| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07966923B2 |
Conformable self-healing ballistic armor
A conformable self-healing ballistic armor protective structure has a shell formed of a laminated cloth material having outer and inner lamellae. The outer lamella of the laminated material is a ballistic cloth and the inner lamella is a soft, conformable self-healing, rubber compound. The shell is filled preferably with multiplicity of ceramic particles disposed in a fluid. |
| US07966919B2 |
Safe inspection system and kit
A safe inspection system for the manual inspection of personal luggage, which comprises an inspection module including at least one inspection member which defines an inspection surface, for supporting a potentially explosive object for manual inspection by an inspector; a blast containment container arranged in a position of immediate communication with the inspection module; and transfer means for effecting the immediate transfer of a suspicious inspected object from the inspection surface to the blast containment container by an inspector without requiring further handling of the object by the inspector, thereby to immediately confine the object within the blast containment container and so as to thus reduce the reduce blast damage in the event that the suspicious object explodes after confinement therewithin. The present invention also includes a kit for converting a blast containment container to a safe inspection system. |
| US07966915B2 |
Extensive device for tool
An extensive device is disclosed to connect a bit to a handle of a tool. The extensive device includes a rod, a polygonal sphere, a socket and a retaining element. The polygonal sphere is connected to the rod near an end. The socket includes a polygonal cavity, a tunnel and a groove. The polygonal cavity receives the polygonal sphere so that the surface of the polygonal sphere is in contact with the wall of the polygonal cavity. The rod and the socket are coaxial when the end of the rod is disposed in the tunnel. The rod can be pivoted relative to the socket when the end of the rod is located outside the tunnel. The groove is defined in the wall of the polygonal cavity. The restraining element is fit in the groove of the socket to keep the polygonal sphere in the polygonal cavity of the socket. |
| US07966910B1 |
Ring styled bottle opener
A bottle opener in the form of a ring like member having a bottom portion defining a receiving area for receipt of a portion of a bottle cap attached to a bottle. The opener is placed on the user's finger, causing a top surface of the bottle cap receiving area to be formed by a palm side surface of the user's finger. A portion of the bottle cap is placed within the receiving area such that the top of bottle cap is abutting the user's finger and a bottom edge of the inserted bottle cap is abutting a bottom surface of the receiving area. The user, through movement of his or her hand, then proceeds to pull and/or lift off the bottle cap. The opener attaches to the bottle cap at a single location. |
| US07966906B2 |
Fluid flow control device operator
Three elements of a fluid flow control device—switch, button, label—are designed to minimize the possibility of two labeled buttons being swapped on their switches. If the parts are assembled incorrectly or mislabeled, or if the buttons are thereafter swapped on the switches, it will be very obvious; then, if one attempts to fix such a problem, it can only be fixed by placing the buttons on the correct switches, and it can not be fixed by leaving the buttons on the wrong switches. |
| US07966905B2 |
Shift apparatus
A shift apparatus includes a shift lever operable to select a first mode of a transmission when the shift lever is disposed at a first position and to select a second mode of the transmission when the shift lever is disposed at a second position, and a base supporting the shift lever. The shift lever automatically returns to a home position after selecting the first mode or the second mode. When moving the shift lever from the home position to the first position to select the first mode, the shift lever is moved in a first direction and then in a second direction which is different from and not directly opposite to the first direction. When moving the shift lever from the first position to the second position to select the second mode, the shift lever is moved in a third direction which is different from the first and second directions and not directly opposite to the second direction. |
| US07966904B2 |
Low axial play drive system
A drive system for rotating an assembly, such as an external vehicle mirror housing, about an axis is provided with a drive housing containing a worm drive assembly coupled to an axis gear mounted about the axis. The worm drive assembly is rotated by an electric motor. The axis gear is stationary with respect to the axis, such that rotation of the worm drive assembly will cause it to travel about the axis gear. Such movement of the worm drive assembly will cause the drive housing and the associated external vehicle mirror housing to rotate about the axis. Thrust transmitted to the worm drive assembly is transmitted to a central portion of the drive housing by a shaft retainer associated with the worm drive assembly. Play between the axis gear and the worm drive assembly is prevented by eliminating separation between adjacent components of the worm drive assembly. |
| US07966902B2 |
Vehicular transmission
A vehicular transmission includes a shift drum center with a plurality of gear train establishment notches disposed, equally spaced apart from each other, on the outer periphery thereof. The gear train establishment notches establish a specific gear train selected from among a plurality of gear trains by selectively engaging a drum stopper arm therein. The shift drum center further includes half neutral notches to be engaged with the drum stopper arm. The half neutral notches are disposed on the outer periphery of the shift drum center and at a central portion between each pair of the gear train establishment notches, respectively. The resulting configuration effectively suppresses an engagement noise during changing of a gear position through a sliding motion of a shifter. |
| US07966901B2 |
Torque transfer device
A torque transfer device, in particular in the power train of a motor vehicle, having at least one wet-running clutch device, in particular a multi-plate clutch device, which is actuatable by an actuating lever device, in particular an actuating lever spring device, through a pressure member. The pressure member has a blocking cross section which is opened toward a pressure chamber. |
| US07966900B2 |
Actuator for a motor vehicle, more specifically for a motor vehicle seat
An actuator for a motor vehicle with an electric motor having an output shaft, a gearbox that is connected to the output shaft that includes a spindle nut, and a spindle that engages the spindle nut. The spindle nut comprises one main portion and at least one axial socket. The axial socket: (a) is solidly connected to the main portion, more specifically is integral with the main portion, (b) comprises an internal thread cooperating with the spindle and (c) is configured to be radially elastic. An elastic element is provided which fits against the axial socket and pushes the internal thread thereof into engagement with the spindle. |
| US07966899B2 |
Source dilution sampling system for emissions analysis
A system for sampling emission products from an emissions source, for example combustion engines including gasoline, diesel and natural gas engines, for subsequent measurement and analysis of the emission products. The system includes a dilution apparatus, a residence time chamber, a plurality of sampling probes within the residence time chamber, and a plurality of sampling trains connected to the sampling probes to take simultaneous representative emission samples for subsequent analysis. The system has particular use in quantifying chemical and toxic trace species from emissions sources. The results of the analysis can be used to formulate decisions on changes in engine design strategy, and can be used to determine the effectiveness of aftertreatment systems on the emissions source. |
| US07966897B2 |
Plating apparatus
A plating apparatus includes a plating tank for storing a plating liquid, and applies a magnetic alloy plating to a shaft-shaped member immersed in the plating liquid by using the shaft-shaped member as a cathode. The plating apparatus further includes a rotable member configured to rotate the shaft-shaped member as a rotary shaft; annular shielding tools mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft-shaped member; a plating liquid discharge nozzle including plating liquid discharge ports which are provided to face the shaft-shaped member so as to avoid the shielding tools; and an anode provided around the shaft-shaped member and the plating liquid discharge nozzle. |
| US07966894B2 |
In-line measuring device
An in line measuring device, includes a measuring transducer having: a least one measuring tube vibrating, during operation, and serving for conveying, a two- or multiphase, flowable medium; an exciter mechanism for producing vibrations of the at least one measuring tube; a sensor arrangement for registering vibrations of the measuring tube and for delivering an oscillation measurement signal representing oscillations of the measuring tube, and a measuring device electronics electrically coupled with the measuring transducer. The measuring device electronics delivers, at least one exciter signal driving the exciter mechanism, and, in such a manner that the at least one measuring tube, during operation, —driven by the exciter mechanism driven by means of the at least one exciter signal—is excited, to execute vibrations in a wanted mode of the measuring transducer, in which it, at least partially, executes bending oscillations about an imaginary bending oscillation axis of the measuring transducer, Moreover, the measuring device electronics ascertains, a damping value of first type, which represents, instantaneously, a damping of vibrations of the at least one measuring tube, which opposes the bending oscillations of the at least one measuring tube corresponding to the Coriolis mode. |
| US07966889B2 |
Method of measuring strain in a flex hose or other flexible member
A method of detecting excessive strain in an elongated flexible member comprising: (a) applying at least one strain-detecting strip to the flexible member in an area that will be subject to bending in installation or use; (b) installing the flexible member in place; and (c) after installation, inspecting the strain-detecting strip for signs of excessive strain in the flexible member. |
| US07966882B2 |
Self-calibrating method for measuring the density and velocity of sound from two reflections of ultrasound at a solid-liquid interface
A method for determining a velocity and density of a fluid without requiring the transmission of ultrasound through the fluid, and a system for performing such a method. The method involves the steps of delivering, receiving and analyzing ultrasound pulses sent from a longitudinal and a shear wave transducers to a member that is in contact with a fluid. The ultrasound pulses reflecting between surfaces provide a first ultrasound pulse echo series, that is transmitted, received and processed. The shear wave ultrasound pulses are also delivered through a shear wave transducer at a predesignated angle relative to the interface of the member and the fluid and the results of this are received to obtain a second ultrasound pulse echo series. Reflection coefficients for the first and second ultrasound pulse echo series are then calculated and the density of the fluid and the velocity of sound in the fluids are extracted. |
| US07966878B2 |
Method for measuring liquid cryogen level using a level probe
A method of measuring a level of liquid cryogen, comprising the steps of immersing a liquid cryogen level probe in a liquid cryogen, applying a propagation current to the heater (26) to induce quench in at least an adjacent part of the superconductive material (22); removing the propagation current from the heater; applying a measurement current to the superconductive material; and measuring (30) a voltage across the superconductive material thereby to determine the level of the liquid cryogen. In articular, the method comprises the steps of monitoring (40) the voltage across the superconductive material while the propagation current is being applied; and ceasing application of the propagation current in response to the detection of a voltage across the superconductive material which exceeds a certain threshold level. |
| US07966876B2 |
Single phase fluid sampling apparatus and method for use of same
An apparatus (100) for obtaining a plurality of fluid samples in a subterranean well includes a carrier (104), a plurality of sampling chambers (102) and a pressure source (108) of the apparatus (100). The carrier (104) has a longitudinally extending internal fluid passageway (112) and a plurality of externally disposed chamber receiving slots (159). Each of sampling chamber (102) is positioned in one of the chamber receiving slots (159) of the carrier (104). The pressure source (108) is selectively in fluid communication with each of the sampling chambers (102) such that the pressure source (108) is operable to pressurize each of the sampling chambers (102) after the samples are obtained. |
| US07966872B2 |
In-flight testing kits and methods for evaluating proposed aerodynamic structures for aircraft
In-flight testing methods and kits for in-flight testing of proposed aerodynamic structures are disclosed. The methods and kits involve a testing station carried on a pre-existing fully engineered and tested host aircraft. Interchangeable but differently configured aerodynamic structures may be carried upon the host aircraft, and existing systems of the host aircraft may be utilized to conduct the testing, avoiding time and cost associated with constructing fully operational demonstrator aircraft for testing purposes. |
| US07966868B1 |
System and method for imposing thermal gradients on thin walled test objects and components
A test facility provides high temperature, high pressure and high mass flow fluid to a test object to form a relatively large thermal gradient on the object. Energy in the fluid is recuperated to drive system components, such as a heat exchanger and a turbocharger compressor. A test chamber housing the test object can be arranged to conform to a contour of the test object. A control system permits independent variation of pressure, temperature, cooling fluid and fluid velocity, as well as mechanical loading on the test object. Noncontact, optical inspection measurement techniques can be employed to measure test chamber and/or test object parameters. The test object can be configured to direct cooling airflow to permit various temperature or pressure gradients to be implemented. The test facility is relatively inexpensive to operate and provides a significant cost advantage over testing conducted in a full gas turbine engine. |
| US07966866B2 |
Methods and instruments for materials testing
Methods and instruments for characterizing a material, such as the properties of bone in a living human subject, using a test probe constructed for insertion into the material and a reference probe aligned with the test probe in a housing. The housing is hand held or placed so that the reference probe contacts the surface of the material under pressure applied either by hand or by the weight of the housing. The test probe is inserted into the material to indent the material while maintaining the reference probe substantially under the hand pressure or weight of the housing allowing evaluation of a property of the material related to indentation of the material by the probe. Force can be generated by a voice coil in a magnet structure to the end of which the test probe is connected and supported in the magnet structure by a flexure, opposing flexures, a linear translation stage, or a linear bearing. Optionally, a measurement unit containing the test probe and reference probe is connected to a base unit with a wireless connection, allowing in the field material testing. |
| US07966860B2 |
Method for configuring an array of transducers in an ultrasonic test apparatus
A method for configuring an array of transducers in an ultrasonic test apparatus for detecting flaws in welds connecting the edges of metal bodies such as plates or pipelines. The method includes the steps of: providing geometrical data of the bevelled edges of the bodies before being welded; identifying different facets of the geometry of the edges; providing geometrical data of a reference plate including a reflector; selecting the angles; and the positions of the transducers in accordance with the geometry of the edges; mounting the transducers to a scanning mechanism in accordance with the selections made; connecting the transducers to at least one control unit for transmitting ultrasound and receiving echo signals by means of the transducers and subsequently calibrating by means of the reference plate the positions of the transducers relative to the scanning mechanism and calibrating gain and gate settings by means of the reference plate. |
| US07966856B1 |
Robotic peening apparatus
Solutions for robotic fastener peening in turbine machines are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes: a peening machine having a peening head; a robotic apparatus including: a robotic arm coupled to the peening machine; and a base member coupled to the robotic arm, the base member mounted independently of the machine element; a vision system for locating a fastener on the machine element; and a control system coupled to the vision system, the peening machine and the robotic apparatus, the control system configured to control movement of the robotic apparatus and the peening machine based upon vision system data and spatial information about the fastener and the machine element. |
| US07966844B2 |
Press mold and method of manufacturing optical element
A first sleeve 30 regulates the horizontal relative position between an upper mold 10 and a lower mold 20 that are insertable into the first sleeve 30 from its both end sides. A second sleeve 40 provided inside the first sleeve 30 and surrounding the outer periphery of a molding surface 21 of the lower mold 20 supports at least part of an outer peripheral portion of a molding material 50 placed on the molding surface 21 of the lower mold 20, thereby preventing position offset and slip-off of the molding material 50. In this state, the molding material 50 is press-molded between the upper mold 10 and the lower mold 20. |
| US07966841B2 |
Heat and mass exchanger
A mass and heat exchanger includes at least one first substrate with a surface for supporting a continuous flow of a liquid thereon that either absorbs, desorbs, evaporates or condenses one or more gaseous species from or to a surrounding gas; and at least one second substrate operatively associated with the first substrate. The second substrate includes a surface for supporting the continuous flow of the liquid thereon and is adapted to carry a heat exchange fluid therethrough, wherein heat transfer occurs between the liquid and the heat exchange fluid. |
| US07966840B2 |
Heat pump system and heat pump operation method
A compact heat pump system and a heat pump operation method, which can avoid the occurrence of surging in a compressor at startup of a heat pump and can directly supply vapor of a working medium produced by the compressor to an external heat-utilizing facility. The heat pump system includes an evaporator for recovering heat of an external heat source to a working medium supplied as liquid water from the exterior via a water feed channel, thereby evaporating the working medium, a compressor for compressing the working medium evaporated in the evaporator and increasing temperature of the evaporated working medium, and a driving unit for giving motive power to drive the compressor. The heat pump system further includes a supply channel for supplying, as a heat source, vapor of the working medium having temperature increased by the compressor to an external heat-utilizing facility, and a return channel branched from the supply channel and introducing the working medium discharged from the compressor to the evaporator. |
| US07966838B2 |
Suction modulation valve for refrigerant system with adjustable opening for pulse width modulation control
A pulse width modulation control is provided for a suction modulation valve in a refrigerant system. An intentional small “leakage” path is maintained through the suction modulation valve to ensure that the pressure inside the compressor shell does not decrease below a safe reliability threshold but, at the same time, does not exceed a certain value, which would cause the refrigerant system to operate inefficiently, when the pulse width modulation control has moved the suction modulation valve to a closed position. The size of this minimum “leakage” path is continuously adjusted to ensure that the optimum pressure inside the compressor shell is maintained regardless of the evaporator pressure and other operating conditions. |
| US07966836B2 |
Cooling storage cabinet
One aspect of the present invention includes a cooling storage cabinet having a compressor that is included in a freezing device, a heater that is connected in parallel with the compressor to a power source, a switch that controls supply of current to the compressor, and a control unit that stops supply of current to the heater during a predetermined time after the switch operates start-up of the compressor. |
| US07966834B2 |
Apparatus for observing combustion conditions in a gas turbine engine
A fuel injector for a gas turbine combustor is disclosed which includes a fuel nozzle for issuing fuel into the combustor for combustion, at least one photodetector responsive to flame radiation indicative of an OH chemiluminescence peak, and at least one photodiode responsive to flame radiation indicative of a CH chemiluminescence peak. |
| US07966827B2 |
Gas turbine engine with fan variable area nozzle having a rotational valve system
A turbofan engine includes a fan variable area nozzle having a multiple of vents through a fan nacelle and rotatable elements rotatable within the vents by an actuator system. Rotation of the rotatable element within each vent changes the effective area of the fan nozzle exit area to permit efficient operation at a multiple of flight conditions. |
| US07966820B2 |
Method and apparatus for combusting fuel within a gas turbine engine
A nozzle for channeling a fluid into a combustor assembly. The nozzle includes a body including a centerline, a first passageway extending through the body along the centerline, and a nozzle tip coupled to a downstream end of the first passageway. The nozzle tip has a radius extending from a center of the nozzle tip to an outer surface of the nozzle tip. The nozzle tip includes a downstream face, and a plurality of outlet passageways that each include an opening defined in the downstream face. Each opening includes respective X-, Y-, and Z-axes defined with respect to a tangent line, the radius, and the centerline. Each of the plurality of outlet passageways is at discharge angle of greater than 30° measured with respect to the respective Z-axis in a respective X-Z plane. |
| US07966819B2 |
Vibration damper for fuel injector
Fuel injector assemblies with frictionally damped fuel supply members, including fuel feed strips. More particularly, the invention provides friction dampers and/or assemblies that frictionally damp movement of fuel supply members in at least one direction. Some of the embodiments provide a friction damper that is easily serviceable, and can be installed after final assembly of a fuel injector. Aspects of the invention are applicable to other components of fuel injectors and gas turbine engines in addition to fuel supply members. |
| US07966815B2 |
Engine load estimation
Engine load for a supercharged engine is estimated by determining airflow upstream of a throttle valve that is upstream of a supercharger, subtracting a value representative of a change in air mass between the throttle valve and the supercharger based on a measured change in pressure between the throttle valve and the supercharger, and subtracting a modification value dependent upon a current engine speed and a signal representative of a pressure at the intake manifold. |
| US07966811B2 |
Exhaust treatment system having a diverter valve
An exhaust treatment system is provided having a tank configured to store a supply of reductant. The system also has a heat source configured to heat the reductant and a diverter valve configured to regulate the heat source. |
| US07966810B2 |
Control device and exhaust purification method of internal combustion engine
It is suppressed that nanoparticles generated in an internal combustion engine are discharged into the atmosphere. In a cylinder or an exhaust system of the internal combustion engine, microparticles having a particle diameter larger than that of the nanoparticles are generated, and the nanoparticles generated in the internal combustion engine are adsorbed by the microparticles, thereby increasing the diameter of the nanoparticles. The microparticles can be generated in the cylinder as the soot, for example. Additionally, by providing a carbon microparticle generation device in the exhaust system, the microparticles can be generated, too. By making the nanoparticles adsorbed by the microparticles and increasing the diameter of the nanoparticles, discharging of the nanoparticles can be suppressed. |
| US07966808B2 |
Baffle seal for gas turbine engine thrust reverser
A baffle seal for a thrust reverser of a gas turbine engine includes a seal body of a resilient material. The seal body has a relatively flat central portion with opposed front and back sides. A raised sealing rim extends at least partially around the central portion. An outer periphery of the sealing rim extends beyond an outer periphery of the central portion so as to define an exposed sealing surface. |
| US07966803B2 |
Pulse detonation combustor with folded flow path
A pulsed detonation combustor (PDC) is described. The PDC includes an outer casing defining a first hollow chamber configured to receive a flow and an inner liner. The inner liner includes at least one portion positioned within the first hollow chamber and configured to receive the flow from a plenum formed between the outer casing and inner liner. The PDC further includes a flow turning device with geometric features configured to direct the flow from the plenum to a second hollow chamber defined within the inner liner. The PDC also includes at least one fuel injection port located downstream of an inlet to the outer casing and an ignition device located downstream of the at least one fuel injection port and configured to periodically ignite fuel. |
| US07966797B2 |
Method of making monofilament fishing lines of high tenacity polyolefin fibers
A method of making colored monofilament ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin fishing line, comprising the steps of feeding a substantially untwisted multifilament ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin yarn; coating the substantially untwisted multifilament yarn with a colorant; twisting the coated multifilament yarn; and heating the twisted multifilament yarn to a temperature and for a time sufficient to at least partially fuse adjacent filaments together while stretching the yarn. The resultant product is a colored monofilament fishing line that has improved color-fastness and abrasion resistance. |
| US07966792B1 |
Device for encasing light strings for storage
This device for encasing light strings for storage provides a canister as a handle that is concentric with a cylindrical feed tube that is at least partially within the canister together with a cartridge type removable dispensing tube that slides over the feed tube and within the canister. The canister is attached to the large end of a funnel on the feed tube entry end through which a light string may be fed. The canister and feed tube thus form an annular slot into which the removable cartridge type dispensing tube may be received and releasably secured slidably over the feed tube. The tubular plastic is loaded on the dispensing tube prior to the dispensing tube being slid and secured over the feed tube. |
| US07966786B2 |
Molded sectioned riser and locking cover
A riser formed from a plurality of curved cylindrical segments with vertical side edges having mating vertically tapered projections and slots brought into interlocking engagement to pull confronting surfaces together as the tapered elements become increasingly mechanically engaged. The segments are assembled by a sliding engagement of the protruding mating element of one segment into the vertically tapered slot of an adjacent segment. When sufficient segments are joined together horizontally to complete a ring except for a last adjacent pair of vertical side edges, the ring is warped to align the protruding mating element of the last adjacent pair of vertical side edges with an opposite end of the adjacent tapered slot. Thus aligned, the final protruding mating element and tapered slot are then slipped together while un-warping the joined segments forming the remainder of the ring until the top and bottom ends of all the segments are aligned. A cover has a flexible spider on a lower surface that can be locked into a groove or other feature on an inside surface of the curved riser segments. |
| US07966784B2 |
Veneer anchoring system
A masonry anchoring system for use in commercial and residential construction is described. In one aspect, the invention includes a brick tie that interfaces the masonry veneer and interlocks with an anchor plate mounted on a structure. |
| US07966781B2 |
Profiled cover strip system with a facing device for a stair step which is open on at least one front side
A profiled cover strip system (1) for finishing a bottom covering (2) on a step (3) open on at least one front side (4), the system having an upper covering profiled element (12). A facing device (16) having a facing cap (18) provided with a facing plate (17) for facing the profiled cover strip system (1) on the front side, and at least one facing cover strip (19, 20) separate from the facing cap (18), for facing the bottom covering on the front side (2), is used. |
| US07966777B2 |
Mechanical lift, fully nesting, telescoping mast
A telescoping mast apparatus has a plurality of nesting cylinders. The telescoping mast apparatus has a plurality of telescoping cylinders and a plurality of straps. The plurality of cylinders is extendable from a base. Each strap extends from near a bottom of an outer cylinder, around an upper roller near a top of the outer cylinder, and is attached near a bottom of an inner cylinder. The plurality of straps and the plurality of telescoping cylinders intercouples in series with alternating straps and cylinders. The plurality of cylinders is extended by retracting a first strap from the outer cylinder, which raises an intermediate cylinder, which retracts the intermediate strap from the intermediate cylinder, which raises the second intermediate cylinder. |
| US07966771B2 |
Door operator, in particular swing door operator
A door operator includes a housing, a first pressure compartment; a second pressure compartment, a drive unit disposed in the housing and coupleable to a door via an output shaft, the driving unit being associated with the first pressure compartment, a hydraulic pump in hydraulic connection with the first and second pressure compartments, a motor in driving relationship with the hydraulic pump, and a spring force accumulator disposed in the housing. The spring force accumulator is associated with the second pressure compartment and coupled to the drive unit. |
| US07966767B2 |
Enhanced plant growth using alkane biostimulation
A method of enhancing plant growth comprises the step of introducing an alkane into a location adjacent to a plant. The alkane can be introduced intermittently, and can be combined with another gas and/or nutrients. The alkane preferably comprises a butane substrate. The butane substrate can stimulate the growth of butane-utilizing bacteria, such as Aeromonas caviae, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Micrococcus varians, Aureobacterium esteroaromaticum, Aureobacterium barkeri, Rhodococcus fascians, Nocardia paradoxus, Comamonas acidovorans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The alkane can increase the amount of heterotrophic bacteria in the location adjacent to the plant, and thereby accelerate a heterotrophic nitrification process. The butane substrate can also stimulate the growth of butane-utilizing fungi. The method can also enhance the growth protists and/or prokaryotes. A system for enhancing plant growth in accordance with the method is also disclosed. |
| US07966764B2 |
Decoy or fishing lure exhibiting realistic spectral reflectance
An animal decoy or fishing lure with a surface reflection which closely matches the spectral reflectance pattern of the animal that it is designed to mimic, including both human-visible and ultraviolet wavelengths, with the intent of making the decoy or fishing lure appear more realistic to animals that can see in both the human-visible and ultraviolet spectrums. |
| US07966763B1 |
Targeting system for a projectile launcher
A targeting system for determining the distance to a target and, in response thereto, altering the angular position of a projectile launcher relative to a hand held support. |
| US07966756B1 |
Illuminable address display system and associated method
The illuminable address display system may include mobile support blocks adjustably connected to each other. An anterior side of each support block may have an illuminable transparent number. The system may further include a plurality of conductive cords, with ball bearings attached directly to first and second opposed ends. The cords may adjustably connect adjacent support blocks and the first conductive cord may connect to a power source. Each support block perimeter may also includes a track with a plurality of sockets running along the thereof. A conductive coupling may be seated within each support block and electronically coupled to the track. The conductive couplings transmit electricity from the power source, along adjacent conductive cords, and to a light-emitting member in each support block. A controller may be coupled to the conductive cords for toggling each illuminable number into off or on modes. |
| US07966752B2 |
Sports shoe for sports involving a sliding movement
A sport shoe to be used for sports involving a sliding movement, comprising a rigid shell inside which the foot is inserted; two pressure pieces, i.e. a heel piece and a toe piece, situated on the bottom of the shell and able to fix it to the bindings of sports equipment for performing a sliding movement. At least one pressure piece is movably connected to the shell so as to be able to move towards the shell in response to an external force causing them to move together. |
| US07966748B2 |
Elastic overshoe with sandwiched sole pads
An elastic overshoe has an outer layer through which extend a plurality of protrusions. The protrusions are preferably carried on an inner layer, which is sandwiched between the outer layer and the shoe upon which the overshoe is placed. Inner layer segments can run the length of the overshoe, or more preferably include only a ball region of a toe region. The openings can have any practical size, shape, orientation and arrangement of openings, although of course at least some of the openings must be aligned with at least some of the protrusions, and ideally the protrusions will fit snugly within the openings to avoid tearing of the openings. The inner and outer layers can advantageously have different chemical compositions. The inner layer, for example, can be tougher, while the outer layer could be more stretchable. |
| US07966747B2 |
Dance footwear
An item of footwear (10), which exposes a substantial portion of a wearer's foot, is disclosed. The footwear includes a plurality of foot enclosures (110, 112) operably connected to each other via a connector (114), such as a plurality of elastic straps (200, 202). Protective pads (180, 182) may be attached to the footwear, such as leather pads on the plantar surface of the footwear. One advantage offered by this footwear is that the wearer's foot—and particularly the arch and middle of the foot—is substantially exposed to view, achieving a new aesthetic for ballet and dance footwear. |
| US07966745B2 |
Fluid bed granulation process and apparatus
Fluid bed granulation process comprising the step of cooling the granules in a cooling fluid bed (F2). At least part of the fluidizing air coming out from said cooling fluid bed (F2) is fed into the granulation fluid bed (F1). |
| US07966741B2 |
Process and apparatus for manufacture of fertilizer products from manure and sewage
This invention discloses systems and methods for conversion of manure to novel fertilizer and/or soil builder products useful as input for organic farming operations. The equipment systems comprise a gas turbine generator unit (preferred heat source), a dryer vessel and a processing unit, wherein the connection between the gas turbine and the dryer vessel directs substantially all the gas turbine exhaust into the dryer vessel and substantially precludes the introduction of air into the dryer vessel. The dryer vessel receives the manure for contact with the turbine exhaust gases to convert the manure to a dry material, which is passed to the processing unit where it is formed into granules, pellets or other desired form for the final dry fertilizer product. The method comprises drying, heating and converting the manure to form novel self binding fertilizer and soil builder type products for organic farming and other uses. |
| US07966738B2 |
Laser guide
A laser guide for rotating tools comprises a first housing portion and a second housing portion. A seal is provided between the first housing portion and the second housing portion. A lens is located in the first housing portion or second housing portion. A seal is provided between the lens and the first housing portion. A method of testing a laser guide comprising applying a pressure to an internal chamber of the laser guide. Monitoring the laser guide for pressure gains or losses in the chamber. |
| US07966736B2 |
Grass-cutting head with spiral guide channels for the cutting line
The grass-cutting head (101) has a body (103) forming a housing for at least one spool of cutting line (F1; F2), provided with at least one outlet hole (111) of an end of the cutting line wound on said spool positioned inside the head. For each outlet hole, a guide channel for the cutting line is also provided, extending from the inside of the housing towards the hole and having an inclined trend, gradually moving away from said axis of rotation. |
| US07966735B1 |
Scissors assembly with rotatable blades
A toy scissors apparatus for modeling compound. The scissors apparatus has two handles, each handle connected to a respective mounting cap and to a respective rotatable scissor blade. Each of the blades is rotatable about its longitudinal axis between two positions about 180° apart so as to enable a choice of two different cutting edge regions for use. To alter cutting edges, the blade is pulled away from the mounting cap against a biasing force created by a spring, and then rotated. |
| US07966734B2 |
Tack strip cutter
A tack strip cutter including a top blade holder and a bottom blade holder having a leverage handle for bringing the blade holders together with a leverage force. A splay inhibition guide on one of the blade holders prevents lateral movement of the blade holders when the tool is used. |
| US07966732B2 |
Safety cutting apparatus
A cutting apparatus has a unidirectionally-locking blade cover that automatically snaps back over the exposed blade after each cut, and a dependent, index finger operated unlocking trigger. |
| US07966729B2 |
Method and device for producing a fuselage cell of an airplane
The invention relates to a method for the economic production of entire fuselage cells of airplanes and to a site for carrying out the method. Differing from the conventional sectional assembly according to the invention separate shells (shell components) are attached to a substantially completed cockpit section and/or rear section. At this the half shell construction and the four shell construction as well as a combination hereof can be applied. Alternatively, the cockpit section and the rear section as well as the central wing box section can be aligned and positioned to each other in a site forming gaps in longitudinal direction. Subsequently, the shell components as well as the floor framework sections are adjusted circularly revolving between the sections and are ideally simultaneously connected to these by means of at least four cross-seams and a plurality of longitudinal seams. |
| US07966726B2 |
Levelling of root bushings on blades for wind turbines
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a blade for a wind turbine, wherein the blade is made in one or more moulds; and wherein the blade has integrally moulded root bushings in the root of the blade for direct or indirect attachment to a hub in a wind turbine. The novel aspect of the invention is that the root bushings (203) in the root (201) of the blade are leveled by shortening of at least one of the root bushings prior to the blade being removed from a supporting mould (205). The invention further relates to a blade made in accordance with the method and a leveling unit (207) for leveling the root of the blade, wherein the leveling unit comprises means for mounting on a mould. |
| US07966725B2 |
Flat gasket and process for the production of a flat gasket
In order to provide a flat gasket, in particular cylinder head gasket, comprising at least one metal gasket sheet made of a spring steel or a metallic material with a percentage elongation after fracture corresponding to the percentage elongation after fracture of a spring steel, which has a novel structure, it is proposed that the gasket sheet is provided with at least one edging fold, which comprises a bending region and a flange region connected in one piece to the gasket sheet via the bending region. |
| US07966716B2 |
Method of assembling direct-drive generator
A method for assembling a direct drive generator assembly includes the steps of placing a rotor over a stator, leaving a gap therebetween. A magnetic hub is assembled using adjacent columns of magnets having opposed orientation, and placed in the air gap. Application of an input torque to generate cogging torque in first direction that offsets coggery torque in second direction. |
| US07966714B2 |
Multi-step systems for processing workpieces
Systems, including method and apparatus, for processing workpieces driven automatically along a linear path to a plurality of positions disposed substantially along the linear path. In some embodiments, a workpiece may be processed at one or more of the positions using two or more processing stations, such as a first processing station that cuts the workpiece into segments and a second processing station that performs another processing operation on the workpiece. |
| US07966712B2 |
System and method of molding and assembling a fluid spray device
A system for molding and assembling a fluid spray device, said system comprising two multi-cavity molds (B, C; B′; C′) for molding two different parts (100, 200) of said fluid dispenser device, the system being characterized in that the first part (100) is a spray head and the second part (200) is an insert for assembling in said spray head (100), said system comprising means for assembling parts coming from each of the cavities of the first multi-cavity mold (B; B′) in pairs always with parts coming from a corresponding respective cavity of said second multi-cavity mold (C; C′), such that the same insert (200) is always assembled in the same spray head, thereby guaranteeing constant spraying performance for each dispenser device assembled from the same pair of cavities. |
| US07966711B2 |
Method and apparatus for fastening components using a composite two-piece fastening system
A method and apparatus for attaching parts. A composite male fastening component is placed through at least a first part and a second part. The composite male fastener component preferably has a threaded portion. A composite female fastener component is positioned adjacent to and surrounding the threaded portion of the male fastener component. A portion of the composite female fastener component is caused to flow around and form into the threaded portion of the composite male fastener component. The portion of the composite female fastener component that flowed around and formed into the threaded portion of the composite male fastener component is re-solidified and re-consolidated such that the composite female fastener component is securely attached to the composite male fastener component thereby joining the mating parts. |
| US07966706B2 |
Swing type electrode chip replacement apparatus
This invention provides a swing type electrode chip replacement apparatus which enables an electrode chip to be attached/detached without damaging a shank even if the shank is bent. The swing type electrode chip replacement apparatus comprises a fixed plate 20 located in the vicinity of a spot welding machine and a movable plate 21 slidable in the back-forth direction on the fixed plate 20, its front end being swingable in the right-left direction. An attaching unit 1 for attaching an electrode chip 95 to the tip of a shank 90 of a spot welding machine or a magazine of the electrode chip 60 for removing the electrode chip 95 is loaded on this movable plate 21, which is slidable in the back-forth direction and swingable in the right-left direction when the shank 90 comes into contact with the attaching unit 1 or the magazine of electrode chips 60. |
| US07966704B2 |
Clasp for jewelry
A clasp which is lockable in both an open and a closed position includes a body having a first opening, a second opening, and an internal space; a connector fixed to the body for linking to a chain; a first spring; and a moveable connector. The movable connector, inseparable from the body, is movable to a locked closed position by the first spring and movable to a locked open position by an external force. The movable connector includes a first latch piece within the internal space of the body, and extends through the first opening. A button extends through the second opening. The button includes a second spring and a second latch piece that interfaces with the first latch piece. In a first position of the button, the second latch piece locks with the first latch piece. In a second position of the button, the second latch piece and the first latch piece disengage and the movable connector can be moved by an external force allowing the second spring to move the second latch piece to a position that keeps the movable connector in the locked open position. |
| US07966701B2 |
Adjustable ratchet buckle
A buckle includes a strap slidably looped around a strut proximate a front opening of a housing, a spring-biased, lever-like ratchet having front and rear sections and a front engagement tooth adapted to matingly engage with one of a plurality of rack teeth on an upper surface of the strap, and two opposite pivotal arms extending outside of the housing. Pressing the arms will push down the rear section to lift the front section to disengage the engagement tooth from the rack tooth, thereby adjusting the buckle in discrete increments to tighten the strap. |
| US07966693B2 |
Hinge apparatus having automatic return function
A hinge apparatus includes an upper body, a lower body, a shaft whose lower end portion is rotatably installed in the lower body, a piston whose outer circumference is slidably installed along the inner surface of the lower body, a rotational/linear motion converter which converts a rotational motion of the shaft into an axial linear motion of the piston, a damping unit provides a damping function selectively where the piston ascends according to return of the door, a torsion spring rotates the shaft in the door closing direction, and a clutch unit for stopping the elastic force due to reverse twisting of the spring or for restoring the elastic force of the spring. |
| US07966691B2 |
Dust collector
To provide a dust collector which, even when it is used in a poor power supply situation, can detect the dust loading of a filter accurately, can remove dust automatically and can reduce power consumption. In the dust collector, there is provided a control circuit which can detect the dust loading of a filter by comparing the threshold value of the dust loading pressure to be determined by the internal pressure of the filter, the operation of a suction device, the power supply frequency of the suction device and the supply voltage of the suction device with the filter internal pressure just before the suction device stops, and, when the filter is dust loaded, can operate a dust removing device. |
| US07966687B2 |
Anti-smear cleaning swab with perforated blade
An anti-smear cleaning swab for cleaning delicate surfaces, comprising a body defining an elongated shaft having two opposite ends. An enlarged blade is carried at one end of the handle. A number of bores are made through the blade, these bores enabling both fluid flow therethrough and also some retensive capture of fluid droplets. A fluid absorbing cloth sheet pocket generally encloses by folding same around the blade, and is sized to fit snugly therearound. |
| US07966685B2 |
Pocket ramp
A pocket ramp for loading objects or cargo onto the floor of a vehicle and which is mounted between the longitudinally extending frame members of the vehicle. The pocket ramp assembly includes a main frame, a primary slide, a secondary slide, a lower ramp section, an upper ramp section and a latching mechanism which selectively locks the pocket ramp assembly in either of its stowed or operative positions. The main frame is fixed to the longitudinally extending frame members of the vehicle, the primary side being slidably mounted therein. The secondary slide is slidably mounted in the primary slide. The upper ramp section is pivotally mounted to the rearward end of the secondary slide and the lower ramp section is pivotally mounted to the rearward end of the upper ramp section. |
| US07966679B2 |
Stretch assisting cushion
A stretch assist cushion includes an upper member with an upper surface serving as a sitting surface in contact with the user's hip directly or through a covering member covering the upper member, the upper member made of an elastic material; and a lower member located below the upper member and with lower surface serving as a bottom surface in contact with a floor directly or through a covering member covering the lower member, the lower member made of a material harder than the material of the upper member. When the cushion is positioned such that the bottom surface is in contact with the floor, the sitting surface has a predetermined tilt angle relative to the floor, and the lower member determines a predetermined distance between the floor and the lowest point of the sitting surface that has the predetermined tilt angle. |
| US07966677B2 |
Adjustable mount for showerhead
A shower mount is mounted to a fixed shower arm in a bathing area for universally receiving a hand-held showerhead. The shower mount is connected to the shower arm and includes a base member with a fluid passageway in communication with the shower arm and a shower hose. Water flows through the fluid passageway and shower hose to a showerhead. A shower saddle is interchangeably mounted the base member to support the showerhead. The shower saddle is selected depending upon the design of the showerhead in order to securely retain the showerhead to the base member. |
| US07966674B2 |
Toilet seat saver
An apparatus for opening and closing a toilet seat and lid. The apparatus comprises a clamp and a handle which attaches to a toilet lid. A user may open and close a toilet seat and/or lid by grasping the handle, in lieu of directly touching the toilet seat or lid. In preferred embodiments, the clamp contains a wireless controlled lever and motion detector which senses when a user moves away from the toilet, and automatically closes the toilet seat and or lid. |
| US07966673B1 |
Protective shield for a cap
An apparatus for use with a cap includes a rigid liner that is secured to an interior or exterior of the cap to provide impact protection over a portion of the forehead region, crown and temple area. An absorbent liner is preferably included if the cap does not include an interior liner. The absorbent liner absorbs perspiration from the brow of the wearer. An optional energy attenuating liner can also be included as an inner layer that is disposed adjacent to the rigid liner and intermediate the head of the wearer to more safely distribute kinetic energy. The energy attenuating liner can include a material that provides single-use only or multiple-use capability. The rigid liner and other components are either permanently attached to the cap or they may be detachably-attachable with respect to the cap or with respect to a remainder of the apparatus and replaced, as desired. Any preferred material may be used for any component part of the protective shield for a cap. |
| US07966672B1 |
Clothing with special access
A garment includes a special access mechanism to enable the inseam to be opened and the legs to be fastened to the main body portion in a raised position. |
| US07966669B1 |
Survival coveralls with adjustable limbs
A survival coverall has a main suit and adjustable telescopic limbs. The main suit is adapted to provide coverage for a torso and shoulders of a wearer. The adjustable telescopic limbs, each comprise a cuff, an outer shell, and a fastener. The cuff and the outer shell extend from the main suit. The outer shell is attached to the cuff at a primary attachment point creating a cuff overlap with an exposed side and inner suit side. The fastener is attached to the cuff overlap on the inner suit side which allows the cuff to attach to the outer shell at an adjustable secondary attachment point either shortening or elongating the adjustable telescopic limb. |