with one of the leaf springs such that upon upward movement of the leaf spring, the associated equalizer arm assembly or casting is forced to rotate within the equalizer and to deform a shock absorber provided within the equalizer. The shock absorber, upon the deformation thereof, absorbs the harsh shocks or vibrations which would otherwise normally be transferred from the leaf springs, to the equalizer, and thus to the frame of the trailer.
US07854442B2 Bicycle wire holding arrangement
A bicycle wire holding arrangement is provided with a hollow frame member, a wire extending axially inside the hollow frame member and a suspending member disposed inside the hollow frame member. The suspending member is coupled to the wire and contacts an interior surface of the hollow frame member to hold the wire.
US07854439B2 Suspension system of coupled torsion beam axle
A suspension system of a coupled torsion beam axle type may include a torsion beam that is disposed in the width direction of a vehicle body, left/right trailing arms that are mounted on respective ends of the torsion beam to be extended in the rearward direction of the vehicle body, and a spindle block that is mounted on one end of each of the respective trailing arms and in which a spindle is integrally formed in the front end surface thereof for a wheel to be mounted.
US07854435B2 Wheel mechanism
A wheel mechanism having two or more rows of three or more wheels wherein the lower-most points of the wheels in a row an arc. The wheels may be disposed on runners affixed to a cart or be attached directly to a frame or floor component of the cart. An arced shape can be implemented by varying the diameter of the wheels or the attachment components. The wheel mechanism can be incorporated into various types of carts.
US07854434B2 Ring seal with axially-opposed radially-offset seal beads
A ring seal includes a sealing ring including an asymmetric body portion having axially-opposed and radially-offset seal beads. The ring seal may also include a reinforcement ring carried at least partially in the sealing ring to distribute load across the seal beads. The ring seal may further include a skirt depending generally axially from the body portion and defining an inner diameter of the sealing ring and preferably having frusto-conical cross-sectional shape.
US07854431B1 Table bingo game
A table bingo game. The table bingo game is played by one to n players and makes use of a table having a table surface and a table grid marked out on the table surface. The table grid comprises m rows and n columns to provide an m by n matrix defining a rectangular array of preselected numbers therein. Each number in the m by n matrix has an integer value between 1 and y. A deck of bingo cards is provided having integer numbers printed thereon. A set of n player cards is provided each having a player grid printed thereon with four corner numbers. For each set of four corner numbers there is a column in the table grid having four matching numbers. The winner is the player with a player card that matches a column on the grid four matching bingo cards laid out thereon.
US07854416B2 Display panel and elevation adjusting base of the same
A display including a body and an elevation adjusting base is provided. The elevation adjusting base is secured to the body. The elevation adjusting base includes a base, an elevation adjusting mechanism, an outer bushing, an inner bushing and a friction ring. The elevation adjusting mechanism is connected to the base. The outer bushing is connected to the base and mounted on the elevation adjusting mechanism. The inner bushing is embedded inside the outer bushing. The friction ring is disposed between the outer bushing and the inner bushing. After the elevation of the elevation adjusting mechanism is adjusted, the friction ring provides a friction force between the outer bushing and the inner bushing to fix the elevation of the elevation adjusting mechanism. Users can accurately adjust the elevation of the display panel according to the view-angle and personal preferences.
US07854415B2 Motorized support for a television or other electronic display
A support for an electronic display is provided. The support is movable through a panning motion by both manual manipulation and a motor. The support may include a clutch that facilitates both manual and motorized panning of the electronic display. The support is manually movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The support is also capable of supporting a relatively heavy load, such as a television or a computer monitor, and rotating the heavy load through a panning motion with a relatively small motor. The support may include a thrust bearing to facilitate panning of the heavy load. The support also includes a clutch that prevents stripping or damage of electrical components in the event panning motion is inhibited, such as by engagement of the electronic display with a wall. The support also includes a plurality of mechanical components that are removable as a single unit.
US07854414B2 Cable clamps
A cable clamp device for use in a well bore to secure cables to pipes and the like includes a flexible fastening member of relatively uniform cross-section, and a block that accepts the fastening member as it encompasses the circumference of the pipe in a loop. The cable clamp also and accepts the cable running axially along the pipe. The flexible fastening member overlaps itself, and is secured in a loop by deformation of its material. The height of the block from the surface of the pipe is greater than the height of the outer surface of the flexible fastening member and the surface of the pipe. The end surfaces of the clamp are angled with respect to the perpendicular of the pipe's surface.
US07854411B2 Aircraft undercarriage including a plurality of electromechanical actuators, and a method of testing it
The invention relates to an aircraft undercarriage including a steerable bottom portion and a steering member suitable for turning the steerable bottom portion in response to a steering order. According to the invention, the steering member comprises a plurality of electromechanical steering actuators each having at least one main electric motor, and the actuators are disposed on the undercarriage so as to enable all of them to co-operate simultaneously with the steerable bottom portion in order to steer it, each of the electro-mechanical steering actuators including controllable coupling means for selectively placing the actuator either in a coupled state in which it is coupled with the steerable bottom portion , in which the main electric motor of the actuator is suitable for causing the steerable bottom portion to turn; or else in an uncoupled state in which it is uncoupled from the steerable bottom portion and in which the main electric motor of the actuator is isolated from the steerable bottom portion.
US07854410B2 Powered unmanned aerial vehicle
An unmanned aerial vehicle mounts a payload section to an air delivery vehicle. The air delivery vehicle includes deployable wings and tail fins for gliding or powered flight. A set of propeller blades are provided for powered flight. The propeller blades are mounted for movement from a stowed position to deployed position extending radially from the fuselage for powered flight.
US07854409B2 Canarded deltoid main wing aircraft
Canarded deltoid main wing aircraft idea allows for design of large supersonic civil and military aircraft with cruising speeds of up to Mach 3 at the altitude of over 25,000 meters. The fuel consumption per unit of payload of such aircraft would be at least twice lower with a longer range of over 50% when compared to existing supersonic aircraft of the same size. Simultaneously, the flight safety and ride quality during takeoff and landing at low speeds would be similar to the existing subsonic passenger aircraft. A low fuel consumption, long range, high ride quality, and high flight safety of these aircraft are widely opening a door for design of supersonic long range continental and intercontinental passenger aircraft that would be highly competitive with existing long range high subsonic passenger aircraft.
US07854407B2 Low-profile housing for an impact crushing apparatus
The present invention provides an impact crushing apparatus that includes a housing, a chamber defined within the housing, a rotor assembly for receiving material and throwing the material radially outward, and a plurality of anvils positioned around the rotor assembly and configured to break apart the material. The rotor assembly is driven by a drive unit, which is coupled to a shaft. A bearing cartridge encircles the shaft, and the bearing cartridge and drive unit are disposed outside the chamber.
US07854406B2 Air separator for comminuted materials
An air separator is provided with a rotor positioned above three concentric vessels. The rotor and a plurality of entry ports segregate comminuted material into the three vessels. An exit port from each vessel directs the separated comminuted material for further comminution processes, such as to a ball mill or a roll press, or for use as a final product.
US07854404B2 Process for yarn or sliver refining
The invention discloses a process for refining yarn or sliver having a length of at least 1 meter, including the step of feeding the yarn or sliver and a liquid into a refiner, which includes refiner fillings having a body surrounding a central hole (7), and at least one inlet (1) for the yarn or sliver, and the thus obtained pulp-like materials and its use for making friction materials, paper, and gaskets. In particular, the refiner has a refiner filling (8), wherein the yarn or sliver is fed through an inlet positioned in the refiner filling. The present invention further relates to the refiner filling including at least one, preferably eccentric, inlet for yarn or sliver. The inlet comprises an inlet hole which includes an inclined slope (2) on the outflow side of the inlet, the inclined slope serving to guide the yarn or sliver from the inlet hole to the surface of the refiner filling. The invention further relates to a refiner including such refiner filling.
US07854403B2 Electrostatically atomizing device
An electrostatically atomizing device includes a housing and an electrostatically atomizing unit disposed within the housing. The atomizing unit includes an emitter electrode and an heat exchanger. The heat exchanger cools the emitter electrode to develop condensed water. A high voltage is applied to the emitter electrode in order to electrostatically atomizing the condensed water and generate a mist of charged minute water particles. The housing accommodates a fan generating an air flow accelerating a heat radiation of the heat exchanger, and a high voltage source generating the high voltage applied to the emitter electrode. The heat exchanger has its heat radiator section exposed to a flow passage of the air flow. The atomizing unit is formed with an air inlet for introducing the air flow which carries the mist of the charged minute water particles and release the mist. The atomizing unit and the high voltage source are arranged on opposite sides of the flow passage. A first air intake port for feeding the forced air flow from the fan and a second air intake port for feeding the air flow into the high voltage source are positioned upstream of a second air intake port which introduce the forced air flow into the flow passage.
US07854399B2 Flow controllable shower arm
As a method to conserve water, a flow controllable shower arm or an adaptive fitting attachment to an existing shower arm having an unobtrusive and relatively unobservable tool-operative feature, which allows authorized personnel in possession of a particular tool to control the amount of water flow into and through a downstream showerhead. In particular, a small valve is located in the shower arm or the adaptive attachment and has a threaded plug which can extend into or out of the axial water duct of the arm or rotate a maximum of 90 degrees within the arm to thereby block water flow or permit water flow. A tool-receiving end is provided at the outer portion of the plug to eliminate or at least minimize access to said flow control by the person taking the shower.
US07854395B1 Rocket combustion chamber with jacket
The present invention relates to rocket engine combustion chambers, and more particularly to an improved rocket engine combustion chamber having a jacket. In some embodiments, a combustion system for a rocket engine includes an injector, a cylindrical combustion chamber, and a jacket coupled to the combustion chamber and to the injector. The combustion chamber can expand axially and/or radially with respect to the jacket. The outer surface of the combustion chamber includes a plurality of flow channels. One or more piston seals and/or bellows can be included to allow axial expansion of the combustion chamber with respect to the jacket. A gap formed between the inner surface of the jacket and the outer surface of the combustion chamber allows for radial expansion of the combustion chamber with respect to the jacket.
US07854390B2 Expansion valve, heat pump type refrigeration cycle apparatus, and air handling unit
A first expansion valve may be provided in an outdoor unit, and a second expansion valve may be provided in an indoor unit. A pipe line connects a first joint pipe of the first expansion valve and a second joint pipe of the second expansion valve. When a refrigerant flows in from the second joint pipe and flows out from the first joint pipe, the first and second expansion valves are in a full open state due to pressure of the refrigerant. When the refrigerant flows in from the first joint pipe and flows out from the second joint pipe, the first and second expansion valves are in semi-closed state (flow rate controlling state). In a cooling mode, the second expansion valve expands the refrigerant just before an indoor heat exchanger, and in a heating mode, the first expansion valve expands the refrigerant just before an outdoor heat exchanger. In both heating and cooling modes, a large amount of refrigerant may flow through the pipe line to reduce pressure loss.
US07854389B2 Application of microsystems for comfort control
An arrangement includes a plurality of wireless microsystems. Each microsystem is operable to measure at least relative humidity and temperature, and to communicate temperature and relative humidity information wirelessly to a network device. The network device is operable to communicate the temperature and relative humidity information to at least a first processor configured to cause a change in a building control condition based on the information.
US07854387B2 Open access sleeve for heated fluid units
A series of implementations of open access sleeves for holding one or more closed containers of sterile fluid for use in medical procedures are disclosed. The open access sleeves may be adapted to provide heat to maintain the containers of sterile fluid above the ambient air temperature of the room. The provision of heat may be controlled by a control system. The control system may use a temperature measurement device to obtain a temperature representative of the container of sterile fluid and of the sterile fluid in the container. The access sleeve may be included in a device for maintaining an open volume of sterile fluid within a range of a target temperature to maintain the closed containers of sterile fluid at a temperature near target temperature for open volume of sterile fluid.
US07854383B2 Image forming apparatus, and image forming method
An image forming apparatus has a generating unit that generates an identifier image according to a print command received from an outside and an image forming unit that forms, on a recording medium, an image based on the print command and the identifier image generated.
US07854381B2 Shipment tracking method, device for the implementation of the method and printing device
A method for tracking shipments of a letter or package shipped by at least one shipper to an address of at least one addressee including printing a bar code on each shipment to be tracked, wherein the bar code includes at least one part for identification of the shipper of the shipment, which is invariable for each shipper, and a shipment rank identification part of each shipment, which is variable for each shipment; and a device for tracking shipments of a letter or package shipped by at least one shipper to an address of at least one addressee including at least one database having at least one user data table listing bar codes of the shipper and address information, and a data table of shipments being tracked listing each shipment by shipper.
US07854377B2 Data collection system
A data collection system includes: a contact information acquisition unit, for obtaining contact information; a state recognition unit, for obtaining, based on contact information acquired by the contact information acquisition unit, state information concerning the state of a equipment; a state coding unit, for transforming into coded contact associated information the state information obtained by the state recognition unit; and an output unit, for transmitting to an output apparatus contact information obtained by the contact information acquisition unit and for transmitting to a network apparatus contact associated information obtained by the state coding unit. With this arrangement, information concerning the operation of a equipment can be easily obtained, without requiring the reconstruction of a equipment or a great change in a sequence program, such as a programmable controller, mounted in the equipment.
US07854376B2 System and method for managing item interchange and identification in an extended enterprise
A system and method are provided for automatically managing item record interchange in a business enterprise, where an item may be a product, component part, partially assembled or manufactured part, a process, or other item that requires indicia used to identify it within a business enterprise, whether it is a single company enterprise, or a widespread business that receives items from other sources such as manufacturers, suppliers, purchasers, shippers, or other entities. The system provides a universal solution that allows the intake of item records, such as records for manufacturer component parts shipped to a product manufacturer, and integrating the part records from disparate sources into a standard and useable format.
US07854375B2 Deposit beverage container counting device
A deposit beverage container counting device in which containers can be visually inspected while sliding down an inclined feed channel having an abrupt downward bend of about 15 degrees to cause the containers to accelerate suddenly, singulating the containers; that is, creating or increasing the space between containers, which enables accurate counting. The singulated containers pass into a sensor housing that contains a photoelectric sensor that senses the passing of each container and sends a signal to one or more counters. The counter(s) keeps track of the count, and displays the count on a LCD or LED display. Multiple counters can be provided to enable both the operator and customers to see the count display. The electronic components are preferably low voltage, low current devices using transistorized circuits. The counting device preferably is battery-powered, and has no moving parts.
US07854372B1 Box closure clip
A rectangular box closure clip engages the two top flaps of a shipping container holding them securely without damaging the carton enabling the boxes to be reused without the need for being reformulated. The closure clip includes a pair of lower surfaces and a pair of upper surfaces interconnected by a central web that extends substantially throughout the length of the clip. The edges of the two upper surfaces are set back to facilitate insertion into the box. In a second embodiment, a vertically extending endstop is provided to prevent a box stacked atop the clip from sliding axially relative thereto. In still a third embodiment, a recess allows a binder strap to be installed around the clip to retain it in place. A programmable, scanable chip may be incorporated into the closure clip to facilitate tracking and/or to tamper-proof the package.
US07854368B2 Method and structure for controlled impedance wire bonds using co-dispensing of dielectric spacers
A method (and structure) of making an electronic interconnection, includes, for a signal line to be interconnected, using a plurality of bonding wires configured to provide a controlled impedance effect.
US07854367B2 Apparatus and method for arranging magnetic solder balls
An apparatus for arranging magnetic solder balls includes: a stage for placing and fixing the substrate thereon; a magnet which is incorporated in the stage and is movable in parallel with a lower surface of the placed and fixed substrate so as to cause a magnetic force to act in an upward direction of the stage; and a mask frame capable of being positioned above the stage. An arranging method using this arranging apparatus is also provided. An apparatus for arranging magnetic solder balls includes: a stage for placing and fixing the substrate thereon; a mask frame capable of being positioned above the stage; and a magnetic generator which is movable above the mask frame and causes a magnetic force to act on the stage. An arranging method using this arranging apparatus is also provided.
US07854366B2 Method of mounting conductive ball and conductive ball mounting apparatus
A method of mounting a conductive ball according to the present invention includes the steps of, disposing a mask on a substrate including connection pads, the mask having opening portions corresponding to the connection pad, supplying conductive balls on the mask, arranging the conductive balls on the connection pad of the substrate through the opening portions of the mask by moving the conductive balls to one end side of the mask by ball moving member (a brush), and removing excess conductive balls remaining on a region of the mask where the opening portions are provided, by bonding the excess conductive balls to a ball removal film (adhesive film).
US07854359B2 Quick connect system for a bicycle rack assembly
A quick connect assembly for mounting a bicycle rack to a vehicle bumper includes a mounting bracket securely connectable to the bumper and a pivoting arm integrally connected to the bicycle rack and mountable to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket has a horizontal base member and a vertical wall extending from the rear edge of the base member. Along each lateral edge of the base member is a vertical side wall having through apertures for receiving portions of the pivoting arm. A latch plate is centrally located on the mounting bracket between the two side walls. The latch plate has notches formed therein for receiving a latch pin of the pivoting arm to hold the bicycle rack in the vertically upward position or the horizontal working position. An arcuate cam formation separates the notches. The pivoting arm has spaced side plates each having a side extending peg for disposition in the apertures of the side walls. One peg has locking tabs and the other peg has a through aperture for receiving a cotterpin to secure the pivoting arm to the mounting bracket when the latch pin is in one of the notches.
US07854356B2 Cap for an aerosol container or a spray container
A spray cap, also known as an actuator overcap for an aerosol container, has an acoustic seal between the actuator button and the overcap. This acoustic seal is formed by a set of matching sealing lips on the actuator button and also on the overcap, such that they are both oriented horizontally. At rest, the sealing lip of the actuator button rests above the sealing lip of the overcap, but during actuation, the sealing lip of the actuator button deforms the sealing lip of the overcap, which both forms an acoustic seal during actuation and creates the force to return the sealing lip of the actuator button back to its original position after actuation is complete.
US07854352B2 Fluid dispensing device with stopper
A fluid dispensing device is disclosed having a body housing a pump action fluid discharge device having a dispensing nozzle. The fluid dispensing device comprises a body defining a cavity and a dispensing nozzle having a dispensing orifice, a fluid discharging device housed in the cavity, the fluid discharging device having a hollow casing defining a reservoir for containing a volume of fluid and a plunger slidingly engaged within the hollow casing, the plunger having a tubular portion which extends from a first end of the hollow casing for co-operation with the dispensing nozzle to enable pumped delivery of fluid from the reservoir to the dispensing nozzle, wherein the dispensing orifice of the dispensing nozzle is provided with a reversible stopper.
US07854350B2 Distribution assembly intended for contemporaneous distribution of two products
A distribution assembly includes at least two containers or receptacles, each containing a product, and being fitted with a valve having an actuator rod. A distribution device is mounted on top of the containers and includes a distribution nozzle fitted with at least one distribution orifice. The distribution device further includes a movable actuator element to provoke the simultaneous distribution of two products in a mixed or separate state. Further, an intermediate body is separate from the actuator element and includes two skirts. The intermediate body is able to engage respectively on the two actuator rods of the containers, and at least one inner channel allows the flow of products towards the distribution nozzle. The actuator element and the intermediate body are arranged to co-operate on operation of the actuator element so as to allow the passage of products from the recipients to the distribution nozzle via the inner channel. The actuator rods can be actuated by tilting in the disclosed example, and the actuator element is designed to tilt the intermediate body so as to cause the actuator rods to tilt.
US07854349B2 Shave gel products
Self-heating, post-foaming shave gels and shave gel products are provided. In some implementations, the shave gels include a non-ionic emulsifier system, e.g., including one or more fatty alcohol ethoxylates.
US07854348B2 Device for dispensing a viscid material
A device for dispensing a viscid material includes a supporting body constructed by a carriage. A ball screw is installed within the supporting body. A rod piston is mounted on one end of the ball screw. A transmission module is mounted on a nut of the ball screw. The transmission module is engaged with an actuator controlled by a control circuit device. The control circuit device, which includes a switch and a circuit board, etc, controls the positive and negative rotations and the stop operation of the actuator. A trigger is set up on one side of the supporting body. When the trigger is pressed, the actuator is driven to rotate in the positive direction to drive the ball screw to move forwardly in a stable way. While the trigger is released, a sensor is activated to drive the actuator to rotate in the negative direction.
US07854346B2 Container for dispensing wipes
The present invention relates to a container for dispensing vertically configured wipes, which provides improved sequential dispensing of the contained wipes while permitting enhanced accessibility to the wipes within the container.
US07854342B2 Limited flow cup
Limited flow cups are provided which deliver a metered amount of fluid to a user during a drinking motion.
US07854333B2 Rear loading gate for merchandising system
A merchandising and product display system includes a space defined between a pair of generally parallel dividers. At a rear end of each divider, a rear loading gate is mounted to permit product containers to be inserted through the rear into the opening and to prevent products from being pushed from within the space through the rear of the space. The loading gate includes a pair of wings extending less than halfway across the width of the opening. The wings are hingedly mounted to a central portion permitting the wing to be deflected forward and rearward, and include a rearward extending bulkhead that engages the central portion. The engagement of the bulkhead and the central portion prevents the wings from being deflected sufficiently to permit a product container from passing the gate.
US07854331B2 Self storing bicycle display
A display for a bicycle includes a mount, a support arm pivotally mounted to the mount for movement between a storage position and an access position, the support arm having a hanger thereon for hanging the bicycle therefrom, and a cylinder assembly including a dampening cylinder operably connected to the mount and to the support arm to dampen movement of the support arm and to return the support arm to the storage position. The cylinder assembly includes a locking member configured to lock the cylinder in a retracted position to maintain the support arm in the access position and to release the cylinder to permit the support arm to return to the storage position. A clamp arm is mounted to the support arm for pivoting between a securing position to secure the bicycle on the hanger when the support arm is in the storage position and a release position to allow for removing the bicycle from the hanger when the support arm is in the access position. An actuating element is operably connected to the cylinder assembly and to the clamp arm to pivot the clamp arm between the securing position and the release position as the support arm is moved between the storage and access positions.
US07854330B2 Contaminant-reactive geocomposite mat and method of manufacture and use
Reactive geocomposite mats, and their method of manufacture, for treating contaminants in sediment, soil or water that allow the passage of essentially non-contaminated water therethrough. The geocomposite mat includes a pre-formed woven or non-woven geotextile, that is needlepunched to an outer geotextile sheet layer to provide a high loft, structurally secured, pre-formed geotextile having a thickness of about 6 mm to about 200 mm, and having, a porosity sufficient to receive a powdered or granular contaminant-reactive material, contaminant-sorptive material, or a contaminant-neutralizing material (hereinafter collectively referred to as “contaminant-reactant material” or “contaminant-reactive material”) throughout its thickness, or in any portion of the thickness across its entire major surface(s). The powdered or granular contaminant-reactive material is disposed within the pores of the previously formed, high loft geotextile mat to surround the fibers, e.g., by vacuum or vibrating the high loft mat while in contact with the contaminant-reactive material to allow the powdered or granular contaminant-reactive material to flow by gravity into the pores of the previously formed, needlepunched geotextile. A liquid-permeable outer geotextile sheet then is secured to the filled geotextile, preferably by heating upwardly extending fibers of the pre-formed geotextile mat to prevent the powdered or granular material from escaping from the geotextile during transportation and installation.
US07854324B2 Shipping carrier
A shipping carrier having a frame with an elongated tube and an elongated retainer attached to the tube. Dunnage made of a compressible material is attached to the retainer and that dunnage has a plurality of space for recesses, each of which has spaced-apart sides and are dimensioned to receive an edge of a component. A guard is attached to the dunnage so that the guard overlies at least a portion of one side of the dunnage recess. Additionally, a subcomponent may be attached to the dunnage with a screw anchor.
US07854323B2 Insert for container packaging
A container insert for taking up extra space may be placed in a container intended for storage and/or shipment of material to an end user. The insert may be generally longitudinal having a helical configuration that may be expanded and constricted for taking up different volumes of space within the container respective of the amount of material stored therein. The insert may also be elastically deformable or generally pliable and may absorb impact forces for preventing or minimizing damage to the material.
US07854321B2 Rolling container assembly
A tool container assembly includes a base container, a cover, rollers, a removable tool tray, and an extendable handle. The base container includes a storage space, and an upwardly facing opening into the storage space. The cover is movable between a closed position in which it substantially covers the upwardly facing opening and an open position in which it exposes the upwardly facing opening. The rollers are connected with the base container to enable transport of the tool container assembly. The removable tool tray is constructed and arranged to be removably carried by the base container and the tool tray is configured to store articles or tools therein. The extendable handle is operatively connected to the base container to facilitate tilted rolling transport of the tool container assembly. The removable tool tray is constructed to securely engage with the handle when the handle is in an extended position.
US07854320B2 Package for holding and displaying shaving razors
A disposable package is provided having a tub with a generally level bottom surface and a first shaving razor and a second shaving razor disposed within the tub. The first and second shaving razors each have a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. A first retaining member projects from the bottom surface and has first and second surfaces. The second surface of the first retaining member engages the distal end portion of the second shaving razor and the first surface of the first retaining member engages the proximal end portion of the first shaving razor.
US07854319B2 Multifunctional cover device with a detachable PDA device
A multifunctional cover device with a detachable PDA device includes a front cover, a back cover, and at least one rotatable accessory panel connected to the front cover at one side for holding the PDA device and a lighting lamp. The accessory panel is mounted at a concave surface of the front cover when it is folded and at this time, the lamp and the PDA device are aligned with the windows of the front cover. When the accessory board is rotated through 180 degrees from the concave surface of the front cover, it forms an extending front cover panel. According to another structure, the accessory board is slidably mounted in the hollow front cover. Therefore, the user is able to use the PDA device while reading and writing with illumination and sound by playing the PDA device.
US07854318B2 Tool box
A tool box adapted for storing a driving tool therein, the tool box comprises a casing means including a compartment adapted for receiving the driving tool; wherein the compartment further includes a pressing member and a receiving portion below the pressing member and adapted to clamp the driving tool; wherein the pressing member is movable between an original position and an actuating position; wherein while the pressing member is in the actuating position, the driving tool is driven to detach from the casing means.
US07854316B2 Dental implant package
A dental implant package includes a main body having a partition portion that is formed therein and separates a fixture accommodation space accommodating a fixture of a dental implant from an auxiliary accommodation space accommodating any of a healing abutment and a cover screw, wherein a first opening and a second opening are formed at both ends of the main body, a leveler accommodated in at least a part of the fixture accommodation space and supporting the fixture accommodated in the fixture accommodation space at a predetermined height, a first cover detachably coupled to the main body and blocking the first opening, and a second cover detachably coupled to the main body and blocking the second opening. The fixture and any of the healing abutment and the cover screw can be stored with a simple structure. Also, the fixture and the healing abutment or the cover screw can be easily pulled out during an implant operation.
US07854314B2 Dynamic singulator
An article singulating conveyor assembly and method of singulating articles includes providing a conveying surface defining a plurality of tandem zones. The conveying surface travels in a longitudinal direction. Each of the zones includes a pair of laterally spaced side frame members and a plurality of generally parallel elongated driven rollers that are supported at the side frame members. The driven rollers are adapted to provide lateral variation in the longitudinal speed of the conveying surface. Each of the zones includes at least one drive motor that is adapted to drive the driven rollers in that zone. At least one article sensor is provided that is adapted to sensing articles in the zones. The driven rollers may be divided into a plurality of segmented rollers that are separately rotatable with a separate drive motor to drive corresponding segments for a zone. The drive motors for adjacent zones may be activated in a manner that creates a longitudinal gap between longitudinally adjacent articles.
US07854309B2 Value medium processing device for IC coins and monetary coins
A valve medium processing device for IC coins and coins includes a housing having an insertion slot with an IC coin passage connected to receive IC coins from the insertion slot. A coin passage is also connected to receive coins from the insertion slot. A retaining unit for IC coins selectively stops and releases an IC coin, so that a read and/or write unit can establish a value for the IC coin. An IC coin allocating unit is positioned downstream in the IC coin passage for directing an IC coin to one of an IC coin storage passage and a retain passage. A coin allocating unit allocates a coin to one of a coin storage passage and the return passage.
US07854305B2 Sprag
A sprag for a sprag-type freewheel clutch having a profile comprised of multiple profile sections, the sprag having at least the profile sections of an inner engagement curve, an outer engagement curve and a first and a second lateral curve, wherein the outer and inner engagement curves each form a component of a logarithmic spiral.
US07854299B2 Integrated lubrication module for compressors
In accordance with certain embodiments, the present invention provides a modular approach to a lubrication package. Certain components such as the filter and cooler are directly connected to a block that has connections to accept them and internal porting to establish the proper flow paths for circulation, cooling and filtration of the circulating lubricant. The block can accept one or more coolers and one or more filters. The isolation valving for redundant equipment can also be integrated into the block. Many connections that had been used in past designs for the piping network are integrated into the block. The block can also be close mounted to the reservoir while a submersible pump further saves space and piping connections. Indeed, having the ability to maintain mechanical equipment (e.g., remove and replace filters and coolers) without shutting down, allows for continuous process flow, which eliminates down-town scheduling, loss of product and/or redundant backup, all of which comes at a considerable cost.
US07854296B2 Passive secondary air muffler
A passive secondary air muffler for a small internal combustion engine. The secondary air muffler may include a venturi device and a catalytic converter. The venturi device may be in the form of a stamped sheet metal insert which, along with the outer muffler housing or shell, forms a secondary or auxiliary air intake device. The venturi device may also be formed from baffles separating an inlet chamber from an outlet chamber of the muffler. The secondary air intake device provides auxiliary or secondary air to the exhaust gas stream exiting the engine upstream of the catalytic converter to improve the efficiency of the catalytic converter. In an exemplary embodiment, the venturi device has a hemispherical cross-sectional shape or a circular cross-sectional shape taken along a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow of the exhaust gas stream.
US07854291B2 Work machine
In a work machine equipped with a switchover means enabling selective operation of traveling devices and a work device by means of common operating levers, switchover can easily be performed and also easily recognized. In a work machine having traveling devices and a work device, operating levers that are capable of operating the traveling devices and the work device are respectively disposed at the sides of an operating seat. A foot switch connected to a controller is disposed in the proximity of and operable with a foot of an operator seated at the operating seat. While the foot switch is being operated with the foot, the traveling devices are operated by the operating levers through the controller. While the foot switch is not being operated, the work device is operated by means of the operating levers through the controller.
US07854288B2 Automotive fuel storage system with in-tank fuel binder system
An automotive fuel storage system includes a fuel storage tank and a binder fluid tank containing a supply of binder fluid. A mixer system connected with the binder fluid tank and the fluid storage tank mixes binder fluid throughout fuel contained within the storage tank, so as to increase the bulk viscosity of the fuel stored within the tank restricting the ability of the fuel to flow from the tank in the event of a collision of the vehicle.
US07854278B2 Motor vehicle energy converter
An energy conversion apparatus using recovered energy sources including motor vehicle kinetic energy and wind resistance, supplemented by liquefied air transferred to the vehicle and by solar radiation thereto. The energy sources are combined, as available, to drive a compressor for supplying intake working fluid of a motor vehicle prime mover.
US07854276B2 Methods, systems, and apparatus for production of hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation
Methods, systems, and apparatus that are suitable for use in production of hydrocarbons from subterranean heavy oil deposits employ a subterranean cavity in communication with a borehole. The cavity is preferably formed along a U-tube borehole by coiled tubing reaming operations and/or radial drilling and explosive blasting.
US07854274B2 Multi-mode drill and transmission sub-assembly including a gear case cover supporting biasing
A multi-mode drill can include a transmission to transfer torque from an output member of a motor to an output spindle. A transmission housing encloses the transmission in an interior cavity formed by a gear case shell and a cover plate. The cover plate can be coupled to the outer shell via screws. A static shift rod can be supported at one end by the cover plate. A shift bracket can be mounted on the shift rod and biased to a mode position by a biasing member exerting a force between the shift bracket and the cover plate. A shift pin can be supported adjacent one end by the cover plate and biased to a mode position by a biasing member exerting a force between the shift pin and the cover plate. A spindle biasing member can bias the output spindle against the cover plate. The shift pin can actuate an electronic switch. A motor housing can be coupled to the transmission housing with fasteners so that the cover fasteners are not accessible.
US07854273B2 Agricultural implement having folding draft links
An agricultural implement includes a hitch boom to which a pair of wing booms is pivotably connected. The wing booms are designed to fold forward from an extended position to a transport position. The wing booms are supported above a surface by wheels that provide the aforementioned support when the wing booms are in an extended position as well as the transport position. Maintaining surface contact of the wheels in both positions reduces the load placed on the hitch to which the hitch boom is coupled as well as the hitch boom itself. Multi-link draft links are connected between the hitch boom and the wing booms to provide support for the wing booms when the wing booms are in the extended position. The relative length of the draft links dictates how far the hitch telescopes when the wing booms are folded to the stowed or transport position.
US07854270B2 Inertization method for reducing the risk of fire
In the event of a failure of a fire prevention or extinguishing system, an inertization method reduces the fire risk in an enclosed protected area, where the oxygen content in the area can be maintained on a control concentration that lies below an operating concentration for a certain time period, so that the emergency operation phase is sufficiently long to prevent the ignition and/or re-ignition of combustible materials therein. The control concentration is maintained for an emergency operation period by a redundant secondary source. Alternatively, the control concentration and the operating concentration, while forming a safety margin, can be lowered so far below the design concentration that in the event of a primary source failure, the growth curve of the oxygen content reaches a limit concentration determined for the area in a predefined period, which is sufficiently long to continue to prevent the ignition and/or re-ignition of the combustible materials.
US07854269B2 Sprinkler assembly
A sprinkler assembly includes a body, a support, which extends from the body, and a closure device that releasably closes the discharge opening of the body. The sprinkler assembly further includes a trigger that releasably holds the closure device at the discharge opening. The support is adapted to allow the fluid flowing from the discharge opening, when the closure device is released, to pass through the support substantially unimpeded by the support and, further, is adapted to reshape the flow of fluid as it flows through the support.
US07854265B2 Pipe gripping assembly with power screw actuator and method of gripping pipe on a rig
A pipe gripping assembly having a quill, an actuator and a drive assembly mounts to a top drive of a drilling rig. The quill is connected to a mandrel in the drive assembly. The drive assembly has a tapered mandrel and a set of slips that move along the taper into and out of engagement with the pipe. The actuator is connected to both the quill and a portion of the drive assembly. The actuator includes a motor and at least two sleeves that are threaded together. One sleeve has a spline on its outside diameter that mates to the motor and a gear. Power applied to the motor causes the actuator to move slips in the drive assembly into an engagement position that grips the pipe for lifting and rotating the pipe.
US07854264B2 Volumetric compensating annular bellows
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a volumetric compensating annular bellows used to compensate two fluid volumes by an annular displacement. This is achieved using a bellows welded on to a tube with a varying shape radius. A bellows is arranged within the annulus and is deformable in an annular direction in response to fluid volume expansion. The bellows can be used in several oilfield applications for fluid compensation.
US07854263B2 Surfactant package for well treatment and method for using same
A surfactant blend for servicing wells includes a first non-ionic surfactant having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of between about 10 and about 15; a second non-ionic surfactant having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of between about 2 and about 6; and an anionic surfactant.
US07854258B2 Self-anchoring device with force amplification
A downhole tool is provided that includes a grip assembly for contacting a well formation. The grip assembly includes a gripper body; and a centralizer that is attached to and radially expandable with respect to the gripper body and that has a geometry which is lockable by a locking device. The grip assembly also includes a force amplifier in force transmitting relation with the centralizer, wherein the force amplifier transfers a force in a first direction to a much larger force in a second direction when the centralizer is locked by the locking device.
US07854257B2 Mechanically coupled screen and method
A particulate exculder tool includes a basepipe having one or more retention features; a screen jacket disposed radially outwardly of the basepipe; one or more end housings at the screen jacket; and a deformable element disposed between a portion of the one or more end housings and one or of the one or more retention features and method.
US07854252B2 Method of producing a castable high temperature aluminum alloy by controlled solidification
A castable high temperature aluminum alloy is cast by controlled solidification that combines composition design and solidification rate control to synergistically enhance the performance and versatility of the castable aluminum alloy for a wide range of elevated temperature applications. In one example, the aluminum alloy contains by weight approximately 1.0-20.0% of rare earth elements that contribute to the elevated temperature strength by forming a dispersion of insoluble particles via a eutectic microstructure. The aluminum alloy also includes approximately 0.1 to 15% by weight of minor alloy elements. Controlled solidification improves microstructural uniformity and refinement and provides the optimum structure and properties for the specific casting condition. The molten aluminum alloy is poured into an investment casing shell and lowered into a quenchant at a controlled rate. The molten aluminum alloy cools from the bottom of the investment casting shell upwardly to uniformly and quickly cool the aluminum alloy.
US07854245B2 Method for forming radio frequency identification tag on packing bag and device therefor
A method for forming a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag on a packing bag is disclosed and includes the steps of: equidistantly attaching RFID tags to a release film, one by one, to form a roll of tag web; installing the roll of tag web in a packing bag forming device to move the release film along a feeding direction of a packing material; changing a moving direction of the release film for peeling the RFID tags from the release film; intermittently pressing on the RFID tags for attaching the RFID tags to the packing material; bonding the RFID tags to the packing material with a melting technology; and processing the packing material by folding, sealing, and cutting to form packing bags securely installed with the RFID tags. A packing bag forming device for carrying out the method is also disclosed.
US07854241B2 Metal-clad insulating complex for a pipe
An insulating complex having a metal case and insulating material confined in a vacuum between the inner wall and the outer wall of the case and wherein each of the walls has a metal strip, at least one of which includes corrugations. An insulated pipe and a set of two coaxial pipes are also provided wherein the coaxial pipes are arranged as an inner pipe and an outer pipe, preferably undersea pipes for great depths.
US07854240B2 Polymeric foam tube insulations and method for continuously producing such a tube
The foam tube for pipe insulations has an external surface and an internal surface. The internal surface is provided with an adhesively bonded layer of fibers. The fibers are a material having a melt temperature that is higher than that of the polymeric foam. The fibers are adhesively bonded to the internal surface such as to stand up from the internal surface. The fibers are substantially uniformly distributed over the internal surface providing a surface coverage of 2 to 20 percent. Further, the fibers have a linear density of 0.5 to 25 dtex and a length of 0.2 to 5 mm. With this fiber layer the polymeric foam tube has an improved thermal resistance and thermal conductivity.
US07854233B2 Hair extension device
A hair extension device that allows a user to add supplemental, natural, human hair strands to the natural hair of the user. The hair extension device includes a filament formed into a circular or oval shape to encircle the head. Hair weft lengths are attached to the filament along an arcuate length of the filament. When the device is positioned on the head, the hair strands of the hair weft lengths extend down the sides and back of the user. The natural hair held beneath the filament is pulled up and forward, then backward over the filament, blending together the natural hair of the user and the supplemental hair strands.
US07854229B2 Cradle or bed with isolation from room contamination, with controlled temperature and moisture
New bed or a new cradle model to be used specifically in hospitals, clinics and similar facilities for babies, which presents a specific laminar air flow system, with controlled temperature and moisture, for the patient desired levels, which provides reduction of the contamination on the micro environment where it is placed, allowing its use by patients under critical and delicate condition, with easy access to the patients.
US07854225B2 Blister package for inhalable medicament
There is provided a blister form medicament pack comprising (a) a base sheet in which blisters are formed to define pockets therein for the containment of inhalable medicament; and (b) a lid sheet which is sealable to the base sheet except in the region of the blisters and mechanically peelable from the base sheet to enable release of said inhalable medicament. The base sheet and/or said lid sheet have a laminate structure comprising (a) a first layer of aluminum foil; and (b) a second layer of polymeric material of thickness from 10 to 60 micron, said polymeric material having a water vapor permeability of less than 0.6 g/(100 inches2) (24 hours) (mil) at 25° C.
US07854223B1 Heat exchanger for a log-burning fireplace
A heat recovery apparatus for an indoor fireplace includes a plenum chamber of low profile box-like construction having a front extremity with a portion that permits forced entry of air and a horizontally spaced portion that permits emergence of heated air. A divider wall centered within the chamber between the entry and emergence portions produces a passageway that controls the flow of air within the chamber.
US07854221B1 Air gun vibration damper and method
A gas spring having an internal vibration damper for an air gun charging system. The gas spring including a relatively thin liner which is received within and abuts the elongated inner and/or outer wall of the tubular gas spring. The liner(s) absorbs vibration in the air gun to improve firing performance. A guide sleeve mounted to the outer surface of the gas spring abuts an air gun's tubular compression piston to transfer any vibrations in the compression piston to the liner. A tubular counter-weight is slidably mounted about the outer wall of the gas spring and strikes a forward end of the charging system after the air gun is fired to counter the post-firing recoil.
US07854218B2 Method to recognize and avoid premature combustion events
A method for recognizing and avoiding premature combustion events includes the steps of: providing at least one sensor and/or an electronic evaluation circuit for recognizing premature combustion; directly recognizing premature combustion; and performing at least one measure for avoiding premature combustion when premature combustion is recognized.
US07854217B2 Idling control device of spark ignition type internal combustion engine
A spark ignition internal combustion engine in which, during an idling operation, the ignition timing is changed temporarily to the advance side or retard size with respect to the reference ignition timing so that when the engine speed deviates from the target idling speed, the engine speed becomes the target idling speed. When the actual compression ratio at the time of idling is changed, the reference ignition timing at the time of idling is made to move until the ignition timing at which the same generated torque of the engine is obtained.
US07854210B2 Clean room utility pouch
A method of constructing a clean room utility pouch includes cutting dust-proof fabric in accordance with a pattern. The cut edges of the dust proof fabric are treated to eliminate loose particulates or loose fibers along the cut edges. Piping can be secured over the cut edges instead of treating, or in addition to treating the cut edges, and finished by securing the pieces together to form the utility pouch. In some embodiments, a mesh is secured to the cut edges to form a portion of the utility pouch. Air can then flow into and out of the pouch via a pouch opening and the mesh.
US07854208B1 Unibody support apparatus and method
In a structure with two oppositely positioned sides, a unibody support apparatus includes a first preformed side support in the approximate form of a “C” and a second preformed side support in the approximate form of a “C”. A side support connector is connected with the first preformed side support and with the second preformed side support such that the side support connector is suspended between and by the first preformed side support and the second preformed side support. And at least one adjustable leg support, connected with the first preformed side support and the second preformed side support, is provided such that the height of the unibody support apparatus may be raised and lowered.
US07854204B2 Ultralight unit load device
An ultralight unit load device has a ruggedized quadrangular composite structure with a cellular load-bearing core sealed in successive ordered-polymer stiffening plies and trimmed at the outer edges with a hollow, multi-chambered profile of lightweight material fixed with a flush attachment member so as to present a flat surface for easy loading and unloading.
US07854198B2 Direct drive
A direct drive for a printing press with lateral register adjustment includes a rotor and a stator, and a connection for mechanically connecting the drive with a stationary support bearing, wherein the rotor is connectable with shaft of a printing press cylinder with the connection being a torsionally stiff spacer installed directly or indirectly on the outer jacket of drive, which is designed to be elastic in the direction of the motor axis to compensate axial motions of the attachable printing press cylinder shaft.
US07854196B2 Apparatus for the coating or flocking of articles, especially of textile materials and flocking machine
The invention relates to an apparatus for the coating or flocking of articles, especially of textile material, mats, ceramic, plastic, paper, wood, metal or the like, with a container (12) for receiving a flock or coating material, and with a setting device (16) which is arranged on the container (12) and which has a stencil frame (23) having at least one printing motif (27), the setting device (16) receiving at least one adjusting element (32) which acts in the X- and Y-direction and engages on the stencil frame (23), and the setting device (16) comprising arranged fixing elements (34) which are provided outside the stencil frame (23) at least for arranging an aligning device (38) for the stencil frame (23), in order to align the coating or printing motif (27) of the stencil frame (23) in the X- and Y-direction with respect to the fixing elements (34) by means of the aligning device (38).
US07854195B2 Needle with air duct
A baler has a bale chamber and a needle movable through the bale chamber to pass a strand of twine from one side of the bale chamber to a knotter located on the opposite side, the twine being engaged by a tip of the needle. In the invention, pressurized air is directed at the needle tip. The supply of pressurized air may be discontinuous and timed to coincide only with certain phases of the needle operating cycle. The air stream avoids crop material being caught up in the knots formed by the knotter.
US07854193B2 Apparatus for preparing a beverage
The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for preparing a beverage (2) comprising a brew chamber (10) defining a volume for containing at least one container (11) with a soluble or extractable product for preparing said beverage, wherein said apparatus comprises adjustment means (12, 14) for varying the volume (V) of said brew chamber. Preferably the adjustment means include a cover member (12) with a piston portion (25). The invention also relates to a method for preparing a beverage.
US07854186B2 Tools for removing house from object
A tool for removing hose from objects includes a handle having a first jaw fixed to the handle and a second jaw which is movably connected to the first jaw in a scissors-like way. The first and second jaws have two respective clamp portions so as to clamp the hose. An adjustment unit includes a first member pivotably connected to the first jaw and a second member pivotably connected to the second jaw. A bolt threadedly extends through the first and second members such that when rotating the bolt, the two clamp portions are moved toward each other. An operation unit includes a cable and a bar connected to the cable. The tool is pulled along the object on which the hose is connected by pulling the cable.
US07854185B2 Ratchet pliers with adjustable jaw
A ratchet pliers with adjustable jaw includes a working head, an integrated retractable handle arrangement, a ratchet stepping arrangement and a rapid adjusting arrangement. The ratchet pliers with adjustable jaw has several advantages. Firstly, the rapid adjusting arrangement with simple operation and convenient use is capable of micro-adjusting a closure error of the jaw opening after clamping. Secondly, the integrated retractable handle arrangement is capable of adjusting a length of the handle according to different demands for a jaw clamping force so as to save energy of a user.
US07854183B2 Swage anvil for a sawblade swage assembly
A swage anvil includes a coupling portion that, when mated with a corresponding die of a swaging device, allows lateral positioning of the swage anvil (i.e., substantially parallel to a long axis of the saw blade) relative to the long axis of the saw blade. The swage anvil also includes a tooth contact face that substantially mirrors an angle of the back portion of each tooth of the saw blade. As such, after a manufacturer inserts the swage anvil into the swage device and laterally translates the swage anvil, the tooth contact face abuts the back portion of the saw blade tooth to support the tooth during a swaging procedure. With the aforementioned configuration of the swage anvil, translation of the swage anvil along a single axis provides support to the back portion of the saw blade tooth along two axes. As such, use of the swage anvil decreases the set-up time required in conventional swaging devices.
US07854180B2 Bicycle control device
A bicycle control device is provided with a brake bracket, a brake lever, a first gearshift operating part, a second gearshift operating part, a first electrical switch, and a second electrical switch. The brake bracket is mountable to a handlebar. The brake lever is pivotally mounted to the brake bracket. The first gearshift operating part is movable relative to the brake lever. The second gearshift operating part is separate from the first gearshift operating part and movable relative to the brake lever. The first electrical switch is operated with the first gearshift operating part. The second electrical switch is operated with the second gearshift operating part. The second gearshift operating part is arranged such that when the first gearshift operating part is moved relative to the brake lever, the second gearshift operating part moves relative to the brake lever along with the first gearshift operating part.
US07854179B2 Shift lever assembly
A shift lever assembly includes a shift lever swingably with a rotational axis as a swing support point, an axis supporting bracket for supporting the rotational axis, two axis supporting elements for supporting both ends of the rotational axis together with the axis supporting bracket. In addition, two beams are provided with each of the axis supporting elements. The beams will break off in case where an impact load is to be applied via the shift lever. Furthermore, a metal plate is provided with the axis supporting bracket for each of the axis supporting elements. The metal plate will be bent by the each of the axis supporting elements moving after break-offs of the beams. According to the shift lever assembly, stroke displacement for energy absorbing can be made relatively long. In addition, relatively large impact energy can be absorbed with short stroke displacement.
US07854177B2 Precessional device and method
A precessional device having independent control of the output torque generated by the device and the oscillation rate of the device is disclosed. The device comprises a rotor supported by an axle wherein the ends of the axle are supported by a circular race. The circular race is rotatable, and may be driven by a motor or other means, thereby controlling the oscillation rate of the device independently of the output torque arising from the rotation rate of the rotor. The motor may be controlled by a control program that adjusts the rotation rate of the circular race to modify the shape of the resistance curve.
US07854174B2 MEMS capacitive bending and axial strain sensor
A three-dimensional micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) capacitive bending and axial strain sensor capacitor is described. Two independent comb structures, incorporating suspended polysilicon interdigitated fingers, are fabricated simultaneously on a substrate that can displace independently of each other while attached to a substrate undergoing bending or axial deformation. A change in spacing between the interdigitated fingers will output a change in capacitance of the sensor and is the primary mode of operation of the device. On the bottom and to the end of each comb structure, a glass pad is attached to the comb structure to allow for ample surface area for affixing the sensor to a substrate. During fabrication, tethers are used to connect each comb structure to maintain equal spacing between the fingers before attachment to the substrate. After attachment, the tethers are broken to allow independent movement of each comb structure.
US07854168B2 Thickness measuring device for vessel steel plate
The invention is objected to enable the provision of an vessel steel plate measuring device capable of measuring the thickness of vessel steel plate, even in the case of a vessel having a vessel mirror part formed by a spherical or conical curved surface such as a reactor (reaction vessel) and various kinds of obstructions at a vessel barrel. The structure of the device is characterized in that a supporting point member 20 is detachably provided from a supporting point set at the central axis of the vessel mirror part 1a of a reactor 1, and a traveling carrier 6 traveling on a steel plate of the vessel mirror part 1a and having plural ultrasonic probes 7 mounted thereon is connected to one end of a turning radius regulating member 19 rotatively provided around the supporting point member 20.
US07854162B2 Method and device for referencing the position of an actuating element
In a method for referencing the position of an actuating element of a functional unit, in particular of a clutch in the drivetrain of a vehicle, the attainment of a reference position of the actuating element is assessed for plausibility in that it is checked whether a variable which can be applied to the actuating element varies in a predetermined way in a predetermined spacing of the position of the actuating element from the reference position.
US07854161B2 Diagnostic method for an exhaust aftertreatment system
A diagnostic method for testing malfunction of a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) exhausts aftertreatment system of an internal combustion engine. The method measures and registers a first mean NOx sensor value for a normal mass flow level of a fluid reducing agent, then a second mean NOx sensor value related to a higher mass flow level is measured and registered. The two registered NOx sensor values are compared and it is determined if, on one hand, the first value is higher than the second value, or, on the other hand, the first value is lower than the second value. The cause of the malfunction may be found in the dosing system or in the SCR catalyst.
US07854153B2 Locking cylinder for functions especially performed on vehicles
A locking cylinder having a two-part housing, including an upper part and a lower part. A cylinder core is received in the housing and can be actuated by turning a key. The housing of the locking cylinder is fastened to the body of a vehicle by a fastener. The fastener used to fasten the housing of the locking cylinder on the body is also used as a connector for fastening the housing upper part on the housing lower part.
US07854147B2 Method for producing a semifinished product for an optical component of high homogeneity
Known methods for producing a semifinished product for an optical component of synthetic quartz glass of high homogeneity require a great number of forming or shaping steps for homogenization, which is troublesome in terms of energy and time and entails the risk that impurities might be introduced. To avoid these drawbacks, a method modification is suggested that comprises the following method steps: (a) feeding a silicon-containing start compound, which can be converted by oxidation or hydrolysis into SiO2, to a deposition burner, and forming amorphous SiO2 particles in a burner flame assigned to the deposition burner, (b) forming a substantially solid-cylinder SiO2 blank by depositing the SiO2 particles onto a support with a longitudinal axis by way of successive layers, of which most extend in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the support and which extend in the direction of the outer surface of the blank, (c) homogenizing the SiO2 blank, including twisting along an axis of rotation extending coaxially to or in parallel with the longitudinal cylinder axis while forming the semifinished product. A blank suited for performing the method of the invention and shaped in the form of a substantially solid-cylinder SiO2 soot body from successive SiO2 layers is characterized in that most of the layers extend in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the soot body and in the direction of the outer surface of the soot body.
US07854144B2 Method of reducing gaseous inclusions in a glass making process
Feed materials are melted in a first vessel to form a glass melt at a first temperature T1, the glass melt containing at least one fining agent. The molten glass is next cooled to a second temperature T2 less than T1 in a second vessel wherein an oxygen-comprising gas is not actively added (e.g. bubbled) into the melt during the duration of the time the melt is at T2. The molten glass is thereafter heated to a third temperature T3 greater than T1 and subsequently formed into a glass article.
US07854135B2 Fully articulated and comprehensive air and fluid distribution, metering, and control method and apparatus for primary movers, heat exchangers, and terminal flow devices
The described method and apparatus pertains namely to the HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) industry, though its many functions extend into any and all forms of air-fluid movement, metering, distribution, and containment. Essentially, the scope of operation of the method and apparatus encompasses all forms of scientific and engineering measurement dealing with fluid dynamics, fluid statics, fluid mechanics, thermal dynamics, and mechanical engineering as they pertain to precise, articulated control of air-fluid distribution and delivery. The described method and apparatus offers complete, comprehensive, and correct utilization of air-fluid movers and terminal devices under unique sensor logic control, from initial lab testing stages through to equipment cataloguing, selection, design and construction of any and all air-fluid distribution systems in entirety, whereas previously there was no such cohesive, total and terminal method of control for these systems or their components.
US07854133B2 Air conditioning service station with electrically driven analog-display pressure gauges
An apparatus and method for displaying pressure on electrically driven analog-display pressure gauges. A diagnostic service equipment for a vehicle having a refrigerant system, the refrigerant system having a plumbing circuit for transferring a refrigerant between the diagnostic service equipment and the refrigerant system of the vehicle; a high side refrigerant conduit having a first connection, a second connection and a third connection, wherein the first connection is connected to the plumbing circuit and the second connection is connected to the refrigerant system; a low side refrigerant conduit having a first connection, a second connection and a third connection, wherein the first connection is connected to the plumbing circuit and the second connection is connected to the refrigerant system; and pressure transducers attached to each of the third connection of the high side refrigerant conduit and the low side refrigerant conduit, wherein the pressure transducers measure pressure of the high side and low side refrigerant conduits and convert the pressure into electrical signals to drive an analog-display pressure gauge.
US07854132B2 Circulation cooling system of cryogenic cable
The present invention provides a circulation cooling system of a cryogenic cable in which a reserver unit can be made smaller and a conventional adjustment mechanism or adjustment task of the amount of a refrigerant within a reserver unit is not necessary. The circulation cooling system of a cryogenic cable according to the present invention has a reserver unit storing a refrigerant and a cable cooling portion cooling down a cable by the refrigerant sent from the reserver unit and the refrigerant sent from the cable cooling portion is returned to the reserver unit again for circulation. The system is characterized in that it has a refrigerant temperature adjustment mechanism to keep constant the amount of the refrigerant within the reserver unit.
US07854131B2 Thermal buffer system
A thermal buffer for an intermittent thermal load, e.g., a directed energy weapon (DEW) system, includes a phase change heat exchanger (PCHEX), an apparatus for circulating a first working fluid of the thermal load through first conduits of the PCHEX cell in a first direction such that heat is transferred between the first fluid and a phase change material (PCM) of the PCHEX in a second direction and causes a first phase change in the PCM, and an apparatus for circulating a second working fluid of, e.g., a heat pump through second conduits of the PCHEX in a third direction opposite to the first direction such that heat is transferred between the second fluid and the PCM in a fourth direction opposite to the second direction and results in a second phase change in the PCM opposite to the first phase change therein.
US07854130B2 Internal clearing function for a refrigerant recovery/recharge machine
An apparatus and method providing a refrigeration servicing system that comprises a clean refrigerant source, a recovery circuit and a flushing circuit. The recovery circuit can be configured to recover refrigerant from a cooling system. After recovery cycle is completed, the flushing circuit that is coupled to the recovery circuit can flush clean refrigerant through the recovery circuit. A housing can be provided and configured to house the refrigerant source, the recovery circuit and the flushing circuit.
US07854125B2 Components for a gas turbine engine
An aerofoil assembly including an aerofoil and a spray element that supplies fluid to a gas turbine engine. The aerofoil has a first part with a leading edge when located in the gas turbine engine, and a second part with a trailing edge when located in the gas turbine engine. The first part has features that slide relative to and engage with complementary features of the second part to form a releasable arrangement.
US07854124B2 Combined control for supplying cooling air and support air in a turbine engine nozzle
A balance pressure control is provided for flaps which pivot in a rear of a gas turbine engine nozzle to change the cross-sectional area of the nozzle. An actuator drives a sync ring to move the flaps through a linkage. A supply of pressurized air is also provided to the sync ring to assist the actuator in resisting forces from high pressure gases within the nozzle. When those forces are lower than normal the flow of air to the rear of the sync ring is reduced or blocked. A ring rotates with another ring to control both this air flow, and a supply of cooling air to an interior of the nozzle.
US07854121B2 Independent pilot fuel control in secondary fuel nozzle
Disclosed herein is a fuel nozzle. The fuel nozzle includes a first fuel introduction location, a second fuel introduction location, and fuel passages. The first fuel introduction location is located radially about the fuel nozzle and is connected with a fuel passage. The second fuel introduction location is located at an end of the fuel nozzle and is connected with another fuel passage such that the fuel passage connected to the first fuel introduction location is separate from the fuel passage connected to the second fuel introduction location.
US07854119B2 Hydroelectric device
The present invention provides a hydroelectric device having a closed conduit portion extending along an elevational drop, with a turbine positioned at a lower elevation and in fluid communication with the closed conduit portion. The closed conduit portion contains a volume of fluid forming a pressure head therein, the fluid impacting the turbine in such a manner as to operate the turbine and produce electricity therefrom.
US07854117B1 Center section for hydraulic transmission
A center section assembly for mounting inside the housing of a hydrostatic or hydraulic drive apparatus is disclosed. The center section includes generally flat side edge surfaces formed adjacent and perpendicular to a cylinder block running surface, and shaped to engage a channel formed in an internal surface of the housing to secure the center section to the housing. The assembly may also include a filter using a connection member to permit the filter to slide on and engage the peripheral edge of a flange formed on the center section.
US07854110B2 Integrated fuel gas characterization system
A gas turbine engine that includes a compressor, a combustion stage, a turbine assembly, a fuel gas feed system for supplying fuel gas to a combustion stage of the gas turbine, and an integrated fuel gas characterization system. The integrated fuel gas feed system can include a buffer tank. The integrated fuel gas characterization system for determining the amount of energy provided by the fuel prior to combustion of the fuel in the combustion stage. The integrated fuel gas characterization system minimizes megawatt swings by adjusting the operating parameters of the gas turbine engine based on the rate of change in fuel gas energy content. The integrated fuel gas characterization system also provides improved turbine engine start-up reliability by tuning the turbine engine operating parameters using fuel gas energy content measurements obtained prior to actual start-up.
US07854105B2 Film wrapping machine utilizing two film carriage assemblies to effectively perform film change operations
A film wrapping machine comprises a pair of diametrically opposed film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies which are used to individually and sequentially dispense their wrapping films. Accordingly, if depletion or breakage occurs within the wrapping film being dispensed by a first one of the pair of film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies, the second film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assembly can effectively be activated so as to dispense its wrapping film whereby the film wrapping operation can continue with a minimum amount of stoppage or downtime. The switch-over or change-over between the first and second film roll mounting and dispensing carriage assemblies can be achieved in accordance with automatic and semi-automatic modes of operation.
US07854104B2 Multi-chamber container and cap therefor
A dispenser comprises a housing that has a removable tamper proof protective cap and tamper proof ring and is threaded to a container. The container, which is the main package, holds the supplemental component. The housing holds the first component into a plunger type chamber in a fully retracted position and is sealed from the supplemental component. The chamber has a delivery end that is closed before use. When pushed all the way in, the chamber's delivery end becomes open and delivers the first component into the main package.
US07854103B2 Automated clippers
Pivotable clipper assemblies for attaching at least one closure clip to a product held in netting include a pivotable clipper mechanism having a clipper body configured to deliver clips to a clip window and attach the clips to netting and a first cutting cartridge mounted to the pivotable clipper mechanism. The first cutting cartridge includes: (a) a knife; (b) an actuation cylinder with a rod in communication with the knife that advances and retracts the knife; and (c) an anti-rotation block attached to a rear of the knife intermediate the knife and rod to inhibit the knife and rod from rotating, wherein, in operation, the first cutting cartridge pivots with the clipper mechanism.
US07854101B2 System for attaching components to a vehicle
A system for attaching a component to a substrate, such as a vehicle. The system comprises a bracket. At least one fastener is coupled to the bracket and is engageable to the vehicle. A component is assembled to the bracket such that a lip of the component contacts a tab of the bracket, and the bracket at least partially engages a gap defined by the lip and an interior surface of the component. The component is attached to the vehicle when the fastener is engaged with the vehicle. A method employs the system.
US07854100B2 Laminate floor panels
Floor panels (2) are shown with a discontinuous surface (31) layer and core (30), which are mechanically connectable to each other along one pair of adjacent edges, said floor panels comprising at least two floor elements (1, 1′), which are connected with glue.
US07854096B2 Door protective cover
Embodiments of door protectors are described. One typical embodiment comprises front and rear corrugated cardboard panels that are draped over a door by way of one or more pieces of saddle tape that join the panels along their respective top edges. A plurality of folds, perforations and cutouts are provided on the faces of the panels to permit access to the door's hardware. Accordingly, the door can be operated in a traditional manner while providing impact and damage protection to the door. The panels include a plurality of widthwise folds that permit the door protector to be folded for transport and storage. In variations, the edge straps are provided often comprised of hook and loop material to both secure the protector in a folded configuration and to an associated door.
US07854093B2 Automatic opening/closing apparatus for vehicle
An automatic opening/closing apparatus for vehicle, which is provided with a tensioner mechanism for applying a predetermined tension to a cable member, is downsized. A case of a driving unit is provided with a tensioner housing, and the tensioner mechanism for applying the predetermined tension to a cable is accommodated in the tensioner housing. The tensioner mechanism includes a pulley holder movably mounted on a guide shaft, and a spring for biasing the pulley holder, wherein a movable pulley is rotatably supported by the pulley holder. The cable drawn in the tensioner housing is wound about the movable pulley so that a direction in which the cable is drawn out from the case is substantially parallel to a direction in which the cable is drawn out from a driving drum, whereby the predetermined tension is applied to the cable by a spring force of the spring.
US07854089B2 Multiple-use vermin electrocution trap and method
A vermin trap including a movable path between the trap entrance and the bait, and a sensor adjacent the movable path for detecting vermin presence on the path. When a vermin detection signal is sent to a controller, the controller causes a movable clamping member to trap the vermin for electrocution. Also provided are methods for the path to rotate and/or pivot, thereby dislodging the electrocuted vermin into a containment region. Methods for electrocuting vermin are also disclosed.
US07854086B2 Fishing rod with ergonomic handle
The present invention provides a fishing rod with ergonomic handle. The disclosed fishing rod places the angler's wrist in a more ergonomically correct position while waiting for a fish to strike. To accomplish this the fishing rod includes a flexible rod including a plurality of ferrules extending downward; a handle including a primary handle substantially parallel to and vertically above the flexible rod and a secondary handle extending upwards from the primary handle. The primary handle also includes a reel seat for downward attachment of a fishing reel. A transition structure is joined at one end to the flexible rod and at the opposing end to the upper portion of the secondary handle.
US07854084B1 AR15-T400 hook-under trigger assembly
A disconnector for a rifle wherein the disconnector is formed with a hook-under portion which is provided with a sharp trigger body contact ridge which contacts on a center line (rifle longitudinal axis) of the underside of a portion of the trigger body when the disconnector is in a neutral position during the first stage of a two stage trigger pull.
US07854083B1 Cartridge magazine for firearms
A cartridge magazine for firearms has an elongated channel to receive a plurality of cartridges. The cartridge magazine has a box forming a housing of the cartridge magazine, a spring operated follower for pressing the cartridges in the magazine to an upper position. In this position, the topmost cartridge is ready for feeding into a chamber of the firearm and in this position the topmost cartridge rests against a pair of retaining lips. The lips remain in a first position when the topmost cartridge is in the upper position and the lips are operatively displaceable to a second position wider than the first position.
US07854082B2 Device for opening and closing rolling block firearms
An opening and closing device, associated with the rolling block and receiver of a hunting or sports gun, comprises a key that is hinged by a tube to the upper part of the rolling block, and a bolt that is actuated by a shaped end of the key and is slidably mounted on the rolling block in such a way that it can be moved from a retracted, open position in which the bolt is entirely inside the rolling block, and an advanced, closed position in which the bolt protrudes from the front of the rolling block with two arms designed to lock by friction two matching mortises made in the receiver; the arms extend from the ends of a shoulder of the bolt and the shaped end of the key has a first cam designed to exert a pushing action to the central portion of the shoulder in order to disengage the arms from the mortises.
US07854081B2 Display apparatus for file index
A display apparatus that can be positioned within a file cabinet, a file drawer, a hanging file and/or any other suitable file index system. A container is formed by the sheet material. The container has an edge panel forming at least one releasable tab. Each tab can be released or positioned away from an outer surface of the edge panel. A label sheet or label assembly has printable labels and at least one identification label. The identification label has or displays an identifier that corresponds to a particular design parameter of the label sheet. The identification label can be attached to the tab. The container can house one or more label sheets.
US07854080B2 System and method for providing synchronized moving objects in an ornamental display
System and methods for providing synchronized ornamental displays in a presentation zone that is at least partially containing a fluid, which include a support structure, a decorative object supported by the support structure, a light disposed on the object, a plurality of cables coupled to the support structure at their respective first ends; a plurality of cable tensioning devices, wherein one cable tensioning device is engaged with the second end of a respective cable of the plurality of cables, and the plurality of cable tensioning devices are positioned spatially about the periphery of the presentation zone, wherein the spatial arrangement defines a range of desired movement for the object, and a control device operatively associated with the tensioning devices and light.
US07854072B2 Precision sine vise
An improved sine vise that overcomes the deficiencies and limitations of conventional sine vises through the use of the following features: a circular sawtooth ratchet quick clamping system; a rotating dual jaw with one V cut depression face; a set of extended opening upper jaw lips; angle adjustment stays with counter rotating locking screws; a T shaped jaw clamping drawbar; a zero tolerance roll hinge; and a lipped vise base adapted for robust clamping to the cutting tool table with conventional T slot bolts and dogs.
US07854068B2 Numeric control engraving machine
The invention relates to a numeric control engraving machine which can be used to engrave different objects such as gems, plates of metal or another material, such as to produce the effect obtained by means of artisan engraving with a chisel, in which the tradesperson performs a downward/upward movement with the chisel with each insertion made in the surface of the body to be engraved, such that the engraved line has a curvilinear trajectory. In addition to the three axes (X, Y, Z) or degrees of freedom for the movement of the tool holder, the inventive engraving machine also creates two complementary axes which are denoted as PT (depth of line) and SV (vector tracing), thereby producing the same type of engraving as that obtained by a tradesperson with a chisel. The PT axis controls the penetration movement of the tool for the curvilinear line over the course of the vector that defines the direction and sense of the line. The SV (vector tracing) axis orients the cutting edge of the tool with the correct engraving angle.
US07854066B2 Method and apparatus for an agricultural implement seed meter
A seed meter includes an input port configured to receive a supply of seeds and an output port configured to deliver the supply of seeds for dispensing to a planting area and a seed disk configured to receive the supply of seeds from the input port and deliver the supply of seeds to the output port at a substantially uniform rate. The seed disk has a seed side where seeds flow from the input port, and a vacuum side opposite the seed side. The seed meter further includes a first housing portion surrounding a first portion of the seed disk in a fixed relationship to direct the supply of seeds against the seed disk and a second housing portion. The second housing portion is configured to move between a first position extending to a second portion of the seed disk to operate in concert with the first housing portion to direct the supply of seeds against the seed disk and a second position providing access to at least a portion of the second portion of the seed disk including the lowest most portion of the seed disk.
US07854059B2 Apparatus for assembling rotor of permanent magnet motor
Apparatus for assembling a permanent magnet rotor comprising a rotor fixture configured to slide over a smaller diameter bearing section of the rotor and abutting one end of a center axial section of the rotor and a split compression ring having an inner diameter that is sized to ride over the outer diameter of magnets in magnet carriers assembled on the rotor fixture.
US07854053B2 Method of attaching a ball lock pin
A method of attaching a ball lock pin. A bushing assembly is inserted in a first object such that an outer surface of the bushing assembly is received within the first object. A plurality of locking balls disposed on a shaft of the ball lock pin is inserted into the bushing assembly. The plurality of locking balls is outwardly urged to engage a first engagement portion of an inner surface of the bushing assembly.
US07854051B2 Method of assembly of low cost oil/grease separator
A container for receiving and holding effluent water containing oil/grease to be removed has sectional covers. A main sectional cover supports a partially immersed rotatable disk; a drive on the main sectional cover rotates the disk; a trough on the main sectional cover straddles the disk; and a blade on the trough scrapes a side of the disk, to direct oil and grease from the disk along the scraper blade along the trough for collection in a storage container. Efficiencies of construction of the sectional covers, disk and a sensor probe are disclosed.
US07854049B2 Method of manufacturing a piezoelectric thin film device
In a piezoelectric thin film device of the present invention, the degree of flexibility is enhanced in selection of a piezoelectric material constituting a piezoelectric thin film and the crystal orientation in the piezoelectric thin film. A piezoelectric thin film filter, including four film bulk acoustic resonators, has a configuration where a filter section for providing a filter function of the piezoelectric thin film filter is bonded with a flat base substrate mechanically supporting the filter section via an adhesive layer. In manufacturing of the piezoelectric thin film filter, a piezoelectric thin film is obtained by performing removal processing on a piezoelectric substrate, but the piezoelectric thin film obtained by removal processing cannot independently stand up under its own weight. For this reason, a prescribed member including the piezoelectric substrate is previously bonded to the base substrate as a support prior to the removal processing.
US07854046B2 Microcreping traveling sheet material
A stationary working surface of a one roll microcreper member is of plastic resin having low wear and friction properties. As a primary pressing member subject to concentrated force it is 0.040 inch thick. One or both opposed retarder members of a bladed microcreper are of the plastic. Thermoplastics meeting wear and friction limits, e.g. ultra high density polyethylene, are employed. Primary extensions, some having openings, slots or holes serve as flexible retarders to engage treated material. By a load-spreading surface, the thermoplastic primary member is restrained without distortion. By this surface being linear it slideably inserts into a mounting. By this surface being parallel to the roll axis the primary member is free for cross-machine thermal expansion. A primary member shown is sheet form, mounted between sheet metal members, one with a restraint surface. Sheet materials of polyolefins, wood pulp, etc. are dry microcreped at improved rates and materials not heretofore capable of being processed can now be processed.
US07854044B1 Multi-strand cable attachment hub
A multi-strand cable attachment hub securing multiple trees or multiple poles together includes a hub base made of aluminum or another suitable soft metal with respectively angled tapered channels extending therethrough with tapered inner bodies made of stainless steel or other suitable hard metal with a central aperture extending therethrough. Multi-strand steel cables extending respectively through the channels and the ends partially unwound with a single strand threaded through the central apertures in the tapered inner bodies and the remaining strands threaded between the inner bodies and channel walk. The single middle strands are bent over the ends of the tapered inner bodies and the inner bodies pulled into the corresponding channel to trap the strands between each inner body and the wall of the channel.
US07854040B1 Portable germ barrier
A portable, compact germ barrier for protecting a person from direct contact with an unsanitary surface, such as a doorknob, a toilet handle, or the like, is disclosed. A flexible fabric web is fixed to a plurality of stiffening rods that are each pivotally connected at a proximal end thereof to an actuating mechanism fixed through a central aperture of the web. The actuating mechanism includes an actuator for moving the ribs between a closed and an open position. In use, the person manually actuates the actuator, causing the actuating mechanism to pivot each of the ribs from the closed position into the open position. When in the open position, the germ barrier may be used to grasp the surface through the web, preventing direct contact between the person and the surface. The germ barrier is portable, compact, easy to use and it may be kept close-by, such as on a keychain.
US07854039B2 Handle assembly rotatable in all directions and cleaner having the same
A cleaner having a handle assembly rotatable in all directions is disclosed, the handle assembly including a housing; a handle which is capable of being gripped by a user; a connection unit which connects the handle with the housing to rotate in all directions; and an elastic unit which elastically biases the handle to a neutral position. As the handle is capable of rotating in all directions, a user can clean a surface without feeling strain in his or her joints.
US07854038B2 Vacuum cleaner with removable handle
A cleaning apparatus includes a base. A bracket is attached to the base. Wheels are rotatably attached to the base for wheeling the base across a floor. A cleaning attachment is configured to be attached to the base and moved against the floor to clean the floor as the base is wheeled across the floor. The base is manually pushed by a handle to wheel the base across the floor. The handle is configured to be removably attached to the base by being hooked onto the bracket and then pivoted relative to the bracket into an installed position.
US07854036B2 Toothbrush
A toothbrush head having an undulating surface with at least one more displaced part and at least one less displaced part and with bristles having a triangular cross section extending from a more displaced part of the bristle face.
US07854033B1 Apparatus and method for cleaning a mop
A mobile machine for removing dry particulate matter from a mop, cloth or duster by agitation. A drum with flexible, resilient fingers rotates and agitates the mop, cloth or duster to loosen the particulate matter. An electric fan sucks ambient air and the particulate matter to a chamber wherein it is wetted by a liquid mist introduced by spray nozzles. The mist combines with the particulate matter to form larger particulates. The particulate matter and larger particulates are passed through a filter to remove the particulate matter and larger particulates, which drop onto a removable tray.
US07854032B2 Portable ramp for motor vehicles
A portable ramp for motor vehicles molded from co-polymer where the ramp has a longitudinal spine extending through a grid, has a sloped portion and a horizontal upper portion to support a wheel of a vehicle. The wheel is in direct contact with the grid and the grid is open from top to bottom between the spine and the side walls. The spine has an arc-shaped cross-section.
US07854026B2 Athletic equipment enabling enhanced mobility
A shoulder pad apparatus includes a chest plate. A shoulder cap is formed at an upper portion of the chest plate. A shoulder flap connects to the shoulder cap. An upper arm flap pivotably connects to the shoulder flap. At least one arcuate shell also may pivotably connect to the shoulder flap.
US07854020B2 Safety drain holding system
Safety drain holding systems are disclosed. According to one aspect, a system can include a medical support garment comprising a medical container holder having first and second ends and at least one pocket. The pocket is adapted to support at least one container for storing bodily fluid output from a patient to the container. The medical support garment comprises a belt including first and second ends adapted for releasable attachment to the first and second ends, respectively, of the medical container holder such that the pocket is held adjacent to the waist of the patient when the first and second ends of the belt are attached to the first and second ends, respectively, of the medical container holder.