| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08020464B2 |
Gear pairs for power transmission in speed increaser or reducer and methods of forming the same
This disclosure relates to a gear pair for power transmission in a speed increaser or reducer and its tooth profile forming method. The tooth profiles of driving gear and driven gear are separately designed from reference points. The upper tooth profiles are composed of conjugate curves, while the lower tooth profiles are composed of smooth convex analytic curves. The reference point of the driven gear is located adjacent the middle of the working depth. The reference point on the tooth profile of the driving gear and the reference point on the driven gear tooth flank are a pair of conjugate points. |
| US08020462B2 |
Ball screw/nut type linear actuator
A ball screw/nut type linear actuator (1) where a ball nut (32) moves in forward-backward directions by rotation of a ball screw shaft (31) connected to a motor (22), wherein the ball screw shaft (31) is connected and fixed, in a small diameter hollow section (22c) of the motor shaft (22), to the motor shaft so that a part of the locus of the movement of the ball nut (32) also enters into a large diameter hollow section (22a) of the motor shaft (22). The construction eliminates the need of a coupling for connecting the motor shaft (22) and the ball screw shaft (31) and enables the ball screw shaft (31) to be supported together with the motor shaft (22) by bearings (27, 28) of the motor. As a result, a support bearing for supporting the ball screw shaft can be eliminated. Thus, a short and light linear actuator is realized. |
| US08020452B2 |
Apparatus for measuring a volume flow rate of a controlled medium in a pipeline
A device for measuring the volume flow rate of the controlled medium in a pipeline comprises first and second transmitting-receiving radiators installed and spaced on the pipeline and alternately fed with ultrasonic signals. Received after they have passed in and counter the direction of the flow, the signals are digitized and stored. Times of signal transmission in and counter the direction of the flow of the medium and the difference of the times are calculated. Providing an additional unit for the time difference calculation, applying a correlation measuring method and increasing the sampling rate enhance the accuracy in measuring the volume. |
| US08020451B2 |
System and method for conditioning and detection of moisture damage in asphalt mixes
An apparatus and method for determination of susceptibility of asphalt concrete materials to moisture damage. An asphalt sample of known bulk specific gravity (density) is placed inside a chamber filled with water, which is capable of heating the sample to a pre-determined temperature. The chamber is pressurized by introduction of air pressure to a flexible membrane that decreases the volume within a chamber containing the sample and water, increasing the pore pressure in the sample. The pressure is then released and allowed to come to ambient pressure. This process is repeated a predetermined number of times (cycles). When a selected number of cycles are complete, the asphalt sample is removed from the chamber and its bulk specific gravity (density) measured again. The difference between the density before and after conditioning is an excellent method of rating the degree at which moisture would deteriorate asphalt samples due to introduction of moisture. The cyclic nature of the increased/decreased pore pressure is observed to significantly decrease bulk specific gravity (density) for poor quality asphalt designs. Furthermore, the sample conditioned by this method can be used for other conventional mechanical test methods, such as tensile strength and modulus determination. Computerized controls are used to automate the procedure and to record and display data from sensors. |
| US08020449B2 |
Pressure sensor with secondary seal
An apparatus for sensing pressure is provided comprising a housing, electronics, a pressure sensor and a secondary seal. The housing comprises an interior bore and a first end, with the interior bore forming an opening at the first end. The electronics may be disposed in the interior bore. The pressure sensor is mounted at the first end of the interior bore. The pressure sensor may be operatively connected to send signals to the electronics in response to external fluid pressure. The pressure sensor may, at least in part, form a primary seal at the first end of the interior bore. The secondary seal may be disposed in the interior bore in between the pressure sensor and the electronics. The secondary seal may be configured to act as a backup seal to the primary seal. The secondary seal provides an added degree of safety from high pressure pipeline contents. The secondary seal also ensures that the important interior electrical components of the apparatus are not damaged upon failure of any component located at the first end. If the pressure sensor or primary seal is damaged, for example, a new pressure sensor or primary seal may be installed without having to replace the entire apparatus. The secondary seal also prevents fluid from a high pressure pipeline that has compromised the primary seal from being ejected from the pipeline. The secondary seal also prevents pipeline media from migrating through the electrical cable to a non-hazardous location. |
| US08020447B2 |
Ultrasonic sensor and self diagnostic method of the same
In an ultrasonic sensor, a first receiving device is configured to be sendable and receivable an ultrasonic wave. The ultrasonic wave sent from the first receiving device is transmitted through a vibration-reducing member disposed between the first receiving device and a second receiving device, and the second receiving device detects the ultrasonic wave. The ultrasonic sensor self diagnoses whether the second receiving device is operated without malfunction based on a detection signal of the second receiving device. |
| US08020444B2 |
Functional actuator-sensor path optimization in structural health monitoring system
A method for optimizing transducer performance in an array of transducers in a structural health monitoring system includes specifying a plurality of paths between pairs of the transducers on a monitored structure and evaluating the quality of signal transmissions along the paths so as to optimize the gain and frequency operating condition of the transducers. |
| US08020442B2 |
High bandwidth inertial measurement unit
An inertial measurement unit is disclosed which includes a system of gyros for sensing angular rates, a system of accelerometers for sensing angular accelerations, an integrator for deriving gyro-less angular rates from the sensed angular accelerations, and a complimentary filter for blending the sensed angular rates and the gyro-less angular rates to produce a virtual angular rate output for the inertial measurement unit. |
| US08020437B2 |
Method and apparatus to quantify fluid sample quality
The invention relates to fluid sampling in a test that is used to determine physical and chemical characteristics of the fluids in a subterranean reservoir. The method reconstructs the entire pressure history of the fluid parcel that is captured in the fluid samplers during a test. Using this reconstructed pressure history of the samples, the quality of the samples, particularly, whether there is a phase change in the samples during the test, can be accurately quantified. |
| US08020435B2 |
Method of investigating a coated surface of an object
A method of visually investigating a coated surface of an object, the coating comprising a metal or an alloy, in order to determine whether or not the coating is tight. An increasing potential is applied to the object until a desired current level has been obtained or until a maximum potential has been reached. In case the coating is tight this results in a change in color of the coating. This may be due to a polarization of the coating material and/or due to an increase in thickness of a naturally occurring metal oxide layer. In case the coating is tight the desired current level can not be obtained, and the potential is increased to the maximum level resulting in a change in color. In case pinholes are present it is possible to obtain the desired current level, and the increase in potential is stopped before it is high enough to cause the change in color. Provides a dramatic visual effect allowing an immediate determination of whether or not pinholes are present. Need for additional equipment for determining the presence of pinholes is avoided. In case the coating material is or comprises tantalum or an alloy of tantalum, the color is changed into a distinct blue color. |
| US08020426B2 |
Gas sorption tester for rapid screening of multiple samples
An apparatus determines gas sorption properties of a large number of material samples simultaneously. The apparatus includes a switchable manifold of low-volume conduits and an array of sensors, where each low-volume conduit fluidly couples a single sample of gas-sorbing material to a dedicated detector. The switchable manifold is also configured to fluidly couple the samples to a vacuum source or a dosing gas source. Because of the very low internal volume of the conduits, essentially all gas released from a particular sample is accurately detected by the corresponding detector, either through sorption of the released gas, by measuring pressure, or by other means. In this way, a very accurate measurement of the quantity of gas released by the sample is made. In one embodiment, the array of sensors includes hydride-based sensors, which contain a material that forms an optically and/or electrically responsive hydride upon exposure to hydrogen-containing gas. |
| US08020415B2 |
Locking pill bottle
A tamper-resistant pill bottle for securely storing a quantity of medication. The pill bottle includes a receptacle, a cap for fitting over the receptacle, and a combination lock integral with the cap for releasably locking the cap to the receptacle. The combination lock includes a series of combination wheels that partially protrude through a sidewall of the cap and can be rotatably manipulated by a user. The combination for the combination lock can be set by a user upon receipt of the pill bottle. The pill bottle further includes an inconspicuous defeat mechanism integral with the cap for allowing the pill bottle to be opened, preferably by a pharmacist, if a user forgets the combination of the combination lock. |
| US08020412B2 |
Washing machine with odor removal function
A washing machine with an odor removal function includes a cabinet, a tub received in the cabinet and including an intake port and an exhaust port so as to receive and discharge air, and a washing tub rotatably provided in the tub. Here, ambient air flows into the tub through the intake port by a suction force generated when the washing tub rotates and air inside the washing tub flows to the outside, such that odor of laundry is removed. Therefore, a washing machine with an odor removal function capable of easily and quickly removing laundry odor is provided. |
| US08020411B2 |
Method of manufacturing single mode optical fiber
A method of manufacturing a single mode optical fiber formed of a silica-based glass and including a glass part having a central core and a cladding region. The method including heating an optical fiber preform in a heating furnace including a first heater to melt the optical fiber preform, and fiber drawing an optical fiber from the molten optical fiber preform. The method further comprises continuously cooling the drawn optical fiber starting with a meniscus portion in which diameter is decreased from 90% of the preform diameter to 5% of the preform diameter to a portion where the drawn optical fiber has a temperature of 1,200° C. at a cooling rate of 1,000 to 3,000° C. /sec. |
| US08020409B2 |
Apparatus and method for manufacturing plate glass
An apparatus 10 for producing a plate glass, comprising a bath 14 for float-forming for reserving a molten metal 16 for forming a band-shaped plate glass having a predetermined thickness by feeding a molten glass ribbon 20 in a predetermined direction on the molten metal 16, and a pair of partition walls 46 provided substantially above left and right edges 22 of the molten glass ribbon 20 and substantially along the edges 22 to partition a space above a bath surface of the molten metal into an upper space A above a region covered with the molten glass ribbon 20 and upper spaces B above regions not covered with the molten glass ribbon 20; wherein the partition walls 46 each has a vertically dividable structure dividable into an upper partition wall 46A and a lower partition wall 46B, and the lower partition wall 46B is constituted by strip-shaped lower strip members 58 provided continuously to each other in a lateral direction, and the strip members 58 are configured to be removable or openable from the upper partition wall 46A. |
| US08020408B2 |
Separation method and apparatus
Separation method and apparatus for separating a gaseous mixture, for example, air, in a cryogenic rectification plant in which a compressed stream is divided into subsidiary streams that are extracted from a main heat exchanger of the plant at higher and lower temperatures. The two streams are then combined and expanded in a turboexpander to generate refrigeration for the plant. The flow rates of the two streams are adjusted to control inlet temperature of a turboexpander supplying plant refrigeration and to minimize potential deviation of the turboexpander exhaust from a saturated vapor state. Control of the expansion ratio can advantageously be applied to allow variable liquid production from the rectification plant. |
| US08020404B2 |
System and method for liquid air production, power storage and power release
System and method for storing and releasing energy comprising directing air into a vertical cold flue assembly. The assembly has an air inlet at or near the top and an air exit at or near the bottom. The air is cooled and a portion of moisture is removed from the air. |
| US08020402B2 |
Flash tank design and control for heat pumps
A heat pump system of the type which re-circulates refrigerant through a fluid circuit between a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger includes a compressor coupled to the fluid circuit and a vapor injection system including a vessel fluidly coupled to the first and second heat exchangers and to a vapor injection port of the compressor. The vessel is operable as a receiver in a cooling mode of the heat pump system and is operable as a flash tank in a heating mode of the heat pump system. |
| US08020400B2 |
Refrigeration device
A refrigeration device comprising a refrigeration circuit that contains an evaporator, a condenser and a compressor, in addition to electronic components for operating the refrigeration device. According to the invention, all the electronic components are combined in an electronic unit. |
| US08020396B2 |
Heat pump system
Embodiments of the invention relate to a heat pump system comprising a heat pump so arranged as to permit the taking up of thermal energy from outdoor air and the giving off of thermal energy to another medium, and an external space adapted to permit heating of the outdoor air by the use of solar radiation, the system being so arranged as to conduct the outdoor air to the heat pump via the external space. The invention is characterized in that the heat pump system comprises means for regulating the flow of the outdoor air to the external space. |
| US08020392B2 |
Refrigerating appliance
A refrigerating appliance comprising a storage compartment, a refrigerant circuit which serves to cool the storage compartment and contains a compressor, and comprising a collecting receptacle for condensed water flowing out of the storage compartment. The collecting receptacle can be heated by a heating device that can be independently operated by the operation of the compressor. |
| US08020390B2 |
Cooling infrastructure leveraging a combination of free and solar cooling
Energy-efficient data center cooling techniques that utilize free cooling and/or solar cooling are provided. In one aspect, a cooling system is provided including a cooling tower; one or more modular refrigeration chiller units; and a water loop that can be selectively directed through the cooling tower, through one or more of the modular refrigeration chiller units or through a combination thereof. Another cooling system is provided including a solar cooling unit; one or more modular refrigeration chiller units; and a water loop that can be selectively directed through the solar cooling unit, through one or more of the modular refrigeration chiller units or through a combination thereof. |
| US08020385B2 |
Centerbody cap for a turbomachine combustor and method
A turbomachine includes a combustor assembly, a cap assembly attached to the combustor assembly, a centerbody within the cap assembly, a wall of the centerbody having a first end, a second end and an intermediate portion, and an external turbulator member in operable communication with the cap assembly. The external turbulator member is spaced from the wall to form a passage defined by a gap between the wall of the centerbody and the external turbulator. The external turbulator member includes a step positioned at the second end of the centerbody. The step defines a radial distance about the second end of the centerbody. The external turbulator member is formed having a step-to-gap ratio relative to the centerbody in a range of about 0.8 to about 1.2. |
| US08020380B2 |
External combustion engine
An external combustion engine alternately repeating a first stroke of making a working fluid evaporate at a plurality of heating portions and making a liquid phase part of the working fluid displace toward an output part side and a second stroke of making the working fluid evaporated at the first stroke condense at the plurality of cooling portions and making the liquid phase part of the working fluid displace toward the side of the plurality of the heating portions and provided with inflow adjusting means for reducing differences in inflows among the plurality of the heating portions, wherein the inflow is defined as the amount of a liquid phase part of the working fluid flowing into the heating portions when the liquid phase part of the working fluid displaces from the output part side to the side of the plurality of the heating portions in the second stroke. |
| US08020379B2 |
Double redundancy electro hydrostatic actuator system
A double redundancy electro hydrostatic actuator system includes two hydraulic pumps; two fail safe valves connected with the two hydraulic pumps, respectively; one dual tandem hydraulic cylinder connected with the two fail safe valves and having a piston rod, wherein the piston rod is moved by switching supply and discharge of the fluid; two switching valves connected with the two fail safe valves; two accumulators connected with the two switching valves and the two hydraulic pumps, respectively; and two chambers connected with the two switching valves, respectively. Each of the two accumulators accumulates the fluid from a corresponding one of the two hydraulic pumps, and sends the fluid to a corresponding one of the two fail safe valves. The two chambers receive the fluid from the two fail safe valves, respectively. |
| US08020375B2 |
Exhaust gas purification system for internal combustion engine
An object of the present invention is to recover the performance of an exhaust gas purification apparatus while suppressing slipping of fuel through the exhaust gas purification apparatus. When the performance of the exhaust gas purification apparatus is to be recovered at a time when the intake air quantity of the internal combustion engine is increasing (S101, S103), an upper limit value is set for the quantity of fuel added through a fuel addition valve provided in the exhaust passage (S104). If a target fuel supply quantity to be supplied to the exhaust gas purification apparatus is larger than the upper limit value (S105), a quantity of fuel quantity equal to the upper limit value is added through the fuel addition valve, and the shortfall of fuel supply is injected by sub fuel injection in the internal combustion engine (S110, S111, S112). |
| US08020374B2 |
Method for operating an internal combustion engine and device for implementing the method
invention relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine, in the exhaust gas section of which is arranged at least one SCR catalytic converter, which is hit with a reagent that contributes to NOx conversion in the SCR catalytic converter, and to a device for implementing the method. At least one measure is calculated for the NOx concentration downstream after the SCR catalytic converter. An NOx sensor, which is arranged downstream after the SCR catalytic converter, generates an exhaust gas sensor signal which corresponds to at least the NOx concentration and optionally, as a result of cross sensitivity, to a reagent slip. A reagent signal, which determines the dosage of reagent, is influenced by a correction signal as a function of the difference and as a function of a measure for the temperature of the SCR catalytic converter. |
| US08020369B2 |
Expanded mixture control for reducing exhaust-gas emissions
In a method and device for mixture control for an internal combustion engine having at least one catalytic converter disposed in an exhaust system of the internal combustion engine and a λ-closed-loop control, a value being ascertained for the loading of the catalytic converter with oxygen and the mixture being changed as a function of the ascertained value, a first mixture change is made in the direction of rich exhaust gas when the ascertained value of the oxygen loading has increased by more than a first predefined measure within a predetermined time span and/or after throughput of a predetermined quantity of exhaust-gas mass; and/or a second mixture change is made in the direction of lean exhaust gas when the ascertained value of the oxygen loading has dropped by more than a second predefined measure within a predetermined time span and/or after throughput of a predetermined quantity of exhaust-gas mass. |
| US08020354B2 |
Roof ditch molding retainer
A molding retainer is provided for securing a molding to a return flange in a roof ditch. The retainer generally includes a throat, a stop, a molding seat and a molding clip. In the case of a discontinuous flange having individual flange coupons, the throat may define a through-hole that fits over each flange coupon. The throat may include a plurality of fingers adapted to snap fit into windows in the flange coupons, with the fingers being mounted at different heights to accommodate variations in the placement of the windows. In the case of a continuous flange, the throat may define a channel that fits over the flange. The stop engages the floor of the roof ditch to provide a reference point for the height of the molding, and the molding clip engages and holds the molding. |
| US08020352B2 |
Pultruded wall framing system
Generally, a structural building system has a header, a header distant from the footer, and a plurality of vertical members spanning the footer and the header. The footer includes two support members, each having a horizontal portion and a vertical portion, positioned in an interior space of the footer for additional strength and stability. The header includes a corrugation, or brace member positioned in an interior space for strength and stability that has an upwardly offset central portion between horizontal portions. The vertical members are preferably I-beams that support a wall height at maximum wind loads. The footer and the header include races for ready wiring without drilling or cutting the vertical members. The system is augmented by mechanical fasteners or adhesives. |
| US08020350B2 |
Seamless deck-sealing surround for skylights and roof windows
A seamless surround for a rectangular skylight assembly is provided. Each side of the rectangular surround is characterized as having an obtuse-angled profile having an angle of between greater than 90 degrees and about 100 degrees, the profile including a vertically extending surface and a downwardly sloping surface. The vertically extending surfaces abut curb members attached to the skylight assembly and include apertures therethrough for receipt of a joining element. The downwardly sloping surfaces abut a building rooftop and further include apertures therethrough for receipt of a joining element. The roof-abutting side of the downwardly sloping surfaces includes a barrier material attached thereto. The barrier material may be any suitable air and water barrier, such as a polyurethane foam or a thermoplastic elastomer. A method of installing a skylight having the seamless surround is also provided. |
| US08020346B2 |
Magnetically supported sliding track system
A sliding door or window supporting system has a stationary frame with a bottom track and a sliding portion that slides from a closed position to an open position. The bottom portion of the sliding portion and the upper surface of stationary frame track are provided with one or more magnets having identical magnetic polarity, thereby creating repulsion between the bottom of the sliding portion and the stationary track. Forces produced by magnetic repulsion lift the weight of the sliding portion, creating an air gap. A smooth, low friction sliding and door gliding movement results, which is immune to dirt and debris. The front to back movement of the sliding portion is supported by low friction polymeric knobs attached to a stationary frame and contacting sliding portion. |
| US08020345B2 |
Methods and apparatus for supporting a window glass lift plate
A door module of a vehicle includes: a panel of door glass including an upper peripheral edge and a lower peripheral edge; a lift plate coupled to the lower peripheral edge of the door glass such that a regulator may move the door glass between a full-up position and a full-down position within the door module via the lift plate; and a position block movable within the door module to: (i) a first position below the lift plate such that the lift plate rests on the position block and the door glass is at a position above the full-down position when the door glass is inserted into the lift plate during manufacture, and (ii) after such insertion, a second position that permits the lift plate to move further downward such that the door glass is at the full-down position. |
| US08020342B2 |
AG-wafer product and method of making same
A compressed wafer mulch, the compressed wafer mulch including corn stover fibers, paper fibers, compost or a mixture thereof, and a method of making the same. |
| US08020337B1 |
Automatically setting fishing hook assembly
The automatically setting fishing hook assembly includes two hooks pivotally secured to a common shaft with their bends oriented opposite one another. The shanks of the hooks are offset from the shaft by short arms that pivot on the shaft. A coil spring is installed on the shaft between the hooks, with the opposite ends of the spring engaging the shanks of the hooks to urge the bends of the hooks outwardly from one another. A latch is affixed to the shank of one hook, and engages the shank of the other hook to hold the two hooks together. The latch is disengaged from the second hook when a fish strikes the assembly, with the bends of the two hooks springing apart to automatically set the two hooks in the mouth of the fish to reduce the chance of the fish slipping the hooks and escaping. |
| US08020336B2 |
Trawl net layer-by-layer collecting device
A trawl net layer-by-layer collecting device includes a rectangular cylindrical frame configured to draw a plurality of trawl nets that are arranged in an up and down direction. The frame includes an upper edge to which a net mouth edge of an upper net of the uppermost trawl net is anchored, and a lower edge to which a net mouth of a lower net of the lowermost trawl net is anchored. A pair of vertical bars are disposed on opposed sides of the frame. A slider having opposed ends slidably engaged with the vertical bars, the slider anchoring thereto the net mouth edge of the lower net of the upper trawl net and the net mouth edge of the upper net of the lower trawl net. A net-mouth opening and closing unit is configured to lock the sliders on upper ends of the vertical bars, and unlock the locked sliders one by one; and a controller. |
| US08020334B2 |
Modular mounting systems for rifle accessories, and associated equipment
Accessory mounting structure for securing accessory mounting rails to the barrel or other forward structure of a weapon comprises cooperatively shaped mounting ring halves that are secured to another over the barrel of the weapon. Accessory mounting rails are then secured to the mounting rings. Where the weapon is a grenade launcher, a quick-reload mechanism may additionally be provided. |
| US08020332B2 |
Device and safeguard unit for the storage of a firearm
Device for the storage of a gun with a base, a safety unit for the secure storage of the gun on the base and a controller, wherein the safety unit can be inserted at least partially into the barrel and/or a cartridge chamber of the gun and comprises a first safety section, which can be brought into a safety state, in which the safety unit is secured in the gun, and into a release state, in which the safety unit can be separated from the gun, and the controller brings the first safety section into its release state when a user authorization is received. |
| US08020329B2 |
Versatile decorative object, named the Paired Image Print, having a unique visual effect and a method of making said versatile decorative object
A versatile decorative object having a multidimensional visual effect with a first layer separated from a second layer. The first layer is opaque and has applied on it a decorative image having at least black and white and the second layer (s) is transparent and has applied on it the same decorative image with the white of the image being transparent on the second layer. A preferred embodiment includes the first layer and the second layer(s) to be digitally created to accomplish the removal of white space from the decorative image. During this digital creation, proportions, size, juxtaposition of layers and content of the image is critical in achieving the stated visual effect. |
| US08020328B2 |
Connecting elements for construction
New and unique connecting elements are engage in a versatile manner to construct modular constructions such as construction for exhibition, furniture, platforms, toys, displays etc. The modular construction is mobile and easy to handle. |
| US08020327B2 |
Display over the sleeve
A rollable display (101) is wearable on a sleeve (103). The display (101) is part of a wrist-based device with a “U” shape. A part of the device is on top of the sleeve (103). The display (101) can be rolled out for use as needed. The device itself may be flexible or bendable i.e. have a x-rigid, U-shape or may allow the “U” shape to be folded out, for example by a hinge or sequence of connected segments that can be rotated freely, but which keep their position after being moved. The display (101) may be rolled out from under the sleeve (103) and then over the sleeve (103) along a predefined curve by means of a guiding mechanism. The device is easy to use, allows the use of large displays that may always be visible and allows freedom in the display design with respect to the direction in which the flexible display (101) is rolled out. |
| US08020323B2 |
Drilling tool
The invention relates to a drilling tool comprising: two pairs of rotary drums in axial alignment on parallel axes; a motor mechanism for driving rotation of the drums; a support element; and a support structure on which the drums are mounted to rotate and serving to connect the drums to the support element; the tool being characterized in that the motor mechanism is mounted inside the drums and in that the support structure comprises a plate forming bearings at its bottom ends for the drums; and a mounting pad for fastening to the support element. |
| US08020313B2 |
Method and apparatus for separating volatile components from feed material
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for the separation of volatile components from a feed material. |
| US08020311B2 |
Tape measures
A tape measure having a winding drum or reel rotatably mounted on a support structure, and a measuring tape attached to the drum so as to be coilable thereon. The support structure comprises a handle that extends radially beyond an upper half of the coiled tape and a bottom edge portion that extends radially beyond a lower half of the coiled tape, the bottom edge portion comprising a hand grip. |
| US08020310B2 |
Measuring element comprising a track used as a material measure and corresponding measurement method carried out by means of such a measuring element
A measuring element with a circular or linear track that encompasses a material measure and a number of sensors for scanning the track is disclosed. At least two scanning heads having the sensors are provided for scanning the track. The track of the measuring element has at least one first and a second partial track which are each provided with a first and a second grating period. For each grating period, one of the scanning heads is equipped with a sensor array that is adjusted to the grating period. |
| US08020304B2 |
Power transmission assembly for tool mounted on an elongate pole
A powered apparatus having an elongate pole, a drive at a proximal region of the elongate pole and operable to rotate a first component on the drive, a tool at a distal region of the elongate pole with a second component that is rotatable to operate the tool, and a power transmission assembly for transmitting a drive force generated by rotation of the first component to the second component to thereby operate the tool. The power transmission assembly has a flexible drive link with a flexible length located between the drive and at least one other substantially inflexible drive part that is downstream of the drive link. The flexible length of the flexible drive link is greater than four (4) inches. |
| US08020301B2 |
Method for manufacturing hydro dynamic bearing device
A method for manufacturing a hydro dynamic bearing device is provided for the finishing treatment of lubricating oil after lubricating the hydro dynamic bearing device, specifically for properly and effectively wiping off the lubricating oil adhering to the outside of the housing and adjusting the oil-level height of the lubricating oil filled in the housing. The method for manufacturing the hydro dynamic bearing constructed of an axial member housed in a housing, a radial bearing part for supporting the axial member in a non-contact manner in a radial direction by a hydro dynamic pressure action of the lubricating oil generated in a radial bearing clearance, and a sealing part arranged in an opening part of the housing, has the steps of: applying the lubricating oil to an unlubricated hydro dynamic bearing device; and blowing a gas on the outer peripheral surface of the housing, while sucking the lubricating oil from the sealing space of the sealing part or the vicinity thereof using a suction device that generates a negative-pressure suction force. |
| US08020298B2 |
Method of fabricating a heat exchanger with angled secondary fins extending from primary fins
A method of fabricating a heat exchanger which includes: obtaining multiple coolant-carrying conduit sections, each having a non-circular cross-section, and first and second main surfaces; providing multiple primary folded fins secured to the conduit sections. Each folded fin includes a solid fin surface with multiple bends defining alternating, U-shaped air-passage channels, and a base surface and a top surface. Each folded fin is secured at the base or top surface to a main surface of a conduit section, and the folded fins have leading and trailing edges relative to airflow direction. The method includes forming a plurality of sets of secondary fins, each set extending from the leading or trailing edge of a respective folded fin at an angle other than 0. At least one conduit section has a first folded fin secured to its first main surface, and a second folded fin secured to its second main surface thereof. |
| US08020297B2 |
Method for disassembling boiler
A method for disassembling a boiler supported and suspended by a supporting structure which includes the steps of cutting off a lower part of a furnace unit to provide an enlarged opening; fixing a first support to the furnace unit at approximately same height as a lower end of a heat recovery area; fixing a second support to the lower end of the heat recovery area; providing a first jacking apparatus and a second jacking apparatus under the first support and the second support, respectively; detaching the boiler from the suspending structure; lowering the first support and the second support by the first jacking apparatus and the second jacking apparatus, cutting a lower part of the boiler, repeating the lowering and the disassembling steps until the first support and the second support are lowered to a maximum extent; and disassembling a remaining upper part of the boiler. |
| US08020294B2 |
Method of constructing an expandable packer
A technique involves a packer formed as an expandable packer with an internal expandable bladder. The expandable bladder is formed with a section that is radially enlarged relative to an axial end of the expandable bladder when the bladder is in a relaxed state. The bladder configuration enables use of a reduced expansion ratio while still allowing expansion of the packer to a desired large diameter. |
| US08020293B2 |
Method for machining the bearing seats of the main and rod bearings of crankshafts
The invention relates to a method of machining the bearing seats of main and rod bearings (HL, PL) of crankshafts (1), in which the bearing seats (30) of the main and rod bearings (HL, PL), after the primary forming of the crankshaft (1) by forging or casting, are subjected to the following processing operations: forming by machining with a specific cutting edge, deep rolling all fillets or recesses of the main and rod bearings, straightening of the crankshaft (1), precision machining with an end-milling cutter (12) in each case by high-speed roughing-cut turn-milling and finishing-cut turn-milling, smooth rolling of the bearing seats of the crankshaft after the finishing-cut turn milling, wherein the roughing-cut turn-milling and the finishing-cut turn-milling is effected during in each case an essentially complete revolution of the crankshaft (1) without longitudinal feed and without tangential feed of the end-milling cutter (12). |
| US08020290B2 |
Processes for IC fabrication
The present invention discloses methods and apparatuses for the separations of IC fabrication and assembling of separated IC components to form complete IC structures. In an embodiment, the present fabrication separation of an IC structure into multiple discrete components can take advantages of dedicated IC fabrication facilities and achieve more cost effective products. In another embodiment, the present chip assembling provides high density interconnect wires between bond pads, enabling cost-effective assembling of small chip components. In an aspect, the present process extrudes interconnect wires over a desired location of the bond pads, and then subsequently laser cuts a correct length of the interconnect wires. |
| US08020286B2 |
Electronic component mounting system and electronic component mounting method
One objective of the present invention is to provide an electronic component mounting system and an electronic component mounting method that can prevent a mounting defect due to a positioning error in the direction of the thickness of a substrate, and that can deliver a specific mounting quality. According to an electronic component mounting system, which is constituted by coupling a plurality of apparatuses used for mounting electronic components, the height measurement device 22 of a printing inspection apparatus measures the heights at height measurement points, designated on the upper face of a substrate, and outputs the measurement results as substrate height data. Then, once the substrate has been delivered to an electronic component placing apparatus, the substrate height measurement apparatus again measures the height of the substrate at specific height measurement points to obtain substrate height correction data, and based on the initial substrate height data and the substrate height correction data, updates a control parameter for controlling the component placing operation performed by a loading head. In this manner, discrepancies in the positions of the heights of individual substrates can be accurately corrected, and mounting defects due to positioning errors in the direction of the heights of the substrates can be prevented. |
| US08020282B2 |
Apparatus for producing a coil winding for stators or rotors of electrical machines
An apparatus for producing a coil winding for stators is described, in which each coil turn rests, with one fillet (14) each, in two stator slots, and the two fillets (14) are joined by a head portion (16). A plurality of coil turns are made simultaneously by winding up n parallel wires (10) with intermediate spacing onto a rotatable former (20). To obtain small winding heads, alternatingly in a work step A, one fillet (14) and the wire length of one head portion (16) are made from each of the n parallel wires (10) on the former (20). Then in a work step B, the resultant fillets (14) together with the adjoining first end of the respective associated head portions (16), and the wire guide together with the second end of these head portions (16), are displaced relative to one another along the former (20) by n times the intermediate spacing of the wires (10). |
| US08020280B2 |
Rotor manufacturing method
An object is to provide a rotor manufacturing method capable of reducing a rotor unbalance amount by controlling a magnet arrangement position in a rotor core and improving work efficiency when fixing a magnet to the rotor core by using resin. A lower surface of a rotor core is arranged in a lower mold. A magnet is arranged in a lower mold. A magnet is contained in each of magnet containing holes formed in the rotor core in such a manner that a predetermined space is assumed between an upper surface of the rotor core and an upper surface of the magnet. An upper mold is arranged on the upper surface of the rotor core. The upper mold and the lower mold apply a pressure to the rotor core and a molten resin is supplied with pressure from an internal diameter side via the predetermined space into the plurality of magnet containing holes from respective cylinder arranged in the upper mold. Thus, the magnets are molded by resin while pressing the magnets toward the outer diameter side of the magnet containing holes. |
| US08020279B2 |
Methods and apparatus for forming mesh and link elements
A method of adding a new link element to three or more formed link elements including the steps of: providing three or more formed link elements; and adding a new link element to the formed link elements by moulding a single link element through at least three of the formed link elements. |
| US08020275B2 |
Method for compressing intraluminal prostheses
A method for compressing an intraluminal prosthesis provides a mesh tube having first and second longitudinally spaced tube ends and a hollow tube bore located therebetween. The intraluminal prosthesis is completely inserted into the hollow tube bore. The tube is stretched in a longitudinal dimension, which reduces the tube in a radial dimension and causes the intraluminal prosthesis to radially compress. |
| US08020273B2 |
High humidity crimping process
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. |
| US08020271B2 |
Self-raising form control system and method
A self-raising form control system and method is provided that that may be used to form elevator shafts and other vertical building structures. The apparatus includes one or more form elements for defining an area to receive a formable material, such as concrete. Each element is attached to the form structure. A lift apparatus is provided for lifting the form elements. The lift apparatus comprises a measurement device for measuring the position of said lift apparatus relative to a fixed point. The lift apparatus is connected to the form structure. A control unit is provided for controlling the lift apparatus. The control unit is signal connected to the measurement device and is signal connected to the lift apparatus. |
| US08020269B2 |
Methods and apparatus for fabricating a turbine nozzle assembly
An apparatus enables a turbine nozzle, including at least two turbine nozzle singlets to be fabricated. Each singlet includes inner and outer bands and a vane extending therebetween. The vane also includes first and second sidewalls coupled together at a leading edge and a trailing edge. The apparatus comprises a fixture, and at least two support members extending from the fixture. Each support member has first and second abutment surfaces, wherein a first of the at least two support members contacts at least one of the leading and trailing edges of a first of the vanes. At least two locating features extend from the fixture, wherein a first of the locating features contacts one of the first and second sidewalls of the first vane. At least two biasing members are coupled to the fixture, wherein a first of the biasing members biases the first vane against the first locating feature. |
| US08020268B2 |
Precision roll turning lathe
There is provided a precision roll turning lathe which can machine with high precision a three-dimensional pattern of three-sided pyramids or four-sided pyramids in the surface of a roll. The precision roll turning lather includes: a bed; a headstock, mounted on the bed, having a main spindle for rotating a roll as a workpiece while holding one end of the roll by means of a chuck; a tail stock, mounted on the bed and disposed opposite the headstock, for rotatably supporting the other end of the roll; a carriage including a saddle mounted on the bed movably in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the roll, and a table mounted on the saddle movably in a direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the roll; a tool swivel mounted on the table; a tool post mounted on the tool swivel and having a plurality of cutting tools attached thereto; a C-axis control means for performing control for carrying out circumferential indexing of the roll and control for continuously rotating the main shaft at a predetermined rotating speed; and a switching means for selective switching between the roll-indexing control and the control of continuous rotation of the main spindle. |
| US08020266B2 |
Method of producing a device
Methods of making an energy harvesting device are described. A case and integrated piezoelectric cantilever to harvest vibration energy from an environment being sensed is produced via a print forming method injection molding method. The cantilever device consists of a piezoelectric material member, and a proof mass of high density material coupled to the piezoelectric member. The print forming method is used to build up the base and walls of the device as well as the neutral layers of the piezoelectric member. Metal layers are printed to form the electrode layers of the piezoelectric member and the electrical contact portions of the device. Passive components can also be formed as part of the layers of the device. The entire assembly can be encapsulated in plastic. |
| US08020265B2 |
Method of manufacturing a piezoelectric vibrator
A method for manufacturing a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators includes forming, in the lid substrate wafer, a plurality of cavity recesses forming a plurality of through-electrodes in and through the base substrate wafer; bonding the plural piezoelectric vibration members to the upper face of the base substrate wafer via routing electrodes; overlaying the base substrate wafer and the lid substrate wafer; bonding the base substrate wafer and the lid substrate wafer; and cutting the two bonded wafers into the plural piezoelectric vibrators. Forming the plurality of through-holes includes disposing electroconductive core members having two flat ends and a thickness substantially equal to that of the base substrate wafer, in the plurality of through-holes, and disposing connection members between the core members and the through-holes; and firing the connection members at a predetermined temperature to integrally fix the through-hole, the connection member and the core member to each other. |
| US08020264B2 |
Method of manufacturing a piezoelectric vibrator
There is provided a method of manufacturing piezoelectric vibrators 1. The method includes a process for through holes 35 and 36, which pass through a base substrate wafer, so that openings of the through holes are opened to the outside of the recesses for cavities C; a process for patterning a bonding layer 30, pairs of mounting layers, and pairs of extraction electrode layers 33 and 34 on the upper surface of the base substrate wafer with the same conductive material; and a process for electrically isolating the extraction electrode layers 34 in the middle by irradiating a part (area S2) of the extraction electrode layers 34, which are formed between the bonding layer and openings of through holes 36, with laser light after both the wafers are anodically bonded to each other. The bonding layer 30 surrounds the recesses, the pairs of mounting layers are in the recesses, and the pairs of extraction electrode layers 33 and 34 electrically connect the pairs of mounting layers to the bonding layer. |
| US08020262B2 |
Strip of male fastening means, patch cut therefrom, and fastening tape tab comprising such patch
The invention provides a patch of a male fastening means, in particular, a hook patch with decreased bending resistance. The patch according to the invention comprises a backing bearing a plurality of male fastening elements, in particular hook elements. The patch is integral and comprises a plurality of incisions. Said incisions do not extend across the whole width of the patch but preferably leave at least one intact bridge across the cross-direction of the patch. Furthermore, a fastening tape tab having a manufacturer's and user's end is provided, the fastening tape tab comprising a support layer bearing on its major surface of the user's end at least one fastening patch according to the invention. Furthermore, a strip is provided from which a patch according to the invention is cut. |
| US08020253B1 |
Hinge and hinge cover
There is disclosed a hinge (10) which includes a mounting flange assembly (12) pivotally coupled to a strap assembly (15). The mounting flange assembly includes a mounting flange (16) having four mounting holes (17) therethrough, a lower hinge barrel (18) extending from the mounting flange, and an upper hinge barrel (19) extending from the mounting flange. The strap assembly includes a strap (31) extending from a cylinder portion (32). The hinge also includes a main cover (57) covering the strap assembly, an upper flange cover (28) covering the upper hinge barrel, and a lower flange cover (29) covering the lower hinge barrel. |
| US08020252B2 |
Dual motor upright vacuum cleaner
An upright vacuum cleaner having dual cleaning motor and fan units is provided having a cleaning head engagable with a floor and a suction nozzle and a brush roller rotatably mounted therein. A first motor and fan unit is mounted in the vacuum cleaner for producing suction in the suction nozzle and is operatively connected to the brush roller for rotating it. An upright housing is connected to the cleaning head, the housing having a handle for moving the vacuum cleaner along the floor during floor cleaning use. Contained in the housing are a dirt storage container, a passageway leading from the suction nozzle in the cleaning head to the storage container and a second motor and fan unit operatively associated with the storage container for drawing dirt laden air from the cleaning head through the passageway and into the storage container simultaneously with operation of the first motor and fan unit. |
| US08020251B2 |
Vacuum cleaner with collapsible handle
A vacuum cleaner having a base adapted to be moved on a surface to be cleaned, an inlet nozzle disposed on a lower surface of the base, a vacuum source, and a dirt receptacle. A lower handle is pivotally attached to the base at a lower pivot, and an upper handle is pivotally attached to the lower handle at an upper pivot. In one aspect, the vacuum cleaner includes an automatically-operated lower pivot lock that can restrict relative rotation between the lower handle and the base, and a manually-operated upper pivot lock that can restrict relative rotation between the upper handle and the lower handle. In another aspect, the vacuum cleaner includes a telescoping upper handle with electrical controls attached to the upper telescopic section of the upper handle. In still another aspect, the vacuum cleaner includes an exhaust vent located on an upwardly-facing surface of the base. |
| US08020249B2 |
Wiper apparatus
A wiper apparatus includes an arm shank pivotably supported at its proximal end portion on a vehicle and an arm piece mounted at its proximal end portion to a distal end portion of the arm shank and having a wiper blade attached to the other end portion remote from the distal end portion of the arm shank. The wiper apparatus also includes an arm piece cover covering the arm piece having an outer peripheral surface flush with an outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion of the arm shank. |
| US08020246B2 |
Wiper blade
A non-articulated wiper blade (10), which is constructed of a wiper strip (12) having a wiper lip (14), two spring rails (30, 32) and a connecting device (22), wherein the spring rails (30, 32) engage in lateral longitudinal grooves of the wiper strip (12) that are open towards the outside and are clasped by claw feet (28, 68, 76, 108) of a sheet metal claw (24, 64, 72, 106) of the connecting device (22) from an outer narrow side. The claw feet (28, 68, 76, 108) are bent around the narrow sides of the spring rails (30, 32) during the assembly of the sheet metal claws (24, 64, 72, 106), wherein at least one layer (70) and/or an intermediate layer (48, 84) of plastic are provided between the claw feet (28, 68, 76, 108) on the one hand and the spring rails (30, 32) on the other hand, which layers are manufactured separately from the wiper strip (12) and are adapted to the claw feet (28, 68, 76, 108) as well as have a high coefficient of friction on their surface towards the sheet metal claw (24, 64, 72, 106) and towards the spring rails (30, 32). |
| US08020245B2 |
Rollers and disks for carpet cleaning
The claimed carpet cleaning apparatus incorporates recesses in a rigid surface of a roller, a hand-operated cleaning device, or a rigid disk. The rigid surface compresses the fibers of the soft surface as the device and the recesses decompress the fibers. The repeated compression and decompression, preferably in combination with a cleaning compound, provide the mechanical action necessary for removal of foreign material. |
| US08020240B2 |
Substrate treatment apparatus
A substrate treatment apparatus includes a substrate holding mechanism for holding a substrate, a brush made of an elastically deformable material and having a cleaning surface formed in a shape tapered toward one side in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to one surface of the substrate held by the substrate holding mechanism and inclined with respect to the perpendicular direction, a brush moving mechanism for moving the brush with respect to the substrate held by the substrate holding mechanism, and a control unit for controlling the brush moving mechanism so that the cleaning surface is pushed to a peripheral area on the one surface and a peripheral end face of the substrate held by the substrate holding mechanism. |
| US08020239B2 |
Vehicle wheel/tire cleaning device
A tire and wheel washing apparatus for cleaning exterior surfaces of tire and wheel combinations of a vehicle as the vehicle is conveyed past the apparatus. The tire washing apparatus preferably includes a longitudinally-extending cleaning element rotating about a shaft having a longitudinal axis extending generally parallel to the conveyed direction of the vehicle. The cleaning element is adapted to clean the exterior surfaces of tire and wheel combinations of the vehicle, and preferably has an undulating cleaning surface with a repeating pattern of a peak portion followed by a valley portion. Preferably, an intermediate portion located between the peak and valley portions has a substantially curvilinear edge surface. |
| US08020236B2 |
Floor sweeper with cloth cleaning pad
A light weight floor sweeper having a very low profile sweeper head that uses a sweeping brush and cleaning pad to slide across the surface to be cleaned. The floor sweeper head is mounted to an elongated handle by means of a universal pivot or universal joint which allows the floor sweeper head to easily pivot about the handle in any direction to pick up debris under over hanging cabinets or under furniture. A sweeping brush is mounted on the bottom of the sweeper head to provide sweeping action as the floor sweeper is moved in any direction. Furthermore there is a soft cleaning pad releasably mounted adjacent to the brush to entrap dust and particles that the brush does not pick up. The brush is powered by a small electric motor. A removable dust-receiving tray is mounted in the sweeper head to receive debris swept by the brush. |
| US08020235B2 |
Concrete bridge
An improved prestressed concrete bridge having internal and external tensioning tendons which follow approximately similar pathways which are not straight. |
| US08020234B2 |
Counterbalance mechanism for fold out ramp
A ramp assembly includes a ramp portion configured for reciprocating motion between a stowed position, a deployed position, and a neutral position. The ramp assembly further includes a counterbalance that provides a force to bias the ramp portion toward the stowed position when the ramp portion is between the deployed position and the neutral position, and toward the deployed position when the ramp portion is between the stowed position and the neutral position. A shaft rotates in a first direction when the ramp portion moves toward the stowed position, and in a second direction opposite the first direction when the ramp portion moves toward the deployed position. A crank is fixedly coupled to the shaft. A rod is rotatably coupled at a first end to the crank about a first axis and at a second end to a cylinder. The cylinder is coupled for rotational movement about a second axis. |
| US08020232B2 |
System for monitoring ozone and controlling supply of ozone to washing machine
A system for controlling a supply of ozone to a washing machine during operation thereof. The system comprising a washing machine having an internal drum for containing laundry and a quantity of a water. An ozone generator is connected to the washing machine and the ozone generator produces and supplies the produced ozone to the washing machine for ozonating the water. At least one sensor is provided for sensing a quantity of ozone exhausting from the washing machine during operation thereof, and the at least sensor being coupled to the ozone generator for interrupting production of ozone when a quantity of ozone exhausting from the washing machine exceeds a safe level. |
| US08020231B2 |
Control method of washing machine
A control method of a washing machine is capable of safely achieving a tub washing operation control with low power consumption. At the time of performing tub washing, water of which the amount is decided depending on a volume inside a drum and a volume inside a water tub is supplied to the water tub, and the rotation speed of the drum is controlled to be inversely proportional to the volume of the supplied water, thereby efficiently controlling a tub washing operation with low power consumption. Also, the rotation state of the drum is controlled, at the time of performing the tub washing, to maintain the temperature of a motor or a printed circuit board (PCB) to be a predetermined level or less, thereby safely controlling a tub washing operation with low power consumption. In addition, it is determined whether the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the drum rotating at the tub washing operation belong to a resonance band, and the RPM are controlled such that the RPM deviate from the resonance band, thereby achieving a tub washing operation procedure with small noise and vibration. |
| US08020230B2 |
Foam spring mattress with substantially horizontal straps
An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements. |
| US08020228B2 |
Shoulder surgery attachment for a surgical table
A shoulder surgery attachment for a surgical table having an articulated leg section with accessory attachment rails on opposite sides. An upright chair back assembly is supported at its base or bottom end thereof for attachment to the accessory attachment rails and the chair back assembly includes a headrest assembly positioned above a back support. The headrest assembly includes a removable neck support and a head fixation assembly. The headrest assembly is adjustably moveable up and down the chair back assembly. The neck support is positioned below the head fixation assembly and protrudes from the front of the headrest assembly for engagement with the back of the patient's neck. The head fixation assembly includes a forward protruding U-shaped forehead clamp having two distal rearwardly extending free ends that are adjustably secured to the headrest assembly whereby the head clamp may be adjusted for engaging the forehead of the patient to clamp the patient's head against the headrest assembly. |
| US08020226B2 |
Crib safety sheet/blanket
A crib safety sheet and separable blanket with a sheet portion for selectively removing at least the blanket from the sheet, when the sheet is attached to a sleep surface. The separable blanket defining at least two edges for wrapping the blanket about an infant. The blanket may be removed from the sheet by separating the blanket, or by separating a sheet material portion attached to the blanket, from the sheet covering the sleep surface. |
| US08020225B2 |
Side rail pad/panel method for patient support apparatus
Methods and apparatus to occlude openings and spaces of side rails are provided. One embodiment includes a pad body panel having attachment openings each defining a pivot axis. The embodiment includes follower slots in the pad body panel each to receive a bracket pivot of a pivot arm, each follower slot having a configuration centered on the attachment opening of the pivot axis. |
| US08020224B2 |
Internal corner structure for mattress foundations
An internal corner structures for mattress foundations that sit at each corner between the frame and the grid. The rigid member contains a base, body and grid support deck. The base member sits atop the foundation frame and contains two flanges that overlap the frame and guide the positioning of the internal corner structure relative to the frame. The body structure supports the grid deck and has a rounded exterior profile to provide a rounded smooth contour to the mattress foundation corners, and has a plurality of square shaped openings that extend in both a vertical and horizontal direction. The grid support deck sits atop the body structure and provides support to the mattress foundation grid, and has engagement clips that engage and position the grid and an edge guard that functions to disperse a load and protect the engagement clips from impact. |
| US08020222B2 |
Bag dispensing receptacle for plunging apparatus
The field of the invention relates generally to a plunging system including, inter alia, a plunger having a handle and a plunger member, the handle having first and second opposed ends with the plunger member being removably coupled to the second end of the handle; and a receptacle, having a top portion coupled to a body portion, the body portion including first and second recesses defining first and second support regions, the first support region cincturing the first recess and second support region cincturing the first support region and the first and second recesses, with a segment of the top portion in superimposition with the second recess defining a chamber, with the receptacle being coupled to the first end of the handle such that the handle is positioned within the first recess, with the chamber comprising a plurality of bags positioned therein that may be dispensed from the receptacle. |
| US08020217B2 |
Infant wrap and method for use
An infant wrap and a method for using such a wrap are provided. In one example, the wrap includes a main body folded with an outer surface of part of the main body facing itself to form at least a partial pouch. The wrap further includes a neck portion having first and second ends coupled to an upper edge of the main body to define a neck hole for the user, and a hood attached to a lower edge of the main body. Fasteners may be used to removably couple various portions of the baby wrap. |