| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08051846B2 |
Two-cycle engine
Through holes formed on an atomization pipe can prevent fuel adhering on inner walls of the through holes from escaping. In addition, when fuel adhering on an inner circumferential surface of the atomization pipe flows toward a downstream side, the fuel enters the through holes. Thus, the fuel can be confined therein. Furthermore, an absorbing member can absorb the fuel that has adhered to a downstream inner wall of the atomization pipe and flows toward the downstream side. Moreover, a periphery of the intake passage hole of a gasket protrudes from the inner wall, so that flow of the fuel that the absorbing member fails to absorb toward the downstream side can be blocked. Accordingly, a rapid increase in the amount of fuel flowing into the engine body can be reliably prevented. Therefore, fluctuation in the number of revolutions of the engine can be sufficiently restrained. |
| US08051845B2 |
Air intake apparatus for internal combustion engine
A housing has an intake passage extending substantially in a vertical direction of a vehicle. A valve is configured to open and close the intake passage. A shaft supports the valve. A bearing supports the shaft. A hose is connected with an upper side of the housing in the vertical direction and configured to lead intake air into the intake passage. A communication passage configured to communicate an inside of an internal combustion engine of the vehicle with the hose. The communication passage has an opening in the vicinity of a point directly above the bearing. The hose has a wall surface defining a condensate passage, which connects the opening with a target location from which condensate is to be dropped. |
| US08051844B2 |
Apparatus for treating crankcase gases from engines
Apparatus is provided for removing oil from crankcase gases flowing from an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes filtration particles, contained within an outer case, that collect oil particles and allow drainage of the oil into an accumulator. An inner shell may be used as a water accumulator. |
| US08051842B2 |
Internal combustion engine with an exhaust-gas turbocharger and a charge-air cooler and method for operating an internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine includes an intake manifold in a fresh air system. The intake manifold opens into inlet ports of a cylinder head. An exhaust-gas turbocharger has a turbine and a compressor, which is driven by the turbine. The turbine is disposed in the exhaust-gas system. The compressor is disposed in the fresh air system. The turbine has a turbine wheel and a wastegate channel configured to allow a bypassing flow of exhaust-gas past the turbine wheel of the turbine. A wastegate valve is disposed in the wastegate channel for selectively opening and closing the wastegate channel. An electric actuator is provided for operating the wastegate valve. A charge-air cooler is disposed, downstream of the compressor, in the fresh air system. The charge-air cooler is integrated into the intake manifold and is embodied with a water-cooled heat exchanger. |
| US08051829B2 |
Method for controlling low temperature combustion
A method for adjusting fuel injection of an engine is disclosed. In one example, fuel injection timing is adjusted to account for fuels having different cetane numbers. Operation of the engine may be improved especially during conditions where combustion phase may vary. |
| US08051824B2 |
Shaft
A shaft (1a-d) is provided that is rotatably mounted by a journal (2) in a housing (4) in which lubricant mist is provided. One or several outward-extending ribs (6) extend between the journal and shaft sections (5a, 5b) adjacent to the journal. The shaft is mounted by the journal in the housing using a rolling bearing (3) that is lubricated exclusively by the lubricant mist. At least one of the ribs associated with the journal extends at a certain angle of attack (11, 12) to the axis of rotation of the shaft and is used as a blade for conveying the lubricant mist into the rolling bearing. |
| US08051823B2 |
Combined actuator with rheological control brake
A combined actuator provided with: a mobile element; a driver for displacing the mobile element; and a rheological control brake, which is mechanically coupled to the mobile element to adjust the displacement of the mobile element; the rheological control brake has: two contiguous adjustment chambers; a rheological fluid contained in the two adjustment chambers; a sliding piston, which tightly separates the two adjustment chambers and is mechanically connected to the mobile element; at least one external connection pipe, which reciprocally connects the two adjustment chambers; and a driving device which is coupled to the external connection pipe so as to apply a variable electromagnetic field to the rheological fluid contained in the external connection pipe for varying the viscosity of the rheological fluid between a minimum value and a maximum value. |
| US08051821B2 |
Camshaft apparatus
A camshaft apparatus includes rolling bearings which support a camshaft rotatably, whereby a reduction in torque when an engine is started or is running at low speeds, a reduction in vibration of the camshaft and an extension of the lives of the bearings can be realized. In the rolling bearings, one rolling bearing is made to constitute a main ball bearing which restrains an axial relative movement of the camshaft relative to a shaft case, and the other rolling bearings are made to constitute a plurality of needle roller bearings, whereby a mechanical movement of the camshaft in an axial direction can be restricted in an ensured fashion by the main ball bearing. As to relative displacements due to thermal expansion or contraction of the camshaft and/or the shaft case, an axial relative displacement can be absorbed by needle rollers relatively moving on inter-cam outer circumferential surface areas. |
| US08051820B2 |
Cam cap and oil passage connection structure
A gasket provided in a gasket groove, receives the force that acts in the direction in which two pressure-adjusting oil passages are aligned in line, and the magnitude and direction of this force change as the difference between the hydraulic pressures in the pressure-adjusting oil passages varies. However, because the opening of a hydraulic oil supply passage is located on an imaginary line extending through between the openings of the two pressure-adjusting oil passages, pressure is applied from the hydraulic oil supply passage to the gasket, whereby constant and large frictional force occurs between the gasket and the side wall of the gasket groove. Thus, the gasket is firmly retained in the gasket groove, whereby the vibration of the gasket is suppressed. |
| US08051808B2 |
Animal harness
A harness for a quadruped animal including a chest strap which in use of the harness lies across the chest of the animal in front of the forelegs, the harness including an attachment for a leading strap, the attachment being slidably mounted on the chest strap for movement therealong. Each end of the chest strap is attached to a trunk loop which in use of the harness passes around the trunk of the animal behind the forelegs. The trunk loop includes a back strap which in use of the harness lies across the back of the animal affixed to a lower strap which in use of the harness passes under the animal behind the forelegs. |
| US08051805B2 |
One way gate for animals
A one way gate primarily for pigs is located between a pair of parallel panels to be mounted in a fence line and includes two gate portions each defined by a transverse rail across the passage between the panels at a height above the passage and a plurality of fingers hanging from the rail separately pivotal in one direction only to the animal to pass and prevented from rotation in the opposite direction. The distance between the gate portions is less than 3.0 feet so as to be less than the length of the animal to prevent an animal being located between the rails and greater than 0.5 feet such that an animal attempting to lift the second fingers cannot simultaneously lift the first fingers. |
| US08051802B2 |
Fodder tree utilization in pasture based monogastric digestion animal management
Monogastric digestion animals, such as pigs and chickens, are raised in a completely environmentally sound and effective manner that has numerous other advantages over conventional feed lot confinement. The animals are allowed to roam and feed freely in a confined and managed at least one acre fodder tree orchard with pasture base (20-40% swine-compatible legumes, 80-55% grasses). The fodder trees are at least primarily honey locust, mulberry, chestnut, and persimmon, about 30-45 mature trees per acre. Swine may first be raised on primarily pasture alone, and the pasture base from the orchard harvested to produce hay, which is removed for use at a later time and/or place. A hog may be raised having a weight of about 250-340 pounds, and a lean weight of at least about 38%, and at least 5% leaner and heavier on average than if raised in feed lot confinement. |
| US08051801B2 |
Annular rotary platform for a milking parlour, a mould and method for manufacturing of such a platform
The invention relates to an annular rotary platform (3) for a milking parlour and a mould and method for manufacturing the annular platform. The platform (3) is formed of a cementitious material. The platform comprises on an underside at least one protruding reinforcing portion (3d) formed of a cementitious material. |
| US08051798B2 |
Mounting assembly for a stent and a method of using the same to coat a stent
A mounting assembly for a stent and a method of coating a stent using the assembly are provided. |
| US08051797B1 |
Device to stabilize and align a pre-mounted stent
A support device is provided to hold a pre-mounted device, such as a stent mounted on a balloon of a delivery catheter, for insertion in a coating apparatus. The support device stabilizes, aligns and holds the pre-mounted stent assembly in order to allow correct location and rotation in relation to a coating applicator in a coating apparatus and to avoid damage during the coating process. |
| US08051796B2 |
Robotic apparatus and method for painting
A robotic painting system includes a device for generating a vacuum and a dump line disposed upstream from a connection between an isolation line and a canister, wherein the device for generating a vacuum and the dump line are employed for filling and cleaning the robotic painting system. |
| US08051793B2 |
Retractable hydrofoil for marine vehicles
A marine vehicle with at least one hydrofoil at the lower hull of such marine vehicle, and at least one drive element for retracting a pair of hydrofoils mounted side-by-side on both sides of the symmetry axis of the hull of the marine vehicle. When hydrofoils are in the retracted position, the marine vehicle is converted to a conventional marine vehicle. |
| US08051785B2 |
Collapsible table
A collapsible table includes a table board, at least one folding mechanism, and plural table legs. The folding mechanism further includes a central body, at least one rotation lock assembly, and a pair of fastening assemblies mounted on the table legs. The central body is settled between the two fastening assemblies. The rotation lock assembly is arranged between the central body and one of the fastening assemblies, wherein the central body, the rotation lock assembly, and the fastening assembly are mutually coupled and fixed. The rotation lock assembly contains a rotating piece that is rotatable to be positioned at predetermined positions. The rotating piece has one end fixed to a bottom surface of the table board. Thus, all components related to rotating and locking are modularized into and thereby hidden in the folding mechanism to facilitate assembly, disassembly, transportation, and storage of the collapsible table. |
| US08051781B1 |
Shelf for overlying a shower barrier
A shelf for overlying a shower barrier uses a pair of shelves that are connected by a connector shelf allowing the device to telescope. Each of the pair of shelves abut a side wall and overlie a curtain rod or the top of a shower door. Each shelf has a flat upper surface and a decorative downwardly depending front surface for enhancing the aesthetics of the shower enclosure and concealing the rod or top of the door. Various devices can be used to hold the shelves against the walls including telescoping rods attached to the connector shelf and the other two shelves with a set screw holding the rods in place. A compression spring can also push on the outer shelves; or screws can pass through either screw bosses on the two other shelves and into the respective walls or a bracket can, be attached to the outer shelves and the walls. |
| US08051780B2 |
Train driver's cab comprising a canopy
A cab of this type comprises a frame (3) defining an internal volume (3a), the frame (3) having at least one upper opening (3b) for receiving panes of glass of said cab, said cab being wherein it comprises a canopy (2) forming an assembly in a single piece which is attached to the frame (3) so as to cover the upper opening (3b) and enclose the internal volume (3a), said canopy comprising a support frame (10) provided with side rails (11) defining at least two openings therebetween and at least two panes of glass (4, 5, 6) filling each opening respectively. |
| US08051775B2 |
Detonation to igniter booster device
A detonating device includes a high explosive portion comprising high explosive; a low explosive portion comprising low explosive; and a transition portion between the high explosive portion and the low explosive portion, wherein the transition portion comprises a mixture of high explosive and low explosive. |
| US08051773B2 |
Pivoting print units
An apparatus and method print onto a portion of a medium with one or more print units in a printing orientation and pivot the one or more print units about one or more axes non-parallel to the portion from the printing orientation to a servicing orientation. |
| US08051767B2 |
Conic funnel integrally connected to a supporting planar platform
A conic funnel integrally connected to a supporting planar platform in combination with an essentially flat disposable filter that is transformed into a three-dimensional conic configuration disposed to be inserted into the conic funnel. The apex of the conic funnel is truncated and projected through a first circular orifice at the approximate center of the supporting planar platform such that an effluent is focused into a receiving vessel upon which the supporting planar platform is placed. A second orifice vents air displaced by the effluent. A tab-like member and/or handle are used to hold or hang the apparatus. The apparatus has special applications for brewing beverages such as coffee by using nonproprietary nonpreformed low-cost generic circular paper filters such as those used in consumer coffeemakers as well as eliminating auxiliary laboratory equipment needed to vertically hold Buchner type funnels. |
| US08051766B1 |
Mechanism and top for personal beverage press
There is an apparatus for brewing and making a personal beverage, which combines an independently sliding filter apparatus and a push button opening and closing mechanism, which coordinate vertically applied pressure and controlled rotational movement. |
| US08051752B2 |
Coaxial load wheel and cranks
An exercise machine includes a base, an axle rotationally supported on the base and two cranks connected to the axle. The cranks are rotational synchronously with the axle. A drive wheel unit includes an active wheel provided on the axle so that the active wheel is rotational synchronously with the cranks. A passive wheel unit includes a load wheel supported on the axle so that the load wheel is rotational relative to the axle and a passive connected to the load wheel so that the passive wheel is rotational synchronously with the load wheel. A step-up device includes a shaft rotationally supported on the base and small and large wheels connected to the shaft so that they are rotational synchronously. The small wheel is connected to the active wheel so that they are rotational together. The large wheel is connected to the passive wheel so that they are rotational together. |
| US08051751B2 |
Lockable torque-limiting driver
A lockable torque-limiting driver includes a body and a sleeve received in a sleeve chamber of the body and secured therein by recesses inside the body. The sleeve is provided with projecting edges on the outer wall to be respectively fitted in the recesses of the body, plural recessed grooves at the inner wall for fixing an upper cam, and female threads at the inner wall to be screwed with the male threads of a torque-limiting member, further disposed with plural positioning serrations at topside and a center chamber inside. The upper cam and a lower cam respectively have one-way serrations to be mutually engaged. The torque-limiting member is fixed with positioning projections to be actuated to move on the positioning serrations of the sleeve and give out sounds by which a user can know a torque limiting extent desired. |
| US08051750B2 |
Guiding device
A guiding device includes a connecting member, a first clamping arm, and a second clamping arm. The first clamping arm defines a first restricting groove and a first receiving groove in an end, and the first restricting groove communicates with the first receiving groove. The second clamping arm defining a second restricting groove and a second receiving groove in an end, and the second restricting groove communicates with the second receiving groove. The first clamping arm and the second clamping arm are rotatably connected to the connecting member. When the first clamping arm resists the second clamping arm, the first restricting groove and the second restricting groove cooperatively form a guiding portion. The first receiving groove and the second receiving groove cooperatively form a receiving portion. The receiving portion is substantially perpendicularly to the guiding portion to form a T-shaped groove. |
| US08051747B1 |
One-way ratchet wrench
A one-way ratchet wrench according to the present invention includes a wrench body, a ratchet wheel, a pawl, an anchor, an elastic element and the following elements. A cover is hollow and annular and is annularly provided with a groove. The cover is mounted on the first receiving recess of the wrench body and presses against engaging teeth. A clip ring is mounted between the clip groove of the wrench body and the groove of the cover. The cover and the ratchet wheel are thereby mounted in the first receiving recess of the wrench body such that the cover and the ratchet wheel would not disengage from the first receiving recess of the wrench body during rotation. |
| US08051740B2 |
Actuating device with rotary switch
An actuating device is provided for selecting gears of an automatic transmission. The actuating device includes a rotatable actuating element as well as a crank arrangement (9) with stop elements (Mn) for limiting the rotation angle of the actuating element to a total switching angle. The actuating element may assume n switching positions within the total switching angle. The crank arrangement (9) has a separate stop element (Mn), which can be activated in a controlled manner, and a crank area (12, 13) for each of the n switching positions. The crank area (12, 13) comprises at least one crank segment (A, B, C, . . . ), between the end stops of which a stop element (Mn) can assume one of n relative positions, which correspond to the n switching positions. The crank segments (A, B, C, . . . ) are arranged distributed over the total crank angle such that all n relative positions are occupied by the n stop elements (Mn) for each relative switching position (1, 2, 3, . . . ). The actuating device makes possible, analogously to purely mechanical actuating elements with discrete locking position, the reliable actuation of complex technical systems. At the same time, intuitively detectable and especially tactile feedback, which is unambiguous under all operating conditions, is achieved for the actual state of the system. |
| US08051737B2 |
Worm gear drive
A worm gear drive has a self locking gear train. The gear train comprises a worm 34 fitted to a motor shaft 32 and in mesh with a worm wheel 35 which drives the output 26. The motor shaft 32 extends between two thrust bearings 29, 60 having faces 54 which contact respective axial ends of the motor shaft 32. The contact between at least one of the thrust bearings 29 and the shaft 32 is adapted to provide a high frictional force. |
| US08051734B2 |
Gear shift device for an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle
In a gear shift device for an automated shift transmission of a motor vehicle having a main transmission and an auxiliary group, wherein a series of gear shift elements, for example in the form of gear shift forks, have to be operated, piston cylinder units for shifting the main transmission are combined in a gear shift module and the piston cylinder units for shifting the auxiliary group are arranged spaced apart from the gear shift module of the main transmission but connected to the gear shift module via a fluid line. |
| US08051733B2 |
Transmission for vehicle
A transmission for a vehicle in which changing a shift position is achieved by sliding a shifter. In sliding the shifter to change the established condition of gear trains respectively corresponding to a plurality of shift positions, the transmission of power from an engine to a main shaft is cut off. A feed mechanism for sliding the shifter is configured to reduce the sliding speed of the shifter in a neutral condition, or to cause the sliding operation of the shifter to have a single stopping action in the neutral condition during the sliding operation of the shifter in changing the established condition of the gear trains. The resulting configuration reduces the engagement noise when changing the shift position. |
| US08051730B2 |
Ball screw unit with lubrication apparatus
A lubrication apparatus is for a ball screw unit in which the grease state lubricant is used. There is formed a helical guide track in the lubrication apparatus. When the ball screw unit operates, a guide member rotates with the bolt, the grease stored in the guide track will flow ahead to the front terminal of the guide track and ooze out of the grease outlet to lubricate the bolt with the aid of a pressure produced due to the inertia of the flowing fluid, and the quantity of the oozed grease is determined by the size of the grease outlet. The lubrication of the ball screw unit can be performed automatically without relying on the external force. |
| US08051728B2 |
Monitoring a connection in a computer system
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that monitors a connection in a computer system between a connector and a component coupled to the connector. During operation, a first motion parameter of the connector, and a second motion parameter of the component are measured. Then, the connection is monitored by comparing information related to the first motion parameter and information related to the second motion parameter. |
| US08051724B1 |
Long cool-down tube with air input joints
A conduit system comprising: a conduit formed by a surface extending from a first end to a second end, wherein the conduit is configured to channel a mixture stream from the first end to the second end; and a plurality of fluid delivery features disposed along the conduit between the first end and the second end, wherein each fluid delivery feature is configured to deliver a conditioning fluid into the conduit in an annular formation in a direction angled towards the second end in the same direction as the flow of the mixture stream, thereby providing a sheath of conditioning fluid between the conduit surface and the mixture stream. |
| US08051723B2 |
Encoder-type register for an automatic water meter reader
An encoder-type register for an automatic meter reader to be interfaced with a visual read-only register of the kind found in a water meter that measures water consumption. The water meter register has a rotatable sweep hand that carries a magnet and rotates around a register plate in relation to the speed and volume of water moving through the water meter. A plurality of (e.g., three) magnetic (e.g., Hall effect) sensors are fixedly positioned one-after-another in the path of the magnet carried by the rotating sweep hand. The magnetic sensors measure the magnetic field produced by the rotating magnet and generate corresponding output signals. A microprocessor receives the output signals generated by the magnetic sensors whenever the magnet rotates therepast. The microprocessor stores information concerning the number of rotations of the magnet carried by the sweep hand depending upon the direction in which the magnet is being rotated as an indication of water consumption. The microprocessor provides the stored information to a meter interface unit connected to a set of output terminals of the encoder register so that such information can be transmitted from the meter interface unit to a remote data collector over a wireless communication path. |
| US08051712B2 |
Electronic stator end winding accelerometer sensor
An insulated accelerometer assembly is provided for attachment to a vibrated component. A base has a portion for engagement and connection with the vibrated component and to transmit vibration. An accelerometer senses vibration and is located at least partially within the base. A housing at least partially encloses the accelerometer and inhibits voltage discharge, corona damage, and voltage tracking on the accelerometer. The housing is made of an insulating material and has an interior for the accelerometer. The housing has a plurality of raised fins on the exterior. A mounting cap also inhibits voltage discharge, corona damage, and voltage tracking and secures the housing. The mounting cap is made of insulating material and has an exterior that includes a plurality of raised fins. A cable has an electrically conductive wire and has a shield to inhibit electrical noise. |
| US08051711B2 |
Electronic circuit for measuring a physical parameter supplying an analogue measurement signal dependent upon the supply voltage
The electronic circuit for measuring at least one physical parameter supplies an analogue output measurement signal (SA) dependent upon the value of a supply voltage. The circuit includes a sensor interface, connected to a sensor for supplying an analogue measurement signal (Vm) which is then filtered, an analogue-digital converter for digitally converting the filtered signal (Sm), and a digital signal control and processing unit for receiving a converted signal from the converter and supplying a digital measurement signal (SD). The sensor interface, the analogue-digital converter, and the processing unit are powered by a voltage regulator. The analogue and digital measurement signals are thus independent of any variation in the supply voltage (VCC) of the electronic circuit. A ratiometric unit, which may be an analogue multiplier or an analogue-digital converter, is powered by the supply voltage source (Bat) to recreate ratiometry on SA on the basis of Sm or SD. |
| US08051710B2 |
Method and apparatus for balancing a rotor
A midlength balanced rotor comprises a rotor assembly for rotation about an axis of rotation defining at least one of an axially extended, radially concentric, centerline borehole; an array of radially or tangentially distributed, axially extended pockets; and a series of radially or tangentially distributed, axially extended slots. At least one balance weight is positioned within at least one of the axially extended, radially concentric, centerline borehole, the array of radially or tangentially distributed, axially extended pockets, or the radially or tangentially distributed, axially extended slots to balance the rotor assembly. Alternatively, at least one balance correcting mass is removed from at least one of the axially extended, radially concentric, centerline borehole, the array of radially or tangentially distributed, axially extended pockets, or the radially or tangentially distributed, axially extended slots to balance the rotor assembly. In addition, a method of midlength balancing a rotor comprises the steps of providing a rotor assembly with at least one of an axially extended, radially concentric, centerline borehole; an array of radially or tangentially distributed, axially extended pockets; and a series of radially or tangentially distributed, axially extended slots; rotating the rotor shaft about an axis of rotation; determining unbalance of the rotor shaft; and adding or removing weight to at least one of said an axially extended, radially concentric, centerline borehole; array of radially or tangentially distributed, axially extended pockets; or series of radially or tangentially distributed, axially extended slots, to balance the rotor shaft. |
| US08051708B2 |
Temperature measuring circuit in a flowmeter
A value of a line-to-line resistor (24) is determined by subtracting a resistance value determined as a product of a voltage ratio based on divided voltages and a value of a reference resistor in a non-conductive state between a second electric wire (26) and a third electric wire (27) from a resistance value determined as a product of a voltage ratio based on the divided voltages and the value of the reference resistor in a conductive state therebetween. Once the value of the line-to-line resistor (24) is determined, it becomes possible to determine a compensated resistance value related to temperature. |
| US08051704B2 |
Method for diagnosing fuel injectors
A fuel injector diagnostic is disclosed. In one example, the diagnostic can determine if that amount of fuel injected or the timing of start of injection is degraded. Thus, the fuel injector diagnostic method can distinguish between different types of injector degradation. |
| US08051703B2 |
Methods for using a fluid stream to test a honeycomb body
Methods are provided for testing a honeycomb body comprised of a core portion comprising honeycomb cell walls and a circumferential skin portion overlying at least some outer honeycomb cell walls. The circumferential skin portion includes a cement mixture layer. The method comprises the step of directing a fluid stream from a pressurized fluid source at the honeycomb body. The fluid stream is capable of separating at least part of the skin portion from the outer honeycomb cell walls when the adherence between at least part of the skin portion and the outer honeycomb cell walls is below a minimum threshold. In one example, the method further comprises the step of inspecting at least part of the interface between the honeycomb body and the skin portion during or after directing the fluid stream at the honeycomb body. In further examples, an apparatus is provided for testing the honeycomb body. |
| US08051701B2 |
Methods and systems for measuring atmospheric water content
Methods and systems for measuring atmospheric water content, are provided. The method includes measuring a first air temperature and a first air pressure at a first location in a compressor, measuring a second air temperature and a second air pressure at a second location in the compressor, computing a ratio of specific heats from the first and second air temperatures and the first and second air pressures, and determining an atmospheric water content from the ratio of specific heats. |
| US08051698B2 |
Micro-electro-mechanical gyroscope with open-loop reading device and control method thereof
A micro-electro-mechanical gyroscope includes a first mass, which is able to oscillate along a first axis with respect to a fixed body, an inertial sensor having a second mass constrained to the first mass so as to oscillate along a second axis in response to a rotation of the gyroscope, a driving device coupled to the first mass that forms a control loop for maintaining the first mass in oscillation at a resonance frequency, and a reading device that detects displacements of the second mass along the second axis, which includes a charge amplifier for converting charge packets supplied by the inertial sensor into a charge-integration signal, and a low-pass filter. A calibration stage enables modification of a voltage between the second mass and the fixed body so as to minimize a component at a frequency that is twice the resonance frequency in the charge-integration signal. |
| US08051697B2 |
Self calibration devices for chemical and bio analytical trace detection systems
The present invention relates to chemical and bioanalytical sensors and sensor systems, particularly to systems incorporating a calibration device for sensors where the calibration device is comprised of an array of micromachined MEMS structures and materials for trapping and retaining calibrant or interferant materials until they are needed and released quantitatively using structure operatively associated with the array. |
| US08051694B2 |
Method of and apparatus for manufacturing shaft
A shaft manufacturing apparatus includes a first drawing die having a cylindrical first cavity defined therein which is open at both ends thereof and a second drawing die having a cylindrical second cavity defined therein which is open at one end thereof. The angle formed between a first tapered part of the first drawing die and the axis of the first cavity is greater than the angle formed between a second tapered part of the second drawing die and the axis of the second cavity. |
| US08051693B2 |
Device for mounting and functional verification of roll fittings in rolling mill stands or rolling mill trains such as, e.g., tandem rolling mill trains
In a device for mounting and functional verification of roll fittings (4) in rolling mill stands (1), at least a partial number of the roll fittings (4) forms a respective module (5), and the modules (5) are arranged, for pre-assembly with functional verification, on a mounting plate outside of the roll stand (1), with the modules being adjusted and/or verified, and at least one adjusted and/or verified module (5) is operatively arranged between two rolling mill stands (1), primarily, in the stand gap (9) and is arranged on a base frame (8) at constructively fixable support points (10). |
| US08051692B2 |
Shape detection device and shape detection method
A shape detection device capable of detecting meandering of a strip with high accuracy and a method thereof. The device includes a plurality of split rolls provided in a width direction of a rolling material; a table which guides the rolling material and which is rotatably supported; a fixing member supported by the table; torque detectors for separately detecting loads acting on both ends of the split rolls when the rolling material comes in contact with the split roll as moments; supporting arms of which one end rotatably supports the split roll and the other end is supported by the fixing member through the torque detectors; a meandering amount computing unit for computing a meandering amount of the rolling material using the moments detected by the torque detectors, and a plate shape computing unit for computing a plate shape of the rolling material using the moments and the meandering amount. |
| US08051685B2 |
Controller effectively controlling the power for a washing machine or a dryer, and a method for doing the same
The present invention relates to a controller effectively controlling the power for a washing machine and a drier, and a method of doing the same. More particularly, it relates to a controller for a washing machine or a dryer, and a method for supplying the power so that a washing machine and a drier as a one body may perform an optimal efficiency in a range of a current limit, when supplied the power by the same power source. A controller for a washing machine comprising a micom; and communication means for communicating with a controller of a dryer. A controller for a dryer comprising a micom; and communication means for communicating with the controller of the washing machine. |
| US08051684B2 |
Knitted tulle
A knitted tulle is disclosed, the tulle comprising a plurality of wales, each with a pillar stitch and at least two pairs of weft threads, each pair of weft threads interconnecting and tying-in at least four wales. Also disclosed is a method of knitting the tulle, preferably using a Raschel machine and an embroidered fabric comprising the tulle. The tulle according to the invention is robust and even and has properties similar to bobbinet tulle. |
| US08051683B2 |
Optical fiber PCVD using shifting of a deposition reversal point
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a preform for optical fibers via a vapor deposition process in which the position of the reversal point near the substrate tube's supply side shifts along the longitudinal axis of the substrate tube during at least part of the deposition process. |
| US08051679B2 |
Laser separation of glass sheets
Methods of using a laser to separate a glass sheet is presented that employs an elongated and, preferably, asymmetrically-truncated laser beam. The methods allow glass sheets suitable for use in modern display applications to be separated at speeds up to about 200 mm/s with low levels of residual stress, e.g., levels of residual stress which are less than or equal to 100 psi, and preferably less than 50 psi. Glasses with high coefficients of thermal expansion (e.g. greater than about 35×10−7/° C.) may be separated at faster speeds. Such low levels of residual stress translate into low levels of distortion during the manufacture of display panels (e.g., LCD panels) as well as in improved properties (geometry, strength, defect-free etc.) of the separated edges. The methods can be used with glasses of various types including glasses having high coefficients of thermal expansion and also with glass sheets of different thickness. |
| US08051676B2 |
Modular setting diamond jewelry
A modular setting diamond jewelry includes a noble metal base with the bottom thereof being in a shape of taper. A plurality of diamond holes is defined in the top of the noble metal base for receiving diamonds therein. A protrusion is formed between each two adjacent diamond holes which locate at the circumference of noble metal base. The peripheral setting diamonds abut against the central diamond with inner edges thereof. The outer edge of each peripheral diamond is aligned to the peripheral edge of the noble metal base. One diamond hole is defined in the center of the noble metal base, and eight diamond holes are defined around the central diamond hole. The modular setting diamond jewelry of the present invention is ready to make with low cost, since the diamond holes defined in the noble metal base and the protrusions formed between the peripheral diamond holes can install several diamonds and the diamonds together with the noble metal base form an artistic whole to have the same effect as a big grain diamond. |
| US08051675B1 |
Thermal system
A thermal system (100) includes a main pump (104) which pumps refrigerant to a device under test evaporator cluster (124). A system condenser (130) converts the gaseous refrigerant into liquid and the condenser liquid return is provided to a vapor/liquid separation and storage column (142). The thermal system (100) further includes a sump vaporizer (118) which forms part of a sump discharge line loop. |
| US08051669B2 |
Liquid evaporation cooling apparatus
In an apparatus comprising: an evaporator 1 for boiling and evaporating a cold/heat evaporable liquid under a reduced pressure; a condenser 2 for condensing vapor; a cold/heat indirect heat exchanger 6 at a load 14 side; a cooling heat exchanger 11 using the air; cold-heat circulation means 5 and 7 for circulating a cold/heat evaporable liquid in the evaporator to the cold/heat indirect heat exchanger; cooling circulation means 10 and 12 for circulating a cooling evaporable liquid in the condenser to the cooling heat exchanger; and a vapor compressor 20 provided in a vapor duct 19 extending from the evaporator to the condenser, a running cost is reduced when a temperature at the condenser side becomes lower than a temperature at the evaporator side due to a drop in air temperature, without a rise in a temperature of the cold/heat evaporable liquid. The vapor duct 19 is provided with a bypass vapor path 22 for bypassing the vapor compressor. The bypass vapor path is provided with an on-off valve 23. When a temperature at the condenser side becomes lower than a temperature at the evaporator side, the vapor compressor is shut down and the on-off valve is opened. |
| US08051667B2 |
Icemaker control module
An icemaker control module for controlling an icemaker making ice bodies in a freezer has a base with snap fit components including an insert molded circuit board, a motor assembly, an ice level sensing system using a bail arm or a paddle, and a water fill system. Lance features in the circuit board connect switch and motor leads. The thermostat, ground wire, and heater of the icemaker electrically couple to the insert molded circuit board when the ice maker control module is joined to the ice maker. Energy may be conserved by pausing rotation and turning off the heater. There is a method for manufacturing the insert molded circuit board in a cell. |
| US08051666B2 |
Microporous graphite foam and process for producing same
A microporous graphite foam, comprising a matrix of graphite fibers joined by a graphitized graphite-forming precursor, wherein the foam comprises irregular interstitial spaces having an average pore size in the range from about 0.1 to about 10 microns and a void fraction in the range from about 80% to about 95%. A process for producing a microporous graphite foam including a matrix of graphite fibers joined by a graphitized graphite-forming precursor. In its various embodiments, the graphite foam has one or more of pore sizes less than about ten microns, low bulk density, high physical strength and good machinability, while also having the desirable characteristics of graphite, including high thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity and solderability. A cryogenic cooling system including the graphite foam. In one embodiment, the graphite foam is a component of a cooling interface in the cryogenic cooling system. |
| US08051664B2 |
Pre-loaded internal fuel manifold support
A system for mounting an internal fuel manifold within a gas generator case of a gas turbine engine includes at least one fastener support assembly having a fastener pin and at least one receiving element, respectively engaged to either the internal fuel manifold or the gas generator case. A biasing member is located between the fastener pin and the receiving element to axially preload the joint between the fastener pin and the receiving element, such as to constrain relative movement between the two parts in an axial direction while allowing relative movement in a radial direction. |
| US08051663B2 |
Gas turbine engine systems involving cooling of combustion section liners
Gas turbine engine systems involving cooling of combustion section liners are provided. In this regard, a representative liner includes: an outer side, an inner side, an upstream end and a downstream end, the outer side being configured to face away from a combustion reaction, the inner side being configured to face the combustion reaction; a cooling air channel, at least a portion of the cooling air channel being located in a vicinity of the downstream end; and cooling holes formed through the inner side of the liner, the cooling holes being in fluid communication with the cooling air channel such that cooling air provided to the cooling air channel is directed through the cooling holes and to the inner side of the liner such that at least a portion of the inner side of the liner receives cooling air despite a corresponding portion located on the outer side of the liner being obstructed from directly receiving cooling air. |
| US08051659B2 |
Control apparatus for internal combustion engine and method for controlling the same
A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust gas recirculation unit; an intercooler that is provided in the intake passage, at a position downstream of a position to which the exhaust gas is recirculated back; a bypass passage through which an intake air flow bypasses the intercooler. When it is determined that the pH of the condensed water obtained from the exhaust gas is at the level at which the intercooler corrodes in the state where the exhaust gas is recirculated back by the exhaust gas recirculation unit, the control apparatus executes a control for cutting off an intake air flow toward the intercooler to direct the intake air flow only to the bypass passage. Thus, it is possible to ensure reliability of the intercooler. |
| US08051653B2 |
Velocity-pressure control apparatus of hydraulic machine
A velocity-pressure control apparatus of a hydraulic machine includes a pressure command generator, a pressure sensor, a pressure controller, a velocity command generator, a velocity limiter, a switch, a comparator, a velocity sensor, and a motor driver. The pressure controller receives a pressure compensation signal composed by the pressure command generator and the pressure sensor. The velocity limiter receives a compensation velocity signal from the pressure controller and a predetermined velocity signal from the velocity command generator and outputs a corresponding limiting velocity command signal to the switch. The comparator controls the velocity-pressure control apparatus to work at a velocity control mode when the pressure compensation signal is a positive signal or a null signal, and controls the velocity-pressure control apparatus to work at a master pressure control and slave velocity control mode when the pressure compensation signal is a negative signal. |
| US08051650B2 |
Hydraulic system
A hydraulic system for actuating a clutch and/or a variable speed drive unit of a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission of a vehicle, such as a commercial vehicle, and having a variable transmission ratio and a torque sensor. The hydraulic system includes at least one hydraulic energy source. A selector and check valve is provided for supplying additional components besides the torque sensor and is connected between the hydraulic energy source, the additional components, and the torque sensor in such a way that the torque sensor includes priority in being supplied with hydraulic medium. |
| US08051649B2 |
Hydraulically driven industrial machine
A hydraulically driven industrial machine having a variable displacement type hydraulic pump adapted to take in and pressurized working oil from an working oil tank, a hydraulic actuator to be driven by pressurized working oil delivered from the hydraulic pump through a control valve to perform a predetermined job, a variable return oil cooling means capable of cooling return oil from the hydraulic actuator at a varying cooling rate, an operational load detection means adapted to detect an operational load factor of the hydraulic actuator, and a control means adapted to vary the return oil cooling rate on the basis of an operational load factor detected by the operational load detection means. |
| US08051648B2 |
Exhaust manifold being integrally formed with cylinder head
An engine includes exhaust manifold integrally formed with a cylinder head. The engine may include an exhaust manifold having at least one single exhaust outlet for exhausting exhaust gas that is exhausted from at least two cylinders that are not adjacent with each other, wherein periods during which exhaust valves are open are not overlapped with each other between the at least two cylinders.The exhaust manifold is integrally formed with the cylinder head such that costs can be reduced. Also, the water jacket is formed between the exhaust passages of the exhaust manifold such that the durability of the turbocharger that is affected by a heat load can be improved.Also, the twin scroll turbocharger is directly connected to the exhaust outlet of the manifold such that the compression ratio of the intake air can be effectively improved. Further, the exhaust passages at which pulsation interference occurs with each other are separately disposed and the exhaust passages at which pulsation interference does not occur are combined together to form a single passage such that the torque is improved at low rpm and the remaining gas is effectively scavenged. |
| US08051645B2 |
Determination of diesel particulate filter load under both transient and steady state drive cycles
Methods for updating the PF soot load of an engine are provided herein. In one example, a soot storage estimate is based on processing operations that occur at different timings. The method can improve soot estimation during some conditions. |
| US08051640B2 |
Propulsion system, opposing grains rocket engine, and method for controlling the burn rate of solid propellant grains
A solid propellant thrust control system, method, and apparatus for controlling combustion of solid propellants in an opposing grains solid propellant rocket engine (OGRE) is provided. In particular, an opposing grains rocket engine and propulsion system is provided, in which actuator means connected are connected to solid propellant grains disposed in the pressure vessel of the engine. The actuator means are operable to selectively move the solid propellant grains together or apart relative to one another, such that the burning ends of the solid propellant grains decrease or increase relative to one another. This action controls the rate of combustion of the solid propellant grains by varying spacing distance between the burning ends of the solid propellant grains, and enables extinguishment and reignition of the OGRE. Further, a method is providing for controlling the burn rate of solid propellant grains undergoing combustion in an opposing grains rocket engine. |
| US08051638B2 |
Systems and methods for exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) for turbine engines
Systems and methods may be provided for exhaust gas recirculation. The systems and methods may include receiving, via an intake section, inlet air at an input of a compressor, generating compressed air at the compressor using the received inlet air, and providing the compressed air from the compressor to a combustor, where the combustor produces combustion involving the compressed air and fuel. The systems and methods may also include receiving combustion products associated with the combustion at a turbine component, where the turbine component releases exhaust gases, and recirculating at least a portion of the exhaust gases to the intake section via a recirculation line, where the recirculated exhaust gases raise a temperature of the inlet air. |
| US08051637B2 |
Heat energy recapture and recycle and its new applications
A heat absorbing radiator and a gas turbine engine or a reciprocating piston engine are used to recapture and reconvert wasted heat energies into electric power and finally into hydrogen-deuterium fuel by having the engine's tailpipes submerged in cold compressed air inside the heat absorbing radiator pipes in reverse air flow to further drive the same engine. In order to capture fusion heat energy a hydrogen bomb is detonated in deep ocean to catch the flames by the water and the hot water energizes compressed air inside heat absorbing radiator pipes. In order to produce fusion energy an electric arc is passed thru/across liquid or gaseous deuterium by an electro-plasma torch and by a sparkplug in an internal combustion engine, or by detonating a dynamite inside liquid deuterium. Diamond is produced by placing carbon inside a hydrogen bomb which is then detonated in deepwater. Deuterium fusion flame is used first in smelting glass into large structural sizes before running an engine. |
| US08051634B2 |
Replaceable guide assembly tines for an agricultural harvester
An agricultural harvester is provided that Includes a frame carrying a structure movable about an endless path to deliver a crop to a header. The frame includes a guide assembly including a guide member supported by the frame. The frame also includes at least one tine secured to the guide member without extending through the guide member, and the at least one tine extending from the guide member above the structure to guide the crop between the at least one tine and the structure to the header. The at least one tine is installable and removable from the guide member without disconnecting the guide member from the frame. At least one tine is installable and removable from the guide member substantially without tools. |
| US08051633B2 |
Cutterbar adjustment support for a crop harvesting header
A system for supporting a cutterbar of a crop harvesting header includes an adjustment assembly including a first arm pivotably secured to the header. The first arm includes a first portion configured to support the cutterbar, and a second portion including a torsion device having a mass of elastic material connected to the adjustment assembly. The second portion is configured to be pivotably rotatable about a first axis by the adjustment assembly to selectably increase or decrease a force appliable to the first portion in order to raise or lower the first portion with respect to the header. The system further includes a connecting lever having one end pivotally connected to an interconnecting member and another end coupled to the second arm, wherein the connecting lever has a pivot portion for rotation about a second axis, the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis. |
| US08051631B2 |
Rear discharge mower
A rear discharge mower comprising: a first shaft; a first blade that is rotated in unison with the first shaft; a second shaft that is configured to be rotated in a direction opposite from a rotational direction of the first shaft; a second blade that is rotated in unison with the second shaft, wherein a grass-clippings discharge path is formed through which grass clippings are discharged in a rearward direction from the area between the first shaft and second shaft; an enclosing casing that supports the blade shafts; and a power train that is accommodated in the enclosing casing and that transmits power to the first and second blade shafts. |
| US08051628B2 |
Device and method for gas filling of a duct in a container
The invention relates to a device for gas filling of a duct (7) in a container (1) of a collapsible type, said duct (7) being defined by a first and a second side wall (2) of the container (1), the side walls (2) being joined along a common connecting portion (4), and said duct (7) comprising an inlet (15) arranged in the first side wall (2). The device comprises an abutment (21) and a gas module (26) with an outlet (28), which is arranged in a surface of the gas module (26) facing the abutment (21), and a clamping means (29) arranged outside the outlet (28), which clamping means (29) is applicable to the abutment (21) for clamping the container (1), and which outlet (28), in connection with the clamping of the container (1), is applicable to said inlet (15) for supply of gas to the duct (7) of the container. The device is characterized by a groove (30) formed in said surface of the gas module (26), which groove surrounds the outlet (28) and is positioned radially inside said clamping means (29), said groove (30) being arranged to prevent, when supplying gas to the duct (7) intended to be filled with gas, build-up of a pressure above atmospheric on the side, facing the gas module, of said first side wall (2) surrounding said inlet (15). The invention also relates to a method for filling such a duct with gas. |
| US08051627B2 |
Tower adapter, method of producing a tower foundation and tower foundation
A tower adapter is provided, the tower adapter includes a cylindrical portion extending in a longitudinal direction of the adapter, and a first lateral portion extending perpendicularly to the cylindrical portion at a first end thereof and having a plurality of first through-holes. The ratio of a maximum longitudinal extension and a maximum lateral extension of the adapter is smaller than or equal to 1. |
| US08051624B2 |
Access floor grounding fastener
A fastener for connecting a panel to a support, the fastener having at least one projection for penetrating the panel surface upon fastening of the panel to the support, thereby making electrical contact thereto. |
| US08051619B2 |
Reinforcing spacer device
A reinforcing and spacing device is described for use in a masonry wall structure of successive courses of brick, block, stone or other similar masonry material. The reinforcing spacer device includes parallel side rods with interconnecting intermediate rods and spacing nodes disposed on the side rods and the intermediate rods. The embedment of the reinforcing spacer device in the horizontal and vertical mortar joints of a masonry wall structure provides simultaneous reinforcement of the horizontal mortar joint and uniform spacing of the brick, block, stone or other similar masonry material. The reinforcing spacer device is a labor-saving, combination device that is economical to manufacture and allows for proper positioning and strengthening of a masonry wall structure. |
| US08051618B2 |
Panel attachment clip
A clip for suspending ceiling panels from a horizontal channel having a C-shape formed by a vertical web and integral opposed horizontal upper and lower flanges, the clip comprising a sheet metal body, the body including a vertical web extending between upper and lower portions, the upper portion being configured to overlie the horizontal upper flange of the channel when installed thereon, the lower portion being configured to lie below the horizontal lower flange of the channel, the lower portion including a generally upstanding hook section adapted to be received in a downwardly open channel on the ceiling panel beneath the C-shaped channel to enable the clip to support the panel by transferring the weight of the panel to the C-shaped channel, the hook section being fixed against horizontal movement relative to the body vertical web. |
| US08051615B2 |
Cable anchor
A cable anchor has ball surfaces that permit misalignment between the cable and a stem of the anchor, and a fitting that permits the introduction of a corrosion inhibitor to the interior of the anchor. |
| US08051614B1 |
Intumescent structure for ducting carrying communications cabling
An intumescent structure provides a hermetic-type barrier within a fiber duct through which communications cabling is extended. The structure is formed of a fire-resistant body possessing a plurality of pre-perforated forms that extend through the body. Each of the pre-perforated forms may be sized to have cross-sectional dimensions and geometries that generally correspond to the cross-sectional configurations of communications cabling that are typically placed in a fiber duct to interconnect electronic equipment. Selective removal of the pre-perforated forms establish associated passageways through the body for receiving the appropriately sized cabling therethrough. This facilitates the maintenance of a barrier to gasses and other substances escaping through the duct, while still allowing cabling to freely pass through the duct. |
| US08051612B2 |
Wall system having biasing members retaining panels to posts that are secured by anchoring structure
A wall system suitable for use in applications such as a fence or a wall of a building which comprises posts and panels which are interconnected or interengaged so that the wall may comprise a series of inline panels or corners formed by two panels and a single post, the interconnection or interengagement of the panels being effected without use of mechanical fasteners, glue, welding, or similar modes of attachment. |
| US08051608B1 |
Wind tower transport cover
A wind tower transport cover for covering an opening at an end of a wind tower section. The wind tower transport cover includes a main section and a packaging section. The main section is capable of substantially covering the opening at the end of the wind tower section. The packaging section extends from the main section. The packaging section is positionable in a storage configuration where the packaging section is substantially adjacent the main section and wherein the main section is positionable in a shipping configuration where the main section is at least partially within the packaging section. |
| US08051605B2 |
Door threshold
A door threshold may include upper and lower members for sandwiching carpet and/or carpet padding therebetween. The threshold may, in certain example embodiments, grip the carpet in order to prevent it from being pulled out from between the upper and lower threshold members. Thus, in certain example instances, the need for tacks (or carpet tack strip(s)) proximate the threshold can be reduced and/or eliminated. In certain example embodiments of this invention, the threshold structure may include a locating bracket that is provided proximate the door frame for frame alignment and security purposes, and/or one or more pans located under the threshold for locating and/or securing purposes. Levelers, shims and/or the like may be used in certain example embodiments in order to compensate for non-level flooring proximate the door. |
| US08051604B2 |
Hinge/tilt window driven by an electric motor and comprising a feed chain
The invention relates to a hinge/tilt window with a window frame and a casement with a casement frame that can be tilted about a horizontal rotational axis (X) and about a vertical rotational axis in relation to the window frame. The window also includes a hinge/tilt shank for opening and closing the casement. The hinge/tilt shank has a main arm that is hinged on the casement frame for tilting the casement and a gear with multiple articulations that is hinged on the main arm and the window frame in order to rotate the casement about the vertical rotational axis. A drive device, which is driven by an electric motor, includes a feed chain for opening the casement into a tilted position and for closing the casement from the tilted position. |
| US08051603B1 |
Water wing plant pot
A plant pot has a main central portion having an opening providing access to a main planting area, and a pair of wings extending from the main central portion, namely a left wing and a right wing; and a pair of dividers, namely a left divider and a right divider. The pair of dividers is inserted between the pair of wings and the main central portion. The pair of dividers is formed as sheets, and the pair of dividers is removable from a divider attachment area. A plurality of water openings are disposed on the pair of dividers, and the plurality of water openings allow water to pass between the main central portion and the pair of wings. |
| US08051602B2 |
System for conditioning crops
System for conditioning crops e.g. in a greenhouse, comprising climate control means which are arranged for providing a local microclimate area around the relevant crop, which climate control means comprising first means at a first location close to the crop, which are arranged for local humidification and simultaneous cooling or heating the local microclimate area, as well as second means at a second location close to the crop, which are arranged for dehumidification and simultaneous cooling or heating the local microclimate area. |
| US08051598B2 |
Universal decoy system
A universal decoy includes a base, a stake attached to and extending vertically from the base, and a decoy attached to the upward end of the stake. The decoy has a sound system and a decoy movement mechanism. |
| US08051595B2 |
Automatic or semi-automatic rifle
A rifle having a receiver with an integral hand guard and a barrel. The barrel is connected to the receiver. The hand guard extends over and surrounds the barrel. A removable hand guard is attached to the receiver by an attachment that stably holds the removable hand guard to the receiver. The attachment is arranged for allowing detachment and removal of the removable hand guard from the receiver without removal of fasteners. |
| US08051594B2 |
Compact foldable handgun
A handgun having a frame with a barrel. The barrel has a muzzle end and a breech end. A handgrip is attached to the frame to be pivotable relative to the frame and movable along the length of the frame. |
| US08051593B2 |
Stock assembly with recoil suppression
A stock assembly for attachment to the receiver of a shotgun is described. The assembly includes a pistol grip; a stock; a connector tube slidable within a conduit in the stock, the stock and connector being selectively lockable to each other; an attachment member slidable within the tube conduit between fully inserted and fully extended positions; a first elongated connector attached to the attachment member and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube into attachment with the pistol grip; a second elongated connector extending from the pistol grip into engagement with the receiver, the second member being at an angle to the first member; and a compression spring in the tube conduit urging the attachment member toward its fully extended position. |
| US08051588B2 |
Cutting tooth for a trench wall cutter
The invention relates to a cutting tooth for a trench wall cutter having a tongue-shaped tooth base for reception in a cutting wheel, whereby the tongue-shaped tooth base has a circumferentially surrounding holding groove, and at least one cutter which is arranged at the head-side of the tooth base. Provision is made for the cutting tooth with the tooth base and the cutter to be designed mirror-symmetrically to a plane of symmetry so that at least two opposite arranged cutters are present on the tooth base. |
| US08051587B2 |
Snowplow system, snow deflector apparatus and kit
A snow deflector apparatus that easily attaches to a snowplow, a kit that includes two snow deflector apparatus and a control system, and to a snowplow system that includes two snow deflector apparatus and a control system. The snow deflector apparatus includes a deflector plate, a deflector plate rotator mechanism and at least one spring. The deflector plate is dimensioned to obstruct at least a substantial portion of the end of the blade of the snowplow such that an amount of snow that is sloughed off of the blade is minimized when the deflector plate is in a deployed position. |
| US08051586B2 |
Customization system for an article of footwear
A customization system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The customization system comprises an insert system. The insert system includes an insert and a heel member. Both the insert and the heel member may be interchangeable, allowing the user to modify the article of footwear to provide a customized fit or performance optimization. An article of footwear may also include a full length composite plate to be used as part of an outsole assembly. The full length composite plate may comprise a composite material that has a certain percent elongation, and can include a heel cup for heel stability and improved traction. |
| US08051585B2 |
Article of footwear comprising a plurality of strips
An article of footwear comprising a plurality of strips is disclosed. The connections between continuous portions of the article can be strengthened by weaving a plurality of strips through apertures disposed in one or more continuous portions. One continuous portion may include a tongue portion of an article. The attachment of the tongue portion to a front of an article may be strengthened by weaving a plurality of strips through apertures. |
| US08051584B2 |
Shoe heel assembly and method
A shoe outsole has a heel post extending outwardly therefrom. An outer heel cover has a hole for receiving the heel post in an assembled position. The heel post thus acts as a convenient positioning guide for the heel cover. A plurality of fluid-filled heel cushioning members at least partly surrounds the heel post between the outsole and the cover in the assembled position, for cushioning heel impacts during use of the footwear. A plurality of dividers on the outsole extend radially of the heel post, and position each cushioning member between a pair of the dividers. The dividers thus act as convenient positioning guides for the cushioning members. The cushioning members have different resistances to compression for adjustably cushioning heel impacts during use of the footwear. |
| US08051582B2 |
Medially or laterally textured footbed
Footbeds (e.g., in footwear, socks, etc.) for engaging a plantar surface of a wearer's foot include one of the lateral or medial sides having a smooth or substantially smooth feel or surface while the opposite side has a textured feel or surface, e.g., by providing plural raised areas that define the textured feel or surface. Depending on the location of the texturing (lateral side or medial side) and/or the type of ambulatory activity (e.g., running or walking), lower extremity movement during the activity may be affected, e.g., to reduce pronation, reduce maximum eversion, reduce rearfoot range of motion, reduce eversion velocity, reduce plantarflexion when pushing off during a step, reduce inversion at heel strike, reduce eversion range of motion, reduce maximum internal tibial rotation, to increase stability during cutting motions, etc. |
| US08051580B2 |
Clothes dryer motor support assembly
The present invention relates to a dryer motor assembly support that limits or eliminates cabinet vibration and noise. The dryer comprises a cabinet comprising a floor having an outside peripheral portion, and a central portion with four openings. The dryer further comprises a motor assembly, having a motor and motor mount comprising a base, spaced above the openings. A support assembly for supporting the motor assembly comprises two parallel spaced apart support portions each spaced below and spanning across the central portion, passing beneath the openings. Each support portion has oppositely disposed end portions secured with the peripheral portion. Each support portion comprises two projections extending therefrom toward the base. Each projection passes through a corresponding one of the openings with clearance to secure the support portion with the base, isolating the motor. The motor and support assembly, and the openings are co-located away from the central portion. |
| US08051579B2 |
Dryer for hair shaving device
A dryer for hair shaving devices includes a casing having a drying space for removably receiving a blade portion of a hair shaving device, and a heater and a fan for drying the blade portion received in the drying space. Also, a control unit is provided for controlling output power of the heater and the fan to perform operation modes, the operation modes include a drying operation mode in which the heater and the fan are driven simultaneously and a sterilizing operation mode in which the heater alone is driven with the fan kept stopped. |
| US08051577B1 |
Methods and apparatus for installation of fasteners
An apparatus for positioning of fasteners normal to a surface through which the fasteners are to be inserted is described. The apparatus includes a sheet of material comprising a plurality of holes therethrough, where the holes are positioned to correspond with bores through the surface through which the fasteners are to be inserted, and a plurality of grommets. The grommets are operable for mounting in the holes in said sheet. Each grommet includes a hole centered therein and sized such that the grommet will support a fastener placed therein, and a plurality of radial keyways extending from the centered hole, the keyways having a specific radial depth to provide finger tabs at the centered hole to maintain support of the corresponding fastener normal to the sheet. |
| US08051575B2 |
Mounted scale bar
A scale-bar artifact can include a base, a structural component, at least two nests disposed on the structural component and configured to receive a spherically shaped object having a center, and at least three mounting assemblies, each mounting assembly including a first portion and a second portion. The second portion of each mounting assembly is coupled to the base. The first portion of each mounting assembly is coupled to the structural component. The first portion and second portion of each mounting assembly are in mutual contact. Each mounting assembly has a center of rotation. The centers of rotation of the three mounting assemblies share a common plane with the centers of the spherically shaped objects. |
| US08051571B2 |
Hair clipper with blade assembly release
A hair clipper includes a housing and a blade assembly coupled to the housing. The blade assembly is coupled to the housing at a cutting end and is movable between an operating position and an open position. The clipper also includes a release assembly including a release mechanism. The release assembly is switchable between a hold state and a release state. In the hold state, the release assembly holds the blade assembly in the operating position. In the release state, upon application of a force on the release mechanism, the release assembly releases the blade assembly to permit the blade assembly to move to the open position in the absence of an additional force. |
| US08051569B2 |
Method of building a boiler frame
New and useful method of building a boiler frame significantly reduces the use of high load-lifting height crane and improves the operation efficiency despite bad weather. Multiple levels of steel supporting posts, which are established beforehand, are linked together with their top portion by beams and the 9th floor unit is fixed to the posts at an intermediate floor position temporarily. Suspension rods, which are suspended from lifting jacks, are then connected to the 8th floor unit and jacked up, while floor units made for lower than the 8th floor are connected on the ground to form a multi-floor unit. After connecting the multi-floor unit to the 9th floor unit the temporary fixation is released, the multi-floor unit is lifted up, and each floor unit is permanently fixed to the designated floor position repeatedly and respectively. |
| US08051566B2 |
Method for manufacturing rigid internal gear of wave gear device
A method for manufacturing a rigid internal gear of a wave gear device in which an internally toothed portion formed with internal teeth and a gear main body portion are joined integrally, the method including preforming an internal teeth-forming ring or disc for forming the internally toothed portion by using a first aluminum alloy powder; manufacturing a forging in which the internal teeth-forming ring or disc is placed in a forging die and is integrally formed on its outer side with the gear main body portion using a second aluminum alloy powder, the first aluminum alloy powder being harder and having higher abrasion resistance than the second aluminum alloy powder; and applying post-processing including cutting teeth to the forging. |
| US08051565B2 |
Method for increasing fatigue notch capability of airfoils
A method of reducing crack propagation in an airfoil includes: providing an airfoil having a root spaced apart from a tip, spaced-apart leading and trailing edges, a suction side extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge, and an opposed pressure side extending from the leading edge and the trailing edge, supporting the airfoil against bending loads; and burnishing the airfoil using a burnishing element, so as to create at least one burnished section of residual compressive stress, the at least one burnished section being located adjacent the leading edge and spaced from the leading edge by an offset distance selected so as to avoid deformation of the leading edge. |
| US08051562B2 |
Method and apparatus for manufacturing fuel pump
A cover is inserted into a housing of a fuel pump. Then, a housing-side engaging portion of the housing, which is located at a peripheral edge of an opening of the housing, is heated with a heating means. Thereafter, the housing-side engaging portion is swaged by a punch toward the cover to fix the cover to the housing. |
| US08051561B2 |
Method of manufacturing an image drum
A method of manufacturing an image drum includes fixing a control circuit board inside the drum body so that a plurality of terminals of the control circuit board are located in the slot formed longitudinally on the drum body, forming an insulation layer to the entire external surface of the drum body, forming connection parts by removing parts of the insulation layer where the terminals of the control circuit board are formed, forming electrode forming grooves including the insulation layer as a base on the external surface of the drum body comprising the connection parts thereon, and forming a plurality of ring electrodes to be connected to respective terminals among the plurality of the terminals, respectively, through the connection parts. |
| US08051559B2 |
Method of manufacturing a multi-layer board
A method of manufacturing a multi-layer board is disclosed. The method may include forming a detachable separation layer over a support; forming a first solder resist layer over the separation layer; stacking a metal foil over the first solder resist layer; forming a circuit pattern over the metal foil; forming an insulation part over the first solder resist layer such that the circuit pattern is covered; forming a second solder resist layer over the insulation part; and separating a circuit stack unit, which includes the first solder resist layer, the metal foil, the circuit pattern, the insulation part, and the second solder resist layer, from the support by disconnecting the separation layer and the support. This method uses a simple process to reduce manufacture costs and shorten manufacture times. |
| US08051558B2 |
Manufacturing method of the embedded passive device
A manufacturing method for mainly embedding the passive device structure in the printed circuit board is presented. In this structure, both the source electrode and the ground electrode of the passive device belong to the same level, and includes several source branches and several ground branches that are formed vertically on the inside of the dielectric layer of the circuit board which are connected, respectively, to avoid the conducting between the source electrode and the ground electrode during lamination. When it is in the form of the capacitor structure, through the use of the ultra-fine wiring technique, these source branches and ground branches are separated by a small gap between each other. Therefore, the side face area and quantities of the source branches and ground branches are both increased. |
| US08051556B2 |
Method of manufacturing apparatus for spatial and temporal control of temperature on a substrate
An apparatus for control of a temperature of a substrate has a temperature-controlled base, a heater, a metal plate, a layer of dielectric material. The heater is thermally coupled to an underside of the metal plate while being electrically insulated from the metal plate. A first layer of adhesive material bonds the metal plate and the heater to the top surface of the temperature controlled base. This adhesive layer is mechanically flexible, and possesses physical properties designed to balance the thermal energy of the heaters and an external process to provide a desired temperature pattern on the surface of the apparatus. A second layer of adhesive material bonds the layer of dielectric material to a top surface of the metal plate. This second adhesive layer possesses physical properties designed to transfer the desired temperature pattern to the surface of the apparatus. The layer of dielectric material forms an electrostatic clamping mechanism and supports the substrate. |
| US08051555B2 |
Circuit manufacturing apparatus
An assembling apparatus includes a chip transfer unit, a heating unit, a testing unit, and an output unit. The chip transfer unit mounts first semiconductor chip to a circuit board to form an electrical circuit. The heating unit heats a solder connection to electrically connect the semiconductor chip to the circuit board. The testing unit tests the semiconductor chip, and, when the testing unit determines that the first semiconductor chip is not functioning properly, the heating unit reheats the solder connection to remove the non-functioning semiconductor chip from the circuit board. |
| US08051552B2 |
Stitched wrap around shield fabrication for perpendicular magnetic recording write heads
A wrap around shield of a write head is fabricated in multiple processes, with side shields fabricated in one process, and a trailing shield formed in another process. These multiple processes form a stitched wrap around shield, resulting in more flexible and accurate placement of the trailing shield and side shields with respect to the write pole. These processes also independently form the dimensions (shapes and sizes) of the side shields and the trailing shield which allows better control of writeability, saturation, and adjacent track interference of the perpendicular recording write head. |
| US08051551B2 |
Method for fabricating a magnetic head having selectively defined reader gap thicknesses
A method for fabricating a magnetic head having multiple readers includes forming a plurality of generally laterally positioned lower shields; forming a lower gap layer above each lower shield; forming a sensor above each lower gap layer; forming an upper gap layer above each sensor; and forming an upper shield above each upper gap layer; wherein an overall gap thickness is defined between vertically aligned pairs of the upper and lower shields, wherein the overall gap thickness between one of the pairs of upper and lower shields is thicker than the overall gap thickness between another of the pairs of upper and lower shields. |
| US08051548B2 |
Method of manufacturing an electrostatic chuck
Provided is a method of manufacturing a gas supply structure for use in an electrostatic chuck apparatus having an electrostatic chuck on the upper surface side of a metal base (1), the gas supply structure being capable of eliminating contamination due to nonuniform cooling gas jetting quantities and deposition of a thermally spraying material and the like. The method of manufacturing the gas supply structure for supplying a cooling gas supplied from the lower surface side of the metal base (1) to the back surface of a substrate (W) attracted to an upper insulating layer (6) side, through a gas supply path (3) provided on the metal base (1), the method including: prior to a step of forming a lower insulating layer (4) by thermally spraying a ceramic powder on the upper surface side of the metal base (1), a step of forming an attracting electrode (5), and a step of forming the upper insulating layer (6), a step of blocking a gas supply path outlet (3a) on the upper surface side of the metal base (1) with an adhesive (8), the adhesive containing a filler made of the same material as that of the ceramic powder that is used for forming the lower insulating layer (4); and a step of opening a hole toward the gas supply path outlet (3a) of the metal base (1) after forming the upper insulating layer (6), to thereby form a through hole (9) reaching the gas supply path (3). |
| US08051547B2 |
Robot-deployed assembly tool
An assembly system and method for assembling an aircraft wing box or other structure that may define an interior area accessible through at least one access opening are provided. The method includes inserting a robot having an assembly tool mounted thereto into the interior area through the at least one access opening. The assembly tool may be positioned at a fastener location, and may be clamped to the structure. A hole may be made through the structure, and a fastener may be installed in the hole. |
| US08051545B2 |
Landing gear and method of assembly
Landing gear for selectively supporting a semitrailer and a method of assembly of the landing gear is provided. The landing gear includes a leg having an upper section and a lower section telescopingly received in the upper section. A lead screw extends and retracts the upper and lower sections relative to each other upon rotation thereof. An input shaft applies a torque to the lead screw to drive rotation thereof, the input shaft being rotatable about a rotation axis and movable in translation along the rotation axis for shifting between a first position for low gear operation and a second position for high gear operation. An output shaft, axially aligned with the input shaft, has an output gear for transmitting torque to the lead screw. A gearing subassembly is received in the upper leg section and is configured to augment lift when the input shaft is in the first position and augment speed in the second position. |
| US08051540B2 |
Releasable fastening arrangement
The present disclosure provides embodiments of a releasable fastening arrangement that can include a first fastening strip secured to and extending over a substrate surface and having a first surface carrying first fastening elements extending from the surface. The releasable fastening arrangement can also include a second fastening strip having a second surface carrying second fastening elements that are engageable by the first fastening elements to form a releasable fastening. The first surface can include a flexible flap that is formed therein, and that is surrounded by other portions of the first surface. The flap can carry at least one of the first fastening elements, and can flap have a distal edge that is displaceable from the substrate surface under peel loads applied to the at least one first fastening element carried by the flap. |
| US08051539B2 |
Blade fastener for trim member
A fuse-shaped fastener provides a plastic member having opposed elastically flexible wings, and a metal insert having multiple barbs. The deflectable wings homogenously extend from a molded head and are distally connected by a joining member. The barbs engage within a trim component dog-house assembly. The deflectable wings extend outwardly of the trim component to releasably connect the trim component to an automobile vehicle panel. |
| US08051538B2 |
Handle with asymmetrical configuration
The invention provides a handle of a hand tool. The handle has a grip section and a neck section. Multiple abutment regions are disposed on a circumference of the neck section for a user's thumb to press against the abutment regions. Multiple grip regions are disposed on a circumference of the grip section for the user's palm and other fingers to hold. The grip regions and the abutment regions are asymmetrically arranged, whereby different grip regions and different abutment regions of handle cooperate to provide many different holding ranges. Different users can choose their most suitable holding positions to hold the handle in accordance with the sizes of their hands. |
| US08051537B2 |
Hinge assembly
An exemplary hinge assembly includes a rotatable shaft, a rotatable stand, a fixed stand, an elastic member, and a retaining ring. The rotatable stand is non-rotatably connected to the rotatable shaft. The fixed stand and an elastic member are connected to the rotatable shaft. A flange is formed on a proximal end of the rotatable shaft, and a positioning groove is defined in a distal end of the rotatable shaft. The rotatable stand, the fixed stand and the elastic member are positioned between the flange and the positioning groove of the rotatable shaft. The retaining ring engages in the positioning groove of the rotatable shaft, thereby producing an elastic force along the rotatable shaft. |
| US08051536B2 |
Magnetic drapery track
A drapery holder releasably engages a header jamb of a window. A vertical front wall and back wall are disposed in parallel relation to one another and are interconnected to one another by a horizontal bottom wall. Co-planar horizontal flanges are formed integrally with the front wall and the back wall and extend toward one another. Respective inboard ends of the horizontal flanges are spaced apart from one another to capture drapery carriers that are slideable along the extent of the horizontal flanges under the control of a drapery control apparatus. A channel is formed by the horizontal bottom wall and respective upper ends of the front and back walls and a plurality of magnets is positioned within the channel. Each magnet magnetically engages ferrous materials that form a part of the header jamb so that the drapery holder is releasably secured to the header jamb by a magnetic field. |
| US08051534B1 |
Pneumatic door closer
A pneumatic door closer for effecting the closing of an associated door having a controlled rate of a closing motion that is generally uniform, smooth and safe in moving from an opened to closed position of an associated door. The door closer includes an elongated cylinder with a displaceable piston defining a vacuum chamber and a pressure chamber within the elongated cylinder wherein the piston is normally biased toward a door closing position by a suitable spring. A piston rod connected to the piston has its free end extending through a rod opening that includes an air impervious seal formed about the piston rod extending therethrough. Disposed in communication with the vacuum chamber is a breather arrangement for diminishing in a controlled manner the level of vacuum being created within the vacuum chamber during the closing stroke of the piston to control the resulting resistance forces acting on the piston such that the closing speed is essentially uniform throughout the closing stroke. |
| US08051533B2 |
Double roller with two running wheels and roller with one running wheel
The invention relates to a double roller (1) with two running wheels (2) and one carrier housing (3), wherein an assembly journal (6) is arranged on the carrier housing (3). An actuating tappet (15) can be displaced in the assembly journal against a spring force, interacting with a counter locking part (65) for directional and/or complete fixation. Furthermore, a running wheel braking part (25) with engaging parts (37, 38) is provided for blocking the rotation of the running wheels (2). The running wheel braking part (25) is likewise actuated by the actuating tappet (15) and furthermore the housing section (4) accommodating the actuating tappet (15) includes a ball bearing (8) on the upper side and surrounds the actuating tappet (15) at least partially toward the bottom. In order to enhance a double roller of this type, it is proposed to have the counter locking part (65) inserted underneath the ball bearing (9) in the part of the housing section (4) that opens only in regard to the inner opening. |
| US08051532B1 |
Dust cup latch mechanism for cyclone separator vacuum
A latching mechanism for a dust cup assembly on a bottom exit cyclone-separator vacuum cleaner including a non-rotating sealing conduit member that supports a dust cup assembly above a discharge outlet coupled to a sliding latch member via pin-mounted linkages. The conduit member raises and lowers the dust cup assembly into and out of engagement with the cyclone separator coincident with horizontal sliding movement of the latch member in and out underneath the dust cup to releasably attach and detach the dust cup assembly from the cyclone separator. |
| US08051531B2 |
Cleaning appliance
A cleaning appliance such as a vacuum cleaner includes a main body housing a motor and fan unit for generating a fluid flow. The main body also houses a removable pre-motor filter located upstream of the motor and fan and a removable post-motor filter located downstream of the motor and fan. It is beneficial to permit the user to be able to monitor the condition of both the pre-motor filter and the post-motor filter, and to remove and replace them as required, and so access to both filters may be provided. It is more important that the user checks the pre-motor filter as it gets dirtier than the post-motor filter. Therefore, the post-motor filter is not accessible or removable from the main body until the pre-motor filter is removed from the main body, by removing its housing. |
| US08051530B2 |
Squeegee assembly and method of using same
A squeegee blade assembly and method of use for a floor surface maintenance machine. A blade/guide subassembly is inserted into a channel of a scrub head prior to operation. During operation, the subassembly is retained with the channel via friction and/or protruding structures. During a blade exchange procedure, the subassembly is retracted from the channel prior to separation of the blade from the guide. Interaction with a protruding structure within the channel signals to an operator that the subassembly has been properly positioned. |
| US08051529B2 |
Material-removal system including a fluid-blasting, spray-head assembly
A material-removal system can include a spray-head assembly with a plurality of rotatable fluid bars arranged in a single shroud with overlapping sweeps. A gear-box assembly can index the rotations of the fluid bars to coordinate their rotation and prevent the fluid bars from interfering with one another. The material-removal system can be mounted on a mobile platform, such as a vehicle. The vehicle can have a fluid-storage tank and a debris tank that can be tilted for dumping operation while the fluid-storage tank remains stationary. A peristaltic pump can advantageously remove liquid waste from the debris tank while a vacuum system has the debris tank operating under vacuum. The spray-head assembly can be coupled to the vehicle with an articulating-arm assembly that can include a four-bar mechanism and a pair of rotary actuators to facilitate vertical and rotational movement of the arm assembly and the spray-head assembly. |
| US08051524B2 |
Multi-diameter elastic sealing module for pigs
A multi-diameter elastic sealing module for pigs, which operates in pipes having diameter changes, by being sent through the inside of a flexible or rigid pipe to move or draw various fittings and remove internal incrustations from the pipe, impelled by a fluid which flows inside said pipe.The sealing module comprises a sealing/impelling element (1), a flexible core (2) covered by the sealing/impelling element (1), a first clamping element (3), a second clamping element (4), a first fastening element (5) and a second fastening element (6). |
| US08051520B2 |
Toothbrush and process for producing the same
The invention relates to an electric toothbrush (10) having a rechargeable energy store (24) that is arranged in an inner space (36) in the body (12) of the toothbrush (10). The inner space (36) is sealed by a primary sealing element (56) against splash water and other detrimental influences. At least one contact element (28) for an external power supply unit (46) produces an electrically conductive connection to the energy store (24). The contact element is located either within the inner space (36), it being possible for the primary sealing element (56) to be removed for charging purposes, or outside the inner space (36), in which case it is optionally protected by an additional secondary sealing element (76). The invention also relates to a process for producing such a toothbrush. |
| US08051515B1 |
Surgical bed clamp apparatus
A medical table and clamp apparatus provides a medical table having sides and at least one rail that extends along a side. A specially configured clamp travels along the rail, the clamp having a non metallic clamp body. The clamp body has a pair of spaced apart appendages with a recess therebetween. An opening such as a metallic, internally threaded sleeve extends through the body. The sleeve has one sleeve end portion that is in communication with the recess. An externally threaded shaft threadably engages the internally threaded sleeve. A spherically shaped bearing is mounted on one end of the shaft. A pusher or pressure plate is mounted on the spherically shaped bearing of the shaft with a pivotal, articulating or ball and socket connection. The pusher plate is supported by the shaft and the spherically shaped bearing within the recess. Each appendage has an end portion that grasps the rail. The pusher plate is movable toward or away from the sleeve by selective rotation of the shaft in one or another rotational directions for enabling a medical implement to be clamped between the pusher plate and the rail. The sleeve and pusher plate can be of a non-metallic (e.g. polymeric) material. |
| US08051508B2 |
Playpen hub assembly
A playpen hub assembly includes a base, a first support part and a second support part. The first support part and the second support part are pivoted to two sides of a base body of the base respectively. A slider in the base is moved between a lock position and a release position along a first rail in the base body. An end of the slider has a first block structure for constraining rotation of the first support part relative to the base body. Another end of the slider has a second block structure for constraining rotation of the second support part relative to the base body. A driving part in the base is used for moving the slider to the release position. When the slider is located at the lock position, the first rail is substantially parallel to the first support part and the second support part. |
| US08051497B1 |
Head covering apparatus
A head-covering apparatus is disclosed, which extends over the top of a human head and down its sides and toward the back of the neck. The apparatus has a forward extending portion with two pocket-style openings, the first pocket for receiving a flexible material that makes up the head-covering portion of the apparatus, and the second pocket for receiving the visor or bill of a baseball-style hat. The apparatus can be affixed to the visor/bill of a baseball-style hat and used in two different configurations: in the first configuration, the invention is “unfurled” so that its flexible material covers the human head and portions of the baseball hat; in the second configuration, the invention is compacted such that its flexible material is rolled or folded into a small compacted size, and then placed into the second pocket of the forward extending portion. |
| US08051496B2 |
Convertible swimwear
Convertible swimwear comprising a top piece and extendable bottom piece; the top piece having a plurality of fasteners along the lower portion thereof and the extendable bottom piece having a plurality of corresponding fasteners along the upper edge thereof to be releasably secured to the fasteners on the lower portion of the top piece. The position of the fasteners may be reversed. The bottom piece further includes a string component secured on the upper edge of the bottom piece, where upon releasing of the respective fasteners the string component is pulled away from the lower edge of the bottom piece bringing the upper edge of the bottom piece substantially close to said lower edge of the bottom piece and thereby rolling, folding or scrunching the upper edge of the bottom piece to effectively convert a one piece to two piece style bathing suit. The top piece further includes a cover flap to conceal the fasteners on each respective piece. |
| US08051494B2 |
Matrix free non-woven layer of polypyridazle short fiber
Provided are non-woven constructions and fabrics comprising polypyridazole short fiber; the short fiber characterized by an average filament tenacity of at least 15 grams per denier; an average filament modulus of at least 500 grams per denier; an average filament density of at least 1.6 grams per cubic centimeter; an average filament length of 30 to 100 millimeters; and an average filament denier per filament of 0.1 to 10; wherein the construction is substantially free of matrix. |