| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08047211B2 |
Hair clip
A hair clip which includes opposing first (12) and second (14) combs, each of which has a body (18) with an upper side (19) and an underside (20), a plurality of spaced apart teeth (21) which extend from the body (18) and a plurality of attachment brackets (22a, 22b, 22c) on the body (18), each of which has an individual recess formation on the underside (20) and at least two spaced apart apertures which extend in the recess formation and between the underside and the upper side, and a biasing member which is attached to the first and second combs (14) and which is engaged with the plurality of attachment brackets (22a, 22b, 22c). |
| US08047210B2 |
Hair extension and hair extension process
A hair extension for attachment to a hair is provided. The hair extension comprises an extending hair portion and a thread connected to the extending hair portion and configured to be tied to a hair to create an attachment. A ring portion is formed between both ends of the thread for inserting the hair, tightening, and fixing to the inserted hair. Expensive equipment is not required for attaching and removing the hair extension. |
| US08047209B2 |
Composition for tobacco substitute
Compositions and methods for making same are presented that act as substitutes for tobacco and tobacco products. Use is made of a genus of plants called pueraria, and more specifically the kudzu species, which is processed and packaged to taste and feel similar to natural tobacco. Various enhancers and flavors are added to appeal to various tastes. |
| US08047206B2 |
Magnetic devices, systems, and methods placed in or on a tongue
Magnetic structures develop a magnetic force between a tongue and a posterior pharyngeal wall to stabilize an orientation of the tongue. The magnetic structures include magnetic materials that are sized, configured, and arranged on at least one of the first and second magnetic structures, to maintain a substantially mutually repelling orientation between the first and second magnetic structures during a native range of movement of the tongue relative to the pharyngeal wall, i.e., during swallowing and/or drinking/and or speech. |
| US08047205B2 |
Gas-mixing device for respirators
A gas-mixing device for respirators can be used both in stationary operation and in mobile operation. The gas-mixing device has a storage tank (5), into which compressed air and oxygen can be introduced by dispensing valves (3, 8). In addition, a blower (10), which draws in gas from the environment (11), is connected to the storage tank (5). To dispense gas from the pressurized gas sources (4, 6) by means of the dispensing valves (3, 8), a first operating pressure level is set in the storage tank (5). When changing over to the blower operation, the operating pressure level is lowered to a pressure level adapted to the maximum respiration pressure. |
| US08047204B2 |
Combination unit dose dispensing containers
Dosage forms containing pharmaceutical compositions for use in devices to produce a spray or mist delivery of the compositions include dosage blister compartments and a dispensing blister compartment, wherein crushing of the compartments delivers the compositions in a desired spray pattern. Certain dosage forms include a plurality of dosage chambers each containing a component or a portion of a pharmaceutical composition, the contents of which are mixed or combined just prior to or during administration. |
| US08047201B2 |
Nasal dilator
A nasal dilator that includes an upper resilient member for dilating the nasal valve and a lower resilient member for dilating the nostrils. The upper resilient member and lower resilient member may be attached to one another by a flexible substrate having a middle portion that is narrower in length than the upper or lower resilient members. The nasal dilator also may have adhesive tabs extending downwardly from the lower portion of the substrate on either side of the nose and towards the nostril entry, for temporary attachment to the side of the nasal vestibule to reduce nostril collapse. The nasal dilator also may include bendable or configurable hooks extending downwardly from the lower portion of the substrate and towards the nostril entrance for insertion into the nostril to reduce nostril collapse. |
| US08047200B1 |
Hybrid solar heating system
A hybrid solar heat collector within a translucent dome structure includes a tubular frame, forming a first fluid path, and a transverse hose winding in a spiral inside and outside alternating legs of the frame to form a second fluid path. The first fluid path is connected to a reservoir in which a heater that is turned on to heat a fluid in the first fluid path when its temperature falls below a threshold. The reservoir is located within the dome structure and is configured to readily heat the space within the dome structure, so that the freezing of fluids within the heat collector is prevented. The translucent dome structure is provided with a layer having an opacity that is increased in response to an increase in temperature above a different threshold level, so that the boiling of fluids within the heat collector is prevented. |
| US08047198B2 |
Device with a door
A device with a door, in particular a door of a cooking appliance, supported for pivoting movement in a pivoting direction, for closing a useable space and with a guide system for at least partially lowering the door into a storage space in a guided manner, the device comprising at least one guide assembly operatively associated with the guide system and coupled to the door in a static manner in the pivoting direction and coupled to the door in a movable manner in at least one surface extension of the door. |
| US08047197B1 |
Heat deflecting system
A heat deflecting system includes a heater with a pole, a heat emitting member attached to an apex of the pole and a cover that is attached to the heat emitting member. The cover has a circular perimeter edge that extends outwardly from the heat emitting member. A plate has a first side, a second side, an upper edge, a lower edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The first side of the plate is concavely arcuate from the first lateral edge to the second lateral edge. A plurality of couplers is mounted on the plate and releasably couples the plate to the perimeter edge. |
| US08047193B2 |
Non-core drill bit
A non-core drill bit is provided with a metallic seat 2 attached to the tip of a shank of a boring tool, a cylindrical first diamond grindstone body 3 fixed to the metallic seat 2 and having a recessed cutout portion 10 to be opened to one side, and a second diamond grindstone body 4 installed inside the recessed cutout portion 10. The tip of the second diamond grindstone body 4 is positioned on the metallic seat 2 side from the tip of the first diamond grindstone body 3. The inner side of the tip face of the first diamond grindstone body 3 is preferably formed in an approximately reverse-conical recessed shape. |
| US08047192B2 |
System and method for cutting granite or similar materials
An improved frame saw system has multiple blades for cutting slabs of masonry materials. The improved systems and methods allow for cutting masonry materials into slabs having surface small deviations. A frame saw system may include a support structure of unifying material bonded to at least one of the blades for keeping the blades in fixed relative positions. The support structure may be removable from the frame saw system as the blades are engaged in a swinging motion cutting into the block. In addition, a process for cutting masonry blocks of granite, marble, rock, and the like, includes pretreating the surface of the block with a skim coat to fill surface irregularities prior to cutting operations. A frame saw system may contain one or more spacers between the saw blades wherein a compressive force is applied across the blades connected to a frame to reduce deflection of the blades while cutting. |
| US08047187B2 |
Fuel feed system of engine
A fuel feed system of an engine is provided with a gas-fuel separating unit for separating oil mist generated in an engine case from air with a labyrinth, and an auto fuel cock is operated by pressure pulsation of the air from which the oil mist is separated by the gas-liquid separating unit. Thus, infiltration of the oil mist into the auto fuel cock is suppressed to the minimum, and a malfunction of the auto fuel cock caused by accumulation of the oil can be prevented. Additionally, a breather passage for feeding the air, from which the oil mist is separated by the gas-liquid separating unit, to a breathing unit is connected the auto fuel cock via a negative pressure tube. Thus, it is unnecessary to provide a specific passage for transmitting the pressure pulsation of the air in the engine case to the auto fuel cock. |
| US08047186B2 |
Oil separator
An oil separating device for separating micron and sub-micron particles of oil from crankcase gases is provided. The oil separating device includes a housing having a first chamber in communication with a second chamber, and a narrow wave-shaped passage disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber. The narrow wave-shaped passage is defined by a first inner wall having a first undulating surface opposite and spaced apart from a second inner wall having a second undulating surface mirroring the first undulating surface. The narrow wave-shaped passage is disposed downstream of the first chamber and above the oil drain so as to allow oil particles in crankcase gases passing from the inlet to the outlet to accumulate on the first and second inner walls and assist gravity in forcing the accumulated oil through the narrow wave-shaped passage into the oil drain. |
| US08047184B2 |
EGR cooler bypass strategy
A system and method for controlling an engine control an EGR cooler bypass valve to divert at least a portion of EGR flow around an EGR cooler when operating under cooler fouling/plugging conditions, such as during idle, off-idle, exhaust system warm up and DPF regeneration or other post injection operation with EGR gas temperature below a corresponding threshold or with EGR low-temperature coolant temperature below a corresponding threshold. The system and method reduce exhaust gases passing through the EGR cooler that contain a high concentration of unburned or partially unburned fuel when the temperature in the EGR system is lower than the fuel condensation temperature. |
| US08047183B2 |
Fuel injector, clamping assembly and method of mounting a fuel injector
A fuel injector, a method of mounting a fuel injector, a combination injector and clamping, and a clamp are all provided for ensuring the fuel injector is mounted in a proper rotative position in an injector mounting bore of any one of multiple internal combustion engine platforms requiring different injector mounting positions. The injector includes a first alignment feature having a first geometry corresponding to a first engagement feature of the first engine platform and adapted to be engaged by the first engagement feature to secure the injector to the first engine platform. The fuel injector further includes a second alignment feature having a second geometry different from, and incompatible with, the first geometry and corresponding to a second engagement feature of the second engine platform thereby ensuring the fuel injector is circumferentially oriented in a correct rotative position required by a given engine platform. |
| US08047181B2 |
Speed and position sensing device for EMD two-cycle diesel engines
A device is disclosed for sensing the speed of an EMD 567/645/710 two-cycle diesel engine having a crankcase, electronic fuel injectors and an electronic control system for controlling the electronic fuel injectors. The device includes a spline shaft sized for insertion into the crankcase of the engine so that the spline shaft rotates with the engine, a gear operably secured to the spline shaft to rotate with the spline shaft and sized to rotate with the engine in a 1:1 ratio, and at least one electronic sensor located adjacent the gear to sense rotation of the gear. The at least one electronic sensor is connectable to the electronic control system to provide electronic signals to the electronic control system for determining when to inject fuel with the electronic fuel injectors. Also disclosed is a method for retrofitting the engine and a kit for retrofitting the engine. |
| US08047179B2 |
Engine unit and vehicle including the same
An engine unit that has a throttle valve driving actuator securely fixed thereto, and in which the vibration caused on the actuator is small. The engine unit includes a V-type engine and a throttle body assembly. The throttle body assembly has first and second front and rear throttle bodies, an actuator, a transmission gear mechanism, and a casing that houses the actuator and the transmission gear mechanism. The casing has a first casing portion that is fixed to the first front and rear throttle bodies, and a second casing portion that faces the first casing portion in a width direction and is fixed to at least one of the second front and rear throttle bodies. |
| US08047178B2 |
Force transfer mechanism for an engine
A force transfer mechanism is provided for an internal-combustion engine. In the most preferred configuration, the force transfer mechanism comprises two inter-connected first class levers that are driven by four pistons. Each of the pistons is driven through its non-powered strokes by the action of the piston in its powered stroke on the first class levers. The force transfer mechanism also drives the crankshaft through a single connecting rod. The force transfer mechanism provides for less frictional loss, and greater efficiency, than a typical internal combustion engine. |
| US08047173B2 |
Method for controlling a stop and automatic restart device for a thermal engine
The invention relates to a method for controlling a stop and automatic restart device for a thermal engine of a vehicle, comprising electric energy storage means and a reversible alternator connected to the thermal engine. The method comprises: comparing (16, 18) the temperature of the alternator (10) with a first predetermined temperature detecting (16, 18) the occurrence of at least one of the two following conditions concerning the electric energy storage means: a temperature (12) lower than a second predetermined temperature and a charge level (14) lower than a predetermined threshold; and if the alternator temperature is higher than the first predetermined temperature and if at least one of said two conditions occurs, inhibiting (26) the automatic restart of the engine. |
| US08047172B2 |
Plasma jet ignition plug
A plasma jet ignition plug capable of inhibiting occurrence of channeling while reducing removal of energy of plasma through a ground electrode at the time of emission of plasma. A ground electrode of a plasma jet ignition plug projects inward from a front end face of a metallic shell toward an opening end of a cavity which is open at a front end face of an insulator. A projecting distal end which forms a spark discharge gap between the same and a center electrode within a cavity is located inward, with respect to a diametral direction P orthogonal to an axis O, of a position which is located 0.5 mm radially outward from the opening end of the cavity. |
| US08047170B2 |
Device for variably adjusting control times of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine
A device (10) for variably adjusting control times of gas exchange valves (9a, 9b) of an internal combustion engine (1), including an external rotor (22) and an internal rotor (23) that is arranged such that it can rotate in relation to the external rotor. One of the components is drivingly connected to the crankshaft (2) and the other component is drivingly connected to the camshaft (6, 7). At least one pressure chamber (33) is provided and each of the pressure chambers (33) is divided into two counter-working pressure chambers (35, 36). One of the working chambers (35, 36) of each pressure chamber (33) acts as an advance chamber and the other pressure chamber (35, 36) as a retarding chamber. At least two rotation angle limiting devices (42, 43) are provided, with each of the rotation angle limiting devices (42, 43) being able to assume an unlocked state and locked state. The locked state can be adjusted by supplying or withdrawing a pressure medium to and from the respective rotation angle limiting devices (42, 43). |
| US08047169B2 |
Variable valve timing apparatus and control method therefor
An ECU executes a program including the steps of: controlling, when the phase of an intake valve is a phase advanced relative to a threshold value CA (FF) (NO in S106), an electric motor operating an intake VVT mechanism by feedback control (S202); and controlling, when the phase of the intake valve is a phase retarded relative to the threshold value CA (FF) (YES in S106), the electric motor by feed-forward control (S200). Under the feed-forward control, a duty command value is output that is smaller than an upper limit of a duty command value under the feedback control. |
| US08047166B2 |
Electric valve actuation system
A machine includes a piston disposed in a housing and configured to reciprocate in the housing. At least one valve is coupled to the housing. A magnetically-geared valve actuation system is coupled to the at least one valve. A plurality of sensors is configured to detect a plurality of parameters related to the machine. A control system is coupled to the plurality of sensors and the magnetically-geared valve actuation system. The magnetically-geared valve actuation system is configured to actuate the at least one valve in response to reciprocation of the piston in the housing, signals originating from the sensors or control system, or combinations thereof. |
| US08047164B2 |
Removable heat exchanger for a gas fired water heater
A water heater. The water heater includes a water tank having a tank wall defining an interior space and adapted to contain water to be heated, a tank extension having an extension wall detachably mounted to the tank wall, the extension wall defining extension space communicating with the interior space, and defining an extension axis, an air inlet at least partially in the extension space extending through the extension wall at a radial angle to extension axis of tank extension, a combustor at least partially in the extension space and in fluid communication with the air inlet, and a plurality of heat exchange tubes configured to receive products of combustion from combustor and extending into interior space of the water tank. The extension space is configured to be flooded with water from the water tank. |
| US08047161B2 |
Method and device for determining the polarity of a signal transmitted by an animal containment system
Described is an animal containment system for containing an animal within a boundary, for maximizing the animal's usable area within the boundary, for not discouraging the animal from returning to within the boundary in the event the animal moves beyond the boundary, and for doing so without utilizing an independent polarity indicator. The animal containment system determines whether the animal is within the boundary or beyond the boundary by considering the polarity of an activation signal the animal containment system transmits from the boundary and receives at the location of the animal. The animal containment system determines the polarity of the activation signal by modulating the signal such that the modulation indicates the polarity of the activation signal. The animal containment system achieves the above-discussed features by delivering a stimulus to the animal only when it traverses the boundary from within the boundary. |
| US08047158B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus and reaction container
A substrate processing apparatus comprises a reaction chamber which is to accommodate stacked substrates, a gas introducing portion, and a buffer chamber, wherein the gas introducing portion is provided along a stacking direction of the substrates, and introduces substrate processing gas into the buffer chamber, the buffer chamber includes a plurality of gas-supply openings provided along the stacking direction of the substrates, and the processing gas introduced from the gas introducing portion is supplied from the gas-supply openings to the reaction chamber. |
| US08047157B2 |
Method and apparatus for coating interior surfaces of medical devices
A coating can be applied to an endolumenal wall of a medical device by positioning an optical fiber within the lumen, providing a photo-activated chemical to contact the endolumenal wall, supplying the optical fiber with radiation capable of activating the chemical within the lumen, and withdrawing the optical fiber from the lumen at a controlled rate while the radiation is being emitted from the optical fiber to activate the chemical in close proximity to the endolumenal wall. |
| US08047155B1 |
Application of solids
A method of applying a solid to a container includes placing a portion of the container between two surfaces, at least one of the surfaces being movable relative to the other surface to define a variable space between the surfaces; and applying the solid to a selected portion of the container. In some embodiments, the solid includes a flavor enhancer, and the selected portion is proximate a rim edge of the container. |
| US08047151B2 |
System and method for mooring of offshore structures
A system and method for configuring and supporting mooring lines deployed on offshore structures, e.g. Spar-type platform, are provided with recessed portions that are located around the splash/ice zones for “cutting” through waves. An offshore structure may be provided with a chain tensioning mechanism that applies a desired tension to a hull chain and mooring line during mooring. Upon mooring the offshore structure, a chain lock mechanism maintains the tension in the hull chain and mooring line, while the chain tensioning mechanism releases a portion of the hull chain which is to be stored in a chain housing which is fully submerged underwater. This way, the recessed portions of the offshore structure around the splash/ice zones would be substantially free of the hull chains. Additionally, a disconnect mechanism may be provided to allow quick and safe disconnection of the offshore structure from the mooring position. |
| US08047149B1 |
Laser-based method for docking an unmanned underwater vehicle to a submarine
An Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) docking system is provided in which the UUV is responsive to a first rotating light beam (which emits from a submarine) to begin a docking procedure. The UUV utilizes a photodetector to detect the first light beam and to guide the UUV toward the submarine by utilizing the first light beam. In one embodiment, the UUV reflects light from the first light beam back to the submarine. A photodetector on the submarine detects the reflected light to ascertain that the UUV is locked onto the first light beam. The submarine then stops rotating the light beam so that a trajectory of the UUV heads in the direction of a docking station which is positioned on the submarine. |
| US08047148B2 |
Ship
A ship designed for use at high speed and heavy seas having a single long and slender hull with a narrow beam and a more or less vertical bow, whereby the front half of the hull has more or less vertical sides, minimal flare in the bow sections and towards the bow an increase in draught at its center line combined with a more or less similar increase of freeboard and whereby the aft end of the hull has a flat or slightly V-shaped bottom with one or more propellers and/or waterjets as propulsion means. In accordance with the invention the bow has a fillet radius of at least 1% of the beam. |
| US08047145B2 |
Ammonia vaporization system using non-flue gas intermediate heat transfer medium
Methods and apparatus for generating a vapor to be injected into a flue gas stream are described. The apparatus includes a fluid vaporization and injection assembly including an input for receiving a non-flue gas, e.g., clean, fluid heat transfer medium, e.g., air; a first sealed coil having an input and an output through which a fluid, such as ammonia, to be vaporized is passed; and a second sealed coil having an input and an output through which a heated second fluid, such as water or steam, is passed. The second sealed coil is arranged to transfer heat from the heated second fluid to the non-flue gas fluid heat transfer medium. The first sealed coil is arranged to absorb heat from the non-flue gas fluid heat transfer medium. An injection unit is coupled to an output of the first sealed coil for injecting the vaporized fluid into a flue gas stream. |
| US08047131B2 |
Press machine, control apparatus and control method of press machine
A control apparatus of a press machine in which a motor performance torque is fluctuated in accordance with a rotational angle of the rotating body in the case of rotating the motor at a fixed instruction speed. The control apparatus includes an angle detecting apparatus detecting a rotational angle of the rotating body, a torque determining apparatus determining a necessary motor torque in correspondence to a characteristic of the press machine on the basis of a value of the rotational angle input from the angle detecting apparatus, and a speed adjusting apparatus increasing the rotational instruction speed of the motor to a value more than the fixed instruction speed, at the rotational angle of the rotating body in which the necessary motor torque becomes smaller than a predetermined motor torque reference value. |
| US08047129B2 |
Apparatus for disinfecting seeds using hot water
An apparatus for disinfecting seeds using hot water. The apparatus includes a disinfection container for holding water. A hopper feeds seeds into the disinfection container. A heater heats the water in the disinfection container. A temperature sensor detects a temperature of the water. A control box controls the heater in response to a detected signal. A cylindrical hot-water circulation chamber moves the seeds from the hopper to the lower portion of the disinfection container. A water jetting pipe jets water fed from a circulation pump towards the upper portion of the hot-water circulation chamber, thus dispersing the seeds. A storage tube temporarily stores the seeds. A feed tube feeds the seeds from the storage tube to the outside. An air jetting pipe jets compressed air from an air pump and discharges the compressed air to an inlet of the feed tube. |
| US08047128B2 |
Vacuum cooking apparatus for household use
A vacuum cooking apparatus for household use, comprising, on a supporting structure which has a column-like extension, at least one unit for packaging in pouches in vacuum food products to be cooked, at least one unit for cooking the food products arranged in pouches and at least one unit for quick refrigeration of the food products arranged in pouches and cooked, the at least one unit for packaging food products in pouches in vacuum comprising a vacuum packaging machine which is mounted on a drawer-like element which is supported so that it can slide by the supporting structure in order to pass from a retracted position, in which the vacuum packaging machine is arranged within the outer peripheral contour of the supporting structure, to an extracted position, in which the vacuum packaging machine is positioned at least partially outside the supporting structure, and vice versa. |
| US08047126B2 |
Dispensing assembly for preparing beverages from soluble products
A method and a group are described for the preparation of a beverage from soluble products contained in a disposable cartridge, based on the regulation of the dispensing of the beverage in such way that the soluble product is delivered in suspension for at least 75% of the total dispensing time. |
| US08047124B2 |
Automatic beverage maker
An automatic beverage maker is provided. The automatic beverage maker is configured for storing raw materials of various hot drinks in vacuum, grinding the raw material of a hot drink to be made into powder with a grinding module, displacing an inlet cover at an upper end of a steeping chamber with a translational transport module so as to introduce the powder of the raw material of the hot drink to be made into the steeping chamber, and guiding hot boiled water in an internal water tank to drip into the steeping chamber, thus forming a convenient hot drink making mechanism. |
| US08047123B2 |
Cooling gallery insert for a piston
A piston assembly for an internal combustion engine is provided, including a piston and at least one insert. The piston includes an annular recess, a first surface, a ring belt and a skirt. The annular recess is located between the ring belt and the skirt. The insert may include a longitudinal portion and one or more opposing arms. The insert may be configured to be coupled with the piston. The arm(s) may extend laterally from the longitudinal portion and may be configured to abut the skirt, thereby orienting the insert relative to the piston. The insert may be disposed along the first surface, and aligned with the piston skirt such that the arms of the insert form a circumference about the piston skirt. The arms may at least partially enclose the annular recess at the piston skirt. |
| US08047122B1 |
Tensioner assembly with multiple cylinder stroke system
A tensioner assembly with a hydraulic fluid and gas is described herein. The tensioner assembly can accurately and reliably detect the position of a cylinder rod in each cylinder of the assembly by using a laser. The data obtained from the laser can be reliable and dependable regardless of any powders, oil, particulate, or scratched lenses of the camera. |
| US08047119B2 |
Firearm fire control selector
An automatic firearm capable of automatic or semiautomatic fire. The firearm has a receiver having a moveable hammer. A selector is rotatably mounted in the receiver. A first sear is rotatably mounted in the receiver to engage the hammer where the first sear contacts a first camming surface of the selector. A second sear is rotatably mounted in the receiver to engage the hammer where the second sear contacts a second camming surface of the selector. A disconnect is rotatably mounted in the receiver where the disconnect contacts a third camming surface of the selector. The selector has a number of selectable positions disposed so that rotation of the selector between a first and last selectable position of the number of selectable positions is less than 180 degrees. |
| US08047117B1 |
Composite blast wave attenuators for boots
A blast wave attenuator comprising: a deflector and a foam or foamed composite inside of the deflector. The foamed composite may be a combination of fabrics, fibers, and small reinforcements embedded in a polymeric foam matrix. The foamed composites can be fabricated using a one-step process. The deflector can be manufactured from metal sheets including but not limited to titanium, stainless steel, carbon steel, and superalloys. The blast wave attenuator of the present invention greatly improves the impact resistance and protection of blast protective footwear and combat boots or the like without sacrificing traction or mobility. |
| US08047104B2 |
Vibration body for cutting, vibration cutting unit, processing apparatus, molding die and optical element
In a vibration cutting unit, a root portion of a holding member for supporting a vibration body is fixed on a fixed portion of a node portion which is common to axial vibration and bending vibration, on a jointless basis. Therefore, the node portion, namely, a vibration body main part is firmly fixed, thereby, the vibration body main part is supported stably, and vibrations of the vibration body main part is stabilized. In other words, vibrations under the mode where the vibration body main part cannot be controlled can be restrained, and works representing objects to be processed can be processed accurately. |
| US08047103B2 |
Universal joint with coupling mechanism for detachably engaging tool attachments
A universal joint includes first and second parts interconnected by a coupling element, and a coupling mechanism for detachably engaging tool attachments such as sockets. The disclosed coupling mechanisms include an engaging element and an actuating element. The engaging element can include a pin, and the pin can be oriented either obliquely or longitudinally in the drive stud of the universal joint. The actuating element can include a collar and a central portion that crosses the central longitudinal axis of the drive stud. The central portion can be offset along the longitudinal axis toward the coupling element, and the actuating element can be configured to extend into an aperture formed by the coupling element and the second part of the universal joint. |
| US08047101B2 |
Wrench
A wrench comprises a handle connected to a housing. A socket is rotatably supported in the housing for ratcheting movement relative to the housing. A retaining member releasably secures a device in the socket. A retainer is supported on the housing and is movable between a first position and a second position. The retainer, when in the first position, at least partially overlays the socket. A plurality of guides orient a member relative to the socket. The guides are mounted in a rotatable body. A first handle is permanently connected to the housing and a second handle is removably connected to the housing. |
| US08047100B2 |
Tool assembly having telescoping fastener support
A tool assembly with a driving tool and a holder assembly. The driving tool has a housing, a motor, an output member and a transmission for rotatably coupling the output member to the motor. The motor and the transmission are housed in the housing. The holder assembly has a leg, which is telescopically coupled to the housing, a fastener guide and an adjustment mechanism. The fastener guide includes a longitudinally extending groove that is configured to support a threaded fastener and a cam that is disposed transverse to the groove. The adjustment mechanism couples the fastener guide to the leg on a side of the leg opposite the housing. The adjustment mechanism is configured to vary a distance between the groove and a rotational axis of the output member. |
| US08047099B2 |
Large strike face hammer
A hammer includes a handle and a head. The head is disposed on an upper portion of the handle. The hammer includes an overall length dimension. A ratio of the overall length dimension to the surface area of the striking surface of the head is less than 11.0. The head also includes a striking surface at one end thereof and a head weight. The head may be integrally formed with the upper portion of the handle, wherein a ratio of the head weight to the surface area of the striking surface of the head is less than 16.25. The head may alternatively be mounted on the upper portion of the handle, wherein a ratio of the head weight to the surface area of the striking surface of the head is less than 14.0. The head can have a ratio of radial measurements that is less than 1.0. |
| US08047097B2 |
Steering wheel and method of making
A steering wheel assembly, comprising: an insert comprising an armature, a rim portion and at least one spoke connecting the armature to the rim portion; a rim assembly comprising a first rim portion and a second rim portion, the first rim portion and the second rim portion each being configured to be disposed around a periphery of the rim portion of the insert and the first rim portion and the second rim portion are configured to be secured to each other about the rim portion of the insert, the first rim portion and the second rim portion each being separately formed from a polymeric material prior to the securement of the rim assembly to the rim portion of the insert; and a decorative cover disposed about an exterior surface of the rim assembly. |
| US08047092B2 |
Spiral bevel gear and gear device
In a spiral bevel gear, a contact area between tooth flanks that mesh with each other is increased, thereby reducing teeth knocking noise and strengthening tooth sections.A shape of a tooth form on a normal plane T of a tooth section 15 of a spiral bevel gear becomes gradually larger as the normal plane moves from a small-diameter end section side towards a large-diameter end section side along a tooth trace H, as indicated by (a), (b), and (c). In correspondence, a tooth crest arc section S is provided in a connecting section 21 between a tooth flank 17 on a meshing side and a tooth crest 16. The tooth crest arc section S is formed such that a curvature radius r gradually increases within a range that does not exceed a radius R of an inscribed circle inscribed within two tooth flanks 17 and 18 and the tooth crest 16 on the normal plane T. The tooth crest arc section S can increase contact area when contact is made with a tooth flank of a partner gear and elastic deformation occurs. |
| US08047090B2 |
Method of generating rotation about an output axis and motor for generating rotation about an output axis
The present invention relates to motors and, more specifically to rotary motors which can supply output motive power about an output axis in response to input rotary power about a different axis. A motor (1) comprises a wheel (2) mounted on a shaft (3) for rotation about a first axis (4). The shaft (3) is additionally mounted for rotation about both an inclination axis (16) and the output axis (11) of the motor (1). |
| US08047082B2 |
Device for determining a mass flow of a first gas within an overall mixture of gases
A device is provided for determining a mass flow of a first gas flowing in a flowing channel of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. The device includes: sound transducers arranged at respective ends of a measuring path for providing sound signals, a temperature sensor for determining a temperature of an overall mass flowing in the flow channel, and an evaluation unit arranged downstream of the sound transducers. The evaluation unit is capable of carrying out the following: determining a flow rate of the overall mass and a speed of sound based on delay times of the sound signals, determining an overall mass flow based on the flow rate, the temperature, and a pressure of the overall mass in the flowing channel, ascertaining a proportion of a second gas flowing in the flow channel at a temperature above 10° C. and based on the speed of sound and the temperature, and correcting the overall mass flow to obtain the mass flow of the first gas. |
| US08047080B2 |
Electromagnetic flowmeter and zero point measurement method thereof
An electromagnetic flowmeter for giving a magnetic field to a measurement fluid, detecting an electric signal occurring in the measurement fluid according to the magnetic field, and computing a flow quantity value based on the electric signal includes a zero point measurement section for measuring a zero point of the measurement fluid; a storage section for storing the measured zero point measurement value; a determination section for determining whether or not the difference between the preceding zero point measurement value stored in the storage section and the present zero point measurement value is beyond a predetermined value range; and at least either a transmission section for transmitting the determination result or a display section for displaying the determination result when the determination section determines that the difference is beyond the predetermined value range. |
| US08047078B2 |
Flaw detection testing method
There is provided a flaw detection testing method applied to a slot dovetail portion of a turbine generator rotor shaft. The flaw detection testing method includes an angle determining step of determining a slot angle of the slot dovetail portion using a variable-angle ultrasonic probe, a flaw detection performing step of, on the basis of a determination result in the angle determining step, using an angle ultrasonic probe or a phased array probe to perform flaw detection to detect a flaw in the slot dovetail portion, and a flaw depth measuring step of, when the flaw is detected in the flaw detection performing step, using an angle ultrasonic probe to measure a depth of the flaw from a surface of the slot dovetail portion. |
| US08047068B2 |
Snap-in tire valve
A snap-in tire pressure monitoring system having a valve that deforms to form an annular sealing surface around an opening in a tire rim. A sensor housing having electronics components configured to sense conditions within the tire may be attached to the valve. Data collected by the components may be wireless transmitted for further processing. |
| US08047063B2 |
Exhaust purification device of internal combustion engine
In an internal combustion engine, a sulfur detection sample gas is generated in a sample gas generation chamber by fuel of an amount smaller than the amount of fuel fed to a combustion chamber and proportional to the amount of fuel fed to the combustion chamber. An SOx sensor having a sensor part trapping the sulfur contained in the sample gas and capable of detecting the amount of sulfur trapped in the sensor part from the property changes of the sensor part is provided. The amount of SOx that flows into the catalyst is estimated from the output value-of this SOx sensor. |
| US08047062B2 |
Testing device for high pressure injectors of a common rail injection system, and method for testing high pressure injectors
A testing device (10) for high-pressure injectors (50) of a common rail injection system of an engine unit, with the high-pressure injectors (50) each having a fuel return connection (52) for a fuel return line (54) is characterized by a throughflow quantity measuring/display unit (12) which can be detachably connected between the fuel return connection (52) and fuel return line (54). |
| US08047061B2 |
Method and apparatus for real-time estimation of four wheel imbalances for chassis prognosis
A system and method for determining whether a particular wheel on a vehicle is un-balanced during operation of the vehicle. The method includes providing wheel angle signals from the wheels of the vehicle and providing a vibration measurement signal from a response point on the vehicle, such as from an accelerometer on a steering column of the vehicle. The method also includes generating a regression vector using the wheel angle signals. The method also includes generating an estimated parameter vector using a recursive least squares algorithm, the regression vector and the vibration measurement signal. The method then calculates an imbalanced magnitude value of each wheel of the vehicle using the estimated parameter vector. The method uses a persistency of excitation test to determine whether the parameter vector has converged to a true value to determine whether the calculated imbalanced magnitude values are accurate. |
| US08047060B2 |
Method and apparatus for sample injection in liquid chromatography
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for substantially eliminating destructive transients of pressure or flow rate which can degrade the efficiency and useful lifetime of chromatography columns. The present invention enables a substantially constant flow of mobile phase liquid to be maintained through the chromatography system by eliminating the flow blockage interval associated with the actuation of sample injection valves. The present invention further provides a method to reduce the pressure and flow rate transients associated with pressurization of the sample loop contents when the sample loop is introduced to chromatography system delivery pressure. |
| US08047057B2 |
Output mode switching apparatus
An output mode switching apparatus including a power unit, a hammering unit, an output shaft, a housing, and a shifting member is provided. The hammering unit includes a gasket cup, a switching ring, a spring member, a hammering seat, and a main shaft. When the power unit is not in operation, the switching ring is restricted so as to be positioned against and secured to the gasket cup. When the mains shaft is driven by the power unit to rotate, the hammering seat is carried to rotate and is applied with a restriction for restricting the hammering seat from axial movement, thus configuring an output mode of electric drill. When the shifting member is turned, the restriction applied to the hammering seat is released. The hammering blocks repetitively hammers the protrusion blocks and axially returns back to the original position, thus configuring an impact output mode. |
| US08047053B2 |
Mail parcel screening using multiple detection technologies
Various screening systems are disclosed, including a system including a radiation detection component, a toxic chemical detection component, a toxic chemical agent sampling component, a bio-threat detection component, a puffer-based bio-threat sampling component, an explosive detection component, and an X-ray based imager, such that it automatically screens mail for the presence of multiple threat agents, such as chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats. An automated sample arm collects a sample when a sampling substrate contacts a portion of the item of mail while there is relative motion between the automated sample arm and the item of mail. The sample is conveyed to a detector and the sampling substrate is regenerated by heating it. |
| US08047050B2 |
Performance test apparatus and image taking device thereof
A performance test apparatus includes a control unit, an image taking device, and a base having a table and a frame mounted to the table. The image taking device includes at least one image taker and at least one parallel light source. The at least one image taker is movably mounted to the frame and electrically connected to the control unit. The at least one parallel light source faces the table and is electrically connected to the control unit. The least one parallel light source includes a plurality of spot light sources. The control unit controls on/off of the at least one parallel light source, so that the at least one parallel light source flickers at a high frequency. |
| US08047049B2 |
Conformal sensor tape
A sensing device has at least two remote units mounted on an attachable tape, the remote units being mounted on separate branches of the attachable tape, a controller mounted on the attachable tape, electrical connections at least between each remote unit and the controller, the electrical connections on the attachable tape, and a surface to which the tape is attached such that the branches are separated from each other. A method of manufacturing a sensing device, including providing an attachable substrate, and fabricating electronic devices on the substrate, the electronic devices including at least two remote units, a controller and electrical connections between the remote units and the controller, and arranging the electronic devices such that at least two remote units are separated from each other. |
| US08047048B2 |
Test device for refractory material
A system for testing abrasion resistance of a test specimen made of refractory material, wherein the system includes an insulated furnace with a first chamber having a refractory lining, a second chamber disposed within the first chamber, a tube for flowing pressurized air into the second chamber, a conduit for flowing heated air from a burner operating on a fuel to the second chamber, for mixing with the pressurized air, and an air gun for mixing an abrading material into the pressurized air prior to introduction to the test specimen. |
| US08047047B2 |
Inertial sensor misalignment and compensation
An apparatus for providing information pertaining to the orientation of a vehicle to which the apparatus is coupled includes a chassis having a first interior surface and an inertial-sensor assembly disposed within the chassis and having a first exterior surface. A first sensor element is mounted on the first interior surface, and a second sensor element is mounted on the first exterior surface. At least one of the first and second sensor elements is configured to generate a first signal corresponding to a distance of displacement of the second sensor element with respect to the first sensor element. |
| US08047043B2 |
Punch die and punch machine using the same
An exemplary punch die (30) includes a lower die (40) and an upper die (50). The lower die includes a die core (45), a blank holder (417), and a cylinder (413) disposed in the lower die. The blank holder is disposed on a periphery of the die core. The cylinder is connected to the blank holder and provides a constant force to the blank holder. The upper die includes a punch core corresponding to the die core. A punch machine using the present punch die is also provided. |
| US08047036B2 |
Device and method for explosion forming
With the invention, a method and a device for explosive forming of a tubular work piece, which comprises a multipart forming die almost fully enclosing the work piece in the closed state, and in which a plug is provided in the area of at least one end of the forming die, is to be improved, in that forming of a tubular work piece is possible in a simple method that promotes fewer individual work steps and is therefore cost-effective. This task is solved by a method and a device for explosive forming, in which a seal between the forming die and the plug is formed when the plug is inserted, in which the work piece end is mounted between the forming die and deformed. |
| US08047035B2 |
Method of supplying lubricating oil in cold-rolling
A method of supplying lubricating oil in cold-rolling by emulsion lubrication, characterized by comprising: using a constant (supply efficiency) obtained under conditions of a specific rolling rate, emulsion supply, emulsion concentration, emulsion temperature, plateout length, rolled material width or roll barrel length, rolling load, grade of the rolled material, and type of lubricating oil and oil film thickness at the time of neat lubrication realized under the specific rolling lubrication conditions to estimate the oil film thickness realized by emulsion lubrication under the specific rolling lubrication conditions and controlling at least one of the emulsion supply, emulsion concentration, emulsion temperature, and plateout length so that the estimated oil film thickness matches with the target oil film thickness. |
| US08047034B2 |
Robot and method for bending orthodontic archwires and other medical devices
A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot am. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The gripping tools preferably incorporate force sensors which are used to determine overbends needed to get the desired final shape of the archwire. The robot may also include a resistive heating system in which current flows through the wire while the wire is held in a bent condition to heat the wire and thereby retain the bent shape of the wire. A magazine for holding a plurality of straight archwires needing to be bent and a conveyor system for receiving the wires after the bending process is complete are also described. The robot bending system is able to form archwires with any required second and third order bends quickly and with high precision. As such, it is highly suitable for use in a precision appliance-manufacturing center manufacturing a large number of archwires (or other medical devices or appliances) for a distributed base of clinics. |
| US08047033B2 |
Plastic working method and plastic working system
A plurality of press devices 2 are arranged in a plastic working system. The plastic working system includes: a loop correction sensor 13 for watching a slack of a coil material C intermittently delivered from a preceding first press device 2a; and a second slack watching means 19 for watching a slack of the coil material C generated at the time of sending the coil material C to a succeeding second press device 2b. According to the slack generated by intermittent feeding of the coil material C sent from the first press device 2a, intermittent feeding is converted to continuous feeding by the feeding means 15. At the same time, the continuous feeding speed is subjected to speed increasing/decreasing control. On the other hand, by the second slack watching means 19, a slack of the coil material C is watched at the time of feeding the coil material C to the second press device 2b and the preceding first press device 2a is subjected to speed increasing/decreasing control. |
| US08047026B2 |
Washing machine
A washing machine wherein the structure of a door to open and close a laundry inlet hole formed at the upper part of a housing is improved. The door includes front and rear door parts hingedly coupled with each other. The front door part has a front-to-rear length less than that of the rear door part. Consequently, when the door is opened, the front door part is folded to the rear door part and the lower end of the front door part is located at the upper part of the rear door part. The rear door part has a see-through portion, through which the interior of the housing is seen while the door is closed. |
| US08047023B2 |
Method for producing titania-doped fused silica glass
A method for producing a fused silica glass containing titania includes synthesizing particles of silica and titania by delivering a mixture of a silica precursor and a titania precursor to a burner, growing a porous preform by successively depositing the particles on a deposition surface while rotating and translating the deposition surface relative to the burner, and consolidating the porous preform into a dense glass. |
| US08047020B2 |
Method of producing vitreous silica crucible
The method of producing a vitreous silica crucible, comprises deposition step of depositing silica powder on an inner wall surface of a cylindrical rotation mold having a bottom while rotating the mold; and a fusion step to obtain a vitreous silica crucible by heating and fusing the silica powder deposited on the inner wall surface of the mold and thereby vitrifying the silica powder. In the deposition step, a density of the deposited silica powder layer on the inner wall surface of the mold is controlled within a predetermined range by controlling the electrostatic charging voltage of the silica powder to be in a range of 1.0 kV or less in absolute value, and supplying the thus controlled silica powder to the inner wall surface of the mold. Thus, a wall thickness of the vitreous silica crucible is controlled. |
| US08047018B2 |
Ejector cycle system
An ejector cycle system with a refrigerant cycle through which refrigerant flows includes an ejector disposed downstream of a radiator, a first evaporator located to evaporate refrigerant flowing out of the ejector, a branch passage branched from a branch portion between the radiator and a nozzle portion of the ejector and coupled to a refrigerant suction port of the ejector, a throttling unit located in the branch passage, and a second evaporator located downstream of the throttling unit to evaporate refrigerant. In the ejector cycle system, a variable throttling device is located in a refrigerant passage between a refrigerant outlet of the radiator and the branch portion to decompress the refrigerant flowing out of the radiator. |
| US08047014B2 |
Humidity control system
A humidity control system (10) is disclosed which includes a refrigerant circuit (60). The refrigerant circuit (60) includes first and second absorbent-supported heat exchangers (61, 62) and performs a refrigeration cycle by the circulation of refrigerant. In addition, in the refrigerant circuit (60), the circulation direction of refrigerant is reversible. The first and second heat exchangers (61, 62) are disposed in a casing (11). In the humidity control system (10), the distribution route of air is changed such that a first air stream is passed through either one of the first and second heat exchangers (61, 61) that is functioning as an evaporator while a second air stream is passed through the other heat exchanger that is functioning as a condenser. A compressor (63), an expansion mechanism (65), and a four-way valve (64) in the refrigerant circuit (60) are disposed together with the heat exchangers (61, 62) in the casing (11). |
| US08047006B2 |
Enhanced efficiency turbine
Hydrocarbon fuel is sent to a reformer, which produces carbon and hydrogen. The hydrogen is sent to a fuel cell which uses it to generate electricity, and the electricity is used to actuate an electric motor that is coupled to an output shaft of a turbine to impart torque to the shaft. Additionally, hydrocarbon fuel can be provided to the turbine intake directly and/or carbon from the reformer can be mixed with steam from the fuel cell and sent to the turbine intake, in either case to impinge on the turbine blades and impart further torque to the output shaft. |
| US08047004B2 |
Stave and ring CMC nozzle
An engine exhaust nozzle comprises a plurality of CMC staves attached to one or more support rings arranged axially. The support rings provide a circumferential load path between the staves and for attaching the exhaust nozzle to the metallic engine components. The staves are fixed to the support rings with a spacing intended to accommodate for relative movement due to the difference in CTE for the CMC and metallic components and due to thermal gradients through the wall thickness. The resulting apparatus is lightweight, relieves the nozzle of thermal stresses, and is easier to manufacture and repair. |
| US08047002B2 |
Annular combustion chamber of a gas turbine engine
The present invention relates to an annular combustion chamber of a gas turbine engine comprising a casing with at least one air tapping outlet situated at the chamber inlet, a fuel supply device with a plurality of fuel injectors in the chamber distributed annularly of which at least one is situated close to said tapping outlet.The chamber is characterized in that the fuel supply device comprises a means for reducing the fuel flow rate in said injector situated close to the tapping outlet relative to the other fuel injectors.Thanks to the invention, the hot spots downstream of the combustion chamber caused by the tappings are reduced. |
| US08047001B2 |
Media mixing insert for turbine blade in turbine engine
The invention relates to a blade for a turbine comprising a blade wall, a first channel for guiding a first medium and a second channel for guiding a second medium that can be supplied to the turbine blade separately from the first medium. In order to combine both media, which are supplied separately, into one mixture, a turbine blade has least one chamber which is arranged in the interior or in the blade wall and said chamber is connected to said channels via a respective connection line. In order to provide a particularly simple component that is economical to produce, the chamber and/or the outlet conduit are a least partially delimited and/or formed by an insert accommodated in the wall. |
| US08046999B2 |
High-temperature dual-source organic Rankine cycle with gas separations
In a dual-source organic Rankine cycle (DORC), the condensed and slightly sub-cooled working fluid at near ambient temperature (˜300 K) and at low-side pressure (0.1 to 0.7 MPa) is (1) pumped to high-side pressure (0.5-5 MPa), (2) pre-heated in a low-temperature (LT) recuperator, (3) boiled using a low-grade heat source, (4) super-heated in a high-temperature (HT) recuperator to a temperature close to the expander turbine exhaust temperature using this exhaust vapor enthalpy, (5) further super-heated to the turbine inlet temperature (TIT) using a mid-grade heat source, (6) expanded through a turbine expander to the low-side pressure, (7) cooled through the HT recuperator, (8) cooled through the LT recuperator, (9) mostly liquefied and slightly subcooled in a condenser, and (10) the condensed portion is returned to the pump to repeat this cycle. |
| US08046994B2 |
Precision method and apparatus for controlling the shape memory alloy
The invention discloses a method and apparatus to control the shaping change of Shape-Memory-Alloy (SMA). The piece-wised current drain control device is designed to independently deliver current to stimulate sectional SMA but not the entire one. The invention is also successfully implemented on an automatic light sensitive aperture control device to simulate the light response of a pupil. The control technique can extend the application potential of SMA toward precise actuation, aeronautical applications, surgical tools, or biomedical applications such as artificial organ or muscles. |
| US08046988B2 |
System having multiple valves operated by common controller
A control system for a power system is disclosed. The control system has a first valve mechanism, a second valve mechanism, and a controller in communication with the first and second valve mechanisms. The controller is configured to direct a single electronic control signal to the first and second valve mechanisms. Actuation of the first valve mechanism is initiated in response to the value of the single electronic control signal exceeding a first threshold value, and actuation of the second valve mechanism is initiated in response to the value of the single electronic control signal exceeding a second threshold value. |
| US08046984B1 |
Airless gas-turbine engine
A gas-turbine engine receives no air from outside atmosphere. Instead, combustion gas expelled from the engine is cooled and recycled back into the engine. That gas contains no nitrogen and consists mostly of carbon dioxide and water vapor. Oxygen and fuel are added to the recycled gas, and the resulting mixture is used to perform an internal-combustion process. A small amount of the expelled combustion gas is discharged into outside environment, and the rest is recycled. Since no nitrogen is present, no nitrogen oxides are produced. The amount of other harmful exhaust emissions, including particulate matter, is greatly reduced too, since most of them are recycled back into the engine. The engine is inherently supercharged with controllable combustion-gas pressure and, in some cases, can operate without a compressor. Since the combustion gas is heavier than air, the engine can be substantially smaller than a conventional engine of equal power. Complete elimination of nitrogen oxide emissions and a significant reduction in particulate matter can substantially increase appeal of gas-turbine engines based on the above concept. |
| US08046983B2 |
Ecology valve fuel return system for gas turbine engine
An ecology valve (EV) fuel return system is provided. In one embodiment, the EV fuel return system includes a housing assembly having a fuel return outlet and a first manifold inlet. The fuel return outlet is fluidly coupled to a fuel supply system, and the first manifold inlet is fluidly coupled to a first manifold of a gas turbine engine (GTE). An ecology valve is disposed in the housing assembly and fluidly coupled to the fuel return outlet and to the first manifold inlet. A fuel routing assembly is fluidly coupled between the first manifold inlet, the fuel return outlet, and the ecology valve. The fuel routing assembly routes fuel: (i) from the first manifold inlet to the ecology valve when the GTE is in a shut-down mode, and (ii) from the ecology valve to the fuel return outlet when the GTE is in an engine start mode. |
| US08046982B1 |
Gathering device for soft objects
An apparatus for retrieving soft objects, the apparatus comprising a storage section, a gathering section, a rim and an elongated handle. The storage section is shaped like an open basket on its side and having a top and a bottom. The gathering section extends from the bottom of the storage section, comprises two barrier regions separated by a retaining region, and has a leading edge. The rim is attached at least to the leading edge. The handle projects upward from the top of the storage section at such an angle to permit a raking motion when collecting objects. Also a method for gathering soft objects on the ground including the steps of rotating handle of above apparatus to place its bottom on the ground, pulling the apparatus over fruit-laden ground, and rotating handle so bottom is on top to move the objects elsewhere. |
| US08046974B2 |
Bottle closure with low torque assembly feature
A closure system for a container reduces the needed torque for assembly by minimizing frictional resistance to rotation of the closure into its desired alignment with the container before the closure is driven home onto the container neck. The reduction in the torque resistance during the application of the closure allows the rotary filling machinery to work within its torque limits and minimizes damage to the parts during the filling and sealing operation in a bottle filling line. |
| US08046965B2 |
Partition system and method of assembling same
A partition to be supported by one or more support elements. The partition includes two or more panel modules, each panel module having two or more panel elements. The panel elements in each panel module are positioned relative to each other in a predetermined abutting arrangement selected from the group consisting of a vertical arrangement and a horizontal arrangement. The panel elements in each panel module define a joint intersection therebetween. Each panel module includes one or more fastening elements attached to the panel elements on both sides of the joint intersection to maintain the panel elements in the predetermined abutting arrangement. The fastening element is selected from the group consisting of a fastening element with a stud portion and a fastening element with a keyhole slot, the stud portion and said keyhole slot being adapted to cooperate to secure the panel modules together. |
| US08046963B2 |
Expandable drywall corner piece
A drywall corner piece with flange surfaces forming a near right angle forming a cup for fitting over drywall corners where the web sections of the flanges have at least one strain relief channel allowing the piece to flex to different angles. |
| US08046962B2 |
Structural top cap arrangement for wall panel
An upright space-dividing wall panel is provided having an internal frame and a top cap attached to a top rail of the frame. The top cap includes a lengthwise channel in which threaded fasteners are slidably received for engaging the top cap to the frame rail. The top cap further includes side channels which cooperate with coupling brackets for securing a second panel to the wall panel. Further, a locator clip arrangement is provided between the top cap and a side trim cover on the end of the wall panel for precisely locating the trim cover relative to the top cap. |
| US08046961B1 |
Tactical solar power system
A tactical portable solar control system which can be modular, extremely resistant to destruction, capable of being assembled by a person without instructions, and which creates a small footprint when assembled. |
| US08046958B2 |
Eave for a building
According to the invention, a method of making an eave for a roof on a building is disclosed. The method may include providing a structure with at least two sides and a roof frame. The method may further include coupling at least two of a plurality of eave blocks with a first trim piece. The method may also include coupling at least two of the plurality of eave blocks with a second trim piece. The method may further include coupling a roof piece with a top of the roof frame and a top of at least two of the plurality of eave blocks. In some embodiments, the eave blocks may include lumber having a grain direction and the method may include coupling the eave blocks with the first trim piece such that the grain direction is substantially parallel to a length of the first trim piece. |
| US08046952B2 |
Rod trigger grip/hook holder
In a fishing rod having a hand grip and a reel clamped to and held above the rod, the improvement wherein there is provided between the rod and the clamp on the underside of the rod a unitary piece having an elongate central section free of lateral protuberances which is laterally curved to essentially match the curvature of the fishing rod, aligned with the elongate central section at one end and integral therewith a curved finger grip terminating in a free distal end, and also aligned with the elongate central section at its opposite end and integral therewith a projection having an opening therein adapted to receive the hook portion of fishing hook. |
| US08046947B2 |
Underwater gun comprising a passive fluidic barrel seal
An apparatus and method for sealing the barrel of an underwater gun between firings is disclosed. The apparatus clears the barrel and/or prevents water from entering the barrel based on pressure variations. |
| US08046942B1 |
Electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors
An electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors, wherein sliding rear access doors are utilized to provide for access to the inner regions of the electronic sign while maintaining a thin profile. One or more of a plurality of sliding rear access doors can be disengaged from a back panel and urged rearwardly a minimal distance and then positioned laterally and unobtrusively along the length of a top track opposing a bottom track allowing the electronic sign to maintain a thin and unobtrusive profile. |
| US08046936B1 |
Removable shoe heel assembly for women's footwear
A removable shoe heel assembly that allows removal of a woman's shoe or boot heel, preferably a circular shaped housing unit configured to the underside of a woman's shoe or boot shank having a gravity lock to prevent movement when the removable shoe heel is attached. The gravity lock settles into a first furrow disposed in the housing unit and falls into a second furrow disposed in the removable shoe heel when turned upright, in a vertical position, both parts having a connecting means and a receiving means, respectively. By turning the woman's shoe or boot upside down the gravity lock falls into the first furrow area thereby making removal and reattachment of the removable shoe heel possible. |
| US08046935B2 |
Footwear protection device
An apparatus including a flexible first member for removable attachment to a footwear device and a second member attached to the first member for interacting with the footwear device and being configured to sweep foreign objects away from and prevent entry of the foreign objects into an interior of the footwear device. |
| US08046932B2 |
Method and apparatus for inhibiting pitch formation in the wet seal exhaust duct of a veneer dryer
A method and apparatus for operating a dryer used to reduce the moisture content of sheet material. A drying chamber is provided and includes a plurality of drying sections and a single point exhaust system. A seal section located at the input end of the dryer includes an exhaust passage through which a gas sample is drawn by a sampling fan. Gases within the seal section are a combination of ambient air drawn through restricted passages at the entry to the seal section and exhaust gas that bleeds into the seal section from the drying chamber. A controller monitors the temperature of the sampled gases and ambient air and adjusts the rate of exhaust flow from the main exhaust system as a function of the temperature differential. A heating system is also provided for heating the seal exhaust gases above the pitch condensation temperature for the flow. |
| US08046930B1 |
Pasta dispenser having integrated portion selector
A pasta dispenser includes a portion wheel having variously sized apertures. The portion wheel is integrated into a cap or lid for the dispenser. In use, the user turns the portion wheel to the desired portion size, tips the dispenser, and retrieves the correct amount of pasta. In some embodiments the apertures are oval. Further, some embodiments include an integrated lid that covers the portion wheel to create a contaminate free enclosure for storing pasta. Yet other embodiments include a pasta dispenser including a head unit having an aperture opening and a shutter that can be slid or rotated over the head unit to partially block the aperture opening. When the container is tipped, portions of pasta can slide out of the opening. |
| US08046929B2 |
Stretch level
A level 11 is provided comprising a base 1 having a top reference edge 2 and recession 3 wherein a slidable member 8 fits within the recession 3 of the base 1 and is slidable to extend the top reference edge 2 of the base for multiple lengths. Further embodiments of the present invention provide a level 11 having attachment means to level at various angles and additional lengths. |
| US08046928B2 |
Method and device for calibrating mobile terminal
A method and device for calibrating a mobile terminal including a motion sensor reduces erroneous calibrations. The method of calibrating a mobile terminal by detecting an inclination of at least two directions preferably includes: activating a calibration mode for calibrating an error of the motion sensor. When a calibration mode is activated, a user interface screen for calibrating the motion sensor is output. The user interface screen outputs a coordinate system for displaying at least two facets of information; and inclination information of at least two directions received from the motion sensor is output as one image on the coordinate system. |
| US08046924B2 |
Cutting tool with variable mechanical advantage
A hand-operated cutting tool includes first and second cutting members pivotally connected at a first pivot point, a lever having a longitudinal axis and pivotally connected to the first cutting member at a second pivot point, and a translatable curvilinear pivot connection between the lever and the second cutting member. |
| US08046922B2 |
Cutting device
An improved cutting device including a mechanism for selectively guarding the edge of a cutting blade. According to various embodiments, a sliding mechanism is operatively connected to a blade guard, wherein the translational movement of the sliding mechanism causes a corresponding rotational movement of the blade guard. When the blade guard is in an extended position, the edge of the cutting blade is not exposed, thereby preventing a user from accidentally cut by the blade. Various embodiments also provide for an improved blade replacement system. According to various embodiments, a locking member is capable of lifting the cutting blade without the user having to touch the blade itself. |
| US08046908B2 |
Press for attaching nuts to pipes
A press for attaching nuts to pipes has an upper base, a lower base, a movable support having a base end supported at a rear end of the lower base and a front end extending to the front end side of the lower base, a nut receiving recess provided in a piston of a hydraulic cylinder at the front end of the movable support and disposed at the upper end of a lower pattern, a lifter for the movable support, a stopper for the middle position of the movable support, a crimping die as an upper pattern mounted on the upper pattern support and movably disposed vertically on a same axial line as the lower pattern, and a hydraulic cylinder for pressing an upper pattern disposed on the upper base, and pressing the crimping die downward. |
| US08046905B2 |
Motor manufacturing method
A method of manufacturing a motor includes coupling a base cover to a sleeve having a penetration hole formed therein, such that one side of the penetration hole is closed; inserting a shaft in the penetration hole; coupling a plate to the shaft such that the shaft is inserted in the plate; and pressing and coupling a hub to the shaft such that the shaft is inserted in the hub while the base cover is supported in an axial direction of the shaft to the base cover by using a jig, wherein the base cover is elastically deformed to make contact with the shaft. In the method of manufacturing the motor, the jig is used to deform the base cover so as to come in contact with the shaft, thereby applying the support load in the axial direction. |
| US08046900B2 |
Process for manufacturing a light alloy wheel rim and wheel rim resulting therefrom
Process (20) for manufacturing a wheel rim (1) in light alloy including the following operations: providing (21) a rough wheel rim in light ally, comprising a wheel disc (2) and an annular portion (3), the annular portion (3) including a first (4I) and a second (4e) bead defining a drop well (C) having a first profile; processing (23) the rough wheel rim, modifying the first profile in order to obtain a second profile being of a lower thickness than the first profile, at least at an intermediate portion (C1) of the drop well (C), characterized by including a finishing operation (25) of a surface of the second profile intermediate portion by means of a compression action of said surface, the finishing operation leaving the low thickness substantially unchanged. |
| US08046897B2 |
Method and apparatus for stent retention on a balloon catheter
A balloon is inflated from a collapsed configuration, then deflated. A polymeric stent is then disposed over the deflated balloon and the stent crimped to the balloon. |
| US08046892B2 |
Method of inhibiting access
The present invention relate to a method of inhibiting access. Some embodiments of the method include determining that access to an item needs to be inhibited and positioning a thermal grill relative to the item such that the thermal grill provides a barrier against an individual engaging the item. A thermal grill is a device that has several relatively warm portions which are interlaced with several relatively cold portions. When an individual contacts the thermal grill, the temperature difference between the warm and cold portions causes an individual to feel pain (or discomfort) without physiologically damaging the individual. Therefore, the method inhibits access by notifying individuals that they are performing an undesirable activity when they touch the thermal grill without permanently injuring the individual. |
| US08046888B2 |
Yoke assembly and method of installing same
A yoke assembly includes two support members that are connected to one another, both of which include respective first ends and second ends. The support members are spaced apart enough to fit over existing hardware on a T-adapter at a dead end. In proximity to the first end of the two support members, a connection member is connected to the support members for securing the yoke assembly to the T-adapter. The yoke assembly includes a pole connector, which is pivotably positioned in proximity to the second end of each support member, wherein the pole connector is positioned between the two support members and secured thereto by the second pin. A pole can be secured between the pole connector of the yoke assembly and the power pole, reducing stress on an insulator for removing/repairing the insulator. |
| US08046887B2 |
Method of operating a gearwheel machining tool
In a method of operating a gearwheel machining tool having a machining wheel situated on a drive axis, for reworking a gearwheel, a fixed axial distance between both wheels is set. In this manner, the engagement of the gearwheel in the teeth of the machining wheel may be performed without damage in a technically simple way, which is achieved in that the gearwheel to be machined is placed on the arbor in an arbitrary rotational angle position, tooth areas of its lateral external faces facing toward the machining wheel coming to rest on lateral tooth areas of the machining wheel, upon which the machining wheel is set into rotation and the gearwheel to be machined slides axially on the arbor into its machining position. After which the tooth gaps of the two overlapping areas of the wheels are rotated one over the other and the wheels are mutually engaged. |
| US08046884B2 |
Drive and guide device in a needle loom
The drive and guide device for a needle bar of a needle loom having a machine stand includes a first crankshaft rotatably supported in the machine stand; a needle bar supported in the machine stand; a first connecting rod supported on a first cam of the first crankshaft and connected to the needle bar; and a guide device for guiding the needle bar along a path extending perpendicular to the needle-punching support surface. The first connecting rod and/or the guide device comprises a leaf spring, which is rigidly connected to the needle bar to transmit a drive or guide force. As a result, lubrication points on elements of the needle loom which move from place to place are eliminated. |
| US08046881B2 |
Cremation urn, kit and system for retaining cremation remains
The present invention is a cremation urn and a system for retaining cremation remains, the invention comprising in one embodiment, a top shelf, a bottom shelf and a middle portion defining an artwork channel, recess or void between the top and bottom shelves. In another embodiment, the bottom shelf and the top shelf have a larger surface area than the middle portion so that both the top and bottom shelf protrude further out away from the middle portion. In this regard, the middle portion can then be defined to have a channel of surface space between the top and bottom shelves, so that optional ornamental designs or artwork can be variously, sequentially or randomly coupled to the middle portion's viewable surface area within the artwork channel, recess or void. In another embodiment, the top shelf has a top surface which is adapted to receive and retain optional ornamental designs or artwork. In another embodiment, the artwork recess formed in the urn is covered by a protective sheet which is preferably transparent in nature, to thereby substantially or permanently encapsulate any artwork within the recess for viewing. An optional rotatable base for the urn is also disclosed. |
| US08046879B2 |
Fastener
A fastener with a shank and, arranged at one end of the shank, a head intended for welding to a workpiece, has multiple detent pawls formed on the shank that extend radially outward from the shank toward the head and that are elastically resilient in the radially inward direction. On the outside, each detent pawl has an engagement recess with support surfaces. The shank has a longitudinal hole, in which is located a stud, wherein one end of the stud projects out of the longitudinal hole and forms the head for welding. Also formed on the shank is a flange that is elastically resilient in the axial direction, whose outermost edge region is located opposite the engagement recess of the detent pawls. |
| US08046876B2 |
Cookware handle with compressible grip
A cookware handle designed to be grasped by a user's hand, consisting of a rigid structure attached to the cookware, and a flexible grip surrounding the rigid structure. The flexible grip has at least one part consisting of a wall that is from 2 to 10 mm thick, and preferably 5 mm thick, that creates a hand support surface, and at least one hollow cavity inside the grip is adjacent to the wall to enable said wall to be compressed when the handle is grasped. |
| US08046873B2 |
Spider hinge for a frameless glass door
A spider hinge for a frameless glass door includes a base plate, a pivot block connected to the base plate, a swing base pivotally connected to the pivot block, and a positioning mechanism disposed between the pivot block and the swing base. The swing base has two legs slantwise extending therefrom. Each leg has a round frustum extending therefrom. The round frustum has a threaded hole define in one side thereof for assembling with a fastener. The glass door is secured by fastening the fastener and the round frustum. The positioning mechanism includes two springs and a positioning block connected to the two springs and biased by the springs. The pivot block has multiple cavities for selectively receiving the positioning block to achieve the purpose of positioning the swing base. |
| US08046870B2 |
Nozzle
A nozzle intended to be connected to a suction source, such as a vacuum cleaner/wet vacuum cleaner, whereby the nozzle includes at least one suction aperture which communicates with the suction source, and a gathering unit disposed close to each suction aperture, each gathering unit including a surface treatment element. Distinguishing features of the nozzle are that each gathering unit has a peripheral surface and a front surface which faces towards the running surface, the transition between the peripheral surface and the front surface is rounded, each gathering unit is provided with a scraper unit which is U-shaped in cross-section and constitutes a surface treatment element, and that the open side of the scraper unit is oriented along the front surface of the gathering unit. |
| US08046864B2 |
Toothbrush with recesses
The toothbrush body according to the invention has on its top side a hand-supporting section with at least one longitudinal support strip which extends along the longitudinal axis of a handle part and next to which is located at least one recess which extends laterally from the top side to a bottom side. The recesses can take the form of holes located between two longitudinal support strips or of open lateral recesses formed in the broad sides of the toothbrush body. |
| US08046863B2 |
Integrated mop system
In an embodiment, a mop includes a mop head and a shaft attached to the mop head. A handle is attached to the shaft by a pivot. An actuator member is coupled to the handle between a grip end and the pivot. Translation of the handle causes the actuator member to translate. In an embodiment, the pivot is offset from the shaft and arranged so that the shaft is located between the position where the handle is attached to the actuator member and the position where the handle is attached to the pivot. A stop may be provided to limit the translation of the handle. The actuator member is coupled a mop fiber base that supports mop fibers. The surface of the mop fibers may have a plurality of raised portions. |
| US08046862B2 |
Drain cleaning apparatus with electronic cable counter
A drain cleaning machine with an electronic cable counter is disclosed which is of the character comprising a frame supporting a rotatable drum which is driven by a motor through an endless belt. The drum contains a flexible drain cleaning snake which is rotatable with the drum and axially displaceable into an out from the drum, and the frame supports a cable feeding device through which the cable extends and by which the cable is displaced into and out of the drum. An electronic cable counter is configured to count an amount of cable payed out from and retracted into the drum and includes first and second sensor portions mounted on the rotatable drum and a cable follower member, respectively to sense relative rotational movement therebetween. A process determines an amount and direction of relative movement therebetween and generates a signal representative of an amount of cable payed or retracted into the drum. A fixed receiver unit is mounted to the frame and includes a human readable display portion and a receiver portion configured to receive the signal generated from the processor portion. |
| US08046861B2 |
Power toothbrush using acoustic wave action for cleansing of teeth
The toothbrush includes a handle portion and a brushhead assembly which comprises a head portion and a stem portion. The head portion includes a bellows-like acoustic action member for creating acoustic wave action as it moves in and out in response to an acoustic driving force. A drive system is located in the handle and includes an audio speaker-type assembly to create acoustic waves which are transmitted through a transmission line to the acoustic action member. The acoustic action member is driven toward and away from the teeth when the toothbrush is operatively positioned within the mouth. The action of the acoustic member is directly or indirectly coupled to the fluid in the mouth, producing a foam which couples shear forces between the acoustic action member and the teeth/gums to produce a desired cleaning/therapeutic effect. |
| US08046857B2 |
Dock leveler seals and associated methods and systems
Dock leveler seals and associated methods and systems are described herein. A dock leveler having a rear hinge seal configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a rear support frame and a movable deck. The rear support frame includes a plurality of first support members extending therefrom, and the aft edge portion of the deck includes a plurality of second support members pivotally coupled to the first support members along an axis. The seal of this embodiment includes a first edge portion extending outwardly from a medial portion in a first direction, and a second edge portion extending outwardly from the medial portion in a second direction. The medial portion urges the first edge portion against the support frame and the second edge portion against the aft edge portion of the deck as the deck pivots about the axis in operation. |
| US08046854B2 |
Washing machine
Disclosed is a washing machine, The washing machine includes a tub to contain washing water; a drum rotatably installed in the tub to contain laundry to be washed; a detergent box to contain a detergent supplied to the inside of the tub; and a steam generating device to heat water to generate steam, supply the generated steam to the drum, and supply the heated water selectively to the detergent box. |
| US08046852B1 |
Bed sheet with pockets
A bed sheet is made of: a material body with inner and outer surfaces configured to substantially cover a mattress. The sheet is provided with at least one pair of co-located pockets provided on the material body. The pockets are substantially rectangular and are placed one on top of the other. The outermost pocket has a height less than that of the inner pockets. The top edges of each pocket are open and slope in opposite direction to facilitate selective placement of objects in one pocket or the other. |
| US08046849B2 |
Shower heated by solar energy
The shower heated by solar energy comprises a platform (2), to a base (2a) of which is connected a piping (3) containing a water supply. A tubular body (4) is connected superiorly to the platform (2), bearing a shower head (5) at a top thereof. The platform (2) internally exhibits a plurality of conduits (7) for retaining water, which plurality of conduits (7) is exposed to solar rays. |
| US08046848B2 |
Self-cleansing portable urine collection device
A self-cleansing portable urine collection device and method of collecting urine in a self-cleansing portable urine collection device is provided. The collection device includes a housing which houses a urine collection receptacle configured to collect urine from a user. A cleansing container which retains a cleansing solution is configured to supply the cleansing solution to the receptacle. The device further includes a reservoir coupled to the receptacle and configured to receive the urine and the cleansing solution collected by the receptacle. A pump coupled to the receptacle and the reservoir is configured to transport the urine and the cleansing solution from the receptacle to the reservoir. |
| US08046847B1 |
Universal shoulder protector
A shoulder protector comprising a generally “U” shaped device of a resilient material that fits over the shoulder comprising: a base; and a pair of flanges extending orthogonally from the base that define a channel for reception of the scapula area of the body. According to various preferred embodiments, the shoulder protector of the present invention includes; 1) a hygienic layer on the side of the device that addresses the body; 2) an adherent layer that engages an overworn jersey on that surface of the device that lies away from the body of the user; enlarged shoulder pad areas that extend over and below the shoulder of a user; and removable rigid or semi-rigid shoulder pads that can be removably attached to the shoulder protector of the present invention. |
| US08046846B2 |
Helmet restraint system
A helmet restraint system for restraining the forward and downward movement of a helmet having an unfavorable center of gravity. A buckle strap having a first end and a second end is configured to be movably disposed in a wearer's garment. The buckle strap is preloaded between its first end, which is attached to the adjustment mechanism, and its second end, which is attached to an emergency release, and is extended in a loop coming out from first and second openings respectively in the collar of the garment for connection with a snap hook on the helmet. |