| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08011203B1 |
Refrigeration appliance with hidden user interface
Provided is a refrigeration appliance including a cabinet defining a fresh-food compartment and a freezer compartment. The refrigeration appliance includes a refrigeration system that is operable to provide a cooling effect to an interior of the fresh-food and freezer compartments. A pair of doors is pivotally connected to the cabinet with a hinge assembly for restricting access to the interior of the fresh-food compartment. Each door includes a side portion extending between an exterior face and an interior portion of the door. The side portions of the doors generally oppose each other when the doors are closed. A user interface is also provided to the side portion of at least one of the doors comprising an input device to be manipulated by a user for controlling a target temperature within at least one of the fresh-food and freezer compartments. |
| US08011199B1 |
HVAC control using discrete-speed thermostats and run times
Methods of controlling air conditioning and HVAC units using a thermostat for a discrete-speed unit that include changing speed based on how long the unit operates at a particular speed. Speed may be increased if a unit operates for longer than a predetermined time at a particular speed, and speed may be reduced if the unit operated for less than a specific amount of time during the prior run. In different embodiments, single-stage thermostats may control units that operate at three speeds, and two-stage thermostats may control units that operate at three to five or more speeds. In addition, in some embodiments, outdoor coil temperature may be measured and considered in determining speed. Further, in some embodiments, maintaining continuous or repeated operation at a boost speed may be avoided. Energy savings and noise reduction may result. |
| US08011196B2 |
Refrigerant control of a heat-recovery chiller
A chiller includes a main condenser that has a refrigerant condensate sump with an internal weir or standpipe that maintains at least a minimum liquid seal between the outlets of the main condenser and a heat-recovery condenser. The main condenser is used for normal cooling operation, and the heat-recovery condenser is for supplying an external process with heat that would otherwise be wasted. In addition to providing a liquid seal, the sump and weir combination provides a reliable source of liquid refrigerant to cool the chiller's compressor motor and creates a trap for collecting foreign particles that might exit either of the chiller's two condensers. |
| US08011193B2 |
Passenger car air-conditioning systems with adsorption heat pumps
A system and method for air-conditioning motor vehicles and, in particular, to an air-conditioning systems for motor vehicles having adsorption heat pumps. The apparatus includes a two adsorber chambers, each connected to a condenser and an evaporator via different connection elements; a vacuum shell for enclosing the adsorber chambers, the condenser, and the evaporator, wherein the vacuum shell is not self-supporting; and one or more adsorbers housed in the adsorber chambers, wherein the adsorbers are comprised of a carrier material coated by a sorbent. The method includes using an adsorption heat pump having one or more adsorber chambers, wherein adsorption and desorption are alternated between the adsorber chambers. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. |
| US08011187B2 |
Fuel injection method and apparatus for a combustor
A combustor and injector system to inject a selected fuel into a combustor of a gas powered turbine. Generally, the injector is able to inject a selected fuel into a stream of an oxidizer to substantially mix the fuel with the oxidizer stream before any of the fuel in the fuel fan reaches an auto ignition temperature. Therefore the fuel may be substantially combusted at once and without any substantial hot spots. |
| US08011186B2 |
Multi-stage turbocharger system
A turbocharger system comprises a first relatively small high-pressure (HP) turbocharger (1) and a second relatively large low pressure (LP) turbocharger (2). The turbine (6) of the LP turbocharger (2) is connected in series downstream of the turbine (4) of the HP turbocharger (1) in a first exhaust gas passage (11). An exhaust bypass flow passage (12) provides a bypass flow path around the HP turbine (4). A rotary valve (8) is located at a junction of the bypass flow passage (12) and a first exhaust gas flow passage (11). The rotary valve (8) comprises a valve rotor (19) which is rotatable to selectively permit or block flow to the LP turbine (6) from either the first exhaust gas passage (11) or the bypass gas passage (12). The rotary valve (8) is operated to at least partially restrict flow to the LP turbine to generate a braking back pressure. |
| US08011185B2 |
Boost pressure control apparatus and boost pressure control method of internal combustion engine
A boost pressure control apparatus includes a turbocharger whose turbine is rotationally driven by exhaust of an internal combustion engine, and an EGR device, wherein EGR is performed at the time of supercharge, or the EGR amount is increased at the time of supercharge in comparison with when supercharge is not performed. If the internal EGR gas amount is increased by changing opening/closure timings of intake valves and/or exhaust valves via the EGR device, the energy of exhaust can be increased, so that the rotation speed of the turbocharger can be enhanced. Therefore, the responsiveness of boost pressure rise can be enhanced. Thus, a technology of more promptly raising the boost pressure is provided. |
| US08011184B2 |
Electric booster and method for manufacturing the same
An electric booster which drives an electric motor (40) in response to a movement of an input member (9) moving together with a brake pedal (B), and generates a brake hydraulic pressure in a master cylinder (10) through a ball screw mechanism (50). The electric motor (40) includes a stator (41) having a coil therein, a rotor (42) which rotates by applying current to the stator (41), and an annular motor casing (2) containing the stator (41) and the rotor (42). The ball screw mechanism (50) is fittedly disposed in the rotor (42). An opening (3b) on one axial end side of the motor casing (2) has a larger diameter than an outer diameter of the ball screw mechanism (50). In manufacturing, after the electric motor (40) alone is tested, the ball screw mechanism (50) is inserted through the opening (3b) and installed without the need of disassembling the motor casing (2). |
| US08011175B2 |
Exhaust-gas cooling device for an internal combustion engine
An exhaust-gas cooling device for an internal combustion engine includes a housing with an exhaust-gas inlet, an exhaust-gas outlet, a valve device, and a U-shaped heat exchange unit including an outbound flow path and a return flow path. The housing comprises, on the open side of the U-shaped heat exchange unit, a first, a second and a third chamber. The first chamber provides a fluid connection from the exhaust-gas inlet to the second chamber, and the third chamber provides a fluid connection from the second chamber to the exhaust-gas outlet. The valve device is arranged in the second chamber such that the second chamber can be divided into two partial chambers, a first one of the partial chambers is arranged in fluid connection with the outbound flow path, and the second one of the partial chambers is arranged in fluid connection with the return flow path. |
| US08011173B2 |
Method for the diagnosis of a three-way-catalytic converter for an internal combustion engine
A method for the diagnosis of a three-way catalytic converter for an internal combustion engine using the voltage signal of a downstream binary lambda sensor proposes that with a changeover of the air/fuel ratio λ that is fed to the internal combustion engine from high to low, the voltage signal Uλ of the lambda sensor is monitored for its jump in order to establish a first oxygen storage capacity OSC1 of the catalytic converter, with a changeover of the air/fuel ratio that is fed to the internal combustion engine from low to high, the voltage signal Uλ of the lambda sensor is monitored for its jump in order to establish a second oxygen storage capacity OSC2 of the catalytic converter, and/or with a modulation of the air/fuel ratio that is fed to the internal combustion engine between high and low, the voltage signal Uλ of the lambda sensor is monitored for its jumps in order to establish a third oxygen storage capacity OSC3 of the catalytic converter, wherein the diagnosis of the catalytic converter is performed based on the ratio between two of the three oxygen storage capacities. According to the proposal, a diagnostic method differentiated with regard to reversible and irreversible damage, as well as with regard to oxidizing and reducing capabilities is provided. |
| US08011172B2 |
Engine arrangement
An engine arrangement for a component subject to icing. The arrangement comprising a manifold as part of a flow path incident upon a heated component. The manifold including holes to create jets having an exit angle toward the component subject to icing. The jets of hot gas are entrained in a core flow passing through the main flow path before washing over a desired incident area of the component. The exit angle and spacing between the jet and the component are determined to reduce disruption of the core flow and/or provide the desired incident area on the component and/or use the minimum amount of hot air. |
| US08011171B2 |
Portable storage apparatus
A portable storage apparatus for storing perishable items at a reduced temperature and under a reduced pressure is provided. The method of using the apparatus is also disclosed. |
| US08011169B2 |
Method of sealing an end fin of a carton
An ultrasonic sealing device for a top fin of a gable-topped carton includes two jaws consisting of a jaw (2) with a planar active face and constituting the outer end portion of an ultrasonic horn (A1) and a jaw (6) constituting an anvil and having an active surface (10) which is planar except for upper and lower linear ribs (12) and (14) each extending the length of the surface (10). The lower rib (14) is linear and horizontal except for an upwardly bowed middle portion (16). The two jaws (2) and (6) serve to render gas-and-liquid tight a top fin of a conventional, plastics-coated paperboard, gable-top carton. The ribs (12) and (14) produce, in the outer surface of one of the outer sealing panels of the fin, corresponding furrows which extend over the whole length of the fin at levels where the inner sealing panels are sandwiched between the outer sealing panels, so as to seal the top fin in a gas- and liquid-tight manner along its whole length. |
| US08011168B2 |
Installation for packing bottle-type objects of different designs into boxes
A packing installation having a handling head (10) with replaceable tulip-like gripping tools (11) connected by couplers (13). The installation has a magazine (15) with separate groups of tools (11) and a several presentation units (23) for the tools. The presentation units (23) have a spindle (25) to accommodate the tools (11). The spindle (25) is a floating type to give some flexibility and to engage the tools (11) not only during the depositing operation, but also during the gripping operation. The magazine (15) is mobile and is mounted on tracks (19) to move between its inactive position, away from the field of action of the bottle handling head (10), and its active position within the field of action of the head (10) and in particular at the station (5) where the bottles are picked up by the head (10). |
| US08011165B2 |
Composite assembly with saturated bonding mass and process of reinforced attachment
A method of both permanently reinforcing and bonding, by means of a physical connection including a fabric or other arrangement of reinforcing fiber, saturated with a curing liquid resin, and building materials to create a composite assembly is disclosed. Once cured, the previously liquid resin, having surrounded the fiber and features of the surfaces of the elements being joined, combines them within a single, shared resin matrix. The resulting composite assembly incorporates a new method of providing reinforcement from within, and can be formed into any of various products or components in the light construction industry, such as window sashes, millwork, and the like. |
| US08011162B2 |
Chain constructed structure
A collapsible support structure includes a plurality of linked, inter-connectable segments that allow the structure to transform between a rigid structure and a flexible chain. The chain is generally extendible in a first direction while the rigid structure extends in a transverse second direction. At least a first linked segment is connectable with a second linked segment that is not immediately adjacent to the first segment within the chain. The chain may be converted to the rigid structure by wrapping the chain about an axis extending in the second direction. The segments may include an overall height and further include a coupling that is connected to an adjacent segment. The coupling may be disposed so that the adjacent segment is offset about 1/Nth of the overall height. With this coupling, the first segment may be connectable with the second segment that is N segments separated from the first segment. |
| US08011157B2 |
Grating system with enhanced see-through characteristics
A grating system provides enhanced see through characteristics and typically includes longitudinal deep bars, axial crossbars, axial filler bars between the crossbars and longitudinal joining bars which join the crossbars and filler bars to one another. The deep bars are part of a first subassembly and the other bars are part of a second subassembly which may be lowered to join the two subassemblies to one another. The crossbars and filler bars are typically seated on the deep bars. The joining bars are typically above and aligned with the deep bars. The upper surfaces of the crossbars and filler bars are usually substantially flush with one another. The grating system is configured to support vehicular and pedestrian traffic. |
| US08011148B2 |
Modular, portable, interlocking decking system
Components for use in the assembly and installation of a modular decking system, comprised of structural free floating piers which distributes loads of deck pad to ground, piers have a pad bearing surface and four uniformly placed receiver blocks which interlock with corresponding recesses at four pad corners, an interlocking cam passes through pad recesses at deck surface and locks to piers by rotating cam with custom designed tool.The system is designed to be assembled without permanent fasteners to allow for expansion, reconfiguration or relocation, or addition of traditional and contemporary deck accessories that engage and interlock with the piers, pads and cams. One ideal manufacturing method of one or any of the system components is compression molded post-consumer and/or industrial thermo-plastic waste. |
| US08011147B2 |
Building system using modular precast concrete components
A building system uses modular precast concrete components that include a series of columns with wide, integral capitals. Wide beam slabs are suspended between adjacent column capitals by hangers. Joist slabs (e.g., rib slabs or other substantially planar components) can then be suspended between the beam slabs and column capitals to provide a floor surface. |
| US08011146B2 |
Blast-proof window and mullion system
A blast-proof window and mullion system for sustaining and mitigating an explosion and/or blast to the window and mullion system on a multi-storied building or structure. The window and mullion system includes a blast-resistant mullion having a mullion housing with mullion walls with outer surfaces; and a pressure bar member having a pressure bar housing with an interior wall and a pair of outer walls being connected to the interior wall to form a center channel opening. The outer walls are angled for reducing the space between the angled walls and for reducing the size of the center channel opening for reduction of bullet and/or blast penetration to the interior wall of the pressure bar member. Also, one of the mullion walls of the mullion housing includes a mullion tongue thereon having a pair of tongue extension arms for forming a vertical bolt receiving channel therebetween. Each of the tongue extension arms have interior serrated surfaces for receiving threaded bolts between the interior serrated surfaces. The interior wall of the pressure bar member has a pair of spaced-apart pressure bar extension arms thereon. The interior wall of the pressure bar member includes a plurality of spaced-apart bolt openings for receiving a plurality of the threaded bolts therein for permanently locking together the pressure bar extension arms with the mullion extension arms in order to join together and lock the pressure bar housing of the pressure bar member to said mullion housing of the blast-resistant mullion to form the blast-proof window and mullion system. |
| US08011145B1 |
Segmented joint for masonry construction
A joint device is installed between adjacent components during construction to provide a proper transition between the components. The joint device has a generally L-shaped configuration with a first leg of the device that may be mounted to the outer face of the inner wall of a cavity wall construction and in the cavity between the spaced walls. The second leg projects generally perpendicularly from the first leg and from the inner wall toward the outer wall adjacent the bricks at which the movement joint is located. The second leg of the joint includes a series of segments in which a terminal end portion of the second leg is joined to a remainder thereof by frangible connections or perforated joints. After the joint device is installed on the inner wall and the outer wall is constructed, the terminal end portion of the second leg is removed by being torn along the appropriate frangible joint depending upon the spacing between the components. |
| US08011144B2 |
System for forming and insulating concrete slab edges
The slab edge forming and insulating system includes edge members and support braces. The edge members include an elongated shell having an upright portion with an insulated inside surface, an upper portion and a lower portion. Each of the upper and lower portions have formed edges. Open cross sectioned support braces having upper and lower formed edges for engaging the formed edges of the elongated shell are fixed to a footing and connected to the edge members. The edge members form and insulate the edges of the poured concrete of the slab while the open cross sectioned support braces receive the poured concrete of the slab and thus anchor the edge members to the edge of the slab. |
| US08011142B2 |
Sliding pendulum seismic isolator
A sliding pendulum seismic isolator (1) comprises a lower sliding element (2) provided with a concave surface (2a) facing upwards, an upper sliding element (3) provided with a concave surface (3a) facing downwards, a first intermediate element (4) and a second intermediate element (5), said intermediate elements (4, 5) being each provided with a convex sliding surface (4a, 5a) suitable to allow the sliding of the first and second intermediate elements (4, 5) on the concave surfaces (2a, 3a) of said lower and upper sliding elements (2, 3) respectively. The first intermediate element (4) has a convex spherical surface (4b) opposed to its convex sliding surface (4a), and the second intermediate element (5) has a flat surface (5b) opposed to its convex sliding surface (5a). The convex spherical surface (4b) and the flat surface (5b) are in contact with each other and are suitable to allow a relative rotation substantially without sliding between the intermediate elements (4, 5). The isolator according to the present invention shows a remarkable reduction of the parasitic moment against the rotation, thus improving the dynamic response of the isolating system and reducing the stresses inside the materials and the adjacent structures. |
| US08011138B2 |
Privacy booth
The present invention concerns a privacy booth comprising at least two partition members having first and second terminal ends; and at least two linking members having first and second opposed ends, each second terminal end of the partition member and each first opposed end of the linking members forming a first pivotable coupling, each first terminal end of the partition members and each second opposed end of the linking member forming a second pivotable coupling, the privacy booth being operable between a deployed state, in which adjacent partition members are spaced-apart to define a respective compartment therebetween, and a storage state in which adjacent partition members are substantially parallel with one another, and preferably flat packed against one another. |
| US08011137B2 |
Gasket and insulating glass comprising said gasket
A seal including a body with a longitudinal axis X that includes a base-piece having a first end and an opposed second end, two opposed side walls connecting the two ends, and two shoulders located on either side of each of the two side walls and at one of the ends. The body is made of a single flexible material and, in a section perpendicular to the X axis, the width of the base-piece, from one side wall to the other, in the vicinity of the end on the opposite side from the shoulders is larger than the width of the base-piece, from one side wall to the other, in the vicinity of the end near the shoulders. |
| US08011134B2 |
Foam hydroponic material and process for making the same
A method of creating a hydroponic growing medium. The method includes retrieving polyurethane constituents and mixing the polyurethane constituents in a shear spray mix, creating a resultant foam. Thereafter the resultant foam is placed in a form to cure and a forced heated air is convected in a post-processing step, whereby the hot air convected upon the resultant foam causes additional cracks throughout cell walls within the resultant foam. These fissure cracks allow for a wicking action to occur in the foam, making the material suitable for a hydroponic growing medium. |
| US08011133B2 |
Method and apparatus of high-throughput pollen extraction, counting, and use of counted pollen for characterizing a plant
An apparatus and method of quantitatively obtaining a measurement of pollen of a plant. One method of counting comprises imaging the sample with the pollen well-distributed in the focal plane of the imager. Image evaluation software can identify and count objects in the image that are consistent with pollen. Total pollen count for the plant can be derived from the count of pollen of the sample, proportionality of the sample volume to the starting volume, and proportionality of area of sample imaged to total area of sample. Pollen quantification can be used for research or commercial production decisions relative to the plant or its seed. |
| US08011132B2 |
Enhanced shelf life and on seed stabilization of liquid bacterium inoculants
The present invention includes a method for producing a liquid inoculant containing a desiccant. The method can improve survival and stability of bacteria in liquid inoculants in pack and on seeds. The method includes providing a liquid inoculant of a bacteria grown to a substantially stationary phase. A desiccant treatment containing a desiccant is added to the liquid inoculant to form a partially desiccated inoculant product. The partially desiccated inoculant product can be packaged and stored. The partially desiccated inoculant product can also be applied to seeds. |
| US08011131B2 |
Earthen vase, method for use and forming tool
A water percolating earthen vase with smooth, compacted walls is formed in the earth. Water is applied and stems of cut flowers inserted for flower display. Water percolates from the vase, eliminating undesirable standing and stagnant water. Methods and forming tool are disclosed. |
| US08011130B2 |
Gun sight mounting device
An apparatus generally includes a gun mount portion and a sight mount portion that are coupled together by a resilient member. The gun mount portion provides attachment to a gun and the sight mount portion provides attachment to a gun sight. The resilient member is configured to allow, when attached to the gun, a linear displacement of the sight mount portion relative to the gun mount portion along a longitudinal axis of the gun. |
| US08011122B2 |
Novelty video device and method
An article of print media that includes an electronic module that has at least one chip for storing data and for controlling the electronic module and first means for closing the electronic module such that at least a first video is shown. |
| US08011119B2 |
Personally adjustable footwear
Personally adjustable footwear with at least one sole layer including: a toe portion, a heel portion, and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion has openings passing vertically through the layer so that the intermediate portion is elastically flexible to allow relative longitudinal displacement of the toe portion and the heel portion to vary a length of the layer without significant variation in a thickness of the layer. A retention mechanism selectively fixes the toe and heel portions in any of a number of relative positions. Also disclosed are implementations with insertable and removable segments, and with elongated elements sliding in channels. |
| US08011115B2 |
Method and device in a dryer section of a fibre-web machine, such as a paper or board machine
A fiber-web machine dryer section has a drying group with single-wire draw so the drying wire (F) presses the web (W) against heated cylinder surfaces with the web (W) at the side of the outside curve of reversing cylinders (11) situated between drying cylinders (10, 12). A pocket space (T) is formed between two adjacent drying cylinders (10) and a reversing cylinder (11) situated between them, and the drying wire (F). A negative pressure component (20) placed in the pocket space (T) creates a pressure difference over the drying wire (F) and the web (W) for attaching the web (W) to the drying wire (F) so the cross-direction shrinkage of the web (W) is controllable. The wire tension (F) is maintained at a level help control cross-direction shrinkage of the web. The pocket space (T) is sealed by sealing members (25, 26) to maintain negative pressure in the pocket space. |
| US08011112B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining positions
For determining positions of a support having a bar code relative to a sensor array, the position of lines in the region of the sensor array is determined at least once and a position is determined therefrom. Thereafter, at least one line of the bar code is selected, a displacement of the position of the at least one selected line in the region of the sensor array is registered and the actual position is calculated therefrom by means of a previously determined position. An incremental and rapid measurement is thus permitted with a bar code and a sensor array. |
| US08011111B2 |
Measuring device and accessories for preparing quilt pieces
A transparent measuring apparatus for material includes a planar structure including a top surface, bottom surface, a left edge, a right edge, a top end, a bottom end and a plurality of holes for attachment of accessories. A plurality of measurement lines is formed on at least one of the top and bottom surfaces. A material alignment guide is attached to the bottom surface. The material alignment guide includes a first edge for aligning the material and is configured for moveably aligning the first edge with the measurement lines. Protrusions extend below the bottom surface a sufficient distance from the bottom surface to facilitate movement of the material alignment device. A plurality of accessories adds width to the planer structure, adds length to the planer structure, provides a safety barrier when cutting along an edge and provides a slot for guiding cutting along an edge of the planer structure. |
| US08011110B2 |
Centering mechanism
The present invention provides a centering mechanism capable of improving the efficiency of centering work and reducing the work time and the cost. The centering mechanism centers an inner member located inside in a radial direction, with respect to an outer member arranged to surround the inner member in a circumferential direction, and includes a vertical-direction positioning unit which positions the inner member in a vertical direction in a non-stepwise manner. |
| US08011109B2 |
Casing mount for a cylindrical vial
A level of the type having an elongate hollow frame including two sidewalls each defining axially aligned vial openings into the frame. A vial casing is secured with respect to the frame and defines a hermetically sealed single-cavity casing interior entirely enclosing a liquid-and-bubble vial with a substantially cylindrical outer surface extending between two vial ends. The casing is formed of two opposite round face-walls and a surrounding cylindrical wall therebetween. The cylindrical wall has a pair of opposed major wall-portions of first thickness and a pair of opposed intervening wall-portions of second thickness greater than the first thickness. Each intervening wall-portion defines a recess which snugly receives a corresponding one of the vial ends. The inner surface of the surrounding wall is smooth and substantially free of light-ray-interfering structures, whereby the vial appears embedded in the surrounding wall and the face-walls provide uninterrupted full views of and about the cylindrical vial. |
| US08011107B2 |
Jig for selecting valve part number or joint part number
A jig for selecting a valve part number or a joint part number representing respective selected conditions required for selecting a valve or a joint comprising: a substantially rectangular base plate defining an inner space, and several sliding gauges laterally arranged in the inner space to slide in a longitudinal direction of the base plate, each of the sliding gauges comprising a condition description area including several conditions thereon from which the selected condition is determined, and a symbol description area including several symbols thereon, both the conditions and the symbols arranged in the sliding direction, several condition selecting windows laterally arranged, each of the condition selecting window being configured to expose one of the selected conditions, several symbol selecting windows laterally arranged, each of the symbol selecting window being configured to expose one of the selected symbols. |
| US08011106B2 |
Method and apparatus for pipe alignment tool
A method and apparatus for a pipe alignment tool have been described. A laser is inserted into the end of a pipe and projects a laser beam indicative of the longitudinal axis of the pipe. |
| US08011102B2 |
Dry shaver
A dry shaver has an elongated shaving head with a lengthwise axis. The shaving head carries semi-cylindrical first and second outer cutters disposed on its opposite width ends, and a semi-cylindrical finishing cutter and a slit cutter interposed between the first and second outer cutters. The finishing cutter has a finishing foil which is deeply curved than a foil of the first and second outer cutters into an arcuate contour having a width less than that of the first and second outer cutters. The finishing foil disposed behind the first outer cutter comes into contact with a users skin to make closer shaving than the first and second cutters. A skin guard project between the first outer cutter and the finishing cutter to protect the skin from being pressed excessively to a side of the finishing foil when moving the shaving head across a user' skin with the first outer cutter leading in a moving direction, thereby reducing skin irritation. |
| US08011099B2 |
Method of manufacturing orientation film and method of manufacturing liquid discharge head
A method of manufacturing an orientation film which method is suitable for manufacturing an orientation film containing a ceramic at low cost. The method includes the steps of: (a) forming a film containing a piezoelectric ceramic on a seed substrate in which crystal orientation is controlled at least on a surface thereof by using an aerosol deposition method of injecting powder toward a substrate and depositing the powder on the substrate; and (b) heat-treating the ceramic film formed at step (a) to form an orientation film in which crystal grains contained in the ceramic film is oriented. |
| US08011098B2 |
Wind turbine erector
A wind tower erection device and method for erecting wind turbine towers which avoid the need for using expensive cranes. The device and method employs a stacker unit for anchoring to the wind turbine foundation, a plurality of intermediate modules, and a mechanical actuator for raising the intermediate modules vertically. The stacker unit has a receptacle allowing for lateral sliding of intermediate modules inside of the stacker unit. In one embodiment, the stacker unit has a receptacle for lateral sliding of intermediate modules inside of the stacker unit. The stacker unit and the intermediate modules each have at least one open side to for positioning of tower sections within the stacker unit and stacked intermediate modules. A bridge crane section is initially placed on top of the stacked intermediate modules. The bridge crane is raised vertically as additional intermediate modules are added at the bottom, thereby allowing wind tower sections to be winched into place using the crane, each being added on top of the other as the stacked intermediate modules increase to the necessary height. |
| US08011096B2 |
Methods for increasing the fatigue life, of crankshafts
The invention relates to a method for increasing the bending strength and the endurance limit of crankshafts by locally restricted hammering in areas of high stress, such as grooves, the mouths of bores and cross-sectional transition zones, in which method pressure impulse machines or beating devices comprising heating tools are employed. The pressure impulse machines or beating devices only execute a relative displacement of the beating tool against the surface of the crankshaft segment to be processed when the compressive stress is introduced between the heating tool and said surface of the crankshaft segment to be processed. The invention also relates to a device for increasing the endurance limit of crankshafts. |
| US08011093B2 |
Method of manufacturing connectors
A method for manufacturing connectors comprises providing a carrier strip with a plurality of first alignment apertures and a plurality of contacts arranged in a row. The carrier strip is cut to desired lengths to form contact band pieces. The first alignment apertures are engaged with first protrusions on a carrier tape to mount each of the contact band pieces to the carrier tape. The first protrusions have a smaller outer diameter than an inner diameter of the first alignment apertures such that there is slight play there between. Resin is insert molded around the rows of the contacts to form a housing. The contacts are then cut from the carrier strip. |
| US08011088B2 |
Method for securing a circuit board to a socket
The present invention provides a securing device for securing a card to a socket within a computer is provided where the card and the socket are coupled. The device includes a unitary base member comprising a foundation portion dimensioned to receive a stationary socket and an arm portion orthogonally positioned relative to the foundation. A first engaging means is formed on at least one side of the arm member. The device also includes a clasp assembly that includes an opening for slideably receiving the arm portion of the unitary base member, a recess for receiving a non-connecting end of a card, and a second engaging means for securely engaging the first engaging means. The clasp assembly secures the card to the socket with the socket received in the foundation portion and edge of the card is received in the recess. |
| US08011087B2 |
Method for assembling lens module with image sensor
A method for assembling a lens module with an image sensor, includes providing a holder having first and second receiving spaces, disposing the image sensor in the second receiving space, locating lens barrel at a first position in the first receiving space, casting a light beam on the lens module to allow the lens module to converge the light beam into a light spot on the image sensor, determining if the light spot is at its smallest to determine if a distance between the lens module at the first position and the image sensor is equal to a focal length of the lens module, moving the lens module to a second position in the first receiving space to achieve a predetermined distance from the first position, and positioning the lens module at the second position. |
| US08011084B2 |
Method for fabricating narrow magnetic read width TMR/CPP sensors
A method for manufacturing a manufacturing a magnetoresistive sensor that allows the sensor to be constructed with a very narrow and well controlled track width. The method includes depositing a layer of diamond like carbon over a series of sensor layers. A first mask is then formed to define a sensor, and an ion milling is performed to remove sensor material not protected by the first mask. Then, a second mask is formed, and a hard bias layer is deposited to the thickness of the sensor layers. The second mask is then lifted off and a CMP is performed to remove the first mask structure. Because all areas other than the area directly over the sensor are substantially planar a quick, gentle CMP can be used to remove the first mask layer even if the first mask is small, such as for definition of a very narrow track-width sensor. |
| US08011078B2 |
Method of producing stent-balloon assembly
A method of producing a stent-balloon assembly is disclosed which includes providing a stent having a polymeric component; exposing the stent to a relative humidity of 20% to 100%; and crimping the stent on a balloon of a catheter assembly. The polymeric component could be at least part of the material from which the stent is made or could be a constituent of a coating for the stent, such as a drug delivery coating. In lieu of or in addition to the application of humidity, a plasticizing agent can be applied to the polymeric component. A crimping device is also disclosed which allows the stent to be exposed to humidity during the crimping process. |
| US08011076B2 |
Swage collar with internal sealing insert
A swage collar and an internal sealing insert form a swage collar assembly used in combination with a structural fastener to prevent leakage through a connection of workpieces fastened together by the structural fastener. The swage collar has a hollow, generally cylindrical main body portion with a main central bore, and a base portion with an internal shoulder formed in the main central bore so as to form a seal receiving guide. The shaft of the fastener typically includes a threaded section and an unthreaded section, and the internal sealing insert interfaces with the threaded section and the unthreaded section of the shaft of the pin. In an alternate embodiment, the internal sealing insert interfaces with the unthreaded section of shaft of the pin. The swage collar assembly is fitted over the fastener, a swaging tool is fitted over the swage collar assembly, and the swaging tool is forced over the swage collar assembly with sufficient force to cause plastic deformation in the swaging collar to force the swaging collar and internal sealing insert into engagement with the shaft of the fastener. |
| US08011072B2 |
Method for variable-angle cutting of a suture to create tissue retainers of a desired shape and size
A method for manufacturing a self-retaining suture is disclosed. A cutting bed supports the suture during cutting. A cutting device is moved through the suture thread along a selected path. The angle of the cutting device is changed during cutting. A cutting arm is articulated to allow change of the angle of the cutting device. The change in the angle of the cutting device is used to control the depth of cut and/or elevate a tissue-retainer away from the suture to better engage tissue. |
| US08011071B2 |
Lockable mounting mechanism for a respiratory system heater unit
A lockable mounting mechanism has a hitch portion and a receiver portion, the hitch portion having a hitch member, a locking member being rotatable between an unlocked position and a locked position, and a camming surface being rotatable with the locking member and the receiver portion having a channel, the hitch member of the hitch portion and the channel of the receiver portion sized to slidably receive the hitch member into the channel portion whereby to mount the hitch portion to the receiver portion, the receiver portion further having a reset surface positioned to engage the camming surface as the hitch member is slid into the channel when the locking member is out of the unlocked position, the camming surface and reset surface cooperating to automatically rotate the locking member toward the unlocked position as the hitch member is slid into the channel. |
| US08011070B2 |
Curved slide fastener
A curved slide fastener in which a convex element attaching edge portion which is curved convexly and outwardly and a concave element attaching edge portion which is curved concavely and inwardly are arranged to face each other on opposing side edges of a pair of fastener tapes, a stretchable member which is elastically deformed so as to be stretchable in a length direction of the fastener tape is attached to an edge side of the fastener tape on an opposite side to the convex element attaching edge portion, and the stretchable member is fixed to the fastener tape in a contracted state and maintains a foundation structure of the fastener tape in a contracted state, thereby preventing occurrence of wrinkle or swelling on the tape surface. |
| US08011068B2 |
Structure for attaching protective member to a support
A structure for attaching to a support a protective member having a rib comprises a single-piece clip with a rib-fastening section and a support-fastening section. The rib-fastening section has a pair of walls defining a space into which the rib is inserted, and the walls have respective resilient pawls that engage opposite sides of the rib to resist withdrawal of the rib from the space. The walls have reinforcing braces outside the space. The support-fastening section has a tube with a tapered lead-in member for receiving a stud projecting from the support. |
| US08011065B2 |
Hinge and an electronic device with the hinge
A hinge is mounted between a cover and a base of an electronic device. A lid covers the hinge and is attached securely to the base. The hinge has an arced surface and a rotating shaft. When the cover is pivoted to a certain angle, the rotating shaft abuts the arced surface to lift up the cover so the cover is selectively distant away from the lid. Therefore, the shape of the electronic device does not need to be disfigured and the cover still does not bump against the lid. |
| US08011063B2 |
Overload clutch for rotating agitation member in cleaning machine
An overload clutch (10) for a rotating agitation member (11) for a surface cleaning machine includes a clutch member (12) connected to the agitation member (11) to rotate therewith, a coupling member (20) rotatable relative to the clutch member (12), and a torque lever (40) having an end pivotally mounted to the coupling member (12). The other end of the torque lever (40) is biased to engage with the clutch member (12) such that the agitation member (11) is rotated together with the coupling member (20) when a torque load from the agitation member (11) is not greater than a preset level. The torque lever (40) pivots outward away from the clutch member (12) and disengages from the clutch member (12) to disconnect the torque lever (40) from the clutch member (12) when the torque load from the agitation member (11) is greater than the preset level. |
| US08011062B2 |
Vacuum cleaner motor assembly
A vacuum cleaner motor assembly includes a motor in a bucket, configured so as to drive a fan to provide airflow. An epicyclic gear system is attached to the output shaft of the motor, to produce an output of reduced rotational speed. The output is employed to drive an agitator via a belt. The belt is driven at a reduced rotational speed to that achievable hitherto, and thus there is reduced wear on the belt. The provision of a gear arrangement mounted directly to the motor casing provides a compact assembly. One of the epicyclic gears, such as the ring gear, is arranged to slip with respect to a clutch member if the agitator becomes jammed. An actuator switches off the motor if the heat of friction of the slipping gear exceeds a predetermined value, or if the slipping gear rotates at a speed above a predetermined value. Thus, the motor switches off before damage occurs to any of the components of the system. |
| US08011060B2 |
Upright vacuum cleaner
An upright vacuum cleaner for cleaning a surface includes an upper body with a dust collection container received therein and a base unit with a front portion with respect to the travel direction of the vacuum cleaner. At least one electrical load is disposed in the front portion of the base unit. A carriage is provided to move the base unit on the surface. The vacuum cleaner includes a tilting joint operable to provide relative tilting between the upper body and the base unit about a tilting axis that is horizontal when the vacuum cleaner is in a position of use. At least one cable is routed between the upper body and the at least one electrical load. A plurality of cable ducts are disposed in the vicinity of the tilting axis and configured to receive the at least one cable. |
| US08011059B2 |
Low-profile air duct fitting for passage of air through narrow openings and method of using the same
An air duct comprises a duct wall bounding an airflow channel that extends through the air duct along a flow path. The airflow channel has a plurality of cross-sections that are bounded by the duct wall and that are perpendicular to the flow path. A first one of the cross-sections has an aspect ratio that is less than two. A second one of the cross-sections has an aspect ratio that is greater than four and a minimum dimension that is less than three-quarters of an inch. A third one of the cross-sections has an aspect ratio that is less than two. The second cross-section is positioned between the first and third cross-sections along the flow path. The air duct channels air beneath a door, thereby allowing a vacuum or blower tool to operate in one room while the vacuum or blower device operating the tool operates in a different room. |
| US08011057B2 |
Retractable interproximal brush
There are provided a device and a method for cleaning teeth. The device comprises a brush, a shaft connected to the brush, a neck surrounding the shaft along a substantial portion of the length of the shaft, and a controller coupled to the shaft at the end of the shaft opposite the brush, the controller being mounted at the base of the neck so as to be movable between a first position that extends the brush away from the neck, and a second position that retracts the brush towards the neck. The method comprises inserting, between adjacent teeth, a device having a brush, a controller and a handle, the controller for effecting movement of the brush in a direction generally perpendicular to the handle, and keeping the handle generally stationary while moving the controller up and down to move the brush along front-to-back and back-to-front paths between the adjacent teeth. Moving the controller may occur via pressure from a user's finger, or via force from a motor in the device. In some cases, the method includes vibrating the brush while it is moved along the front-to-back and back-to-front paths between the adjacent teeth. |
| US08011055B2 |
Cleaning implement
A cleaning implement that includes a shaft, a mop disposed on one end of the shaft, a wringer, and a fixed grip. The wringer includes a wringing sleeve and a wringer handle. The wringer is movable over a range of travel between a mopping position and a range of wringing positions, in which wringing positions the wringing sleeve covers and compresses at least a portion of the mop to thereby expel liquid from the mop. The wringer is rotatable relative to the shaft through at least a portion of the axial range of travel. The wringer further comprises at least one volute wherein the volute defines a semi-enclosed area inside the wringer, the semi-enclosed area configured to receive a portion of the mop through a gap defined in the volute. The volute includes a first fin and a second fin that define the gap therebetween. |
| US08011054B2 |
Illuminated flashing toothbrush and method of use
A toothbrush with a handle having a base, a body, and a head. The body having a first section and a second section forming an oblique angle. A projector of a beam of light located within the handle. The toothbrush having at least one bristle attached to the head. The toothbrush having a grip attached to the base. A method of using a toothbrush including the step of gripping the toothbrush. The method further including the step of engaging the projector of a beam of light. The method still further including the step of utilizing the toothbrush while the projector of a light beam is activated. |
| US08011050B2 |
Fabric sweeper
The present invention is a device (10) for use in cleaning a fabric surface (16) of dust, dirt, pet hair and other debris (20) present on the surface (16). The device (10) includes a pair of cleaning members or rollers (60, 61) disposed on an underside of the device (10) which can roll with respect to the device (10) and with respect to one another. The rollers (60, 61) are selectively contacted with one another such that each roller (60, 61) can assist in removing debris (20) picked up by the opposite roller (60, 61) and dispensing the debris (20) into a collection chamber (32) releasably positioned within a housing (11). The removal of the debris (20) from each roller (60, 61) is also facilitated by opposed edges of a central opening (58) in the housing (11) that contact the rollers (60, 61) and direct the debris (20) into the debris collection chamber (32). |
| US08011049B2 |
Control method for time display in drum type washer by spray steam
The present invention relates to a method for controlling a time period display at the steam spray type washing machine with a steam generator for washing laundry by using a high temperature steam, in which a preliminary set time required for display in the steam spray cycle is determined, not only with reference to a set temperature, but also with reference to a laundry amount, to minimize an error between the time displayed and an actual time. According to this, since a difference between the preliminary set time displayed in the steam spray cycle and the actual time reached to the set temperature is small, there will be no error which is liable to make the user misunderstood that the washing machine is out of order, According to this, reliability of the product, and convenience of the user is enhanced. |
| US08011048B2 |
Multitool incising attachment method and apparatus
A multi-tool attachment having a configuration that is well-suited for incising material and performing various operations where two incising members are positioned on a main portion of the tool and the cutting-edge surfaces are in close engagement with one another at an interface point where the two blades meet in forceful engagement with one another. |
| US08011047B2 |
Spinal relaxation apparatus
A spinal-length mattress including a means for providing buoyancy to a human torso and abdomen thereon; attached to the mattress at one end, a pelvic support portion; and attached to the mattress at an opposite end, a head rotation stabilization portion having an air passage opening allowing a person to breathe freely when resting in a face down position thereon. By supporting the pelvis and stabilizing the head to substantially limit motions of the neck, a central cushion (preferably dominated by a “shape memory foam” filling) allows the spinal column to passively distribute all directional stresses—including those deriving from body mass and from muscle tension. Thus relieved of stress, disks between spinal bones begin to return to their respective naturally compliant symmetrical shapes; thereby generally providing a long term benefit in exchange for a quarter hour or a half hour of regular prone-oriented engagement with the mattress. |
| US08011043B2 |
Molded seat cushion with internal shape matching ischial structures
A cushion 302 comprising a molded foam base 302 with an array of individual suspension elements 306 at the ischial area of the cushion. In one aspect the array of suspension elements is in a recess 307 in the top of the base and in another aspect the array of suspension elements is in an inner cavity 406 defined by the base. The suspension elements are arranged in a pattern wherein the longitudinal axis of each suspension element in the array is positioned at a right angle or parallel to the longitudinal axes of the adjacent suspension elements. Each suspension element has a displaceable load-bearing surface 14, a first end wall 20, a second end wall 22, and an optional bottom wall 30, with load-bearing surface and recited walls defining an inner chamber. The material thickness of the load-bearing surface generally is greater than the material thickness of the end walls whereby the end walls deflect outwardly toward the load-bearing surfaces of adjacent support elements under load. The load-bearing surface can have a substantially arch-shaped, elliptical or rectangular cross-section. |
| US08011039B2 |
Patient support with universal energy supply system
A patient support including a patient support surface, a fluid movement system provided at the patient support, and a plurality of ports mounted at the patient support, which are in selective fluid communication with the fluid movement system. At least one of the ports is adapted for coupling to a device for delivering fluid to the device from the fluid movement system or delivering a vacuum pressure to the device from the fluid movement system for suctioning fluid through the device when the device is coupled to the port. |
| US08011035B2 |
Stretcher
The invention finds application in the field of ambulance transport, emergency transport and other transport equipment. It relates to a stretcher (1) of the type comprising an upper frame (2) with a articulated platform (3) mounted thereto; a from loading carriage (4). The stretcher (1) has at least one additional rear leg (9) and a corresponding support (10) for holding said rear leg (9) against the upper frame (2), in such a manner as to be suspended between the front loading carriage (4) and the additional rear leg (9) during loading and unloading. The provision of a motor-driven coupling system/device allows automatic loading and unloading of said stretcher (1). |
| US08011033B2 |
Aircraft sink with integrated waste disposal function
A sink system includes a sink and a storage area receiving and storing matter from the sink. The storage area receives air from the bypass line during a flush. Also, matter from the storage area and sink is vacuumed through a common line during the flush. A valve limits an amount of air supplied by the bypass line such that increased suction is applied to the sink through the common line. The valve may be manually operated or operated by a controller. |
| US08011032B2 |
Energy efficient circulation system for spas and hot tubs
A method and apparatus for circulating water in a bathing installation with a water circulation flow path and a tub for holding bathing water is described. A pump is submerged in a chamber in the circulation flow path so that the pump when operated provides a positive pump pressure to pump water through the circulation flow path from an inlet opening to an outlet opening. Thermal contact is provided between a pump housing surface and water in the chamber to allow heat transfer between the pump housing surface and water in the chamber. |
| US08011031B2 |
Quiet, low water volume toilet
A toilet assembly is provided having a bowl assembly having an inlet, a wastewater outlet, and a water supply inlet having an inlet valve. The assembly includes an adjustable metering valve in fluid communication with the inlet valve and the inlet of the bowl assembly, and an accumulator in fluid communication with the inlet valve and disposed upstream of the adjustable metering valve. A fragmentation passage is provided in fluid communication with the wastewater outlet and disposed downstream of the wastewater outlet. The assembly includes jet assembly having an inlet in fluid communication with the inlet valve, and an outlet disposed upstream of the fragmentation passage. The water supply inlet is structured to deliver a quantity of water through the inlet of the bowl assembly, and a quantity of water to the jet assembly to remove wastewater from the fragmentation passage. |
| US08011030B2 |
Pop-up stopper having draining and straining functions
A pop-up stopper includes a main body having an inside provided with a receiving space and a periphery provided with a plurality of through holes, a control unit removably mounted on a top of the main body and including a top cap and a plurality of connecting members, and a bottom cap removably mounted on a bottom of the main body. Each of the connecting members includes at least one upper elastic plate having a protrusion and at least one lower elastic plate having a protrusion. Thus, the stopper has draining and straining functions to achieve a sanitary effect. In addition, the control unit and the bottom cap can be mounted on and detached from the main body easily and quickly, thereby facilitating a user assembling and disassembling the stopper. |
| US08011027B2 |
Protective seal mechanism
A sealing mechanism for use in protective garments, such as hazard suits and the like, enables components of the protective garments, such as gas masks, hoses, respirators and the like to be removably attached to the garment material. The sealing mechanism includes a framing ring which may be attached to an object to be sealed to the garment material and a locking ring. The framing ring and the locking ring are adapted to engage each other in a snap fit type connection while trapping a portion of the garment material therebetween to thereby form an airtight seal between the object and the protective garment. |
| US08011026B2 |
Face mask and goggle system
A protective face mask system according to the present invention comprises a flexible mask body including an opening for receiving a lens, nose portion, a central portion positioned to the rear of and extending at least partially above the nose portion, a central receiving slot located between the nose portion and the central portion, right and left temple portions, each temple portion having a shaped receiving opening therethrough, left and right cheek portions, and at least one groove located adjacent one of the left and right cheek portions. A lens is provided sized to be received upon and cover the lens opening. The lens includes right and left temple portions including openings therein positioned to correspond to and align with the openings of the mask body when the lens is positioned for attachment to the mask body. The lens including at least a portion that snappingly engages the groove when a portion of the lens is inserted into the slot. |
| US08011021B2 |
Correlation of data of a control and/or data transmission system and of a system model representing it
Methods are disclosed for testing the functionality of a system element to be used inside a control and/or data processing system as well as, in essentially the opposite direction, for designing a system model having at least one transmission function for modeling a control and/or data transmission system with at least one system element. A data-processing device for performing this method is also disclosed, which device comprises a signal unit that can be coupled to a constructed system element for producing a control and/or data transmission system, for reading out, querying or receiving a signal output of the system element in response to a predetermined signal voltage applied at the system element, an evaluation unit for evaluating the signal output as a function of the input signal in order to analyze the system element, and a processing unit for associating the analyzed system element with a transmission function. |
| US08011018B2 |
Garment protector
A garment protector is configured to absorb moisture and to thereby preserve a garment of a user. The garment protector can have a pad attached to the garment. The pad can absorb moisture and reduce or prevent moisture from staining the garment. The garment protector can have multiple layers to perform these functions. The garment protector can have one or more application channels. The application channel can span a seam and the associated cross-stitching of a garment so as not to add bulk at the seam that a pad would if over the seam. |
| US08011017B2 |
Wetsuit neck and arm protective members
A neck-protective member for preventing chafe encountered when wearing a wetsuit is provided that fits snugly around the wearer's neck, with its lower edge under the edge of the neck opening in the wetsuit. The edge of the neck opening in the wetsuit bears against the protective member rather than the skin of the wearer's neck, preventing painful chafing that can be experienced around a wearer's neck upon prolonged wetsuit use.In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the neck-protective member of the invention comprises a generally conical neck portion, which fits around the wearer's neck, and a skirt portion, which fits over the wearer's shoulders, under the wetsuit. The neck portion may be formed of a single band-like member cut from a sheet of flat material, preferably “smoothskin” neoprene rubber material, oriented such that the smooth surface of the “smoothskin” neoprene rubber material is to the inside and contacts the wearer's neck.Similar members can also be provided for prevention of chafe between the ends of sleeves in the garment and the arms of the wearer. |