| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07861743B1 |
Sacrificial conduit lining system
A sacrificial lining system for a conduit is disclosed and comprises a liner portion having a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end defining a proximal opening and the distal end defining a distal opening. The lining system further comprises a flange portion positioned at and being united to the proximal end of the liner portion. The flange portion surrounds the proximal opening. The distal end of the liner portion is free of any flange structure to permit the distal end to be freely insertable into and through the lumen of the conduit. |
| US07861741B2 |
Hydraulic flow control valve with flow rate setting adjustability
A hydraulic flow control valve allowing easy adjustment of fluid flow for a variety of hydraulic attachments is disclosed. The hydraulic flow control valve comprises a spool and a flow rate setting adjustment device configured to adjust a flow rate setting of the hydraulic flow control valve by adjusting the amount of travel allowed for the spool. An associated method of operating the hydraulic flow control valve is disclosed. |
| US07861739B2 |
Hydraulic pressure damping device
A hydraulic pressure damping device mainly comprises a valve body of which a joint port is provided with a control valve of which one end is provided with a first joint to valve a switch of the valve body between a water inlet and a water outlet. A second joint at the other end of control valve is conjoint with a hydraulic pressure damper to damp the hydraulic pressure. Thus, it is easy to assemble and replace the hydraulic pressure damping device, and materials and installation space may be saved. |
| US07861738B2 |
Remanufactured machine component and remanufacturing process
A process for remanufacturing valve bodies, such as fuel injector valve bodies, includes regrinding a valve seat of a salvaged valve body with a grinding apparatus, and linking a center axis of the valve seat with a center axis of a guide bore for a valve which contacts the valve seat. Linking the center axis of the valve seat with the center axis of the bore includes contacting a locating element of the grinding apparatus with a locating surface on an outer diameter of the valve body during regrinding the valve seat. Locating on the outer diameter enables run-out between the axes to be inhibited during regrinding the valve seat based on concentric congruity between the locating surface and the bore. |
| US07861737B2 |
Method of optimizing heavy crude transportation by incorporation under pressure of dimethyl ether
Heavy crude transportation optimization method wherein at least one solvent is added to said crude. According to the method, a predetermined amount of dimethyl ether (DME) is added under pressure so as to adjust the viscosity of the crude. |
| US07861736B2 |
Mechanism for opening and closing a foldable tent or awning
A mechanism for opening and closing a tent or awning is disclosed. A plurality of poles are pivotally attached to a hub at upper engagement points. A plurality of braces are pivotally coupled to the poles at lower engagement points at one end and pivotally coupled to a base at another end. The base has a shaft slidable in the hub and the shaft houses a biasing member which generates an upward force on the shaft which is transmitted to the braces and the poles. The upward force urges the poles to pivot toward the open position when the lower engagement point is radially outward of the upper engagement point, and the upward force urges the poles to pivot toward the closed position when the lower engagement point is radially inward of the upper engagement point. |
| US07861727B1 |
Cigar splitter apparatus
The cigar splitter apparatus provides a smoker of cigars with a compact, precise tool for splitting a cigar along its axis. The apparatus can be selectively latched in a closed position for safety. Further, the cutter does not extend beyond the boundary of the apparatus so that use is also safe. |
| US07861720B1 |
Axillary support cushion device
A patient axillary support cushion utilizing a first member having a base, a first leg, and a second leg. First and second legs are connected to the base to form a channel for placement adjacent the axilla of a patient. The first leg is shorter than the second leg and is intended to allow the placement of endo-tracheal tubes. A second member formed of softer material overlies the channel formed by the elements of the first member. The second member may include convoluted surface characteristics for pressing the skin of the patient. |
| US07861719B1 |
High surface area chemical/biological air-purifying filter
Airflow is improved for multi-agent chemical biological air-purifying apparatus by providing a filter module that has multiple filter elements contained within a substantially sealed housing. The housing secures the filter elements in a spaced relation such that the top and bottom faces of each filter element are exposed to the flow of air and provides an air path within the housing adapted to channel air through the multiple filter elements in a parallel flow. The filter module may be made from a flexible and resilient plastic material and may be contoured to conform to the shape of a helmet liner or similar headgear. |
| US07861715B2 |
Mask system
A mask system for treating sleep disordered breathing, comprising headgear, a shell/cushion including a channel adjacent a front aperture, a frame, an elbow including at least one undercut on a proximal end, a retaining ring including a rear flange adapted to be retainably insertable in the channel of the shell/cushion, and a front flange adapted to retainably engage with the at least one undercut of the elbow. |
| US07861714B2 |
Respiratory mask assembly
A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a mask frame, a mask cushion and a cushion clip to secure the mask cushion and mask frame. |
| US07861705B2 |
Vertical food smoker/cooker
A vertical food cooker includes: (a) an open-bottomed upper warming portion including: a support frame, a temperature measuring gauge, an adjustable upper air vent, and an openable cooker lid, the support frame including a substantially cylindrical-shaped upper collar and at least two spaced apart rails extending generally downward from the upper collar; (b) a cooker base portion including: a burn chamber, an adjustable base damper to the burn chamber, a substantially planar fire pan at a bottom of the otherwise bottomless burn chamber, and at least three legs; (c) a cooker mid portion between the upper warming portion and the base portion, the mid portion including between about one and about six substantially cylindrically shaped, open-bottomed, independently openable, stacked cooking drawers; and (d) grate brackets attached to the support frame, each of the cooking drawers, and the burn chamber; grill grates being supportable on the grate brackets. An expandable base unit vertical food cooker and a cooker add-on kit are also included. |
| US07861700B2 |
Slingshot pouch
An improved slingshot pouch with a holding means in which the pouch walls apply equal pressure across the surface of a pressure sensitive projectile. As a result of the uniform pressure on the projectile, it can be fired with confidence that it will not burst or be crushed during the process. The pouch is generally spherically shaped and is formed from a flexible and pliable material. The pouch comprises a triangular handle, a wall, end arms, ribs, and angle arms. The pouch has a smooth inside lining without flex fingers or other projections. The pouch is provided with a triangular gripping element attached in a pigtail fashion at its rearward side. |
| US07861699B2 |
Ball tossing apparatus and method
A ball tossing apparatus includes a support frame and a plurality of launch devices fixed to the support frame and arranged in a two-dimensional array. The launch devices include cylinders having a spring fixed therein, with a ball carrier fixed to the spring. The balls are retained in a loaded position (springs compressed) and then upon activation of the launch devices are launched vertically into the air to the sports player. In another embodiment, the launch devices include a rotating lever which is acted on by a biasing member to launch the ball vertically from the cylinder. A method for launching the balls includes the steps of loading the balls into a two dimensional array, and then launching the balls according to a launch sequence. An electronic control system for use with the ball tossing apparatus includes a launch module for launching the loaded balls in the plurality of launch devices according to a launch sequence. The launch sequences can be randomly generated, programmed by the sports player, or retrieved from memory. The launch of the balls can also be controlled remotely. |
| US07861696B2 |
Multi fuel co-injection system for internal combustion and turbine engines
An improved multi-fuel supply and co-injection system and method for powering internal combustion and turbine engines, whereby various combinations of fuels, both liquid and gaseous, may be mixed together and fed into the system, under the real-time control of a microprocessor responding to a variety of sensors and acting on a variety of control devices, all working together in a manner designed to enhance the utilization of the thermal content of the various fuels, and in particular to enhance the combustion efficiency and increase the power output while decreasing the consumption of fuel, calculated both by quantity and by cost and whereby the liquid fuel lubricates the moving parts of the injection system. |
| US07861694B2 |
Fuel supply system for internal combustion engine
A high-pressure return passage returns excess fuel in a delivery pipe that is connected to an injector to a fuel tank. An upstream end of the high-pressure return passage is connected to the delivery pipe via a high-pressure regulator. A vertically lower portion of the high-pressure return passage is vertically below the upstream end and the downstream end. A low-pressure return passage returns excess fuel in a main passage to the fuel tank. The switch valve switches the open state and the closed state of the low-pressure return passage. A control section controls the switch valve to the closed state after the engine is stopped and drives the fuel pump so as to execute a forced return process that flows fuel into the high-pressure return passage. |
| US07861693B2 |
Injection system for an internal combustion engine, and internal combustion engine
An injection system for an internal combustion engine has at least one injector (18) which is coupled hydraulically to a fuel accumulator (16), a prefeed pump (12) for feeding fuel from a fuel tank (10), a high pressure pump (14) which is arranged downstream behind the prefeed pump (12) for feeding the fuel into the fuel accumulator (16), and a line (42) which branches off downstream of the prefeed pump (12) and upstream of the high pressure pump (14) and is coupled hydraulically to an exhaust section injector (47), by way of which fuel can be injected into an exhaust section of the internal combustion engine. |
| US07861692B2 |
Coupling arrangement
A coupling arrangement has a fuel injector cup with a central longitudinal axis coupled to a fuel rail at a first axial end area and to a ring element at a second axial end area by a circlip. The cup has at least two slots arranged at the second end area and at least two grooves arranged at least partly circumferentially the cup and axially overlapping with the slots. The ring element is arranged at the central longitudinal axis facing the second end area and coupled to a housing. The ring element has at least two protrusions facing the cup having at least two grooves arranged at least partly circumferentially the ring element in a common plane with the grooves. The circlip is arranged at least partly circumferentially the cup at least partly in the grooves and arranged at least partly circumferentially the ring element at least partly in the grooves. |
| US07861684B2 |
Compression ignition engine and method for controlling same
An engine having improved combustion characteristics is provided. The engine includes a fuel injection system that is variable between two operational states. In the first operating state, the fuel injectors provide a fuel spray having first spray pattern characteristics. When the system detects that an operation characteristic exceeds a threshold, the fuel injectors are displaced into a second operating state. In the second operating state, the fuel injectors provide a spray pattern having first spray pattern characteristics. The combustion cycle may be characterized by timing the fuel injection so that the fuel is sprayed into the cylinder early in the compression stroke. Further still, the combustion cycle may be characterized by controlling the fuel pressure so that the fuel pressure is inversely related to the load on the engine. |
| US07861679B2 |
Cylinder and piston assemblies for opposed piston engines
In an opposed piston engine, a pair of pistons are disposed in opposition in the bore of a cylinder. The cylinder includes first liquid coolant grooves having a first cooling capacity to cool a portion of the cylinder extending from a central portion toward an exhaust port, and second liquid coolant grooves having a second cooling capacity, less than the first cooling capacity, to cool a portion of the cylinder extending from the central portion toward an inlet port. Each piston includes a cylindrical skirt with a crown and an open end opposite the crown, a piston rod with a bore, a first end attached to a back surface of the crown, and a second end extending through the open end of the skirt, a radial array of liquid coolant flow passages in communication with the bore and disposed between the first end and the back surface of the crown, and a single wristpin retained on the second end section of the piston rod and positioned externally to the piston. |
| US07861678B2 |
High-efficiency water heater dip tube and method for reducing turbulence in water heaters
A high-efficiency water heater dip tube includes a wall having orifices formed therein for conducting an outflow of relatively colder water from the dip tube into relatively hotter water in an interior of a water heater. The orifices have a size, number, shape, pattern and location for at least minimizing turbulence, for reducing admixing near the tube, for diluting, equalizing and blending efflux flow and for reducing outflow force and speed. A method for reducing turbulence in water heaters includes providing a dip tube including a wall having orifices formed therein, conducting an outflow of relatively colder water from the dip tube into relatively hotter water in an interior of the water heater, and selecting a size, number, shape, pattern and location of the orifices for at least minimizing turbulence, reducing admixing near the tube, diluting, equalizing and blending efflux flow and reducing outflow force and speed. |
| US07861677B2 |
Animal waste collection apparatus
Among other things, apparatus and methods are disclosed for collecting animal waste. A garment or harness is provided for placement on a dog or other animal that collects eliminated waste before the waste contacts the ground, and without having to pick up the waste. |
| US07861676B2 |
Training guidance system for canines, felines, or other animals
A computer-aided training and management system that uses a computer or other processor in wireless communication with an instrumented dog collar and/or optionally, one or more dog interaction devices, such as, for example, video monitors, loudspeakers, video cameras, training toys (e.g., ball, bone, moving toy, etc.), an animatronics “trainer,” a treat dispenser, a food dispensing and monitoring device, a water dispensing and monitoring device, tracking devices, a dog door, dog-monitoring doghouse, a dog-monitoring dog toilet, is described. In one embodiment, the instrumented dog collar is in two-way communication with a central computer system. |
| US07861675B2 |
Containment apparatus for containing gestating sows
Gestating sows are housed in a series of gestation stalls arranged in a row and backing onto an open alley along a rear of the row of stalls into which the sow can enter by backing out of the stall. A common trough extends along the front of the stalls and is fastened to the floor by fasteners which connect trough sections end to end. The common trough provides a support for the front end of the side walls defining the stalls. A rear gate closes the rear of each stall and connects to a front gate of the stall operable to close the rear gate by the sow as it moves in the stall toward the front. The rear gate latches closed to prevent entry of another sow but is releasable by rear pressure on the rear gate from the sow backing out. |
| US07861671B2 |
Top-fill hummingbird feeder
A liquid birdfeeder includes a generally upstanding container having a large opening at its top end and a bottleneck opening at its lower end. A quarter-turn removable cap is screw-threaded onto the top end to seal the top end opening. The lower bottleneck opening is screw-threaded into a central collar of a feeding basin having a plurality of feeding ports. An actuator rod extends longitudinally through the container and is operatively connected to a biased sealing mechanism which selectively seals or opens the bottleneck opening. When the removable cap is screw-threaded onto the top end opening, the cap depresses the actuator rod causing the biased sealing mechanism to move to an open position which allows liquid to flow out from the container into the feeding basin. When the removable cap is removed, the actuator rod can move upwardly under the force of the biased sealing mechanism, which moves the sealing mechanism to a closed position and prevents liquid in the container from flowing into the feeding basin. The container can then be filled through the top opening without flooding the feeding basin. In one preferred embodiment, the bird feeder includes a common functional feeding module connected within an outer decorative cladding by an interference fit. |
| US07861667B2 |
Multi-part electrode for a semiconductor processing plasma reactor and method of replacing a portion of a multi-part electrode
An improved upper electrode system has a multi-part electrode in which a central portion of the electrode having high wear is replaceable independent of an outer peripheral portion of the electrode. The upper electrode can be used in plasma processing systems for processing semiconductor substrates, such as by etching or CVD. The multi-part upper electrode system is particularly useful for large size wafer processing chambers, such as 300 mm wafer processing chambers for which monolithic electrodes are unavailable or costly. |
| US07861665B2 |
Pipeline pig signal with adjustable mounting
An improved signal with adjustable mounting to allow the signal to be oriented to face any direction, without rotating the pressure-containing plug, and with integral seal to protect the outer threads of the mounting nipple. |
| US07861662B2 |
Inflatable kayak type boat and method for making same
An inflatable boat comprising an inflation structure which in turn has a drop stitch structure which is made of upper and lower fabric layers and also a core section made up in an array of threads extending throughout the drop stitch structure. The outside contour comprises a watertight/air tight sidewall enclosing the drop stitch structure and there is a seating compartment within the drop stitch structure and an interior wall sealing off the inside of the flotation structure. |
| US07861655B2 |
Super compressed detonation method and device to effect such detonation
A method and apparatus are provided for detonation of a super-compressed insensitive energetic material by cylindrical implosion followed by an axial detonation to a detonation velocity several times that of TNT and a detonation pressure in excess of ten times that of TNT. The device provides a conical metal flyer shell within which is disposed a cylindrical anvil surrounded by explosive. The anvil retains an insensitive energetic material to be compressed and detonated. A first detonation of explosive by impact of the flyer shell generates a reverberating oblique shock wave system for sample compression. Axial detonation of the compressed sample through any length of a sample is achieved following the principal of matching the axial velocity and compression time of the oblique shock wave system to the detonation velocity and induction delay time of the compressed sample. The method and apparatus are also applicable to enhancing the effect of anti-armor and anti-hard-target munitions. The apparatus is also applicable to inert sample compression to the megabar range without using the axial detonation. |
| US07861650B2 |
Method and apparatus for adjusting a substrate support
A stencil printer for printing viscous material on a substrate includes a frame, a stencil, and a print head to deposit and print viscous material over the stencil. A substrate support supports a substrate in a print position. A substrate support movement assembly includes a first movement mechanism configured to move the substrate support in a first direction, a second movement mechanism configured to move the substrate support in a second direction, the second direction being generally perpendicular to the first direction, and a third movement mechanism, spaced from a first movement mechanism, configured to move the substrate in the first direction. The stencil printer further includes a controller coupled to the substrate support movement assembly to move the substrate support by the first, second and third movement mechanisms in an x-direction, a y-direction and a rotational direction to align the substrate. |
| US07861647B2 |
Kitchen utensil with a suction base mechanism
A kitchen utensil is disclosed as including a body member, a switch member, and a suction member, wherein when said suction member rests on a support surface, said switch member is swivellable relative to said body member and said suction member between a first position in which the space between said suction member and said support surface is of a first volume and a second position in which at least part of said suction member is moved away from said surface whereby the space between said suction member and said support surface is of a second volume which is larger than said first volume to releasably secure said utensil to said support surface. |
| US07861643B2 |
Piston device
The present invention discloses a piston device which is disposed in a cylinder. The cylinder has a chamber including a bore and an inner wall. The piston device comprises a piston body and at least an annular ring. The piston body has a top side and a bottom side, the diameter of the piston body is smaller than the bore, and either one of the top side or the bottom side has a convex portion. The annular ring is clamped to the top side or the bottom side by engaging said convex portion, and the annular ring has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the piston body. While said piston therein moves reciprocally at which the axial direction of the cylinder, the annular ring slides against the inner wall but the piston body has no contact with said inner wall. |
| US07861642B2 |
Valve block, tool attachment, a working machine and the use of a valve block
A valve block disposed adjacent a tool attachment of a working machine, where the tool attachment is adapted for connection to different types of hydraulically maneuvered tools or implements with the aid of a hydraulically actuated locking device. The valve block includes first port means, second port means, and third port means for connecting hydraulic lines of the working machine to hydraulic coupling elements and to the locking device respectively. The valve block includes a line system and valve means which communicate with the port means so as to fulfill at least three of the following five functions: ensuring the presence of pressure in the locking device in the event of a fracture in the hydraulic lines of the working machine; ensuring connection of the first port means with either the second port means or the third port means to obtain post-tensioning of the locking device to relieve the pressure load; and to provide pressure limitation. |
| US07861639B1 |
Artillery projectile extractor
A hand operated projectile extractor to remove unspent projectiles from 155 mm howitzers, which extractor is generally cylindrical, about 18 inches in length, with a handle extending from the rear thereof and with an overall weight of at least about 30 pounds, to provide enough momentum to eject the projectile. When rammed into the muzzle of a howitzer and down the barrel thereof, the ogive of the projectile enters the open front of the extractor's cylindrical body and will be impacted by a compression ring along the extractor's front edge, which compression ring has a minimum internal diameter of 4.75 inches and is formed of particular flat and curved surfaces which will not bind to either the projectile or the barrel. |
| US07861638B1 |
Transparent blast and ballistic projectile resistant barrier
A transparent blast and ballistic projectile resistant barrier is comprised of a two-dimensional array of transparent hardened tiles that are encapsulated in a transparent resin layer. Preferably, the hardened tiles are transparent ceramic tiles, and the resin layer is a transparent polyurethane encapsulating the tiles. Additional transparent polycarbonate layers and glass fiber layers are also employed reinforcing the transparent barrier and providing the transparent barrier with polished exterior surfaces. |
| US07861635B1 |
Ambidextrous charging handle for a firearm
An ambidextrous charging handle for a firearm consists of an oblong handle having a crossbar section. A cavity is formed in the oblong handle and includes a slotted portion. A longitudinal central shaft extends generally perpendicularly from the crossbar section of the oblong handle and terminates in a bolt hook at a distal end. A pivotable latch in the cavity includes a latch cam portion and a latch hook. A plunger has a plunger cam portion and is slidably disposed in the slotted portion of the cavity. A biasing element urges the latch hook toward the central shaft. Slidable movement of the plunger in the slotted portion of the cavity, against the bias of the biasing element, urges the cam portion of the plunger against the latch cam portion, thereby pivoting the latch and urging the latch hook away from the central shaft. |
| US07861633B2 |
Angular adjustment apparatus for a miter saw
An angular adjustment apparatus for a miter saw having a base and a turntable mounted to the base and rotatable around a generally centrally located axis, the turntable having a handle portion for rotating the turntable relative to the base. The apparatus includes an arcuate rack gear positioned on the base, and an elongated adjustment mechanism associated with the handle portion. The adjustment mechanism includes a pinion gear configured to engage the rack gear when brought into contact therewith, and a control wheel operatively connected to the pinion gear. The control wheel is rotatable around an axis concentric with the pinion gear and moveable along the concentric axis to cause the pinion gear to selectively engage and disengage the rack gear, wherein rotation of the control wheel while the pinion gear is engaged with the rack gear causes the turntable to rotate relative to the base. |
| US07861632B2 |
Knife holder for a microtome
A knife holder for a microtome has a plate arranged pivotably on its base member, which, in its functional position, covers the cutting edge of the knife and is spaced apart from the cutting plane towards the side of the knife holder remote from the specimen. The plate is also spaced apart from the knife holder on the side of the cutting edge of the knife. The plate precludes gripping of the cutting edge of the knife and a pivoting mechanism for the plate is coupled to a switch. When the plate is pivoted out of the functional position, the motor drive of the cutting movement is locked, or a brake precludes any movement of the knife slide or specimen slide. The plate preferably consists of a transparent material to permit observation of section removal in the functional position. |
| US07861631B2 |
System and method for cutting roofing shingles
A system and method for cutting shingles according to which a plurality of cutting blades are mounted on the outer circumference of a cutting cylinder, and the cylinder is rotated with the blades engaging the sheet while effecting relative translational movement between the cylinder and the sheet so that shingles are cut from the sheet upon one rotation of the cylinder. |
| US07861630B2 |
Method and apparatus for portion cutting of food products or similar items
A method and an apparatus for increasing the capacity and precision of a portion cutter wherein the items to be portion cut are positioned abutting each other. In particular are provided a method and apparatus for identifying a boundary between consecutive items to be cut when the items are placed on a conveyor abutting each other with little or no gab between the items. At least one characteristic is measured for each of the items, and at least one process parameter is controlled in order to achieve predetermined product portions from the items based on the measured characteristic. |
| US07861628B2 |
Method for calibrating a web-cutter having a chip-out cutter module
A calibration procedure is carried out for determining the displacement distance from a reference point to the center of the blade in a web cutter in a mail inserter. A photosensor is placed near the paper plane of the web cutter to sense a web edge at the reference point downstream or upstream from the blade. At the start of the calibration procedure, the blade is caused to cut the web for providing a web edge. The web edge is moved in a backward and forward motion over the photosensor a few times for determining the theoretical center position of the photosensor relative to the position where the web is cut by the blade. By taking into account the chip-out width, the displacement distance from the center of the photosensor to the center of the chip out blade can be determined. |
| US07861625B2 |
Dynamic alignment monitoring system for on-vehicle disk brake lathe
A dynamic alignment monitoring system allows an operator to monitor the misalignment of an on-vehicle disk brake lathe with respect to a vehicle axis about which the disk to be machined rotates, and can allow the operator to discontinue further alignment when appropriate in order to speed the overall time of the alignment process. The system processes signals from an angular rate sensor and a tachometer, using a scaling routine to derive a LRO value corresponding to the LRO of the disk which would result from machining in the current alignment condition. A representation of the derived LRO value is displayed to the operator. An operator override can allow the operator to discontinue further alignment adjustments when an acceptable alignment condition is indicated. The system can aid the operator by also presenting a representation of an acceptable LRO value for the particular vehicle being serviced. |
| US07861623B2 |
Screw fastening machine
It is an object of the invention to provide an effective technique for preventing loss of a screw fastening depth regulating member removed from a machine body in a screw fastening machine. A representative screw fastening machine includes a machine body, a motor, an input shaft, an output shaft, a first clutch element, a second clutch element, a biasing member for first and second clutch elements, a screw fastening depth regulating member. The machine body has a holding part formed in an area other than the tip end region of the machine body to removably hold the screw fastening depth regulating member. The holding part is provided such that the screw fastening depth regulating member can be attached to and removed from the holding part by utilizing elastic deformation of the holding part. |
| US07861622B2 |
Locking pliers
A lockable pliers comprises a fixed assembly comprising a first handle supporting a first jaw. A second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw between an open position and a closed, locked position. A second handle is movable relative to the first handle and is connected to the second jaw at a fixed pivot. A toggle-link locking mechanism locks the second jaw in the closed, locked position. A movable pivot connects the second jaw to the fixed assembly such that the second jaw can move relative to the fixed assembly when the second jaw is in the closed, locked position and a torque is applied to the pliers. |
| US07861619B2 |
Power tong
A power tong construction in particular designed to annul compulsory forces that may arise within the tong construction during makeup/breakout operations of pipe joints in a string of pipes, is shown. The power tong construction is one unit having a main frame carrying a torque tong and a backup tong. The main frame is located on a drill floor on board a vessel or fixed installation, and is moveably arranged in guide rails. The torque tong is loosely suspended and “floatingly” arranged in the power tong construction, said power tong thereby having a limited freedom of motion in all directions in the horizontal plane and vertical plane, and has means to counteract external rotation and annulment of compulsory forces, when the power tong makes up/breaks out pipe joints, arranged between the power tong and the main frame. |
| US07861617B2 |
Hand-operated swage device
A hand-operated swage device includes a first hand-operated actuator and a second hand operated actuator that, when actuated together, control the sequential operation of a clamping mechanism and a swaging mechanism of the hand-operated swage device. For example, the first actuator of the swage device is disposed on a first handle while the second actuator is disposed on a second handle of the swage device. To operate the hand-operated swage device, an operator grasps the first handle with one hand and grasps the second handle with his other hand to actuate both of the actuators in a substantially simultaneous manner. Actuation of both actuators controls sequential delivery of pressurized air to a first pneumatic device mechanically coupled to the clamping mechanism and to a second pneumatic device mechanically coupled to the swaging mechanism. |
| US07861614B2 |
Apparatus for operating a distribution chute for changing ores and coals into a furnace
A driving apparatus for a blast furnace charging distribution chute includes: a driving unit comprising a crankshaft connected to a motor to rotate with a variable rotational radius; a power transmission unit comprising a plurality of connection rods connected to the driving unit to linearly transmit power; and a working unit connected to the power transmission unit and fixed to circumference of a distribution chute to rotate or tilt the distribution chute. |
| US07861610B2 |
Adjustable seating furniture
Furniture drive for displacing parts of a piece of furniture relative to one another, includes a linearly displaceable drive element for pivoting a pivot shaft that, when furniture drive is in a mounted position, is operatively connected to a part of the piece of furniture to be displaced, and drive element is connected in the manner of a crank mechanism via a rod-like power transmission element to pivot shaft, one end of which is connected to drive element in an articulated manner, however without displacing in the longitudinal direction of power transmission element, and other end of which is connected in an articulated manner to a crank pin of pivot shaft, the position and distance of coupling points of power transmission element on drive element and pivot shaft being selected such that power transmission element, during displacing movement, changes the angular position by more than 20°, preferably more than 40°. |
| US07861609B2 |
Apparatus for constructing a target core from unconsolidated sand and method for use of same
An apparatus for constructing a target core to enable testing at simulated wellbore conditions. The apparatus includes a support core having a target core receiving region. A flexible jacket is operable to receive the support core and apply a confining stress to the support core. A quantity of unconsolidated sand is disposed within the target core receiving region of the support core. The support core is operable to transmit at least a portion of the confining stress to the unconsolidated sand, thereby forming the target core. The apparatus simulates downhole conditions such that flow tests may be performed on the target core before and after perforating the target core. |
| US07861607B1 |
Pressurized fluid station
The present invention is directed to a pressurized fluid station. In an exemplary embodiment, the pressurized fluid station includes a vessel for receiving a sample probe. The vessel includes walls contoured to form a seal around the sample probe. Further, a delivery system is coupled to the vessel for delivery of a pressurized fluid to the sample probe while the sample probe is disposed within the vessel. In use, the formation of a seal around the sample probe and delivery of a pressurized fluid into the probe while such probe is disposed within the vessel allows for removal of sample blockage from the probe as well as high speed rinsing of the sample probe in between analyses. |
| US07861605B2 |
Pressure distribution sensor utilizing electromagnetic coupling
A pressure distribution sensor utilizing electromagnetic coupling in which alignment of electromagnetically coupled coils is facilitated, and a force in a slip direction can be detected. The pressure distribution sensor utilizing electromagnetic coupling has a detection surface comprises a plurality of first loop wires (1) arranged in parallel on the same plane, a plurality of second loop wires (2) arranged in parallel on the same plane in the direction perpendicular to the first loop wires (1), and a plurality of third loop wires (3) arranged in parallel on the same plane as the first loop wires. The third loop wires (3) are formed to be connectable to a drive section (10) in a separated manner from the first loop wires. The drive section (10) connected to the first loop wires drives the first loop wires, and a detecting section (20) connected to the second loop wires detects pressure from detection signals based on electromagnetic coupling at the electromagnetic coupling portions from the second loop wires. |
| US07861600B2 |
Apparatus for ascertaining and/or monitoring fill level and/or flow of a medium
An apparatus for ascertaining and/or monitoring fill level and/or flow of a medium in a containment, including: at least one antenna, which radiates and/or receives high frequency signals according to a predetermined radiation characteristic along a main radiating axis in the direction of the surface of the medium; a control/evaluation unit, which evaluates the reflected high frequency signals and determines fill level on the basis of the travel time of the high frequency signals and/or flow on the basis of a Doppler frequency of the reflected high frequency signals; and at least one lens located between the antenna and the medium and having a first focal length in the direction of the antenna and a second focal length in the direction of the medium. A first focal point of the first focal length of the lens is so selected that the emitted high frequency signals of the antenna hit the lens within the lens aperture and that a second focal point of the second focal length lies in an opening region of the containment having an opening diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the lens aperture. |
| US07861597B2 |
High temperature transducer using SOI electronics
There is disclosed a high temperature pressure sensing system which includes a SOI Wheatstone bridge including piezoresistors. The bridge provides an output which is applied to an analog to digital converter also fabricated using SOI technology. The output of the analog to digital converter is applied to microprocessor, which microprocessor processes the data or output of the bridge to produce a digital output indicative of bridge value. The microprocessor also receives an output from another analog to digital converter indicative of the temperature of the bridge as monitored by a span resistor coupled to the bridge. The microprocessor has a separate memory coupled thereto which is also fabricated from SOI technology and which memory stores various data indicative of the microprocessor also enabling the microprocessor test and system test to be performed. |
| US07861595B2 |
Pressure sensing device for harsh environments
A pressure sensing device comprises a substrate having an opening, a pressure sensor die electrically connected to the substrate, and a pedestal having an upper surface that extends through the opening in the substrate, with the upper surface affixed to the sensor die. The pedestal has a pressure port that extends from the upper surface to a bottom surface of the pedestal, with the pressure port containing a hermetic sealing tube therein. A hermetic sealing cover is affixed to the substrate over the sensor die, with the cover and the substrate containing a reference pressure for the sensor die. A media isolation component has a chamber filled with a fluid that transmits a pressure applied to the media isolation component to the pressure sensor die. A capillary tube is affixed within the pressure port of the pedestal and is in communication with the sealing tube. The capillary tube and the sealing tube provide fluid communication between the chamber of the media isolation component and the sensor die. |
| US07861592B2 |
Blade shroud vibration monitor
A method for predicting a blade structure failure within a coupled blade structure including a plurality of blades supported for rotation on a rotor and a shroud structure coupling the blades. The method includes the steps of determining displacements of a plurality of predetermined circumferential locations on the shroud structure during rotation of the blade row, where the displacements are provided as a function of time relative to the periodic rotation of the shroud structure for time intervals that are integer multiples of rotor rotation. A signal characteristic related to vibrational mode and a nodal diameter of the shroud structure is derived based on the displacements of the circumferential locations on the shroud structure. |
| US07861587B2 |
Device for measuring the level of a liquid in a container with an ultrasonic transducer
The invention relates to a device for measuring the level of liquid in a container by means of an ultrasonic converter, comprising an ultrasonic converter which is disposed at a distance from the base such that it radiates towards the surface of the liquid and also towards a lower reflector. The ultrasonic converter is, preferably, integrated into a housing which has a large upper opening and a small lower opening. A cavity is arranged in the base of the device below the lower opening. |
| US07861585B2 |
Flowmeter
A flowmeter includes a flow sensor capable of measuring instantaneous flow rates of forward and backward flows of a fluid, smoothing means for smoothing the measured instantaneous flow rate, an integrating counter for integrating the smoothed flow rate and outputting an integrated flow rate, determination means for monitoring the smoothed flow rate to determine whether or not the fluid is fluctuating, an auxiliary counter for integrating, in place of the integrating counter, the smoothed flow rate while the fluid is judged to be fluctuating by the determination means and when fluctuation of the fluid is detected, and control means for adding an integrated flow rate held by the auxiliary counter to that held by the integrating counter when it is judged by the determination means that the fluid has begun to flow regularly, and causing the integrating counter to restart integrating the smoothed flow rate. |
| US07861577B2 |
Electric potential difference detection method and scanning probe microscope
An electric potential difference detection method detects an electric potential difference between a surface of a sample and a probe of a cantilever in a scanning probe microscope. An AC voltage having a frequency that is ½ of a resonance frequency of the cantilever is applied between the sample and the cantilever, and a magnitude of an amplitude of vibration of the cantilever is detected. On the basis of the detection, a determination is made as to whether an electric potential difference exists or does not exist between the surface of the sample and the cantilever probe. A determination that an electric potential difference between the surface of the sample and the cantilever probe does not exist is made in a case where the cantilever is resonating and the detected magnitude of the amplitude of vibration of the cantilever is greater than a predetermined magnitude. |
| US07861574B2 |
Photoacoustic spectroscopy system and technique for remote sensing of explosives and toxic chemicals
A user-friendly photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) system and process (technique) provides an open-field PAS instrument, unit and device to remotely sense explosives, chemicals and biological agents. The PAS system and process can include: a pulsed tunable laser, such as a CO2 laser, a reflector, such as a parabolic reflector, an acoustic reverberant resonator in which a microphone is installed, and a data acquisition and analysis system. |
| US07861569B2 |
Reaction device for forming equipment
A reaction device for forming equipment includes a base, a reaction member movably spaced therefrom by guides, and a return gas spring carried by the base and operatively engaged to the reaction member for yieldably biasing the reaction member away from the base. The base has a return gas spring passage and guide shaft passages spaced apart therefrom. A return gas spring is received in the return gas spring passage of the base, and has a piston rod with an end arranged for contact with the reaction member. The guides include guide shafts arranged for engagement with the reaction member and disposed in guide bushings, which are received in the guide shaft passages of the base and preferably project below the base for use in locating the reaction device on the forming equipment. |
| US07861568B2 |
Press forming die set and method
A die set for press-forming a blank of thin metallic sheet. The die set has a punch and a blank holder. The blank holder has a first bead for restraining an edge of the blank with a constant force. The first bead is disposed further to an inside than a second bead for restraining the edge of the blank with a force that varies during pressing of the blank. |
| US07861567B2 |
Method and apparatus to control the lateral motion of a long metal bar being formed by a mechanical process such as rolling or drawing
An apparatus to control lateral motion of a bar moving along a guidance path includes a pair of rotatable hubs each having at least first and second rollers at locations around the perimeter of the hub. The first roller has a first retaining groove of a first radius and the second roller has a second groove of a second radius smaller than the first radius. Each hub further includes at least one guiding element located between the rollers with a guide channel extending in the outer surface. A mounting system allows the hubs to be rotated between first and second positions. In the first position the first rollers oppose each other forming a guideway having a first, enlarged diameter for capturing a free end of an approaching bar. In the second position the second rollers form a second, smaller diameter to match the actual size of the bar. |
| US07861566B2 |
Sheet-bending press for making pipe
A bending press for making tubing from a substantially planar and longitudinally extending metal sheet has a support extending transversely generally parallel to the sheet vertically offset from the sheet, and a bender at one of the edges of the sheet and slidable transversely generally parallel to the sheet on the support. The bender has a pair of bending tools, a tie rod extending transversely in the direction adjacent the pair of tools, and an actuator braced transversely in the direction between the tie rod and the tools and extensible in the direction to tension the rod and press the tools against opposite faces of the sheets at the one edge to deform the one edge. A clamp is engageable between the bender and the support for releasably locking the bender to the support at any of a plurality of positions offset transversely therealong generally parallel to the sheet. |
| US07861565B2 |
Method for applying lubricant onto mandrel bar, method for controlling thickness of lubricant film on mandrel bar, and method for manufacturing seamless steel pipe
In applying a non-graphite-based lubricant composed of, by mass %, 10 to 70% of an oxide-based lamellar compound and 30 to 90% of boric acid onto a mandrel bar, the lubricant film thickness is set from a predetermined master curve for the lubricant film thickness corresponding to an amount of mica. This stably produces a seamless steel pipe of high quality, while preventing seizing marks and internal flaws. |
| US07861563B2 |
Dual locking system and latch incorporating therefor
A dual locking system having a manual lock and an electrical lock, and a shuttle connected to both the manual lock and the electrical lock. The shuttle is moveable by either the manual lock or electrical lock between an engaged position in which a hook on the shuttle can engage a prong and a disengaged position in which the hook does not engage a prong. Upon de-energization of the electrical lock, the shuttle remains in the engaged position if the shuttle was in the engaged position prior to de-energization and the shuttle remains in the unengaged position if the shuttle were in the unengaged position prior to de-energization. The dual locking system is incorporated in a latch. |
| US07861562B2 |
Vehicle mountable personal property securement device
A vehicle mountable personal property securement device includes a plurality of walls that device a housing with an aperture. A real is operably disposed in the housing for spring-biased rotation. A cable is threaded through the aperture of the housing and includes a first end that is secured to the reel. The second end of the cable is disposed external the housing and is terminated by a head of dimension greater than a diameter of the aperture. A ratchet is disposed in operable configuration in cooperation with the reel to enable ratcheted rotation of the reel in a first direction during cable extraction and further operable at periodic intervals of rotation to enable reversal of wheel rotation. |
| US07861553B2 |
Suction pipe assembly and manufacturing method thereof
Provided is a suction pipe assembly with improved heat conductivity and a manufacturing method thereof. The suction pipe assembly includes a suction pipe, a capillary, a heat transmission pipe, and an adhesive agent. The suction pipe is disposed between a compressor and an evaporator and guides a refrigerant ejected from the evaporator to the compressor in a cooling system executing cooling by circulating the refrigerant and including the compressor, the condenser and the evaporator. The capillary is disposed between the condenser and the evaporator and guides the refrigerant ejected from the condenser to the evaporator. The heat transmission pipe includes the capillary inside and a contact portion for widening a contact area to the suction pipe outside to tightly contact the suction pipe. The adhesive agent is interposed between an external surface of the suction pipe and the contact portion to connect the heat transmission pipe with the suction pipe. |
| US07861549B2 |
Dewpoint cooler
A dewpoint cooler comprises: two medium circuits coupled mutually via a heat-conducting wall, through which circuits two media can flow, wherein the second medium contains gas, which wall has heat-conducting protrusions; wherein the wall and the protrusions are covered with a hydrophilic coating which can absorb an evaporable liquid and relinquish it again through evaporation such that the wetted coating, and thereby also the heath-conducting surfaces and the protrusions, are cooled; a wetting unit for subjecting the secondary medium to wetting by the evaporable liquid by evaporating liquid from the coating such that the evaporated liquid entrained by the secondary medium extracts heat from the primary medium via the heath-conducting wall. The coating consists of a porous technical ceramic material, such as a mineral wool. |
| US07861548B2 |
Heat pump system and heat pump operation method
A compact heat pump system and a heat pump operation method, which can avoid the occurrence of surging in a compressor at startup of a heat pump and can directly supply vapor of a working medium produced by the compressor to an external heat-utilizing facility. The heat pump system includes an evaporator for recovering heat of an external heat source to a working medium supplied as liquid water from the exterior via a water feed channel, thereby evaporating the working medium, a compressor for compressing the working medium evaporated in the evaporator and increasing temperature of the evaporated working medium, and a driving unit for giving motive power to drive the compressor. The heat pump system further includes a supply channel for supplying, as a heat source, vapor of the working medium having temperature increased by the compressor to an external heat-utilizing facility, and a return channel branched from the supply channel and introducing the working medium discharged from the compressor to the evaporator. |
| US07861545B2 |
Air conditioning cut-out circuit
A cut-out circuit for an air conditioner protects the air conditioning system components when subjected to low pressure conditions, without manually resetting the system after low pressure cut-out. The cut-out circuit preferably includes a relay, connectable to a voltage source through a normally closed low pressure switch to a compressor clutch, the relay operable in a closed state to output a voltage from the voltage source through the low pressure switch to the clutch, and in an open state to interrupt the voltage. The low pressure switch may open responsive to a low pressure condition interrupting voltage flow to the clutch. The circuit includes a normally open high pressure switch, connected to the relay and a voltage source, operable to close responsive to a high pressure condition, to output a voltage from a voltage source to the relay for changing the relay operating state to open. |
| US07861537B2 |
Device and method of providing portable electrical, hydraulic and air pressure utilities for on-site tool applications
Improvements in the device and method of providing portable electrical, hydraulic and compressed air power to a variety of job site applications requiring the use of hand held industrial tools. |
| US07861533B2 |
Relighting a turbofan engine
The method and apparatus for in-flight relighting of a turbofan engine involve in one aspect selectively controlling an accessory drag load on one or more windmilling rotors to permit control of the windmill speed to an optimum value for relight conditions. |
| US07861527B2 |
Reheater temperature control
A thermal power generation apparatus comprises a boiler (15) and multiple turbine sets for high, intermediate and lower steam pressure operation. Steam exhausted from the high pressure turbine (HP), and reduced in both pressure and temperature, is returned to a reheater (19) for reheating. The reheated steam is then passed to a intermediate pressure turbine (IP). It is desirable to control the temperature of steam entering the intermediate pressure turbine (IP). The invention provides a system for effecting temperature control of the reheater stream in a thermal power plant. The system includes a reheater conduit (10, 21) adapted to define at least a part of a reheat flow path for steam between an exhaust of a high pressure turbine system (HP) and an inlet of a reheater system (19). The system further includes an indirect water/steam heat exchanger (B) having a heat exchange portion within the reheat flow path and defining a water flow path means adapted to receive and circulate feed water. The feed water may be taken from take off points (A, D) in the primary feed water stream. |
| US07861526B2 |
Steam generation plant and method for operation and retrofitting of a steam generation plant
The invention relates to a steam generation plant, comprising a steam generator (1) with a combustion chamber (8), an evaporator, a superheater (9), an intermediate superheater (12), a condenser (14), a feed water preheater (16, 19, 19′) regeneratively heated by steam, a steam turbine set (2) with a high-pressure section (4), a medium pressure section (5) and a low-pressure section (6), a flue gas line (22), connected to the combustion chamber (8), an air supply line (21), for the supply of combustion air to the burner in the combustion chamber (8) and an air preheater (3) with flue gas and combustion air passing therethrough. An air line (23) branches off from the air supply line (21) downstream of the air preheater (3) in said steam generation plant and supplies an air-fractionation unit (25). Air coolers (34, 35) are arranged in the air line (23) through which the condensate or feed water from the condensate/feed water circuit from the steam generator (1) flows. The oxygen output from the air fractionation unit (25) is connected to the burner of the combustion chamber (8) by means of an oxygen line (26). |
| US07861525B2 |
Dual volute turbocharger
A two-volute low pressure turbocharger is provided with a VGT mechanism in one turbine volute only. |
| US07861521B2 |
Method for regenerating a diesel particulate filter
A method is disclosed for regenerating a diesel particulate filter without excessively increasing NO2 emissions. The system includes a fuel delivery device, an oxidation catalyst, and a diesel particulate filter. During a first operational mode, the fuel injection device injects a relatively smaller amount of fuel into the exhaust stream to reduce the capacity of the oxidation catalyst to oxidize NO in the exhaust stream to NO2. At a determined time, a second operational mode is initiated where a relatively larger amount of fuel is injected into the exhaust stream and is oxidized within the oxidation catalyst, thereby raising the exhaust temperature sufficiently to combust substantially all of the soot trapped on the diesel particulate filter. |
| US07861519B2 |
Procedure to operate an exhaust gas treatment device and device to implement the procedure
A procedure to operate an exhaust gas treatment device, which contains a catalytically active surface for the exothermic conversion of a reagent substance, and a device to implement the procedure are proposed. Provision is made to measure a first measurement for the reaction temperature of the reagent substance in the area of the catalytically active surface as well as to calculate a second measurement for the reaction temperature using a model of the catalytically supported reaction. A measurement for the unconverted reagent substance in the area of the catalytically active surface is ascertained from a comparison of the two measurements. The procedural approach according to the invention makes possible on the one hand a protection of the exhaust gas duct components with regard to an excessive temperature and on the other hand an energy efficient heating of the exhaust gas duct components. |
| US07861518B2 |
System and method for NOx reduction optimization
An engine controller determines the cost of operating a combustion engine and the cost of operating an emissions after-treatment device. Accordingly, the engine controller adjusts parameters for operation of the engine and the after-treatment device to ensure cost-effective use of the engine and the after-treatment device while complying with exhaust emissions requirements. In particular, the engine controller receives the price of fuel consumed by the engine and the price of reductant used by the after-treatment device to determine the respective cost of operation. Specifically, the fuel is diesel fuel used in a diesel engine; the reductant is urea use in a urea-based Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system; and the regulated exhaust emissions is nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The engine operating parameters may include cooled exhaust gas recirculation airflow, fuel injection timing, fuel injection pressure, and air-to-fuel ratio. The SCR system operating parameters may include the volume of urea injected. |
| US07861517B2 |
Method and system for controlling catalyst temperature
A method for controlling temperature of a catalyst. The method includes monitoring temperature of the catalyst and determining that the catalyst is outside of a catalyst operating temperature window. If the catalyst temperature is high enough for exothermic reaction to occur, reformate is injected into the catalyst. If the catalyst not high enough for exothermic reaction to occur, reformate is injected upstream of the catalyst and ignited. |
| US07861516B2 |
Methods of controlling reductant addition
An exhaust system for a vehicular lean-burn internal combustion engine includes a NOx reduction catalyst, a source reductant, means (20) for contacting the catalyst with the reductant, means for sensing the temperature of the exhaust gas and/or the catalyst bed and means, when in use, for controlling reductant addition. The reductant addition control means supplies an amount of reductant to the catalyst at a rate corresponding to a measured temperature value of the exhaust gas and/or catalyst bed, which temperature value has been pre-determined to correlate, in use, with an amount of NOx in the exhaust gas. |
| US07861511B2 |
System for recirculating the exhaust of a turbomachine
A portion of the exhaust generated by a turbomachine is recirculated through an inlet portion by an exhaust gas recirculation system. The system reduces the level of harmful constituents within the exhaust before the exhaust is recirculated. |
| US07861507B2 |
High-strength prestressing strand, method for manufacturing the same, and concrete construction using the same
In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a high-strength prestressing strand having a seven-wire structure in which one core wire and six outer wires are stranded. An external diameter of the strand is from 15.0 mm to 16.1 mm, a total cross-sectional area of the strand is 135 mm2 or more, and a load at 0.2% permanent elongation is 266 kN or more. A relaxation value measured after a 1000-hour relaxation test is 2.5% or lower and a diameter of the core wire is 5.35±0.3 mm and a diameter of the outer wires is 5.15±0.25 mm. The core wire and the outer wires each have a composition of at least 0.90% carbon. The prestressing strand is manufactured by stranding the core wire and outer wires, giving a stretching treatment, and giving a bluing treatment at a temperature of 380° C. or more and 430° C. or less after or at the same time with the stretching treatment. |
| US07861502B1 |
Top adjusting linkage for leveling a mower deck
A top adjusting linkage for leveling a mower deck includes a generally vertically aligned lift rod connecting a pair of pivotable arms supporting the mower deck. One of the lift arms may be pivotably connected to a deck lift pedal. The lift rod has an effective length between the pivotable arms, and an engageable upper end to change the effective length. A fender deck with an access hole is provided directly above the upper end of the lift rod, so that an operator can engage the upper end of the lift rod. |
| US07861491B2 |
Medicine dispensing/packaging apparatus
A powder medicine dispensing/packaging apparatus includes: a divisional container composed of a first divisional container and a second divisional container connectable to each other and each including a plurality of powder medicine accommodation parts accommodating powder medicine in equal amounts corresponding to one package, each powder medicine accommodation part being equipped with a bottom plate that can be opened and closed; a carrying device for horizontally carrying the divisional container between an initial position and a first movement terminal position; a dispensing/packaging device for recovering powder medicine dropped from the divisional container carried by the carrying device by successively opening the bottom plates and dispensing/packaging the powder medicine package by package; and a swinging device for canceling the connection between the first divisional container and the second divisional container at the first movement terminal position to enable the first divisional container to move to a second movement terminal position and swinging the second divisional container to a retracted position. |
| US07861488B2 |
Corrugated decking flooring system
The invention includes a corrugated decking flooring system. The corrugated decking flooring system can include a corrugated deck having at least two flutes and a trough between the flutes. A sound insulation layer generally conformal with both the flutes and the troughs of the corrugated deck can be provided. An underlayment layer can be provided over the sound insulation layer. |
| US07861486B2 |
Flexible expansion and sealing joint and method for using the same
An expansion joint and seal is provided that is adapted for adherence to a wall and floor interface. The joint is operative to seal the interface such that self-leveling materials cannot flow between the wall and the floor. When adhered to the interface, a compressive member may be disposed coincidental to the wall. This compressive member allows for expansion of solidified self-leveling materials relative to the wall. In one arrangement, the joint and seal utilizes a flexible sheet member having a bottom surface that is adapted for adherence to the interface of a wall and floor. A compressible member is attached to the top surface of the flexible sheet member. The bottom surface of the flexible sheet member may also include a peel-away release member that covers an adhesive disposed on the bottom surface. |
| US07861477B2 |
Method for making a sound-insulating load-bearing floor
A method for making a sound-insulating load-bearing floor, includes the following steps: providing a load-bearing floor; applying a sound-insulating material onto the load-bearing floor so as to form a substantially continuous coating layer; allowing the substantially continuous coating layer to dry; wherein the sound-insulating material includes: 40% by weight to 95% by weight, preferably 60% by weight to 90% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sound-insulating material, of at least one rubber in a subdivided form; 5% by weight to 60% by weight, preferably 10% by weight to 40% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sound-insulating material, of at least one binding agent including at least one water-dispersible polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of −50° C. to +50° C., preferably of −40° C. to +10° C. |
| US07861476B2 |
Cementitious exterior sheathing product with rigid support member
Cementitious exterior sheathing products are provided which include a rigid support member affixed to a cementitious layer. The rigid support member includes at least one nailing flange disposed along one of its lateral sides for allowing the sheathing product to be affixed to an exterior wall of a building. Preferred mechanical and adhesive bonding techniques are suggested for combining the cementitious layer and rigid support member together to form an integrated product. Such products are lighter in weight and are more crack resistant than currently available fiber cement trim boards. |
| US07861475B2 |
Wall panel system including a pivot lock
A wall panel system includes a sliding wall panel assembly that includes a pivot lock for converting the wall panel assembly between a sliding configuration and a pivoting configuration. The pivot lock includes a first lock member that is configured to selectively prevent translation of the wall panel assembly along a track and a second lock member that is configured to selectively prevent pivoting of at least a portion of the wall panel assembly relative to the track. |
| US07861467B2 |
Baffle vent for manufactured housing
A baffle vent is formed to span several roof rafters in a panel form with alternating flat ribs and rounded valleys extending along the longitudinal length thereof. The spacing of the flat ribs is four inches on center so that the transverse width of the panel will be engaged properly with roof rafters spaced on a multiple of four inches. The baffle vent includes uniformly spaced transverse ribs that extend from one transverse edge of the panel to the other to stiffen the panel which is formed of vacuum molded polyvinyl chloride film. The baffle panel is placed on top of the roof rafters before the roof sheeting is applied so that the insulation will force the baffle vent against the roof where the flat ribs engage the roof sheeting and the rounded valleys provide a passage for air to flow from the building soffit to the roof vent. |
| US07861465B1 |
Flexible door guard
A method of preventing finger access into a space between a hinged edge of a door member that is unexposed when the door is closed, and that is hingedly attached to a door jamb member with spaced hinges, and a surface of said jamb member that is unexposed when the door is closed, comprising cutting a first section of flexible sheet material, having a width sufficient to allow the door to be opened and closed when opposed longitudinal edges of the flexible sheet material are affixed, respectively, to said hinged edge of the door member and said surface of the jamb member on a side of the door having protruding hinges, to a length about equal to a spacing between said spaced hinges securing the opposed longitudinal edges of said first section of flexible sheet material, respectively, to said hinged edge of the door member and said surface of the jamb member between the spaced hinges, without covering the hinges with said first section of flexible sheet material, and optionally securing a second section of flexible sheet material below the first section of flexible sheet material, without covering a hinge. |
| US07861462B2 |
Vehicle window regulator having a floating window carrier
A window regulator including a drive rod having a linear axis; a runner connected to the drive rod for movement therealong; a window carrier pivotally secured to the runner for supporting a window; and a guide engaged by the window carrier having a radius of curvature such that the window carrier moves the window along a path coincident with the radius of curvature as the runner moves linearly along the drive rod. |
| US07861455B2 |
Artificial bait
An artificial bait for fishing with a flexible appendage (28, 28′) which is made of soft plastic or other resilient material and it is either formed or interchangeably fitted on a radial bearing (27, 27′) rotatably mounted on a shaft (25, 25′, 25″, 23″). |
| US07861454B2 |
Fishing system with remote monitoring capablity
The invention is a fishing system comprising a fishing pole with a force measuring device coupled to a transmitter. The transmitter broadcasts a signal including a representation of the force measured by the force measuring device. The fishing system includes a receiver configured to receive the transmitted force data generated by the fishing pole or poles. The receiver may be configured to display, store, or process force data received from said fishing pole or multiple fishing poles. |
| US07861450B2 |
Firearm having nonmetallic components and an ambidextrous cylinder release lever
A polymeric revolver including a frame, a cylinder mounted in a rectangular aperture in the frame, a cylinder retaining mechanism and a cylinder releasing mechanism is provided. The cylinder retaining mechanism includes two assemblies: (1) an extractor, locking bolt and locking bolt retainer that house an extractor rod spring, and (2) a ratchet hub driver, hub drive center pin and central pin plate that house a ratchet drive spring. The two assemblies are biased toward one another forming a locking engagement of the extractor and the ratchet hub driver. The locking engagement is enhanced by a star-shaped configuration of grooves and ridges on the extractor and ratchet hub driver, respectively. The cylinder releasing mechanism includes a cylinder release lever that actuates the hub drive center pin and ratchet hub driver out of locking engagement with the extractor, and an ambidextrous thumb piece that facilitates access to the cylinder release lever. |
| US07861446B2 |
Signcase system and method for manufacturing same
The present invention comprises a simple, inventive sign bracket for use in the creation of signs of surprising structural integrity in a range of dimensions, said bracket characterized by a profile comprising a sign body, a C-bracket, and optionally an interlocking sign hanger and/or an angle retainer. |
| US07861445B2 |
Solar powered flower of dynamic simulation
The present invention pertains to a solar powered flower of dynamic simulation comprising a stem, a solar power supplier, a connecting base, a driving unit, a movable tray, and plurality of swinging members as well as petals. Wherein, the connecting base fixed on the top end of the stem and peripherally provided with multiple inlaying slots, in which the swinging member is pivoted. Each swinging member provides an upper arm to install a petal, and a lower arm to pivot the movable tray, on which contacts an output terminal of the driving unit for the movable tray to move up- and downward to motivate the vacillation of the swinging member as a seesaw. The petals then swing conforming to the swinging member to bloom and close achieving a dynamic simulation of the reality. When the ornamental states of the flower change according to the light variation in the daytime and at the night, the performance of the product is more close to Nature, which conduces to promote the ornamental function and market competitiveness thereof. |
| US07861439B2 |
Method and device for renewing a ballast bed
In a method for the continuous renewal of a ballast bed (41) of a track from which the rails and sleepers have been removed, by carrying away old ballast (42) and depositing cleaned ballast or new ballast (44) on the underlying surface (46) from which the old ballast (42) has been removed, a removal device (22) which can travel in the working direction (x) continuously picks up the old ballast (42) of the ballast bed (41). The excavated material is conveyed away from the excavation area and possibly passed on for ballast cleaning At the same time, cleaned ballast or new ballast (44) is continuously deposited in the working direction (x) on the underlying surface (46) from which the old ballast (42) has been removed, to form a new ballast bed (43). The removal device (22), as part of an excavating machine (10) traveling in the working direction (x) on the old ballast bed (41), is arranged downstream of the running gear (14, 16) of the excavating machine (10). |
| US07861436B2 |
Laundry treating machine and method for controlling the same
A laundry treating machine is disclosed. The laundry treating machine includes a case having a laundry receiving space for receiving laundry defined therein, the case being located above another laundry treating machine, a hot air supply unit for supplying hot air into the laundry receiving space, a manipulation part for allowing a user to select a drive course, a control unit for controlling the hot air supply unit to be driven according to the course selected by the manipulation part, and a guide unit for assisting the user to put the laundry in the laundry receiving space. |
| US07861426B2 |
Optomechanical leveling device
An optomechanical leveling device (1) has an external housing (2) with a bottom surface (4), a carrier frame (6) located inside the external housing (2) and fastened in an elastically damped manner by means of damping elements (5) elastically preloaded along respective tensioning axes (S) and an optics carrier (7) suspended at the carrier frame (6) such that it can be oriented by the gravitational field (G). |
| US07861424B2 |
Pipe laser
The invention provides a pipe laser that automatically self levels an inner frame system in both cross-axis and on-axis directions to provide a completely level reference for grade and line control adjustments mechanisms of a reference line generating laser source. The invention also provides a pipe laser that is operable via a bidirectional remote control. |
| US07861423B2 |
Surveying instrument, surveying system, method for detecting measured object, and computer-readable recording medium for detecting measured object
A surveying instrument for measuring three-dimensional position of a measured object, has a detecting section for detecting a direction of the measured object by rotational emission of two or more fan-shaped laser beams in which at least one beam is inclined; an optical system including a tracking-light-emitting section for emitting a tracking light and a distance-measuring-light-emitting section for emitting a distance-measuring light; a tracking-light-receiving section for receiving the tracking light reflected by the measured object; and a driving section for driving the optical system in order to collimate the measured object according to an output of the detecting section and an output of the tracking-light-receiving section. |
| US07861421B2 |
Method for measuring rotation angle of bonded wafer
The present invention provides a method for measuring a rotation angle of a bonded wafer, wherein a base wafer and a bond wafer each having a notch indicative of a crystal orientation formed at an outer edge thereof are bonded to each other at a desired rotation angle by utilizing the notches, a profile of the bond wafer having a reduced film thickness is observed with respect to a bonded wafer manufactured by reducing a film thickness of the bond wafer, a positional direction of the notch of the bond wafer seen from a center of the bonded wafer is calculated by utilizing the profile, an angle formed between the calculated positional direction of the notch of the bond wafer and a positional direction of the notch of the base wafer is calculated, and a rotation angle of the base wafer and the bond wafer is measured. As a result, the method for measuring a rotation angle of a bonded wafer that enables accurately and easily measuring the rotation angle of the notches of the base wafer and the bond wafer in a bonded wafer manufacturing line can be provided. |
| US07861420B2 |
Concrete form alignment device
This invention provides a device and a method for aligning concrete forms. It relates to a device and a method which is used in conjunction with hollow, shaped concrete forms such as Sonotube forms in order to align, square and properly site said forms to produce optimally supported structures. The key advantage of this device and method are to eliminate the trial and error practice in the aligning of wood columns on top of concrete forms, to provide the ability to center or off-center posts accurately as required by the project design, to provide the ability to accurately set the hollow, shaped concrete forms for the proper elevation, for the correct location, and for the correct plumb level, and eliminate the need for batter boards or wooden edge forms which are placed outside of the project dimensions and used as inaccurate reference points for measuring the placement location of the hollow, shaped concrete forms along the edges of a project area. |
| US07861411B2 |
Composite gear and method of forming same
A composite gear and method of making same. In one embodiment the gear includes a body portion having a plurality of teeth. The gear is formed by placing it in a suitable tool such that a compressive stress is exerted on the teeth adjacent the root portion of each tooth. A portion of the gear adjacent the teeth is wrapped with a resin fibrous material that is allowed to cure while the compressive stress is maintained on the gear. When the resin fibrous material has at least substantially cured and the gear is removed from the tool, a permanent compressive stress is formed at the root portion adjacent each tooth. The compressive stress counteracts the tension stress that is experienced at the root portions of the teeth when the gear is in use, thus significantly strengthening (i.e., toughening) the gear and increasing its fatigue life. |
| US07861408B2 |
Heat transfer surface for electronic cooling
A cooling surface for cooling an electronic component, the surface having two sets of fins, each set of fins defining a set of channels, and a number of passageways connecting the sets of channels. The cooling surface can be attached to an electronic component, such as a chip, and refrigerant supplied to at least one of the sets of channels. When the temperature of the electronic component rises, the heat is transferred to the refrigerant in the cooling surface, at least some of which vaporizes to carry heat away from, and facilitate cooling of, the component. |
| US07861407B2 |
Busbar structure, method of producing the busbar structure, and electric motor having the busbar structure
A method of producing a busbar structure includes a busbar arranging step for arranging a plurality of the busbars at predetermined positions in a cavity which is formed between a fixed mold and a movable mold which can be clamped and opened with respect to the fixed mold, and clamping the two molds, a resin filling step for filling molten resin into the cavity in which the busbars have been arranged, and a busbar fixing step for hardening the molten resin which has been filled thereby to fix the busbars at predetermined positions with the hardened resin, and opening the two molds. Interposed pins to be interposed between the busbars which are arranged in close proximity to each other are detachably disposed in an engaged part of the movable mold, and removed from a molded product when the two molds are opened. |
| US07861405B2 |
System for forming a micro-assembler
A xerographic micro-assembler system, method and apparatus that includes a sorting unit that is adapted to receive a plurality of micro-objects. The micro-objects can also be sorted and oriented on the sorting unit and then transferred to a substrate. The system, method and apparatus can also include a device for detecting errors in at least one of the micro-objects on the sorting unit and a protection means for preventing an improper micro-object from being transferred to the substrate. The system, method and apparatus can also include an organized micro-object feeder assembly that can transfer at least one of a plurality of micro-objects to the sorting unit or directly to the substrate. |
| US07861401B2 |
Method of forming a high performance tunneling magnetoresistive (TMR) element
A high performance TMR element is fabricated by inserting an oxygen surfactant layer (OSL) between a pinned layer and AlOx tunnel barrier layer in a bottom spin valve configuration. The pinned layer preferably has a SyAP configuration with an outer pinned layer, a Ru coupling layer, and an inner pinned layer comprised of CoFeXBY/CoFeZ wherein x=0 to 70 atomic %, y=0 to 30 atomic %, and z=0 to 100 atomic %. The OSL is formed by treating the CoFeZ layer with oxygen plasma. The AlOx tunnel barrier has improved uniformity of about 2% across a 6 inch wafer and can be formed from an Al layer as thin as 5 Angstroms. As a result, the Hin value can be decreased by ⅓ to about 32 Oe. A dR/R of 25% and a RA of 3 ohm-cm2 have been achieved for TMR read head applications. |
| US07861388B2 |
Method of manufacturing a cell driving type piezoelectric/electrostrictive actuator
A piezoelectric actuator capable of being driven with a high electric field intensity, obtaining a larger displacement and being high in electric conducting reliability of electrodes, and comprising: at least one cell defined by two side walls, a substrate and a ceiling wall; the two side walls being disposed on the substrate and being covered with the ceiling wall to define one cell, at least the two side walls comprising piezoelectric/electrostrictive devices, and the piezoelectric/electrostrictive devices being capable of changing a volume of the cell by displacement of the walls. Each of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive devices comprises a plurality of layered piezoelectric/electrostrictive bodies and electrodes which are alternately stacked, and end portions of the electrodes are embedded in the piezoelectric/electrostrictive bodies in at least the internal side of the cell. |
| US07861386B2 |
Method for producing piezoelectric actuator and method for producing ink-jet head
In the annealing step of the method for manufacturing a piezoelectric actuator, the annealing in conducted in two steps: a first annealing step; and a second annealing step conducted at a temperature lower and for a time longer than those of the first annealing step. With such treatment, first, grain growth inside the piezoelectric film can be sufficiently induced, while minimizing the diffusion layer growth, by the first annealing step conducted at a high temperature within a short interval, and then lattice defects in the particles can be sufficiently corrected, while preventing the diffusion layer growth, by the second annealing step conducted at a temperature lower and for a time longer than those of the first annealing step. Accordingly, the piezoelectric characteristic can be improved by sufficiently conducting annealing, while restricting the thickness of the diffusion layer to a range where the piezoelectric characteristic is not affected. |
| US07861384B2 |
Airbag arrangement and tools
A fixing element fixes a part to a support wall. When the fixing element is inserted into an opening in the support wall and reaches a predetermined end position, the fixing element locks to the support wall. The fixing element includes a stop element, a snap-on element, and an unlocking element. The stop element bears against a side of the support wall when the fixing element is locked to the support wall. The snap-on element is positioned on an inner side of the support wall when the fixing element is locked to the support wall. The unlocking element is connected to the snap-on element. The unlocking element is configured to permit the snap-on element to be unlocked and the fixing element to be removed from the opening. An installation tool and a testing tool may be used in conjunction with the fixing element. |
| US07861383B2 |
Clasp, accessory bracelet, and timepiece
A clasp for connecting a pair of bands has a support member connected to one of the bands and a movable member connected to the other of the bands. A plurality of engaging parts that engage the movable member are disposed to the support member along the length of the band, and the movable member can be moved from one engaging part to another engaging part only when the movable member is inclined to the support member. The length can therefore be adjusted with a simple, easily understood operation using a simple and compact arrangement. |
| US07861378B2 |
Hinge plate for concealed placement between door frame and door
A hinge plate for concealed placement between door frame and door panel, has two mounting bases that can be set into recesses in the door frame and in the door panel, and hinge brackets that work together in pairs, which are connected to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation. On the mounting bases, in each instance, the end of one hinge bracket is mounted to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation, and the end of the other hinge bracket is guided to move longitudinally. The hinge brackets are structured as connection elements having the same construction, which have a U shape with a connecting stay and vertically oriented shanks The hinge brackets are joined together in the manner of a plug-in connection, and are connected to rotate at the connecting stays. |
| US07861376B2 |
Hinge with damper
The invention relates to a hinge, particularly for movable furniture parts (1), comprising: at least seven rotational pins; at least two stop parts (2, 3) for fastening to furniture parts (1) or the like, and; a linear damping device for damping an opening and/or closing movement of the hinge. This hinge is designed in such a manner that all components (8, 9) of the linear damping device (7) execute a motion relative to both stop parts (2, 3) during the opening and/or closing movement of the hinge. |
| US07861372B2 |
Automobile door checker
An automobile door checker includes a case secured to a door, a check plate that runs movably through the case and has its base end pivotably supported on a body, a detent member fitted into and retained by the case and working in cooperation with a detent face of the check plate and a resilient member that is formed from a resilient material and is provided in a compressed state in a housing chamber defined between an outer end face of the detent member and an inner end face of the case, wherein the resilient member substantially and tightly fills the housing chamber, thus preventing rainwater from infiltrating into the housing chamber. In this way, it is possible to prevent infiltration of rainwater into a housing chamber of a case housing a resilient member by a simple structure. |
| US07861367B2 |
Vacuum cleaner
The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner with a dirt collection tank which has a suction inlet and is in flow connection with at least one suction unit via at least one filter and at least one extraction line, and with at least one external air inlet which opens into the extraction line downstream of the filter and can be closed by means of at least one closing valve, wherein the closing valve has a movable valve member which is acted upon by a spring-elastic restoring device with a closing force and in the closing position, in addition, by a magnetic holding device with a magnetic holding force. In order to develop the vacuum cleaner further in such a manner that it makes a particularly effective cleaning of the filter possible, it is suggested in accordance with the invention that the magnetic holding device have an electromagnet which can be acted upon with an exciting current for the purpose of closing the closing valve and that the valve member can be moved continuously back into the closing position via the open position, proceeding from the closing position, when the exciting current is interrupted, wherein the switch-off time of the exciting current is adapted to the movement time of the valve member. |
| US07861366B2 |
Robot cleaner system having robot cleaner and docking station
A robot cleaner system having an improved docking structure between a robot cleaner and a docking station, which is capable of an easy docking operation of the robot cleaner and preventing loss of a suction force generated in the docking station. The robot cleaner includes a docking portion to be inserted into a dust suction hole of the docking station upon a docking operation. The docking portion may be a protrusion, which protrudes out of a robot body to be inserted into a dust suction path defined in the docking station, the protrusion communicates a dust discharge hole of the robot cleaner with the dust suction path of the docking station. The robot cleaner system includes a coupling device to keep the robot cleaner and the docking station in their docked state. The coupling device is configured to have a variety of shapes. |
| US07861364B2 |
Ball and socket joint utilizing a single ball, for driving more than one driven member
An articulating ball joint for connecting a pair of driven members to a driving member such as a crank pin. In one embodiment, a single ball is held in a first, or inner, socket defined by a coupling member having a convex outer surface, and the first socket is held within a second, outer, socket defined in a second coupling member also having a convex outer surface, which is, in turn, engaged by a retainer. |
| US07861357B1 |
O'brush grill cleaner
A cleaning tool for grills and the like that provides multiple selective cleaning surfaces contoured for contact with the grill to be cleaned. A cleaning cylinder is rotatably mounted in a support handle frame so as to be indexed by rotation on a central axis by the user to position new contact cleaning surface areas for use. |
| US07861353B2 |
Glove/mitten eraser
The present invention generally relates to an eraser for chalkboards, blackboards, markerboards, or whiteboards and the like. The eraser is worn on the hand of a person and at least the palm of the glove/mitten has an eraser surface for erasing. The glove/mitten is especially suitable for use in a classroom. |
| US07861351B2 |
Electric cleaning sweeper
An electric cleaning sweeper comprises a housing, including a detachable dirt tray placed inside the housing; and at least one openable wall located on the dirt tray wherein the openable wall is responsive to movement of a device located on the handle which can pick up the dirt tray and remove it off the housing to discharge the dust and debris while direct contact of the dirt tray by a human hand is avoided. |
| US07861350B2 |
Multi-motion toothbrush
An electrically powered toothbrush comprises a body having a first end, a head opposite from the first end, and a neck extending between the first end and the head. The body defines a hollow region therewithin. An electrical motor and a power source are disposed in the hollow region within the body. A drive shaft having a longitudinal axis of rotation and a distal end offset from the axis of rotation is operatively connected to the motor for rotational movement. A base pivotally secured to the head by a laterally extending pivot member has a receiving channel for receiving the distal end of the drive shaft. A first bristle carrier is secured to the base, and a second bristle carrier is disposed on the head between the first bristle carrier and the first end. Rotation of the drive shaft causes its distal end to move within the receiving channel thereby causing the base with the first bristle carrier to pivot about the laterally extending pivot member. |
| US07861348B2 |
Electric toothbrushes
An electric toothbrush is provided. The electric toothbrush has a handle, a head with carriers and a longitudinal axis, and a neck disposed between the handle and the head. A motor is disposed within the handle. A shaft is operatively connected to the motor. The shaft is operatively connected to the carrier to move the carrier in a first motion. The carrier is capable of moving in a second motion when subjected to user forces. |
| US07861345B2 |
Apparatus for reshaping footwear
The present invention is directed to apparatus and a method for reshaping a footwear shell, the apparatus includes a support structure, a drive mechanism and external mold arrangement that drives the external mold toward or away from the shell being reshaped; and an internal mold assembly that includes an angled support arm having a first leg adapted to couple to one of a selection of couplings provided in the support structure and a second leg offset from the first leg at an angle θ. The internal mold assembly also includes an adapter that is rotatably fixed to the second leg of the angled support arm, and a static mold removably fixed to the adapter and coaxially aligned with a common axis extending through the external mold and static mold, the support arm angle θ provides an improved support shape that improves placement of the static mold within the footwear shell during reshaping. |
| US07861343B2 |
Method for operating a steam generator in a fabric treatment appliance
A method of controlling the operation of a steam generator in a fabric treatment appliance by changing a flow rate of water supplied to the steam generator to determine a change in calcification of the steam generator. |
| US07861338B2 |
Portable and foldable bed
A portable and foldable bed is disclosed, in which a support strength of a rotation support leg is enhanced by installing a triangle support plate at an engaged portion between a rotation pole of a rotation support leg and a connection bar, and a fixing plate with a width twice the width of a bed frame is provided in a bed frame engagement unit of a fixing support leg, and a closer contact unit is provided between the fixing plate and the fixing support leg for thereby obtaining a stable engagement of the same, and a foldable spring is disposed between a lower horizontal bar of a center support par and an outer frame of a bed frame, so a folding operation can be easily performed during a folding operation of a bed. |
| US07861334B2 |
Hospital bed
A patient bed includes a patient support, with a headboard, a footboard, and a plurality of side rails. One or more surfaces of the side rails or of the headboard or of the footboard includes a gap and a sealing cover for sealing the gap to facilitate cleaning and disinfection of the patient bed. For example, the cover may comprise a membrane that is applied to the surface, for example, by an adhesive. The adhesive may be releasable so that the membrane may be removed for replacement or to provide access to the gap for example, where the gap is formed between a control interface that is located in the surface. |
| US07861333B2 |
Frames for futon sofa beds and methods of securing slats therein
A slat connector for use with a futon sofa bed may be used for connecting a slat to a rail of a frame of the futon sofa bed. The slat connector may include a body having an opening for receiving an end portion of a slat, and a protrusion extending in a generally normal direction from an outer surface of the body. The rail of the frame may include an opening for receiving the protrusion of the connector for connecting the slat to the rail. |
| US07861330B2 |
Universal toilet tank lever
A toilet tank lever assembly may be mounted in various toilet tanks by selective positioning of a long lever arm relative a short lever arm. One such lever assembly includes a long lever arm which may be mounted at an infinite degree of adjustment relative a short lever arm as provided by a ball and socket interface between the lever arms. The ability to reverse the short lever arm essentially doubles the number of mounting possibilities. By selecting between a front insert and a side insert, a handle is readily positioned for either front or side tank mounting. Various handles may also be readily attached to the lever post to provide various aesthetic appearances. |
| US07861329B2 |
Disposable drain filter
The present invention provides a disposable drain filter comprising a central shaft having a first end region and second end region, and a plurality of snaring discs having a central opening to accommodate the shaft. The snaring discs having radially emanating fins that form a fin snaring disc, wherein each fin is defined by a flat upper wall and a pair of side wall surfaces that meet at a single point, the flat upper wall having a plurality of upwardly projecting protrusions placed at the junction of the upper wall and side walls, to further grip materials. The fin has a narrow first end region affixed to the hollow tube, and a wide second end region. The second end regions of adjacent fins are separated by a 0.25 inch gap. A barb snaring disc is placed sequentially after each fin snaring disc, thereby forming an alternating sequence of snaring discs, wherein the barb snaring discs have radially emanating bristle extensions with barbs to further grip materials. The filter is dimensioned to take a resting position above the trap region of a shower drain. The filter can also be applied to a kitchen and lavatory drain. |
| US07861328B1 |
Toilet seat tilting device
A toilet seat tilting device includes a base, a seat tilting device that lifts or lowers a seat and a seat cover tilting device that lifts or lowers the seat cover. First and second pedals are used to operate link mechanisms. When the first pedal is pressed, the parts of the seat tilting device are rotated clockwise so that the seat is lifted. When the second pedal is pressed, the parts are rotated counterclockwise so that the seat is lowered. The seat cover is lowered when the second pedal is further pressed. The height of the tilting devices is adjustable and they are provided in left-handed and right-handed structures to be adapted various toilets. |
| US07861323B2 |
Lower torso pants garment
Leg wear includes a front having leg opening forming portions, and a back connected to the front having leg opening forming portions continuing to the leg opening forming portions of the front. The leg wear further includes thigh portion parts connected to the leg opening forming portions of the front and back and formed into a cylindrical shape for inserting the thigh portions. The heights of the crests of the thigh portion parts are smaller than the curved depths of the leg opening forming portions, and the widths of the crests are made larger than those of the curved portions of the leg opening forming portions, so that the thigh portion parts having a cylindrical shape in the worn state are shaped to protrude forward relative to the front. |
| US07861322B2 |
Size adjuster and headwear using the same
Provided are a size adjuster and a headwear using the same having advantages of increasing exterior aesthetical features and automatically adjusting a circumference of a wearing portion of a headwear. The size adjuster may include: a first guide having one end connected to the wearing portion; a second guide having one end connected to the wearing portion corresponding to a position of the first guide; a case having an inner portion connected to the respective other ends of the first and second guides and where the first and second guides move through; and an elastic band extended or contracted by connecting to the first and second guides. |
| US07861320B1 |
Tie form system
A tie form system includes a necktie that is elongated and has a first end and a second end. A housing has a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall. The front wall is angled toward the rear wall from the top wall to the bottom wall and the top wall has a greater width than the bottom wall. The first and second lateral walls taper toward each other from the top wall to the bottom wall and the top wall has a greater length than the bottom wall. A loop is coupled to the rear wall of the housing. The first end of the necktie is extended through loop and the necktie tied around the housing so that the necktie conforms to a shape of the housing. |