| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07891476B2 |
Automatic transmission
Each of first and second multi-plate clutches comprises a clutch outer cylinder portion provided to be coaxial with the input shaft and connected with a first or second rotational element, a clutch inner cylinder portion provided to be coaxial with an input shaft, plural clutch plates provided between these cylinder portions to slide in an axial direction of the input shaft within the clutch outer or inner cylinder portion, and a clutch piston provided to slide in the axial direction and press the clutch plates for connecting the clutch outer cylinder portion with the clutch inner cylinder portion. The clutch outer and inner cylinder portions of each of the first and second multi-plate clutches are provided in the axial direction, and there is provided a support wall portion that is connected with the input shaft and supports the clutch inner cylinder portion of each of the multi-plate clutches. |
| US07891464B2 |
System and method for noise suppression
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for noise suppression. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention include a resonator configured to suppress noise from an electric fan. The resonator may comprise an enclosure having an outer perimeter, a major opening through the enclosure and defining an inner perimeter of the enclosure, a minor opening disposed along the inner perimeter, and a chamber coupled to the minor opening within the enclosure between the inner and outer perimeters. |
| US07891463B2 |
Active muffler
The present invention to an active muffler for an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine, in particular in a motor vehicle, includes a multi-shell housing having a pot-shaped top shell and a pot-shaped bottom shell, a funnel-shaped sound conducting body, which is inserted into the bottom shell and has a connection passing through the bottom shell and out of the housing, a loudspeaker, which is situated in the top shell and is attached to a flange section of the sound conducting body at a distance from the connection, such that a free inside cross section of the sound conducting body surrounded by the flange section is closed with an airtight seal, and a bypass through which an interior space of the top shell is connected to an interior space of the bottom shell so they communicate. |
| US07891462B2 |
Stethoscope cover and dispenser therefor
A protective cover for a stethoscope head and an apparatus for quickly and easily interconnecting the protective cover with the stethoscope head. The apparatus includes a cover-positioning device that positions the protective cover so that it can be quickly and easily interconnected with the stethoscope head. The cover positioning device includes a base having a planar portion and an upstanding rim connected to the planar portion. Following examination of the patient using the stethoscope with the protective head covering, the protective covering can be quickly and easily removed from the stethoscope head and suitably disposed of so as to prevent skin bacteria and like contaminants that may have contaminated the protective cover during patient examination, from undesirably being transmitted to the next patient. |
| US07891461B2 |
Motor rotation angle detection device
A motor rotation angle detection device includes a resolver which detects a rotation angle of a motor generating an assist torque for steering road wheels. The resolver includes an annular rotor disposed inside an annular stator with an air gap interposed in between an outer circumferential surface of the rotor and an inner circumferential surface of the stator, so that the stator and the rotor are rotatable relative to each other. A rotor supporting member is connected to a rotary shaft of the motor, and the rotor extends out from an axial end portion of the rotor supporting member so as to surround an outer periphery of the rotary shaft. With the described motor rotation angle detection device, it is possible to stabilize the magnetic permeability of the rotor, and accordingly to increase an accuracy with which the rotation angle of the motor is detected. |
| US07891457B2 |
Vehicle having dual deadman pedals and method of operation
A material handling vehicle includes an operator compartment having a floor. A step is disposed in the operator compartment and spaced above the floor. A first deadman switch is disposed in the floor for actuation by an operator standing on the floor in the operator compartment. A second deadman switch is disposed in the step for actuation by an operator sitting in the operator compartment, wherein simultaneous actuation of the first deadman switch and the second deadman switch disables operation of both deadman switches. |
| US07891452B2 |
Automobile rear structure
The automobile rear structure includes a diffuser which is arranged on a vehicle-body rear side of a muffler and is configured to interfere with exhaust gas discharged from the muffler so as to make a portion of the exhaust gas flow downwardly, and a flow rectification plate which is arranged below the muffler and guides the downwardly flowing exhaust gas in the direction along an air flow flowing below the floor of the vehicle body to merge the exhaust gas into the air flow. The exhaust gas discharged downwardly from a space defined between a front end portion of the diffuser and a body portion of the muffler is guided in the direction inclined downwardly toward the rear side of the vehicle body and, thereafter, is guided in the direction along the air flow flowing below the floor of the vehicle body, and is merged into the air flow. |
| US07891450B2 |
System and method of torque transmission using an electric energy conversion device
A method for improving hybrid vehicle is disclosed. In one embodiment, a torque differential across a transmission is controlled while torque is provided to the vehicle driveline/wheels to meet driver demand. The method may improve transmission shifting by allowing earlier shifts, for example. |
| US07891448B2 |
Override control circuits for a lawn and garden tractor
Control circuits for a riding lawn mower providing an override condition for selectively allowing the cutting blades of the lawn mower to operate when the vehicle is traveling in reverse. The circuits incorporate a multi-position ignition switch, an override switch, a vehicle reverse switch, a PTO switch and a park brake switch. In one aspect of the invention, the control circuits disable the engine when the vehicle is placed in reverse with the PTO engaged and without the override condition having been established. In another aspect of the invention, an electric PTO clutch is disabled when the vehicle is placed in reverse with the PTO engaged and without the override condition having been established. The override condition is terminated when the ignition switch is moved away from the override position, or when the operator activates the park brake switch. |
| US07891445B1 |
Ball-drive propulsion device
Embodiments of the present invention provide an omnidirectional ball-drive propulsion module. The propulsion module may have a drive component supported by a drive frame to engage a ball and a steering component to rotate the drive frame within a housing. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US07891442B2 |
Flexible drill string member
A drilling tool that has a flexible shaft so as to be able to make short radius curves while still being able to transmit torque and axial loads. The drilling tool includes a drill shaft for transmitting axial load, comprising a series of coaxial ring members connected together such that adjacent ring members are flexible in an axial plane relative to each other, each ring member being connected to an adjacent ring member by connecting member arranged to transmit torque therebetween; and axial supports extend between adjacent ring members so as to transmit axial loads therebetween. |
| US07891433B2 |
Resettable antiextrusion backup system and method
A resettable antiextrusion system including a backup ring, a ramp in operable communication with the backup ring, and a gauge ring attached to the ramp. A method for sealing a tubular. |
| US07891430B2 |
Water control device using electromagnetics
An apparatus for controlling a flow of fluid in a well includes a flow control device and a generator that generates electrical energy in response to a flow of an electrically conductive fluid. The flow control device may include an actuator receiving electrical energy from the generator, and a valve operably coupled to the actuator. The actuator may be configured to operate after a preset value for induced voltage is generated by the generator. The generator may use a pair of electrodes positioned along a flow path of the electrically conductive fluid to generate electrical energy. In one arrangement, one or more elements positioned proximate to the electrodes generate a magnetic field along the flow path of the electrically conductive fluid that causes the electrodes to generate a voltage. In another arrangement, the electrodes create an electrochemical potential in response to contact with the electrically conductive fluid. |
| US07891428B2 |
Safety valve
A safety valve for use in well bore operations, for example, in cooperation with a progressive cavity pump or rodpump. One version of a safety valve (1) is designed for use with upper and lower conduits in the form of upper and lower pump rod strings (16, 18) located in wellbore production tubing (50). The safety valve comprises a housing (2) having a longitudinal bore (3) extending therethrough; a coupling member (14) for coupling the upper rod string to the lower rod string, the coupling member sealably mounted within the longitudinal bore; an annular flow passage (8) bypassing the coupling member; and a valve sleeve (23) located in the annular flow passage. In use, the valve sleeve is utilised to control flow of fluid through the flow passage bypassing the coupling member. |
| US07891426B2 |
Heat exchanger system and method of use thereof and well drilling equipment comprising same
A bearing cooling system comprises a bearing assembly, a heat exchanger, a coolant flow circuit apparatus and a lubricant flow circuit apparatus. The bearing assembly is configured for being removably seated within a well drilling head housing and for having a stripper rubber assembly attached thereto. The bearing assembly includes bearings and a lubricant flow path configured for allowing lubricant to be circulated through the bearings. The heat exchanger has a lubricant core portion and a coolant core portion, which are jointly configured for allowing heat transfer between respective fluids of the core portions. The coolant flow circuit apparatus is coupled to the coolant core portion and is configured for circulating coolant through the coolant core portion. The lubricant flow circuit apparatus is coupled to the lubricant core portion and lubricant flow path, and is configured for circulating lubricant through the coolant core portion and the lubricant flow path. |
| US07891424B2 |
Methods of delivering material downhole
A package and methods for treating a wellbore using the same. In one embodiment, the method comprises servicing a wellbore in contact with a subterranean formation by placing a material in the wellbore, wherein the material is disposed within a closed container. The material is suitable for use in a wellbore and is capable of plugging a flow pathway. The method further comprises releasing the material from the container. In an embodiment, the material is a swelling agent, which may plug a permeable zone. |
| US07891422B2 |
Sensing tool
A sensor system includes a carrier configured for a specific application; an electronics module mountable in a number of individual carriers; a feedthrough mountable in a number of individual carriers and in operable communication with the interface; a sensor mounting mountable in a number of individual carriers and in operable communication with the feedthrough; and a sensor array articulated to the sensor mounting. |
| US07891417B2 |
Completion apparatus for measuring streaming potentials and determining earth formation characteristics
Earth formations are characterized by using an array of electrodes which can measure streaming potentials in the formation, and by interpreting the data obtained by the electrodes. The electrodes are placed on a wireline tool, a LWD tool, or in a fixed manner about a completed wellbore. The measured streaming potentials are generated by drilling with an overbearing pressure, slitting the mudcake in a borehole, acid injection, or any of various other manners which causes fluid movement. The data obtained is interpreted to locate fractures, measure formation permeability, estimate formation pressure, monitor drilling fluid loss, detect abnormal pressure, etc. Particularly, a streaming potential voltage transient having a double peak profile signifies the presence of a formation fracture. |
| US07891411B2 |
Heat dissipation device having a fan for dissipating heat generated by at least two electronic components
A heat dissipation device for at least two heat-generating electronic components, includes a base, a fin set and a plurality of heat pipes. The base includes a supporting frame and at least two plates attached to a bottom of the frame for contacting with the at least two heat-generating electronic components. The fin set includes a plurality of fins on the base. The heat pipes respectively and thermally connect the at least two plates and the fin set together. A single fan is attached to the heat dissipation device for generating an airflow through the fin set to dissipate heat in the fin set absorbed from the at least two heat-generating electronic components. |
| US07891409B2 |
Air conditioner for vehicle
Noise occurring in an upright air-conditioning unit is greatly reduced. An upright air-conditioning unit 1 is disposed under a steering member support part 23, a vent opening 15 and a vent outlet port 20 are made to communicate with each other via a vent duct 25, a defrost opening 16 and a defrost outlet port 21 are made to communicate with each other via a defrost duct 26. The vent opening 15 assumes a position further frontward than the steering member support part 23 along the frontward/rearward direction relative to the vehicle body whereas the defrost opening 16 assumes a position further rearward than the steering member support part 23 along the frontward/rearward direction relative to the vehicle body. |
| US07891408B2 |
Method of producing anti-alumina-buildup immersion nozzle for continuous casting
A method of producing an immersion nozzle for continuous casting, which includes integrally molding a first zirconia-graphite compound applied to a powder-line portion of the nozzle, and a second compound applied to at least an inner hole portion of the nozzle. The second compound includes 10 mass % or more of clinker particles each containing CaO as a mineral phase, and the surface of at least a part of the clinker particles is subjected to an anti-hydration treatment, such as a heat treatment to be performed under a CO2 atmosphere to convert CaO to CaCO3. The method can suppress volume expansion caused by the reaction between CaO and water released from resin added as binder, so as to prevent the occurrence of cracks during a burning process of the molded piece. |
| US07891406B2 |
Ingot mold for casting slabs
Ingot mold for casting ultra thin slabs to be used, for instance, in a manufacturing plant for the manufacture of metal strips, having two wide concave walls (11) in the center and two flat portions (12) parallel to the plane of symmetry X in the end zones connected by two convex connecting zones (13) wherein the ratio between the lengths d/l is between 10 and 60% and the ratio h/f is between 10% and 60%. |
| US07891402B2 |
Mold assembly device and method for assembling a semi-permanent mold assembly
A mold assembly device and method for assembling a semi-permanent mold assembly is disclosed, the mold assembly device includes a base die and a transfer frame, wherein the transfer frame is capable of transferring a core package to the base die and facilitates assembly of the transfer frame and the core package with the base die. |
| US07891396B2 |
Wall-mountable pagewidth printer with integral page binding and glue wheel assemblies
Provided is wall-mountable pagewidth printer assembly. The printer assembly includes a support structure defining a media path, a media transport assembly configured to transport individual sheets of media along said media path, and print engines arranged on the support structure to print on the sheets in the media path. The printer assembly also includes an integral page binding arrangement for binding printed sheets together. The binding arrangement includes a document support platen for supporting bound sheets of paper, and a binding platen configured to press each sheet transported onto the document support platen to preceding sheets supported on said support platen to bind said sheets together. |
| US07891394B2 |
Tire with puncture resistant sidewall
This invention relates to a pneumatic rubber tire having a puncture resistant rubber sidewall. The said tire sidewall is comprised of an outer, visible annular configured sidewall rubber layer and an inner (non-visible) annular configured sidewall rubber layer integral with and underlying said outer sidewall rubber layer, wherein said inner sidewall rubber layer contains a dispersion of short fibers, wherein said short fibers are substantially aligned in parallel relationship to each other and substantially parallel to the said annular configuration of said inner sidewall rubber layer. In a further aspect of the invention, said tire is comprised of a carcass which contains a rubber carcass ply comprised of a rubber encapsulated cord reinforcement of a plurality of cords wherein said cords are positioned in a radially disposed spaced apart substantially parallel relationship to each other, wherein said rubber carcass ply is integral with and underlies said inner rubber sidewall layer and wherein said short fibers of said inner rubber sidewall layer are substantially aligned in a perpendicular direction to said cords of said underlying carcass ply. |
| US07891392B2 |
Pneumatic tire with tread having curved oblique grooves and chamfers
A pneumatic tire including a tread 2 provided with at least a pair of circumferentially continuous straight crown grooves 3 which extend on both sides of the tire equator C to provide a center land 5 between them and which comprise an inner groove 3i which lies on the inside of a vehicle when the tire is fitted to the vehicle and an outer groove 3o which is on the outside with the fitted tire, wherein a plurality of curved oblique grooves 8 are provided in the center land 5 at intervals in the circumferential direction, in which each curved oblique groove 8 extends obliquely from the inner crown circumferential groove 3i toward the outer crown circumferential groove 3o, turns at a location over the tire equator C without reaching the outer crown circumferential groove 3o, and further extends obliquely toward the inner crown circumferential groove 3i to terminate inside the tire equator C in the center land 5, and circumferentially adjacent curved oblique grooves 8 intersect each other at a location substantially on the tire equator C. |
| US07891389B2 |
Portable work bench
An improved portable work bench includes a beam, legs for supporting the beam, and at least one bracket having first and second surfaces for contacting respective first and second sides of the beam, wherein the second surface is movable between a first position contacting the second side of the beam, and a second position not contacting the second side of the beam. A spring biases the second surface towards the first position. |
| US07891383B2 |
Ringed tubular sheath and device for making such a sheath
Ringed tubular sheath comprising two open shells (33, 37), termed the outer (33) and inner (37) shells, both of the same diameter (D), one of which, the outer shell (33), has an opening (E1) smaller than the diameter (D) so as to engage by elastic deformation over the inner shell (37) in a closed position. In the course of this engagement, the opening (E1) of the outer shell (33) becomes stretched until it passes a point corresponding to the diameter (D) of the inner shell (37) and, beyond this point, returns to the unstretched position. In the invention, the two shells (33, 37) are connected to a hinge (17) so as to engage by pivoting about the hinge (17), the opening (E1) of the outer shell (33), which is smaller than the diameter (D), extending from the hinge (17) to an opposite edge (34) of the shell. |
| US07891381B2 |
Pipe and tube rehabilitation liners and corresponding resins
A material composition and method for making flexible inversion liners having glass fibers added for strength is disclosed. The liner combines a first layer of polyester felt, an open-faced knit of fabric from ECR glass and PET strands, glass fibers, and a second layer of polyester felt. These components are needle-punched together into essentially a single composite mat, or substrate, using standard needle-punching machinery. The liner is then formed into a tube preferably through a butt joint and prayer stitch covered with a urethane tape. A coating or foil is placed on the outside (prior to inversion) of the liner that is then impregnated with a resin. The resin can have low levels of volatile organic compounds, and can be thermosetting or UV-curable. The liner is then installed in a pipe through an inversion technique using, e.g., either air or water, and cured with UV radiation, steam, or hot water. |
| US07891379B2 |
Mechanical fastening and locking of structural, fluid, and electrical components and systems
A stack or assembly of fluid, mechanical, and/or electrical components permits removal of some components for maintenance, without compromising the fluid integrity of the remainder of the assembly. A fastening bolt, attached to at least one fluid component, is screwed into a stacking bolt, attached to another fluid component, the bolts being screwed together inside the bore of an adapter plate. A resilient insert sits between the head of the stacking bolt and the bore. At least a portion of the bore has a continuous taper, such that the diameter of the bore decreases in the vicinity of the insert. The taper creates a reduced diameter hole on one surface of the adapter plate, thus preventing interference between fluid ports on an adjacent fluid component. The taper also prevents loss of the insert during transportation and storage, and prevents undesired extrusion of material of the insert when the components are fastened together. |
| US07891376B2 |
Double seat valve for separating media
A double seat valve includes a flow barrier element arranged between first and second closing elements. The flow barrier element shadows a first sealing element and/or a first closing element seat of the first closing element which is in a closed position, when the second closing element is lifted and when a cleaning medium is applied to a leakage space, the flow barrier element preventing the cleaning medium from flowing directly against the first sealing element and/or the first closing element seat. The flow barrier element also shadows a second sealing element and/or a second closing element seat of the second closing element which is in a closed position, when the first closing element is lifted and when a cleaning medium is applied to the leakage space, the flow barrier element preventing the cleaning medium from flowing directly against the second sealing element and/or the second closing element seat. |
| US07891372B2 |
Contamination and flow control
The present invention is directed toward an anti-contamination arrangement for a valve having a valve housing, a bushing positioned in the valve housing, a valve member including a valve shaft and a valving portion operable for engaging a valve seat, slidably disposed through the bushing, and a supply port operably associated with the valve member. The valve also includes a control chamber controlled by the valving portion, and a valve seat positioned between the supply port and the control chamber. The valve member is operably associated with the valve seat for controlling the flow of fluid from the supply port to the control chamber upon the movement of the valve member in relation to the valve seat. There is also an anti-contamination arrangement positioned between the bushing and the valve shaft for collecting and removing contamination from the valve member. |
| US07891369B2 |
Collapsible shelter with flexible, collapsible canopy
The collapsible shelter includes a truss and canopy framework that permits a flexible, collapsible canopy to be moved between a raised position and a lowered position. The collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting flexible poles removably mounted to the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. X-shaped truss pairs of link members are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs. |
| US07891367B2 |
Quick connector hub for shade structure
An umbrella hub is provided which can comprise a central portion, a body, and a retention mechanism. The central portion can be configured to receive to an umbrella pole. The body extends between the central portion and an outer periphery of the hub and can comprise an engagement section adjacent to the outer periphery. The engagement section can be configured to receive an end portion of an umbrella structural member. The retention mechanism can be disposed within the engagement section and can comprise an elongate channel having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion can be located between the second portion and the outer periphery of the body and have a width less than the width of the second portion. |
| US07891365B2 |
Nozzle cleaning apparatus, nozzle cleaning method, and a computer-readable storage medium storing nozzle cleaning program
Disclosed are a nozzle cleaning apparatus and a nozzle cleaning method, which are capable of effectively cleaning a nozzle for discharging a process liquid to a substrate, with a simple structure and a low cost. A nozzle 30 is accommodated in a cleaning container 2 having a funnel-shaped portion 2b. A solvent T as a cleaning liquid is supplied along an inner surface of the funnel-shaped portion 2b. The solvent T forms a vortex flow whirling around the nozzle 30. By exposing the nozzle 30 to the vortex flow, the nozzle 30 can be effectively, thoroughly cleaned. |
| US07891364B2 |
Passage braid guide measuring comb
A hair styling comb comprising a body having a handle, a release cone, and a guide measuring system that are combined to precisely separate hair in orderly rows for braiding. The guide measuring system facilitates successive measurement of a partial circumference of spaced apart sections of the scalp. Each section is radially measured by successive placement of the comb measuring section upon the scalp, followed by linear movements of the comb until a peripheral measurement is approximated by the combined readings. The spaced apart circumference regions are reduced to increments by dividing their length measurements by the number of desired braid rows the stylist is creating. The release cone is placed in the grooves of the bottom of the braid and ten slid through smoothly upwardly to the scalp of the nape line. The release cone releases the grips of the braids. |
| US07891361B2 |
Methods for UV photo-therapy
Skin disorders such as, for example, atopic dermatitis, dyshidrosis, eczema, lichen planus, psoriasis, and vitiligo, are treated by applying high doses of ultraviolet light to diseased regions of a patient's skin. The dosage exceeds 1 MED as determined for the particular patient and may range from about 1 MED to about 20 MED or higher. The ultraviolet light has a wavelength within the range of about 295 nanometers to about 320 nanometers. High doses of ultraviolet light are preferably restricted to diseased tissue areas. A specialized handpiece provides a beam profile especially suitable for application of controlled doses. A specialized delivery device is useful for UV treatment of tissue within the mouth. |
| US07891359B2 |
Surgical drape
A surgical drape includes a first, closed container within which a first sheet is disposed. The first sheet has first and second opposed ends, the first end of the first sheet being removable from the container so as to remove a desired portion of the first sheet from the container, the second end of the first sheet remaining within the container. Preferably, the first container is laid across a desired portion of the table prior to placing the patient on the table. After the patient has been positioned properly and prepped, the first sheet can be pulled from underneath the patient and pulled out of the first container so that the sheet covers the table in the area of surgical interest and then covers the entire side or end of the table down to the floor. After the surgical procedure has been completed, the first sheet and the container can be removed and discarded. Desirably, the surface of the container in contact with the table is provided with adhesive that will prevent undesired movement of the container relative to either the table or the patient. If desired, the edges of the first sheet can be provided with adhesive surfaces, or possibly hook and loop fasteners, in order to secure the edges of the first sheet to selected portions of the operating table. Alternative embodiments include a second sheet that can be used to cover other portions of the operating table and a third sheet that can be used to cover portions of the patient during pre-operation preparations. |
| US07891357B2 |
Breathing apparatus, particularly of the open-circuit type
The invention relates to breathing apparatus, particularly of the open-circuit type, comprising a backpiece equipped with means, particularly involving straps, to allow it to be worn on the back of a wearer, the backpiece being intended to support at least one cylinder equipped with a valve, the backpiece being equipped with a coupling which, intended to collaborate with the valve, is connected to a regulator. The coupling comprises an air intake tube on which a bushing is mounted such that it can pivot and move in terms of axial translation. The bushing is mounted in a sleeve that forms an operating knob, is prevented from turning in the sleeve and is free in terms of translational movement with respect to the latter. |
| US07891351B2 |
Man made island with solar energy collection facilities
A man-made island [10], adaptable for land-based or sea-based operation holds solar energy collection facilities and is rotatable to optimize the angular orientation thereof relative to the position of the sun. More particularly, the man-made island [10] uses a platform [12] that includes a large outer ring [14] that floats on a fluid, and a flexible cover [16] attached to the ring [14] to define an airtight volume [30] below the cover [16]. A plurality of rows [19] of solar radiation collector modules are located above the cover [16], and carry steam generating heat pipes [21]. The rows [19] of modules are supported above the cover [16] by an upper support structure, either a space frame [27], a plurality of cables [46] or a honeycomb [75]. A compressor [32] creates an over-pressure within the enclosed volume [30] to assist in supporting the cover [16] and the other components mounted thereabove. This structure for supporting the rows [19] of the solar radiation collector modules enables the man-made island [10] to be constructed with a very large surface area, eventually up to several kilometers in diameter, to better utilize the full potential of the solar concentrators [22], thereby to produce electricity at an economically viable cost. The man-made island [10] includes a number of other structural features that enhance the practical application of solar radiation collection technology. |
| US07891345B2 |
EGR system having multiple discharge locations
An exhaust gas recirculation system for a use with an engine having a plurality of cylinders is disclosed. The exhaust gas recirculation system may have an intake passage configured to direct combustion air to all of the plurality of cylinders, and an exhaust passage configured to receive exhaust from fewer than all of the plurality of cylinders. The exhaust gas recirculation system may also have a plurality of separate exhaust conduits in parallel communication with the exhaust passage and configured to direct exhaust from the exhaust passage to the intake passage at multiple locations along a length direction of the intake passage. The multiple locations may be separated from each other by a volume within the intake passage, and the volume may be a function of a total number of the plurality of cylinders, a number of the plurality of cylinders contributing exhaust to the exhaust passage, and a number of the multiple locations. |
| US07891344B2 |
Fuel tank
A fuel tank has a tank body and a fuel inlet projecting upwardly from the tank body. The fuel tank includes a cylindrical member extending into the tank body, a canister, and a discharging passage in communication with the canister housing an adsorbent for absorbing fuel vapor from the fuel tank. A space between an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical member and an inner circumferential surface of the fuel inlet is hermetically sealed by a seal. The cylindrical member has a passage for communicating an inside of the cylindrical member with a portion of an outside of the cylindrical member that is lower than the hermetically sealed space. The passage allows air in the tank body to enter the fuel inlet when fuel overflows from the fuel inlet, thereby inhibiting flow of fuel into the canister through the discharging passage. |
| US07891341B2 |
Control device for internal combustion engine
A fuel supply system includes a first non-return valve for a low-pressure delivery connection pipe and a second non-return valve for a pump supply pipe. The former non-return pipe does not allow fuel to flow from the low-pressure delivery pipe to the low-pressure supply pipe. The second non-return valve does not allow fuel to flow from pump supply pipe to the low-pressure supply pipe. Upon determining that air purging is necessary, an engine ECU operates a feed pump for approximately one second and then opens, for dummy injection, an in-cylinder injector and an intake manifold injector. |
| US07891340B2 |
Feed-forward control in a fuel delivery system and leak detection diagnostics
A method for operating a fuel delivery system with a first pressure pump fluidly coupled to a second higher pressure pump is described. In one example, the fuel pumps are adjusted based on measured fuel pressure during a first condition. The fuel pumps are adjusted independent of the measured fuel pressure during a second condition. |
| US07891339B2 |
Control apparatus capable of suitably controlling fuel injection apparatus regardless of variation in fuel pressure in accumulator
A control apparatus is provided to control a fuel injection apparatus. The fuel injection apparatus includes an accumulator that accumulates high-pressure fuel, at least one injector that injects the high-pressure fuel accumulated in the accumulator into a cylinder of an internal combustion engine, and a pressure sensor that senses fuel pressure in the accumulator and outputs a signal indicative of the sensed fuel pressure. The control apparatus includes an estimator, a determiner, and a setter. The estimator estimates an actual injection duration of the injector. The determiner determines, during the actual injection duration estimated by the estimator, a value of the fuel pressure in the accumulator based on the signal output from the pressure sensor. The setter sets a manipulated variable for controlling fuel injection quantity of the injector based on the value of the fuel pressure determined by the determiner. |
| US07891338B2 |
Device for regulating pressure/flow in an internal combustion engine fuel injection system
The injection system (1) includes a storage volume (6) of pressurized fuel supplied by a high-pressure pump (7) along a delivery pipe (8); and a control unit (16) for defining the required fuel pressure of the storage volume (6) as a function of the operating conditions of the engine (2). The regulating device includes a bypass solenoid valve (14); and a pair of non-return valves (32, 33) connected antiparallel and located between the bypass valve (14) and the storage volume (6). One of the non-return valves (32, 33) permits fuel drainage from the storage volume (6) to the bypass valve (14) when the control unit (16) defines a predetermined reduction (Δp) in the fuel pressure of the storage volume (6). |
| US07891337B2 |
Fuel injection system with injection characteristic learning function
A fuel injection system designed to learn the quantity of fuel sprayed actually from a fuel injector into an internal combustion engine. When the engine is placed in a given learning condition, the system works to spray different quantities of the fuel for different injection durations in sequence to the engine through the fuel injector to collect a plurality of data on the quantity of the fuel sprayed actually from the fuel injector. The system analyzes the corrected data to determine an injection characteristic of the fuel injector, which may have changed from a designer-defined basic injection characteristic of the fuel injector, and uses the injection characteristic in calculating an injection duration or on-duration for which the fuel injector is to be opened to spray a target quantity of fuel. |
| US07891332B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating crankshaft synchronized sine wave
A method of generating a crankshaft synchronized sine wave signal for an internal combustion engine is provided. The method includes the steps of: A) sensing an observed crankshaft angle of the crankshaft; B) using a dynamic observer to generate an estimated crankshaft angle from said observed crankshaft angle; and C) generating the crankshaft synchronized sine wave signal as a function of the estimated crankshaft angle. The crankshaft synchronized sine wave signal is preferable output to at least one of an active vibration control system and an active noise control system. An apparatus for generating a crankshaft synchronized sine wave for an internal combustion engine according to the method of the present invention is also disclosed. |
| US07891328B2 |
Lubricating system for valve operating system
A lubricating system for a valve operating system includes a valve operating system configured to reciprocate a valve for substantially opening and closing a port connected to a combustion chamber of an engine, and an ejecting device provided with an outlet from which a lubricating liquid is ejected. The valve operating system includes a drive cam, a driven member configured to contact the drive cam, a pivot member which is attached to the driven member and is configured to transmit movement of the driven member to the valve, and a relative position changing device configured to change relative positions of the driven member and the pivot member. The outlet of the ejecting device is oriented to face sliding surfaces of the driven member and the drive cam at least in a period which is a part of one rotation of the drive cam. |
| US07891327B2 |
Valve-stroke controls
A valve-stroke control apparatus continuously varies the stroke of a valve in an engine, and selectively maintains it in a closed position, while the engine is in operation. The control apparatus includes a force-transmitting rod which is pivoted by a cam and a cam-contact roller. An additional roller on one end of said force-transmitting rod engages a transverse contact surface of a stroke-length setting lever. The contact surface has a contour such that pivoting of the force-transmitting rod causes movement between the contact surface and the additional roller, which in turn displaces the force-transmitting rod longitudinally in a direction associated with valve opening. Such displacement is introduced by way of a rotary articulation into a rocking lever that activates the valve. |
| US07891324B2 |
Method and apparatus for heating a circulating fluid in an indirect heat exchanger
A heater and a method for heating a circulating liquid in a gas-to-liquid heat exchanger and an indirect heat exchanger to produce a hot liquid stream for use for heat exchange in a selected process to supply heat to the process. One particularly useful application of the present invention is the revaporization of liquefied natural gas (LNG). |
| US07891322B2 |
Dog harness
A dog harness is comprised of a torso strap positioned across the lower shoulders of a dog, connected to a chest strap passing around the chest of a dog, and a shoulder strap passing over the back of a dog. The chest strap is provided with a limited slip loop. A leash connector is fixed to the limited slip loop. When a leash is attached to the leash connector, a directional pull on the leash causes the leash connector to slide in the direction of the pull, pulling the limited slip loop to the side and moving the pull off the center of the dog's chest, thus decreasing the opposition reflex. |
| US07891315B2 |
Powder supply system
The invention relates to a powder supply system (1) for supplying a processing apparatus (2) with a granular substance (3). In this arrangement the powder supply system (1) includes a main container (4) and a powder conveying system (5) with a storage container (51) for conveying the granular substance (3) into the processing apparatus (2). In accordance with the invention, means (6, 611, 612, 62) are provided so that, in the operating state of the processing apparatus (2), a predetermined amount of the granular substance (3) can be conveyed from the main container (4) as working powder to the storage container (51) in such a way that at least a minimum amount (M1) is available as a granular substance (3) in the storage container (51). |
| US07891313B2 |
Gravure coating apparatus
A gravure coating apparatus is provided for forming a stripe-shaped coating film by means of a gravure roll having a groove between plate cylinders. The apparatus has a scraping member having: side edges each of which contacts an edge surface of one of the plate cylinders so as to be approximately aligned along the radial direction of the gravure roll and scrapes a coating solution on the edge surface; a groove-like passage for discharging the coating solution, the groove-like passage being formed in a generally central portion of the inner peripheral surface along the bottom surface of the groove so as to be aligned along the rotation direction of the gravure roll; and a tapered surface which guides the coating solution from the edges to the groove-like passage. The scraping member is disposed in the groove, whereby the coating film formed by the plate cylinders is made uniform over the entire surface using a simple configuration. |
| US07891310B2 |
Freeze indicators, flexible freeze indicators, combination indicators and manufacturing methods
Freeze indicators providing a visual indication of exposure of the freeze indicator to a freezing or near-freezing temperature and their manufacture are disclosed. The freeze indicators employ colloidal dispersions as active elements and include flexible freeze indicators, freeze indicators protected against drying out and freeze indicators employing core shell composites, for example gold coated pigments as active indicator elements. Also disclosed are: a combination freeze indicator and threshold temperature indicator; a combination threshold indicator and cumulative temperature indicator; and three-way combination indicators that can provide indications of cumulative past temperature exposure, exposure to freezing temperatures and exposure to a temperature above a threshold. |
| US07891309B2 |
Self contained integrated mooring system
A self contained integrated mooring system configured to contain items within a payload container in a water body is disclosed. The self contained integrated mooring system may include components for conveniently collecting and storing the components of the self contained integrated mooring system. The self contained integrated mooring system may be formed from the payload container, a mooring line handling and storage module, an anchor and a system container in a single system that eliminates having to work and rework anchor lines on a deck of a boat. |
| US07891303B2 |
System for guiding a vehicle along at least one guiding rail
A system for guiding a vehicle along a guiding rail includes a guide roller device, with at least one rolling bearing roller and at least one lateral roller having a diameter and shape contacting the rail so that the lateral roller has the same speed at a point of contact with the rail as the central bearing roller on a rolling surface on the rail. The system can be used for tramways. |
| US07891301B2 |
Transport installation by aerial rope comprising a vehicle transfer circuit equipped with a torque motor
A transport installation comprising an aerial rope with continuous running on which vehicles are suspended by detachable grips, comprises a transfer circuit equipped with means for moving the vehicles. The means for moving comprise at least one set of wheels with pneumatic tires one of which wheels is connected to a power take-off derived from running of the rope and equipped with drive means whereby each wheel is made to rotate by one of the adjacent wheels. One of the wheels of said set of wheels is connected by transmission means to the output shaft of an electric torque motor generating a constant turning torque independent from the speed of rotation of said output shaft. |
| US07891300B2 |
Cable derailing prevention device for carrier/traction cables of cable car systems
The invention relates to a cable derailing prevention device for carrier/traction cables of cable car systems in an installation including: a carrier/traction cable; a multitude of rollers which flank a coupling rail and are located at the exit from the station; a multitude of clamps from which the driving means are suspended; at least one roller that has a couple and clamp and supports the cable, and a support roller or hold-down roller battery according to the cable guide, the coupling rail forming a coupling area between the cable and the clamps. According to the invention, an aligning device is mounted in front of the coupling area of the clamps on the cable before the coupling rail and limits the deviation of the cable due to a derailing on the roller battery so that the cable is always located inside the opening of the clamp. |
| US07891299B2 |
Slug for industrial ballistic tool
A frangible projectile for expelling from an industrial ballistic tool may be formed by a powder metallurgy process. A preferred embodiment of slug consists essentially of compacted and optionally sintered material and comprises up to 35% ferrotungsten in particulate form, up to 3% lubricant, and the balance iron in particulate form with inevitable impurities. |
| US07891294B2 |
Printing system
A printing system includes a lithographic plate information printing unit, a variable information printing unit, and a control component. The lithographic plate information printing unit prints lithographic plate information on a recording medium using a lithographic plate. The variable information printing unit prints predetermined variable information on the recording medium on which the lithographic plate information is printed by the lithographic plate information printing unit. The control component controls so that the lithographic plate information to be printed by the lithographic plate information printing unit and the variable information to be printed by the variable information printing unit are printed in preset correspondence with each other. |
| US07891292B2 |
Printing method and printing apparatus
A printing method and a printing apparatus including a stencil printing apparatus and so on. Focusing on the relationship that exists between copy number and master position displacement that occurs during printing, by determining by pretest and setting top-bottom shift correction values in accordance with parameters including copy number that affect printed master position displacement in the direction of rotation of a plate cylinder, and during printing, utilizing conventionally used top-bottom shift means to automatically execute top-bottom shift correction in accordance with the set top-bottom shift correction values, printing position displacement can be prevented from occurring, waste of master and printing medium such as paper can be eliminated and, in addition, the operation time can be shortened and the number of operation steps can be reduced. The CPU of control means, each time the copy number counted by a paper discharge sensor reaches a predetermined copy number, reads a top-bottom shift correction value corresponding to a predetermined copy number from a ROM, and during printing, controls a top-bottom shift motor of top-bottom shift means to execute a top-bottom shift correction in accordance with the read top-bottom shift correction value. |
| US07891267B2 |
AT selector cover
An AT selector cover is disclosed having a base member having a select gate for an automatic mode and a manual mode gate formed along a vehicle's longitudinal direction, a first slide plate slidably held on the base member for sliding capability in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and a second slide plate held on the first slide plate for sliding capability in a vehicle's lateral direction, wherein the second slide plate has a guide member protruding toward the base member, which has a guide recess for guiding the guide member, movable with the shift lever, which is inserted to the guide recess. |
| US07891266B2 |
Gear position display device of transmission
A gear position display device includes a transmission having a plurality of gear positions, a speed-changing control portion outputting a speed-changing instruction, a display portion displaying a gear position of the transmission, and a detection portion detecting a speed-changing state of a gear position based on the speed-changing instruction, wherein a gear position based on the speed-changing instruction from the speed-changing control portion is displayed after the detection portion confirms actual starting of speed-changing. |
| US07891264B2 |
Driving mechanism for carrier, recording apparatus, and reading apparatus
A driving mechanism for a carrier can prevent drive transmission units used for reciprocation of the carrier from becoming damaged, dented, or deformed even when an apparatus receives vibration or impact from the outside. The driving mechanism includes first and second pinion components held by a carrier, first and second rack segments fixed to a main apparatus body, and a connector rack segment fixed between the first and second rack segments. When the carrier performs recording, the first pinion component engages with the first rack segment. When the carrier is at a home position, the second pinion component engages with the second rack segment. |
| US07891256B2 |
Differential-pressure flow meter having a main control board in a space in a base member
A compact differential-pressure flow meter with reduced wiring is provided. The differential-pressure flow meter has first and second pressure sensors 12A and 12B fixed to a base member 14 on upstream and downstream sides of an orifice member 11 along a flow channel to determine a flow rate based on a pressure difference measured between the two sides of the orifice member 11 by the pressure sensors. The differential-pressure flow meter includes specific control boards disposed near pressure-sensing parts installed in the respective pressure-sensing device and a main control board disposed in a board installation space formed inside the base member. The specific control boards are connected to the main control board with wires passing through a plurality of wiring conduits provided in housings of the pressure-sensing device, and external wiring are connected to one of the specific control boards or to the main control board. |
| US07891254B2 |
Device and method for providing strain measurements of insulated pipes
This disclosure provides methods and apparatuses to monitor strain in a steel pipe with reduced or eliminated disruption of the insulative and anti-corrosive layers or coatings that cover the pipe. The methods and apparatuses can include an attachment scheme that is less intrusive and less sensitive to dilation of the insulation layer on the pipe than previous strain monitoring solutions. Additionally, methods and apparatuses can reduce corrosion by virtue of the reduction in the number and volume of metallic components. |
| US07891253B2 |
Capacitive force sensor
A force sensor is provided which has a capacitive sensor circuit incorporating a sensor capacitor having variable capacitance Csen arranged so that an output of the capacitive sensor circuit is proportional to 1/Csen. |
| US07891252B2 |
Method for sensor fabrication and related sensor and system
A method includes forming multiple trenches in a first wafer, forming a sensor structure on a first surface of a second wafer, and bonding the first wafer and the second wafer. The method also includes etching a second surface of the second wafer to form a sensor diaphragm in the second wafer. The method further includes removing a portion of the first wafer by cutting the first wafer in multiple areas of the first wafer associated with the trenches. A sensor includes a substrate and a surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonator on a first surface of the substrate. The sensor also includes a bonding pad electrically coupled to the SAW resonator and a notch formed in a second surface of the substrate. The sensor further includes a cover separated from the first surface of the substrate by a spacer. The SAW resonator is located between the cover and the substrate. |
| US07891251B2 |
Device for measuring pressure
A device for measuring pressure in a fluid line, with a fluid chamber, which is connected with the fluid line so as to allow flowthrough, and with a transducer, characterized in that the fluid chamber includes an opening to a branch line and in the branch line of the fluid chamber at least one end of a transmission element is inserted. The transmission element forms a power-locking connection between the fluid chamber and the transducer and the transmission element is suited for transmitting the fluid pressure to the transducer. This device proves to be especially precise and is easily sterilized. |
| US07891246B2 |
Tracking vibrations in a pipeline network
A vibration recorder for detecting leaks in a pipeline network includes a sensor operable to receive vibration signals from a pipeline network, and a communication port connected to an automatic meter reader/transmitter (“AMRT”). A processor connected to the communication port and to the sensor is programmed to process the vibration signals and to send data regarding the processed vibration signals to the AMRT using the communication port. The vibration recorder may also include metering functions, and, in some implementations, may also incorporate the functions of the AMRT. |
| US07891245B2 |
Inertial force sensor including a sense element, a drive circuit, a sigma-delta modulator and a signal processing circuit
The present invention particularly relates to an inertial force sensor used in various electronic equipment, for example, used for altitude control, navigation, or the like, of a mobile body such as an aircraft, an automobile, a robot, a watercraft and a vehicle in which the detection accuracy is enhanced. Therefore, a sense circuit constituting the inertial force sensor includes a sigma-delta modulator converting a sense signal output from a sense electrode into a one-bit digital signal, and a signal processing circuit (i) comparing a monitor signal output from a monitor electrode with predetermined reference amplitude information, (ii) carrying out operation processing of the one-bit digital signal based on this comparison information, and (iii) adjusting an output level of the output signal. |
| US07891232B2 |
Rigid particulate matter sensor
A sensor to detect particulate matter. The sensor includes a first rigid tube, a second rigid tube, a detection surface electrode, and a bias surface electrode. The second rigid tube is mounted substantially parallel to the first rigid tube. The detection surface electrode is disposed on an outer surface of the first rigid tube. The detection surface electrode is disposed to face the second rigid tube. The bias surface electrode is disposed on an outer surface of the second rigid tube. The bias surface electrode is disposed to face the detection surface electrode on the first rigid tube. An air gap exists between the detection surface electrode and the bias surface electrode to allow particulate matter within an exhaust stream to flow between the detection and bias surface electrodes. |
| US07891223B2 |
Transfer press machine
A transfer press machine which can accurately and promptly check interference and can be easily handled is provided. The transfer press machine includes an interference check device including: a data-conversion constituent element storage section which stores a press-side data-conversion constituent element and a transfer-side data-conversion constituent element in a state of being placed in virtual space to have the same relative positional relationship as in real space; a virtual press operation control section which causes the press-side data-conversion constituent element to perform a virtual press operation in the virtual space according to a press motion; a virtual transfer operation control section which causes the transfer-side data-conversion constituent element to perform a virtual transfer operation in the virtual space according to a transfer motion; a virtual synchronization timing information generation-output section which generates and outputs virtual synchronization timing information, and a virtual interference determination section which determines whether or not interference occurs between the press-side data-conversion constituent element and the transfer-side data-conversion constituent element during a transfer press cycle. |
| US07891222B2 |
Electronic locking system
An electrically activated locking device is provided for use with an article of furniture of the type comprising a cabinet with an interior surface, at least one drawer in the cabinet moveable between an open position and a closed position, and a locking bar slideably mounted adjacent the interior surface for vertical movement and having at least one locking pin extending therefrom into locking engagement with the drawer and at least one lifting pin extending therefrom. The device includes an electrically powered actuator, an electronic module for controlling power to the actuator, a rotatable cam operatively connected to the actuator, and a lifting pin carrier in the path of and vertically moveable by rotation of the cam. The lifting pin carrier has an opening for receiving the lifting pin, whereby the locking bar is moveable into either an unlocked or locked position responsive to rotation of the cam. |
| US07891221B2 |
Electric steering lock device
An electric steering lock device of the invention includes: a rotating body (worm wheel) that is driven by a motor to rotate in an unlocking direction and a locking direction; a first cam section and a second cam section provided in the worm wheel; a lock member that follows the first cam section to be displaced between a lock position and an unlock position; and a lever member that follows the second cam section and that is positioned, when the lock member is positioned at the unlock position, at a waiting position at which the lock member is allowed to move and that is positioned, when the lock member is moved to the lock position, at a retention position at which the lock member is blocked from moving to the unlock position. |
| US07891211B2 |
Cold storage tank unit and refrigeration cycle apparatus using the same
A cold storage tank unit for a refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a cold storage heat exchanger having plural tubes and a pair of first and second tanks connected to longitudinal ends of the tubes, a cold storage material tank which accommodates at least the tubes of the cold storage heat exchanger, and a cold storage material filled in the cold storage material tank. The cold storage material is cold-stored by the refrigerant or is cold-released to cool gas refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator. Furthermore, the second tank has a lower end portion that is positioned lower than a lower end portion of the first tank, and the second tank has a tank capacity capable of storing a predetermined liquid refrigerant condensed by cold storage heat of the cold storage material. The cold storage tank unit can be located between an evaporator and a compressor in the refrigeration cycle apparatus. |
| US07891208B2 |
Refrigerator and control method thereof
A refrigerator including an ice making device to make ice and a control method of the refrigerator. The refrigerator includes the ice making device to make ice, and an ice reservoir disposed below the ice making device to receive the ice made by the ice making device. The ice making device includes an ice-full state sensing lever installed, in a vertically pivotally rotatable manner, at one side thereof to sense whether or not the ice reservoir is full of ice, and a lever cover to cover a side surface of the ice-full state sensing lever. With the use of the lever cover, even if the ice is caught between a wall surface of an ice making compartment and the ice making device, the ice is caught between the wall surface of the ice making compartment and the lever cover. This has the effect of assuring a stable operation of the ice-full state sensing lever. |
| US07891206B2 |
Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is provided. The dehumidifier includes a cabinet defining an outer appearance of the dehumidifier, a barrier installed in the cabinet to collect condensed water, and a bucket assembly received in the barrier to store the condensed water, the bucket assembly being capable of pivoting frontward. |
| US07891205B2 |
Refrigerator defrosting and chilling compartment
A defrosting and chilling compartment that can be incorporated into the fresh food compartment of a refrigerator includes separate and independent pathways for selectively conducting warming or cooling air, respectively, to a holding section in the compartment where an item to be defrosted or chilled is located. Certain of the pathways are used to conduct warming air and certain other pathways are used to conduct cooling air. A heating device is associated with the pathways that conduct warming air, and the pathways that conduct cooling air are associated with a source of cooling air. Separate air-moving devices, such as fans for example, can be provided for the separate pathways. The pathways can include a closure device for selectively and variably opening and closing the pathways. |
| US07891203B1 |
Method and system for cooling items using vehicle HVAC system
A vehicle heating, ventilation and air conditioning (“HVAC”) system includes an HVAC control, a fan, an evaporator downstream from the fan, a cooler box downstream from the evaporator, a condenser in fluid communication with the evaporator and a compressor in fluid communication with the condenser and the evaporator. A method for cooling items using the HVAC system includes detecting a cooler box signal from the HVAC control, in response to detecting the cooler box signal, opening or closing a valve interposed between the evaporator and the cooler box, and in response to detecting the cooler box signal, performing at least one of the following: changing an HVAC mode or adjusting power delivered to the fan. Opening the valve can allow cool air to travel through a passage toward the cooler box. Closing the valve can block cool air from traveling through the passage toward the cooler box. |
| US07891200B2 |
Vending machine improvement
A vending machine system includes a control module for controlling a cooling system. The cooling system, which includes an evaporator, may omit a heating element for defrosting the evaporator. In operation, the control module cycles an evaporator fan in conjunction with a compressor based on a required set temperature to help keep products within a specified range. In an embodiment, the evaporator fan is turned on and off at substantially the same time as the compressor is turned on and off. In another embodiment, there is a predetermined delay after the compressor is turned on and off before the evaporator is respectively turned on and off. Other variations are contemplated. |
| US07891198B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling temperature in a refrigerator
A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the cabinet, a freezer compartment disposed within the cabinet, an ice compartment disposed within the cabinet, and an electronic control system associated with the refrigerator and adapted to monitor and control the fresh food compartment, the freezer compartment and the ice compartment. The control system provides for energy efficient control and operation through various means, including adjusting cut-in and cut-out temperatures of the cooling system to control. |
| US07891196B2 |
Quenchline exit plenum for a cyrogenic unit
A quench line and exit plenum configuration for a mobile MRI system housed in a transportable trailer includes an exit plenum with deflector plates that direct the quench flow of cold gases upward and away from surrounding objects. In addition, the plenum also includes dual vents to facilitate optimum gas flow and water drainage. The deflector plates are configured to utilize the Venturi effect to create an auxiliary flow of the ambient air to help deflect the flow of cold gases away from nearby pedestrians, when the magnet is quenching, and to enable service personnel to fill the magnet safely while in the vicinity of the exit plenum. |
| US07891193B2 |
Cooling of a multimode fuel injector for combustion chambers, in particular of a jet engine
In a multimode fuel injector for combustion chambers, in particular a jet engine, a secondary circuit is connected to a distribution chamber perforated by a plurality of fuel ejection orifices and the primary circuit comprises at least one passage section adjacent the distribution chamber, for its cooling. |
| US07891191B2 |
Combustor, gas turbine combustor, and air supply method for same
A combustor comprises a liquid fuel nozzle for injecting liquid fuel to a combustion chamber, and an air supply nozzle disposed around the liquid fuel nozzle and injecting air. The air supply nozzle is disposed such that air is injected from the air supply nozzle in a direction toward an axis of the liquid fuel nozzle. A space is formed around an outlet of the liquid fuel nozzle, through which the liquid fuel is injected from the liquid fuel nozzle to the combustion chamber, upstream of a distal end of the outlet in a direction in which the liquid fuel is injected. Carbonaceous deposits on surrounding surfaces of the outlet of the liquid fuel nozzle can be suppressed regardless of the operating conditions of a combustor. |
| US07891189B2 |
Method and device for carrying out a thermodynamic cycle
The invention relates to a liquid working substance flow, the pressure of said flow being increased and the flow itself being subdivided into a first partial flow and a second partial flow. The first partial flow is partially evaporated with heat from a heat source, and the second partial flow with heat from a working substance flow with a low surface tension. The two partial flows are then combined and produce a gaseous working substance flow with heat from the heat source. The surface tension of said gaseous flow is reduced and the energy thereof converted into a usable form. The working substance flow with a low surface tension is condensed, thus producing the liquid working substance flows. According to the invention, the first partial flow and the liquid working substance flow are essentially at the same temperature. In this way, the heat of the heat source can be better used, thus increasing the efficiency of the cycle. |
| US07891186B1 |
System and method of waste heat recovery and utilization
A waste heat recovery system is provided for an internal combustion engine having a piston, a cylinder and an intake manifold, significantly improving gas mileage efficiency without reliance on alternative fuels. The system includes a heat loop having a heat transfer fluid, a compressor in fluid communication with the intake manifold to supply compressed air thereto, a Stirling engine operated and optimized via thermal communication with the heat loop, and operatively coupled to the compressor. The system includes a chiller in thermal communication with the heat loop, and with the intake manifold to cool the compressed air communicate to the cylinder. The system may include additional Stirling engines operating other devices, or being operated by a device, such as a propeller. A vehicle can incorporate the system and route fluid to and from a radiator. The system can be used in both portable and stationary applications. |
| US07891185B2 |
Turbo-generator control with variable valve actuation
An internal combustion engine incorporating a turbo-generator and one or more variably activated exhaust valves. The exhaust valves are adapted to variably release exhaust gases from a combustion cylinder during a combustion cycle to an exhaust system. The turbo-generator is adapted to receive exhaust gases from the exhaust system and rotationally harness energy therefrom to produce electrical power. A controller is adapted to command the exhaust valve to variably open in response to a desired output for the turbo-generator. |
| US07891182B2 |
Work machine, control system and method for controlling an engine in a work machine
A method for controlling an engine in a work machine includes determining a base engine operating limit; determining a hydraulic system load on the engine; calculating a modification value for the base engine operating limit; generating a modified engine operating limit based on the modification value and the base engine operating limit; generating an engine control signal based on the modified engine operating limit; and transmitting the engine control signal to operate the engine at the modified engine operating limit to thereby supply additional power from the engine to the drive train to at least partially compensate for the hydraulic system load. |
| US07891181B2 |
Hydraulic unit
A hydraulic unit, in particular for lifting and lowering loads in stacking trucks, has at least one working cylinder (10). The piston/rod unit (12) of the cylinder is guided movably in a housing (22). By a hydraulic pump (25), the piston/rod unit can be extended in its one drive direction (30) and can be retracted in its other opposite drive direction (32). A control device (20) actuates the displacement movements to that effect. A storage device (38) is fed energy in one drive direction (32). The energy fed in can be called up from the storage device (38) to assist a displacement movement in an opposite drive direction (30). |
| US07891178B2 |
Centrifugally balanced fluid reservoir and method of use thereof
A centrifugally balanced fluid reservoir comprising a fluid reservoir having a channel therein, a flexible barrier dividing the channel of the fluid reservoir into a first compartment and a second compartment, a first aperture in the first compartment allowing transfer of fluid into and out of the first compartment, and a second aperture in the second compartment allowing transfer of fluid into and out of the second compartment. The first aperture may fluidly connect the first compartment to an external pressure source, and the second aperture may fluidly connect the second compartment to a rotating device. The channel of the fluid reservoir may be toroidal and annular. The rotating device and the fluid reservoir may be coaxially and concentrically aligned and may be rotated together such that the amount of fluid in the rotating device is regulated by the balance of centrifugal forces on the fluid in the rotating device countered by the amount of fluid in the second compartment, which is a function of the amount of fluid in the first compartment, which may be regulated by the external pressure source. |
| US07891174B2 |
Management of regeneration of a diesel particulate filter
Described herein is a method for managing regeneration of a diesel-particulate filter for a gas-exhaust system of the internal-combustion engine of a vehicle, comprising a first step of regeneration of the diesel-particulate filter during which the diesel-particulate filter is regenerated at a first regeneration rate, and a second step of regeneration of the diesel-particulate filter, during which the diesel-particulate filter is regenerated at a second regeneration rate higher than the first regeneration rate. |
| US07891171B2 |
Hybrid catalyst for NOx reduction using fuel hydrocarbons as reductant
A method for reducing nitrogen oxides including NO and NO2 in an exhaust stream also comprising oxygen, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons at a temperature above about 150° C., the method including in embodiments oxidizing NO in the exhaust stream to NO2; reforming raw diesel fuel to produce OHC's from the fuel; adding diesel fuel hydrocarbons and their oxygenates to the exhaust stream for the reduction of nitrogen oxides; and contacting the exhaust stream with a reduction hybrid catalyst comprising BaY—Ag/Al2O3 to reduce the nitrogen oxides to N2. The method reduces NOx initially through the (HC+OHC)/SCR process producing N2, while also producing NH3 as a byproduct over Ag/Al2O3. The NH3 subsequently reduces NOx over the BaY—Ag/Al2O3 hybrid catalyst through the NH3/SCR process, producing more N2 and thereby enhancing the NOx reduction efficiency of the hybrid catalyst system. |
| US07891169B2 |
Procedure and control device to diagnose a catalytic converter system of an internal combustion engine
A procedure is introduced to diagnose a catalytic converter system with at least two catalytic converters, through which separate exhaust gas flows flow, with the steps: test if oxygen storage capacities of the catalytic converters, which are at least two in number, exceed a predetermined threshold value. The procedure characterizes itself, in that the oxygen storage capacity of the first of two catalytic converters is compared with at least one first threshold value, in that an additional threshold value is ascertained as a function of a result of the comparison and in that the oxygen storage capacity of the second of two catalytic converters is compared with the additional threshold value. Additionally a control device is introduced, which executes the procedure. |
| US07891159B2 |
Method for positioning a loaded bag in a vacuum chamber
A method of positioning a loaded bag in a vacuum chamber includes loading a bag by placing a product in the bag; placing the bag on an infeed conveyor that is transparent to IR; advancing the bag, on the conveyor, to a sensing apparatus including an infrared camera disposed above the conveyor, and a bank of LED's disposed below the conveyor; interrogating the loaded bag, using the sensing apparatus, with infrared radiation to detect the trailing edge of the product inside the bag; transmitting information acquired from the interrogating step to a PLC; advancing the interrogated loaded bag a distance, based in the information acquired from the interrogating step, to a vacuum chamber including a heat seal assembly; and heat sealing the loaded bag with the heat seal assembly to close the bag mouth. |
| US07891158B2 |
Robotic multi-product case-packing system
A case packing system concurrently accumulates a plurality of different product ensembles and sequentially packs cases thereof, generally by way of (a) concurrently accumulating a plurality of different product ensembles utilizing a plurality of product conveyer lines, each of which is adapted to separately convey distinct products to one or more transfer points; (b) sequentially transferring different accumulated product ensembles from the conveyer lines to a case-packer, the case-packer including a packing section as well as multiple magazines for receiving different case-blanks; (c) controlling transfer of the product ensembles to the case-packer and selection of the appropriate case-blank. Preferably, substantially continuous operation of the case-packer at a production rate higher than an accumulation rate of any individual product conveyer is maintained. A preferred construction employs a 4-axis robotic arm to select KDF cases and shuttle conveyers to transfer product from the conveyers to the case-packer. |
| US07891151B2 |
Fasteners for clamping sheet-form members, and apparatus and method using such fasteners to attach undercover onto underside of vehicle floor panel
Two-clip tubular fasteners are used to clamp a sheet-like member between flanges of the clips. An apparatus and method for attaching an undercover to the underside of a vehicle floor panel having a plurality of studs comprises a plurality of the tubular fasteners that are inserted into respective mounting holes of the undercover and that are engaged with the studs. At least some of the mounting holes provide diametral clearance with respect to corresponding tubular fasteners. The flanges of those fasteners exert a predetermined clamping force on the undercover while permitting planar movement of the undercover. One of the flanges has a configuration that engages a cooperable configuration on the undercover to prevent undesired turning of a first clip relative to a second clip. |
| US07891150B2 |
Composite truss
A composite truss includes a pair of spaced apart concrete panels and a plurality of substantially vertical members spanning between the pair of spaced apart concrete panels, a first end portion of each vertical member embedded in one of the pair, and a second end portion of each vertical member embedded in an opposite one of the pair. The truss also includes a diagonal member spanning between the first end of a first vertical member and the second end of a second vertical member linearly adjacent to the first vertical member and non-structurally engaging the first end portion of the first vertical member and the second end portion of the second vertical member during an assembly of the truss. The diagonal member also includes a first development length portion embedded in the first concrete panel and a second development length portion embedded in the second concrete panel. |
| US07891143B2 |
Gutter retaining system
An interlocking gutter system that incorporates a gutter clip and a gutter hanger to affix a gutter to a retaining clip attached to a fascia board of a building, thereby eliminating the need to place holes in the gutter itself to insert screws or nails. The gutter hanger of the present invention is constructed of a single piece which has a hanger portion which is disposed substantially within the gutter and spans the width of the gutter to maintain the shape and structural integrity of the gutter. A vertical portion of the gutter hanger extends vertically from the hanger portion and terminates in a top portion which provides support to a leaf protection device. Alternatively, the gutter hanger is constructed of a hanger portion, and a separate vertical portion which is contiguous with the top portion, and is also removably attachable to the hanger portion. |
| US07891140B1 |
Perimeter wall panels for an air supported structure
A wall panel which can be used to provide a lower, more rigid, perimeter wall to an air supported structure. The wall panels may be attached to the earth via a hinged connection to provide for improved ease of raising the air supported structure and to allow for flexing, or may be rigidly attached. The wall panels will generally be modular and interchangeable. |
| US07891139B2 |
Door driving control method
In controlling, with recognition of their installation positions, the opening/closing driving of plural doors that are driven by respective linear motors, each door is driven closed by switching the door opening/closing drive torque to high torque if the drive speed of the door has become less than or equal to a prescribed speed. In doing so, operation instruction computing sections set high torque application periods for respective doors so that the periods of high-torque closure driving of respective doors or predetermined door groups do not overlap with each other, and issue instructions to drive the doors closed with high torque only during the high torque application periods. |
| US07891136B1 |
Removable draft blocker having an end retaining element
A removable draft blocker, for blocking drafts by sealing a gap between a bottom surface of a door and an underlying floor surface, includes first and second elongated draft blocking bodies, a base member extending between a bottom of the first draft blocking body and a bottom of the second draft blocking body to join the first and second draft blocking bodies in a spaced apart parallel relationship, and a retaining member disposed between ends of the first and second draft blocking bodies. The draft blocker is adapted to be positioned at the bottom of a door, with the draft blocking bodies on opposite sides of the door, and with the retaining member engaged behind or against a side edge of the door, such that the draft blocker is prevented from moving out of position as the door is opened and closed. |
| US07891134B2 |
Method of producing a horticultural display
A method of producing a horticultural display containing more than one variety of the same or different species of plant is disclosed. The plants are produced from unrooted cuttings that are rooted in a single growth cell and cultivated in a single container so that the final product includes more than one plant species or more than one plant variety or both. A plant growth cell having rooting media and more than one plant cutting from more than one plant species or plant variety or both rooted therein is also disclosed. Further, a horticultural display having more than one plant of more than one plant species or plant variety or both initially rooted together from unrooted plant cuttings in a single growth cell is disclosed. |
| US07891131B2 |
Device mount system for a weapon
An attaching system for mounting a device to a weapon is provided. The attaching system includes an attaching ring, a mounting rail and a threaded attaching member. The attaching ring includes a weapon attaching portion, a retaining portion and an extending portion. The weapon attaching portion is configured to attach to a weapon. The retaining portion is configured to receive and hold a mounting rail. The retaining portion includes a retaining aperture. The extended portion is coupled between the weapon attaching portion and the retaining portion. The extending portion has a select length to space the weapon attaching portion from the retaining portion a select distance. The mounting rail is configured to be received in the retaining portion. The mounting rail has a threaded recess. The threaded attaching member is configured to pass through the retaining aperture and to threadably engage the threaded recess of the mounting rail. |
| US07891130B2 |
Barrel latch locking device
A barrel latch safety for a grenade launcher having a barrel slidable upon a receiver via actuation of a barrel latch is provided. The barrel latch safety includes a locking plate and an elongate member extending from a portion thereof so as to define a crotch between the elongate member and a side edge of said locking plate. The subject safety is adapted to be positioned on the receiver such that a surface adjacent the side edge of the locking plate prohibits barrel latch actuation upon translation of the safety relative to the receiver. |
| US07891129B2 |
Compressible plug for a magazine well
A magazine well plug used to render a weapon safe and/or to prevent sand, water, and other contaminants from entering a weapon is described. The magazine well plug includes a main body substantially shaped to conform to the interior of a magazine well, an optional flange substantially disposed about the main body, and an optional grip element disposed at one end of the main body facilitating insertion and removal of the plug with respect to the magazine well. The main body and flange are comprised of one or more compressible materials. The main body is dimensionally larger than one or more dimensions within a magazine well so as to require the main body to be compressed in part or whole when inserted into a magazine well. The invention avoids openings inherent with rigid plugs, thereby preventing solid and/or liquid contaminants from entering a magazine well. |
| US07891122B2 |
Personalized financial transaction cards and methods
A gift card assembly includes a backing, a gift card and a sticker group. The gift card is formed separately from and supported by the backing. The gift card defines an activation feature configured to facilitate loading the gift card with monetary value. The sticker group is formed separately from and supported by the backing. Other method and product embodiments are disclosed. |
| US07891121B2 |
Earthworking implement
A blade assembly for an earthworking implement has a set of teeth that are independently slideable within guides. The teeth slide to conform to an undulating surface and permit scraping of the surface. |
| US07891118B2 |
Spike assembly for sport shoes
A spike assembly is engaged with a recess in the outsole of a sport shoe and includes a base with a tubular portion and a plurality of protrusions extend from the base portion in axial direction of the base portion. Each protrusion includes an inclined side and a vertical side with a rounded portion connecting between the inclined side and the vertical side. A spike member includes screw portion which is securely connected to the tubular portion and an annular portion extends from the spike member, a plurality of blocks extend from the top of the annular potion which has a tapered outer periphery so as to seal the recess of the outsole of the sport shoe. The blocks slide along the inclined sides of the protrusions and then stopped by the vertical sides of the protrusions. |
| US07891113B2 |
Clogging degree deciding method for dryer
A clogging degree deciding method for a dryer, which can accurately determine a clogging degree of an air passage, even when there is an influence of external environments, is disclosed. The clogging degree deciding method includes reading information as to clogging of an air passage, and displaying a clogging degree of an exhaust duct or a clogging degree of a filter in accordance with the read clogging information. The clogging information includes an ON/OFF duty ratio of a temperature control member. The displaying step includes comparing a difference between two ON/Off duty ratios finally stored with a filter-clogging determination reference value, and determining the clogging degree of the filter, based on a result of the comparison. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the clogging degrees of the exhaust duct and filter to the user. |
| US07891106B2 |
Growth chart device
A growth chart device features presenting a wall facing side and an opposing chart side with a measuring scale extending along the chart side along a lengthwise dimension of the chart body. A marking area is defined on the chart side of the chart body proximate the measuring scale to receive markings at different positions along the measuring scale at different times to track a height of an individual. At least one door is pivotally mounted on the chart body and movable between open and closed positions in which at least a portion of the chart side of the chart body is respectively uncovered and covered to give selective control over access to said portion. |
| US07891105B2 |
Putter fitting station
A putter fitting device (1) having a base plate (2) with a fixation device (5) for a putter head (14), which provides a first fixation state for a first, torque-proof fixation of the putter head (14) and a second fixation state for a second, rotational fixation of the putter head (14) in reference to the base plate (2), with the putter head (14) in the second fixation state being rotational in a plate plane of the base plate (2). An adjustable positioning body (11) is connected to the base plate to predetermine a stance of a person in reference to the base plate (2), and alignment markings (9, 27, 29) are provided for a targeted alignment of the putter head (14) in the second fixation state and for controlling a selected alignment of the putter head (14). |
| US07891103B2 |
Magnetometer accuracy and use
A parameter related to the Earth's magnetic field can be used to determine accuracy of a magnetometer of a mobile device. In one aspect, a first instance of a parameter related to Earth's magnetic field is determined using data generated by the magnetometer. The magnetometer data can be based in part on a position of the mobile device with respect to the Earth. A second instance of the parameter can be determined using data generated by a model of Earth's magnetic field. The model data can also be based in part on the position of the mobile device with respect to the Earth. The first instance of the parameter can be compared with the second instance of the parameter. An accuracy metric for the magnetometer can be determined based on a result of the comparison. An indication of the accuracy metric can be presented by the mobile device. |
| US07891098B2 |
Knife with repeating actuation
A knife is described that is capable of extending a blade from a front end of the blade, and subsequently retracting the blade into the body of the knife. Actuation of the blade from extended to retracted conditions is accomplished by way of an actuation element located external to the knife. A user may strike the knife backwards onto a work surface to extend the blade and, subsequently, to retract the blade. The same action by the user may be used to achieve the extended and the retracted blade condition. |
| US07891096B2 |
Method for reinforcing a foam material as well as a sandwich component
Provided is a method for reinforcing a foam material in which a working region is first prescribed. A gap that at least partially encloses the prescribed working region in a two-dimensional manner is created in the foam material. A strut is introduced into the foam material, extending from an entry surface of the foam material from outside the working region to at least the fibrous sheet-like material. From a further aspect, a sandwich component with a core which comprises a foam material is provided. A fibrous sheet-like material arranged in the foam material at least partially encloses a working region of the sandwich component in a sheet-like manner. At least one strut is incorporated in the foam material and extends from an entry surface of the foam material from outside the working region to at least the fibrous sheet-like material. |
| US07891095B2 |
Method of producing jewelry and other precious metal products with complex geometries
The present invention relates to a novel method of producing in one and the same operation precious hallmarked precious metal products. The method is particularly suited for production of such precious metal products, i.e. jewelry and objets d'art, which have complex geometries. The basic principle of the invention is the use of the free form fabrication FFF, method known per se which involve a stepwise build-up in layers of the product from a precious-metal-containing metal powder. |
| US07891088B2 |
Method of running cable from a duct to a device
Embodiments provide a method of running cables from an already-installed cable duct to devices. According to the method, a portion of a duct from which it is desirable for cable to be dropped is selected upon consideration of a first location of a first device to which a connection is desired. The method also includes punching a first aperture in the duct proximate the first portion, snaking a first cable from the duct through the first aperture, and connecting the first cable to the first device. |
| US07891080B2 |
Techniques for detecting head-disc contact
A method for detecting head-disc contact is disclosed. The method comprises locating a head including a head positioning microactuator and at least one of a read transducer and a write transducer adjacent to a disc such that the head is in communication with the disc, monitoring an output signal from the head positioning microactuator of the head, and evaluating the output signal to determine if the head contacts the disc. |
| US07891079B2 |
Manufacturing apparatus of a head gimbal assembly and manufacturing method of a head gimbal assembly
A bending apparatus of a head gimbal assembly includes a suction unit configured to attract the head gimbal assembly, a movement unit configured to move a long tail connected to a terminal part, a stopper against which the moved long tail is butted, a transmission type optical sensor configured to detect that the long tail is positioned to the stopper, a tail holder configured to hold a part of the long tail on a work table, a roller configured to compress the terminal part against the tail holder and to bend the terminal part relative to the long tail at a right angle, and a controller configured to control, based on a detection result of the transmission type optical sensor, a movement of the tail holder to the work table and a movement of the roller to the tail holder. |
| US07891074B2 |
Bar connecting apparatus
A bar connecting apparatus applies clips to connect transverse bars used in reinforced concrete. A clip string is fed into the bar connecting apparatus by a clip feed assembly, so several pairs of transverse bars can be connected in rapid succession. A hammer reciprocates in the barrel of the bar connecting apparatus, and drives a clip from the barrel into engagement with the bars. An alignment head aligns the bar connecting apparatus with the transverse bars so the clips properly engage the bars. |
| US07891067B2 |
Elastic band expander
An elastic band expander tool has a base plate and a cam plate rotatably secured to each other for rotation about an axis. The cam plate has three slots, each of which curves inwardly towards the axis at its outer end. The base plate has three expander bars moveably mounted on it, each of which has a finger extending therefrom and a cam pin for moving in an associated cam slot. When the cam plate is rotated on the base plate, the cam pins ride in the slots and move outwardly away from the axis. This movement causes the expander bars to move outwardly, thereby expanding an elastic band fitted about the fingers. When the cam pins reach the end of their respective cam slots, the tool locks in place, to provide hands-free operation. |
| US07891062B2 |
Lip closure device for use with human remains and method of forming same
A lip closure device (105) for use with human remains includes a shaft (201) having a first end (205) that is substantially pointed and a second end (213) that is substantially blunt. One or more hooking notches (207, 215) are used for engaging with tissue inside the mouth of the human remains in order to maintain the lips into a substantially closed position. |
| US07891061B2 |
Zipper head
A zipper head includes a puller, a horse hook, an elastic piece, a cap and a pulling piece. The puller has guiding grooves there inside and an accommodating portion and a penetrating hole on top thereof. The end portion is disposed under the horse hook. One end of the elastic piece is fixed on the puller. Both sides in the interior of the cap are provided with a protrusion respectively. The two protrusions of the cap are located above the fulcrum portion of the horse hook. Via the above arrangement, a function of blocking and restricting the position of the fulcrum portion of a horse hook can be provided, and thus the fulcrum portion of the horse hook cannot be displaced excessively due to an extreme pulling force of the pulling piece. Therefore, the horse hook can be prevented from getting deformed or deviating from a predetermined position. |
| US07891055B1 |
Replacement hinge pin
A replacement hinge pin to cure the problem of an open door that swings waywardly under the influence of gravity. The pin has a pair of oppositely-disposed and oppositely-directed bulges for frictional engagement with the roll-formed knuckles of a butt hinge. Rotational adjustment of the pin increases the friction in the hinge enough to prevent a door from swinging waywardly. |
| US07891039B2 |
Cleaning apparatus with fast wringing ability
A cleaning apparatus comprises a main rod, a wringing tube, a bearing, a lock, and a cleaning rag assembly. The wringing tube is coaxially put over the main rod and is glidingly movable along the main rod. The fastening device is mounted on the lower end of the main rod. The cleaning rag assembly surrounds a periphery of the main rod at a lower end thereof, having an upper end held by a connecting ring, which is mounted on the wringing tube, and a lower end mounted on the fastening device, allowing easily to replace the cleaning rag assembly. |
| US07891035B2 |
Article of footwear having a worn appearance and method of making same
An article of footwear made from new or substantially new materials is manufactured with vintage treatment processing to give the article of footwear a vintage or well-worn appearance. The article of footwear may be treated with discoloring substances, such as dyes or bleaching agents. The upper may be formed with wrinkles or a crushed heel portion, such as by using a thin or soft foam behind a polyester covering, eliminating the foam backing and/or heel cup. Further, a rubber outsole may be molded with uneven treads and/or discolored to give the rubber a degraded, worn appearance. |
| US07891031B2 |
Movable deck
A deck construction includes a movable, rigid, unitary platform with wheels mounted to its bottom and supporting tracks arranged on opposite sides of an open space below the platform. The wheels roll along the tracks, allowing horizontal movement of the platform. At least one drive mechanism is mounted on a side of the open space to engage a rack on the platform. One or more stationary sources of rotary power, such as electric motors, operate the drive mechanism to cause the platform to move horizontally in either direction along the tracks. The deck construction is particularly useful as a swimming pool cover or an extensible balcony or canopy. |
| US07891025B2 |
Protective device for eyes
A protective device for eyes, for example, goggles of a shield, includes a double lens member, a frame member and a face fixation member. The double lens member includes a front lens, a back lens and a gasket. The front lens and the back lens are made of polycarbonate resins, polyurethane resins, polyester resins or polyamide resins. The front lens and the back lens are disposed in parallel with the gasket therebetween in order to form a space surrounded with the front lens, the back lens and the gasket. This device is excellent in the antifogging property in the double lens. |
| US07891024B2 |
Diving mask and method for the manufacture thereof
A diving mask which includes a face-piece having, formed therein, one or more openings for housing one or more lenses, means for fixing the lenses inside the face-piece, and means for connecting the mask to the diver's head. The face-piece is formed by at least two portions which are stably connected together, where the two portions are respectively made using two materials which are different at least from the point of view of the rigidity, with one of the two materials being more rigid than the other one. |
| US07891023B1 |
Peace officer's shirt and suspender set for supporting a duty belt
A suspender set and peace officer's shirt are described wherein the suspenders for the duty belt are located beneath the officer's shirt with only a portion of the suspender set extending outwardly through the front and rear of the shirt for connection to the duty belt worn by the officer. |
| US07891021B2 |
Protective garment having two sleeves, each attached so as to extend in a forward direction when unstressed
A protective garment of a type preferably conforming to at least one NFPA standard and worn by firefighters and by emergency rescue workers has a body, which has two sleeve mouths, and has two sleeves. Each sleeve is attached to the body by being sewn thereto, along and around a margin of an associated one of the sleeve mouths, so as to extend in a forward direction when unstressed. The forward direction may be a forward and downward direction, a forward and upward direction, or a forward and lateral direction. The protective garment may be a protective coat, a protective jacket, a protective shirt, or a suit of protective coveralls. |
| US07891019B2 |
Heated garment
A heatable garment having a plurality of layers is shown. The first layer is an outer fabric layer of any fabric which is lightweight, durable and treatable and may also be air impervious. Cooperating with the outer fabric layer is an envelope or inflatable bladder having a plurality of interconnected chambers. A further inner layer adjacent the envelope or bladder is a heat producing element such as a plurality of imbedded heating wires woven into a supporting fabric. The supporting fabric may, however, comprise the inner wall of the inflatable envelope. A source of heat energy, such as a battery, is connected to the heat producing element to heat the inner fabric liner. Inflation of the inflatable bladder urges the heat producing element into intimate contact with the body of the wearer. The inflatable bladder also form fits the garment on the body of the wearer and provides insulation against heat loss. |