| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07980168B2 |
Hot beverage maker with filter deforming member
A process for making a hot beverage, such as coffee or tea, includes placing ground coffee or tea into a filter, inserting the filter into a filter basket to support the filter with respect to a reservoir that is to receive a brewed beverage; introducing water into the filter; and repeatedly deforming the filter to alter its shape as water passes through the filter and ground coffee or tea en route to the reservoir. A device for making a hot beverage includes a drive and a filter basket. The filter basket defines a filter basket chamber for receiving an associated filter. The filter basket includes a movable component operably connected to the drive and movable for deforming the associated filter. The movable component is operable between a first operating position where the filter chamber has a first dimension and a second operating position where the filter chamber has a second dimension that is smaller than the first dimension. |
| US07980164B2 |
Multi-purpose hole punch
A multi-purpose hole punch, having a main body pivotal configured with a pivot shaft, an upper end of which is pivotal configured with a press plate, and the lower end is connected to a base plate, thereby forming a gap between the main body and the base plate. Each through hole of three sides of the main body has a key-press, and a punch is located in each of the through holes beneath the key-press. Two joined transform plates are pivotal configured on two sides in the gap. One of the transform plates is configured with an unfilled corner able to fixedly position a corner of paper, while the other transform plate forms an unfilled corner able to fixedly position the edge of paper. Accordingly, rotating the press plate and pressing the key-presses above the two unfilled corners enables punching holes in the corner and margin of the paper. |
| US07980159B1 |
Methods, devices and systems for screw feeding by vacuum and gravity
An electric screwdriver assembly includes a body portion, a screwdriver and a vacuum assembly. The body portion defines a screw conduit therethrough which has a distal end and at least one opening spaced apart from the distal end. The screwdriver is disposed within the body portion and includes a free end facing the distal end of the screw conduit that defines a screwdriver bit. The screwdriver bit is moveable through the screw conduit between a position proximal from the opening and a position distal from the opening. The vacuum coupling assembly is configured to couple a vacuum generator to the body portion in order to generate a partial vacuum within the screw conduit through the opening. |
| US07980155B2 |
Operating element
An operating element for a vehicle steerable with a handlebar, in particular a motorcycle, having an operating ring in the area of a handle of the handlebar. The operating ring can be adjusted in multiple degrees of freedom, i.e., it can be rotated, shifted and depressed. Therefore, it can be used multifunctionally for triggering various functions in the vehicle. |
| US07980152B2 |
Rack and pinion steering gear assembly having self-adjusting eccentric rack bearing
A steering apparatus includes a housing defining a chamber and an aperture extending into the chamber. A rack is disposed within the chamber and moveable along a longitudinal axis. A pinion extends into the chamber for meshing engagement with the rack. A bearing supports the rack within the chamber relative to the housing. The bearing includes a wall having a continuously varying radial thickness. An adjustment mechanism includes a shaft partially disposed within the aperture in threaded engagement with the aperture and engaging the bearing for rotating the bearing about the longitudinal axis, thereby repositioning the rack relative to the pinion. A plug is disposed within the aperture. A spring is disposed within the aperture between the plug and the shaft to bias against the shaft, thereby urging rotational threaded movement of the shaft to produce linear movement of the shaft into engagement with the bearing. |
| US07980150B2 |
Engine starter having shift lever with lubricant-blocking wall
A starter includes a motor, a pinion, a pinion carrier carrying the pinion, a ring member provided on the pinion carrier, a shifting member, and a lubricant blocking member. The ring member is rotatable relative to the pinion carrier and restricted in axial movement toward the pinion. The shifting member has a ring portion that is arranged on the pinion carrier with the ring member interposed between the ring portion and the pinion. The ring portion has an axial end face that has a recess for receiving lubricant and is covered by the ring member. The shifting member is configured to shift, by pushing the ring member with the ring portion, the pinion in the axial direction, thereby bringing the pinion into mesh with a ring gear of an engine. The lubricant blocking member blocks the lubricant from being scattered due to rotation of the pinion carrier with the pinion. |
| US07980149B2 |
Docking mechanism for a sensor cartridge
A docking mechanism provided for analytical apparatus, such as an acoustic bio-sensor apparatus. The mechanism is operable releasably to receive a cartridge (58) for use in analysing a sample comprising a fluid and having a flow cell (104, 106; 304, 306) for the sample and an electrically operated sensor (92) for performing the analysis. The docking mechanism has a clamping mechanism (12, 8, 10) for urging a fluid connector such as ferules (50, 52) against the cartridge to provide a fluid connection between the flow cell inlet and a sample delivery device. The docking mechanism also has an electrical connector (74, 76, 78) for engaging the sensor to connect the latter to electrical circuitry for operating the sensor, the electrical connector being moveable towards and away from the sensor relative to the clamping mechanism, so that, in use, the electrical connector exerts on the sensor a force which is sufficient to maintain the necessary electrical connection, while not being so great as to have a substantial detrimental effect on the accuracy of the sensor. There is also shown analytical apparatus which includes such a docking mechanism. |
| US07980147B2 |
Multigas passive sampler
A novel multi-gas passive sampler is described, whereby different collection media are packed into one passive sampler to collect a variety of air pollutants (or groups of air pollutants) at the same time. By comparison with known commercially available passive samplers—in which only a single collection medium is used to collect a single air pollutant of or group of air pollutants—the MGPS is more cost effective, convenient to use and more environment-friendly. |
| US07980141B2 |
Wearable position or motion sensing systems or methods
A wearable system of one or more body position or motion sensors can include a flexible sensing element to be coupled to or worn on a body. When straight, the flexible sensing element defines a longitudinal axis. It includes a lumen carrying a flowable substance, such as a liquid, gas, or gel. A measurable parameter of the flowable substance, such as pressure, volume, or flow, provides an indication of a longitudinal axial bending, twisting, or elongation, such as due to movement of at least one body part to which the sensing element is coupled. The lumen is coupled to a transducer by at least one conduit for the flowable substance. The transducer converts the measurable parameter of the flowable substance into a transducer output signal indicative of the longitudinal axial bending, twisting, or elongation of the sensing element, from which body part position or movement information can be derived. |
| US07980139B2 |
Miniature pressure sensor assembly
A miniature pressure sensor assembly is provided for fitting within the valve stem of a vehicle tire. The pressure sensor assembly typically includes a reference device for temperature compensation and a measurement device for pressure measurement. Each device includes a substrate assembly defining a plurality of holes. A deflectable membrane is mounted to the substrate assembly to define a first chamber. A cap is mounted to the membrane to form a second chamber. |
| US07980138B2 |
Integrated circuit with stress sensing element
An integrated circuit includes a semiconductor die, and a stress sensing element. The stress sensing element comprises a first lateral resistor and a first vertical resistor. The stress sensing element is formed in the semiconductor die and is configured to indicate a level of at least one stress component within the semiconductor die. |
| US07980136B2 |
Leak and contamination detection micro-submarine
The leak and contamination detection micro-submarine includes an “electronic ear” and an “electronic nose” for detecting both leaks and chemicals within a pipe which may be leaking. The submarine includes an on-board electric motor which is radio remote controlled and may operate, or swim, in a manner similar to a fish using piezoelectric micro-motors and the like. Contamination, leak and other related data is stored in on-board memory and summary reports may be transmitted via RF signals. |
| US07980134B2 |
Measuring device and measured quantity sensor having coupled processing and excitation frequencies
A measuring device for determining a measured quantity having an oscillatory structure where an oscillation signal is detectable. The measuring device further includes a device for exciting the oscillatory structure by an excitation frequency to result in an oscillation of an oscillation frequency. The measuring device further has a device for processing the oscillation signal by a frequency depending on the oscillation frequency and the excitation frequency. Furthermore, the measuring device includes an evaluator for determining the measured quantity based on the oscillation signal processed. |
| US07980133B2 |
Method and apparatus for a micromachined multisensor
In a micromachined devices having a movable shuttle driven in oscillation, measuring the electrical charge accumulated on opposing drive capacitors to determine the displacement of the movable shuttle. Alternately, in such a micromachined device, measuring the electrical charge accumulated on a drive capacitor and comparing the measured electrical charge to a nominal electrical charge to determine the displacement of the movable shuttle. |
| US07980132B2 |
Sensor assembly having a thermally insulating enclosure
A sensor assembly is discussed. The sensor assembly may include a housing. The housing may include an inlet port and an outlet port. The sensor assembly may also include a sensing element disposed within the housing and extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end towards a second end. The sensing element may include heating elements. The sensor assembly may also include a sleeve circumferentially disposed about the sensing element. The sleeve may include a first passageway on a first side of the sensing element and a second passageway on an opposite second side of the sensing element. The first passageway and the second passageway may be longitudinal passageways extending along a length of the sensing element. The sleeve may also include an inlet orifice on one side of the sleeve and an outlet orifice on an opposite side of the sleeve. The inlet orifice may fluidly couple the inlet port with the first passageway and the outlet orifice may fluidly couple the outlet port with the second passageway. |
| US07980131B2 |
Bottomless measuring cup
A bottomless measuring cup system having a tubular container with a hollow interior and opposite open ends and a plunger having a base adapted to slidingly fit within the hollow interior of the container. |
| US07980126B2 |
Method for operating hot-film air-mass sensors
A method is provided for operating a hot-film air-mass sensor, which can be used especially for measuring air mass flows in the intake tract of an internal combustion engine. The hot-film air-mass sensor has a sensor chip having a sensor frame and a sensor diaphragm having at least one heating element and at least two temperature sensors, a chip carrier for holding the sensor chip and at least one additional heating element. The sensor chip is able to be heated up using the at least one additional heating element. Immediately after shutting down the internal combustion engine, the at least one heating element of the sensor diaphragm is switched off, or is switched to a lower heating power. Furthermore, the at least one additional heating element is switched on for a specified postheating phase. The provided method is particularly suitable for avoiding oil contamination of the hot-film air-mass sensor. |
| US07980125B2 |
Sensor system for determining a parameter of a fluid medium
A sensor system for determining at least one parameter of a fluid medium flowing in a main flow direction has at least one sensor situated in the fluid medium, for determining the parameter of the fluid medium, and at least one grating situated transversely to the main flow direction and having at least one crosstie, the crosstie having a crosstie depth directed essentially in the main flow direction. The crosstie has at least one recess, the crosstie depth being reduced in the recess. |
| US07980120B2 |
Fuel injector diagnostic system and method for direct injection engine
A fuel injector diagnostic system includes a fuel pump control module, a pressure sensor, and a diagnostic module. The fuel pump control module disables delivery of fuel to a fuel rail of an engine. The pressure sensor measures a first pressure of the fuel rail before an injection event and a second pressure of the fuel rail after the injection event on at least one of a plurality of injectors when the engine is running. The diagnostic module diagnoses a fault in the at least one of the injectors based on the first pressure and the second pressure. |
| US07980118B2 |
System and method for estimating apparent viscosity of a non-newtonian fluid
Method and apparatus for estimating an apparent viscosity of a non-Newtonian fluid. The results may be used for selecting equipment for pumping systems. |
| US07980116B2 |
Hydrogen gas sensor
The hydrogen gas sensor is a catalytic combustion hydrogen gas sensor with a detection element 1, and is characterized by comprising a measuring circuit configured to selectively provide a normal voltage mode for applying a normal voltage to the detection element 1 and a high voltage mode for applying a high voltage higher than said normal voltage to said detection element 1. Thereby, upon energization of the hydrogen gas sensor, the detection element 1 can be first applied the high voltage to be rapidly heated to raise a temperature of the detection element 1 immediately. And then, the detection element 1 can be applied the normal voltage to be heated to be kept at a predetermined temperature at which the hydrogen gas is detected. |
| US07980113B2 |
Onboard electronic device operating unit
An onboard electronic device operating unit enables a needle calibration mode by performing a specified needle calibration enabling operation on part of multiple setup operation sections. The setup operation sections can change setting states of control contents for an onboard electronic device. In the needle calibration mode, part of the setup operation sections functions as a needle calibration section. Operating the needle calibration section can calibrate a needle position of a needle-type display apparatus. |
| US07980110B2 |
Continuous extrusion apparatus
Apparatus for continuous extrusion of an aluminium sheathing free from imperfections or discontinuities onto a core cable, such as an insulated copper cable, includes a rotatable wheel formed with a pair of circumferential grooves arcuate tooling bounding radially outer portions of the respective grooves, a die body provided with divergent exit apertures discharging laterally to an extrusion chamber through 90° elbows and short divergent passages at diametrically opposed locations. An electrical induction heater includes coils of copper tubing connected to an electrical power source and to a coolant circulating device is positioned at a radially outer portion of the die body and is energizable to supply heat to the die body to maintain a uniform temperature of approximately 480° C., controlled by signals from thermocouples around the extrusion chamber. |
| US07980108B2 |
Bending device for a tubular member
A bending device for a tubular member includes a bending tool which is rotatable about an axis. The bending tool includes a circumferential recess and is split transversely to the axis to form a first tool member and a second tool member. Extending tangentially to the recess and partly embracing the tubular member is a plate-shaped wiper die which has a receiving channel. A non-rotatable disc-shaped support tab is securely fixed to the wiper die and projects between the first and second tool members. The support tab has a circumferential cradle which is configured to match a contour of the tubular member and to merge into the receiving channel of the wiper die in a tangential and smooth manner. An outer clamping jaw is jointly pivotable with the bending tool, and a trough-shaped resistance member is placed in opposition to the wiper die and movable longitudinally along the receiving channel. |
| US07980101B2 |
Laundry dryer with a steam generator and method of controlling the same
A laundry machine including a selectively rotatable drum, a pump for supplying water to a steam generator, and a controller for determining if the pump is out of order. This determination is made by monitoring either a time period required for supplying water to a preset water level of the steam generator or electric current drawn by the pump. |
| US07980099B2 |
Multiple alloy bushing assembly
A filament forming apparatus has a bushing that includes structural components and non-structural components. The structural components are formed of a first material having a high creep strength and the ability to withstand corrosive effects of molten mineral materials. The non-structural components are formed of at least a second material that is different from the first material. |
| US07980097B2 |
Methods and systems for controlling temperature of a bushing
Various embodiments of the present invention relate to glass fiber forming bushings, to methods of controlling the temperature of bushings having multiple segments, to systems of controlling the temperature of bushings having multiple segments, and to other systems and methods. In one embodiment, a method of controlling the temperature of a bushing having multiple segments comprises forming a plurality of filaments from a bushing comprising at least two segments, gathering the filaments into at least two ends, measuring the size of each of the at least two ends, comparing the measured size of the at least two ends to a desired end size, adjusting the amount of current passing through the at least two bushing segments in response to the end size comparisons. |
| US07980096B2 |
Method for preventing contamination of an inner surface of a hollow glass body by alkali compounds and glass container, especially for medicinal purposes
In order to avoid deposition of evaporating alkali compounds on an inner surface of a hollow glass body during thermal processing to form a glass container from the hollow glass body, an overpressure is provided in the hollow glass body during the thermal processing. Either rinsing the hollow glass body with a gas, such as air, or at least partially closing the glass body at one end so that sufficiently rapid pressure equilibration is avoided, can provide this overpressure. The glass containers made by these methods are especially suited for food or pharmaceuticals because they have a reduced alkali release from their inner surfaces, for example at most about 2.0 mg/l sodium oxide. |
| US07980094B2 |
Multichannel heat exchanger with dissimilar tube spacing
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems and heat exchangers are provided which include dissimilar tube spacing configurations. The heat exchangers include multiple sets of multichannel tubes in fluid communication with each other. One set of multichannel tubes contains a plurality of tubes spaced apart at one spacing while the another set of multichannel tubes contains a plurality of tubes spaced apart at a different spacing. The different spacing between the multichannel tubes allows each set of tubes to be configured to the properties of the refrigerant flowing within the tubes. |
| US07980089B2 |
Refrigerator with a water and ice dispenser having an improved ice chute air seal
A refrigerator having an ice and water dispenser has a seal to sealingly engage the ice compartment when the refrigerator door is closed. The seal is flexible to accommodate manufacturing tolerance. The seal may be impregnated with a friction reducing agent to increase life of the seal. |
| US07980088B2 |
Removable adapter providing a wireless service to removable consumer electronic device
A modular system comprises an appliance, an adapter removably coupled to the appliance, and a consumer electronic device removably coupled to the adapter. The adapter can supply at least one wireless service between the adapter or the appliance and the consumer electronic device. The adapter can be removably coupled to a door of the appliance. A standardized service interface can couple with the adapter to supply the service between the appliance and the adapter. |
| US07980084B2 |
Temperature control apparatus, method and program for peltier element
A temperature control apparatus is provided which controls temperature of a control target disposed on the side of an A-side of a Peltier device. The apparatus includes a temperature regulator which performs regulating operation on temperature of a B-side of the Peltier device opposite to the A-side on the basis of a drive voltage for the Peltier device. |
| US07980083B2 |
Method and system for operating a combined cycle power plant
An embodiment of the present invention may provide a variable speed booster, which receives air from a compressor of a gas turbine through an intercooler, to supply air at a relatively constant pressure to an air processing unit. An embodiment of the present invention may provide an external power source to energize the variable speed booster; which provides air at a relatively constant pressure to an air processing unit. |
| US07980079B2 |
Power systems and methods for high or medium initial temperature heat sources in medium and small scale power plants
Power generation systems and methods are disclosed for use with medium to high temperature heat source stream, gaseous or liquid, where the systems and methods permit efficient energy extraction for medium and small scale power plants. |
| US07980078B2 |
Vapor vortex heat sink
A hermetic Rankine cycle in a sealed casing powers an internal centrifugal condensate pump with an internal vapor turbine during forced convective heat transfer between a heat source and a heat sink. No work is imported into the cycle during operation. A centrifugal pumping disk shears the working fluid against a heating surface, sweeping evolving vapor into radial vortices which provide sink flow conduits to a vapor space at the center of the cylindrical turbine. Convective mass flow through the vapor space to the condensing end of the casing spins the turbine and the centrifugal pumping disk which is connected to it. Vapor is continuously swept from the heating surface, so bubbles do not form and superheat while blocking heat flux into liquid working fluid. Vapor is sucked through the radial vortices into the central vapor space and into the condensing end of the casing along the low pressure gradients in vortex cores established by cooling power. A high heat flux surface is thereby thermally connected to a conventional heat sink having high cooling power, for maximal heat extraction at data centers or other heat sources. Vapor vortices organize counterflow of vapor and condensate in a continuous mass flow cycle, and extract work from heat. Organic working fluids can be used in the casing to make even low temperature waste heat a power source. |
| US07980071B2 |
Distensible tube wave energy converter
A generally horizontal distensible tube (1) in the sea containing fluid and oriented in the direction of wave travel, the distensibility being chosen so that the propagation velocity of pressure waves inside the tube (bulge waves) is the same as the velocity of propagation of the waves in the sea. Energy is then transferred from the ocean waves to the bulge wave. Energy extraction means (84, 85) at the stern and/or bow convert the bulge power to useful energy. Said energy extraction means may comprise pistons actuating pumps or linear or rotating generators, or one-way valves allowing the bulge wave to pump fluid via hydraulic accumulators through a turbine. The walls of the distensible tube (1) may be comprised partly of elastomer (86) and partly of inelastic flexible polymer coated fabric (87). |
| US07980069B2 |
Burner assembly for particulate trap regeneration
An exhaust treatment system is provided. The system may include a particulate trap configured to remove one or more types of particulate matter from an exhaust flow, the exhaust flow including at least a portion of a totality of exhaust gases produced by an engine. The system may further include a burner assembly configured to increase a temperature of gases in the exhaust flow at a location upstream from the particulate trap. The burner assembly may include an exhaust inlet oriented in a direction along a first axis and configured to direct the exhaust flow into the burner assembly and an exhaust outlet oriented in a direction along a second axis at an angle relative to the first axis, the exhaust outlet being configured to direct the exhaust flow out of the burner assembly toward the particulate trap. |
| US07980068B2 |
Woven metal fiber particulate filter
A passive particulate filter assembly for filtering exhaust. The assembly includes a housing unit defining a filtering chamber having an inlet port and an outlet port. A cylindrical inner core member is disposed in the filtering chamber and is surrounded by a pleated cylindrical filter pack having first and second opposite ends. An end cap couples with the first end of the filter pack and is configured to prevent exhaust flow there through. An end plate is coupled to the second end of the filter pack and is configured to secure the filter pack to the housing unit. The filter pack comprises a woven metal fiber medium preferably manufactured from stainless steel or a nickel-chromium-iron alloy having a porosity of between about 2 to about 15 μm. |
| US07980060B2 |
Filter clogging determination apparatus for diesel engine
A clogging determination apparatus determines clogging of a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) such that exhaust pressure is estimated using a sensor deigned for regular control of an engine, without using exhaust pressure sensor. The apparatus includes: the DPF disposed in an exhaust system; an exhaust sensor that measures an air-fuel ratio λ in exhaust gas; and an injector that changes the air-fuel ratio in an cylinder through post-injection. A response time T taken for the exhaust sensor to detect a change in the air-fuel ratio is measured from the time when the post-injection is output from the injector. If this response time T is longer than a clogging determination response time To, the apparatus determines that the DPF is clogged. |
| US07980058B2 |
Air compression type engine for aviation
The present invention relates to an air compression type engine for aviation. The conventional aircraft engine is complicated in structure, consumes expensive aero fuel, and produces extremely loud noise during operation. Therefore, the present invention employs a turbo-charged air compressor to generate high temperature and high pressure gas in the pressure chamber, and uses the reaction thrust force generated by ejecting the compressed air through the nozzle to make the aircraft vertically take off/land, suspend in the air and fly forwardly. Benefited from the simple structure, the manufacture cost of the aircraft engine can be dramatically decreased. Vertically raising and landing the aircraft can be achieved by changing the ejection directed of the compressed air in the pressure chamber. The commonly used gasoline or diesel, which is cost saving and capable of combusting with a high combustion value, can be used instead of the expensive aviation kerosene. Further, the generated noise is quite small. By means of above arrangement, it is possible to manufacture a jet type manned craft like a car, which can be operated by common people to vertically take off/land and shuttle conveniently in the downtown area through simple operation procedure. |
| US07980057B2 |
Integral composite rocket motor dome/nozzle structure
An integral composite rocket motor nozzle. The novel nozzle includes a first layer of a first reinforcement material, a second layer of a second reinforcement material, and a common matrix material surrounding the first and second reinforcement materials such that the reinforcement materials and matrix material form a single integral composite structure. In an illustrative embodiment, the first reinforcement material includes graphite fibers for providing structural support, and the second reinforcement material includes glass or quartz fibers for providing thermal insulation on a first side of the first layer. The nozzle may also include a third layer of a third reinforcement material for providing thermal insulation on a second side of the first layer. In a preferred embodiment, the first layer is shaped to form an integrated dome and nozzle structure. |
| US07980050B2 |
Mower unit
A mower unit includes a mower deck, a plurality of blades mounted inside the mower deck and rotatable about vertical shafts supported to the mower deck, the mower deck defining, on one lateral side thereof, a discharge outlet for discharging cut grass cut by the plurality of blades, and an opening and closing member configured to be movable to a closing position for closing the discharge outlet and also to an opening position away from the discharge outlet for opening the discharge outlet, the opening and closing member at the opening position being disposed along an outer face of the mower deck. |
| US07980048B1 |
Mechanism for harvesting tobacco plants in slotted rails
A mechanism for harvesting tobacco plants includes a magazine of rails. Each rail is elongated and hollow, with a slot along a bottom portion of each rail. Two opposing dispensing conveyors each engage opposing ends of each rails for advancing an empty rail to a filling position. Two opposing notching conveyors grasps the plants and cuts notches into the plants on opposing sides of the plant. A single roller chain stepping conveyor moves the plants from the opposing notching conveyors into a rail in the filling position. The two opposing dispensing conveyors advance the rail filled with plants. An unloading conveyor having opposing roller chains receives the rails filled with plants, collects a group of filled rails, and unloads the group of filled rails on a ground level at a linear speed equal to a forward speed of the harvesting mechanism. |
| US07980046B2 |
Apparatus for cleaning, filling, and capping a container
An apparatus for filling a container includes an enclosure (11) having an opening for receiving a container (14). The apparatus may include a shuttle assembly (15), a wash station (20), a fill station (21), and a seal station (16) contained within the enclosure (11). The shuttle assembly (15) may include a frame structure (23) and a shuttle (22). The shuttle (22) may advance along a path of travel and facilitate the washing, filling, and sealing of the container (14). The apparatus may be employed in a method for consecutively washing, filling, and sealing at least one container in an enclosed housing. The method includes the steps of providing at least one container, washing the container, filling the container, and sealing the container. The method may be conducted along a path of travel. |
| US07980038B2 |
Fastener guide for siding
A system for attaching a siding panel to a wall uses tubular fastener guide pins supported in spaced relationship by a fastener guide strip. The guide pins extend from the guide strip and through elongate slots in the securement flange of the siding panel. The spacing of the guide pins corresponds to the spacing of centers of elongate slots in the siding panel such that fasteners driven through the tubular guide pins are evenly spaced and allow the panel to slide relative to the guide pins. A layer of insulating foam may be positioned behind the siding panel and with pins sized to extend through the siding panel and foam. |
| US07980033B1 |
System and method for increasing the shear strength of a structure
Reinforcing system for retrofitting wall to increase the ductility and resistance to shear forces of a gypsum board wall to a level comparable to plywood-sheathed wall. Fiber-reinforced polymer panel is attached to substantially cover surface of gypsum board to protect it against rupture in earthquake. Reinforcement is enhanced by fiber anchors installed along base of wall and door frames. Optional connector strips tie together door and window frames to prevent separation from wall. |
| US07980030B2 |
C-type underbracing having enlarged end portions for installing on utility pole
A C-type underbracing has developed for installing on a lower portion of a utility pole for firmly anchoring the utility pole. The underbracing is comprised of: a body (12) formed a half-annular or C-shape with a rectangular cross section; a pair of the enlarged end portions (11, 11′) having larger rectangular cross section than that of the body; a pair of the conjunction (17, 17′) for connecting between the body and the enlarged end portions; a hook receiving hole (13) horizontally through a center of the body, and a pair of nut mounting portions (16, 16′) formed flat surfaces for seating the nuts and a pair of slit-shaped holes (14, 14′) for horizontally inserting U-bolts (20) through the body portion, the nut mounting portions and slit-shaped holes disposed both sides of said hook receiving hole, and an earth plate (30) made of conductive material is attached to the bottom surface of the body. |
| US07980028B1 |
Coil spring counterbalance system for side loading window sashes
A counterbalance system for a side load window assembly having a window sash and side frame jambs. A spring carriage is provided. The spring carriage has a first section that fits into a gap space between the window frame and the window sash. The spring carriage also includes a second section that passes under the window sash, therein supporting the window sash. At least one coil spring is provided. Each coil spring has a wound body that is held within the spring carriage. Each coil spring also has a first end that extends out of a housing and is anchored to one of the side frame jambs. The coil springs bias the spring housing upwardly. Since the window sash rests upon the housing, the window sash is counterbalanced. |
| US07980025B1 |
Decorative display
A display and a method for making the same, comprising a transparent container, a mixture of fluid and superabsorbent polymer, and ornamental items suspended in the mixture such that they are visible from outside the transparent container. |
| US07980023B2 |
Versatile pest station with interchangeable inserts
A versatile pest station for use with interchangeable inserts includes a housing, a lock mechanism, a first insert, and a second insert. The housing includes a base, a lid, and an opening. The base and the lid form a cavity, and the opening provides access to the cavity. The base has a bottom surface and is configured and arranged to be securely mounted to a surface. The lock mechanism interlocks the base and the lid. The first insert is configured and arranged to fit within the cavity, and the first insert includes an entrance mechanism. The second insert is configured and arranged to fit within the cavity, and the second insert includes a snap trap. The first insert and the second insert are interchangeable for individual use with the housing, and the first insert and the second insert are elevated relative to the bottom surface of the base. |
| US07980021B2 |
Apparatus and method for securing a bait fish to a fish hook
An improved self-engaging bait fish rig and assembly device which does not require the use of any sort of tool or device to engage the fish is disclosed. The rig is made of pliable metal prongs which have sufficient strength to hold a bait fish once engaged. The prongs are formed in a bent fashion with acute angles turned inward and upward towards the center of the rig. The rig attaches to the hook by way of rubber o-ring, which allows for movement of the rig along the hook. The prongs of the rig are spring-biased, thereby resetting the spring action to the closed position while in use. Such spring closure is reinforced by a rubber o-ring that encircles both prongs allowing for flexibility in stretching the prongs apart for insertion into the body or eyes of the fish. |
| US07980018B2 |
Handle for fishing rod
The present invention concerns a fishing rod for fly fishing, comprising an oblong, thin and elastic body, equipped with a reel for a fishing line, seated on the rod at the lower part of this, along with a gripping device consisting of a fore handle and/or a butt handle fastened to the fishing rod on the lower end of the rod on a level below the reel.The handle is fastened on an angular lever in relation to the longitudinal axis of the rod, since the handle is situated on the extension of an imagined line, which stretches between the upper tip of the rod and the spin axis of the reel.The gripping device may furthermore comprise a fore handle, fastened to the fishing rod at the rear end of the rod, preferably in the area where a reel seat is fastened to the rod. The handle is configured in such a manner that it allows the thin and elastic body to move relative to the handle. |
| US07980011B2 |
Fully stabilized excavator tooth attachment
A fully stabilized excavator tooth attachment. An excavator tooth includes a nose-receiving pocket bounded by an inner end, upper and lower, and opposing side walls, the end wall having a nose-engaging interface surface formed orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the tooth, at least one of the side walls having a fastener opening formed therethrough, and each of the upper and lower walls having two spaced apart nose-engaging interface surfaces formed thereon substantially parallel to each other. Another excavator tooth includes side walls having generally planar nose-engaging interface surfaces formed therein, one surface resisting rotation of the tooth about the longitudinal axis in one direction, and another interface surface resisting rotation of the tooth in an opposite direction. An attachment system includes a fastener configured for releasably securing the tooth on the nose, the fastener having a thread which is eccentric relative to a body of the fastener. |
| US07980009B2 |
Shoe housing
The invention relates to a shoe with a sole unit, where the sole unit includes a recess for removably receiving a housing of an electronic assembly, for example, an electronic pedometer, an accelerometer, or a speed sensor. Further, the invention relates to a housing for receiving an electronic assembly, for example, a pedometer, an accelerometer, or a speed sensor, where the housing has an outer shape corresponding to the shape of a recess formed in a shoe sole. |
| US07980005B1 |
Toe jammers
The invention is an improved cushion for use with the web joint of a thong-type sandal. The invention is a cylinder comprising an inner layer consisting of a viscoelastic gel, and an outer layer of memory foam. The exterior of the outer layer may be outfitted with a design. The interior of the cylinder has a layer of adhesive. A split is provided for installation of the invention. |
| US07980003B2 |
Heat processing apparatus and heat processing method
A heat processing apparatus includes a heating plate configured to heat the substrate; a cover configured to surround a space above the heating plate; an exhaust gas flow forming mechanism configured to exhaust gas inside the cover to form exhaust gas flows within the space above the heating plate; a downflow forming mechanism configured to form downflows uniformly supplied onto an upper surface of the substrate placed on the heating plate; and a control mechanism configured to execute mode switching control between a mode arranged to heat the substrate while forming the downflows by the downflow forming mechanism and a mode arranged to heat the substrate while forming the exhaust gas flows by the exhaust gas flow forming mechanism. |
| US07979999B2 |
Fluid reservoir assembly
A bottle assembly has a bottle for storing a fluid, such as a cosmetic fluid. An applicator for applying the fluid is configured to be insertable and removable from the bottle along a path. A sealing body is configured to seal the bottle. The sealing body has a channel width movable between a first width and a second width. The first width is large enough to accommodate the applicator and the second width is smaller than the first width. The channel is resiliently biased toward the second width. |
| US07979996B2 |
Breast implant selector systems
A breast implant selector system including a breast width selector for selecting breast width input information, a breast tissue type selector for selecting breast tissue type input information in response to breast width input information selected with the breast width selector, and an implant size selector for selecting implant size input information in response to the breast tissue type input information selected with the breast tissue type selector. A result indicator provides a result characterizing at least one suggested breast implant as a function of the input breast width, breast tissue type, and implant size input information. |
| US07979994B2 |
Ultraviolet risk indicator
An ultraviolet risk indicator instrument comprising a dial and a shadow projection device on it, the dial having colored areas that indicate different UV risks, defined by lines of declination (solstices and equinoxes) and solar hour lines calculated based on the transformation of the Hour Coordinates of the Sun (Hour Angle and Declination) in a 3D Cartesian Coordinate System, whose origin is the tip of the shadow projection device (being a polar style parallel to the rotation axis of the Earth, or a straight style perpendicular to the dial plane) using matrix calculations to produce the necessary rotations of the system, taking into account the latitude of the place, the declination and inclination of the dial. The style may be a rod or a triangular shape. The tip of the style is the focus or point of view of a gnomonic projection, where the Sun is the “point” of space to be projected, the dial is the projection plane and the projected point is the shadow point, whose coordinates (x,y) in the dial plane are calculated. Hour lines for local solar time in the dial are calculated, converging to the intersection of a polar style with the dial, the lines of declination of solstices and equinoxes and the position on the dial plane of the shadow cast by the tip of the style. The shadow point moves according to the annual and diurnal variation of the altitude of the Sun crossing different sectors of the dial. |
| US07979990B2 |
Safety lock mechanism for folding knives
A safety lock mechanism for a folding knife includes a lock plate movably coupled to a handle of the knife for movement along a first direction from an engaged position to a disengaged position, the lock plate biased towards the engaged position. A rocker element is coupled to the lock plate for movement from a locked position to an unlocked position and is configured to prevent translational movement of the lock plate to the disengaged position when the rocker element is in the locked position. A control button coupled to the rocker element allows a user to move the rocker element from the locked position to the unlocked position and to move the lock plate towards the disengaged position to thereby release a blade of the knife. |
| US07979986B2 |
Method for securing a cartridge mechanical face seal to a sleeve
This method for securing a cartridge mechanical face seal to a sleeve in a rotating shaft sealing assembly uses one or more plunger locks to secure the rotary face of the seal assembly to the sleeve. Such seal assemblies have been previously secured with set screws. This plunger lock method for securing the rotary face of the cartridge seal avoids the use of set screws altogether. Instead, one or more spring activated plunger locks located in the rotary face seal assembly are mated into precisely located receptacle bores in the sleeve. The resulting attachment will not leak, require additional tightening, or distort the sleeve. |
| US07979983B2 |
Connection an integrated circuit on a surface layer of a printed circuit board
Techniques for optimizing application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and other IC pin assignment corresponding to a high density interconnect (HDI) printed circuit board (PCB) layout are provided. Applying the techniques described herein, pin assignments may be systematically and strategically planned, for example, in an effort to reduce the PCB layer count and associated cost, increase signal integrity and speed, reduce the surface area used by an ASIC and its support circuitry, reduce plane perforations, and reduce via crosstalk when compared to conventional designs with an ASIC mounted on a multilayered PCB. |
| US07979982B2 |
Imaging device, and method for manufacturing the same
A vehicle-mounted camera (1) comprises a lower case (2) constituting a part of a case, an upper case (3) provided with lenses (3a, 3b) constituting the case integrally with the lower case (2), an imaging element (4) for converting light passing through the lenses (3a, 3b) into an electrical signal, an MID-mounting substrate (6) with the imaging element (4) mounted, substrate mounting bosses (3c, 3d) for mounting the MID-mounting substrate (6) to the upper case (3), and spacers (7a, 7b) interposed between the MID-mounting substrate (6) and the substrate mounting bosses (3c, 3d) for adjusting the clearance between the lenses (3a, 3b) and the light receiving plane of the imaging element (4), structured to fix the lower case (2) to the upper case (3) while the MID-mounting substrate (6) mounted with the imaging element (4) is being fixed to the upper case (3) by the substrate mounting bosses (3c, 3d). |
| US07979976B2 |
Method for laying a superconductor cable
A method for arranging a superconductor cable including the step of laying the superconductive cable core into a cryostat with an overlength in comparison to the axial length of said cryostat. After laying the superconductive cable core, it is cooled to its operating temperature thereby shortening the superconductive cable core relative to the cryostat. After cooling the superconductive cable core, the shortened superconductive cable core is mechanically fixed at its two ends to the ends of the cryostat. After fixing the shortened superconductive cable core, terminations are mounted on the ends of the cable core, such that if the superconductive cable core heats up, the core deforms into a wave or helix inside the cryostat, with the length change that acts on components of the superconductor cable being negligible. |
| US07979967B2 |
Method for manufacturing a hinge, hinge and hinge pin
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a hinge between two workpieces or components; first a hinge socket is inserted in an opening of the first component and then a hinge pin is inserted in the hinge socket; the second component can be fastened to the hinge pin end protruding from the hinge socket. |
| US07979956B2 |
Vacuum bag attachment device and method
A vacuum bag (10) attachment device and method. One embodiment provides a device for attaching a vacuum bag to a suction port of a vacuum cleaner (11), wherein the vacuum cleaner has a fixation projection (22) positioned adjacent the suction port (17). The attachment device comprises a holding plate (12) having a first aperture (15) configured and adapted to be received on the suction port of the vacuum. The holding plate also has a hinged portion (18) with a second aperture (21) positioned within the hinged portion. The hinged portion is moveable between a first position in which the hinged portion does not secure the holding plate to the vacuum and a second position in which the hinged portion secures the holding plate to the vacuum. The second aperture is configured and dimensioned to be received on the projection (22) adjacent the suction port of the vacuum cleaner when the hinged portion is in the second position. |
| US07979954B2 |
Portable cleaning assembly with waste container
The subject invention provides a vacuum unit and a waste container. The vacuum unit applies a vacuum to clean an area to collect debris and the waste container collects waste by a user separate from debris collected by the vacuum unit. The vacuum unit includes a battery for powering a motor of the vacuum unit. The vacuum unit also includes an exhaust port which exhausts air in an exhaust path. The battery is disposed in the exhaust path to provide for cooling of the battery. |
| US07979950B2 |
Windscreen wiper device
A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade includes opposing longitudinal grooves on its longitudinal sides, in which grooves spaced-apart longitudinal strips of the carrier element are disposed, wherein neighboring ends of said longitudinal strips are interconnected by a respective connecting piece, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for an oscillating arm, wherein said oscillating arm is pivotally connected to said connecting device about a pivot axis near one end, with the interposition of a joint part, wherein said joint part comprises at least one resilient tongue engaging in a correspondingly shaped hole provided in said oscillating arm, and wherein said resilient tongue is rotatable along an hinge axis between an outward position retaining the wiper blade onto the oscillating arm and an inward position releasing the wiper blade from the oscillating arm, characterized in that said resilient tongue is forced in the outward position under the influence of a moment in case a force is exerted on the wiper blade in a direction away from the oscillating arm. |
| US07979947B2 |
Toothbrush
A toothbrush having a head with a first end and a second end with peripheral edge regions extending between the first end and the second end is described. The head includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface includes raised portions and depressed portions, wherein the depressed portions are adjacent the peripheral edge regions. A first plurality of cleaning elements protrude from the first surface, and a second plurality of cleaning elements protrude from the first surface. Each of the first plurality of cleaning elements protrudes from a depressed portion and has a cross section. Each of the depressed portions has the same cross section as each of the first plurality of cleaning elements. |
| US07979945B2 |
Systems and methods for robotic gutter cleaning
In embodiments of the present invention, a gutter-cleaning device comprises a housing containing an impeller drive facility, the housing configured to fit into a gutter, an impeller, disposed at an end of the housing and driven by the impeller drive facility, and a transport facility for transporting the housing along the gutter. |
| US07979942B2 |
Substrate treatment apparatus and substrate treatment method
A substrate treatment apparatus including a substrate holding mechanism for holding a substrate; a first brush made of an elastically deformable material and having a cleaning surface inclined with respect to a perpendicular direction perpendicular to one surface of the substrate held by the substrate holding mechanism; a first brush moving mechanism for moving the first brush with respect to the substrate held by the substrate holding mechanism; a controller for controlling the first brush moving mechanism so that the cleaning surface is made to contact with a peripheral area on the one surface and a peripheral end face of the substrate held by the substrate holding mechanism; and a first pushing pressure holding mechanism for holding a pushing pressure of the first brush in the perpendicular direction to the peripheral area on the one surface of the substrate at a preset pushing pressure. |
| US07979941B2 |
Produce bin scrubber and related methods
A produce bin washer for washing produce bins of an open-box type may include a housing and a conveyor for advancing a plurality of empty produce bins along a path of travel through the housing. The produce bin washer may include at least one scrubbing brush within the housing adjacent the conveyor and along the path of travel. The produce bin washer may also include a positioner within the housing for sequentially lifting and rotating each empty produce bin from the conveyor onto the at least one scrubbing brush to scrub the interior, and returning the empty produce bin to the conveyor. A sprayer may be within the housing for spraying a cleaning solution onto the empty produce bins, and a collector may also be within the housing for collecting sprayed cleaning solution. |
| US07979940B1 |
Fluid-powered liquid-dispenser apparatus
A tool powered by pressurized liquid, typically water, for treatment of a variety of surfaces ranging from natural to manufactured, has a scrubber wheel powered by the pressurized liquid. A treatment liquid is contained in a single-use, throw-away cartridge mounted in the tool. The cartridge is mounted in the tool for rotation therein when desired. A nozzle in the tool for discharging the pressurized liquid onto the scrubber wheel to rotate the scrubber wheel, is movable by the tool operator during a treatment operation to change the direction of discharge to the extent desired to drive the scrubber forward or backward and to rotate the cartridge to dispense the treatment liquid if, and when, dispensing of the treatment liquid is desired. |
| US07979938B2 |
Changing amplitude of movement by changing the drive frequency of a toothbrush brushhead
The drive system drives a brushhead at a driving frequency. The drive system includes a frequency modulation system which changes. the driving frequency about a center frequency in such a manner, with selected frequency deviation and modulation frequency, which interacts with the resonance of the brushhead to produce a change of amplitude in the movement of the brushhead within a range of 5-30%. |
| US07979936B2 |
Methods of making impact attenuating devices and products containing such devices
An impact attenuating device includes both concave and convex side walls, e.g., in an interleaved arrangement, optionally at least partially surrounded by a restraining element that may help return the impact attenuating device back to its original orientation after attenuating an impact. Such impact attenuating devices may be included in pieces of footwear and/or other foot-receiving devices. Additionally, such impact attenuating devices or portions thereof may be freely selected and/or interchanged in a piece of footwear or other foot-receiving device, e.g., based on one or more characteristics of an intended user and/or an intended use, so as to allow users to obtain footwear (or other devices) customized and targeted for use under a predetermined set of conditions. |
| US07979934B2 |
Headrest assembly for a massage device with timed support arms and arm connector near the forehead
A headrest assembly (212) for supporting a face of a user (16) of a massage device (10) includes a resilient assembly (220) and a support arm assembly (222). The resilient assembly (220) supports the face (13) of the user. The support arm assembly (222) couples the resilient assembly (220) to the massage device (10). The support arm assembly (222) can include a first support arm (228) that selectively engages a headrest receiver assembly (15) of the massage device (10), a spaced apart second support arm (230) that selectively engages the headrest receiver assembly (15), and an arm connector (232) that couples the support arms (228) (230) together. The arm connector (232) can inhibit relative pivoting of the support arms (228) (230) when the support arms (228) (230) are not engaging the headrest receiver assembly (15). |
| US07979933B2 |
Headrest assembly with improved flexibility for a massage device
A headrest assembly (212) for supporting a face of a user (16) of a massage device (10) includes a support frame (226) that is coupled to the massage device (10), and a resilient assembly (220) that supports the face of the user (15) and that is coupled to the support frame (226). The resilient assembly (220) includes an interior resilient region (472) and an outer covering (474) that surrounds and protects the interior resilient region (472). The interior resilient region (472) includes a first layer (472A) and a second layer (472B), with the first layer (472A) being stacked on top of the second layer (472B). The first layer (472A) can have a first stiffness that is different than a second stiffness of the second layer (472B). Further, the first layer (472A) can have a first thickness (472C) that is different than a second thickness (472D) of the second layer (472B). Additionally, the second layer (472B) can include a plurality of cut-outs (472BC) that decrease the lateral stiffness of the second layer (472B). |
| US07979929B2 |
Quick change mounting system for a faucet
A faucet assembly including a mounting base and an upper faucet assembly. A coupler releasably couples the upper faucet assembly to the mounting base. |
| US07979926B1 |
Collapsible outdoor shower kit
A collapsible outdoor shower enclosure that folds up nearly flat to a wall surface when not in use is herein disclosed. The shower enclosure is intended for use in outdoor locations where a general floor drain or similar means exists for removal of waste water. The enclosure comprises a right wall assembly and a left wall assembly that have hinged connections allowing for the shower enclosure to fold up against the wall surface. The wall surface would also be the one containing a shower head and shower controls as well. When in a retracted orientation, the enclosure protrudes approximately thirteen (13) inches from the stationary wall surface. During use, each of the wall assemblies fold out ninety degrees (90°) from the wall surface and include a right door and a left door that form an entrance side for a user to enter the shower enclosure. The wall assemblies are provided with corner supports which pin to a ground surface, vertical anchor members which secure the enclosure to the wall surface, and horizontal anchor members which secure the enclosure to the ground surface. When in an extended orientation, the shower enclosure forms a chamber approximately thirty-six (36) inches square thereby allowing the user an area to shower privately therein. When the user is finished using the shower enclosure, it is simply rinsed off and stowed back against the wall surface until the next usage. |