Document Document Title
US07946200B2 Adjustable clamping tool
An adjustable clamping tool of the present invention includes a rotatable disc, two clamp portions, two slidable shanks, two rails and a housing member. When the rotatable disc is turned, the clamp portions are therefore driven to move toward or away from each other along the rails.
US07946199B2 Coaxial cable connector nut rotation aid
An improved coaxial cable connector rotation aid that facilitates rotation of a coaxial cable connector found on the end of a coaxial cable. Embodiments may include a nut with faceted portions or exclude a nut element. Embodiments may coupled with a nut having threads or the tubular element may include threads. Embodiments may include soft metal, plastic or composites to provide additional shielding. Embodiments allow the aid to slide from a first end of a coaxial cable to a second end, non-fixedly engaging the threaded connector nut on either end so that a single instance of one aid may be utilized on both ends of the cable. As the aid is slidingly engaged on the cable, it cannot be removed and swallowed by a small child or pet. Other embodiments allow for a combined textured and nut aid that allows for rotation by using a tool or by manual rotation.
US07946196B1 Rotary ring transfer system
Rotation and positioning of a rotary index table supported from a base is effected using a cam supported from a conveyor and cam follower lock, with the conveyor and cam follower lock being mounted on a carriage set for radial movement on the base inwardly and outwardly with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotary index table, and a plurality of cam followers depending from the rotary index table.
US07946195B2 Steering apparatus for vehicle
A steering apparatus for a vehicle capable of executing a steer-by-wire (SBW) mode of steering road wheels by a steering mechanism mechanically disconnected with a steering device. The steering apparatus includes a clutch which is composed of a shaft that rotates together with the steering device, an internal gear ring which has a rotation center coinciding with that of the shaft and transmits its rotation to the steering mechanism, an external gear ring partially intermeshed with the internal gear ring, lock members which transmit/disconnect the rotation of the shaft to the external gear, and a lock operating member for displacing the lock members to lock/unlock positions.
US07946193B2 Foot peg with replaceable cleat component
An multi-piece foot peg for use with power sport vehicles such as motorcycles and ATVs is provided that, in one embodiment, includes a base that attaches to the frame of the vehicle and a cleat member that attaches to the base wherein the cleat member may be replaced without replacing the entire foot peg thereby enabling economical replacement of worn cleats and enabling the adjustment of foot peg height and aggressiveness of the cleats. The base is configured to define an opening between two sub-components that extend away from the frame of the vehicle. The cleat member includes cleats and at least one opening between the cleats positioned to facilitate the passage of debris through the opening in the cleat member and through the opening in the base such that debris will not build up on the upper surface of the cleat member.
US07946191B2 Accelerator pedal system
An accelerator pedal system includes a vehicle speed sensor outputting a vehicle speed signal, an accelerator pedal, and a switch that generates a signal corresponding to at least one predetermined speed and a selected mode. An engine management system receives the signals from the vehicle speed sensor and the switch. A pedal control unit receives the vehicle speed signal and the switch signal, and outputs a control signal if a vehicle speed exceeds the predetermined speed. A reaction device is physically attached to the accelerator pedal and electrically connected to the pedal control unit. The reaction device applies force to the accelerator pedal based on the control signal.
US07946187B2 Mass flowmeter
A mass flowmeter is provided which operates on the Coriolis principle, having (1) at least four measurement tubes which can oscillate and through which a medium can flow, (2) at least one oscillation generator for excitation of the oscillations of the measurement tube, and (3) at least one oscillation sensor for detection of the excited oscillations of the measurement tubes. The measurement tubes are preferably arranged closely in parallel such that the flow cross section covered by the measurement tubes covers as small an area as possible. The use of four or more compactly arranged measurement tubes advantageously allows for the measurement of a high mass flow rate with measurement tubes having a relatively small cross section and length, resulting in a mass flowmeter having compact length and width dimensions, and which requires only a relatively low energy oscillation generator for excitation of the oscillations of the measurement tubes.
US07946183B2 Bending-detection apparatus
A bending-detection apparatus includes a sheet-shaped substrate having flexibility and a bending-detection mechanism including a sensor which measures a potential difference to detect bending deformations of the substrate and two bending-detection sections which are arranged on a surface of the substrate at different areas respectively. Each of the bending-detection sections has a piezoelectric layer provided on a surface of the substrate; plurality of first electrodes which are conducted with each other and each of which extends on a surface of the piezoelectric layer along a direction; a plurality of second electrodes which are arranged alternately with the plurality of first electrodes. An electrode-extending direction in which the first and second electrodes extend is different between the two bending-detection sections. Consequently, a bending-detection apparatus capable of detecting bending deformations in the substrate in various directions is provided.
US07946181B2 System for measuring deflection of rotating shaft in wireless manner
Disclosed herein is a system for measuring the deflection of a rotating shaft in a wireless manner. The system includes a non-contact-type angle division device, a plurality of wireless contact-type displacement sensors, a plurality of wireless transmitters, a relay, and a data reader. The non-contact-type angle division device is placed on a vertical rotating shaft and measures and transmits the angle of rotation of the rotating shaft. The wireless contact-type displacement sensors are installed on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft, and measure the strain of the rotating shaft. The wireless transmitters transmit data about the displacement of the rotating shaft measured by the wireless contact-type displacement sensor. The relay receives and relays transmission signals from the non-contact-type angle division device and the wireless transmitters. The data reader receives the transmission signals from the relay, and performs simulation reading.
US07946176B2 Methods and apparatus for extracting first arrival wave packets in a structural health monitoring system
Methods and apparatus for extracting the first arrival wave packet of an acoustic signal in a structural health monitoring (SHM) system include receiving an acoustic signal transmitted between two transducers thereof. Electromagnetic cross-talk is removed from the signal. Signal amplitude threshold values used for picking out the first arrival wave packet are chosen based on signal characteristics or chosen adaptively as the value that leads to the minimum variance of the group velocity estimates of all the actuation-sensing transducer pairs. The group velocity is estimated as the known actuator-sensor distance divided by the propagation time of the first wave packet of which the envelope exceeds a candidate threshold value. The first arrival wave packet is determined as the signal segment where the signal envelope first exceeds the chosen amplitude threshold and the segment length exceeds a specified threshold of time width.
US07946173B2 Angular velocity sensor and process for producing the same
An angular velocity sensor has a stable characteristic in which a vibration element has a small variation in the driving efficiency even when carbon dioxide gas is generated by the reaction with oxygen gas in a package including therein the vibration element. To realize this, the angular velocity sensor has a mixed gas of inert gas and oxygen gas in the package so that the mixed gas in the package has a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure.
US07946169B2 Fluid level detector
A fluid detector includes a piezoelectric element that outputs a first ultrasonic signal in response to an input electrical signal and a lens with an upper portion and a lower portion. A housing is integral with an outer surface of the wall of a container and defines a cylindrical central bore for receiving the lens. The piezoelectric element is coupled to the upper portion of the lens so that the lens focuses the first ultrasonic signal toward the wall so that it enters the wall. An ultrasonic detector is disposed adjacent the outer surface of the wall, for receiving a second ultrasonic signal from the wall that results from the first ultrasonic signal and that is affected by the presence or absence of fluid. The ultrasonic detector generates an output electrical signal corresponding to the second ultrasonic signal.
US07946167B2 Constant temperature hot-conductor anemometer
A constant temperature hot-conductor anemometer includes a set of electrically conductive pins including a pair of inner pins and a pair of outer pins. A conductor is electrically and mechanically coupled to the pins. A current source is coupled to the inner pins. The current source is configured to provide a current through the conductor between the inner pins. A voltage sensor is coupled to the outer pins and configured to measure a voltage across the conductor between the outer pins. The current source and voltage sensor are configured to maintain a constant resistance of the conductor between the inner pins. In an example, a second set of pins, a second conductor and a second circuit are also used to measure dynamic temperature of a fluid and also to calibrate resistances at a known ambient temperature.
US07946165B2 Over-speed, rough loads and hard landing detection system
A system, apparatus and method provide a means for indicating an overload condition has occurred during aircraft operation. The occurrence of an overload condition is automatically determined and an indication output thereof. Based on the indication received by the cockpit, avionics, maintenance, etc., further action may be taken to correct the effects of the overload condition on the tires and/or landing gear.
US07946163B2 Methods and apparatus for developing a vehicle suspension
An electronically adjustable shock absorber, and a system, method, and algorithm for developing a vehicle suspension. The shock absorber has damping characteristics that can be adjusted electronically to match a desired set of damping characteristics. The test method includes closed loop control of the electronically adjustable shock to achieve user-provided damping characteristics. The characteristics can be selected from a graphical user interface to simulate different internal flow passages of a shock absorber. Some embodiments make possible the simulated testing of different hardware embodiments, without the need to make the actual shock absorbers and without the need interrupt the vehicle suspension testing for multiple shock absorber installations.
US07946162B2 Method for estimating the oxygen concentration in internal combustion engines
A method for estimating the oxygen concentration in an internal combustion engine that includes, but is not limited to an intake manifold, an exhaust manifold, an EGR system, a throttle valve, an air mass sensor for measuring a fresh air flow ({dot over (m)}thr) entering the intake manifold through the throttle valve, and cylinders. The method includes, but is not limited to the steps of estimating the total gas flow ({dot over (m)}o) entering the cylinders, calculating the EGR gas flow ({dot over (m)}egr), calculating the air fraction (f—air—em) of the gas flowing in the exhaust manifold, calculating the air mass (mim—air) entering the cylinders based on the air fraction (f—air—em) in the exhaust manifold, on the total gas flow ({dot over (m)}o) entering the cylinders, on the EGR gas flow ({dot over (m)}egr) and on the fresh air flow ({dot over (m)}thr), calculating the total mass (mim) in the intake manifold based on the fresh air flow ({dot over (m)}thr), on the EGR gas flow ({dot over (m)}egr) and on the total gas flow ({dot over (m)}o) entering the cylinders, calculating the air fraction (fair—im) in the intake manifold based on the air mass (mim—air) entering the cylinders and the total mass (mim) in the intake manifold, and calculating the oxygen mass concentration ([O2]m—im) in the intake manifold based on the air fraction (fair—im) in the intake manifold.
US07946161B2 Apparatus, system, and method for estimating particulate production
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for estimating particulate production from a diesel engine. Engine conditions such as fuel rate, exhaust gas recirculation, and fuel injection timing are determined. Based on empirical evidence or theoretical calculations, or both, particulate production markers, each indicating a level of particulate production, are assigned to each engine condition. The markers are combined and the combined marker is used to interpolate between a minimum and a maximum level of particulate production from the engine to estimate a particulate production rate. The production rate may be combined with an oxidation rate to determine a particulate accumulation rate, which may in turn be combined with a particulate load estimate to produce a combined particulate load estimate. The combined estimate may be used to determine whether to initiate regeneration of a diesel particulate filter.
US07946160B2 Portable emissions measurement adapter device
A portable emissions measurement adapter device (PEMAD) for a vehicle exhaust system having an first exhaust pipe coupled to a second exhaust pipe defining an air inlet opening therebetween, includes an elongated tube having a first and a second end and adapted to fit through the second exhaust pipe to sealingly mate with the first exhaust pipe at the first end. The second end is adapted for operative connection to an emissions testing unit. No modification of the production vehicle is required to use the PEMAD.
US07946151B2 Proton exchange membrane fuel cell humidity sensor
A humidity sensing device for determining the amount of humidity in at least one primary fluid stream that is passed to a fuel cell stack is provided. The sensing device includes an outer housing and an inner housing. The outer housing is positioned within at least one conduit such that the outer housing and the conduit coact with each other to generate at least one secondary fluid stream from the primary fluid stream. The inner housing is positioned within the outer housing such that the inner housing is configured to receive the secondary fluid stream and to measure an amount of water present in the secondary fluid stream to determine the amount of humidity in the primary fluid stream.
US07946147B2 Tube expanding method and apparatus of damper tube
In a tube expanding apparatus of a damper tube supporting a thrust force of a punch applied to the damper tube by a stopper at a time of retaining one end of the damper tube by the stopper, inserting the other end of the damper tube to a die, inserting the punch to the other end of the damper tube so as to propel, and expand the other end of the damper tube while carrying out an ironing operation, the apparatus is provided with a stopper releasing means for releasing the stopper at a time when a load in an axial direction applied to the damper tube due to an elongation by the ironing work of the damper tube increases over a critical load which is previously determined to be a smaller load than an expected buckling load in the damper tube.
US07946145B2 Method and apparatus for blowing out and/or for spraying dies of a forging press
In a method for blowing out and/or for spraying dies (3, 5), arranged at the top and/or bottom, of forging presses, in particular drop forging presses, comprising automatic workpiece transport by means of a transport lifting beam (8) provided with gripping devices (9) and comprising a mechanical blow-out and spray device (11; 10) which is introduced into the tool space (1) of the forging press and is withdrawn again from the latter, a spray lifting beam (11) provided with spray devices (10) is moved into the tool space (1) synchronously with the lifting and removal movement of the transport lifting beam (8), but independently of the latter, while the transport lifting beam (8) lifts a workpiece (6) produced in a preceding forging operation and removes it from the tool space (1), wherein the spray devices (10) are actuated within the tool space and the forging dies (3, 5) are lubricated and/or cooled close to the contour. An apparatus used for this purpose is distinguished by the fact that a separate spray lifting beam (11) formed with spray devices (10) that can be actuated temporarily is assigned to the transport lifting beam (8), wherein the drives of the two lifting beams (8; 11) are synchronized with opposed sequences of movement via an automatic lifting beam mechanism and the lifting beams (8; 11) are connected for their activation to a common open-loop and closed-loop control device (12).
US07946144B2 Lock cylinder
A lock cylinder which can be fitted into a part of a lock assembly of a door or other operable panel. There is provided a lock cylinder (114; 214; 314; 414; 514; 614; 714) adapted for fitment into the lock housing (12), the lock cylinder comprising a key-operated locking part and an actuator (50), the lock cylinder having a predetermined profile for most of its length, and a securing part (70; 72,74; 76,78; 80,82; 170,172; 270,272; 370) projecting from the predetermined profile. The securing part is adapted to lie underneath a part of the lock assembly in use, such as a face plate of an operating handle of the lock assembly, so that the securing part prevents unauthorised removal of the lock cylinder through the face plate.
US07946139B2 Method and apparatus for upgrading washing machine water efficiency
A water level control for a washing machine provides an integrated unit that may replace standard mechanical water level controls with a microprocessor-based circuit that may provide for more sophisticated water management in a standard washing machine using a non-microprocessor cycle timer.
US07946136B2 Method and apparatus for forming glass flakes and fibres
Apparatus for forming fibers or flakes of material comprises means (1) for producing a heated stream of molten material (9), means for feeding the stream in a substantially vertically downward direction and means (7) for receiving the downwardly directed stream and for forming fibers or flakes therefrom. The apparatus includes means (11, 13, 15, 17) for effecting a change in the temperature of the stream subsequent to the production thereof whereby fibers or flakes of a desired thickness are obtained. Instead of, or in addition to, the temperature changing means, there may be provided means for controlling the mass or volume flow of the stream. The invention also provides methods corresponding to the apparatus.
US07946128B2 Glass compositions compatible with downdraw processing and methods of making and using thereof
Described herein are alkali-free, boroalumino silicate glasses exhibiting desirable physical and chemical properties for use as substrates in flat panel display devices, such as, active matrix liquid crystal displays (AMLCDs). The glass compositions possess numerous properties that are compatible with the downdraw process, particularly fusion drawing.
US07946121B2 Air conditioner
An air conditioner includes a refrigerant circuit, a refrigerant quantity calculating section, and a refrigerant quantity judging section. The refrigerant circuit is configured by the interconnection of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and an indoor heat exchanger. The refrigerant quantity calculating section uses a relational expression between the refrigerant quantity in each portion of the refrigerant circuit when the refrigerant circuit is divided into a plurality of portions and an operation state quantity of constituent equipment or refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit in order to calculate the refrigerant quantity in each portion from the operation state quantity of constituent equipment or refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant quantity judging section uses the refrigerant quantity in each portion calculated by the refrigerant quantity calculating section in order to judge the adequacy of the refrigerant quantity in the refrigerant circuit.
US07946117B2 Onboard method of determining EGR flow rate
A method of determining and regulating a mass flow rate exhaust gases recirculated into an engine is disclosed. The method may comprise directing the exhaust gases through a venturi and sensing a differential exhaust pressure across the venturi. The method may further include sensing an absolute exhaust pressure at the venturi, and sensing a temperature of the exhaust gases. The method may further include determining the mass flow rate of the exhaust based on the sensed differential fluid pressure, absolute fluid pressure, and temperature.
US07946114B2 Hydraulic control system
The invention relates to a hydraulic control system for providing at least one hydraulic consumer with a pressure medium. Said system comprises an LS pump system and a metering port for adjusting the pressure medium volume flow rate towards the consumer. The LS line is connected to a pressure medium sink via a current regulator. The invention is characterized in that the current regulator can be adjusted depending on the pump rate in order to modify the pressure drop at the metering port.
US07946112B2 Exhaust heat recovery device
An exhaust heat recovery device includes an accommodating portion extending continuously without shrinking a section therein and adapted to allow exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine to pass therethrough, a catalyst disposed in the accommodating portion for cleaning the exhaust gas, an evaporator disposed adjacent to the catalyst on a downstream side of an exhaust gas flow in the accommodating portion, and a condenser for condensing the working medium by radiating heat of the working medium flowing thereinto from the evaporator so as to recover exhaust heat on the coolant side. The condenser is located to return the condensed working medium to the evaporator.
US07946109B2 Emissions conformance for an exhaust after-treatment system having a dosing agent supply
An exhaust after-treatment system for a vehicle including a dosing agent that is selectively injected into an exhaust from a dosing agent supply includes a first module that determines a level of a dosing agent source. A second module selectively impedes vehicle operation by adjusting an engine operating mode if the level of said dosing agent source is below a threshold level.
US07946108B2 Method for regenerating a nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter
In a method for regenerating a nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter arranged in an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine, a constant value is set in a first regeneration phase for the air/fuel ratio λM of the air/fuel mixture fed to the internal combustion engine when a predeterminable triggering threshold value for the nitrogen oxide concentration in the exhaust gas on the output side of the nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter is exceeded. The first regeneration phase is followed by a second regeneration phase, in which the time rate of change d λM/dt of the air/fuel ratio λM is set as a function of the mass flow of the exhaust gas flowing through the nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter or as a function of an internal combustion engine operating variable linked with the mass flow of exhaust gas.
US07946105B2 Bi-directional locking ring assembly for aircraft thrust reverser manual drive unit
A bi-directional locking ring assembly is provided comprising a housing and a gear having a plurality of teeth. The gear is coupled to the housing to rotate in opposite directions about a rotational axis. A pin is also coupled to the housing and has an apex configured to travel along a line that does not pass through the rotational axis of the gear. The pin is configured to translate between (1) a disengaged position wherein the gear is free to rotate, and (2) an engaged position wherein the apex resides between two of the plurality of teeth to prevent rotation of the gear in both rotational directions. A pin actuator is coupled to the housing and configured to engage the pin to selectively lock the pin in the engaged position.
US07946101B1 Method and system for verification of contents of a multi-cell, multi-product blister pack
A method of transferring a plurality of tablets of a product from a first blister card comprising a first plurality of blisters to a second blister card comprising a second plurality of blisters includes discharging the plurality of tablets from the first plurality of blisters of the first blister card. Then, each of the plurality of tablets are guided along one of a plurality of passageways defined by a transfer fixture positioned between the first blister card and the second blister card. Finally, the plurality of tablets are received in the second plurality of blisters of the second blister card. The method includes monitoring the deposit of product to the blister card and verifying the contents of the blister card.
US07946099B2 Method for producing a package and packaging machine
A method for producing a package with an inner volume of the package containing a headspace volume and a volume taken by the product, and a packaging machine. To allow the reduction of the size of such a package, the package is formed providing a product to be packaged inside the package; providing a tray with its height being smaller than the maximum height of the product; placing the product into the tray; replacing the atmosphere surrounding the product by a gas mixture of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen; covering the tray containing the product by a formable sheet material; forming the formable sheet material and sealing tray together with the formable sheet material, so that the headspace volume containing the gas mixture makes at most half of the volume taken by the product inside the package.
US07946098B1 Apparatus for applying drinking straws
Apparatus for applying a drinking straw on a receiving surface of a stand up bag which can be supplied on a conveying surface to a transfer device for drinking straws. To increase the conveying speed of said apparatus, the transfer means is arranged such that the drinking straw while being handed over encloses an acute angle with the conveying surface.
US07946097B2 Feeder
The feeder for the controlled transfer of product items into the pockets of a web of sheeting has a base unit, a supply container for holding the product items, and a product conveyor for receiving the product items from the supply container. Further, the feeder has an exchangeable format unit including a sorting plate for receiving the product items from the product conveyor, a filling unit with a number of vertically extending filling tubes for receiving the product items from the sorting plate and with a blocking slide unit with a blocking slide plate for temporarily blocking the guiding channels of the filling tubes. The format unit further has a filling shoe for receiving the product items from the filling unit and for guiding them to the pockets of the web of sheeting. A plurality of drives and the corresponding electrical control components for moving the format unit, the sorting plate, the blocking slide plate and the filling shoe are arranged in the base unit.
US07946088B1 System for reinforcing structure using site-customized materials
System and method for reinforcing structures includes basalt textile 20 connected to surfaces of the structure 100 with fiber anchors 30. Textile spreads forces and increases ductility of structure. Textile may connect multiple structural elements together, including walls, floors, columns, beams, and roofs. Textile is covered with mortar 50 customized to match color and texture of structure by use of locally obtained grit, aggregate, or colorant. Basalt fiber textile is preferred to avoid degradation of textile from alkaline components of mortar 50.
US07946085B2 Stair stringer assembly
A stringer assembly includes a support element, a plurality of brackets and a plurality of alignment elements. The brackets are connected to the support element, and each bracket includes a rise indicator corresponding to a desired rise dimension and a run indicator corresponding to a desired run dimension. The alignment elements align the rise or run indicator on one of the brackets with the other of the rise or run indicator on an adjacent one of the brackets to space the brackets at a desired rise and run. The brackets each include a tread flange and a riser flange, such that a tread and a riser can be directly connected to each bracket. The brackets may include cutouts for a temporary tread system.
US07946080B2 Lock assembly
A passive lock assembly is suitable for use with a door mounted to a door frame. The passive lock assembly includes a housing, a bolt, an actuator, and a stop member. The housing is mounted on the door. The bolt extends from the housing and is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. The actuator is supported by the housing and is operably connected to the bolt. Additionally, the actuator is moveable to move the bolt between the extended position and the retracted position. The stop member is pivotably connected to the housing and pivotable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the stop member engages an engagement surface of the actuator to obstruct movement of the actuator and prevent movement of the bolt to the retracted position, and in the second position, the stop member does not obstruct movement of the actuator.
US07946078B1 Starter tray and planting and method using a tray
A plurality of plants of at least one species are planted in starter soil contained in a starter tray. The tray can have a perforated floor with a plurality of reinforcing ribs and one or more walls rising from the floor peripherally. The plants are nurtured in the starter tray long enough to develop entangled roots with an interplant root entanglement that at least partially consolidates the starter soil.
US07946077B2 Container for capturing mosquito larvae
The present invention is a container for capturing mosquito larvae comprising: a water container (8) in which natural water can be pooled; an open-top concave induction pipe (1) which is to be intruded into the water container (8); a passage opening (4) formed in the lower part of the concave induction pipe (1); a passage-blocking member (5) for blocking the passage opening (4) in the case where the water levels in the water container (8) and in the concave induction pipe (1) are not higher at least than the top end of the passage opening (4); and a closed space (11) formed in the upper part between the water container (8) and the concave induction pipe (1), characterized in that the above members are so constructed that, after spawning in the concave induction pipe (1), hatched mosquito larvae migrate via the passage opening (4) to the space between the water container (8) and the concave induction pipe (1) and, after emerging, the imagoes die in the closed space (11) and accumulated therein.
US07946067B2 Picture frame with tilt display and support
A picture frame comprising a block of foam attached to a flat cardboard backing with a hole formed therein to allow the picture frame to be mounted on a wall; a first double sided adhesive tape on the low-tack side attachable to a back surface of the picture; a support structure for the picture frame comprising an extended portion of the flat cardboard backing, wherein a proximal end of the extended portion is connected to the cardboard backing along a hinge and the distal end of the extended portion extends to an edge of the cardboard backing opposite the hinge, the extended portion having a perforated line dividing it to a first part and a second part.
US07946066B2 Sign holder and sign display system
A sign holder holding an end of each of two signs includes a first wall, a second wall spaced from the first wall, and a connecting wall located between the first and second walls and secured thereto. A first sign holding section is defined by first portions of the first and second walls and is located on a first side of the connecting wall. A second sign holding section is defined by second portions of the first and second walls and is located on a second side of the connecting wall. A channel is defined on the second wall for engaging an associated bracket used to mount the sign holder on a support.
US07946062B2 Studded footwear
An outsole for an article of studded footwear in which said outsole includes receptacles for specifically-oriented studs. The outsole also includes traction elements formed integrally with the outsole. The studs and traction elements being so constructed and arranged to interact in use of the footwear. The traction elements are designed to complement the spike configuration of the stud.
US07946052B2 Concrete form alignment tool and method of use
A concrete column form aligning apparatus is useful for homeowners building decks, sheds or other structures or commercial builders making bridges, parking garages or other structures having column forms. The aligning apparatus comprises a plurality of platforms configured to engage a circumference of the concrete column form each having a securing device to fix and center each platform around the circumference of the concrete column form. Each of the apparatuses have at least one attachment bracket affixed at a predetermined angle, where the attachment brackets on each form linearly aligned at the proper angle with respect to the other attachment bracket on the other platform. A connector mechanism may be secured in the attachment bracket be using joining pieces at a designated length that secures and aligns the forms at the proper position.
US07946044B2 Surveying instrument and a method therefor
A surveying instrument includes a measuring system having a component, a support, and a mounting unit that is arranged at the support. The component is mounted on the mounting unit and the support and the mounting unit are configured such that the mounting unit is adjustable relative to the support. The instrument also includes a fine inclination sensor that is arranged at the component and is configured to measure an inclination angle of the component and to output fine inclination data. The instrument further includes a coarse inclination sensor that is arranged at the component, is configured to measure the inclination angle and to output coarse inclination data, and includes an electronic acceleration sensor. The instrument additionally includes an evaluation unit that is configured to select inclination data from the coarse inclination data and the fine inclination data and an output unit that is configured to output the inclination data.
US07946043B2 Archery bow plane alignment device and method
Methods and systems for tuning an archery bow are disclosed, including providing a bow having a string, providing a laser plane, rotating the laser plane to be inline with the string and aligning the bow to the laser plane.
US07946042B2 Apparatus and a method for drafting a framework for a pattern
An apparatus for drafting a framework for a pattern and a method of using the apparatus is presented. The apparatus includes a generally rigid planer structure. A pivot point includes a pivot point aperture extending through the rigid planer structure for enabling scribing a center point of the framework and rotating the rigid planer structure about the center point. A plurality of lines pass through the pivot point. Each of the plurality of lines includes a plurality of apertures for enabling scribing marks for forming a basis for lines in the framework. At least one line of generally equally spaced longitudinal apertures, wherein each of the longitudinal apertures is at a first fixed radial distance from the pivot point, enables scribing a circle for the framework, where the circle is scribed by rotation of the rigid planer structure about the pivot point.
US07946040B2 Chainsaw
A chainsaw includes: a body case 20 in which an engine for driving the chainsaw is accommodated; and a top handle 41 provided on an upper side of the body case 20. A fuel tank 7 for storing fuel of the engine is integrally provided to the top handle 41. A carburetor 6 is also provided to the top handle 41. The fuel tank 7 is disposed near the carburetor 6.
US07946035B2 Method of manufacturing a hollow article
A method of manufacturing a hollow article (10) comprising the steps of cold pressing two members (30,34) to form at least one depression (32,36) in the members (30,34). Arranging the two members (30,34) in abutting relationship such that the at least one depression (32,36) defines at least one chamber between the two members (30,34). Sealing (41) the edges (40,42) of the two members (30,34) together to form a core structure (44). Positioning the core structure (44) in a mold (46) to define a cavity (48) between the external surface (50) of the core structure (44) and the internal surface (52) of the mold (46), the internal surface (52) of the mold (46) substantially defining the external shape of the hollow article (10). Filling the cavity (48) between the core structure (44) and the mold (46) with a powder material (54), sealing the open edge of the core structure (44) to the mold (46). Removing gases from the cavity (48) containing the powder material (54), applying heat and pressures to consolidate the power material to form the hollow article (10) in the cavity (46) and removing the mold (46) from the hollow article (10).
US07946034B2 Method for manufacturing a tribological component
A method for manufacturing an annular tribological component in the form of a seal or a sliding bearing of a brittle material. In order to attain the necessary sealing action even with a segmented construction, without expensive reprocessing being necessary in connection with the manufacture of segment surfaces bounding on one another, it is proposed that the annular component be formed of segments made by breaking a ring element and that the segments be assembled such that fractured surfaces fitting one another lie one upon the other.
US07946026B2 Inkjet printhead production method
A method of producing an ink jet printhead includes steps of forming a substrate having defined therein a nozzle chamber for receiving and storing a fluid, the chamber fed at one side by an inlet passage; forming a nozzle plate in-situ on the substrate to define a nozzle opening on an opposite side of the nozzle chamber to the inlet passage; and forming first and second heater elements suspended between the nozzle opening and the inlet passage, the heater elements having two opposite planar sides and positioned to be in direct thermal contact with the fluid stored in the nozzle chamber at both opposed planar sides. The first heater element is formed on a different layer to the second heater element. The first heater element is formed with a surface area larger than that the second heater element.
US07946024B2 Method of manufacturing a can assembly of an enhanced coreless alternating current linear motor
A method of manufacturing a can assembly of a coreless AC linear motor is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a workpiece and gouging out material from the workpiece to form a deep groove in the workpiece. The workpiece having the deep groove forms a can. The method also includes providing a plurality of coreless coils and arranging the plurality of coreless coils in a straight line. The method also includes forming the plurality of coreless coils into a flat plate-shaped block using resin or adhesive. The flat plate-shaped block forms a coil assembly. The method also includes inserting the coil assembly into the deep groove of the can. The can assembly comprises the can and the coil assembly.
US07946022B2 Copper alloy for electronic machinery and tools and method of producing the same
A copper alloy for electronic machinery and tools, having a surface layer of a work affected layer whose thickness is 0.2 μm or below; and a method of producing the same.
US07946021B1 Double safety fastener
A double safety fastener prevents accidental disengagement. The double safety fastener is composed of a first and second threaded fastener. The two fasteners are joined with a pivotable protrusion extending from the first fastener into a recess of the second fastener. When both fasteners are engaged with a threaded rod, torque is transferred from the second fastener to the first fastener through the protrusion, recess interface. If the second fastener disengages the threaded rod, the second fastener will swing away from the threaded rod eliminating transfer of torque to the first fastener, thus eliminating the disengagement of the first fastener from the threaded rod. Conversely reengaging the disengaged second fastener to the threaded rod is accomplished by rotating (typically clockwise) and pressing the second fastener toward the first fastener thereby catching the beginning thread of threaded rod.
US07946020B2 Manufacturing of micro-objects such as miniature diamond tool tips
Techniques for affixing a micro-object to a mounting structure at a desired relative orientation. A shaped portion of a work piece is caused to become embedded in two or more reference structures at stages during fabrication. The micro-object may have dimensions less than 200 microns, and possibly on the order of 15-25 microns. The mounting structure may be formed with a blind recess or a through aperture in which the micro-object is mounted.
US07946019B2 Process for producing a stent for angioplasty
A stent has surface sculpturing, preferably on its outer surface only, having, for example, microspheres, having the function of increasing the actual geometric surface area of the stent, of creating undercuts and roughness to encourage the application of coatings of active or activatable agents, as well as of improving the attachment of the stent to the blood vessel wall.
US07946017B2 Integrated hinge and temporary door checker
A temporary checking device is provided that works in conjunction with elements of a vehicle hinge that remain in the vehicle's final configuration. The hinge includes a hinge pin rotatably connecting a door hinge bracket to a pillar hinge bracket. The checking device includes a spring portion that is disposed between the door hinge bracket and the pillar hinge bracket. The spring portion is compressed during movement of the door hinge bracket relative to the pillar hinge bracket from either of two rest positions. The spring portion urges the vehicle door affixed thereto back into one of the rest positions, thus allowing manufacturing operations such as painting, etc., to be performed on the vehicle.
US07946012B2 Apparatus for installing a waster disposer sink mount
An apparatus and method enhances installation of a waste disposer mounting assembly at a drain-received sink flange. The apparatus comprises a carriage guide, a carriage assembly, and a spring-actuable notch stop. The carriage guide comprises a hooked end, a handled end, and a notched face extending intermediate the hooked and handled ends. The carriage assembly is translatably and cooperably associated with the carriage guide and comprises a centralized rail guide aperture and a plurality of fastener-engaging arm assemblies. The guide aperture is sized and shaped to receive the guide rail and the notch stop engages the notched face for selectively prevent translation of the carriage assembly relative to the carriage guide. The arm assemblies of the carriage assembly carry a mounting assembly via fastener-port engagement to a mount position where a snap ring fastener may be manually installed to prevent downward displacement of the mounting assembly from the mount position.
US07946010B1 Installation tool for irrigation emitter barbs and tubing punch
A tool for installing irrigation barb emitters into irrigation tubing including a cradle handle and a punch handle, the cradle handle and the punch handle being arranged in a parallel relation and connected intermediate their ends at a center point. A cradle which receives irrigation tubing is included. A punch pin allows a user to punch holes in irrigation tubing as desired with a spring loaded body which removes the punch pin when it has been driven into irrigation tubing. A barb holder allows a user to install emitter barbs into irrigation tubing as desired. A barb remover allows removal of barbs from irrigation tubing as desired.
US07946004B2 Reclosable fastener with slider for high-pressure processing
A fastener for a plastic bag includes first and second mutually engageable track portions and a slider for engaging and disengaging the track portions. In a preferred embodiment, the slider includes a core portion and an end portion. The core portion is made of a first material having a first preselected material property. The end portion is made of a second material having a second preselected material property and is arranged at opposing ends of the slider.
US07946000B2 Apparatus for the fibre-sorting or fibre-selection of a fibre bundle comprising textile fibres, especially for combing
In an apparatus for the fiber-sorting or fiber-selection of a fiber bundle comprising textile fibers, especially for combing, which is supplied by means of supply device to a fiber-sorting device, especially a combing device for removal of the combed fiber material at least one take-off means with a sliver-forming element is present, downstream of which is a drafting system to enable productivity to be substantially increased and an improved combed sliver to be obtained, downstream of the supply device there is arranged at least one rotatably mounted roller rotating rapidly without interruption, which is provided with clamping devices for the fiber bundle, which clamping devices are distributed spaced apart in the region of the periphery of the roller and the combed sliver formed is arranged to be supplied directly to the drafting system.
US07945998B2 Gripping handle for supporting a tool extension
A handle for a rotating tool extension is disclosed. The handle includes a body member having a central portion with first and second end portions. The body member is positionable along an axis of rotation of the rotating tool extension and includes a bore formed in the body member extending therethrough along the axis of rotation. A liner may be at least partially disposed within the bore, and may be at least partially removable from and insertable within the bore. A rotating tool extension is at least partially inserted within the liner. Alternatively, the body member may include at least one roller bearing member contacting at least a portion of the rotating tool extension during rotation of the extension. The handle and extension may be provided as a combination and also as a kit.
US07945992B2 Mat fastening system
A system for securing a floor mat with respect to a carpet within a vehicle that may include a carpet grommet configured to secure to the carpet, a mat grommet configured to secure to the floor mat, and a locking ring secured to or within one of the carpet grommet or the mat grommet. The locking ring includes first ramped shelves configured to securely abut reciprocal ramped surfaces formed on the other of the carpet grommet or the mat grommet. The first ramped shelves are angled in a non-perpendicular and non-parallel manner with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the system, wherein the locking ring secures the carpet grommet to the mat grommet. The carpet grommet may also include an auger configured to pierce and secure into the carpet.
US07945991B2 Vacuum cleaner comprising an operating rocker
An actuating element mounted on an electrical appliance for pivotal movement about a pivoting axis in the switching direction of a switch, in order to switch a function of the electrical appliance by actuating the switch, and comprises a slide with an actuating surface that is guided along a slide path provided on the actuating element to adjust an operating parameter. An operating rocker/slide is provided enabling uniform forces introduced into the operating rocker during displacement of the slide. The actuating element includes the slide path and the pivoting axis extending substantially parallel to each other. The parallel orientation of the pivoting axis and the slide path enables the same length of lever arm to be obtained in relation to the pivoting axis of the actuating element, in each position of the slide, during the introduction of forces into the actuating surface of the slide.
US07945978B2 Duvet and duvet cover combination
A duvet and duvet cover combination where the duvet is arranged to be placed inside the duvet cover, where the duvet includes an integrated substantially rectangular extension part having a first long side attached to the duvet, and a second long side divided up in two parts that are separated by an aperture which extends essentially centered and over at least half the distance between the second long side and the first long side The duvet includes straps arranged in corners of the extension part and the duvet cover includes through holes arranged in corners of the extension part. The straps are arranged to be passed through the holes on the upper side and the under side of the extension part of the duvet cover whereafter they may to be tied together to keep the extension part of the duvet safely in place inside the extension part of the duvet cover, whereby the shoulders and arms of a user may be kept warm by the extension parts.
US07945977B1 Bedding accessory for article storage
A bedding accessory for storing a plurality of articles in the space fully beneath a bed frame includes a sheet portion, a side portion appended to an edge of the sheet portion, and storage compartments formed on the side portion. The sheet portion is placed in substantially covering relation to an upper surface of a mattress support structure. The side portion is arranged to hang downwardly from the sheet portion adjacent the space beneath the bed frame. Each storage compartment is configured to retain at last one article therein and is comprised of an outer panel facing outwardly away from the bed frame and an inner panel facing inwardly toward the space beneath the bed frame. The inner and outer panels of each storage compartment jointly define an opening for receipt of an article, and the compartment substantially retains the article in the space fully beneath the bed frame.
US07945975B2 Patient assistance device
An improved device for assisting a caregiver in lifting and moving a patient. The device comprises a unitary garment member having a front panel section, a rear panel section and an interconnecting central or middle panel section. The device further includes a plurality of integral, reinforced support straps that enhance the structural integrity of the garment member. The rear panel section includes two flap portions extending laterally on opposing sides of the rear panel section. The two flap portions can be pulled forward and attached to the front panel section whereby the device becomes a vest-type garment that completely surrounds the patient's torso. The improved patient assistance device includes a plurality of strategically positioned hand holds, which provide enhanced leverage enabling a caregiver to more easily assist a patient wearing the device to move from one position to another.
US07945974B2 Sleeper sofa
A convertible sofa-bed which is easy to convert between a sofa configuration and a bed configuration is provided. From a sofa configuration, a buttock-foot member may be pulled outward. Simultaneously, a head rest member and back rest member which are initially at a generally vertical position are traversed to a generally horizontal position. When the buttock-foot member is fully traversed outward (i.e., extended position), the head rest member, back rest member and the buttock-foot member are generally substantially co-planar and generally horizontal. This provides a firm bed surface upon which a person may comfortably sleep. From the bed configuration, head rest member and the back rest member may be buckled to allow the buttock-foot member to be pushed inward. The buttock-foot member is then pushed fully inward (i.e., retracted position) until the head rest member and the back rest member are in the generally vertical position. The person may sit on the buttock-foot member and lean backwards onto the back rest member.
US07945972B2 Support for wall mounted toilets
A support platform for wall mounted toilets is described. The platform attaches easily under the toilet and contains bolts and feet for adjustment. The platform provides support to wall mounted toilets so that persons of weight greater than the rated load of the wall mounted toilet can use the toilet in comfort and safety. It is removable for use in different bathrooms, easily transported and can be sterilized where bacterial or viral contamination is a concern.
US07945969B1 Cord holding garment
A garment, in the form of an apron, holds an electrical cord out of the way. The apron includes an elongated length of material having a front panel, a rear panel, and a neck portion adapted to fit about a person's neck and a plurality of releasable fasteners for securing the cord to the elongated length of material. The length of material is adapted to cover a person's torso. The releasable fasteners may be attached to the neck portion and to the elongated length of material. Each of the fasteners may include a strap adapted to hold the cord and hook and loop type fasteners.
US07945968B2 Protective clothing
Protective clothing includes trousers having a leg portion with a distal end, a proximal end, and a knee area that corresponds to a wearer's knee when the trousers are worn by the wearer. Padding is coupled to the trousers and extends adjacent the knee area. A first and second array of fasteners is coupled to the leg portion, the first and second array having an upper end relatively adjacent to the leg portion proximal end and a lower end relatively distant to the leg portion proximal end. The clothing includes an adjustable protective member having a first side and a second side. A first strap extends from the first side of the adjustable protective member and is removably coupled to the first array of fasteners. A second strap extends from the second side of the adjustable protective member and is removably coupled to the second array of fasteners.
US07945967B2 Method and apparatus for mounting a vision system
A bridge assembly couples a vision system to a helmet or headgear to allow a user to alternatively align an eyepiece of the vision system in front of a left or right eye of a user. The bridge assembly includes a receiver for removably mounting the vision system. The receiver is coupled to a slide assembly providing side-to-side movement of the vision system relative to the helmet.