| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08066388B2 |
Light source device and projector having same
A light source device includes a first light source, a second light source, a reflective assembly, and a condensing lens defining an optical axis. The first light source includes a first lamp and a first reflector reflecting light beams generated by the first lamp as first parallel light beams. The second light source includes a second lamp and a second reflector reflecting light beams generated by the second lamp. The first light source, the reflective assembly and the condensing lens are arranged in order along the optical axis. The second light source corresponds to the reflective assembly deviated from the optical axis. The reflective assembly reflects light beams reflected by the first reflector back to the first reflector, and reflects light beams from the second reflector to the condensing lens. The condensing lens condenses the first parallel light beams and the light beams reflected by the reflective assembly. |
| US08066384B2 |
Image projection kit and method and system of distributing image content for use with the same
An image projection kit and a imagery content distribution system and method. In one aspect, the invention is a kit for projecting imagery content onto architecture comprising: a projector apparatus comprising a housing containing an image sensor sub-system and an image projector subsystem, a single-reflex lens assembly in operable cooperation with the image sensor sub-system and the image projector sub-system, at least one port for receiving and/or sending data signals, and a processor operably connected to the image sensor sub-system, the image projector sub-system and the at least one port of the projector apparatus; a mechanism for mounting the projector apparatus in a fixed orientation having a line a sight to the architecture; a control unit comprising a housing, at least one port for receiving and/or sending data signals and a processor operably connected to the at least one port of the control unit; and a software package for installation on a computer, the software package containing computer code for rendering a composition window on the computer wherein a map corresponding to the architecture can be created, the map comprising at least one matte whose image is projected onto a surface of the architecture, and wherein the size, shape, position, orientation, or any combination thereof of the at least one matte can be adjusted within the composition window so that the projected image of the matte corresponds with the surface of the architecture. |
| US08066382B2 |
Stereoscopic projector with rotating segmented disk
A stereoscopic digital image projecting system has a light source system providing polarized illumination having a first polarization state and a beam splitting system with a rotating segmented disk in the illumination, alternately generating first and second light beams, the rotating segmented disk having outer segments alternately transmissive and non-transmissive and inner segments radially aligned with the outer segments and alternately reflective and transmissive. A polarization rotator in a path of either the first or second light beam rotates the first polarization state to a second state orthogonal to the first. A combining system combines the first and second light beams into a combined light beam. A spatial light modulator modulates the combined light beam in a manner consistent with stereoscopic image data to form first and second modulated images having substantially orthogonal polarization states. Projection optics project the modulated images onto a display surface. |
| US08066381B2 |
Polarizing beam splitter, projection optical system, projection display
A polarizing beam splitter includes: first and second prisms each having first and second end surfaces serving as an input surface or an output surface of light and an opposed surface as side surfaces of a pillar-like member; and at least two parallel flat layers disposed in parallel between the opposed surfaces of the first and second prisms. Here, one of the least two parallel flat layers is a first parallel flat layer polarization-separating the input beam. When it is assumed that the refractive index of a base material of the first and second prisms is Np, the resultant refractive index of the parallel flat layers other than the other parallel flat layer of the at least two parallel flat layers is Na, and the refractive index of the other parallel flat layer of the at least two parallel flat layers is Nb, (Na−Np)×(Nb−Np)<0 is satisfied. |
| US08066377B1 |
System and method for synchronizing a 3D video projector
A system and method for improving stereoscopic images produced by a projecting device containing a single chip DMD, seen through an eye-switching device, such as a pair of liquid crystal (LC) shutter glasses. The system and method are used with a video projector designed to be used with a multiple-color, color switching device, such as a color wheel. The color wheel includes at least three critical color segments. The color wheel may also physically include or be electronically re-defined to include at least one non-critical segment. A color sequencing firmware resident in the video projector is used to align a non-critical segment in front of the projector's main light source during the eye-switching device's unstable transition phase. If the non-critical segment is transmissive, the firmware controls the DMD so that light is discontinued. If the non-critical segment is non-transmissive, the light is physically blocked. If the non-critical segment is electronically defined, the firmware directly controls the DMD to discontinue the transmission of light for at least the duration of the eye-switching device's unstable transition phase. |
| US08066375B2 |
Eye tracker having an extended span of operating distances
The present invention relates to automatic registration and tracking of the eyes of at least one subject. An optical system, including a lens structure, a mask and an image sensor, receives incoming light from a scene containing the subject and directs at least a portion of this light towards the image sensor, which registers spatially distributed light and thus produces primary data. The mask is to alter a basic optical transfer function of the lens structure and the image sensor into an enhanced optical transfer function, which is substantially less sensitive to variations of an unknown distance between the optical system and the subject than the basic optical transfer function. The processing unit is to receive the primary data and process this data to produce resulting eye-tracking data representing a position estimate of the at least one eye and/or a gaze direction for the at least one eye. |
| US08066372B2 |
Binocular vision assessment and/or therapy
This invention is a game platform for the assessment and/or treatment of disorders of binocular vision, such as amblyopia. The game content is devised to maximize the possible therapeutic effects by leveraging advanced research in ophthalmology, as well as advanced display technology to render images independently to each eye. In particular, the game content engages both eyes at different levels of difficulty, forcing an amblyopic eye to work harder to regain its performance in the visual system. The invention herein described provides a mobile device, capable of interaction with an eye care specialist, for the assessment/treatment of binocular vision using innovative mechanisms for ensuring proper use thereof. |
| US08066370B2 |
Tinted contact lenses with crescent patterns
The invention provides tinted contact lenses that use a crescent-shaped pattern or pattern element to enhance the lens wearer's iris. |
| US08066363B2 |
Printhead filter systems and methods for manufacturing the same
Ink delivery systems for an ink jet printer and methods for manufacturing the same. In an embodiment, the system comprises a separable ink tank, a printhead body having an opening, ink ejectors associated with the printhead body, and a retainer engaged with the tower portion of the printhead body and with an exit port of the ink tank. A filter is attached to least one of the printhead opening and the retainer, such as by insert molding or heat staking for example. A filter cover member, such as a wick or a septum for instance, is disposed adjacent the filter. |
| US08066358B2 |
Over-molded fluid interconnect
A fluid interconnect for a fluid enclosure includes an overmolded sealing surface of a thermoplastic elastomeric material, the sealing surface having an opening, the sealing surface overmolded upon a thermoplastic surface of a fluid enclosure; and a wall of the thermoplastic elastomeric material connected to the sealing surface, the wall enclosing a pathway, the pathway communicating with the opening at a first end; and a layer connected to the wall, the layer closing the pathway at a second end. |
| US08066357B2 |
Ink-jet printer
An object of the present invention is to reduce force acting, when an ink-jet head moves, on a distal end portion of an ink supply pipe connected to a brancher, to thereby prevent damage to the ink supply pipe as much as possible. An ink supplier, which supplies ink to respective ink introduction ports of at least one ink-jet head, has an ink supply pipe connected to an ink cartridge, a brancher to which a distal end portion of the ink supply pipe connected, and branch pipes extending from the brancher to the respective ink introduction ports. The brancher and the branch pipes are adapted to move integrally with the at least on ink-jet head, and in addition the distal end portion of the ink supply pipe and the brancher are connected to each other in a relatively rotatable manner. |
| US08066346B2 |
Printer controller for modulating printhead peak power requirement using out-of phase firing
A printer controller for supplying dot data to an inkjet printhead is provided. The printhead comprises a plurality of transversely aligned color channels. Each color channel comprises at least one nozzle row extending longitudinally along the printhead with each nozzle in a color channel ejecting the same colored ink. The printhead is comprised of a plurality of printhead modules with each printhead module comprising a respective segment of each nozzle row. The printer controller is programmed to supply dot data such that each of the printhead modules fires a respective segment within a predetermined segment-time, wherein at least one of the fired segments is contained in a different color channel from at least one other of the fired segments. |
| US08066345B2 |
Method for setting up drive signal
A method for setting up a condition for a drive signal in a liquid ejection head that includes a plurality of linearly-arranged nozzles and driving elements provided for each of the nozzles, includes: calculating an average value or a median value of ejection rates for each nozzle relating to a supply of the drive signal under a plurality of conditions; classifying the plurality of nozzles into a plurality of groups based on the average value or the median value of the ejection rates; calculating a proper condition for the drive signal corresponding to each group based on a statistical value of the ejection rate relating to the group; and selecting one proper condition among proper conditions corresponding to the groups so as to set the selected proper condition for each nozzle. |
| US08066343B2 |
Liquid detecting apparatus and liquid ejecting apparatus
The invention relates to a liquid detecting apparatus that drives a liquid detecting unit that outputs two detection signals having phases opposite to each other in accordance with the amount of liquid. The liquid detecting apparatus according to an aspect of the invention includes: a driving unit that outputs a driving signal to the liquid detecting unit; a differential amplifying unit that performs differential amplification on said two detection signals that are output from the liquid detecting unit on the basis of the driving signal so as to output a differential amplification detection signal; and a signal detecting unit that makes a judgment as to whether the amount of liquid is not less than a predetermined amount or not by means of the differential amplification detection signal input from the differential amplifying unit. |
| US08066342B2 |
Refrigerator with home bar
A refrigerator with a home bar includes a main body of the refrigerator having a cooling chamber, a refrigerator door configured to open or close the cooling chamber and having an opening, and a home bar. The home bar includes a housing coupled to the opening and having a storage space therein, a home bar door for opening or closing the opening, and a home bar door driving unit for driving the home bar door to open or close the opening. Consequently, a gap increasing between the home bar door and the opening can be avoided so as to prevent leakage of cold air. |
| US08066338B2 |
Vehicle brake controller and vehicle brake control method
Each time a prescribed cycle comes to an end, an ECU estimates an average retaining amount of brake fluid in a reservoir of the current prescribed cycle on the assumption that a pump has sucked a constant amount of brake fluid in the current prescribed cycle. The ECU calculates deviation between the average retaining amount at the end of the previous prescribed cycle and the average retaining amount at the end of the current prescribed cycle. The greater the deviation is, the greater a deviation correction amount the ECU sets. The ECU performs deviation pump control in which the target suction amount of the pump is set based on the reference suction amount and the deviation correction amount. |
| US08066336B2 |
Lightened rim for a bicycle wheel and method for manufacturing such a rim
A rim for a bicycle has a lower bridge with infra-spoke zones of lower thickness than the thickness of the spoke attachment zones. The increase in thickness from the infra-spoke zones to the spoke attachment zones and the reduction in thickness between the spoke attachment zones and the infra-spoke zones have a sharp corner. |
| US08066332B2 |
Wheelchair armrest adjusting mechanism
The present invention provides a wheelchair armrest adjusting mechanism comprising a support unit having a horizontal support connected to a top of an upright support, and a plurality of locking units located one side of the horizontal support; wherein an armrest has a slide channel for engaging with the horizontal support, a stop hole for creating a passage to the slide channel in order to fit one of the locking units when the stop hole is aligned with the locking unit, and a control unit fitted in the stop hole for pushing against the locking unit. When the control unit is pushed and held, the armrest can be slid along the horizontal support to align with one of locking units; and when the control unit is released, the locking unit is pushed into the stop hole and thereby locks the armrest in place. |
| US08066328B2 |
Vehicle seat latch striker and assist handle
A vehicle includes a vehicle frame, a vehicle seat supported by the vehicle frame, and a striker connected to the vehicle frame. The vehicle frame defines a passenger ingress/egress opening. The vehicle seat includes a pivotal seat back movable between an upright and a collapsed position. The striker includes a handle grip positioned on the vehicle frame for gripping by an associated passenger entering or exiting the vehicle through the passenger ingress/egress opening. The striker is positioned on the vehicle frame to cooperate with the seat back to retain the seat back in the upright position. A vehicle seat is also disclosed. |
| US08066326B2 |
Fold flat seat assembly with rearward folding motion
A seat assembly is provided for supporting an occupant above a floor in an automotive vehicle. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion that is adapted to be pivotally coupled to the floor. The seat assembly also includes a seatback that is operatively coupled to the seat cushion for movement between an upright position and a folded position overlying the seat cushion. A linkage system is operatively coupled between the seatback, seat cushion, and the floor. The linkage system automatically moves the seat cushion downward and forward and translates the seatback downward and rearward in response to movement of the seatback between the upright position and the folded position. |
| US08066325B2 |
Deployable bolster for a vehicle seat
A seat assembly includes a seat back frame pivotally coupled to a seat cushion for movement between a plurality of reclined seating positions and a fold flat position. A linkage includes first and second links having proximal ends pivotally coupled by a link pin. The first link includes a distal end pivotally coupled to the seat back frame. A control link is coupled at a first end to the link pin and at a second end to the seat cushion. A side bolster is pivotally coupled at an upper end to the seat back frame and at a lower end to a distal end of the second link. Pivoting of the seat back frame between the seating and fold flat positions urges the side bolster between a deployed position extending away from the seat back frame and a retracted position adjacent the seat back frame. |
| US08066320B1 |
Door hinge
A hinge assembly includes a hinge member joined to a vehicle door. A cam member is disposed about a portion of the hinge member, and the cam member has a protrusion. A casing is joined to a body portion of the vehicle, and the casing has an aperture along an axis. The aperture is configured to receive a portion of the cam member therein, and the casing has a slot including a first detent configured so the protrusion of the cam member moves along the slot. A biasing member urges the cam member in a direction to move the door to a closed position. When the door is rotated to an open position, the protrusion moves along the slot to an engaged position with the first detent such that the door is maintained in the open position until the door is moved to disengage the protrusion from the first detent. |
| US08066317B2 |
Cabriolet top
A cabriolet top for a cabriolet vehicle for displacement between a closed position covering a vehicle interior and a storage position opening up the vehicle interior is proposed, comprising a pivotably mounted cabriolet-top linkage on which a rigid cabriolet-top element is arranged, the cabriolet-top element extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle, being adjacent, in the closed position of the cabriolet top, to a transverse post bounding a windscreen at the top, and, together with the cabriolet-top linkage, stretches open a foldable cabriolet-top cloth and, in the storage position of the cabriolet top, is arranged on the upper side in a cabriolet-top storage compartment such that the cabriolet-top cloth runs downwardly over a rear border of the cabriolet-top element. A rod is arranged on the cabriolet-top cloth on the rear side of the rigid cabriolet-top element, the rod extending between the border regions on both sides of the cabriolet top and, in the storage position of the cabriolet top, pre-stressing the cabriolet-top cloth downwardly in such a manner that, in a region visible from the outside of the vehicle, the cabriolet-top cloth runs at least substantially crease-free downwardly over the rear border of the cabriolet-top element into the cabriolet-top storage compartment. |
| US08066316B2 |
Adjustable mounting system for vehicular body components
An adjustable mounting system for a vehicular body component includes a base having a number of slide rails, with retainers slidingly engaged with the slide rails. Each retainer has a retention section for mounting the base to a surface within the vehicular body, which is attached to a slidably mounted pediment. Fastener retainers located within the pediments allow devices such as interior trim pieces to be attached to the adjustable mounting system. |
| US08066314B2 |
Slide deck device for vehicle
A slide deck device for a vehicle is provided wherein a luggage placement plate can be operated to slide smoothly even if heavy luggage is placed on the front or rear end of the luggage placement plate and also wherein no adverse effect occurs in subsequent sliding operations. The slide deck device includes upper rollers 69 which are mounted to the upper rails 52, 53, 70, 71 and 87 to be positioned in front of rearmost lower rollers of the lower rollers 64, are positioned in the lower rails 25, are spaced away from ceiling surfaces 31 of the lower rails and the bottom surfaces 30 of the lower rails when in contact with the bottom surfaces, and come in contact with the ceiling surfaces to be rotatable thereon when some of the lower rollers move away from the bottom surfaces and the ceiling surfaces. |
| US08066312B2 |
Hose handling apparatus
A hose handling apparatus for gripping, advancing, and maneuvering a high pressure hose is provided. The hose handling apparatus comprises a support member comprising a first end, a middle section, and a second end, a generally cylindrical handle detachably connected to and substantially perpendicular to the first end of the support member forming a rigid connection with the support member to provide grip to a user's hand, a first generally cylindrical curvilinear gripping element detachably connected to and substantially perpendicular to the middle section of the support member, and a second generally cylindrical curvilinear gripping element detachably connected to and substantially perpendicular to the second end of the support member. The support member is angled at the middle section. The handle and the gripping elements form a parallel configuration which is perpendicular to a planar surface of the support member. The gripping elements grip the hose positioned between them firmly. |
| US08066308B2 |
Latch mechanism assembly
A chassis includes a cover unit, a base unit which includes a bottom panel and a cover panel fixed to the bottom panel, a through hole defined in the cover panel, and a latch mechanism assembly. The latch mechanism assembly includes a hook protruding from the cover unit, an operating apparatus mounted to the bottom panel, a supporting member mounted to the bottom panel, a latch member resiliently mounted to the supporting member, and a connecting pole connecting the latch member to the operating apparatus. The hook is capable of extending through the through hole of the cover panel. The latch member includes a latch portion capable of securing the hook. The latch member is capable of engaging the hook when the hook is located within the through hole, and the operating apparatus is capable of retracting the connecting pole and thus causing the latch member to disengage the hook. |
| US08066307B2 |
Thread joint for a drill string for percussive rock-drilling
In percussion rock drilling a screw joint for a drill run or drill string including male and female screw threads (5, 9) on the elements (1, 2) are joined together to form a drill string. Within the screw joint the male thread (5) and the female thread (9) have a trapezoidal shape and a slight conical inclination. |
| US08066302B2 |
Center frame in crawler travel device and method for manufacturing center frame
The present invention provides a center frame designed so that a center member, legs, and a lower plate can be formed by bending metal sheets, and to provide a manufacturing method for the center frame.A pair of front legs 13 and a pair of rear legs 14 are formed by bending metal sheets so as to have substantially reverse U-shaped cross-sections. The center member 10 is formed by bending a metal sheet so as to have a substantially square U-shaped cross-section. The front legs 13, the rear legs 14, the center member 10, a center front plate 22, and a center rear plate 23 are placed on and securely weld to the lower plate 18, which has an approximate X shape, in a plan view, and an isosceles trapezoidal shape in a lateral cross-section. This eliminates the need for expensive molds and makes it possible to easily manufacture the center frame from the center member, legs, and lower plate formed by bending metal sheets. |
| US08066298B2 |
Coupling system for connecting supply lines
A coupling system for connecting supply lines between a trailer and a tractor vehicle, with a socket which is arranged on the tractor vehicle and a support element, having a plug, which is arranged on the trailer. The invention is based on the problem of providing a robustly operating coupling system in which an automatic connection of all of the provided supply lines is possible. The problem is solved by a coupling system in which the socket is arranged in a positionally fixed manner on the tractor vehicle, the plug is guided in a laterally moveable manner in the support element, and the plug can be placed into a connecting position with the socket by an actuator which is arranged on the tractor vehicle. |
| US08066296B2 |
Aerodynamic storage element and frame
A storage element and bicycle frame that work in conjunction with each other to make both the frame and storage element as aerodynamic as possible when the storage element is attached to the frame. The storage element is designed to function as an integral aerodynamic element of the frame. |
| US08066289B2 |
Rapid clamping system
The invention relates to a rapid clamping system (50), comprising a clamping housing (12), with a piston (18) acted on from one side by springs (15) and which may be pressurised from the other side, with an actuator (60) arranged on the piston (18) to follow the piston movement, with at least one clamping bolt (32) arranged to be displaced perpendicular to the piston axis (28), in a working coupling acting in both directions of displacement with the actuator (60) by means of an inclined guide (52), whereby, with the springs (16) extended, the clamping bolt (32) takes up a locking position for locking a clamping pin (14) which may be introduced in the clamping housing (12) and which adopts an unlocking position for removal of the clamping pin (14) on corresponding pressurization of the piston (18). The invention is characterized in that the inclined guide (52) has an irregular guide contour (54) with varying angles of inclination (α, β, γ, δ) relative to the piston axis (28) to achieve varying translation ratios. |
| US08066288B2 |
Components comprising polyisobutylene compositions
This document provides components comprising a predetermined sealing surface and a curable composition thereon. The cured reaction product of the curable composition forms a seal having improved resistance to vapor permeation when exposed to hydrocarbon fluids and especially to hydrocarbon fluids comprising low molecular weight components, oxygenated compounds, polar compounds or blends containing polar and non-polar compounds such as alcohol and alcohol containing fuels. |
| US08066283B2 |
Recording device
A recording device includes a plurality of holes formed in the medium support part, a suction unit configured to suck out air via the holes, closing members configured and arranged to move in a direction away from the holes, an urging unit configured to urge the closing members toward the holes, and a sliding member configured and arranged to slide in a direction intersecting a moving direction in which the closing members move. The sliding member is configured and arranged to contact the closing members, and by sliding the sliding member, at least one hole is switched between a state in which the hole is closed by the closing member and a state in which the hole is left open by the closing member. |
| US08066282B2 |
Apparatus for feeding and aligning sheets fed to a processing machine, in particular a printing machine
An apparatus for feeding and aligning sheets which are fed to a processing machine, e.g. a printing machine, includes at least two parallel transporting belts which, on a side directed toward the sheet, subject the sheet to different retaining forces, in such a way that the retaining force in outer peripheral regions is greater than in an inner region located therebetween. The transporting belts can be activated individually in dependence on the position of the sheet, and they can therefore align the sheet in its transporting direction and obliquely thereto. |
| US08066281B2 |
Sheet tip contacting belt conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a sheet feeding device that feeds a sheet, and a conveyance belt that conveys the sheet toward a printing region while attracting the sheet with electrostatic force. The printing region is disposed in a vicinity of the conveyance belt. A printing device is provided in the printing region to form an image on the sheet. A controller is provided to control the conveyance belt to stop conveying the sheet toward the printing region for a prescribed period after the tip of the sheet arrives at the conveyance belt and raised from the conveyance belt unit the tip of the sheet settles to the surface of the conveyance belt. |
| US08066276B2 |
Device for separating individual flat, bendable objects from the underside of a stack of such objects and for transporting the separated objects away
A device for separating of individual, flat objects from the underside of a stack of this kind of objects (2) includes a roll bed conveyor consisting of a plurality of circulating rollers (9) and supporting the stack from beneath, wherein the rollers (9) are respectively rotatable around their longitudinal axis (10) and are moved along an orbit (11). Hereby the rollers (9) are coupled by a coupling (8) to at least one roller wheel (7) and, by means of this coupling, the longitudinal axes (10) of the rollers (9) are respectively pivotable in relation to the roller wheel (7). The rollers (9) are pivoted in a releasing region (13) of the orbit (11), through which an opening of the roll bed conveyor is created. Thus, the flat objects (2) can individually be conveyed from beneath the stack and transported away through the opening. |
| US08066273B2 |
Dual-stack document storage bin for use in a self-service bunch document depositing terminal
A dual-stack document storage bin comprises a substantially U-shaped container including a first bottom wall which interconnects first and second sidewalls to provide (i) the substantially U-shape, and (ii) a first document storage chamber which is defined between the first and second sidewalls and into which documents can be stacked to form a first stack of documents when the U-shaped container is in a first position. The dual-stack document storage bin further comprises a substantially L-shaped housing including a second bottom wall and a third sidewall which is disposed relative to the second bottom wall to provide (i) the substantially L-shape, and (ii) a second document storage chamber which is defined between the third side wall and the second sidewall and into which documents can be stacked to form a second stack of documents when the U-shaped container is in a second position which is different from the first position. The dual-stack document storage bin also comprises a mechanism operatively coupled between the first and second bottom walls to support substantially horizontal sliding movement of the U-shaped container between the first position in which documents can be stacked onto the first stack of documents in the first document storage chamber and the second position in which documents can be stacked onto the second stack of documents in the second document storage chamber. |
| US08066271B2 |
Form having abutting tape-interconnected substrates and method of making same
A business form product (10) broadly including a printable sheet (12), a magnetic sheet (14) aligned edge-to-edge with the printable sheet (12) to define a seam (16), and a heat-resistant tape (18) applied over the seam (16) to retain the sheets (12,14) in the edge-to-edge relationship is disclosed. The inventive business form product (10, 106) is formed by joining multiple continuous webs (38, 58) edge-to-edge and marrying the webs (38,58) with a continuous streamer of tape (86) in a press (36). A preferred embodiment of the inventive method of forming the continuous sheet (106) is disclosed wherein at least one rotatable mechanical web guide (72) is used to align the webs (38,58) in the edge-to-edge relationship, thereby enabling precise alignment not available with existing optic-type web guides. A preferred embodiment of the printable business form product (10) is disclosed wherein heat-resistant tape (18) enables the business form product (10) to be printed in high-heat printing applications (e.g., printed in an offline laser printer) without fracturing the taped seam (16). |
| US08066264B2 |
Contact tray for a mass transfer column
The valve cover has a pair of tabs at the ends that are inserted into end sections of an orifice in the tray deck. The tabs of the valve cover abut against the underside of the tray deck while a pair of sloped portions of the valve cover rest on the top side of the tray deck in order to hold the valve cover in place. |
| US08066261B2 |
Mechanism for alternative power or manual operation of a yacht winch
A power or manually operated winch mechanism for handling the running rigging lines of a sailing yacht. The winch includes a winding drum, which winds and stores the line during line retrieving operations and controllably releases the line when desired. The new winch, while intended to be driven by on-board electric or hydraulic power, includes a novel mechanism, actuated by a conventional winch handle, for converting the winch to a multi-speed manual operating mode in the event of failure of the on-board power system. A clutch mechanism enables controlled release of line from the winding drum during manual operation, and enables adjustments and emergency release operation when operating in a power mode. Novel level wind features enable the lines to be appropriately tensioned during retrieval, and positively drawn from the drum when the line is not under load. Significant improvement in the safety and convenience of the crew is enabled. |
| US08066259B2 |
Hydraulic jack with lowering control means
A hydraulic jack comprising a hydraulically actuated saddle movable from a first lowered position to a second raised position, the jack having a handle which, when pumped up and down, hydraulically raises the saddle, lowering control means associated with the jack for preventing premature lowering of the saddle upon malfunction of the hydraulic actuation during raising of the saddle and a release lever engaging the lowering control means adapted to release the same and permit lowering of the saddle when the handle is pumped up and down. |
| US08066251B2 |
Equipoising support apparatus
A force exerting device having a force exerting structure including a load arm as a first side, pivotable about a load pivot, a resilient member attached to the load arm and to a termination point and forming a second side of the force exerting structure. The third side of the structure is formed by a line from the termination point to the load pivot. A first adjustment mechanism moves the termination point to change the length of the third side of the structure. A second adjustment mechanism moves the termination point in a direction different than the first adjustment direction so the termination point location can cross a substantially plumb line passing through the load pivot. A force modification device may be included to dynamically adjust the resilient member termination point position in response to motion of the load arm. |
| US08066246B2 |
Telescopic support with internal brake
The telescopic support with an internal brake provides a telescoping tube with a selectively actuable and adjustable internal braking mechanism. At least one lower opening is formed through a lower end of a sidewall of an inner hollow tube. A mounting plate is secured within the inner tube adjacent the lower end, and at least one resilient element is secured to the mounting plate so that the resilient element projects through the lower opening. At least one brake pad is secured to the resilient element, so that the brake pad contacts an inner surface of an outer hollow tube when the internal brake is engaged. At least one cable is provided, with a lower end thereof being secured to the brake pad. An actuating mechanism linearly translates the upper end of the at least one cable to selectively disengage the brake pad from the inner surface of the outer hollow tube. |
| US08066242B2 |
Separator with integrated storage for securing an electrical charging device and providing wire management
A separating device with integrated storage securing an electrical charging device and providing wire management for portable computers, such as notebook computers or laptop computers, in a cart, pedestal, desk-mounted depot, or similar devices is shown herein. Briefly stated, in its preferred embodiment, the separating device comprises a sheet of rigid material with a thin thickness cut in a roughly trapezoidal profile, a plurality of holes, a plurality of tabs, and a plurality of slots. The separating device is designed to accept a portable computing device and its charging device. Wires running from the charging device to the portable computing device are fed through the separating device for wire management. Wires running from the charging device to a power plug are wrapped around the separating device for further wire management. Also, the separating device may be attached to a device capable of accepting the separating device. |
| US08066241B2 |
Supporting structure and flat panel display assembly using same
A supporting structure is provided for supporting a flat panel display. The supporting structure includes a brace and a base. The brace includes a chassis and a number of arms movably connected to the chassis. The chassis includes a supporting portion surface, an opposite grasp portion surface, and a side surface connecting the supporting portion surface and the grasp portion surface. The supporting portion surface is positioned against the back surface of the flat panel display. The chassis defines a number of side openings on the side surface from the grasp portion surface and along a direction parallel to the axis of the chassis. The base includes a casing sleeved on the chassis therein. The casing defines a number of cutouts corresponding to the side openings and cooperates with the side openings to define a number of sliding grooves for the arms sliding therein respectively. |
| US08066239B2 |
Integrated DIN rail attachment feature for superior attachment
An electronics module includes a base and a cover connected to the base. The base includes a recess adapted to receive an associated mounting rail. At least one fixed rail constraining tab is located adjacent a first edge of the recess and is adapted to engage a first flange of the associated mounting rail. First and/or second latch arms are located adjacent a second edge of the recess that is opposite the first edge of the recess. The first and second latch arms are connected to a fixed portion of the second edge and project outwardly relative to opposite lateral sides of the fixed portion. Each of the first and second latch arms includes a rail capture tab. The first and second latch arms are selectively movable resiliently to and from latched and unlatched positions, wherein the rail capture tabs of the first and second latch arms project beyond the fixed portion of the second edge and into the recess when the first and second latch arms are located in their respective latched positions, and wherein the rail capture tabs of the first and second latch arms are withdrawn relative to the fixed portion of the second edge when the first and second latch arms are located in their respective unlatched positions. The cover or other portion of the module defines first and second receiving locations that receive and retain portions of the first and second latch arms when the first and second latch arms are located in their respective latched positions. |
| US08066237B2 |
Device for holding packages
A device for holding a plurality of dispensing packages enables the packages to be independently removed and replaced. In one embodiment, the holding device includes a rear wall and a pair of sidewalls extending at an angle from said rear wall. The sidewalls each include a plurality of retaining elements, with each retaining element on one of said sidewalls being uniquely associated with a retaining element on the other sidewall. The rear wall of the holder may be selectively adjusted to vary the distance between opposing retaining elements. Each retaining element may separated from adjacent retaining elements so that each retaining element is independently flexible. Each retaining element may also include a retention hook that angles from the retaining element to hold a box behind the hook. The hook may additionally include a ramped surface that facilitates flexing of the retaining element as a box is inserted into the holder. |
| US08066236B2 |
Optical equipment mounting devices and systems
Optical equipment mounting devices and systems are provided. In an embodiment of the present invention an optical mounting system can generally comprise a mounting assembly to carry an optical device and a support coupled to the mounting assembly. The mounting assembly can include a generally horizontal platform and can define a vertical axis passing substantially orthogonal to said horizontal platform. The support can be adapted to hold an optical device below the generally horizontal platform of the mounting assembly and to one side of the vertical axis. An optical mounting system can also comprise an adjustment mechanism capable of precisely adjusting the position of the optical device in small increments. Other embodiments are also claimed and described. |
| US08066235B1 |
Adjustable work stand for motorcycles
An adjustable work stand for motorcycles includes a platform and platform support means. The platform support means includes left and right vertical support members adapted to be adjustable upwardly and downwardly. Upper and lower horizontal support members extend between the vertical support members. The platform is pivotally attached to the upper horizontal support member. A vertically adjustable platform support arm extends between the lower horizontal support member and the underside of the front of the platform. A stand support arm extends rearwardly from one of the left and right vertical support members, the forward end of the stand support arm being pivotally connected to the vertical support member, the rearward end of the stand support arm adapted to contact the same surface upon which the vertical support members rest. |
| US08066233B2 |
Swivel, display device and electronic apparatus
A swivel includes: a circular fixed base; and a movable stage capable of rotating relative to the fixed base. |
| US08066228B2 |
Single slotted flap with sliding deflector flap and lowerable spoiler
A device for adjusting the lift characteristics of an aircraft with a high lift device that is movably attachable to a wing element and that includes at least one slot covering device, where the at least one slot covering device, is movably attachable to the wing element. The slot covering device is designed to regulate the size of a slot between the wing element and the high lift device. |
| US08066225B1 |
Multi-tether cross-wind kite power
A multiple-tethered kite extracts power from wind. Systems having three or more tethers coupled to a single kite are contemplated, as are systems having multiple kites coupled to a given pair of tethers. Commercially useful tethers would most likely have a length of at least 1000 meters, and would be fixed at least 100 meters apart. During a given cycle the distance between each of the bases and the kite would likely vary by at least 50 meters. Motion of the tethers can be converted to useful energy in any commercially viable manner, for example by driving an electric generator or a water pump. |
| US08066223B2 |
Enhanced aerial delivery system
An enhanced aerial delivery system addresses issues raised when large quantities of fluids, powders, and other agent materials are to be transported in and aerially dispersed by aircraft. Some aspects include positioning and securing of tanks aboard the aircraft to facilitate management and safety of the tanks and aircraft. Other aspects address coupling of the tanks and associated piping to lessen structural effects upon the aircraft. Further aspects deal with channeling, containing, and dumping stray agent materials that have escaped from the agent tanks on board the aircraft. |
| US08066221B2 |
Aircraft ventral fairing partition wall and aircraft equipped with a ventral fairing
The invention concerns a wall (10) of vertical partitioning for a ventral cowling of an aircraft including a plurality of vertical panels (11, 12, 12′, 13, 13′), each panel being linked to an adjacent panel by a vertical post (14, 15, 16). At least one exterior panel (13, 13′) is mounted in a fixed manner on at least one associated vertical post (14, 16). The upper end of said vertical post is fitted with a means of fastening in transverse rotation intended to be fixed to the structure (8) of an aircraft, the means of fastening in transverse rotation being capable of allowing the displacement (Dy) of the structure of the aircraft with respect to the fixed partitioning wall. It is also possible for at least one intermediary panel (12, 12′) to be mounted floating on at least one associated vertical post (15, 16), in such a way as to have a deflection parallel and perpendicular to the adjacent panels. |
| US08066217B2 |
Dispenser and dispensing method having communication abilities
Dispensers and dispensing systems and methods having communication abilities are provided. Various embodiments include the ability to communicate reminders and other messages to users and maintenance personnel. An embodiment of the present invention has two sensors, one for detecting when to dispense a product and the other for detecting when to communicate pre-recorded messages. Another embodiment also includes the ability to record multiple messages into the dispenser for later playback upon triggering events. Still yet other embodiments provide messages upon dispensing of product. |
| US08066212B2 |
Rotor and device for the comminution of input material
A rotor and device for the comminution of input material is provided. The rotor includes a drive shaft on which a predetermined number of rotor discs are provided and over the circumference of which grinding tools are arranged. In accordance with an embodiment, it is provided that frictional connection elements are arranged between the rotor discs forming axial ends of the rotor and the shaft for transferring a torque, and that power transmission elements are arranged in a contact surface of two adjacent rotor discs and that the rotor discs can be clamped together with axially acting clamping elements. |
| US08066210B2 |
Central shaft for a gyratory crusher
A central shaft for a gyratory crusher, which includes a crushing head on which a first crushing shell is mounted; a frame on which a second crushing shell is mounted, which second crushing shell defines, together with the first crushing shell, a crushing gap; and a driving device, which is arranged to rotate an eccentric about said central shaft and thereby to cause the crushing head to execute a gyratory movement for crushing of material that is introduced in the crushing gap. The central shaft has a cavity in which are accommodated an anti-reverse and a torque limiter, the anti-reverse and the torque limiter being adapted for connection to said crushing head for restricting spinning. |
| US08066208B2 |
Convertible discharge system for bale shredder
A bale shredder is mounted on a frame and has a flail that will shred material, such as hay, straw and silage, and an auger receives the shredded material and moves it toward a first end of the auger. The first end of the auger is surrounded by a chamber that has a first opening in an axial direction of the auger that opens into a fan or blower so that material going through the first opening is blown out of a discharge chute. An endless conveyor is mounted adjacent a second opening of the chamber, laterally of the auger, and is positioned to receive material from the second opening. Panels are provided for selectively blocking the first opening when the endless conveyor is to be moving material from the chamber, and for blocking the second opening when the fan is to be used for discharging material. The two different conveyors are selectively used for delivery of shredded material from the bale shredder. |
| US08066204B2 |
Shower head with integral diverter valve
A shower assembly is provided that includes a shower head having an integrated diverter valve. The shower head receives a detachable hand-held shower wand. The diverter valve is arranged upstream of an adjustable connector so that length is not added to the shower assembly that would interfere with headroom. A cam shaft of the diverter valve is rotated to selectively control fluid flow between the shower head and the hand-held shower wand. Cam followers are moved linearly in response to rotation of the cam shaft to selectively block first and second outlet ports. |
| US08066201B2 |
Method and apparatus for supplying a fluid
Apparatus for supplying a fluid comprising a pipe having at least one aperture through a wall of the pipe, each of the at least one apertures comprising a first portion in an inner surface of the wall, a second portion in an outer surface of the wall, the first portion intersecting the second portion to form an opening, the first portion having a first cross-sectional area at the inner surface that is greater than a second cross-sectional area of the opening; wherein the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area have a first ratio within a first predetermined range so as to enable fluid flowing through the pipe at a predetermined flow rate to exert a predetermined pressure to spray fluid from the at least one aperture to atmosphere and also to flush the first portion. |
| US08066199B2 |
Showerhead having a temperature sensitive valve having shape memory actuator
A valve for preventing the flow of fluid when the temperature of the fluid is above a predetermined threshold, the valve including: a body having at least one opening for allowing the fluid to pass when the temperature of the fluid is below the predetermined threshold; and a shape memory or bi-metal actuator for substantially closing the at least one opening when the temperature of the fluid is above the predetermined threshold to prevent the fluid from passing. |
| US08066197B2 |
Failsafe thermal bypass valve for cooling system
A thermal bypass valve for a heat exchanger circuit includes a valve housing forming a valve chamber including a bypass passage and ports for the flow of heat exchange fluid into and out of the valve chamber as well as a bypass port defined by a valve seat. Two axially aligned thermally sensitive actuators are mounted in the chamber, each with an actuator body and its own movable piston extendible from one end of the body. One of these pistons operably engages the actuatory body associated with the other piston. Each actuator body is normally movable in the chamber in response to extension of its piston. One of the actuators extends its piston at a higher temperature than the temperature required for the other actuator to extend its piston. A bypass valve member is mounted on one of the actuators and can be moved by either actuator from an open position to a closed position. |
| US08066196B2 |
Water saver system
A water saver system that includes a temperature-sensitive valve, connected between the shower water control valves and the shower head, diverts water to a bladder pressure tank until the water warms up. The temperature sensitive valve opens when the water reaches a preset temperature. The water stored in the pressure tank flows back through a metering orifice and mixes with the warm water over the course of the shower so little water is wasted. The pressure tank could be placed on the floor of the shower or outside the tub (under sink) in a retrofit or built into the wall stud cavity in new construction. |
| US08066195B2 |
Object, image data, image data transmission method, card, game mat, card game system, image analysis apparatus, and image analysis method
There is provided a two-dimensional code capable of performing accurate recognition. The two-dimensional code includes: a code data portion (102) where a plurality of square cells (106) are two-dimensionally arranged to constitute code data; and a plurality of corner cells (104) arranged so as to surround the code data portion (102). The corner cells (104) are configured with a greater area than the square cells (106). When the two-dimensional code is imaged by an imaging device, the corner cells (104) can be recognized in a large scale, thereby improving the two-dimensional code read accuracy. |
| US08066193B2 |
Smartcard, telephone comprising such a card and method for executing a command in such a card
A smartcard (1) includes: first and second microcircuits (100, 200) respectively storing first and second applications (120, 220), elements for communicating (14) with the outside of the card (1), connected to the first microcircuit (100), the first application (120) being capable of transmitting (708) a command received by the communication elements (14) to the second application (220) the first application (120) being capable of receiving a response to the command transmitted to the second application (220) and of aggregating (718) the response with at least one data value stored in a memory of the first microcircuit (200) in such a manner as to form an overall response to the command received from the outside. |
| US08066192B2 |
RFID reporting personal health card and related systems
A personal health card that includes a smartcard with an RFID device that automatically reports certain RFID response information when illuminated by an interrogation signal from an RFID reader, such as an authorized first responder interrogation device issued to police, fire, lifeguard, or EMT personnel. The RFID response information may be as minimal as a visible or audible “ping” response displayed or played on the RFID interrogator indicating that a personal health card has been interrogated. If multiple cards respond to the interrogator, the RFID interrogator can be used to select among the responding cards so that the operator can investigate one card at a time. A characteristic of the response from a selected card may change in response to the strength of the signal received from the card to help the operator locate and recover a desired card. For example, the volume of an audible “ping” at the interrogator may become louder or more frequent as the interrogation response from the card becomes stronger to provide a “homing device” for physically locating a particular card. This feature is very helpful when emergency responses are attempting to locate personal health cards at the scene of an accident or other incident. |
| US08066190B2 |
Transaction card
The present invention relates to a process for producing a transparent or translucent transaction card having multiple features. An optically recognizable compound may be associated with a portion of the card for blocking infrared radiation and may comprise an infrared ink having nanocrystalline indium tin oxide particles. Moreover, a portion of the transaction card may include a second optically recognizable compound disposed thereon. The second optically recognizable compound may comprise an infrared phthalocyanine dye, an infrared phosphor, and a quantum dot energy transfer compound. The infrared ink may be detected by a sensor found in an ATM or card assembly line. |
| US08066188B2 |
Point-of-transaction workstation for electro-optically reading one-dimensional and two-dimensional indicia by image capture
A solid-state imager is mounted at a point-of-transaction workstation for capturing images of one- and two-dimensional indicia and is operated at high speed to resist image blurring due to relative movement between the target and the imager. Dedicated hardware assistance and computation resources are allocated to decode multiple, continuous and simultaneous video streams from multiple imagers at the workstation. |
| US08066187B2 |
Methods and systems for network configuration
Network and device configuration systems and methods are described. In an embodiment, a first user interface configured to receive from a user configuration information regarding a first network provided. Program code stored in computer accessible memory is configured to generate a barcode that includes information related to the first network configuration information, wherein the barcode can be scanned by a device having a barcode scanner and a network interface to configure the network interface to access the first network. |
| US08066184B2 |
Optically readable marking sheet and reading apparatus and method therefor
A ballot or sheet having an anti-copying feature provides for detecting from an image of the ballot or sheet whether the ballot or sheet is an original or is a copy. The anti-copying feature may lighten or darken, or both, when copied and may or may not be evident to the human eye. A reader comprising an imager and a processor is for reading the ballot or sheet and for determining whether the ballot or sheet is an original or is a copy, and for determining selections marked thereon. A method for reading the ballot or sheet is for determining from an image of the ballot or sheet whether the ballot or sheet is an original or is a copy, and for determining selections marked thereon. |
| US08066182B2 |
Intelligent credit card system
A new credit card system which enables improved reading and other operations. Reading can be done in the short edge of the credit card thereby shortening the aspect ratio and size of the card reader. The reader can be electrical, reading information via contacts, or can be optical readers. |
| US08066181B2 |
RF transaction authentication using a random number
A system and method for securing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) transactions is provided. An exemplary method includes using a random number in an authentication tag and authorizing an RF transaction in response to verifying the authentication tag. The method may also involve variously validating an RFID device authentication tag and an RFID reader authentication tag. Additionally, a system and method is disclosed for verifying an RFID transaction device and RFID reader operable with an RF transaction system. The method involves presenting an RFID device to an RFID reader, receiving a random number, creating an RFID transaction device authentication tag using the random number and a counter value, providing the RFID transaction device authentication tag to an RFID reader, creating an RFID reader authentication tag using the counter, random number, and RFID authentication tag, and providing the RFID reader authentication tag and RFID transaction device authentication tag for authentication. |
| US08066180B2 |
Card processor
From the detection result of a sensor for detecting a card, whether or not the card exists in the inside, and whether or not the card exists in a return area are determined, respectively, and in the state where it is determined that the card exists in the inside, if the time counted by a first timer has reached a time while a command from a host system is not received by a communication unit, then it carries out the communication error process of addressing that the command is not received. That is, the card in the inside is returned to the area, and subsequently, in the state that it is determined that the returned card exists in the area, if the time counted by a second timer reaches a second time while the card is not taken out from the area, the card is taken to the inside. |
| US08066178B2 |
Display carton for a plurality of products
A carton for a plurality of products comprising a front panel and a rear panel, the front panel and the rear panel connected one to the other by a top panel and a bottom panel, each of the front panel, the top panel and the bottom panel having appended side flaps. Each of the appended side flaps of the top panel and the bottom panel having a recess, the recesses of the top panel flaps being in alignment with the recesses of the bottom panel flaps to form a combined recess. A product separator is located in the carton, the product separator having a separator panel with an appended first panel and a second panel, each of the first panel and the second panel being fitted into a combined recess to thereby secure the product separator in the carton. The front panel is at least partially transparent. Each of the front panel flaps having an appended glue flap, the appended glue flaps having a plurality of glue tabs. The top panel and the rear panel having an appended hanger panel with an aperture and a structure to reclose the carton. |
| US08066175B2 |
Container for food, especially tostadas
A container for food, such as used for the storage or packaging of tostadas, manufactured as a carton, which is formed with eight sections or sides that are joined by adhesive at an edge to fold the container is disclosed. The container also has edges placed on the top and bottom ends that, when interwoven towards the center of the container, permit the formation of a kind of bow with which the container is kept closed. In order to open the container, it is only necessary to pull outwards on opening projections which are part of the bow. Likewise, and as a consequence of the interweaving of the edges, an internal pulling acts as a muffling, thereby helping the food, e.g., tostadas, to be maintained in a good state, without being broken. |
| US08066171B1 |
Conductive metal ball bonding with electrostatic discharge detection
An apparatus for bonding a conductive lead to a conductive terminal of a device by the use of a conductive metal ball is disclosed. A ball-forming wire comprises a first conductive metal having a first melting temperature. A clamping surface has a closed position in contact with the ball-forming wire. A wire-clamping actuator is coupled to the clamping surface and is electrically connected to a clamping signal source. A sparking pin comprises a second conductive metal having a second melting temperature higher than the first melting temperature. The sparking pin is electrically connected to a power source. A current detection transformer includes a magnetic core at least partially encircling the ball-forming wire. An analyzing circuit is electrically connected to the current detection transformer. |
| US08066168B2 |
Surgical instrument having an articulated jaw structure and a detachable knife
A surgical instrument with articulated jaw structure includes a frame and two jaws. The jaws have proximal portions that are mounted to each other for movement in a substantially parallel relation between a fully open position wherein the jaws are separated for receiving tissue therebetween and an approximated position wherein the jaws are closer together. Preferably, the jaws are in the fully open position when the distal portion of at least of the jaws is located in an extended position and are in the approximated position when the distal portion of the extended jaw or jaws is located in a retracted position. The surgical instrument may further include a detachable knife assembly and knife actuating mechanism. |
| US08066167B2 |
Circular surgical stapling instrument with anvil locking system
Circular stapling instruments for cutting and applying one or more surgical staples to tissue are disclosed. The instruments include various forms of anvil locking systems designed to selectively prevent the anvil from moving axially relative to the stapling head of the stapling instrument. One embodiment employs an elongated gear rack that is selectively engagable with locking gears to prevent axial motion of the elongated gear rack and an adjustment shaft used to axially position the anvil. Other embodiments employ a gear assembly that cooperates with the elongated gear rack. A locking member is movably supported by a handle assembly that houses the gear assembly and elongated gear rack. The locking member is configured for selective meshing engagement with the gear assembly to ultimately prevent axial movement of the gear rack and adjustment shaft. |
| US08066163B2 |
Game mover
A device for moving game after the game has been slain wherein the device acts as a sled or toboggan. A combination of the device is the device in a folded condition and inserted into a container for carrying the device. The container is a fabric bag with appropriate openings and straps for inserting the device and carrying the device, respectively. |
| US08066162B2 |
Modulator for supporting arm of rear bicycle carrier
A modulator for supporting arms of a rear bicycle carrier comprises a support frame including a central post having two ends with which first and second supporting arms are connected; a ratchet holder integrally formed with or separately disposed on the connecting position of the central post, and including a plurality of inner teeth arranged around the internal periphery thereof; a connecting shaft inserted through the ratchet holder, on the two sides of an intermediate seat of the connecting shaft being mounted two ratchet members for engaging with the inner teeth of the ratchet holder; a control unit fixed on a predetermined position of the rear bicycle carrier for being rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to disengage at least one ratchet member from the inner teeth of the ratchet holder such that the first and second supporting arms can be adjusted toward a suitable angle relative to the central post. |
| US08066155B2 |
Trigger type pump dispenser
A trigger-type pump dispenser capable of preventing deformation of a channel of a coupling part when a piston is vertically pushed down by a trigger even in a structure in which the coupling part bends and a nozzle does not vertically move. The dispenser has a base main body 1 having the cylinder part 11 inside and attachable to an opening part of a container main body. A cover body 4 detachably latched with the base main body. A piston structure 2 composed of the nozzle part 21 engaged with the base main body, the piston part 23, and a bendable coupling part coupling the nozzle part and the piston part. Many fins 22A are formed on the periphery of the coupling part 22 so that an interior channel is not deformed. |
| US08066152B2 |
Liquid cooling and dispensing device
A device that attaches to a bottle's neck has a base that secures to the bottle's neck and has two passages that traverse the base. The first passage leads to an enclosure located above the base that holds cooling material and optionally has a conduit that improves the heat exchange between a dispensing liquid and the cooling material retained in the enclosure. The exit passage of the enclosure has in at least one embodiment a valve. The second passage through the base forms a vent line that is located entirely below the enclosure and allows air to flow into the bottle as bottle's contents are dispensed through the first passage. |
| US08066149B2 |
Stackable container with support structure
A container for holding goods comprises a basket having a base and a sidewall, a lid mateable with the basket, and a support structure. The support structure includes a pillar extending between the base and the lid and a tie connected between the pillar and the sidewall. |
| US08066147B2 |
Crate with collapsible wall
A crate, such as for transporting egg cartons or other items, includes a base, opposed side walls and a rear wall extending upward from the base. A front wall opposite the rear wall is selectably moveable between a closed position and a retracted, open position. In the retracted position, access to the interior of the crate is provided. In one embodiment, the front wall includes a plurality of pivotably connected sections, such that the front wall can be retracted to provide access to the interior. A latch selectively prevents movement of the front wall to the retracted position. |
| US08066143B2 |
Storage container with hinged lid
A storage container includes a base having side walls and end walls extending upwardly from the base. Lid halves are hingeably connected to upper edges of the side walls. A security recess is formed in the side walls adjacent to each hinge and corresponds with a security tab projecting from the lid halves preventing vertical movement of the outer edge of the lid half when the lid is in the closed position. The lid halves also include a lip adjacent to the hinge and upper and lower leaves that overlap with the opposing lid half to prevent moisture from seeping into the storage container. |
| US08066141B2 |
Sealed package for pourable food products
A sealed package for pourable food products includes a removable portion and a closable opening device. The opening device has a frame defining a pour opening and fixed to the package about the removable portion, and a cap fitted to the frame to close the pour opening and movable to free the pour opening. A pull-off opening device is housed in the frame and has a rigid plane integral with the removable portion and extractable from the frame, by pulling action, together with part of the removable portion. A pull tab of sheet material is interposed between the removable portion and the plate and attached to both. |
| US08066138B2 |
Collapsible hard case for surfboards and other large objects
A collapsible protective case for surfboards, musical instruments, or other large asymmetrically shaped objects, including a housing having a rigid, impact-resistant outer surface, the housing being formed from a multiplicity of adjoining sections that are selectively configurable between an expanded transport position and a collapsed storage position. |
| US08066137B2 |
Flexible, stackable container including a lid and package body folded from a single sheet of film
A flexible, stackable container for storing a quantity of a product may include a sealed package formed from a single sheet of film and retaining the quantity of the product disposed therein, and a lid fitment attached to a first side of the package. The first side of the package may have an outer first surface of the film and outwardly extending first corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the first side and surrounding the first side of the package. The package may also have a second side disposed opposite the first side and outwardly extending second corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the second side and surrounding the second side of the package. The lid fitment may include a base having a central opening and a lid having a complimentary shape to the base to form a seal therebetween when the lid is closed down onto the base. The base may be sealed to one of the first surface of the first side, to the first corner seals surrounding the first side, or to both, such that a portion of the first surface is accessible from the exterior of the container when the lid is separated from the base of the lid fitment. |
| US08066135B2 |
Transport device and method for transporting fluid
An embodiment of the present invention discloses a transport device for transporting loose cargo and fluid, including: an elongate loading floor on which loose cargo can be placed; a fluid tank to be fixed releasably to the loading floor and in which fluid can be stored, wherein the tank can be folded in longitudinal direction over the loading floor between a collapsed state in which the tank takes up a minimum loading floor area, to enable transport of a relatively large quantity of loose cargo, and an expanded state to enable transport of a relatively large amount of fluid. |
| US08066133B2 |
Synthetic resin cap, closing device, and container-packed beverage
The present invention provides a synthetic resin cap comprising: a cap body (4) having a top plate portion (2) and a cylinder portion (3) hanging from a circumferential edge portion (2b) thereof; an annular inside seal projection (12) to be fitted to a container mouth portion (21); a connector portion (15) formed between the top plate portion (2) and the inside seal projection (12); and an outside thin wall portion (16) formed on the top plate portion (2), and provides a closing device using thereof, and a container-packed beverage.When the internal pressure of the container has risen, the top plate portion (2) is deformably swelled upward, and an inward tensile force is applied to the inside seal projection (12) by the connector portion (15). Since the outside thin wall portion (16) undergoes bending deformation, the portion positioned inside the outside thin wall portion (16) to undergo significant bulging deformation upward, and the slope of the top plate portion (2) at the portion where the inside seal projection (12) is formed is increased. Thus, the inside seal projection (12) is displaced inward, and gas in the container may be easily discharged to the outside. |
| US08066131B2 |
Modular overhead storage system
An overhead rack system is provided that may be mounted to the ceiling of a structure such as a garage for storing items in an organized manner off the floor. The overhead rack system includes a first and second adjustable mounting track and a support surface having a number of side rails connected together by a plurality of rail connectors. The first and second adjustable mounting tracks are adjustable relative to the ceiling mount such that the space between the ceiling and the support surface as well as the overall length of the side rails may be adjusted by the user according to the intended space. |
| US08066125B2 |
Compact injection molded battery package
A package comprising a rear member pivotally connected to a front member at a pivot. The package has a closed position wherein the front member is engaged with the rear member to define an interior space therebetween and an open position allowing access to the interior space. At least one of the front member and the rear member includes support structure for supporting products in the interior space. A projection having an aperture for allowing the package to be hung on a rod extends from the front member and the rear member. The rear member includes a foot allowing the package to stand substantially upright on a horizontal surface. The front member and the rear member include a latch and a slot, with the latch being configured to be inserted into the slot for maintaining the package in the closed position. |
| US08066121B2 |
Child-resistant, senior-friendly package having a squeeze-release mechanism and method of assembly
A package for containing tablets or like separate dispensable items is provided having so-called child-resistant and senior-friendly storage and dispensing properties. An elongate outer sleeve houses a separate blister card carrying tablets or like items. The card slides into the sleeve to a storage position in which the card is housed within the outer sleeve and slides in the reverse direction to a dispensing position in which the card at least partially extends from the open end of the sleeve. The sleeve includes an internal locking restriction secured to a wall thereof, and the card includes a tail end having an integral latch. The locking restriction and latch cooperate to form a locking engagement thereby locking the card within the sleeve when the card is in the storage position. The sleeve includes visually defined squeeze locations on opposite side edges thereof that correspond to a location of the internal locking restriction. The locking engagement of the latch to the internal locking mechanism is released when the outer sleeve is squeezed at the visually defined squeeze locations. The construction of the outer sleeve from a paperboard blank, the construction of a blister card having a latch, and a method of assembling the above referenced package are also disclosed. |
| US08066118B1 |
Device for using nonwoven towels in the dairy industry
A method and apparatus for use in the dairy industry to affect the time in preparing a dairy cow for milking and the transference of mastitis in dairy cows with the method the present invention provides: retrieving a quantity of the disposable single fold towels/wipes of the present invention before teat cleaning; extracting a towel/wipe from the quantity and having the maximum surface area of the towel/wipe upon extraction available for use without further manipulation; wiping the udder teats until dry and disposing of the used disposable single fold towel of the present invention. The apparatus of the present invention is a Nonwoven Airlaid or Nonwoven DRC (Double Recreped Cellulose) or 2-6 ply Scrim single fold, interfold towel with a basis weight between 40 GSM (grams per square meter) and 80 GSM, consisting of both virgin pulp (longer fibers) and also recycled pulp (broken or shorter fibers), in the dairy industry. |
| US08066117B2 |
Preparation-at-use device comprising pre-formed hydrogel product
Disclosed is a preparation-at-use device comprising: (1) a pre-formed hydrogel component packaged in a first compartment; the pre-formed hydrogel component comprising a gelling agent and a solvent; and (2) a benefit component packaged in a second compartment; the benefit component comprising at least one compound that is unstable when contacted with the pre-formed hydrogel component; wherein the first and second compartments are separately packaged prior to use, and wherein the device comprises means for contacting the pre-formed hydrogel component and benefit component upon use. |
| US08066116B2 |
Conveyor belt end connection
A conveyor belt has a mono-ply construction comprising a central fabric ply, top and bottom cover layers and a connection interconnecting the opposite ends of the belt. The top and bottom cover layers are removed from the opposite ends of the belt to define exposed fabric ply regions which are arranged in a mutually overlapping relationship. Two connection plates extend generally over the entire width of the conveyor belt on opposite sides thereof, and fasteners extend through the connection plates and the opposite ends of the conveyor belt to form a secure, yet flexible, connection. |
| US08066114B2 |
Differential impulse conveyor with improved drive
A differential impulse conveyor (10) includes a tray (12) laterally moveable in a forward direction at a first speed and in a backward direction at a second speed greater than the first speed, thereby moving goods along the tray. A plurality of legs (18, 20) support the tray during lateral movement, and a motor (30) powers a drive pulley (30). A driven pulley (36) is powered by the drive pulley, and a flexible member (34) interconnects the driven pulley and the drive pulley. At least the driven pulley has an eccentric pulley axis, thereby imparting lateral movement to the tray. A tension mechanism (38, 40) is provided to take up slack in the flexible member. |
| US08066113B2 |
Segregating apparatus
An apparatus for segregating electronic components that engages and stops each of a plurality of electronic packages passing down a singulation tube is disclosed. In addition, the segregating apparatus is cable of segregating the electronic packages even though some of them had been linked together during the sealing process. The segregating apparatus includes a first swing arm to clip a electronic component, a second swing arm to clip another electronic component, and a third swing arm to depart the two electronic components, where all of components of the segregating apparatus are driven by a single driving force, reducing the size of the apparatus and the time needed for the segregating process. |
| US08066111B2 |
Gripper conveyor delivery
A signature transport device is provided. The signature transport device includes a saddle conveyor for transporting signatures, an escalator tucker for lifting the signatures off the saddle conveyor and a linear gripper conveyor located adjacent to the escalator tucker and having a plurality of grippers for gripping the signatures. The linear gripper conveyor has a velocity component that is equal to or greater than a velocity component of the escalator tucker when the signatures are gripped from the escalator tucker. A method for transporting signatures is also provided. |
| US08066108B2 |
Vessel escape slides and associated equipment
Systems for inhibiting installation of emergency escape slides behind bustles (or other covers) when removable safety pins (or similar objects) remain intact are addressed. Versions of the systems mechanically interfere with installation of the bustles as long as the safety pins remain in place. Only when all safety pins are removed can the mechanical impediment be detached (or moved sufficiently) to permit installation of the bustles. |
| US08066105B2 |
Hydraulic suspension damper
The invention relates to a suspension hydraulic damper (1) comprising a tube (2) filled with working liquid, inside of which a slidable piston assembly (3), provided with compression (12) and rebound (11) valve assemblies and attached to a piston rod (4) led outside the damper (1), is placed, and at least one compression valve system (18, 19). To increase an amount of dissipated energy during extremely fast compression strokes the compression valve system (18, 19) comprises at least one substantially thin closing element (24, 34), preferably in a form of a flat floating disc, having an outside diameter less than the inner diameter of the tube (2) and being axially slidable with respect to the piston rod (4) axis, a spring (23, 33) surrounding the piston rod (4) axis and pressing the closing element against a retainer (26, 35) into an open position, an abutting surface (28, 38) for the closing element (24, 34) in a closed position, and at least one passage (25, 31) for the flow of damping medium in the closed position. |
| US08066104B2 |
Bicycle brake assembly
Various bicycle brake assemblies are described. In some embodiments, a bicycle brake assembly comprises a multi-lever linkage assembly comprising an input link and an output link coupled with a brake pad, wherein the multi-lever linkage assembly is configured to provide a greater mechanical advantage when the brake assembly is in a second activated position in which the brake pad is contacting a wheel than when the brake assembly is in a first unactivated position. |
| US08066103B2 |
Bicycle brake pad shoe
A brake shoe for holding a brake pad of a bicycle brake assembly has opposed first brake shoe undercuts at a first end portion of the brake shoe and opposed second brake shoe undercuts at a second end portion of the brake shoe. A slot is defined between the opposed first brake shoe undercuts and a slot is defined between the opposed second brake shoe undercuts. An edge wall is connected to all of the undercuts and a sidewall is connected to the edge wall. A brake pad receiving channel extends along the length of the brake shoe between the sidewall and all of the brake shoe undercuts. A brake pad insertion passage jointly intersecting the slot defined between the opposed first brake shoe undercuts and the slot defined between the opposed second brake shoe undercuts. |
| US08066101B2 |
Belt device for driving elevator
A belt device for driving an elevator is provided, the rest retaining capability of which is improved in order to retain the stopped state of an elevator cage if oil or water adheres to between a belt and a pulley. In the belt device for driving an elevator in which a belt 4 is stretched over a plurality of pulleys 1, 2, and 3, and the belt 4 is rotated by the rotations of the pulleys 1, 2, and 3, wherein the coefficient of friction of a contact surface with at least a driving pulley in the belt 4 is set to 0.6 to 3.0, and the contact surface is constructed of a rubber having a hardness (IRHD) of 65 to 95, and a wear resistance of 5 to 300 mm3 in Taber wear (ISO547-1-1999, under conditions: a wear ring of H18; a load of 1 kg; and 1000 rpm). |
| US08066100B2 |
Oil pan and lubricating device
An oil pan is provided with an oil pan separator that partitions a first chamber that communicates with a moving part inside a cylinder block and a second chamber outside the first chamber. A communicating hole is provided to a bottom panel of the oil pan separator. The communicating hole is shielded from a strainer. |
| US08066097B2 |
Acoustic enhancement device for underlayment of a covering
An acoustic enhancement device adapted for being placed on a support and under a covering, and containing a first flexible layer adapted for being placed facing the support, a second rigid layer joined to the first flexible layer and adapted for being placed opposite the support, and a damping element, wherein the damping element is integrated in the second rigid layer or forms a third layer placed on the second rigid layer and opposite the first flexible layer. |
| US08066095B1 |
Transverse waveguide
A compact bass speaker cabinet uses a long, narrow, tapered waveguide that acts as does a small radial portion of the air outside a large pulsating sphere, and has the same bass response as the large pulsating sphere. The smaller end is closed and the longer end is open. In one embodiment the inside of the waveguide is a rectangle about an inch thick and substantially as wide as the speaker or speakers that are mounted on the wider surface close to or slightly overlapping the closed end; and the inside surfaces are tapered so that they meet at a point which lies beyond the closed end by a distance equal to the radian wavelength of the longest sound wave that is to be produced. |
| US08066092B2 |
Electric power steering device
An electric power steering device is configured to transmit an auxiliary torque to a steering unit of front wheels, and includes: an operator; an electric motor configured to generate the auxiliary torque in accordance with at least a steering torque generated by input from the operator; the steering unit of front wheels which includes a pinion shaft; and a rotation terminating mechanism which provides a motion terminating end of the operator, the rotation terminating mechanism being disposed between the operator and the pinion shaft. |
| US08066090B2 |
Hydraulic pressure control device of an automatic transmission and hybrid drive device having the hydraulic pressure control device
A hydraulic control apparatus for an automatic transmission includes a forward travel engaging element, a reverse travel engaging element, a first signal electromagnetic valve, a first switching valve, and a second switching valve. The hydraulic control apparatus is structured so as to change the output state of the signal pressure of the first signal electromagnetic valve when changing from the reverse travel shift position and/or shift range to the non-travel shift position and/or shift range and when changing from the forward travel shift position and/or shift range to the non-travel shift position and/or shift range, and to enable quick draining of hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic servo of the reverse travel engaging element and hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic servo of the forward travel engaging element. |
| US08066079B2 |
Drill string flow control valves and methods
Drill string flow control valves and more particularly, drill string flow control valves for prevention of u-tubing of fluid flow in drill strings are provided. Drill string flow control valves may comprise a valve housing, a valve sleeve axially movable within a valve housing from a closed position to an open position, a piston axially movable within said valve housing and bearing against the valve sleeve, a biasing mechanism for biasing the valve sleeve into the closed position, a static pressure port for actuating said piston utilizing internal fluid pressure within said valve and a plurality of dynamic pressure ports for allowing a differential pressure to be exerted on the valve sleeve during dynamic flow conditions. The differential pressure exerted on the valve sleeve may be the result of an upstream pressure and a downstream pressure during fluid flow through said valve. By allowing a differential pressure resulting from a fluid flow to act on the valve sleeve, u-tubing in a drill string can be prevented or substantially reduced. Methods of use are also provided. |
| US08066076B2 |
Connection system for subsea flow interface equipment
A connection system for connecting flow interface equipment to a subsea manifold is disclosed. The connection system relates particularly to a connection apparatus adapted to land a conduit means on a subsea manifold in a first stage of the connection and to connect a conduit means of the connection apparatus to a choke body of the manifold in a second stage of the connection. |
| US08066075B2 |
Completion suspension valve system
A completion suspension valve system is described which allows a well to be suspended and desuspended remotely without a dual bore riser to the surface. This is achieved by incorporating a remotely actuatable valve into the production bore of a tubing hanger. The valve is hydraulically operable and may be controlled via the tubing hanger running tool or via the xmas tree. The valve can be closed and tested after the tubing hanger has been installed, thereby isolating the well. The dual bore riser and running tool are retrievable and the MODU type vessel is then free to continue drilling and completion operations elsewhere. The xmas tree can therefore be deployed from a workclass supply boat instead of a MODU type vessel. |
| US08066072B2 |
Method of stimulating a well
A tubular introduced into a wellbore is perforated at pre-selected locations after the tubular has been cemented into place. The locations of the perforations are determined by modeling inflow performance of a stimulation fluid within the formation. The inflow performance parameters include reservoir porosity, permeability, pressure, damage skin and intrusion depth, perforation diameter and penetration depth or perforation crushed zone damage and intrusion depth. |
| US08066071B2 |
Diverter valve
Apparatus for multi-zone wellbores that can by-pass upper hydrocarbon bearing zones and deliver fluid to lower hydrocarbon bearing zones. The apparatus can include at least one housing, and at least one port can be formed through the housing. An inner sleeve can be positioned within the housing. At least one cavity can be radially disposed on an outer diameter of the inner sleeve, and each cavity can be located within an annulus formed between the inner sleeve and the housing. A ball can be disposed within each cavity, and the ball can be adapted to selectively engage the port. |
| US08066069B2 |
Method and apparatus for wellbore construction and completion
The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore. |
| US08066068B2 |
Heterogeneous proppant placement in a fracture with removable channelant fill
A method of heterogeneous proppant placement in a subterranean fracture is disclosed. The method comprises injecting well treatment fluid including proppant (16) and proppant-spacing filler material called a channelant (18) through a wellbore (10) into the fracture (20), heterogeneously placing the proppant in the fracture in a plurality of proppant clusters or islands (22) spaced apart by the channelant (24), and removing the channelant filler material (24) to form open channels (26) around the pillars (28) for fluid flow from the formation (14) through the fracture (20) toward the wellbore (10). The proppant and channelant can be segregated within the well treatment fluid, or segregated during placement in the fracture. The channelant can be dissolvable particles, initially acting as a filler material during placement of the proppant in the fracture, and later dissolving to leave the flow channels between the proppant pillars. The well treatment fluid can include fibers to provide reinforcement and consolidation of the proppant and, additionally or alternatively, to inhibit settling of the proppant in the treatment fluid. |
| US08066065B2 |
Expansion device
An expansion device for a wellbore servicing tool, comprising a wedge comprising a frusto-conical wall having a tip end, the wedge being configured coaxially along a central axis, a plurality of slip segments, each slip segment comprising an inner surface having an incline surface, and at least one bridge joining each of the incline surfaces to the frusto conical wall. A method of operating a wellbore servicing tool, comprising longitudinally compressing an expansion device along a central axis, upon sufficient compression, separating plural slip segments from a wedge, moving the wedge relative to the slip segments, upon sufficient movement of the wedge relative to the slip segments, separating at least two slip segments from each other. |
| US08066063B2 |
Capillary injector
A mineral extraction system includes a branch having a branch passage, a diverter coupled to the branch passage, and a capillary injection conduit disposed inside to the branch passage. A method of injecting chemicals includes injecting a chemical into a capillary injection conduit disposed internal to a production passage, wherein the chemical injection capillary conduit comprises an inlet and an outlet configured to terminate proximate a well formation. |
| US08066061B2 |
Metal seal for wellheads
A reusable metal seal for a wellhead provides a metal-to-metal seal and includes upper and lower tapered sealing flanks which may be deflected by tapered wall surfaces on the wellhead engaging the taper sealing flanks, and the seal may have a plurality of annular relief grooves. |
| US08066059B2 |
Methods and devices for one trip plugging and perforating of oil and gas wells
A tubing conveyed tool for use in perforating a well bore utilizing abrasive perforating techniques. The perforating tool is particularly useful in non-vertical wells. The perforating tool is designed to permit running and setting a bridge plug, and then perforating the well bore without requiring the removal of the tool string. An eccentric weight bar can also be used to allow for directional perforating in non-vertical wells. The eccentric weight bar uses gravity to cause the bar to rotate to a predetermined position. |
| US08066058B2 |
System, method, and apparatus for breaking fracturing fluids
A method for breaking a fracturing fluid includes identifying application parameter(s) including a subterranean formation temperature, and determining an acid precursor concentration in response to the application parameter(s). The method further includes providing a treatment fluid including a carrier fluid, a metallic peroxide breaker, and an amount of an acid precursor according to the acid precursor concentration, and treating the subterranean formation with the treatment fluid. The application parameter(s) may further include a flowback wait time, a composition of the metallic peroxide breaker, a gel loading of the carrier fluid, and/or a permeability of the subterranean formation. The metallic peroxide breaker may include an alkaline peroxide and/or a zinc peroxide. The acid precursor may include polylactic acid and/or polyglycolic acid. |
| US08066057B2 |
Flow distributing unit and cooling unit
A distributor (1) for distributing a flow of cooling fluid over one or more surface(s) (3) to be cooled has a housing (13) that may be manufactured in a single piece together with inlet (8) and outlet (9) manifolds and a plurality of flow cells (26, 27, 28, 29). The flow cells (26, 27, 28, 29) may be connected in parallel between the manifolds (8, 9), and may be adapted to cool multiple surfaces (3) simultaneously. The present invention is also directed to a fluid-coolable unit comprising a distributor (1) for removing heat from an electronic circuit, such as integrated circuit or CPU. |
| US08066052B2 |
Cooled wall thickness control
A casting includes a wall thickness check feature for measuring thickness of a wall second aside an in-wall cooling passageway. The thickness is determined by observing the existence and/or size of an opening formed by the feature. The casting is cast from a pattern including portions forming the feature. To manufacture the pattern, a pattern-forming die is assembled with a ceramic feedcore and a refractory metal core (RMC). The assembling leaves an inlet portion of the RMC engaged to the ceramic feedcore and leaves an outlet portion of the RMC engaged to the die. A pattern-forming material is molded in the die at least partially over the ceramic feedcore and RMC. The die is disengaged from the pattern-forming material. The assembling engages a stepped projection of the RMC with a mating surface of the die. |
| US08066051B2 |
Partition mount with integrated plunger assembly
A partition mount system includes an integrated plunger assembly. The integrated plunger assembly is constructed and arranged to be integrated into an interior of an end of an extension pole, for example a standard telescoping extension pole. Mounting of the plunger in an interior portion of the pole in this manner provides for a sleek design that is relatively lightweight. Assuming that the pole in which the anchor is mounted is part of a telescoping pole system, the anchor and plunger do not interfere with full travel of the interior pole with respect to other poles in the telescoping system. In this manner, operation of the telescoping pole system is not inhibited by the integrated plunger assembly. |
| US08066050B2 |
Roman curtain
A roman curtain includes a curtain unit and a winding unit. The curtain unit has a covering portion, a top edge portion of which is adapted to be mounted to or in the vicinity of an upper edge of the window and which extends downwardly, an upper tube that is disposed on a rear side of the covering portion, a lower tube that is disposed on the rear side of the covering portion below and spaced apart vertically from the upper tube, and two rods that extend into the upper and lower tubes respectively. The winding unit has a winding rod that is adapted to be mounted rotatably to or in the vicinity of the upper edge of the window, and a winding piece, a top end portion of which is connected to the winding rod. |
| US08066040B2 |
High accumulation tree felling head
A feller buncher is provided including a felling head having a gathering arm and an accumulation arm. |
| US08066032B2 |
Apparatus for instantaneously terminating movement of flow material through a conduit
An apparatus for rapidly terminating of the flow of any fluid or particulate material through a conduit responsive to predefined dangerous conditions. A particular application will terminate fuel flow through a large fuel supply conduit in a racing vehicle responsive to a fire or accident or other dangerous condition. The apparatus includes a gas supply source that is opened responsive to actuation of the apparatus such that gas passes into a cylinder which moves to force a liquid to hydraulically expand an inflatable member which is operative to expand within the flow conduit to instantaneously terminate material flow therethrough. |
| US08066024B2 |
Emergency shutoff valve for use in a fuel dispensing system
An emergency shutoff valve includes a fluid conduit having a frangible area defined therein, a valve member operatively coupled to said conduit upstream of the frangible area, an expansible chamber having the frangible area defined therein, a movable member defining at least a portion of the expansible chamber, and a linkage operatively coupled to the movable member and the valve member for shutting the valve upon movement of the movable member in response to leakage of fluid through the frangible area. A method of shutting off fuel includes defining an expansible chamber about a frangible area in the conduit, moving a member defining a portion of the expansible chamber in response to leaking fuel, and shutting off a fuel valve in response to moving the movable member. |
| US08066023B2 |
System and method for collecting and increasing the pressure of seal leak gas
A system and a method for recovering and increasing the pressure of seal leak gas for recycle or passage to further processing. |
| US08066018B2 |
Hair clip without coil spring
A hair clip includes two jaws each having a hand grip extended from one end and a connector disposed on a middle portion, and a coupling device having a spring member engaged with the connectors of the jaws for coupling the jaws and the coupling device together and for applying a spring biasing force to bias and force the lugs and one ends of the jaws toward each other, and for allowing the jaws to be forced away from each other and to engage with a hair of a user when the hand grips are forced and depressed toward each other by the user. The jaws each include an opening for anchoring the spring member to the jaws. An elastic member may resiliently couple the lugs of the spring member together. |
| US08066016B2 |
Hair styling device
A hair styling device with a handle part, at least one heater part and two metallic molded parts that are preferably made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy and serve, in particular, for straightening, curling or waving hair. Hairs can be inserted between facing contact surfaces of the molded parts and the molded parts can be changed from an open state into a closed state. In order to ensure particularly good sliding properties for the hair, the invention proposes that the contact surfaces are at least regionally provided with an enamel coating. |
| US08066006B2 |
Filtering face-piece respirator having nose clip molded into the mask body
A filtering face-piece respirator 10 that comprises a mask body 12 and a harness 14. The mask body 12 includes (i) a filtering structure 18, (ii) a plastic support structure 16, and (iii) a nose clip 19 that is secured to the plastic support structure 18 by being molded therein. The inventive filtering face-piece respirator is beneficial in that it eliminates the need for an adhesive or welding step to secure the nose clip to the mask body. |
| US08065997B2 |
Heating cooking appliance
A heating cooking appliance is provided. The heating cooking appliance includes a case, a plate, a burner system, and a warm zone guide. The plate covers the top of the case. The burner system is provided below the plate and defines a heating region on the plate. The heating region heats food. A warm zone guide defines a warm zone region on the plate through exposing at least a portion of an undersurface of the plate to combustion gas generated from the burner system during exhausting of the combustion gas. |
| US08065996B1 |
Tailgate grill system
A leg is adapted to be inserted into a standard removable hitch receiver. The leg has spaced vertical plates. Forward and rearward horizontally spaced lower pivot apertures are provided. A plurality of positioning apertures are provided in an arcuate pattern. A pivoting grill platform has associated plates. Forward and rearward horizontally spaced upper pivot apertures are provided. A coupling assembly includes a pivoting support arm and a pivoting leveling arm. Each arm has an upper aperture and bolt coupling upper pivot apertures of the grill. Each arm has a lower aperture and bolt coupling the pivot apertures of the vertical plates of the leg. A removable self locking pin is positionable through the locking aperture and a preselected one of the plurality of positioning apertures. |
| US08065994B2 |
Adaptor for device mount
An adaptor for a device mount that is used to mount a device such as a video camera, rangefinder or a game caller is provided. In one embodiment, the adapter includes a threaded attaching portion and an engaging cylinder. The threaded screw portion is adapted to engage internal threads in a bore of a structure. The engaging cylinder is coupled to the threaded attaching portion. The surface of the engaging cylinder is adapted to engage a scope mount ring. |
| US08065988B2 |
Four-cycle engine
An average pressure P12 in an exhaust port at an overlap period T12 during which a period T1 during which an exhaust valve of a first cylinder unit is in an EGR opening state overlaps with a period T2 during which an intake valve of the first cylinder unit is in an opening state is set to be lower than an average pressure P12′ in the exhaust port within the EGR opening period T1 and after a lapse of the overlap period T12, or an overlapped opening time area S2 at the overlap period T12 is set to be not more than one-fourth of an opening time area S1 at the EGR opening period T1. |
| US08065987B2 |
Integrated engine brake with mechanical linkage
Apparatus and method are disclosed for converting an internal combustion engine from a normal engine operation (20) to an engine braking operation (10). The engine includes exhaust valve train components comprising at least one exhaust valve (300) and at least one cam (230) for cyclically opening and closing the at least one exhaust valve (300). The apparatus comprises actuation means (100) having at least one component integrated into at least one of the exhaust valve train components, such as a rocker arm (210) or a valve bridge (400). The actuation means (100) has an inoperative position and an operative position. In the inoperative position, the actuation means (100) is retracted and the small braking cam lobes (232 & 233) are skipped to generate a main valve lift profile (220m) for the normal engine operation (20). In the operative position, the actuation means (100) is extended to form a mechanical linkage so that the motion from all the cam lobes (220, 232 & 233) is transmitted to the at least one exhaust valve (300) for the engine braking operation (10). The apparatus further comprises control means (50) for moving the actuation means (100) between the inoperative position and the operative position to achieve the conversion between the normal engine operation (20) and the engine braking operation (10). The apparatus also includes valve lash adjusting mechanism, oil retraining means (350), and engine brake reset means (150). |
| US08065984B2 |
Piston for internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a piston (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) for an internal combustion engine, comprising a piston head (11) with at least one piston crown (12) which is exposed to at least one jet of combustion gases, and a piston shaft (17), the piston head (11) and the piston shaft (12) being configured as interconnected individual components including a peripheral outer cooling channel (27). The invention is characterized in that an annular partition wall (35, 135, 235, 335, 435) is provided in the cooling channel (27) in parallel to the piston crown (12) and has one or more nozzle-type openings (37, 45, 137, 237, 337, 437) that are arranged in such a manner that their respective outlet jet is directed against the underside (12a) of the piston crown (12). |
| US08065982B2 |
Variable intake apparatus for V-type internal combustion engine
In a variable intake apparatus for a V-type internal combustion engine, each of plural intake pipes is separated from a surge tank by a partition wall, and communication ports, provided in the partition wall for the respective intake pipes, are opened and closed by respective variable intake valves to adjust length of intake passages. The variable intake valves in one of two parallel rows are offset from the variable intake valves in the other row. The variable intake valves are opened and closed by turning the turning shafts to which the variable intake valves are connected. Further, a synchronization mechanism synchronously turns the turning shafts (5a; 5b), and is connected between the paired turning shafts. The turning motion of one turning shaft is transmitted to the other turning shaft via the synchronization mechanism, and the variable intake valves are synchronously opened and closed. |
| US08065978B2 |
System and method for tracking, monitoring, and locating animals
A light accessory is provided for a remotely controlled animal training system, allowing visual tracking of an animal in low ambient light conditions. The light accessory may be a stand-alone accessory or be in conjunction with a wireless receiver. The light accessory may be controlled by an accessory channel that exists in the remotely controlled animal training system, or may be controlled by the presence of a generic proximate radio frequency transmission. |
| US08065976B1 |
Cattle feeding system and shelter to create a controlled environment within the thermal neutral zone
An improved cattle feeding system and shelter to maintain cattle in their thermo neutral zone. The shelter has a building foundation frame extending upwardly from the ground with an awning frame extending upwardly from the foundation frame and over it. This allows for an awning to be placed over the shelter frame to at least partially enclose it. The awning has a portion which is optionally opened to the south and optionally opened to the north to selectively allow air ventilation or catching the warmth of a southern sun exposure it also defines a chimney in the roof area and draft gap in the north wall. The awning also has a portion that can extend outwardly to the south, as well as retract. Vertically extendable and retractable awning closures are over the east and west ends of the frame to form selective entrances and exits. The entire system is built on a partial cement floor and a deep bedded area on a limestone pack and is of a configuration which enhances cleanliness inside of the shelter. The Drover's Alley allows cattle to be sorted and moved inside the shelter and to be restrained on the bedding pack while concrete alley is scraped. |
| US08065966B1 |
Odd link work surface lift
An odd link work surface lift has a foundation with spaced front and back pivots, has a first link pivotally connected with the front pivot and extending to a first end, has a second link pivotally connected with the first end and extending to a second end, has a mounting bracket pivotally connected with the second end and extending to a terminal end, and a traveler link pivotally connected with the back pivot and extending to a cam follower. The mounting bracket has a curvilinear cam surface at the terminal end. The cam follower travels along the cam surface in abutting engagement. A length from the second end to the terminal end is materially greater than a length between the spaced front and back pivots. |
| US08065962B2 |
Projectile that marks the strike point
A projectile, particularly a practice round, has a projectile body that includes a hollow ogive that bursts upon striking the target into which marking material is inserted. The marking material is released when the projectile strikes the target and the ogive bursts. The marking material is covered by a protective cap that breaks when the projectile bursts on the target. |
| US08065961B1 |
Less lethal ammunition
In one embodiment, a less lethal munition including a ring airfoil projectile. The flight trajectory of the projectile has increased accuracy resulting from the aerodynamic stabilization of the projectile. In some embodiments, the projectile is both aerodynamically stabilized and spin stabilized. |
| US08065960B2 |
Hand grenade
The invention relates to a hand grenade (1) with an active body (3) containing an active charge (2), and with an ignition device (4) that acts on a detonator (12) to ignite the active charge (2). In order to achieve this feature, after the hand grenade (1) has been thrown the ignition can be triggered without delay if the tactical situation requires it, and no danger arises for the shooter if the hand grenade (1) with the safety device released is dropped accidentally. The invention pertains to an electronic ignition system composed of an ignition trigger (6) and a fuze (8) used as the ignition device (4), whereby the ignition trigger (6) remains with the shooter when the hand grenade (1) is thrown and the hand grenade (1) can be ignited by wireless only when the shooter activates an ignition trigger element (11) of the ignition trigger (6). |
| US08065957B2 |
Inspection system for a sheet-fed recto-verso printing press
There is described a sheet inspection system for a sheet-fed recto-verso printing press of the type comprising two printing cylinders (10, 20) for carrying out simultaneous recto-verso printing of the sheets, said sheet inspection system comprising at least one inspection device (200; 300; 400) for taking an image of one side of the printed sheets. The sheet inspection system comprises first and second transfer cylinders (60, 65) interposed between a first (10) of the two printing cylinders (10, 20) and a chain gripper system (5) of the printing press, printed sheets being transferred successively from the first printing cylinder (10) to the first transfer cylinder (60), to the second transfer cylinder (65), and to the chain gripper system (5). The inspection device (200; 300; 400) comprises a line image sensor (210; 310; 410) for performing line-scanning image acquisition of the one side of the printed sheets, this line image sensor (210; 310; 410) visually acquiring an image of a printed sheet while the printed sheet is being transported on the first or second transfer cylinder (60; 65). |
| US08065953B2 |
Preparing device with a suction duct for preparing a beverage from a powdery substance and a hot liquid
Preparing device for preparing a beverage from a powdery substance and a hot liquid, the device comprising: at least one mixing chamber for mixing a quantity of the powdery substance and a quantity of the hot liquid; an inlet into the mixing chamber for the quantity of hot liquid; an inlet into the mixing chamber for the quantity of powdery substance; an extractor hood placed on the mixing chamber; an extraction duct connected to the extractor hood and provided with a suction device, such as a ventilating fan, for extracting vapor and dust particles from the mixing chamber via the extraction duct and the extractor hood; a first housing accommodating further components of the preparing device, such as electrical components and pipework, in which the extraction duct extends entirely along the exterior of the first housing. |
| US08065947B2 |
Hard armor composite
A hard armor composite includes a rigid facing and a ballistic fabric backing. The fabric backing is carried by the facing, and includes an array of bundled high-performance fibers. The fibers have a tensile strength greater than 7 grams per denier and a denier per filament ratio of less than 5.4. |
| US08065946B2 |
Composite armor element and effective body element
A composite armor element for protection against projectiles. At least one layer of effective bodies is disposed in rows next to one another in the composite armor element, the effective bodies being embedded in a matrix material. The effective bodies of one row are fixedly interconnected at least partially by means of webs to form a chain which is a monolithic element. An effective body element for insertion in a composite armor element comprises at least two effective bodies fixedly interconnected by at least one web to form a chain. The effective body element is a monolithic element, and a plurality of effective body elements are embedded in a matrix material. |
| US08065944B1 |
Portable cutter with adjustable cutting blade tools for cutting different widths of thin sheet roll material
A portable cutter used for cutting different widths of thin sheet material. The portable cutter includes a right angle measurement bar with scale adapted for receipt against a front side of an open top storage box. The storage box is used for holding a large roll of thin sheet material therein. At least one cutting blade tool is adjustably mounted along a length of the measurement bar. The cutting blade tool includes a cutting blade disposed between a horizontal upper blade guide arm and a horizontal lower blade guide arm. Attached to a portion of the lower blade guide arm is a magnet holder with magnet used for releasable attachment to the measurement bar. |
| US08065943B2 |
Translation stop for use in power equipment
Woodworking machines are disclosed having a blade adapted to cut workpieces, and an actuating mechanism operable to move the blade toward the workpiece. The machines also include a detection system configured to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a user and the blade, and a reaction system configured to stop the movement of the blade toward the user upon detection of a dangerous condition by the detection system. |
| US08065941B2 |
Tool compensating device for the computerized numerically controlled machine tool
An apparatus for sensing a position of a cutting tool in a computer numerical controlled machine tool is provided including an arm supporting and moving a sensor that cooperates with the cutting tool. Also provided is a housing including a gear assembly and a driving motor for moving the arm, and a stopper for defining an operating position of the arm. The driving motor supplies rotation force to the gear assembly so as to pivot the arm against the stopper and then apply force to an elastic member. When the driving motor is stopped, the elastic member applies a force, through the gear assembly, urging the arm against the stopper in the operating position. |
| US08065939B2 |
Rescue tool
A rescue tool includes a fully pivotally opened handle in an obtuse angle disposition with one handle separately gripped and then a force transmitted through force bearing surfaces to the oppositely disposed handle having an outwardly disposed sinusoidal surface and juxtaposed hook end which engage a seized fire hose coupling. A high torque force is readily exerted through the handles on the seized fire hose coupling. The elongate handles and pivotally disposed jaws having elongate arcuate cutting edges corporately provide rapid cutting of aluminum sheath hybrid car battery cables in a further rescue operation. |
| US08065937B2 |
Method and device for positioning a power tong at a pipe joint
A method and device for positioning a power tong (2) at the pipe joint (14) of a pipe string (12), where, after the pipe joint (14) has been brought within the working area of the power tong (2), the power tong (2) must be displaced to a position that corresponds with that of the pipe joint (14), and where a camera (16) which may be displaced in parallel with the pipe (12), and which is linked to a display (18), is displaced until the image of the pipe joint (14) coincides with a marker (40) in the display, whereupon a signal is transmitted to a control (26), indicating that the power tong (2) is to be displaced to a position that corresponds with that of the camera (16) and thereby that of the pipe joint (14). |
| US08065934B2 |
Heat exchanger with integrated bypass valve
A transmission (8) having a transmission housing (26) having a region in which gear wheels (66, 68) rotate and a heat exchanger (30) which absorbs the heat generated in the transmission (8). This heat is transferred to a transmission lubricant and released to a coolant to transport the heat away from the transmission (8). A recess (56) is provided, in the transmission housing (26) outside of the region in which the gearwheels (66, 68) rotate, through which transmission lubricant flows and in which the heat exchanger (30) is arranged. The heat exchanger (30) has a bypass valve (48) which enables the heat exchanger (30) to be bypassed starting at a predefined low or excess pressure. |
| US08065933B2 |
Ergonomic bicycle pedal with removable platform
An ergonomic bicycle pedal with removable platform comprises a pedal axle configured to receive a pedal body A socket extends integrally from the underside of the removable platform. A front hook and a rear hook extend integrally from the underside of the platform with the front hook configured and sized to engage a front channel and a rear hook configured and sized to engage a rear channel. Both the front and the rear channels are configured to allow rotational movement along two axes by having the socket moving on top of the ball and having the front hook moving within the front channel and the rear hook moving within the rear channel. |
| US08065932B2 |
Bicycle component actuating device
A bicycle component actuating device is provided with a base member, a first user operating member and a locking member. The base member includes a tube mounting structure having a tube receiving bore with a center mounting axis. The first user operating member is rotatably mounted relative to the base member for rotation between a first operating position and a second operating position about a rotational axis that is parallel to and offset from the center mounting axis of the tube mounting structure. The locking member is movably mounted relative to the base member for selective movement between a locking position to lock the first user operating member in the second operating position and a releasing position to release the first operating member from the second operating position. |
| US08065930B2 |
Hydraulic actuator for transmissions having reduced noise
The present invention provides a three position hydraulic piston assembly for a gear ratio change mechanism for a transmission exhibiting reduced gear shift noise. The three position hydraulic piston assembly includes a master piston and motion retarding assemblies that act near both travel limits of the master piston. The master piston includes symmetrical passageways that provide hydraulic fluid flow to small chambers at each end of the piston that are closed off as the piston approaches its travel limits. Hydraulic fluid trapped in the chambers decelerates the piston and is bled off through an orifice allowing the piston to reach its travel limit and quickly and quietly engage a gear ratio. |
| US08065926B2 |
Crankset based bicycle power measurement
The present application relates to an input torque measuring device for a drive train of a bicycle. The drive train includes a first crank arm and a second crank arm. An inboard end of each crank arm is rotatably mounted to the bicycle at a bottom bracket of the bicycle. At least one chain ring is configured to rotate a driven wheel of the bicycle. A spider is connected to the first crank arm adjacent the bottom bracket and extends out to the at least one chain ring. The spider is configured to transmit force applied to the crank arms directly to the at least one chain ring. The spider may include a plurality of sensors configured to respond to the force applied by the spider to the at least one chain ring. The sensors produce an electronic signal relative to the force transmitted by the spider to the at least one chain ring and a processor configured to receive the electronic signals from each sensor of the spider. |
| US08065923B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring the flow rates of the individual phases of a multiphase fluid mixture
A flow rate measuring method for a multiphase fluid mixture flowing into a line is provided. The method comprises the steps of passing the fluid mixture through a Venturi tube having a pressure drop, measuring a differential pressure across the Venturi tube and a line pressure of the fluid mixture, measuring by a second measuring device, measured parameter(s) of the fluid mixture correlated to first and second phase relative quantities, determining estimated parameter(s) of the fluid mixture correlated to the first and second phase relative quantities based on the measured parameter and an extrapolating scheme, determining phase flow rate(s) based on the differential pressure, the line pressure and the measured parameter(s) of the fluid mixture, and determining flow rate(s) based on the differential pressure, the line pressure of the fluid mixture and the estimated parameter(s) of the fluid mixture. |
| US08065919B2 |
MEMS device and method for fabricating the same
A MEMS device includes: a substrate having a through hole; a first film provided on a top surface of the substrate with a bottom surface of the first film exposed in the through hole; a second film provided over the first film with an air gap interposed therebetween, and having a hole grouping including holes each in communication with the air gap; and a supporting layer interposed between the first and second films and having the air gap formed therein. Outermost holes of the hole grouping are located at regular intervals along a shape of an opening of the through hole at an upper open end. |
| US08065916B2 |
Bearing state diagnostic apparatus
Provided is a bearing state diagnostic apparatus in which a sound generated from a bearing is detected by a sound sensor, a detected value of the sound sensor is compared with data which was previously formed, thereby diagnosing a state of the bearing, wherein at least one sound sensor is disposed at a position separated away from an outer surface of a cylindrical support body in which at least one bearing is accommodated, the corresponding bearing and sound sensor are in communication with each other through a detection sound propagation path. |
| US08065914B2 |
Vibration gyro
A vibration gyro made of a single crystal piezoelectric material includes: a base; a plurality of resonating arms extending from the base; an excitation electrode formed on a surface of at least one of the plurality of resonating arms so as to vibrate at least the one of the plurality of resonating arms; and a piezoelectric element detecting a vibration component due to a Coriolis force acting perpendicularly to a vibrating direction of the plurality of resonating arms being vibrated by the excitation electrode, the piezoelectric element being mounted on a surface of at least one of the plurality of resonating arms and the base. |
| US08065913B2 |
Ink level sensor
A probe assembly for use with an ink reservoir level sensing apparatus comprises an insulating support frame formed of an electrically insulating material. The insulating support frame includes a lower portion to be positioned in a lower portion of an ink reservoir and an upper portion configured to be positioned in an upper portion of the ink reservoir. The insulating support frame has a lower probe and an upper probe each partially encapsulated by the electrically insulating material of the insulating support frame such that the lower and upper probes are physically and electrically isolated from each other, and positioned with respect to each other such that at least a portion of the lower probe is positioned in the lower portion of the frame, and the upper probe is positioned above the lower probe in the support frame extending to the upper portion of the frame. An outer probe is attached to the insulating support frame using attachment features that are formed integrally with the insulating support frame. The outer probe is positioned on the insulating support frame extending from the lower portion of the frame to the upper portion of the insulating support frame. |
| US08065911B2 |
Vehicle tyre checking system
A method and apparatus for assessing the tread on a vehicle tyre, measuring tyre pressure and calculating other parameters such as vehicle weight. The vehicle is driven in a longitudinal direction so that the tyre passes over a first lateral sensor (6) that extends across the footprint of the tyre, the first sensor comprising an array of individual force sensing elements (11), which provide outputs indicative of tyre pressure at points across the footprint of the tyre. The sensing elements are sampled at intervals as the tyre moves over them, so as to build up data relating to the entire footprint of the tyre. The sensing elements are of relatively high resolution to detect areas within the tyre footprint where there is tread cut into the tyre, so that the extent of tread coverage can be assessed. Tyre pressure is also determined. The tyre then passes over a series of second lateral sensors (7) spaced at intervals to assess the tyre around its circumference. The second lateral sensors may be of low resolution, with outputs being compared with each other and with a low resolution sensor (T) adjacent the high resolution sensor to assess whether there is a difference in tyre tread quality at different positions around the tyre circumference. At least one lateral sensor may be provided with resilient portions that extend into tyre tread portions. These will engage the base of a tread portion that is below a predetermined minimum tread depth, so as to increase the area of contact and provide an indication of insufficient tread depth. |
| US08065910B2 |
Abnormality determination apparatus and method for oxygen sensor
An abnormality determination apparatus for an oxygen sensor provided on the downstream side of a catalyst includes: a first determination portion that determines whether amount of decline in output value of the oxygen sensor during a period from when amount of intake air or exhaust gas declines before a fuel cut is started to when the fuel cut is started is smaller than a reference amount of decline; a second determination portion that determines whether degree of change in the output value when the output value changes from a first reference value to a second reference value that shows a leaner state than the first reference value is more gradual than a set degree of change after the fuel cut is started; and a third determination portion that determines whether the oxygen sensor is abnormal based on determinations by the first determination portion the second determination portion. |
| US08065909B2 |
Device for directly measuring on a piston the effective volumetric ratio of a variable compression ratio engine
A device for measuring the effective volumetric ratio of at least one cylinder in a variable compression-ratio engine, includes at least one target passage sensor (91) attached on the cylinder casing (100) and detecting the passage of at least one target (92) connected to the piston (2) of the engine, the target passage sensor interacting with at least one angular position sensor of the crankshaft (93) of the engine, and one calculator (94). |
| US08065908B2 |
Scan type probe microscope
Provided is an atomic force microscope capable of increasing the phase detection speed of a cantilever vibration. The cantilever (5) is excited and the cantilever (5) and a sample are relatively scanned. Displacement of the cantilever (5) is detected by a sensor. An oscillator (27) generates an excitation signal of the cantilever (5) and generates a reference wave signal having a frequency based on the excitation signal and a fixed phase. According to vibration of the cantilever (5), a trigger pulse generation circuit (41) generates a trigger pulse signal having a pulse position changing in accordance with the vibration of the cantilever (5). According to the reference wave signal and the trigger pulse signal, a phase signal generation circuit (43) generates a signal corresponding to the level of the reference wave signal at the pulse position as a phase signal of vibration of the cantilever (5). As the reference wave signal, a saw tooth wave is used. A phase signal generation circuit (43) is formed by a sample hold circuit. |
| US08065906B2 |
Detection of free chlorine in water
The present invention describes methods and kits for determining the concentration of free chlorine in water. To avoid false readings from other species present in the water, the free chlorine is reacted with ammonia to form monochloramine, which is then reacted to form an indophenol or an indonaphthol. The concentration of the indophenol or indonaphthol is proportional to the total monochloramine present. Subtracting the concentration of residual monochloramine from the total monochloramine yields the concentration of monochloramine formed from the free chlorine and ammonia, and is proportional to the concentration of free chlorine. Embodiments of the present invention will simplify and accelerate accurate measurements of free chlorine in water, without interference from compounds impacting present measurements of free chlorine. |
| US08065902B2 |
Hemming apparatus
A lower platen of the hemming apparatus is provided with a hem punch capable of being pressed against an inner periphery bent portion of a workpiece having a frame and a cam follower. The cam follower is disposed on the lower platen to come outside the frame of the workpiece. The cam follower and the hem punch are connected through a connecting member. An upper platen of the hemming apparatus is provided with a driver cam engageable against the cam follower. The driver cam moves the cam follower, whereby the hem punch is pressed against the inner periphery bent portion. |
| US08065901B2 |
Mandrel bar for high-alloy rolling, method for surface treating a mandrel bar, method for producing mandrel bar, and method for operating seamless pipe mill
A method for surface treating a mandrel bar used for hot rolling of high-alloy seamless steel pipe is provided. The method includes heat treating the mandrel bar to develop a scale, and after heat treatment, rolling ordinary steel comprising 8% or less of chromium for at least 50 passes. This achieves a mandrel bar for rolling high-alloy steel possessing both durability and superior resistance to seizure. |
| US08065899B2 |
Advanced feed device for a superplastic press forming system
A feed device for a superplastic press-forming press has a slide that moves vertically and a base between which is held a tool having a cover and a bottom die enclosing a forming tool, which includes at least one heating shuttle to transport the bottom die, equipped with the forming tool and a cover, with the heating shuttle adapted to complete the press and constitute the base of the press during a hot-press forming operation. |
| US08065898B2 |
Method and article for improved adhesion of fatigue-prone components
A method of processing an article includes mechanically working an article having a metallic layer disposed on a titanium substrate and establishing a residual stress region that extends through the metallic layer and at least partially into the titanium substrate. |
| US08065893B2 |
Process, apparatus, and material for making silicon germanium core fiber
A process and apparatus for making silicon or silicon/germanium core fiber is described, which uses a plasma process with reducing agent to make a preform. The process also makes the recommendations in selecting the adequate cladding tube for better fiber properties. An improved fiber drawing apparatus is also disclosed in order to draw this new type of preform. |
| US08065892B2 |
Device for manufacturing sheet glass and method for manufacturing sheet glass
A supplying tube for a molten glass, which is placed in a downstream end portion of a supplying passage directing the molten glass flowing out of a melting furnace to a forming vessel in a forming furnace, has a small diameter tube portion which has a small flow passage area and is provided at an upstream side, and a large diameter tube portion which is provided at a downstream side of the small diameter tube portion and has a large flow passage area. An expanded diameter tube portion of which flow passage area gradually expands toward the downstream side is interposed between the small diameter tube portion and the large diameter tube portion. The small diameter tube portion, the expanded diameter tube portion, and the large diameter tube portion may be integrally and continuously connected to one another. |
| US08065891B2 |
Glass lampshade and method for producing the same
A multiple-layered hot-melt glass lampshade having a crystal-interwoven structure with a first hot-melt glass layer, a second hot-melt glass layer, a third hot-melt glass layer, a first crystal glass layer, a second crystal glass layer, and a curing gel layer. The order of arrangement is, from outside to inside, the first hot-melt glass layer, the second hot-melt glass layer, the third hot-melt glass layer, the first crystal glass layer, the curing gel layer, and the second crystal glass layer. The first hot-melt glass layer, the second hot-melt glass layer, and the third hot-melt glass layer are partially attached to each other. The third hot-melt glass layer is partially attached to the first crystal glass layer. |
| US08065887B2 |
Display for public use
In a basic embodiment of a display for public use including a stand, an internal computer and an internal air conditioning system, the computer (10) is arranged according to the invention inside a housing (7) of the display, an evaporator (1) of an air conditioning device acting as an air delivering member is connected from below to an opening (18) in the floor panel of the housing (7) of the display, with said device being arranged inside the hollow stand (8) of the display, while a compressor (2) of the air conditioning device acting as a member for drawing in air is arranged on the floor panel of the stand (8). Modifications of said solution refer to standless displays providing the equipment either entirely in the housing of the display or entirely outside the housing of the display or partly inside partly outside. |
| US08065885B2 |
Refrigeration and freezing device with fresh-keeping function by supplying nitrogen
A refrigeration and freezing device with fresh-keeping function by supplying nitrogen comprises a box body, a refrigerating and freezing chamber disposed inside the box body, a door to the refrigerating and freezing chamber, a control device and a nitrogen generator; wherein said nitrogen generator is disposed either inside or outside the box body of the refrigeration and freezing device, said nitrogen generator comprises an air inlet, an oxygen outlet, a nitrogen outlet, an air filter connected with the air inlet, a compressor, a pipe device for transmitting gas, at least one carbon molecular sieve absorber, at least one control valve to control different absorbers to work alternately, a nitrogen storage container, a nitrogen purifier, a pressure reducing valve for adjusting the pressure of the produced nitrogen, a ventilating muffler disposed on a pipe to the oxygen outlet and a control circuit. |
| US08065883B2 |
Controlled storage of liquefied gases
A method and apparatus for the controlled storage of liquefied gases such as liquefied natural gas in an enclosed insulated container, in which part of the liquid is withdrawn and fed to an external refrigeration unit for subcooling and the subcooled liquid is reintroduced into the container via one or more valve-controlled headers under the control of a control system operated in response to pressure and temperature signals from within the container, wherein the level of subcooling is matched to the heat inleak into the container and most or all of the subcooled liquid is reintroduced directly into the stored liquid so as to maintain stable conditions in the stored liquid and to minimise evaporation thereof. |
| US08065882B2 |
Compositions containing fluorine substituted olefins
Disclosed are the use of fluorine substituted olefins, including tetra- and penta-fluoropropenes, in a variety of applications, including connection with blowing agents, foams, foamable compositions, foaming methods, heat transfer compositions and methods, propellants, and solvating methods. |
| US08065878B2 |
Two phase exhaust for internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine having a reciprocating multi cylinder internal combustion engine with multiple valves. At least a pair of exhaust valves are provided and each supply a separate power extraction device. The first exhaust valves connect to a power turbine used to provide additional power to the engine either mechanically or electrically. The flow path from these exhaust valves is smaller in area and volume than a second flow path which is used to deliver products of combustion to a turbocharger turbine. The timing of the exhaust valve events is controlled to produce a higher grade of energy to the power turbine and enhance the ability to extract power from the combustion process. |
| US08065877B2 |
Solar energy converting device and power supply system including the same
A solar energy converting device includes a frame, a container, a thermal expansion member, a connecting rod, an inductor and magnetic members. The frame defines an opening. The container is positioned on an inner surface of the frame and positioned adjacent to the opening. The container defines a thermally sealed void space filled with an inert gas. The thermal expansion member is positioned on the container and partially surrounded by the container. The connecting rod has an end connected to the thermal expansion member. The magnetic members are positioned on the inner surface of the frame and configured for generating a magnetic field. The inductor coils around the connecting rod and is positioned among the magnetic members. The inductor is configured for being driven by the thermal expansion member to move back and forth in the magnetic field so as to generate a voltage. |
| US08065874B2 |
Compressed air energy storage system utilizing two-phase flow to facilitate heat exchange
A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control. |
| US08065873B2 |
Compressed air energy storage system utilizing two-phase flow to facilitate heat exchange
A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control. |
| US08065870B2 |
Device and method for reduction of a gas component in an exhaust gas flow of a combustion engine
Method and device for reduction of a gas component in an exhaust gas flow of a combustion engine (1) that is adapted for operation by a lean air/fuel mixture. An exhaust pipe (21) is included for transport of the exhaust gas flow from the engine (1). A separation unit (22) is also included that is arranged along the exhaust pipe (21), which separation unit (22) has a wall structure (32) of a material which provides separation of the gas component from the exhaust gas flow by means of a selective passage of the gas component before other gas components in the exhaust gas flow. The method provides for a reduction and a separation unit that is intended to be utilized during such a reduction. An improved reduction of in particular NOx compounds from a so-called “lean-burn” engine is also provided. |
| US08065869B2 |
Method for determining the conversion performance of an oxygen storage-capable catalytic converter of an internal combustion engine
In a method for determining the conversion performance of an oxygen storage-capable catalytic converter of an internal combustion engine, it is proposed that the catalytic converter be supplied with a stoichiometric exhaust gas composition, a known emission change is briefly undertaken and at the same time the signals of a lambda probe located downstream from the catalytic converter are detected so that based on the emission change and signals of the lambda probe a differentiated conclusion about the conversion performance of the catalytic converter for the pollutants hydrocarbon HC and nitrogen oxides NOx is delivered. According to the invention a simple and cost-effective method for differentiation of the pollutants hydrocarbon HC and nitrogen oxides NOx and thus for carrying out an improved diagnosis method is made available. |
| US08065866B2 |
Lawn mower pivotable mulching flap
A lawn mower includes a base, a motor that drives a cutting assembly, and a catcher removably coupled to the base. Grass is cut by the blades of the cutting assembly, with the grass being propelled along a channel extending angularly beneath the base of the lawn mower. An exit channel portion delivers the cut grass to a rear opening that communicates with the catcher. A pivotally mounted flap opens and closes the exit channel portion to switch the lawn mower between a catching operational mode and a mulching operational mode. |
| US08065865B1 |
Spring assisted translating draper belt drive rollers for an agricultural harvesting machine
An agricultural harvesting machine including a flexible cutterbar and associated draper belts for carrying cut agricultural material to a center location. The belts are guided by a drive rollers and idler rollers. The idler roller for each belt is pivotable about an axis generally at 90 degrees to the axis of the belt and the drive roller for each belt is translatable axially to minimize diagonal stresses caused by flexing of the elongated endless belt. A spring assembly is positioned on a frame for the machine and acts to yieldably urge the drive rollers in an aft condition to alleviate stresses for an extended period of operation. |
| US08065864B2 |
Independently biasing front wheels and mower deck suspension
In some embodiments, a mower can be adapted to traverse a terrain. The mower can include a frame, which can include a front and at least one front beam located at the front of the frame, and first and second front wheels. In some embodiments, each of the first and second wheels can be coupled to the at least one front beam and at least one biasing member can be associated with each of the first and second front wheels. In some embodiments, the at least one biasing member can be positioned to bias the wheels in a downward direction and can include being constructed a of a non-metal material. In some embodiments, the wheels can independently move with respect to one another in response to changing elevation of the terrain. The mower also can include a cutter deck and at least one cutter. |
| US08065862B2 |
Method and device for packaging a product in a wrapper of sheet material
A method and a device for packaging a confectionery product (P) in a shaped wrapper of sheet material (1, 2) having a cup-shaped portion (1c, 2c) (pleated cup) formed from the same sheet material as the product wrapper; the method and the device comprise the use or a mandrel with petals (14a, 14b) which cooperates with a forming cavity (11) and which may assume a retracted configuration so that it can penetrate into the forming cavity to shape the wrapper into a cup shape adhering to the product. The packaging is characterized in that the wrapper has a central region (2a) on which the product bears and from which the cup extends with a transverse dimension (or diameter) smaller than the maximum transverse dimension of the packaged product. |
| US08065861B2 |
Blind packaging
The hardware for mounting the blinds is located in the head rail such that it does not interfere with the cutting operation but remains with the blind after the blind is cut-to-size. The hardware overlaps with a blind component and the hardware may include a mounting bracket that includes a notch for receiving the blind component. The ends of the blinds are aligned in a package by the manufacturer during the packaging process. The blinds are secured in the package such that the blind elements are properly aligned. The aligned blinds and the package are inserted into a cutting machine as a unit and the cutting machine cuts the blinds and the package simultaneously. |
| US08065850B1 |
Mortarless modular precast cladding system
A modular architectural precast cladding system that is completely mortarless, and not subject to the inherent deficiencies of masonry materials and practice. Simple, rapid and uniform installation, with automatic alignment and self leveling features. A multi-purpose mechanical connector that is either cast-in-place at point of manufacture, or alternatively can be anchored later on the jobsite. |
| US08065849B2 |
Decking plank
A decking plank (1) comprising a core (2) which acts as a support beam, one or more layers (3,4) bonded to said core without the use of releasable attachment means and one or the layer being an outer slip resistant covering layer with a relief; characterised in that at least one of said layers (3) is relatively soft compared to said core which is relatively hard; whereby the core acts as a support beam and said at least one layer has a cushioning effect. |
| US08065841B2 |
Roof panel systems for building construction
Roof panels and roof panel assemblies, comprising roof panels and ridge beams, assemblies are disclosed for use in building construction. The roof panels and ridge beams comprise components formed of composite materials, and certain aspects of the invention include designs that provide for the absorption of solar heat and the promotion of hot air flow within the roof to heat the interior building or generate electricity, among other attributes. |
| US08065834B2 |
Two piece plant container with water reservoir
A two part plant container includes an outer tub part having a series of step indentations around its perimeter forming horizontal rest surfaces within the outer part which are located above a lower region forming a water reservoir space. The inner part has a bottom wall areas resting on the surfaces with the inner part nested within an upper region of the outer part. A drain hole is formed through a depressed area in one of the rest surface to set the maximum water level in the reservoir which is just below lower areas of the inner part bottom wall set at the same level as the drain hole. This insures that the soil in the inner part is never wet by the water in the reservoir to prevent wicking and waterlogging of the soil while leaving only a very short gap for the roots of a plant to grow across to reach the water. Handhold features are formed into the perimeter wall of the inner part allowing easy lift out. Ribs are formed into the inner part bottom wall to stiffen the same. |
| US08065829B2 |
Sign assembly
A sign assembly includes a base material, a filmic substrate imaged with a design, and a sign assembly frame that includes a sign framing member of fixed position in relation to the base material. The sign framing member includes a projecting portion terminating at an inside edge of the sign framing member. The display sign is adhered to the base material. The inside edge of the sign framing member is located within the projected area of the display sign and is spaced from the base material and the filmic substrate. The display sign is capable of being applied through an opening defined by the inside edge of the sign framing member. The space between the inside edge of the projecting portion and the display sign includes a void. |
| US08065827B2 |
Systems and methods for an informational attachment on a container
Embodiments described herein include a single-use beverage container assembly having a beverage container which includes an inner surface defining a chamber capable of receiving a liquid, an opening configured to provide access to the chamber and an outer surface comprising a receiving cavity. In certain embodiments, the beverage container further includes an informational attachment including promotional information. The receiving cavity can be configured to receive the informational attachment such that the informational attachment can be stowed in the receiving cavity. The beverage container assembly can also be configured to permit the informational attachment to be at least partially removed from the receiving cavity such that the informational attachment can be separated from the beverage container. |
| US08065824B2 |
Snow removing machine
Snow removing machine includes an auger for removing accumulated snow, an accumulated snow height detection section for detecting a height of accumulated snow in front of the auger, an auger lifting and lowering section for lifting and lowering the auger, and a control section for controlling the auger lifting and lowering section to lift the auger in response to detection, by the accumulated snow height detection section, of the accumulated snow. By the provision of the accumulated snow height detection section, the present invention can save a human operator a trouble of setting in advance a target height position of the auger and thereby alleviate a load on the human operator. |
| US08065818B2 |
Article of footwear having an upper with a matrix layer
Articles of footwear, including athletic footwear, include one or more of: (a) a sole structure; (b) an upper having lateral and medial side elements engaged with the sole structure, the upper made from a polymer matrix structure that extends through at least a heel region; (c) a size adjustment mechanism located at the heel region; (d) a heel tongue element located adjacent the size adjustment mechanism; (e) a shoe securing mechanism; (f) an instep tongue member; and/or (g) a bootie member located at least partially within the foot-receiving chamber. Methods of manufacturing such articles of footwear also are disclosed. |
| US08065814B2 |
Foot drying device
A foot dryer designed to provide air flow between a patient's toes for drying the bottoms of a patient's feet and especially between their toes. Toe separators are provided on a pair of replaceable gel foot beds for improved sanitation and comfort for the patient. The footpads are replaceable in order to decrease cross contamination from one user to another. Air vents are provided to direct air flow to hard to dry areas such as between a user's toes. |
| US08065812B2 |
Detecting apparatus
A detecting apparatus for detecting linearity of an object includes a platform, a slide rail vertically extending from the platform, two standard units slidably mounted to the slide rail, and a detecting unit. The detecting unit includes a mounting block slidably mounted to the slide rail, a test dial indicator fixed to the mounting block and including an elastically extendable spindle, and a detecting bar slidably mounded to the mounting block via a resilient member. The standard units are used to abut against the object to cooperatively define a detection reference plane. A first end of the detecting bar abuts against by the spindle of the test dial indicator, and a second end of the detecting bar is used to contact the object. |
| US08065811B2 |
One man high wall penetration measurement transfer tool
A device for locating vertical wall features and for translating those features onto drywall board or sheeting material to be placed onto the vertical wall. The device includes a main body having a top edge and a bottom edge, at least one channel, the at least one channel being substantially perpendicular to the bottom edge. A rail is provided having first and second terminal ends sized to be slidably and selectively retained within the at least one channel and a lock that selectively prevents sliding of the rail within the channel The rail is of a length such that as its first terminal end locates the features, the second terminal end translates the position of those features onto drywall board to be later placed upon the vertical wall proximate the features. |
| US08065810B2 |
Apparatus and systems for measuring elongation of objects, methods of measuring, and reactor
Elongation measurement apparatuses and systems comprise at least two Linear Variable Differential Transformers (LVDTs) with a push rod coupled to each of the at least two LVDTs at one longitudinal end thereof. At least one push rod extends to a base and is coupled thereto at an opposing longitudinal end, and at least one other push rod extends to a location spaced apart from the base and is configured to receive a sample between an opposing longitudinal end of the at least one other push rod and the base. Nuclear reactors comprising such apparatuses and systems and methods of measuring elongation of a material are also disclosed. |
| US08065809B1 |
Angle measurement device
A device for measuring angles between surfaces of a physical object includes a linkage having two or more gauging arms and a metered arm. The metered arm is coupled to one arm of the linkage. The metered arm indicates an angle between two or more surfaces of the physical object. The angle measurement device may allow measurement of both interior and exterior angles, and acute, obtuse, and right angles. |
| US08065807B2 |
Electronic weapon site
A weapon sight to facilitate alignment a weapon with a target comprises a housing further comprising a video camera for generating a first video signal corresponding to a first field of view, a processor for processing the first video signal into a second video signal corresponding to a second field of view and outputting the second video signal to a video display, and a reticle disposed on the video display, wherein one of the first or the second video signals is electronically positionable with respect to other of the second or first video signal. |
| US08065806B2 |
Multi-pinion gear digital beam torque wrench
A digital torque wrench includes a position sensor assembly which measures the movement of a load beam with respect to an indicator beam to determine the torque being applied to a working element by the torque wrench. The position sensor assembly includes a first position sensor portion having multiple rotatable pinion gears coupled to a potentiometer, and includes a second position sensor portion having a rack gear that engages one of the pinion gears of the first position sensor portion. The first and second position sensor portions are attached to different ones of the load beam and the indicator beam so that at least one of the pinion gears rotates along the rack gear in response to force (torque) being applied through the load beam to the working element. Rotation of the pinion gears causes rotation of a potentiometer element, which produces a signal indicative of the relative displacement of the load beam with respect to the indicator beam. This displacement is then converted to a torque measurement and is displayed to a user via a display. The use of multiple pinion gears enables a high degree of resolution with respect to the torque measurements, while reducing the width profile of the torque wrench. |
| US08065805B2 |
Vegetation pruning device
A vegetation pruning device (102) includes a pair (114, 116) of pivotably coupled handles and a motor having a rotary output drive (130) for driving an endless flexible cutting chain (108). A guard (162) is moved relative to the chain (108) by pivoting the handles (114, 116) relative to each other to grip vegetation between the guard (162) and the chain (108). The guard is provided with a pair of curved upper surfaces (164) having teeth (166). The rotary output drive (130) of the motor is arranged generally coaxially with the axis of pivotal movement of the handles (114, 116). |
| US08065802B2 |
Shaving razor
A shaving razor has a housing joined to a handle, one or more blades mounted in the housing and a light source. The light source projects a defined image indicating the exact location of a blade edge on the skin of a user enabling the user to properly align the blade edge on the skin during shaving. |
| US08065798B2 |
Method of manufacturing printed circuit board
A fabrication method which can improve electrical properties, shorten processing time, and reduce the thickness of a chip package by achieving an ultra-thin fine circuit pattern. The method for fabricating a printed circuit board includes: providing an insulating material; forming in the insulating material at least one via-hole for interlayer electrical connection; ion beam treating the surface of the insulating material having the via-hole formed therein; forming a copper seed layer on the surface-treated insulating material using a vacuum deposition process; and plating a copper pattern on the copper seed layer to form a circuit pattern. |
| US08065797B2 |
Fabricating method for printed circuit board
A method of fabricating a printed circuit board is disclosed. A method of fabricating a printed circuit board that includes: stacking an insulation layer on at least one surface of a core layer, on which an inner circuit is formed, and forming an outer circuit pattern; burying the outer circuit pattern in the insulation layer; removing the outer circuit pattern to form minute grooves and curing the insulation layer; and forming an outer circuit by filling metal in the minute grooves, makes it possible to readily form high-resolution fine-line circuits, as well as to reduce fabrication costs and increase productivity. |
| US08065793B2 |
Method of encapsulating an electronic component
An application method for resin includes applying resin to a first electronic component in an application chamber under a first internal pressure, moving a second electronic component into an internal pressure adjustment chamber under a second internal pressure which is higher than the first internal pressure and adjusting an internal pressure of the internal pressure adjustment chamber from the second internal pressure to the first internal pressure, and moving the second electronic component into the application chamber while moving the first electronic component into the internal pressure adjustment chamber after the step of application of the resin has been completed. |
| US08065791B2 |
Terminal insertion apparatus
The present invention is to provide a terminal insertion apparatus to insert a terminal into a terminal receiving chamber without hitting an inner surface of the terminal receiving chamber. A terminal insertion apparatus includes a housing holder unit, an insertion unit, and a control device. The housing holder unit holds a connector housing and is movable in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. The insertion unit inserts a terminal attached with an electrical wire into a terminal receiving chamber of the connector housing. The control device controls a move unit support portion to reciprocate a housing holder by a move distance after an end portion of the terminal is inserted into the terminal receiving chamber so that the terminal can be inserted without hitting an inner surface of the terminal receiving chamber. |
| US08065787B2 |
Method of manufacturing a thermally assisted magnetic head
A thermally assisted magnetic head is formed by performing a head forming process, a mounting part forming process and a light source mounting process in that order. In the head forming process, a planned area is secured on a light source placing surface of a slider substrate, then a magnetic head part is formed on a head area other than the planned area and a spacer for securing a mounting space for the laser diode is formed on the planned area. In the mounting part forming process, a light source mounting part is formed by removing the spacer. In the light source mounting process, a laser diode is mounted on the light source mounting part formed by the mounting part forming step. |
| US08065786B2 |
Manufacturing method of heat-assisted magnetic head constituted of slider and light source unit
Provided is a manufacturing method of heat-assisted magnetic recording head, in which a light source unit can be easily joined to a slider with sufficiently high accuracy, under avoiding the excessive mechanical stress. The manufacturing method comprises the steps of: moving relatively the light source unit and the slider, while applying a sufficient voltage between an upper electrode of the light source and an electrode layer provided in the slider; and setting the light source unit and the slider in desired positions in a direction perpendicular to the element-integration surface of the slider substrate. The desired positions are positions where the light source just emits due to a surface contact between: the protruded portion of the lower surface of the light source; and the upper surface of the electrode layer, which is a portion of the wall surface of a step formed on the head part. |
| US08065785B2 |
Method for producing a turbulence conditioner for use with an ultrasonic flow meter in a pipe
A method for producing a turbulence conditioner for use with an ultrasonic flow meter in a pipe having the steps of identifying an effective diameter of an aperture of the flow meter to be disposed in an opening in the pipe through which the flow meter communicates pulses of ultrasonic energy with the interior of the pipe. There is the step of building a conditioner with a pitch between openings in the conditioner which is less than the effective diameter. |
| US08065784B2 |
Apparatus for forming an electrical connection on a solar cell
Embodiments of the present invention provide a module and process for forming electrical connections on a solar cell substrate in a solar cell production line. The module generally provides a substrate handling system, a substrate positioning system, a cross-buss attachment assembly, and a side-buss attachment assembly. The module may provide adaptations for automatically adjusting the module to receive and process various sizes of solar cell substrates. |
| US08065783B2 |
Brake pipe connection to brake hose
Brake pipe connection to a brake hose includes a fixing bushing through which the brake hose is inserted through a first side and a brake pipe through a second side. The brake pipe includes an external diameter DT, a wall thickness eT, and a connection end. The brake hose includes an internal diameter dH that is less than the external diameter DT of the brake pipe. The connection end includes a built-in pipette which is housed on the inside of the fixing bushing and inserted in the brake hose. The built-in pipette is formed by the stretching of the connection end to obtain an external diameter of the pipette DP that is less than the external diameter DT of the brake pipe, a pipette wall thickness eP that is less than the wall thickness eT of the brake pipe, and a pipette length LP. |
| US08065778B2 |
Robot cleaner
A robot cleaner that is capable of preventing dust collected in a dust tank from flowing backward outside when a situation in which the dust may be discharged outside occurs includes a cleaner body, a dust tank mounted in the cleaner body to collect dust, and a backward-flow preventing device to prevent dust from flowing backward outside through a suction port of the dust tank. The backward-flow preventing device includes a shutter unit to open and close the suction port and a stopper unit to drive the shutter unit. |
| US08065773B2 |
Microbial scrub brush
The microbial scrub brush employs an insert of foam material that is impregnated with an anti-bacterial disinfectant that is housed within a housing of alcohol compatible material and sealed over by a removable lid. The insert is maintained in sterile condition until ready for use. After the removal of the lid, the insert of foam material is moved over the end of a female luer and rotated in order to clean the outer surface of the luer as well as the interior of the luer. |
| US08065772B2 |
Scrubbing element with welded wire leader
A cleaning element for lumen of surgical instruments includes a brush and a flexible metal leader. The brush has a first end, a second end, and a metal core, the metal core defining a longitudinal axis extending throughout the brush. The flexible metal leader has a first end and a second end, the second end of the flexible metal leader being welded to the first end of the metal core of the brush. The flexible metal leader is adapted to be fed through the lumen of the surgical instruments and pulled by the first end thereof through the lumen, with the brush also being adapted to be pulled through the lumen due to its being welded to the second end of the flexible metal leader. |
| US08065769B2 |
Method and apparatus for the placement of a bridge element
A method and apparatus for the placement of a bridge element using a vehicle having a placement arm, and a use of the apparatus. The placement arm has at least one drive element adapted to cooperate with the bridge element. A braking device is disposed in the vicinity of the deposition end of the placement arm and cooperates with the bridge element during a placement procedure. The bridge element is braked via an engagement element of the braking device. Movement of the bridge element in a longitudinal direction can be measured and monitored, and in the event of an uncontrolled movement the bridge element can be braked. |
| US08065768B2 |
Equipment support rail for hospital bed
A patient support includes a lower frame, an upper frame supported above the lower frame, an equipment carrier coupled to the upper frame, and an actuator operable to adjust the orientation of the equipment carrier to compensate for the upper frame changing its orientation between the Trendelenberg and reverse Trendelenberg positions. |
| US08065766B1 |
Side sleeper pillow
A pillow for side-sleeping providing support of the shoulder and lumbar regions and thereby increasing comfort, where the pillow is constructed of tiers of foam, with each foam layer laminated to an adjacent foam layer and where the foam layers vary in thickness and density producing compression zones. The pillow has a raised area that is placed under the axilla, while the remaining portion of the pillow is placed under the upper ribcage. The pillow may be used as a therapeutic adjunct to a conventional fiber-filled pillow placed under the head and neck, or as a therapeutic adjunct to a specialty pillow, such as a cervical pillow. |
| US08065763B2 |
Air conditioned bed
A climate controlled bed comprises a cushion member having an outer surface comprising a first side for supporting an occupant and a second side, the first side and the second side generally facing in opposite directions. In some embodiments, the cushion member includes one or more recessed areas along its first side or its second side. In one embodiment, the bed further includes a support structure having a top side configured to support the cushion member, a bottom side and an interior space generally located between the top side and the bottom side, the top side and the bottom side of the support structure generally facing in opposite directions, a flow conditioning member that may be at least partially positioned with the recessed area of the cushion member, an air-permeable topper member positioned along the first side of the cushion member and a fluid temperature regulation system. The fluid temperature regulation system includes a fluid transfer device, a thermoelectric device and a conduit system generally configured to transfer a fluid from the fluid transfer device to the thermoelectric device. The fluid temperature regulation system is configured to receive a volume of fluid and deliver it to the flow conditioning member and the topper member. |
| US08065762B1 |
Hammock arch
A hammock support is provided that includes an arched structure supported by tripod leg supports. The arched support is preferably a truss structure that provides multiple attachment points to support a hammock bed for varying the types, lengths, and heights of hammocks. In some embodiments, the arched truss structure includes multiple interlocked truss sections that can be assembled and disassembled without tools. The tripod leg supports provide stability for use in wet, uneven, or otherwise inhospitable terrain. The arched structure provides attachment locations for one or more accessories, such as mosquito netting, tents, tables, drink holders, lights, and other accessories. Additionally, the hammock support assembly of the invention is adapted to be used with one or more hammock support assemblies to create larger structures to create tents or bivouacs for camping or emergency shelter. |
| US08065761B2 |
Inflatable mattress with side cushions for a truck bed
An inflatable mattress for use on a truck bed is disclosed and claimed. The inflatable mattress includes left and right lateral sides. Each lateral side includes a recession dimensioned to receive a respective one of the wheel wells. The inflatable mattress also includes left and right side cushions disposed above and in contact with an upper surface of the mattress adjacent the left and right lateral sides, respectively. |
| US08065760B2 |
Foldable cot
This invention presents a foldable cot. The foldable cot includes a foldable frame and a flexible sheet having a generally rectangular shape. The peripheral portions of the flexible sheet are secured to the foldable frame. The foldable frame has two-pairs of hingedly connected longitudinal bars, which allows the foldable frame to be folded in a longitudinal direction. A middle support structure is mounted to the hinge connectors. The middle support structure includes a pair of crossbars having a general X-shape. Upper ends of the crossbars are pivotably connected to the hinge connectors. There is provided a pair of vertical poles connecting the upper ends and lower ends of the crossbars, respectively. The vertical poles are extendible between a retracted position and an extended position, which allows the X-shaped crossbars to have a scissors-like motion so that the foldable frame can be folded in a transverse direction. |
| US08065758B1 |
Lavatory vessel liquid dispenser
The present invention may be used for dispensing a liquid soap adjacent a faucet assembly having a vertical opening. A lift rod having a conduit therein may be slidably inserted in the vertical opening. A dispensing rod having a conduit may be attached at an upper end of the lift rod. A pump may be attached at a lower end of the lift rod for fluid communication with an outlet end of the pump. A reservoir tube may be attached to an inlet end of the pump and may be disposed at a second end in a liquid reservoir. The pump may have a flange and a lower portion. The lower portion may be slidably inserted in a support element to allow the flange to abut a top edge of the support element for operation of the plunger when a force may be applied to the lift rod. |
| US08065757B2 |
Bath
A bath includes a water outlet or outlets (5) arranged to in use direct a flow of water from behind onto the upper body of a bather or bathers sitting in the bath and leaning back against the wall (1) of the bath. The upper body water outlet(s) may comprise two spaced water outlets one positioned to direct a water flow onto the left-side upper body of a bather and the other positioned to direct a water flow at the same temperature onto the right-side upper body of the bather. |
| US08065756B2 |
Tilting-bowl toilets
Tilting Bowl Toilet comprises a frame, a toilet basin, and a tilting bowl. The tilting bowl is supported below the toilet basin to receive and hold water/waste delivered from the toilet basin. The tilting bowl tilts to discharge its content to drainage. The tilting bowl at standby is sustained to stay in a horizontal position by forces applied to the tilting bowl creating a resultant sustaining turning moment about its support axis. When the turning moment produced by the tilting bowl with its content becomes larger than the sustaining turning moment, the tilting bowl moves to a tilted position to discharge its content. The effective support axis shifts with respect to the tilting bowl as guided by a motion guide. |
| US08065755B2 |
Water jet injector for sanitary self-cleaning toilet seat device
A water jet injector for a sanitary self-cleaning toilet seat device includes a foothold having a connector to connect with an external duct; a pipe installed at the front edge of the foothold and having two chambers; and two jet pipes each installed in its corresponding chamber and having a nozzle provided at the top edge of the jet pipe with a water outlet. The jet pipes are movable to and fro to clean the contaminated parts of the user's body with the cleaning water jet. Besides, a shade is stretched out of the pipe to cover the top edges of said nozzles so as to prevent the nozzles from being dirted by the soil and the user's body from being wetted by the residual water in the pipes. |
| US08065754B2 |
Pole plunger
The pole plunger includes a main shaft having an upper disc secured to an upper end and a lower disc secured to a lower end. The lower disc has a radius greater than that of the upper disc, allowing the user to select the appropriately sized disc which matches the radius of a drain pipe to be plunged. Additionally, a handle portion may be secured to the main shaft, extending in a direction orthogonal thereto, providing the user with a handle to grip during the plunging process. The handle portion further has a handle disc secured to its free end, with the handle disc having a radius between that of the upper and lower discs, providing the user with a third size disc for plunging of the drain pipe. |
| US08065744B2 |
Practice glove system
A glove has fingers. The glove include a spaced thumb. The glove includes an arcuate lower edge. The glove includes an opening located centrally. The glove has upwardly projecting side edges. A web is secured between the thumb and fingers. In this manner an arcuate upper edge is formed. The glove has an insert. The insert has limited flexibility. The insert is in an arcuate configuration. The insert is secured within the glove. The insert has ends. A width line is provided between the ends. An enlarged pocket is provided in the glove. Stiffener is provided below and a width line above. |