Document Document Title
US08070349B2 Mixing drum
A concrete mixing drum includes a wall having a first section (41) and a second section (43). The first section (41) extends in a spiral along an axial centerline (31) of the drum. The second section (43) extends in a spiral along the axial centerline (31) of the drum adjacent to the first section (41).
US08070344B2 Plane-like lighting units and display equipment provided therewith
A light unit which includes a plurality of light-emitting diode (LED) light sources arranged in parallel, a light-guiding member arranged on said LED light sources, a light reflecting part for reflecting light from said LED light sources forward, a light diffusion part for outgoing light from the surface of said light-guiding member to outside, and an optical path changing part arranged above said light-diffusion part, wherein a side of said light-guiding member that faces said light diffusion part is flat.
US08070342B2 Electronic apparatus and illuminating device having a translucent member with incident lines of protrusions
A light emitting element is mounted on the surface of a board. The light emitting element emits light. The light passes through a translucent optical member. The light enters the translucent optical member through a incident surface. The lines of protrusions make the incident surface jagged. The jagged surface resulting from the protrusions enables diffusion of the light entering through the incident surface. The light spreads along the surface of the board. Simultaneously, the emitted light is partly reflected on the incident surface. The reflected light is reflected on a reflecting surface placed behind the light emitting element. The reflected light then enters the translucent optical member. The translucent optical member is thus allowed to illuminate over a wide range with a sufficient brightness. An impressive illumination can be realized.
US08070341B2 Light pipe with uniformly lit appearance
A light pipe having substantially uniform brightness along a length thereof is disclosed. The light pipe includes a first end for receiving a plurality of light rays, a reflective portion for directing the received light rays in a pre-determined internal light pattern, wherein the reflective portion includes a plurality of reflective elements, and an emitting portion for emitting the light rays in a pre-determined light distribution pattern.
US08070339B2 Vehicle lamp
A vehicle lamp including a projector headlight using an LED light source for a low beam can include a shade, an LED light source, an ellipsoidal reflector and a projector lens. Both a focus of the projector lens and a top edge of the shade can be located near a second focus of the reflector. The LED light source can be located near a first focus located below the second focus of the reflector. Therefore, light emitted from the LED light source can be effectively gathered near the focus of the projector lens via the reflector and can be projected via the projector lens with high light use-efficiency. The projector lens can include light dispersing portions or structures on an upside and downside thereof for reducing chromatic aberration. Thus, the lamp can project a favorable light distribution that can conform to light distribution standards for vehicle headlights and the like.
US08070336B2 Lighting or signaling device comprising a curved light guiding plate
A lighting or signaling device for a motor vehicle which is capable of emitting a linear beam in the direction of an optical axis and which comprises a point light source that emits light rays radially around a source; a light ray guiding plate; wherein the light guiding plate is shaped so that the light rays generally propagate in incident propagation planes normal to the plate between the light source and the reflection edge and in reflected propagation planes normal to the plate between the reflection edge and the output edge.
US08070335B2 Fixture for a headlight unit, method for the production thereof, and front unit
The invention relates to a fixture for a headlight unit, comprising fastening means (105) for attaching the fixture to a support part (102) of a front unit of a motor vehicle, a reception zone (106) for the headlight unit, and first and second spaced-apart elastic means (112, 114) between the fastening means and the reception zone. The reception zone extends between the first and second elastic means which are embodied such that the reception zone for the headlight unit can be translationally moved substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the motor vehicle in order to mount the fixture into a motor vehicle.
US08070330B2 Floating lamp system
A floating lamp system is provided. The system includes an object having a first inner wall and a second inner wall. A first conductive element is mounted on the first sidewall and electrically connected to the anode of a power source. A second conductive element is mounted on the second wall and electrically connected to the cathode of the power source. The system further includes a floating lamp having a balloon and a lighting element mounted in the balloon. An anode contact point is mounted on the top of the balloon and a cathode contact point is mounted on the bottom of the balloon. The lighting element is electrically connected to the anode contact point and the cathode contact point. When the floating lamp floats, causing the anode contact point to contact with the first conductive element, the lighting element is lit up.
US08070326B2 Free-form lens design to apodize illuminance distribution
A lens that angularly redistributes light from an LED is disclosed. The desired illuminance (power per area) pattern for an LED/lens combination has a relatively flat center, a knee, and a gradual tail. By overlapping adjacent combinations' tails, the resulting illuminance pattern may be generally uniform, with relatively loose tolerances on LED/lens placement and performance. The lens has a proximal face with a concave spherical indentation with its center at the light source. The lens's distal face has a “center thickness” (CT) on-axis, a peak thickness away from a longitudinal axis of about 1.0 to 1.2 times the CT, a radius at which the peak thickness occurs of about 0.5 to 1.0 times the CT, a radius at which the thickness returns to the CT of about 1.1 to 1.5 times the CT, and a radius (maximum lateral extent) of the lens of about 1.6 to 1.9 times the CT.
US08070325B2 LED light fixture
A light fixture using LEDs includes a lower skin layer possessing heat transfer properties. A circuit board is affixed to the lower skin layer, and a single LED, or a plurality of LEDs, is electrically connected to the circuit board. The single LED, or plurality of LEDs, when electrically activated, emits light through substantially around a vertical axis. The light fixture also includes a core possessing heat transfer properties that is in thermal contact with the LED and has an interior cavity for the LED. The core is affixed to the lower skin layer, and an upper skin layer, containing a window or windows over the LED or LEDs, is affixed to the core. The LEDs may be white, infrared, ultraviolet, and/or colored and may be mounted on a printed circuit board or individually.
US08070316B2 Lighting apparatus with LEDs
A lighting apparatus with LED includes a metal-made main body 90; a plurality of LED chip units 1 each including an LED chip and a pair of lead terminals 42, 43 electrically connected to electrodes of the LED chip; and a dielectric layer 80 disposed between the main body 90 and each LED chip unit 1 for making electrical insulation therebetween as well as bond the same. The circuit board 20 is formed with a plurality of windows 23 through which the individual LED chip units 1 extend respectively with the lead terminals held in electrical contact with the circuit pattern of the circuit board at the circumference of the window, each of the LED chip units being thermally coupled at its bottom face with the main body 90 through the dielectric layer 80, and the heat generated in the LED chip is conducted to the main body through the dielectric layer without passing through the circuit board.
US08070309B2 Showcase
An object is to provide a showcase capable of improving the appearance of an illumination apparatus and also capable of improving the effects of illumination by the illumination apparatus. In the showcase, the inside of a display chamber formed in a main body thereof is illuminated with the illumination apparatus. The illumination apparatus includes: a plurality of LED illumination components equipped with LED elements; a holding member attached to the main body to hold the LED illumination components; a wiring connector provided between the LED illumination components; and a reflecting plate covering the connector.
US08070308B1 Helmet mounted bicycle lights
A bicycle light system has front and rear (white and red) lights with mounting brackets to secure on a bicycle helmet. A rechargeable battery is contained in the rear light casing, with an electrical cord extending between the front and rear light casings. The front light casing has controls for both front and rear lights, which can include different power levels and preferably a flash mode for the front light. 360° visibility preferably is provided via the front light, which projects colored light, such as amber, toward the sides. In a preferred embodiment the battery is rechargeable using a micro USB connection, a serial bus configuration widely used for cell phones, so that the battery will ordinarily be rechargeable via a cell phone recharging cable or a connection to a computer. Helmet mountings for the front and rear light casings have a quick-release feature enabling the lights to be easily and quickly removed from the helmet, such as for recharging.
US08070307B2 Light-emitting warning device of a safety helmet
A light-emitting warning device of a safety helmet, including a helmet main body, a light guide element and a light source control mechanism. An annular locating groove and a receiving cavity are formed on an outer face of the helmet main body. Two end sections of the locating groove communicate with the receiving cavity via two through holes formed in the helmet main body. An elongated flexible strip body is received in the locating groove. Two end sections of the light guide element extend through the through holes into the receiving cavity to connect with the light source control mechanism. The light source control mechanism projects light into the light guide element, and emits as a lighting ring along the periphery of the helmet main body. The light guide element communicates with an interior of the helmet main body to avoid dropping.
US08070303B2 Optical structures including polyurea
Optical structures and sheeting that include polyurea and method for forming same are proposed in accordance with aspects of the present invention. One and two-component layers can be used to form the optical structures. The optical structures can include microstructures formed from polyurea. The sheeting can include at least one of cube-corner prisms, open-faced cube-corner prisms, linear prisms, lenticular lenses, moth-eye structures, lenses, Fresnel lens arrays, lenses, and fish-eye lens arrays.
US08070299B2 Light source apparatus and projector having a wavelength separator
A light source apparatus includes a light source unit that supplies light having a first wavelength, a wavelength conversion element that converts the light having the first wavelength into the light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, and a wavelength separator that separates the first-wavelength light from the second-wavelength light. The wavelength separator directs the second-wavelength light from the wavelength conversion element in the exit direction and the first-wavelength light from the wavelength conversion element in a direction other than the exit direction.
US08070298B2 Laser display system with optical feedback configured to reduce speckle artifacts
An imaging system (200) includes a plurality of laser sources (201) configured to produce a plurality of light beams (204). One or more optical alignment devices (220) orient the light beams (204) into a collimated light beam (205). A light modulator (203) modulates the collimated light beam (205) such that images (206) can be presented on a display surface (207). Speckle is reduced with an optical feedback device (221) that causes the laser sources (201) to operate in a coherence collapsed state. Examples of optical feedback devices (221) include partially reflective mirrors and beam splitter-mirror combinations.
US08070297B2 Projector that projects an image signal on a display surface
A projector that projects video light corresponding to an image signal onto a display surface includes: a light source device that emits light; a housing that houses at least the light source device; a projection lens, that is, an optical element that transmits the video light projected onto the display surface and emits the video light toward the outside of the housing; a detecting unit that detects detection light supplied to the optical element; and a control unit that adjusts a light amount of the video light on the basis of a result of the detection by the detecting unit. The projector is set such that, when the optical element is in a normal setting state, the light amount density of the video light is equal to or lower than a predetermined value on an emission surface for emitting the video light of the optical element.
US08070292B2 Viewfinder system for a camera
A viewfinder system for a camera, in particular a movie camera, in which there runs a viewfinder beam path that is diverted from a recording beam path for film exposure is provided. The viewfinder system comprising an eyepiece, an eye closure, a shutter for masking out stray light penetrating into the camera via the viewfinder system, and a control device that triggers the shutter and is connected to a sensor. The viewfinder system further comprising a sensor device for contactless detection of an eye or head, located at the eye closure of the viewfinder system, of a person viewing the picture to be recorded through the eyepiece.
US08070288B2 Eye shield structure
Eye shade structure comprising inner and outer compressible material layers, and a resiliently compressible intermediate layer sandwiched between the inner and outer layers, the layers being flexible and locally compressed to define two re-entrant recesses adapted to be located over the user's eyes, the locally compressed layers defining reduced thickness sections of the layers in registration with the recesses, the inner and outer layers having portions bounding the recesses, and providing cushions to engage users facial structure bounding the eyes.
US08070287B1 Collapsible eyeglass structure
A collapsible eyeglass structure includes a frame bilaterally provided with two temples. The frame has two ends, each having an inner side formed with a through hole. Each through hole has an entrance end with a beveled rim and an opposite end connected to an inwardly expanding receiving space. Each receiving space has a predetermined shape and an upper wall formed with plural teeth. Each temple has a pivotal connecting portion outwardly extended with a post. Each post has a convex tip and is notched so as to be pushed resiliently into the corresponding through hole of the frame. Each post further has an upper periphery formed with a tooth. When the posts are pushed into the receiving spaces in the frame respectively, the tooth of each post meshes with the corresponding teeth in the corresponding receiving space to allow angular adjustment or downward collapse of the temples.
US08070281B2 Ink-jet authentication mark for a product or product packaging
A method of ink-jet printing including, in order, the steps of: a) providing a coated ink-receiving layer containing a polymeric binder and a curable compound; b) at least partially curing the coated ink-receiving layer according to a first image; and c) jetting at least one ink-jet ink on the ink-receiving layer according to a second image partially overlapping with the first image. The method can be advantageously used to apply authentication marks to a product, e.g., a security document or a product packaging.
US08070279B2 Liquid ejection head, liquid cartridge, and image forming apparatus
A liquid ejection head including a plurality of nozzles, a plurality of pressurizing liquid chambers, a liquid supply portion, and a filter portion. The plurality of nozzles ejects liquid droplets. The plurality of pressurizing liquid chambers are in fluid communication respectively with the nozzles. The liquid supply portion includes a plurality of individual supply channels and a fluid-communicating portion. The plurality of individual supply channels are in fluid communication respectively with the pressurizing liquid chambers to supply a liquid to the pressurizing liquid chambers. The fluid-communicating portion keeps the plurality of individual supply channels in fluid communication with one another. The filter portion is positioned to face the individual supply channels of the liquid supply portion and filters the liquid supplied to the pressurizing liquid chambers.
US08070278B2 Method of priming a printhead with ink bubbles present in a printhead assembly
A method of priming one or more printhead integrated circuits, the method comprising the steps of: (i) providing a printhead assembly comprising: an ink distribution manifold having an ink inlet and an ink outlet; one or more printhead integrated circuits mounted on the manifold, each printhead integrated circuit comprising a plurality of nozzles; an upstream ink line connected to the ink inlet; and a downstream ink line connected to the ink outlet, wherein at least part of the printhead assembly contains ink bubbles; (ii) providing an ink chamber in fluid communication with the ink inlet via the upstream ink line; (iii) priming the printhead integrated circuits by drawing ink from the ink chamber, through the manifold and into the downstream ink line using a pump; (iv) bursting ink bubbles in the downstream ink line; (v) sensing for ink downstream of a bubble-bursting point in the downstream ink line; and (v) shutting off the pump when the ink is sensed.
US08070275B2 Method for assembling a modular printhead assembly
A method for assembling a modular printhead assembly having an ink delivery member and a plurality of printhead modules received in a channel at a predetermined pitch is disclosed. The method includes the steps of flexing the channel apart at a first location to enable receipt of a first printhead module into the channel at the first location, the step of flexing being performed against a pivot point located along a centerline of an underside of the channel; and flexing apart a first capping device to enable pushing of the first capping device over the first printhead module.
US08070274B2 Printing-fluid container
A printing-fluid container includes a printing-fluid reservoir configured to hold printing fluid. A printing-fluid interface is configured to output printing fluid from the printing-fluid reservoir and an air-interface is configured to regulate an operating pressure within the printing-fluid reservoir.
US08070267B2 Ink jet recording head and production process thereof
An ink jet recording element substrate includes a substrate; an ejection outlet array for ejecting ink; a heat generating element array comprising a plurality of heat generating elements for generating ejection energy for ejecting the ink from the ejection outlet array; a protecting film, comprising protecting portions, for protecting the heat generating element array; a common line, disposed along a side of the heat generating element array, for supplying electric power for driving the heat generating elements, and being divided into at least two portions by a line perpendicular to the heat generating element array; a testing electrode for testing a function of the protecting film; and an externally connecting electrode, disposed at an end of the substrate, for externally supplying electric power to the common line; wherein the ink jet recording element substrate further includes, in an area between the portions of the common line, a connecting line for electrically connecting the protecting portions of the protecting film disposed to sandwich the common line and a lead line for electrically connecting the protective film and the testing electrode.
US08070266B2 Printhead assembly with ink supply to nozzles through polymer sealing film
An inkjet printhead assembly with a printhead integrated circuit formed on a wafer substrate, the printhead integrated circuit having an array of ink ejection nozzles, the array having a first section with nozzles for ejecting ink of a first color, and a second section with nozzles for ejecting ink of a second color. The assembly also having an integrated circuit support structure for mounting in the printer adjacent a media feed path, the integrated circuit support structure having conduits for supplying the printhead integrated circuit with ink of the first color and the second color and, a polymer sealing film between the integrated circuit support structure and the printhead integrated circuit for fixing the printhead integrated circuit to the integrated circuit support structure. The polymer sealing has apertures that allow sealed fluid communication between the conduits of the support structure carrying ink of the first color and the nozzles of the first section and sealed fluid communication between the conduits of the support structure carrying ink of the second color and the nozzles of the second section. No fluid communication exists between the first section of the array and the second section of the array. The printhead integrated circuit has channels for supplying ink to the array of ink ejection nozzles. Each of the channels being divided into channel sections by transverse walls. The apertures in the polymer sealing film are positioned at each of the transverse walls such that each of the apertures supplies ink to both the channel sections either side of one of the transverse walls.
US08070260B2 Printhead having displacable nozzles
A printhead is provided having a plurality of nozzles defined on a substrate. Each nozzle is configured to hold fluid and has an ejection port and an actuator for moving the nozzle relative to the substrate to eject the held fluid through the ejection port.
US08070248B2 Image forming apparatus and control method of the same
An image forming apparatus performs an image forming operation by driving a ejecting element of a recording head with an ink ejecting drive voltage for ejecting ink, detects a temperature of ink to be flown into the recording head and a temperature of ink to be discharged respectively with a first temperature detection section and a second temperature detection section, and corrects the ink ejecting drive voltage on the basis of a temperature of ink being heat-transferred with the ejecting element, which is estimated with a predetermined conversion formula on the basis of the detected ink temperatures, for controlling an ink amount to be ejected.
US08070244B2 Printing machine and a method of printing
The invention relates to a printing machine comprising a support plate (42) and a printer unit (44) fastened to the support plate (42) to project ink onto articles for printing. The printer station includes at least one additional printer unit (46, 48, 50), and the printer units (44, 46, 48, 50) are arranged beside one another on a circle centered on the axis of rotation (B-B) of a mandrel (8), when the mandrel (8) is placed in its printing position. The invention also provides a method of printing.
US08070240B2 Sprocketed drive assembly for track-type machine
A sprocket assembly for a track-type machine comprises a plurality of teeth, radially-disposed about a center of the sprocket assembly, each of the plurality of teeth comprising opposing tooth flanks, wherein successive pairs of teeth defines a substantially concave channel for receiving therein a cylindrical pin member associated with a track link member of a continuous track chain, each tooth flank having a tooth angle less than about 17 degrees.
US08070237B2 Brake control method and system
To predictively determine the occurrence of rear wheel lifting before actual lifting of a rear wheel occurs and enable control of brake force.Vehicle body deceleration is computed on the basis of wheel velocities obtained by wheel velocity sensors 45 and 46 (S102), and when it is determined that that computed value exceeds a predetermined value K1 (S104), then the pressure of a front wheel cylinder 3 is reduced by a predetermined pressure and held at that reduced pressure (S106), and when it is determined that vehicle body deceleration has fallen below a value that is, for example, lower by a predetermined value α than the predetermined value K1 (S108), then the state of holding of the pressure of the front wheel cylinder 3 is released (S110) and brake control returns to normal brake control.
US08070235B2 Rim and method for producing a rim
A rim and a method of producing a rim for bicycles and the like includes a rim body and a rim base provided thereon and lateral rim flanks provided with rim flanges. The rim flanges include a fibrous composite material having at least one fiber layer. The rim flanges include inwardly overhanging bulges of squashed fiber layers between which a tire can be accommodated at the rim body.
US08070234B2 Vehicle having loading and unloading capabilities
A rear loading cargo carrying wheeled vehicle includes a pair of container lifts for moving shipping containers between a container support platform on the vehicle and an unloaded position behind the vehicle. Each lift typically includes a pivot arm pivotally mounted on the vehicle, a telescoping arm telescopically mounted on the pivot arm, and a container engaging support member mounted on the telescoping arm for engaging and supporting the containers. A platform lift is provided for lowering the platform during the loading operation to provide greater stability. The container support platform includes a forward section and tail section which is movable relative to the forward section to provide greater clearance for loading and unloading the container. Guide walls along either side of the platform guide misaligned containers onto the platform. The container lifts are configured for loading and unloading one or more containers onto and from the platform.
US08070225B2 Child seat article holder
A system and method for supporting articles is generally provided for use, with a seat, such as a child's safety seat or stroller, having a seat surface and at least one restraining member that extends outwardly from the seat surface. The system may be provided with a support member having one or more pocket members for holding the articles. An aperture may be formed through the support member through which the restraining member may be passed to limit movement of the support member across the seat surface when the system is placed on the seat. In one aspect, the pocket members may at least partially depend from one or more side portions of the seat, with or without the use of a support member.
US08070217B2 Vehicle body rear part structure
A vehicle body rear part structure improved against rear-side collisions is disclosed. The rear part of a vehicle body includes left and right rear side frames; a front cross member and a rear cross member, both extending between the left and right rear side frames; and a bar and a bracket. The rear cross member has arm support parts for supporting lower arms of left and right rear suspensions on a center part which is lower than lateral ends of the vehicle body. The bar is curved in a convex manner toward the bottom of the vehicle body, and the bar connects center parts of the front and rear cross members together. The bracket mounts a rear end of the bar to the rear cross member while enclosing the rear end from the bottom of the vehicle body.
US08070214B2 Flatbed trailer having an extendable configuration and an alternate configuration
A flatbed trailer includes first, second and third flatbed sections whereby the first and second sections are joinable in an extendable configuration and the first and third sections are joinable in an alternate and typically standard configuration. The trailer can be switched between the extendable and alternate configuration within a fairly short time. The invention thus eliminates the need for both a standard extendable trailer and a separate non-extendable trailer, and provides the ability to use the alternate configuration when the extendable configuration is not necessary in order to substantially reduce the weight which would otherwise be involved with the use of the extendable configuration.
US08070212B2 Arranging structure of wire harness for motor vehicle
An arranging structure spans a wire harness for a motor vehicle between a vehicle body and a slide member. The structure includes a corrugated tube for sheathing the wire harness; a protector made of a resin material, the protector holding opposite ends of the corrugated tube in a longitudinal direction and threading the wire harness; and a rotary member integrated with the protector or coupled to the protector as a different element from the protector, the rotary member being rotatably supported on supporting members provided on the vehicle body and the slide member.
US08070208B2 Multi-position tailgate adjustment apparatus and method
A method and apparatus for adjusting the location of suspension for a tailgate is disclosed. The method may include selecting a vehicle comprising a first side, a second side, a tailgate, a tailgate support, and an adjustor. The tailgate may be connected to pivot with respect to the first and second sides through a range of motion. The adjustor may include a base and a traveler configured to move with respect to the base. The base may be positioned on, and fixed with respect to, one of the tailgate and a first side of the vehicle. When the base is positioned on the tailgate, the tailgate support may extend to connect the traveler to the first side of the vehicle. Alternatively, when the base is position on the first side of the vehicle, the tailgate support may extend to connect the traveler to the tailgate. In either configuration, by manipulating the position of the traveler with respect to the base, the location of suspension for the tailgate may be adjusted.
US08070204B2 Clip for attachment to at least one panel of a vehicle to support a molding
A molding system includes a clip and a molding. The clip attaches to at least one panel of a vehicle. The clip includes a body that presents a surface. A pair of lips extends from the body in opposition to the surface. A fastener extends from the surface and is configured for engaging the at least one panel of the vehicle. A sealant is disposed on the surface. The sealant is configured to expand upon application of a condition such that the sealant engages the at least one panel of the vehicle to retain the clip to the at least one panel of the vehicle. The molding is configured to snap over the pair of lips on the clip such that the molding is secured to the at least one panel of the vehicle.
US08070200B2 Apparatus for picking up optical element
An apparatus comprises a suction device and two positioning members. The suction device comprises a suction body and a suction nozzle. The suction body is in communication with the suction nozzle and is configured for providing a pressure below atmospheric pressure to make the suction nozzle picking up the optical element. The two positioning members movably mounted on two opposite sides of the suction body and are configured for moving towards each other to move the optical element picked up by the suction nozzle to a predetermined fixed position relative to the suction device.
US08070197B2 Energy absorption device
The present invention relates to an energy absorption device (1) for a bumper arrangement of a vehicle, with a hollow longitudinal section (2) intended for deformation, a rolled-back region (3) adjoining the hollow longitudinal section, and an extension section (4) connected to the rolled-back region. In order to improve an energy absorption device of this type to the extent that obliquely acting accident forces can be absorbed with a high degree of efficiency in as simple a manner as possible, it is proposed, in an initial state prior to energy absorption, to orient the hollow longitudinal section (2) obliquely with respect to the axial direction of the extension section (4).
US08070195B2 Radiator grille of an automobile
A radiator grille of an automobile includes a plastic main grille provided with plural air vents and plural positioning bases formed in the inside. Each of the positioning bases has a plugging groove for being inserted with a hooking member, which is made of metal with a locking portion located at one end, a blocking portion elastically extended outward, and a hunched positioning portion formed outwardly. So, with the hooking members made of metal to possess a strong strength and elasticity, they are not to be easily broken owing to improper operation while being assembled with the main grille. Moreover, the radiator grille can not only be conveniently and swiftly assembled, but also firmly positioned in a car.
US08070194B2 Mechanism for installing a control turning handle of a door lock and its deinstalling tool
The invention relates to an installing mechanism and its deinstalling tool for a control turning handle (150) of a lock on an actuating rod (17) comprising two assemblies (E1, E2) that interact via a bayonet-type assembly by an axial engagement in the direction of the leaf then a rotation in a circular arc branch, in a second direction opposite the first direction around the axis of the rod, of the second assembly (E2) on the first set (E1), characterized in that each circular arc branch comprises an engagement limit stop upon which an associated stub rests, and a retractable stop for rotationally blocking the associated stub in the circular arc branch. The invention is particularly for use in a hygienic handle.
US08070192B2 Dogging device for latch assembly
A dogging device includes a base mounted in a housing of a latch assembly. The base includes a hole through which a shaft rotatably extends. A limiting keyway extends from the hole and receives and limits rotation of a shaft key on the shaft. A dogging member includes a through-hole receiving the shaft. A keyway extends from the through-hole and receives the shaft key of the shaft, allowing joint rotation of the shaft and the dogging member. By engaging a tool with a driving groove in an end of the shaft or by utilizing a lock core key to turn a lock core that directly pivots the dogging member, the dogging member is pivotable between a first position engaged with a latching/unlatching control rod of the latch assembly to lock a latch bolt in a retracted state and a second position disengaged from the latching/unlatching control rod.
US08070190B2 Security splicing system of aligned pipes, against the expansion and/or contraction thereof
A security splicing system of aligned pipes against an expansion and/or contraction thereof due to variations in temperatures, has a flange unit providing a stability and watertightness of a splice, and including a double flange with two identical fastening elements gripping an outer face of an end area of two previously spliced pipes with a watertight connecting flange, so that an accidental displacement of the watertight connecting flange is prevented in an event that dimensions of the end area of the pipes vary due to an expansion or contraction.
US08070189B2 Safety luer connection
A connection device has a male connector and a female connector. The female connector will only accommodate the dedicated male connector, thereby prohibiting a misconnection with the wrong male connector. In certain embodiments, a member prohibits male connectors, other than a dedicated male connector, from being inserted into the female connector. In certain other embodiments, a post prohibits male connectors, other than a dedicated male connector including a slot, from being inserted into the female connector. In still certain other embodiments, a series of prongs in the male connector and corresponding grooves in the female connector ensure the proper connection. Once the male connector is inserted and secured within the female connector, a fluid-tight seal is formed between the male connector and the female connector.
US08070187B2 Interface hose seal for low permeation flange of a fuel supply unit
A flange structure (10) is provided for a fuel supply unit of a vehicle. The flange structure includes at least one electrically conductive fuel port (16′) having a periphery and first and second ends (22, 23). The first end (22) includes first barb structure (28). A plastic flange (20′) is overmolded on at least a portion of the periphery of the fuel port between the first and second ends. A portion of the flange overmolded on the portion of the periphery of the fuel port defines fitting structure (25) having second barb structure (27). A hose (30) is coupled with the first end of the fuel port and with the fitting structure with the first and second barb structures engaging the hose thereby preventing fuel or fuel vapor from passing between the periphery of the fuel port and the overmolded flange.
US08070186B2 Printable reflective features formed from multiple inks and processes for making them
The invention relates to reflective features formed from multiple inks. In one embodiment, the reflective feature includes a substrate having a first region and a second region, the first and second regions having different surface characteristics; a first reflective element disposed on the first region; and a second reflective element disposed on the second region, wherein the first reflective element is more adherent than the second reflective element to the first region. In another embodiment, the reflective feature includes multiple layers formed from different inks exhibiting enhanced reflectivity and/or durability. The invention is also to processes for forming these features, preferably through a direct write printing process.
US08070185B2 Restraint device for a seat belt
The invention relates to a restraint device (1) for a seat belt (2) in a vehicle, comprising a housing (10) for guiding the seat belt (2) and for accommodating an energy-absorbing element (12) adapted to cooperate with the seat belt (2) so as to absorb energy when a predetermined retardation condition of the vehicle is fulfilled. Said device (1) comprises a device (15, 16, 23, 27, 28) for attaching the energy-absorbing element (12) to said seat belt (2) when said condition is fulfilled, said energy-absorbing element (12) being adapted to be attached in a lamellar manner to said seat belt (2) along a predetermined length thereof. The invention also relates to a method for restraining a seat belt (2). By means of the invention, a cost effective and safe device and method for restraining a seat belt in the event of a vehicle collision is obtained.
US08070181B2 Convertible cart
The convertible cart comprises a first platform and a platform assembly. The platform assembly comprises a second platform and a third platform and is pivotably connected to the first platform. The platform assembly moves between a first position where the second platform is disposed above the first platform and a second position where the third platform forms a continuous platform with the first platform. In another embodiment the cart comprises a first platform and a second platform movable between a first position where said second platform is disposed above the first platform and a second position where the third platform is coplanar with the first platform. Methods of converting a cart between a utility cart and a platform truck are also provided.
US08070180B2 Stroller and shopping cart
A stroller for carrying a user or multiple users may include a first and second front frame member for supporting a seat or seats and back support member, a first and second back frame member being detachably connected to the first and second front frame member, an expandable base member which connects between the first and second front frame member and the first and second back frame member. The expandable frame member may move between an extended and a retracted position to provide a storage area. The first and second back frame member may include handles, and the first and second front frame members may include an upper section and a lower section. The upper section may pivot with respect to the lower section, and the first and second back frame members may pivot with respect to the extendable base member. The first and second front frame members may pivot with respect to the extendable base member.
US08070174B2 Multi-mode tandem bicycle
A multi-mode tandem bicycle includes a frame, a steering wheel, a directional wheel, a first pedaling member, a second pedaling member, a first seat, a second seat, a first transmission unit, and a second transmission unit. By pivoting at least one of the first seat and the second seat on the frame, direction of the first seat or the second seat can be changed and fixed on the aforementioned frame, and at least one of the first seat and the second seat is pointed toward and connected with the steering wheel, thereby resulting in a variety of riding modes.
US08070173B2 Push to release retractable side step
A step assembly includes a mounting bracket assembly adapted to be fixedly secured to a motor vehicle. A first arm includes one end pivotal with respect to the mounting bracket assembly and an opposing end. A second arm includes one end pivotal with respect to the mounting bracket assembly and an opposing end. A step pad assembly is pivotally coupled to the opposing end of each of the first and second arms. The step pad assembly includes a step movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A push to release mechanism is operably coupled to at least one of the first and second arms to release the step from one of the retracted and extended positions in response to a push action on the step.
US08070172B1 Leaning vehicle suspension
A leaning vehicle suspension. Preferred embodiments have two transversely-mounted steerable front wheels and a single rear wheel, but the vehicle suspension of the present invention may be used with two-wheeled vehicles or four-wheeled vehicles, and front and rear coupled vehicle suspensions may be employed. Two preferred embodiments of the vehicle suspension of the present invention are described. Both have a transverse leaf spring, left and right rotary dampers, and independent left and right parallelogram transverse control arms movably mounting left and right wheel mounting members to the vehicle's frame. A rocker member, to which the rotary dampers and leaf spring are mounted, is pivotally mounted to the vehicle frame by a central pivot bearing, permitting the rocker member to pivot about a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The parallelogram geometry holds the front wheels at even camber throughout the suspension travel.
US08070169B2 Actuator for active roll control system
An actuator for an active roll control system that connects a stabilizer bar with a lower arm may include a screw housing having a space, a power transmitter slidably mounted in an upper interior circumference of the screw housing, and having an upper end portion connected to one end of the stabilizer bar and a lower end portion slidably movable in the space wherein the lower end portion of the power transmitter includes a screw groove and a screw thread is formed at an interior circumference of an inlet portion, a lead screw being inserted in the screw groove of the power transmitter and threaded to the screw thread of the inlet portion and having a screw rotation shaft integrally connected to a lower end thereof, and a drive motor mounted at a lower portion of the screw housing and having a rotation shaft connected to the screw rotation shaft.
US08070166B2 Game piece storing and scoring product
A score-keeping product for an anagram game that has a pouch for storing a plurality of anagram game cubes therein; a pair of slide members that each can be linearly moved between open and closed positions with each slide member, in an at least partially open position, enabling access to the interior of pouch so that the anagram game cubes can be stored or removed therefrom for the purpose of playing the game cubes with each of the slide members including a scoring pointer; and a pair of scoring indicia on the pouch and each disposed along a linear locus that extends respectively along side of a corresponding slide member with each scoring indicia provided with a series of score markers. The slide members are selectively movable so that the corresponding scoring pointer can be progressively moved to align with one of the series of score markers in scoring the game.
US08070163B2 Multilingual-tile word games
In a set of multilingual tiles, each tile bears a first character of a first language and also bears a second character of a second language. Tiles are positioned by players of a game, to form words in an inherently multilingual educational and entertainment experience. Tile characters are not mere transliterations of one another. The characters on a given tile may have different spatial orientations. Sometimes each player can make words only in one language, and different players try to make words in different languages. Sometimes a player gains points for words made in a language that is not the player's native language, and loses points for words made in a language that is the player's native language. Extra points may be awarded if tiles form multiple words in multiple languages, or if tiles form related words, namely, synonyms and/or antonyms.
US08070162B1 Game having an electronic instruction unit
The present invention is directed to a game having an instruction unit and a deck of game cards, with each card having game indicia. Game cards may be distributed to each participant, and each player in turn comparing the game indicia of the game cards to the game indicia of a top card of a discard pile. The game may further include discarding at least one of the game cards onto the discard pile if the game indicia of the player's game cards corresponds to the game indicia of the top card of the discard pile, and actuating the instruction unit to output a game instruction if the player determines that none of their game cards may be played on the top card. Still further, the game may include the player selecting additional game cards from the deck in response to the game instruction output by the instruction unit.
US08070158B2 Electronic device with paper sorting apparatus
An electronic device includes a main body and a plurality of paper trays. The main body includes a mounting plate, and the mounting plate defines a paper outlet. A mounting bracket is secured to the main body. A control module is disposed on the mounting bracket. A driving member is connected to the paper trays. The control module is capable of causing the driving member to move the paper trays along a direction parallel to the mounting plate, so that one of the paper trays is aligned with the paper outlet.
US08070157B2 Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes: edge guides which move in a width direction of the recording target medium and align side edges of the recording target medium which is stacked; a motor which moves the edge guides; a determining section which determines whether an electric current value when the motor is driven reaches a predetermined threshold value; and a position detecting section which detects a position of the edge guides in the width direction. Here, when the side edges of the recording target medium are aligned, the edge guides move close to the recording target medium and it is determined whether a difference between a position of the edge guides at the time when the electric current value reaches the predetermined threshold value and a position of the edge guides corresponding to the size of the recording target medium is equal to or smaller than a predetermined allowable value.
US08070153B2 Image forming apparatus with cassette and paper sensing device
An image forming apparatus and a printing medium feeding unit thereof are disclosed. The image forming apparatus includes a main body, a cassette removably mounted in the main body to load a printing medium therein, and a sensing unit provided in the main body to sense whether the cassette is mounted in the main body and whether the printing medium is in the cassette. The sensing unit includes a first actuator mounted in the main body to sense whether the printing medium is in the cassette, a second actuator mounted in the main body to sense whether the cassette is mounted in the main body, and a sensor having a sensing part to sense operation of the first actuator and the second actuator. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus can sense whether the cassette is properly mounted in the main body and whether the printing medium is in the cassette, with a simple constitution while minimizing the number of sensors.
US08070147B2 Clamping device
A clamping device includes a securing seat, a driving member movably mounted on the securing seat, a first fixture, a second fixture, a first securing pole, a second securing pole, a first joining member and a second joining member. The first fixture includes a first clamping member and a first connecting member. The first connecting member comprises a first moving portion. The second fixture includes a second clamping member and a second connecting member. The second connecting member includes a second moving portion. The first and second securing poles are fixed on the securing seat. The first and second joining members are respectively matched with the first and second securing poles. Two ends of the first joining member are respectively connected to the driving member and the first moving portion. Two ends of the second joining member are respectively connected to the driving member and the second moving portion.
US08070146B2 Support device for sputtering machine
A support device used in sputtering machine includes a chamber housing, a frame, at least one holding device, a first and second driving assemblies. The frame is rotatably mounted in the chamber housing. The holding device is rotatably mounted on the frame. The first driving assembly is received in the chamber housing and includes a first motor mounted on the chamber housing and a first shaft installed on the first motor. The first driving assembly is configured for driving the frame rotating in a plane by the first shaft. The second driving assembly is received in the chamber housing and includes a second motor mounted on the chamber housing and second shaft installed on the second motor. The second shaft adjacently parallels to the first shaft. The second driving assembly is configured for driving the at least one holding device rotating in a plane perpendicular to the rotating plane of the frame.
US08070143B2 Load-bearing resilient mount
A resilient mount including a first mounting member and a second mounting member is provided. The mount includes a first plurality of stiffening elements located between the first and second mounting members. At least a first stiffening element of the first plurality of stiffening elements is non-parallel to a second stiffening element of the first plurality of stiffening elements. Each of the first plurality of stiffening elements has a material thickness and an out-of-plane dimension that is greater than the material thickness. Each stiffening element of the first plurality of stiffening elements is substantially rigid so as to substantially limit the deformation of the stiffening element under load. The mount may also include a resilient material located between and coupled to adjacent stiffening elements of the first plurality of stiffening elements.
US08070142B2 Downcomer distributor
A tray assembly is provided for improved gas/liquid contact when used in a large chemical process tower. Each tray has a downcomer wall of which the lower portion is a distributor. The distributor has discharge ports sized to control the rate of liquid flow at different positions across the distributor and flanges aligned individually to direct liquid flow from different discharge ports across different areas of the tray deck immediately below the downcomer. In combination, discharge ports and liquid flow directing flanges effect even liquid flow across the surface of the tray immediately below. Benefits of this invention are trays with better mass transfer efficiency and enhanced capacity compared with prior art trays.
US08070141B2 Fluid inlet device, use, and method or retrofitting
A fluid inlet device (1) suitable for introducing a mixture of liquid and gas into a vessel, which fluid inlet device comprises a guide member having a surface on which surface a liquid film is present during normal operation, and having a main direction of gas flow along the surface; and wherein the guide member (20) is provided with a liquid catcher channel (40) extending from an upstream position with respect to the guide member (20) to a downstream position, and wherein a virtual line along the guide member between the upstream position and the downstream position deviates from the main direction of gas flow; the use of the fluid inlet device for introducing a mixture of liquid and gas into a gas-liquid contacting vessel; and a method of retrofitting a fluid inlet device.
US08070140B2 Durable portable pressurized mist cooling device
A misting apparatus that is more durable and leaks less than systems known in the art. The apparatus includes a durable, integral flow control assembly and handle, which are especially beneficial for portable misting systems. The apparatus further includes a pressure gauge for monitoring the pressure inside the tank.
US08070138B2 Sauna apparatus
A sauna apparatus includes an air blower, a blow channel and a humidifier. The air blower suctions and blows air. The blow channel conveys the suctioned air and humidified air. The humidifier has a sprayer that sprays humidifying water into the air passing through the blow channel for humidification, and a spray-water droplet splitter installed in a direction to which the sprayer sprays the water for humidification. By letting the sprayed water droplets collide with the splitter, the water droplets are split into much finer water droplets.
US08070135B2 Lineset winch with braking parts
A winch which can operate with an external brake, or the external brake can be removed to operate with an internal brake. The winch has a cable drum that rotates to get cable on and off the drum. Two eccentric cams are rotated to always keep a soft plastic part pressed against the drum.
US08070134B1 Stabilized single-motor lift system without top rails
A lift system for raising and lowering a load including a rigid platform, four spaced fixed supports positioned around corners of the platform, and a power source connected to a first of the supports. First and second inextensible lines are each preferably fastened at one end to a third support diagonally opposing the first support, and at another end thereof to the power source. The first line preferably extends from the power source to the third support, passing to a plurality of four pulleys each attached to a corner of the platform and over a pulley attached to the second support. The second line preferably extends from the power source to the third support, passing to a plurality of four pulleys each attached to a corner of the platform and over a pulley attached to the fourth support. The lift system produces a mechanical advantage of four.
US08070131B2 Recessed cutting edge for wire cutting gate valves
A gate valve having a body, a chamber housed in the body, a passage through the body that intersects the chamber, a gate for selectively opening and closing the valve, and a cutting edge on the gate. The cutting edge can sever any lines that may be in the valve and still seal after closing. The gate includes a recess formed to collect cuttings formed while severing the line.
US08070119B2 Clamp assembly for a standing seam
A clamp assembly is provided for securing an ancillary device (16) to a standing seam (8), the standing seam comprising a protruding web portion (10) with a head portion (12) at an outer extremity. The clamp assembly includes a substantially rigid member (18; 54) adapted to overlie and contact the head portion of the standing seam. First and second substantially rigid arms (22, 24; 58, 60) extend from the member and are adapted to embrace the head portion in co-operation with the member, at least one of the arms (24; 58, 60) being pivotally interconnected with the member at hinge means (28; 62, 64). The first and second arms have first and second free extremities (36, 38; 70, 72) adapted to face one another and to contact opposite sides of the web portion. Threaded fastener means (40, 41; 86) passes through the ancillary device and into a threaded aperture (46; 88) in the member, from an outer surface of the member. The hinge means permits pivoting of at least one of the first and second arms and separation of the first and second free extremities of the first and second arms, for locating the clamp assembly on the standing seam. The threaded fastener means is subsequently tightened to clamp the ancillary device and grip the web portion of the standing seam in jaw-like manner by the first and second free extremities of the first and second arms.
US08070118B1 Lever lock slotwall storage device
A mounting bracket is provided for removably mounting a storage device on a slot track or slotwall panel having a plurality of slots having undercut sidewalls that form generally “T” shaped slats. The mounting bracket includes a support surface having a first “J” shaped hook to hook over the edge of a slat and into the undercut sidewall and a second “J” shaped hook to hook into a second slot and into the undercut sidewall. The mounting bracket includes a storage device connector attached to the support surface at a first end and has a second end. The storage device connector can include a lock rotatably mounted on the top wall adjacent the first “J” shaped hook having a locking member and an operator that is rotatable between locked and unlocked positions. A storage device can be coupled to the second end of the storage device connector. The storage device can be an actuatable holding system for a bicycle, or other storage device such as a basket or a storage shelf.
US08070110B2 Sink support systems
Exemplary embodiments of sink support systems. An exemplary embodiment includes a cross-member having respective first and second cross-member attachment structures attached at respective ends. First and second mount brackets are configured for attachment to a vertical surface of the support structure. Each of the cross-member attachment structures is configured to engage a corresponding mount bracket to vertically support the cross-member. The cross-member has a plurality of leveling devices to support the sink.
US08070109B2 System and method for controlling a bell in a model vehicle
A system and method is provided for controlling bell movement and/or sound in a model train or other model vehicle. In one embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a user control, a sound subsystem, a bell controller and a bell device. The user control may include a lever, a track, and a plurality of predetermined positions on the track, wherein the lever can be moved by a user to any one of the plurality of predetermined positions. The user control may be configured to transmit at least one bell signal in response to the lever being released from (or moved to) one of the plurality of predetermined positions. The bell controller is configured to receive the bell signal, and to use the bell signal to control at least the bell device. The bell device may include a bell and an electromagnetic device, wherein the bell comprises a permanent magnet and is configured to swing from a bracket. By applying at least one voltage to the electromagnetic device, and placing the bell near the electromagnetic device, a magnetic field can be created and used to swing the bell from the bracket, thereby simulating bell movement. The bell controller may further be adapted to synchronize bell movement with bell sound by transmitting a bell sound signal to the sound subsystem at a particular time, so as to substantially synchronize at least one bell movement with at least one bell sound.
US08070105B2 Inflatable nested toroid structure
An inflatable structure comprises at least two generally toroidal, inflatable modules. When in a deployed mode, the first, inner module has a major diameter less than that of a second, outer module and is positioned within the inner circumference of the outer module such that the first module is nested circumferentially alongside the second module. The inflatable structure, in a non-deployed, non-inflated mode, is of compact configuration and adapted to be transported to a site of deployment. When deployed, the inflatable structure is of substantially increased interior volume. In one embodiment, access between the interior of the first module and the second module is provided by at least one port or structural pass-through. In another embodiment, the inflatable structure includes at least one additional generally toroidal module external of and circumferentially surrounding the second module.
US08070102B2 Slide door device for aircraft
A slide door device for an aircraft includes an upper guide roller at a tip end of an upper arm provided at an upper part of a slide door and a lower guide roller at a tip end of a lower arm provided at a lower part of the slide door that are rollably engaged with an upper guide rail and a lower guide rail that are fixed along an upper edge and a lower edge of a door opening frame formed in a fuselage of an aircraft, respectively. An intermediate guide roller, provided at a tip end of an intermediate arm provided in a door opening, is rollably engaged with an intermediate guide rail that is fixed to an inner surface of the slide door, while smoothly guiding the slide door with the upper guide rail, the lower guide rail, and the intermediate guide rail.
US08070101B2 Locking system for a movable nacelle cowl
The present invention relates to a locking system (20) for a movable lateral cowl (8) of a turbine engine nacelle intended to be connected to a pylon (4) of an aircraft, comprising, on the one hand, a clevis (21) intended to be connected to the pylon, and, on the other hand, a rod (22) intended to be mounted on the movable cowl and capable of engaging with the clevis when the movable cowl is in the closed position, characterized in that the rod is mounted so that it can move translationally along a substantially longitudinal axis of the movable cowl so as to form a slider which can shift between a locked position, in which it is engaged with the clevis and provides a structural connection between the pylon and the movable cowl, and an unlocked position, in which it is disengaged from the clevis and allows the movable cowl to be opened.
US08070100B2 Aircraft structure
An aircraft structure comprising: a spar; a primary cover attached to the spar and extending on a first side of the spar; and a secondary cover positioned on a second side of the spar and partially overlapping an internal surface of the primary cover. A bracket is attached to the spar, and a spacer is provided between the secondary cover and the bracket. The spacer is sized so that the primary and secondary covers together form a substantially continuous external aerodynamic surface. The structure provides an alternative to conventional butt-strap arrangements.
US08070095B2 Shrinking shock strut system for retractable landing gear
A shrinking shock strut system for an aircraft landing gear having a retract actuator that is moveable in length to deploy or retract the landing gear, that includes a shrink strut and a transfer device. The shrink strut may be compressed in length for stowage in the fuselage. The transfer device may be in closed fluid communication with the strut shrink for transferring and receiving hydraulic fluid to and from the strut shrink. When actuated by an aircraft hydraulic system independent of any motion of the retract actuator, the transfer device may drive hydraulic fluid to the strut shrink thereby compressing or shrinking the shrink strut to a partially compressed length.
US08070093B2 Turbojet engine mounting structure for aircraft
A mount for an aircraft turbojet engine. The mount includes a central box formed by an assembly of two side panels joined via transverse ribs and two side boxes secured to a forward part of the box and arranged either side thereof, each side box including an aft closure frame. One of the ribs forming the box includes two side extensions made in a single piece with the rib and respectively projecting from the two side panels outwardly from the box, the two extensions being fixedly mounted on the frame of each of the two side boxes, respectively.
US08070090B2 Stop-rotor rotary wing aircraft
Systems and methods for transitioning an aircraft between helicopter and fixed wing flight modes are provided. In one embodiment, an aircraft comprises a plurality of wings each having a spar and a flap; a flap actuator configured to move the flap with respect to the spar; and a center section rotatably coupled to each spar. The center section includes at least one spar actuator configured to rotate at least one of the wings about a rotational axis of the spar when the aircraft transitions between helicopter and fixed wing flight modes.
US08070085B2 Pretensioner
A pretensioner is provided, which can be partially changed in mechanical strength of in a cylinder, in addition, can be widely used. In the pretensioner, the cylinder is molded by forging, and a positioning portion as a high-strength portion is formed from a partition formed using a excess portion produced during the forging-molding. Therefore, while an outer circumferential shape of the cylinder is not changed, a specification of the positioning portion can be varied, the specification including a formation position of the positioning portion, an extension dimension of the positioning portion from the cylinder, and thickness of the positioning portion along a through direction of the cylinder.
US08070084B2 Spider having spider arms with open channel
A spider for use with a gyratory crusher. The spider includes spider arms each formed from two spaced flanges joined by a connecting web to define an open channel having an open top end. The configuration of the spider arms increases manufacturability and provides the required strength and rigidity for the spider. The channel formed in each spider arm is covered by a spider arm shield to reduce abrasive wear to the spider arm.
US08070083B2 Method and apparatus for processing logs
The present invention relates to a method of processing logs by means of an apparatus comprising a transportation level in the advancing direction (P) of the logs, where they are arranged to be transported in a position perpendicular to their advancing direction (P), and where orifice members going therethrough and extending in the advancing direction (P) of the logs. In the method, at least two support member units spaced from each other are arranged below the transportation level whereby each support member unit comprises at least one elongated support member, which is arranged rotatably parallel to the transportation level and perpendicular to the advancing direction (P) and protruding therefrom, and said axis of rotation each support member unit is adapted so that when rotating, the support members protrude through the orifice members above the transportation level whereby the logs are received in one or more receiving spaces formed between the support members protruding above the transportation level. The invention also relates to an apparatus for implementing said method.
US08070081B2 Pressure monitor for pulverizer
Load cells are placed in the pre-compression systems of spring suspended rollers in coal/ore crusher/classifiers to produce electrical signals representing actual forces generated in the suspension system during crusher operation. This permits forces to be closely monitored during operation and/or automatically adjusted. Alternatively or in addition, alarm signals can be generated when pressures go out of tolerance.
US08070074B2 Bathing apparatus and method of using same
A bathing apparatus includes an in-line mixing unit and a hand operated injecting unit. The mixing unit is coupled between a water supply pipe and a water dispensing device, such as a showerhead and is in fluid communication with the hand operated injection unit. The injection unit, upon user demand, draws a controllable predetermined quantity of bathing fluid from a standard off the shelf purchased bottle of bathing fluid, such as a bottle of bath oil, and then ejects, upon user demand and in a hands free operation, the drawn bathing fluid, at a user selected flow rate. The ejected bathing fluid passes to the mixing unit which causes the ejected bathing fluid to be mixed within a stream of water being delivered to the water dispensing device.
US08070073B2 Composite rail joint end post
An end post for a rail joint assembly comprising: a top portion having a profile substantially identical to cross-sectional shapes of rail head sections of first and second rails of the rail joint assembly; a base; and a stem disposed between the top portion and the base; wherein one or more of the top portion, base and stem comprise a plurality of pieces of a first electrically insulating material disposed on or in a second electrically insulating material. The plurality of pieces are preferably spaced apart and may have a substantially disc-shape or a substantially cylindrical-shape, and are preferably made from a ceramic material such as zirconium dioxide, aluminum oxide or silicon nitride, where the second electrically insulating material comprises a polymeric material, such as polyurethane.
US08070071B2 Method of imaging a coding pattern with data elements encoding by multi-pulse position modulation
A method of imaging a coding pattern disposed on a surface of a substrate. The method comprises the steps of: (a) capturing an image of a portion of the coding pattern; and (b) low-pass filtering said captured image so as to obscure data elements and preserve target elements. The coding pattern comprises and target elements and data elements, which encode data values by multi-pulse position modulation.
US08070070B2 Antenna device and radio frequency IC device
An antenna device is arranged to transmit or receive a radio frequency communication signal to or from an external device such as a reader/writer, and is arranged such that an antenna resonance circuit including an antenna coil and a capacitor is connected to an additional resonance circuit including an inductor and a capacitor. A radio frequency IC device preferably includes the antenna device and a radio frequency IC. The antenna device is constructed such that a change in characteristics thereof caused by a change in the distance between a radio frequency IC device and a reader/writer is minimized, and the radio frequency IC device performs communication with high reliability.
US08070067B2 Receptacles for removable electrical interface devices
A receptacle device for an electrical interface device, the electrical interface device being capable of transferring data to and from a host and being adapted to operate in one of a universal serial bus (USB)-compatible mode, a Mu mode and a non-USB-compatible mode, the receptacle comprising a chamber defined by a first inner surface and a second inner surface, the first inner surface being opposed to the second inner surface, a first row of contacts arranged at the first inner surface, the first row of contacts being configured to electrically couple to a first row of pads of the electrical interface device when the electrical interface device is inserted into the chamber in a direction, a second row of contacts arranged at the first inner surface, the second row of contacts being configured to electrically couple to a row of pads of a USB-compatible plug when the USB-compatible plug is inserted into the chamber in the direction, and at least one protrusion on the second inner surface, the at least one protrusion extending against the direction to exceed the first row of contacts.
US08070065B2 Distributed antenna array with centralized data hub for determining presence and location of RF tags
A distributed antenna array with a centralized data hub for determining the presence and location of RF tags has been disclosed. This antenna array centralizes electronics and distributes the RF to zones in a facility to greatly reduce the expense of recurring components for monitoring RF tags. A single BRT/hub with multiple antennas attached to transmit and receive ports is used to cover an entire facility. Large facilities are covered by a small number of the BRT/hub combinations. The BRT/hub has transmit antennas coupled thereto, preferably by co-axial cable, that transmit signals to a portion or all of the RF tags and all or a portion of them modulate and reflect the RF signal to a particular receiving antenna. The receiving antenna then returns the RF signal with tag data to the BRT/hub, preferably by co-axial cable. Also disclosed is an RF backscatter tag that cleanly switches a resonant aperture antenna on and off, thereby greatly increasing the mark-to-space ratio of the backscatter data. This enables tags to be detected by the BRT at much greater distances.
US08070062B2 Method and system for detecting the presence of a customer proximate to a wireless display tag
A multiuse system for use with Wireless Display Tags (WDTs) includes, in one or more exemplary arrangements, techniques for automatically maintaining synchronicity between pricing data for a product and advertising, marketing or promotional data associated with that product, and for detecting the proximity and location of a customer within a category of goods displayed within a managed environment. A messaging format suitable for such low power operation among a large number of peers is also disclosed, as is a technique for integrating a plurality of smaller displays to yield a single large display. An access point capable of serving as a communications hub within such a network, while at the same time offering visual and audio surveillance capabilities, is also disclosed.
US08070060B2 Biometric assurance device and method
The invention may be embodied as an identity assurance system or method. A system according to the invention may have a biometric sensor capable of providing static biometric indications, a strap capable of positioning the sensor on an organism, and a computer in communication with the sensor. The computer may have software running on the computer in order to (a) cause the computer to determine whether there is a match between a subsequent static biometric indication and an initial static biometric indication, and (b) cause the computer to send a signal indicating whether a match was determined in order to assure the identity of the organism.
US08070056B2 Handheld device for selling transaction instruments via web-based tools
The present disclosure generally relates to a handheld point of sale system for distributing a transaction instrument. Such system may include a browser-based tool configured to facilitate distributing an open transaction instrument at the point of sale in association with purchase of the open transaction instrument by a consumer at the handheld point of sale system. The browser-based tool may also be configured to receive transaction information and to facilitate the distribution of the open transaction instrument by sending the transaction information from the browser-based tool to a host system, wherein the host system authorizes distribution of the open transaction instrument, funds and activates a transaction account associated with the open transaction instrument, and sends an authorization message to the browser-based tool. The browser-based tool may be further configured to receive the authorization and provide an indication of the authorization for the open transaction instrument to be vended to a consumer, wherein an account code is associated with the open transaction instrument and the transaction account.
US08070055B2 Banking terminal that operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data bearing records
A portable terminal operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records in the form of user cards. The user cards include credit and/or debit cards. Data corresponding to the card data is stored in at least one memory of the terminal. The terminal includes a wireless communication device. The terminal operates to wirelessly communicate data corresponding to card data wirelessly to one or more remote computers to cause financial transfers to or from selected accounts. The terminal also operates to provide outputs corresponding to account balances and to receive data corresponding to receipts.
US08070053B2 Self-locking stackable tapered container with partial top structure
A stackable container for carrying produce. The container has tapered side walls or end walls to aid in the stacking of like containers. Also, the container has locking flaps that allow the container to be erected manually and without the need for fasteners. Further, at least one tapered wall of the container has a reinforcement flap that creates a partial top structure in the upper part of the container that helps prevent bulging of the walls. The reinforcement flap also creates doubled stacking tabs and diagonal corner posts that aid in the stacking of like containers.
US08070050B2 Heat conducting apparatus and solder melting method therefor
A heat conducting apparatus includes an air guide hood and a heat conducting device. The air guide hood is connected to a hot air supply source for delivering hot air, and includes an air outlet for exit of the hot air. The heat conducting device is disposed at the air outlet of the air guide hood, and includes a contact wall spaced apart from and disposed below the air outlet for contacting a soldered component, and a surrounding wall extending upwardly from the contact wall and connected to the air guide hood. The contact wall and the surrounding wall cooperatively define a space for guiding the hot air. The contact wall conducts the heat to the soldered component so as to melt tin solders between the soldered component and a circuit board, thereby reducing any adverse effect on other electronic components or good chips on the circuit board.
US08070048B2 Method of attaching a solder ball and method of repairing a memory module
In a method of attaching a solder ball, a first material is coated on a solder ball. A second material is coated on a pad of a substrate where the solder ball is to be attached to exothermically react with the first material. The solder ball makes contact with the pad such that the first material and the second material exothermically react with each other to release heat to adhere the solder ball to the pad using the heat.
US08070047B1 Flux composition and method of soldering
A flux composition is provided, comprising, as an initial component: a fluxing agent represented by formula I: wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from a hydrogen, a substituted C1-80 alkyl group, an unsubstituted C1-80 alkyl group, a substituted C7-80 arylalkyl group and an unsubstituted C7-80 arylalkyl group; and wherein zero to three of R1, R2, R3 and R4 is(are) hydrogen. Also provided is a method of soldering an electrical contact using the flux composition.
US08070046B1 Amine flux composition and method of soldering
An amine flux composition is provided, comprising, as an initial component: an amine fluxing agent represented by formula I: wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from a hydrogen, a substituted C1-80 alkyl group, an unsubstituted C1-80 alkyl group, a substituted C7-80 arylalkyl group and an unsubstituted C7-80 arylalkyl group; wherein R7 and R8 are independently selected from a C1-20 alkyl group, a substituted C1-20 alkyl group, a C6-20 aryl group and a substituted C6-20 aryl group or wherein R7 and R8, together with the carbon to which they are attached, form a C3-20 cycloalkyl ring optionally substituted with a C1-6 alkyl group; wherein R10 and R11 are independently selected from a C1-20 alkyl group, a substituted C1-20 alkyl group, a C6-20 aryl group and a substituted C6-20 aryl group or wherein R10 and R11, together with the carbon to which they are attached, form a C3-20 cycloalkyl ring optionally substituted with a C1-6 alkyl group; and, wherein R9 is selected from a hydrogen, a C1-30 alkyl group, a substituted C1-30 alkyl group, a C6-30 aryl group and a substituted C6-30 aryl group. Also provided is a method of soldering an electrical contact using the amine flux composition.
US08070043B1 Curable flux composition and method of soldering
A curable flux composition is provided, comprising, as initial components: a resin component having at least two oxirane groups per molecule; a fluxing agent represented by formula I: wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from a hydrogen, a substituted C1-80 alkyl group, an unsubstituted C1-80 alkyl group, a substituted C7-80 arylalkyl group and an unsubstituted C7-80 arylalkyl group; and wherein zero to three of R1, R2, R3 and R4 is(are) hydrogen; and, optionally, a curing agent. Also provided is a method of soldering an electrical contact using the curable flux composition.
US08070042B1 Process for joining stainless steel part and silicon carbide ceramic part and composite articles made by same
A process for joining a stainless steel part and a silicon carbide ceramic part, comprising steps of: providing a stainless steel part, a SiC ceramic part, and a Al foil; bringing surfaces of the stainless steel part, SiC ceramic part, and Al foil into contact, with the titanium foil inserted between the metal part and ceramic part; applying a pulsed electric current to the stainless steel part, SiC ceramic part, and Al foil, heating the stainless steel part, SiC ceramic part, and Al foil to a joining temperature of about 500-650° C., and simultaneously applying a joining pressure of about 50-100 MPa to the stainless steel part, SiC ceramic part, and Al foil while the current is applied, and maintaining the joining temperature and the joining pressure for about 10-30 minutes.
US08070040B2 Single retainer mounted riser
A motor vehicle car body framing apparatus for use at a welding station, the apparatus including a gate having a frame structure and a plurality of tooling members carried by the frame structure for use in positioning components of the vehicle body at the welding station for welding. The tooling members are mounted on the frame structure by a plurality of mounting brackets. Each mounting bracket includes a base member mounted on the frame structure and a riser mounted on the base and mounting a respective tooling member. The riser is fixedly mounted on the base by a single central fastener bolt which may include a reduced diameter portion sized to breakaway in response to predetermined impact against the riser. The interface between the riser and the base comprises a plurality of contact points arranged in concentric relation with respect to the fastener bolt. The contact points may comprise a plurality of circumferentially spaced balls mounted on the base for coaction with circumferentially spaced grooves defined on the riser. A breakaway bolt assembly replacement kit is also disclosed as well as an arrangement wherein the riser is constituted by an integral extension arm of the tooling member.
US08070039B1 Linear friction welder
A linear friction welding system in one embodiment includes a ram configured to vibrate along a welding axis, a cam follower operably connected to the ram, an eccentric including an eccentric outer periphery operably engaged with the cam follower, and an inner periphery, a first power shaft slidingly engaged with the eccentric, and a second power shaft eccentrically engaged with the inner periphery.
US08070038B2 Surgical instrument with pivotable jaw member
A surgical instrument for surgically joining tissue is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongated portion extending distally from the handle assembly and defining a longitudinal axis, and an end effector disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion. The end effector includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The first jaw member defines a first axis, which is transverse to the longitudinal axis. The first jaw member is pivotable about the first axis. At least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member is movable with respect to the other between a spaced-apart and an approximated position.
US08070030B2 Backpack accessible from the user's front while wearing
The present disclosure is an altered backpack with more than one shoulder strap, which allows the wearer to reconfigure the shoulder straps while wearing, swing the backpack around to the wearer's front, and access the contents of the backpack, while still wearing the backpack.
US08070028B2 Foldable truck bed extender
A truck bed extender including an elongated support adapted for securement in a trailer hitch mounted on a truck, and a shorter upright support pivotally mounted at the opposite end of the elongated support, for pivotal rotation from a collapsed position generally alongside said elongated support, to an upright position extending upwardly away from said elongated support. A pair of arms are pivotally mounted to said upright support, generally at the top thereof, for rotation from a collapsed position, in which the arms extend generally side by side upwardly from and generally in alignment with said upright support, outwardly to an operating position in which they extend outwardly in opposite lateral directions away from one another. The truck bed extender can readily be installed into a trailer hitch and erected to provide extended support for items placed in a truck bed, and can be readily collapsed into a generally elongated condition with said upright support and said arms extending generally alongside said elongated support.
US08070024B2 Dispensing nozzle comprising an axially attached closure sleeve
A nozzle for dispensing a liquid contained in a receptacle, the nozzle including a rigid body provided with a dispensing channel including a dispensing orifice emerging in the front wall of the body, the nozzle also including an elastically deformable sleeve that is disposed in a non-adherent fashion and in clamping contact around at least part of the periphery of the rigid body, the sleeve being provided with at least one front lip that is disposed opposite the dispensing orifice, the lip being arranged so as, by application of the dispensing pressure of the liquid on it, to be reversibly movable between a stable closed state and stressed opening state of the orifice, in which the attachment of the sleeve on the rigid body is achieved in combination by a first attachment for retaining the axial movement of the rear part of the sleeve relative to the rigid body and by a second attachment for retaining the axial movement of another part of the sleeve relative to the rigid body.
US08070020B2 Remote hot melt adhesive metering station
A new and improved remote, hot melt adhesive metering station (510), for supplying predetermined or precisely metered volumes of hot melt adhesive material toward applicator head or dispensing nozzle structures, comprises a plurality of rotary, gear-type metering pumps (518) which are arranged in a compact, longitudinally spaced manner upon an axially elongated drive gear manifold (512) such that the rotational axes of the plurality of rotary, gear-type metering pumps (518) are disposed parallel and adjacent to one side of the axially elongated drive gear manifold (512). Hot melt adhesive material is supplied from a remotely located adhesive supply unit (ASU), to the drive gear manifold (512), by an inlet supply port hose connection (542), and all of the pump driven gears (524) of the plurality of rotary, gear-type metering pumps (518) are respectively driven by manifold pump drive gears (514) which are all rotatably mounted upon a common, motor-driven drive shaft (516) rotatably disposed within the drive gear manifold (512). The drive gear manifold (512) is also provided with a plurality of outlet port hose connections (540) to which hot melt adhesive delivery hoses are to be connected.
US08070019B2 Product canister dispensing apparatus and method therefor
An apparatus, method and vending system mixes a dry product mix with liquid to produce a mixed beverage. The apparatus includes a product canister containing the dry product mix. The product canister includes a dispensing mechanism that dispensed a portion of the mix through an outlet. During dispensing, a plurality of agitators positioned within the product canister and in contact with the product mix displaces the product mix, thereby keeping the product mix loose and lifted and resulting in a more evenly distributed product mix feed for dispensing through the outlet.
US08070017B2 Unified mounting cup and valve stem assembly
A unified assembly of a mounting cup and valve stem assembly for aerosol containers. The mounting cup contains a flat central portion having an inner section extending downward from its periphery. An outer section extends upward from the lower edge of the inner section and abuts the inner section. The inner and outer sections constitute the lower wall. The outer section extends above the flat central portion and ends in a channel which can fit onto the bead of an aerosol container. The flat central portion has at least one hole through it. The valve stem assembly contains a flat circular upper piece having holes corresponding to those in the mounting cup. The holes are the open top ends of chambers for springs and plungers. Valve stems are below the chamber. The lower wall of the mounting cup is crimped to hold the mounting cup to the valve stem assembly.
US08070012B2 Can closure arrangement
A closure arrangement for cans and pots comprising a tubular body having a side wall whose upper edge defines a seat for a lid. The upper edge comprises a peripheral annular flange carrying, in a free outer edge, a continuous rib with a cross-section contour comprising two opposite circle arc portions, with curvature centers disposed in the same plane orthogonal to the axis of the tubular body, the lid being inferiorly provided with a continuous circumferential groove to be seated against the respective circle arc portions of the continuous rib, so as to axially lock the lid in the tubular body. An annular gasket is carried by one of the parts of peripheral annular flange and lid, to be pressed by the other of said parts upon closing the lid.
US08070008B2 Sealing plug with a pressure-compensating chamber
A plug to hermetically seal an aperture in a sheetmetal, or in the floor of a vehicle, comprising, a cap covering the aperture and comprising an external, circumferential flange resting on one side of the sheetmetal or of the floor and fitted with a first circumferential seal, an affixation portion entering said aperture and, a second circumferential seal configured at the cap or at the affixation portion and being a distance from the first seal and resting against the sheetmetal or the said floor, a cavity being subtended by the sheetmetal or said floor, the two seals and at least one wall of the plug, where said plug, includes a pressure-compensating chamber, which communicates with the cavity and, which compensates a change in pressure, caused by a change in temperature, inside the cavity, by changing the volume of the pressure-compensating chamber.
US08070007B2 Herb keeper with flexible projection
Described is a herb keeper comprising a body having a closed end and an open end defining a cavity therebetween, and a removable tray portion sized to be slidingly received within the cavity of the body, at least one flexible projection extending from the body toward the tray portion, wherein the tray portion is held in a rest position by the at least one flexible projection.
US08070006B2 Deployable and disposable container assemblies with bendable support members
Collapsible containers and associated methods are disclosed herein. Certain aspects of the invention are directed toward a collapsible container assembly that includes a foldable support member that has a length and a width. The support member has a concave cross-section that causes the support member to resist bending until a threshold force is exceeded. The support member has a folded position and an extended position where the support member is unfolded. The assembly further includes at least one surface member carried by the support member. The assembly has a deployed position where the support member is in the extended position and the at least one surface member forms an enclosure with an interior. The assembly also has a collapsed position where the support member is in the folded position. The container assembly has less exterior volume in the collapsed position than in the deployed position.
US08070005B1 Corrugated septic tank with strengthening features
A molded thermoplastic tank for use as a septic tank or storage tank when buried in soil has a combination of transverse peak and valley corrugations in combination with one or more lengthwise peak corrugations, to provide in effect a molded-in beam structure. The lengthwise corrugations may be at the top, between spaced apart access ports, along the bottom. In one embodiment, the top has an H-shape pattern beam structure. In another embodiment separately formed plastic beams and or a combination of vertical and horizontal struts are inside the tank.
US08070003B2 Package feature
Formation of an “organically”-shaped feature on an otherwise abstract-shaped package. In particular, an organic or human anatomical feature is provided on an otherwise inanimate shape. More particularly, a package, such as a bottle, having a non-representational form (in other words, a package not shaped to resemble any particular form existing in nature) is provided with a feature specifically designed to resemble a form in nature or “organic” form. In an exemplary embodiment, the form in nature (or “organic” feature) is a “baby fat crease.” In particular, a crease is provided on the package to mimic the look of a baby fat crease. The geometry of the crease as well as the geometry of the package are optimized to achieve the desired organic look or effect.
US08070002B2 Two piece draft gear housing having an integral yoke
A housing for a railway car draft gear assembly for cushioning buff and draft shocks includes a rear portion engageable with the rear stops of such railway car and a front portion configured for attachment to a coupler arm. Opposed ends of the front and rear portions are provided with complimentary flanges for removable attachment of the front portion to the rear portion with threaded fasteners.
US08070000B2 Apparatus and method for assembling wind turbines
An apparatus for assembling a wind turbine includes a crane boom having a main bearing cable coupled to a component for lifting the component during assembly of the wind turbine, and a control mechanism coupled to the crane boom for controlling the orientation of the wind turbine component during the lift. The control mechanism includes a guide member coupled to the crane boom, a movable member coupled to the guide member and configured to be movable relative to the crane boom, a coupling member configured to couple the movable member to the wind turbine component being lifted by the crane boom, and a drive mechanism configured to actively move the movable member relative to the crane boom independent of the movement of the main bearing cable. A method for assembling a wind turbine includes using the coupling member to change the orientation of the component.
US08069996B2 Gardening tool suspension device
A gardening tool suspension device includes a suspension rack (20) having a through hole (22), a gardening tool (10) mounted on the suspension rack and a fastening mechanism (30) mounted on the suspension rack and locked onto the gardening tool to attach the gardening tool to the suspension rack. The gardening tool include two handles (13) pivotally connected by a threaded pivot shaft (12). The fastening mechanism includes a locking nut (31) screwed onto the pivot shaft and having a flange (311) extending through the through hole, and a retaining ring (32) locked onto the flange of the locking nut. Thus, only the locking nut is locked by the retaining ring so that the two handles of the gardening tool are not limited and can be pivoted freely, thereby facilitating a consumer operating the gardening tool.
US08069993B2 Medicine cart
A medicine cart (1) having excellent workability in filling and returning a medicine, comprising an upwardly opening cassette (10) storing a plurality of medicines (15a, 15b, 15c) arranged in a row in an upright state and a pressing member (47) pressing the rearmost medicine (15c) in the cassette (10) forward. An insert guide part (51) is formed at the pressing side end part of the pressing member (47) so that the medicine (15) can be inserted between the pressing member (47) and the rearmost medicine (15c). The pressing side end part of the pressing member (47) having a vertical front surface and an inclined upper surface (51), wherein both the vertical front surface and the upper surface (51) are in the shape of a concave circular arc.
US08069990B2 Sealing gasket for a filter element, and a module including a filter element fitted with such a sealing gasket
The invention provides a sealing gasket for mounting in a passage (5) of a support plate (4) to surround the end of a tubular-shaped filter element (3) provided with at least one fluid flow channel (31), the channel lying within a flow section Sc, the gasket being constituted in the form of a sleeve: possessing a height h not less than the height hps of the passage (5) in the support plate (4); and presenting an overlap bore (15) for the filter element (3) defined between one end (16) of the sleeve and a shoulder (17) which co-operates with the other end of the sleeve to define a channel bore (19) for the fluid, the shoulder (17) possessing a surface for acting as an abutment for the terminal portion of the filter element and presenting dimensions that are adapted to extend outside the flow section Sc so as to avoid impeding fluid circulation, the overlap bore (15) being provided with a groove (28) adjacent to the shoulder (17) in order to allow the gasket to creep.
US08069981B2 Hinged lid box for cigarettes
A cigarette pack of the hinge-lid box type in which box side walls (24) and lid side walls (25) are correspondingly formed as a polygonal chain from adjoining wall portions (27, 28, 29), and the wall portions (27, 28, 29) are designed with the same width and directed at the same angles to one another and to the front side and rear side of the pack.
US08069978B2 Coin holder with edge view optics
A coin holder having edge view optics. The coin holder includes a coin having an obverse side, a reverse side and a coin edge having features on the coin edge. The features can include lettering, decorative patterns or other features of interest. An optical frame is configured to surround the coin edge and includes reflective surfaces that project an image of the coin edge to a viewing side of the optical frame, where the features of the coin edge can be viewed in a desired orientation.
US08069972B2 Board lumber positioning fence
Provided is a positioning fence for use in lumber sawmills that facilitates automated positioning of lumber for cutting and a method of positioning lumber for cutting. A continuous moving track loop has a plurality of paddles laterally positionable across the width of the track. Electromagnets are used to control the position of the paddles and, thus, the position of lumber being transported by the paddles. Also provided are uses of the positioning fence to position lumber for cutting.
US08069971B2 Bulk material handling system and control
A bulk material handling system includes a bulk material handling apparatus to convey bulk material and a bulk material handling accessory to aid the bulk material handling apparatus in conveying the bulk material. The bulk material handling accessory includes a controller having one or more sensors. The controller generates a control signal to adjust operation of the bulk material handling accessory based upon at least one status signal of the one or more sensors. The controller also generates the control signal in accordance with a status signal to control signal response pattern defined by system parameter values. The system parameters include a minimum value to define a minimum level of the control signal associated with fail-safe operation and a maximum value to define a maximum level of the control signal associated with stable operation the bulk material handling accessory.
US08069963B2 Variable resistance strut assemblies and articles containing the same
Disclosed herein is a strut assembly that comprises a piston that is in slideable communication with a housing. The piston comprises a piston head having a channel in operative communication with a fluid that is disposed in the housing. An elastic member and an active element are disposed in the channel. The active element is in operative communication with the elastic member and is operative to change the shape of the elastic member.
US08069958B2 Elevator system and method including a controller and remote elevator monitor for remotely performed and/or assisted restoration of elevator service
An elevator (49) includes remote elevator monitoring equipment (50) (REM) connected by a communication linkage (52) to a central elevator monitoring and control station (51). Main, drive, and door controllers (56-58) are interconnected (5961) with the REM. Power-on-reset (POR) of controllers is caused internally (150) or by remotely-operable relays (63-65). An elevator expert at the remote station may order a POR (108), disable components (120), try various fixes (124), and/or order maintenance (115, 135) with instructions. In another embodiment, the controller (56a, 56b) includes elevator diagnostics (150) which can recognize an elevator malfunction and either cause a relay (63) to interrupt power for an interval or cause a reboot.
US08069957B2 Elevator display system providing an indication of an estimated arrival of an elevator car
An elevator target floor registration unit, which displays an estimated amount of time until an assigned elevator car arrives, reduces feelings of uneasiness. Various target floor registration units by which a user may register a target floor are installed on respective floors of a building. The target floor registration units are connected to an elevator controller via an interface. The elevator controller: (a) assigns a most suitable elevator car corresponding to a user's target floor registered using the target floor registration unit; (b) computes an expected waiting time for the elevator assigned to arrive at the floor of the aforementioned registration; and (c) sends said pieces of information on the elevator assignment and the expected waiting time to aforementioned target floor registration unit in order to display them.
US08069954B2 Self erecting zipper lift
A zipper style lift that coils into a box for storage, but extends to form a rigid, self erecting lift part. The lift stores itself in a housing when retracted, by retracting chain parts into a spiral form.
US08069951B2 Installation structure of oil cooler of vehicular transmission
In an oil cooler installation structure for a vehicular transmission, an oil cooler by means of which oil is cooled is provided, oil being delivered between the oil cooler and an internal of a transmission housing, and an oil cooler installation portion is provided in the internal of the transmission housing and in which a first oil passage for supplying oil in the internal of the transmission housing to the oil cooler via a first opening portion opened at an external of the transmission housing and a second oil passage for supplying oil from the oil cooler to the internal of the transmission housing via a second opening portion opened at the external of the transmission housing are formed, the oil cooler being attached onto the oil cooler installation portion to enable a delivery of oil via the first opening portion and the second opening portion.
US08069949B2 Integrated lubrication module for compressors
In accordance with certain embodiments, the present invention provides a modular approach to a lubrication package. Certain components such as the filter and cooler are directly connected to a block that has connections to accept them and internal porting to establish the proper flow paths for circulation, cooling and filtration of the circulating lubricant. The block can accept one or more coolers and one or more filters. The isolation valving for redundant equipment can also be integrated into the block. Many connections that had been used in past designs for the piping network are integrated into the block. The block can also be close mounted to the reservoir while a submersible pump further saves space and piping connections. Indeed, having the ability to maintain mechanical equipment (e.g., remove and replace filters and coolers) without shutting down, allows for continuous process flow, which eliminates down-town scheduling, loss of product and/or redundant backup, all of which comes at a considerable cost.
US08069946B1 Portable sound recording device
A portable sound recording device and method comprises a first enclosure having symmetrical halves and a second enclosure having symmetrical halves. The second enclosure is fitted inside the first enclosure such that neither enclosure has direct contact with each other. The symmetrical halves pivot about the device handle. A sound resistant material aligns the inside walls of the second enclosure and the outside walls of the second enclosure. The device eliminates unwanted echoes and allows sound to be clearly captured by an attached microphone or input device.
US08069941B2 Fuel cell vehicle
A fuel cell vehicle capable of improving energy efficiency by reducing switching loss is provided. The fuel cell vehicle includes: a fuel cell that generates direct current power; inverters which respectively include switching elements and convert the direct current power generated by the fuel cell into alternating current power; a diode that prevents current from flowing from the inverters toward the fuel cell; a step up/down DC/DC converter that adjusts the voltage of the cathode side of the diode; a voltage control part that controls the step up/down DC/DC converter, thereby controlling current output from the fuel cell; and a stop and idle determination part that stops the supply of air to the fuel cell, thereby stopping idling of the fuel cell. The voltage control part reduces the voltage of the cathode side of the diode as the voltage of the fuel cell is reduced by activating the stop and idle determination part.
US08069933B2 Bearing assemblies, and bearing apparatuses and motor assemblies using same
Various embodiments of the present invention relate to bearing assemblies configured to accommodate non-uniform loading and misalignment with an adjacent bearing assembly. In one embodiment of the present invention, a bearing assembly for use in a subterranean drilling system is disclosed. The bearing assembly includes a support ring and a retention ring attached to the support ring, with the retention ring including a plurality of through holes. The bearing assembly includes a plurality of bearing elements each of which includes a superhard bearing surface. Each of the bearing elements is positioned in and extends from a corresponding through hole of the plurality of through holes. At least a number of the bearing elements are configured to restrict displacement through the corresponding through hole and away from the support ring. Further embodiments of the present invention are directed to a thrust-bearing apparatus, a radial bearing apparatus, and a downhole motor that incorporates disclosed thrust-bearing and radial bearing assemblies.
US08069929B2 Impact tool
An impact tool includes: a spindle disposed in a housing; an anvil disposed in front of the spindle and rotatably supported by the housing through a metal bearing, a rear surface of the anvil having a bearing hole in which a front end of the spindle is received; an impact mechanism configured to transmit a rotation of the spindle to the anvil; an outer groove formed on an outer periphery of the anvil and opposed to the metal bearing; and a connecting opening radially extending in the anvil and connecting the bearing hole and the outer groove to provide a communication therebetween. The outer groove is formed to have a depth in the range of 3-10% of an outer diameter of the anvil, and the connecting opening opens at a rear end of the outer groove in an axial direction of the anvil.
US08069927B2 Rear-mounted work implement control system
A control system for a rear-mounted work implement on a work machine operable from a forward-facing operator's station located on the work machine is disclosed. The control system includes a surface adjacent to the operator's station, the surface being fixed in a position. A control device is attached to the surface and includes a grip configured to be gripped by an operator. A position of the grip is fixed relative to the surface during use, and the grip is positioned to stabilize an operator when turned in the operator's station to view the work implement. The control device also includes a switching mechanism disposed between the grip and the surface, and being configured to operate the work implement and configured to be actuatable by a hand on the grip.
US08069923B2 Top suction fluid end
A positive displacement wellbore servicing pump having a power end and a fluid end is disclosed. The fluid end has a main chamber and a suction bore in fluid connection with the main chamber and the suction bore has a suction central axis vector. A discharge bore is in fluid connection with the main chamber and the discharge bore has a discharge central axis vector. A portion of the suction central axis vector is vertically higher than any portion of the discharge central axis vector. A method of providing a wellbore servicing fluid to a wellbore is also disclosed. A method of providing a wellbore servicing fluid to a fluid end of a positive displacement pump is also disclosed.
US08069912B2 Heat exchanger with conduit surrounded by metal foam
A heat exchanger is disclosed. The heat exchanger may have a conduit configured to conduct a fluid and at least one body of metal foam surrounding the conduit. The at least one body of metal foam may have a radially inner portion, a radially outer portion, and a radially intermediate portion between the radially inner portion and the radially outer portion. The at least one body of metal foam may have a lower percentage of void space at the radially outer portion as compared to the radially intermediate portion.
US08069910B2 Acoustic resonator for synthetic jet generation for thermal management
A thermal management system is provided herein which comprises a synthetic jet ejector (201) driven by an acoustic resonator (209).
US08069907B2 Flexible heat pipe
A heat pipe for cooling a heat-generating component has a generally planar, sealed flexible body having an evaporator section, a condenser section, and a flexible bellows section. The bellows section is located between the evaporator section and the condenser section along a longitudinal length of the body. A chamber extends from the evaporator section to the condenser section inside the body and contains a working fluid. The bellows section includes internal supports to keep the chamber open during repeated bending of the heat pipe at the bellows section.
US08069906B2 Vehicular exhaust heat recovery apparatus with frozen working fluid melting
An exhaust heat recovery apparatus includes an evaporation unit, a condensation unit, an evaporation-side communication part and a condensation-side communication part. The evaporation unit is disposed in a duct member through which an exhaust gas generated from an engine flows, and evaporates an operation fluid by heat of the exhaust gas. The condensation unit is disposed in a coolant passage through which a coolant flows, and condenses the operation fluid by radiating the heat to the coolant. The evaporation-side communication part connects the evaporation unit and the condensation unit for introducing evaporated operation fluid to the condensation unit. The condensation-side communication part connects the condensation unit and the evaporation unit for introducing condensed operation fluid to the evaporation unit. The condensation-side communication part is in contact with an outer surface of the duct member at least at a part.
US08069905B2 EGR gas cooling device
A gas cooling device capable of efficiently cooling a gas such as an EGR gas, etc. is provided. A multiplicity of cooling pipes perpendicularly intersecting a gas flow direction in a gas pipe for a gas such as an EGR gas, etc. are provided to extend through an outer peripheral wall of the gas pipe, a cooling jacket is provided on an outer surface of the gas pipe on both sides of a group of the cooling medium pipes in an axial direction, or on the entire outer surface of the gas pipe, and the gas in the gas pipe is cooled by a cooling medium flowing through the cooling pipes.
US08069902B2 Aluminum alloy vacuum casting equipment
An aluminum alloy vacuum casting equipment comprises a high pressure casting tank, in which a guard is equipped. The high-pressure casting tank is connected with a booster jar through a compressed air pipe. A first casting window and second casting window which are equipped with a first cylinder are set at top of the high-pressure casting tank. The high pressure casting tank is also equipped with a fixed guide and an unfixed guide at the bottom, an actuated exhaust ball valve at one side and a hatch door which is connected with a third cylinder. All operations except for putting in or taking out of the filler are completed automatically.
US08069901B2 Cylinder block manufacturing method, dummy cylinder liner, and dummy cylinder liner casting method
In a cylinder block manufacturing method, first and second dies and a liner support are provided to form a liner overcast configuration. The first and second dies are positioned with respect to the liner support and a dummy cylinder liner made of an aluminum alloy such that the first die contacts a pressing section of a first axial end of the liner support and a first axially facing end of the dummy cylinder liner, and the second die contacts a second axial end of the liner support and a second axially facing end of the dummy cylinder liner. The first and second dies are preheated to a prescribed temperature with the dummy cylinder liner positioned on the liner support by injecting molten aluminum alloy into a cylinder block molding cavity to form a dummy cylinder block with the dummy cylinder liner casted in the dummy cylinder block.
US08069897B2 Fast door with contact detecting means
The invention concerns a fast door comprising: a structure having in particular two posts (3) in each of which is provided a slide rail (16) and a transverse lintel-forming element (4), and a flexible curtain (12) connected to the structure at the lintel-forming element (4) via electromechanical means controlling the lowering and lifting of the curtain (12), the curtain (12) incorporating at least one flexible reinforcing bar (13, 29) inserted in receiving means provided in the curtain (12), the flexible reinforcing bar (13, 29) capable of being engaged at its ends in each of the slide rails (16) and capable of bending to be released at least from one rail (16) without being subjected to permanent deformation which would impair the operation of the door once reinstalled in its rails. The door further includes means for detecting any contact with the curtain associated with at least one flexible reinforcing bar (13, 29), the detecting means capable of having a normal operating condition when the bar (13, 29) is rectilinear and an abnormal operating condition under the effect of a contact with the curtain (12).
US08069895B2 Film-removing device
An exemplary film-removing device for removing a protecting film from a workpiece includes a main body and a film-removing mechanism. The film-removing mechanism includes a suspending arm and a roller. The suspending arm has a first end rotatably connected to the main body. The roller is rotatably connected to a second end, opposite to the first end, of the suspending arm. The roller is driven to rotate by movement of the workpiece.
US08069886B1 Capsule preparation system
A capsule preparation system includes a syringe holder for retaining a syringe, the syringe holder configured for operating a plunger of the syringe, a supply vial for storing a volume of radiopharmaceutical, and a capsule holder for capturing a capsule wherein the capsule holder is configured for selectively releasing the capsule from the capsule holder. At least a portion of the syringe holder is movable along a first direction and a second direction to position the syringe relative to the supply vial and the capsule.
US08069885B2 Apparatus and method for dispensing liquid and gaseous hydrogen
A service station, in particular a hydrogen service station for filling a motor vehicle with a gaseous and/or a liquid medium, in particular with gaseous or liquid hydrogen, is disclosed. The station includes a) a reservoir for storing a liquid medium, b) a liquid medium dispensing unit which is supplied with the liquid medium from the reservoir, c) a compressor, an evaporator, a heating system, and an intermediate reservoir for intermediate storage of a compressed gaseous medium, d) a gaseous medium dispensing unit mounted downstream of the intermediate reservoir, e) a fuel cell which is supplied by the gaseous medium coming from the reservoir and/or the intermediate reservoir and supplies power to the compressor, and f) a control unit which is powered by the fuel cell and used for controlling the compressor, the gaseous medium dispensing unit and/or the liquid medium dispensing unit.
US08069882B2 Method and apparatus for filling open containers with a powdery product
Apparatus and method for filling a container (7), particularly an open bag, with a powdery product has the following features” a net scale (1) situated above a tube arrangement and/or hopper arrangement (2), which terminates in a filler neck (6) above the container (7) to be filled while preferably projecting into this container. An intermediate chamber (3) is arranged downstream of the net scale and upstream of the container (7) to temporarily hold at least a portion of the product released by the net scale, and a compacting device (8, 9) is provided for compacting the product placed inside the container (7).
US08069879B2 Hydrocarbon application hose
A hydrocarbon application hose to avoid substantial compression and blow-out resulting from high pressurization differentials therethrough. The hose is formed from an inner tube that has a layer of material with electromagnetic target, such as carbon fiber, disbursed therethrough. In this manner, the material, generally a polymer, may be electromagnetically heated once the layer has been wrapped with a metallic reinforcing member. Thus, the layer of material may transform into surrounding relation relative to the reinforcing member. A substantially unitary inner tube may thereby be provided that includes a reinforcing member for blowout resistance and is of unitary character for compression resistance.
US08069878B2 Hand-held dispenser
A hand-held dispenser for precisely controlling the flow rate of water therethrough and for injecting a liquid chemical into the water passing through the apparatus.
US08069877B2 Pressure compensating flush valve with self-cleaning piston
A flush valve according to the present disclosure includes a pressure compensating device for toilet and urinals to ensure consistent flush and bowl refill volumes. Certain flush volume limits may required for compliance with federal, state and local regulations regarding water usage. The flush valve can adjust water flow rates within the prescribed water usage limits and does not sacrifice the toilet's bowl washing and waste removal capabilities.
US08069876B2 Sealing bush, hydraulic unit, and check valve
There is disclosed a sealing bush as well as a hydraulic unit fitted with the sealing bush and a check valve. The sealing bush is made of plastic and has, on an end face, a preferably conical elevation that can be brought into sealing contact with a bearing shoulder.
US08069871B2 Vented protective canopy housing for grill
A protective canopy housing (1) for a barbeque grill (2) having a canopy (6) with a vent opening on a top (22) with an elevated vent cover (8). The canopy is supported by supports (5a, b and c) attached to a grill by C-clamps (4a,b). The canopy housing can include side curtains (10a, b) which may be rolled up and secured along the sides of the canopy. The side curtains may include mesh and can be maintained in a down position during use to protect the users from insects. The curtains can be removably detachable. The canopy would preferably be made of heat-resistant material.
US08069870B2 Ventilator for venting covers
Disclosed is an improved ventilator apparatus for vehicle covers. The apparatus comprises a dome section that is associated with a first ventilator plate on the outside of a vehicle cover. The Dome section extends through the vehicle cover where it is associated with a second ventilator plate. A nut is used to releasably associate the component pieces together so that a portion of the vehicle cover is clamped between the first ventilator plate and the second ventilator plate. Both the first ventilator plate and second ventilator plate are configured so that either plate may be used on the inside or outside of the cover. The improved ventilator plate design comprises air vents disposed within the plate so that water on a top surface of the ventilator plate cannot run into the vent openings. In addition, support gussets have been redesigned so provide an improved venturi action that tends to suck air through the vent opening when air blows across the vent openings.
US08069869B1 Crutch and a grip unit thereof
A crutch has a standing unit, an armpit rest and a grip unit. The standing unit has a top, a foot and multiple positioning holes defined between the top and the foot. The armpit rest is mounted on the top of the standing unit. The grip unit transversally attached to the standing unit has a grip, two positioning bases and two pins. The grip has two ends each having a recess, a pin hole and a limiting portion. Each positioning base has two insertions each having a limiting notch and a hook. When the positioning base engages the recess, the limiting notches combine with the limiting portions and the pin inserts into one corresponding positioning hole. When the positioning base is released from the recess, the limiting notches disengage from the limiting portions, the pin disengages from the positioning hole, and the hook combines with the limiting portion.
US08069862B1 Heat-less hair straightening device
A hair straightening device and associated methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a hair-straightening band includes: an elongated band; a bristle-tipped insert having a plurality of bristles, the bristle-tipped insert disposed within the elongated band; and a plate having a plurality of apertures through which to receive the plurality of bristles, the plate adapted to secure the insert to the elongated band with the plurality of bristles exposed. The hair band is adapted for application to a head of hair with the plurality of bristles facing inwardly toward the hair, rotation upon the hair, and wear upon the hair to straighten the hair. The hair band is heatless and non-electric.
US08069859B2 Wrapping paper inspection apparatus and tobacco wrapping machine
A wrapping paper inspection apparatus includes a nozzle arranged in a wrapping-paper discharge path, in which wrapping paper is wound and continuously discharged, for wetting one side of the wrapping paper with a liquid; an image pickup section for irradiating light to the wrapping paper wetted with the liquid by the nozzle, detecting light transmitted through or reflected from the wrapping paper, and generating an image signal; and a wrapping paper inspection section for determining defects in wrapping paper portions applied or affixed with a low flame spread material, from the image signal generated by the image pickup section, to thereby inspect such defects easily and reliably. This inspection apparatus can be mounted to a tobacco wrapping machine.
US08069858B2 Method and apparatus for deploying a shape memory polymer
Methods and apparatus described herein may utilize activation of an SMP material to install medical devices with respect to a surgical site. Activation of the SMP material may be performed with the use of a triggering force and/or a constraint applied to the SMP material. Activation using a triggering force and/or a constraint may be used to create varied activation rates in an SMP material and may be combined with temperature or other activation stimuli to create the varied activation rates.
US08069857B2 Phototherapy method
A method of providing phototherapy to a patient. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of placing a patient on a rigid support surface of a phototherapy device, the support surface being adapted to support the patient without substantial deformation; transmitting light from a light source through a first portion of the support surface to the patient; and limiting light transmission from the light source through a second portion of the support surface.
US08069856B2 Dynamic infant head support
A dynamic infant head support for preventing, or correcting, the abnormal shape of a head of an infant, and a method of using the support for treating deformational plagiocephaly. The support is an oval-shaped pillow, with a central opening to receive the head of the infant to be treated. Spaced barriers divide the interior of the pillow into a plurality of compartments. A ring-like manifold passes through the interior of the pillow and communicates with each compartment. A plurality of valves is operatively associated with the manifold; one valve is located in each compartment. The valves allow fluid, such as pressurized air, in the manifold, to inflate individual compartments. The manifold is pressurized by a pump, at a remote location; a heater warms the pressurized air. A remote controller is connected to the valves by electrical leads. The controller governs the sequence of operation of the valves, and regulates the duration of time that each valve is open. The controller may be programmed, to inflate or expand the compartments in the pillow, to gently lift, and mildly turn, the head of the infant positioned thereon, thus combating the abnormal shape or deformation.
US08069849B2 Parabolic solar collector
A passive solar collector utilizes a support constructed of precisely machined foam to simplify the construction and calibration of the reflective surface. Further improvements include sensor-based positioning, and a receiver having inflow and outflow conduits adapted to improve thermal efficiency.
US08069840B2 Injector for injecting fuel into combustion chambers of internal combustion engines
The invention relates to an injector for injecting fuel into combustion chambers of internal combustion engines, in particular a common rail injector. The injector has a high-pressure region and a valve element which is axially adjustable between a closed position and an open position in which the flow of fuel is enabled. According to the invention, it is provided that the valve element includes a first partial element and at least one separate second partial element, which partial elements are hydraulically coupled to one another by a coupler chamber. The coupler chamber is hydraulically connected only in one axial direction to the high-pressure region of the injector.
US08069839B2 Fuel management system for variable ethanol octane enhancement of gasoline engines
Fuel management system for efficient operation of a spark ignition gasoline engine. Injectors inject an anti-knock agent such as ethanol directly into a cylinder of the engine. A fuel management microprocessor system controls injection of the anti-knock agent so as to control knock and minimize that amount of the anti-knock agent that is used in a drive cycle. It is preferred that the anti-knock agent is ethanol. The use of ethanol can be further minimized by injection in a non-uniform manner within a cylinder. The ethanol injection suppresses knock so that higher compression ratio and/or engine downsizing from increased turbocharging or supercharging can be used to increase the efficiency of the engine.
US08069832B2 System for restarting internal combustion engine when engine restart request occurs
In a system, a starter includes a motor for rotatably driving an output shaft with a pinion and an actuator that shifts the pinion toward a ring gear to be engaged with the ring gear. A monitor unit monitors a rotational speed of the internal combustion engine. The rotational speed of the internal combustion engine drops after an automatic control for stop of the engine. When an engine restart request occurs with the rotational speed being within a preset range during the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine dropping by the automatic control for stop of the engine, a drive unit drives the actuator to shift the pinion toward the ring gear to be engaged with the ring gear. The drive unit rotatably drives the motor with the pinion being engaged with the ring gear to thereby crank the crankshaft.
US08069831B2 Method and apparatus for start control of a vehicle
An accessory switch SWa and an ignition switch SWi are connected to a sub-relay RL1. A starter switch SWs is connected to a sub-relay RL2. The sub-relay RL2 is turned OFF when welding occurs in the starter switch SWs. When welding occurs in the accessory switch SWa, the starter switch SWs is turned OFF, or the starter switch SWs is not turned ON.
US08069827B2 Vehicle cooling controller and cooling control method
A drive component for driving an electric water pump for causing engine coolant to flow is mounted in an engine compartment. When the ignition is off and the temperature of a exhaust heat recovery device is above a temperature, an ECU estimates a peak temperature in the engine compartment after the stop of the engine. When the peak temperature is above a temperature, the ECU stops the engine and drives the electric water pump and an electric fan for cooling the drive component for driving the electric water pump.
US08069826B2 Surface passivation and the methods for the reduction of fuel thermal degradation deposits
In a specific embodiment of this invention, deposits and soot formation in a direct injection engine are reduced by passivating the injectors to within 0.1 mm of the injector nozzle. The fuel used with the inventive injectors comprises fuel-soluble additives.
US08069823B2 Vibration stimulus delivery device
Described is a vibration stimulus delivery device for delivering a vibration stimulus to an animal and for maximizing the robustness and intensity of the vibration stimulus. The vibration stimulus delivery device is carried by the animal and includes a housing and a vibration probe. The vibration probe is positioned in direct contact with the skin of the animal and generates a vibration, which, when delivered to the animal, is the vibration stimulus. The vibration probe is coupled to the housing such that the coupling minimizes the inherent vibration dampening effect caused by the weight and mass of the housing. The result is a vibration stimulus delivery device that delivers a more robust and intense vibration stimulus to the animal.
US08069819B2 Egg incubation transport system and methods regarding same
Methods and systems provide for incubating a plurality of eggs at least partially at a primary incubation location and then incubating the plurality of eggs (e.g., a plurality of single sex eggs sorted from the plurality of eggs) at least partially during transport to a secondary location.
US08069818B2 Drinking trough for animals and water-collecting bowl for a drinking trough for animals
Drinking troughs for in particular poultry feature drinking valves arranged at regular intervals along a water supply line, with each drinking valve being assigned a water-collecting bowl (14). The water-collecting bowls (14) are usually made of plastic. The water-collecting bowls (14) are cleaned with agents that contain aggressive substances, which are capable of damaging the plastic of the water-collecting bowls (14). The invention is a water-collecting bowls (14) with a respective insert (17) made of a resistant material, thus making the water-collecting bowl (14) resistant to aggressive liquids, in particular cleansing agents.
US08069816B2 Coating film processing method and apparatus
A coating film processing method is used for processing a coating film formed on a surface of a substrate to prepare for an immersion light exposure process arranged to perform light exposure through a liquid. The method includes supplying a solvent-containing liquid comprising a combination of a solvent and a solvent-ability decreasing agent for decreasing solvent ability, or a diluted solvent, onto an edge portion of the coating film, thereby performing edge portion cutting; and supplying a cleaning liquid onto the edge portion of the coating film, thereby performing edge portion cleaning, subsequently to the edge portion cutting.
US08069814B2 Stent support devices
Various embodiments of methods and devices for coating stents are described herein.
US08069812B2 Apparatus and method of applying sunscreen or similar liquid
A booth with a plurality of spray nozzles for the application of sunscreen, insect repellent, aloe lotion, skin care products, or similar lotions or liquids to substantial portions of the human body. One or more spray nozzles are oriented to avoid opposing air or spray flows that may cause inefficient or uneven application of the lotion or liquid. Spray nozzles may be fixed or adjustable. The invention may include means for rinsing the body prior to application of the lotion or liquid to promote even and unobstructed application to the body, as well as means for washing down the booth between or after use is provided. Power may be provided by electrical power sources, a battery, or solar panel(s).
US08069811B2 Flag pole
This invention relates to a flag pole and more specifically, to a flag pole with moveable flag clips and an electric lamp to illuminate the flag.
US08069809B2 Stabilizing openings for corrugated plastic water craft floor
A laterally stable foldable boat comprising a single sheet of corrugated plastic further comprising a first planar plastic substrate, a second planar plastic substrate, a plurality of elongate parallel ribs disposed between and joining the first and second plastic substrates, the plurality of elongate parallel ribs extend parallel along the entire length of the plastic substrates to form a plurality of open flute channels lengthwise through the substrates, a plurality of bend lines, a plurality of folding hinges located at each corner of the single sheet of corrugated plastic, and a stabilizing ballast, that further includes a first plurality of apertures centrally located in the hull area, wherein the first plurality of apertures are formed perpendicular to the sidewall bend lines and create at least one opening in the plurality of flute channels, wherein the first plurality of apertures allow water to enter or exit the plurality of flute channels running lengthwise through the foldable boat.
US08069804B2 Disconnectable turret mooring system for a vessel
A disconnectable turret mooring system for a vessel is provided, comprising a turret positioned in a moonpool of the vessel and having an upper part cooperating with a first upper bearing assembly positioned between the turret and the vessel, and a lower disconnectable buoy part cooperating with a second lower bearing assembly positioned between the turret and the vessel, wherein the lower bearing assembly comprises a number of discrete circumferentially spaced bearing members which are attached to and extend radially inwards from the vessel for engaging the lower disconnectable buoy part of the turret, and which bearing members are displaceable radially between an inner operative position for engaging the lower disconnectable buoy part and an outer inoperative position for disengaging the lower disconnectable buoy part.
US08069799B2 Thread cutting device for a sewing machine
A thread cutting device for a sewing machine with a hook rotatable in a vertical plane includes a drive motor, a fixed knife which has a working-side wall extending towards a thread fetching zone of the sewing machine to terminate at a first cutting edge, and a movable knife which is driven by the drive motor to angularly move between fetching and thread cutting positions in a vertical plane. The movable knife has a lateral edge surface defining a cavity in an intermediate segment thereof to engage lower and upper threads when the movable knife reaches the fetching position. The movable knife has a second cutting edge disposed to press the first cutting edge so as to complete a cutting action.
US08069798B2 Multi diameter gauge wheel
An improved depth regulating member comprising: a first portion, the first portion positioned adjacent a furrow forming assembly for engagement with ground surface adjacent a furrow; and a second portion, the second portion positioned adjacent the first portion opposite the surface of the first portion adjacent the furrow forming assembly, wherein the second portion engages and drives residue through the area between adjacent furrow forming assemblies opposite the direction of travel of the furrow forming assembly.
US08069792B2 System and method for capturing energy from a railcar
A method and system of using one or more railcar linear electric generators to decelerate a vehicle such as a train consist. In one embodiment, the one of more electric generators are configured to capture deceleration energy and supply the energy to one or more power grid connections. The one of more railcar electric generators may also operate as motors to assist propelling a train consist. Optional energy storage may also be included.
US08069791B1 Curvilinear sabot system
A sabot system is defined by a tubular arrangement of curvilinear segments with the tubular arrangement being closed on a first end thereof and open on a second end thereof. The tubular arrangement defines a first outer diameter at its first end and a second and larger outer diameter at its second end. Each segment is made from an elastic material such that when the tubular arrangement is compressed radially at its second end, each of the segments stores a spring force.
US08069785B2 Printing groups of a printing press
A printing group of a printing press is comprised of a transfer cylinder, a forme cylinder and a first roller of an inking unit. That first inking unit roller cooperates, as an ink application roller, with the forme cylinder. The inking unit is provided with two axially traversing friction cylinders which are serially disposed in the ink path to the forme cylinder. The first inking unit roller has substantially the same diameter as the forme cylinder.
US08069784B2 Device in a printing unit of a printing machine
A device for use in a printing unit of a printing machine, with that printing unit comprising at least one roller of an inking unit or of a dampening unit of the printing unit and with at least one traverse drive for generating an axial traversing stroke of the roller, and also with at least one drive for the moving of the roller in a rotary manner. A magnetic coupling, which is comprised of an inner rotor and an outer rotor, is arranged between the roller and the drive. In order to compensate for the traversing stroke of the roller, the inner rotor and the outer rotor are movable relative to each other in the direction of the axis of rotation of the roller.
US08069782B2 Stamps with micrometer- and nanometer-scale features and methods of fabrication thereof
Stamps and methods of making stamps for applications in anti-counterfeiting and authentication. The stamps are relatively small in size and feature nanoscale and microscale identification regions and features. High throughput manufacturing and high resolution methods are used to make the stamps including electron beam lithography and optical lithography. Anti-fouling coatings can be applied.
US08069779B2 Device for cracking open and separating an egg
A device for cracking open an egg is shown, having egg-size sensing means for determining the size of an egg positioned in the device, thereby providing for automatic calibration of the device to the specific size of an egg to be cracked. The calibration determines how much would the distance between the piercing members and the imaginary longitudinal axis of the egg be reduced before the piercing members stop their advancing towards the egg and start moving apart for cracking its shell open. The device can thus open eggs of different sizes, e.g. having widths between 40 and 50 millimeters, accurately without requiring special preparation or manual calibration. A method for cracking open an egg based on said device is also shown.
US08069776B2 Toaster
A toaster in which spaced, vertically oriented heating assemblies are nested within a cover that pivots between open and closed positions. In the open position, an consumer can add food slices to or remove toasted food slices from baskets in the toaster remotely from the heating assemblies. When the cover closes, the heating assemblies pivot to be positioned on both sides of the baskets. When energized, the heating assemblies toast the food slices.
US08069774B2 Water purifier and cooler, bottle and cap cleaner, and water filler and nutrient mixer
An automated apparatus that sterilizes and refills beverage containers with filtered water and any number of additives or ingredients such as nutrients, health supplements, caffeine, flavorings, vitamins, sweeteners, coloring agents, medicines, etc. The apparatus allows consumers, including home consumers, to produce, customize and “bottle” their own flavored and fortified filtered water.
US08069772B1 Systems and methods for controlling hydraulic actuators
Methods and systems for controlling a hydraulic motor are described. By way of illustration, a motor control system has a first input configured to receive a step/direction command signal. A second input is configured to receive a position signal from a motor position sensor, such as a continuous turn motion sensor coupled to a hydraulic motor. A processing system is configured to control a hydraulic servo valve based at least in part on the step/direction command signal and the position signal.
US08069770B1 Modular spaced armor assembly
A method and device for protecting a surface. The device includes modular spaced armor assemblies having a ceramic face plate, a composite backing plate, and a lightweight low-density module therebetween. The modular spaced armor assemblies may be tiled to form a protective arrangement for protecting a desired surface. The lightweight low-density module includes one or more gas filled cavities.
US08069768B2 Method and apparatus for defeating ballistic projectiles
A method and apparatus for defeating high-velocity projectiles. A plurality tile are retained in an imbricated pattern row by row such that each disk in a row is in substantially a straight line with the other disks in the row and overlaps a segment of a disk in an adjacent row. The imbricated pattern is then adhered to a flexible, high tensile strength substrate and overlaid by a second high tensile strength layer such that the imbricated pattern is enveloped between the substrate and the second layer. The envelope is then coupled to a soft body armor backing.
US08069764B2 Shearing apparatus with clamps for carrying and locking the material
A shearing apparatus (10) for material unwound from reels comprises a support frame (12) for a working table (14) whereon a moving tape (16) is wound; said apparatus is provided with means for the temporary stabilization along at least a crosswise extended zone of said material arranged on the moving tape (16).
US08069762B2 Machine tool
The invention is based on a machine tool, in particular a circular power saw, for machining a workpiece, having a covering (10) for guarding a user against machining residues of the workpiece that occur in operation and having an adjustable residue guide (12, 14) for carrying away at least some of the machining residues through an outlet opening in a defined direction in accordance with the position of the residue guide (12, 14). It is proposed that the residue guide is adjustable in such a way that in one position of the residue guide (12, 14), at least some of the machining residues are carried onward inside the covering (10).
US08069761B2 Dust collector
A saw with a base assembly, a table pivotably attached to the base assembly, a housing pivotably attached to the table, at least one rail slidably connected to the housing, and a saw assembly disposed on the at least one rail. The saw assembly includes a motor, and a blade driven by the motor. The saw also includes a dust collector attached to the saw assembly, the dust collector having a tube that extends through the housing.
US08069758B2 Head section for a rotary cutting device
A head section for a rotary cutting device includes a body portion that includes a blade passage defined between a blade entrance opening and a blade exit opening. A blade fastening mechanism is positioned in the blade passage and includes a blade engaging member. The blade engaging member is biased by a biasing mechanism to extend across the blade passage at a blade install position. The blade engaging member is movable against the bias to clear the blade passage. A blade having a mount aperture proximate an insertion end thereof is secured to the body portion when the mount aperture occupies the blade mount position and the blade engaging member extends through the mount aperture. The blade can be installed in and removed from the head section without tools, simply by advancing the blade through the blade passage.
US08069756B2 Apparatus for automatically detecting the position of the cutting tool in the computerized numerically controlled lathe
Disclosed is an apparatus for automatically detecting the position of a cutting tool in a computerized numerically controlled lathe which is capable of preventing over-load operation of a driving motor by allowing an arm having a touch sensor mounted thereto to safely stop at a position while the driving motor stops operating. The touch sensor is pivoted by means of a gear assembly driven by the driving motor. When the arm is rotated and reaches a proper position, a worm and a worm wheel of the gear assembly are rotated until a camshaft is brought into contact with a stopper. The arm is moved toward the cutting tool and the cutting tool is brought into contact with the touch sensor in accordance with a program that is preprogramedly input into the computerized numerically controlled lathe.
US08069754B2 Socket wrench with washer gripping arms
A multipurpose socket wrench includes an elongated tubular body with an internal opening extending longitudinally from the distal end and having a hexagonal cross-section. A driver receiving opening extends longitudinally from the proximal end. Elongated holding arms are positioned in longitudinally extending grooves formed in the outer surface of the body. The arms are mounted for limited longitudinal movement between an extended position and a retracted position. An attachment component gripping feature is positioned in the portion of the arms extending beyond the distal end of the body with the arms in the extended position. The arms are further mounted for limited radial movement of the gripping features.
US08069753B2 Rotary ratchet wrench
A hand tool is disclosed. The hand tool has a gripping portion and a distal end with an attachment end disposed thereon. A ratcheting mechanism is combined with the attachment end to provide ratcheting action. A rotatable head is combined with the attachment end and engaged with the ratcheting mechanism. The rotatable head comprises a plurality of sockets and in some embodiments the rotatable head has four sockets of different size spaced thereon.
US08069748B1 XY linear slide mechanism
An X-Y linear slide mechanism includes a first block member having opposing exterior and interior surfaces, a second block member having a planar interior surface, a pair of cylindrical rods secured together along their axial lengths. The interior surfaces of the first and second block members each have elongate grooves formed therein. The elongate grooves have a length longer than the pair of cylindrical rods, a width to receive one of the cylindrical rods and a depth slightly greater than the diameter of one of the cylinder rods. Each of the pair of cylindrical rods are disposed in one of the elongate grooves providing X and Y linear motion of the second block member relative to the first block member.
US08069747B2 Robotic arms with coaxially mounted helical spring means
A robotic arm comprising a plurality of segments, each comprising articulated links, and means for causing each segment to bend so the arm can follow a serpentine path. A helical spring is provided coaxially with the arm to urge the links to an initial datum position, and to distribute the bending over the links of each segment.
US08069743B2 Shift operation device of automatic transmission
A shift operation device includes: a shift operation member including: a shaft portion; and an arm portion protruding in a radial direction with respect to a center axis of the shaft portion and being rotated around the center axis to perform shift operation of a gear; and a plurality of shift rail members, each of which includes: a rail portion; a shift fork portion; and a shift lug portion capable of being engaged with the arm portion. An engagement portion of the shift lug portion includes a pair of columnar projections arranged at positions mutually different in the shift direction and the select direction. When the shift lug portion is retained in a neutral position, pressure receiving surfaces of the columnar projections are approximately positioned on a reference orthogonal surface superimposed on the center axis and orthogonal to the rail portion.
US08069741B2 Modular split shaft transfer case
A split shaft transfer case includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion that are secured together along a plane of engagement to form an enclosure. An input shaft and an output shaft that are each supported for rotation about an axis of rotation that is generally parallel to the plane of engagement defined by the first and second housing portions. A first operating shaft is supported for rotation about an axis of rotation, and a first operating clutch selectively connects the first operating shaft to the input shaft for rotation therewith. A second operating shaft supported for rotation about an axis of rotation, and a second operating clutch selectively connects the second operating shaft to the input shaft for rotation therewith. The axis of rotation of at least one of the first and second operating shafts is movable relative to the axis of rotation of the input and output shafts.
US08069738B2 Probe
The present invention relates to a probe having an elongated main body with a proximal end for attachment to a wall of a duct or volume and a distal end that is disposed on the interior of the duct, such that the main body forms a measurement space through which the fluid is drawn for analysis.
US08069736B2 Torque sensor
The present invention aims at detecting torque with a high degree of precision, by suppressing influences such as disturbance and rotation dependency. An output side cylinder is provided with a reference slit, and an input side cylinder is provided with a first detection slit and a second detection slit, which overlap the reference slit, the overlap amount between the first detection slit and the reference slit changing inversely with the overlap amount between the second detection slit and the reference slit, magnetic flux is applied from the inner side of the input side cylinder by a first drive coil and a second drive coil, a measuring circuit detects a phase difference between a phase of a detection signal for detecting the magnetic flux by a first detection coil provided on a position facing to the first detection slit on the outer side of the output side cylinder, and a phase of a detection signal for detecting the magnetic flux by a second detection coil provided on a position facing to the second detection slit on the outer side of the output side cylinder, and based on the phase difference, a torsion amount of the torsion bar is calculated. The directions of the magnetic flux generated by the first drive coil and second drive coil are opposite to each other.
US08069733B2 Device and method for measuring electromechanical properties and microstructure of nano-materials under stress state
A device for measuring electromechanical properties and microstructure of nano-materials under stress state comprises two bimetallic strips placed on an insulated metal ring plated with insulating paint, wherein the two bimetallic strips are placed in parallel or V-shaped to insulated metal ring on the same plane, one end of each bimetallic strip is fixed on the insulated metal ring, the other end of the bimetallic strip hangs inside of the insulated ring, the distance of two bimetallic strips were controlled within 0.002-1 mm. Also provided is a method for measuring electromechanical properties and microstructure of nano-materials under stress state.
US08069728B2 Apparatus for optimizing system performance and related control methods
Focusing on the criterion of “Energy save” or “Quiet noise” or other suitable operating parameter and considering the existing limitation of the operation of the electro-dynamic shaker system, apparatus for optimizing the operating condition of the vibration test system is proposed. The apparatus 100 measures the field current and drive current under the state that the desired vibration is fed to the specimen 20, and calculates the necessary force the shaker 1 should supply. Field current is supposed to be varied, and the necessary drive current is calculated based on the necessary force data. Further, the blower rotation is supposed to be varied, and the total power consumption at the coils and the blower is calculated. Also the temperatures of the field coil 4 and of the drive coil 10 is estimated and checked whether within the limitation. Then the optimal operating condition for the focused criterion is selected.
US08069726B2 X-Y axis dual-mass tuning fork gyroscope with vertically integrated electronics and wafer-scale hermetic packaging
An angular velocity sensor has two masses which are laterally disposed in an X-Y plane and indirectly connected to a frame. The two masses are linked together by a linkage such that they necessarily move in opposite directions along Z. Angular velocity of the sensor about the Y axis can be sensed by driving the two masses into Z-directed antiphase oscillation and measuring the angular oscillation amplitude thereby imparted to the frame. In a preferred embodiment, the angular velocity sensor is fabricated from a bulk MEMS gyroscope wafer, a cap wafer and a reference wafer. In a further preferred embodiment, this assembly of wafers provides a hermetic barrier between the masses and an ambient environment.
US08069722B1 Tank gage hatch assembly
A tank gage assembly is provided including a tank gage antenna operatively couplable to a tank gage; a cover coupled to the tank gage antenna; a gage hatch flange including an opening and being coupled to the cover and structured to be coupled to a tank; and a hinge having a first hinge member secured to the gage hatch flange, and a second hinge member secured to the cover, the hinge being movable between a first position in which the cover is spaced apart from the opening and a second position in which the antenna and cover substantially cover the opening.
US08069718B2 Thermal flowmeter
A simply configured thermal flowmeter can provide high measurement accuracy over a long period of time by suppressing the characteristics degradation due to adhering contaminants. On the surface of a diaphragm part, a heater resistor is formed. Temperature difference sensors through are disposed on the two sides of the heater resistor (upstream and downstream sides in the flow direction of an air stream). The temperature difference sensors are disposed upstream of the heater resistor while the temperature difference sensors are disposed downstream of the heater resistor. Outside the temperature difference sensors, heating temperature sensors are formed. Control is performed so that the temperature of the heating temperature sensors is set higher than the air stream temperature by a certain degree. Therefore, even if contaminants adhere to the sensor device, the temperature of the heating temperature sensors is held constant. Since the temperature difference sensors to detect the flow rate is located between the heating temperature sensors, the temperature change due to the contamination is small. This suppresses the characteristics degradation, making it possible to provide high measurement accuracy over a long period of time.
US08069716B2 Multi-coupling reduced length measure while drilling apparatus
A downhole drilling apparatus for measure while drilling including a housing defining a longitudinal housing axis, wherein the housing has an upper end and a lower end. A motor includes a rotor, wherein the rotor is adapted to be driven by drilling fluids. A first drive coupling is coupled between the rotor and a first driven rod. A second drive coupling is coupled between the driven rod an a connecting shaft. A third drive coupling is coupled between the connecting shaft and a second driven rod. A fourth drive coupling is coupled between the second driven rod and a motor bearing section, wherein the connecting shaft extends through an offset bore in the housing and transmits power from the motor to the drill bit.
US08069711B2 Method and device for detecting malfunctions of actuators in the air system on internal combustion engines
A method and a device for detecting faulty functioning of actuators in the air system on internal combustion engines, an actuator being operated using at least two control states, one after the other, at least one sensor, whose output signal is a function of the excursion state of the actuator, reading out the output signal of this sensor being undertaken, and an assessment of the function of the controlled actuator being undertaken from the response of this output signal to the change of the control of the actuator, during the control of the actuator, at least the control of those other actuators included in the air system being kept constant as well as additional control signals for operating the internal combustion engine, which have an influence on the output signal of the sensor.
US08069710B2 Remote fueling system and process
A remote fueling system is provided. The system comprises a wellbore servicing equipment unit comprising an internal combustion engine, a fuel tank coupled to the internal combustion engine, a fuel distribution channel, a fuel level sensor component, a fuel level indicator, and a fuel level indicator control box. The wellbore servicing equipment is mounted on a trailer upon which the wellbore servicing equipment is transported to the wellbore. The fuel level sensor component senses a fuel level inside the fuel tank. The fuel level indicator indicates a fuel level status of the fuel tank to remote fueling personnel at a standoff distance. The fuel level indicator control box is coupled to the fuel level sensor component and to the fuel level indicator and commands the indication presented by the fuel level indicator based on the fuel level inside the fuel tank sensed by the fuel level sensor component.
US08069708B2 Method for determining the lifecycle of a power station component
A method for determining the life cycle of a power station component is provided. The method includes the following steps: definition of a first characteristic for the life cycle of a power station component at a constant output, definition of a second characteristic for the life cycle of the power station component at a variable output, definition of a first equivalence rule as a function from an actual time parameter, definition of a second equivalence rule wherein the pre-defined operation of the power station component at the variable output in accordance with a plurality of second characteristics is depicted, determination of the numbers of first and second characteristics that are generated during the actual operation of the power station, determination of the sum of the numbers of first and second characteristics, and assessment of the life cycle of the power station component using the determined sum.
US08069706B2 Waste water immersion probe
The invention relates to a waste water immersion probe (10) comprising a liquid-tight housing (11), a sensor (18) which is disposed in the housing (11) and a sensor window (20) formed on the housing (11). A wiper element (22) for cleaning the sensor window (20) is arranged on the outside of the sensor window (20), and the wiper element (22) is driven by a drive motor (24) which is arranged essentially in the housing (11). The housing is devoid of openings. A magnetic element (36, 37) is associated with the drive motor (24) and a magnetic element (34, 35) is associated with the wiper element (22) in such a manner that the magnetic drive motor element (36, 37) produces a magnetic field which transverses the housing wall and transmits a drive torque to the wiper element (22) without a shaft.
US08069703B1 Semi-continuous detection of mercury in gases
A new method for the semi-continuous detection of heavy metals and metalloids including mercury in gaseous streams. The method entails mass measurement of heavy metal oxides and metalloid oxides with a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor having an uncoated substrate. An array of surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors can be used where each sensor is for the semi-continuous emission monitoring of a particular heavy metal or metalloid.
US08069700B2 Effort-saving hand tool
An effort-saving hand tool includes a first shaft, a second shaft, a connection shaft, and a third shaft. The first shaft has a first end, a second end, and a pivot point located between the first end and the second end. The second end of the first shaft includes a first loading part. The second shaft has a first end and a second end. The pivot point of the first shaft is pivoted to the first end of the second shaft. The second end of the second shaft includes a second loading part. The connection shaft has a first end pivoted to the first shaft. The third shaft has a slender rear part, a first side, and a second side. The first side of the third shaft is pivoted to the second shaft. The second side of the third shaft is pivoted to a second end of the connection shaft.
US08069699B2 Installation/processing systems and methods of using the same
Installation/processing tools may be used to install one or more expandable structures in a workpiece. An installation/processing tool may include an expansion mandrel, a processing tool, and an expansion assembly having an expansion jaw movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. An expandable portion of the expansion jaw is sized to fit within a passageway of an expandable member. When the mandrel is moved through the expansion assembly, the expansion jaw is moved between the collapsed and expanded configurations to cause expansion of the expandable member. The installation/processing tool can also be used to cold work a workpiece.
US08069697B2 Apparatus for hot press-forming metal plate material
A metal plate material hot molding apparatus is provided for press molding a heated metal plate material. The apparatus may include supply piping for a cooling medium in a mold, and ejection holes penetrating from a molding surface of the mold to the supply piping. The exemplary apparatus may also include discharge piping for the cooling medium situated in the mold, and discharge holes penetrating from the molding surface of the mold to the discharge piping, and cooling piping. Molding procedure can be performed while the cooling medium is ejected from the ejection holes to a gap between the metal plate material and the mold.
US08069696B2 Method for producing a gear wheel
A method is described for producing a gear wheel from a powdered metal blank (1) compressed and sintered having a machining allowance in the gearing area, the powdered metal blank (1) being compacted by the machining allowance with a plastic deformation by rolling of a compression tool (7) forming a counter gearing engaging in the gearing of the powdered metal blank (1). To provide advantageous compaction conditions, it is suggested that the powdered metal blank (1) be compacted simultaneously around the entire circumference by rolling of profile rolls (8) forming the compression tool (7) axially to the powdered metal blank (1).
US08069692B2 Circular knitted fabric with finished edges and integral elastic band-like selvedge and the method of manufacturing the same
A circular knitted fabric for the manufacture of a garment includes a first portion formed of a low melting point yarn and a first yarn, and a continuing second portion formed of the low melting point yarn and a second yarn. The second portion has an elastane content greater than that of the first portion. The low melting point yarn fuses with the first and second yarns after heating to a temperature sufficient to melt the low melting point yarn only. The fabric, after finishing, is adapted to be cut into a garment in such a way that the first portion becomes a body of the garment, and the second portion becomes an integral elastic band-like selvedge of the garment.
US08069688B2 Gemstones and methods for controlling the appearance thereof
Methods of fabricating improved gemstones and gemstones thus obtained are described. Roughness is introduced on facets of a gemstone through application of nanometer and/or micrometer sized features, to provide the facets with a hazy white-colored appearance. Alternatively, millimeter-sized reflective features can be applied on the facets, to form a gemstone with improved scintillation or play of light.
US08069687B2 Working media for refrigeration processes
A working medium for refrigeration processes comprising at least one sorbent material and at least one refrigerant, characterized in that the sorbent material contains at least one nonvolatile organic salt which is liquid under standard conditions, or a mixture of organic salts, with the proviso that this is liquid under standard conditions, wherein the salt or the mixture has a thermal stability above 150° C.
US08069683B2 Refrigerant system unloading by-pass into evaporator inlet
A refrigerant system has at least one unloader valve selectively communicating refrigerant between the compressor compression chambers and a point upstream of the evaporator. When the compressor is run in unloaded mode, partially compressed refrigerant is returned to a point upstream of the evaporator. In an unloaded mode, a higher refrigerant mass flow rate passes through the evaporator, as compared to prior art where the by-passed refrigerant was returned downstream of the evaporator. This increases system efficiency by more effectively returning oil which otherwise might be left in the evaporator back to the compressor. Also, the amount of refrigerant superheat entering the compressor in unloaded operation is reduced as compared to the prior art compressor systems, wherein the by-passed refrigerant is returned directly to the compressor suction line. Reduced refrigerant superheat increases system efficiency, improves motor performance and reduces compressor discharge temperature. Also, by moving the unloader line further away from the compressor, the compressor replacement is simplified as there is no connecting unloader line directly in front of the compressor.
US08069680B2 Methods of manufacturing temperature-stabilized storage containers
Methods disclosed herein include methods of manufacturing integrally thermally-sealed storage containers. Methods include creating at least one indentation in at least one layer of first thermal barrier sheet, wherein the at least one layer of first thermal barrier sheet includes at least one first ultra efficient insulation material and wherein the at least one indentation is in a size and shape substantially conforming with material to be stored; placing material to be stored within one or more of the at least one indentation; placing at least one layer of second thermal barrier sheet adjacent to the material to be stored, wherein the at least one layer of second thermal barrier sheet includes at least one second ultra efficient insulation material; and creating a thermal seal between at least two layers of thermal barrier sheet, substantially thermally sealing the material to be stored.
US08069675B2 Cryogenic vacuum break thermal coupler
A novel thermal coupler apparatus and method to couple a cryocooler or another cooling device to a superconducting magnet or cooled object allows for replacement without a need to break the cryostat vacuum or to warm up the superconducting magnet or other cooled object. A method uses a pneumatic actuator for coupling, and a retractable mechanical actuator for uncoupling. Mechanical closing forces are balanced between the intermediate temperature and low temperature cooling surfaces and do not transfer to the cooled object. The pneumatic actuator provides permanent control under mechanical closing forces in the thermal coupling.
US08069674B2 Thermoelectric personal environment appliance
A personal environment appliance is disclosed in which a person in a localized area can individually control the ambient conditions of the person's localized area. The control permits highly localized adjustment to suit individual preferences, thereby, reducing the impact of individual environmental preferences on the individuals. In addition to environment conditions, a variety of accessories may be provided such as beverage heaters and/or coolers.
US08069671B2 Burner fuel lance configuration and method of use
A burner (1) for a combustion chamber of a turbogroup includes a swirl generator (2), a mixer (3), and a lance (4) for introducing pilot fuel into a combustion space (10). In order to stabilize combustion, the lance (4) is designed and/or arranged so that, at least in the pilot mode of the burner (1), it extends far enough into the burner interior (5) for a flame front (16) of a combustion reaction, which takes place in the combustion space (10), to extend at least partially into the burner interior (5).
US08069668B2 Method and system for autonomous load sharing
A method of autonomously sharing a load between at least two output generation devices, the method including: providing at least two output generation devices, wherein the at least two output generation devices operate autonomously with respect to one another and the at least two output generation devices are in fluid communication with output receiving means adapted to receive output generated by the at least two output generation devices; monitoring output generated by the output generation devices; and cycling each of the at least two devices through an activated mode and a standby mode independently of one another in an automated manner to meet an output demand thereby sharing a load demand between the at least two output generation devices.
US08069667B2 Deaerator apparatus in a superatmospheric condenser system
A power generating system comprises a condenser and a deaerator apparatus. The condenser condenses a working fluid into a condensate and operates at an internal pressure above ambient pressure during a normal operating mode. The deaerator apparatus uses steam to remove contaminants from the condensate to bring the condensate to a desirable purity. The deaerator apparatus is deactivated during a typical operating state of the power generating system such that the condensate bypasses the deaerator apparatus. The deaerator apparatus is activated during a non-typical operating state of the power generating system such that the condensate passes into the deaerator apparatus wherein contaminants can be removed from the condensate. The typical operating state of the power generating system occurs when the condensate comprises a desirable purity and the non-typical operating state of the power generating system occurs when the condensate comprises an undesirable purity.
US08069665B2 Stored compressed air management for improved engine performance
A method for providing air to a combustion chamber of an engine, the engine including a compressor and a boost tank selectably coupled to an intake manifold. The method includes varying a relative amount of engine exhaust in air pressurized in the boost tank based on engine operating conditions, and discharging the air pressurized in the boost tank to the intake manifold.
US08069664B2 Integrated inlet and bypass throttle for positive-displacement supercharged engines
A supercharged engine has a charge air intake and an engine exhaust outlet, a positive displacement supercharger connected to the air intake, a charge air and bypass control valve comprising a rotary body throttle valve including a rotary valve body, a primary air passage and a separate bypass air passage each extending through the rotary body. The primary air passage is fully open in a first rotary position of the rotary body wherein the bypass air passage is closed, and the bypass air passage is fully open in a second rotary position wherein the primary air passage is closed. Airflow through the passages varies in an inverse manner as the rotary body is rotated between the first and second positions, whereby airflow through the control valve is controlled with a single actuator movable through the full range of positions and airflow through the primary and bypass passages is inversely varied.
US08069662B1 Eccentric cam brake booster
An electric power booster (12) where driver command is monitored by a transducer (38) on an input rod (34). This signal is converted to the appropriate voltage/current and operates an electric motor (42). The motor output shaft (68) is connected to a planetary gear reducer (72) appropriately sized to provide no more than +/−1/4 turn of an eccentric cam (14). Two master cylinders (16, 18) power piston rods (22, 24) ride diametrically opposed on the cam surface (20). As the cam rotates the piston rods are forced out pressurizing the respective hydraulic circuits and thereby providing fluid to each brake circuit (28, 30). In the event of power failure as well as to augment the output of the motor, the input rod is mechanically linked directly to the cam offset from the center allowing the driver to manually rotate the cam thereby pressurizing the brake circuits.
US08069660B1 System for recovering waste heat from exhaust
One or more systems for silencing and extracting waste heat from exhaust of a combustion system for performing an operation and using the waste heat to perform an additional operation are provided herein. The system can include a heat recovery silencer. An inner housing of the heat recovery silencer can be in fluid communication with a combustion system. A heat recovery flow path of the heat recovery silencer can have an outlet port in fluid communication with an auxiliary device inlet, and the heat recovery flow path can have an inlet in fluid communication with an axially device outlet of the auxiliary device.
US08069659B2 Multiple-shell silencer / rear shell port
An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine includes an outer housing having a front shell and a rear shell, a prechamber in which exhaust gas from the combustion chamber enters, and an intermediate shell having a front and back as well as a catalytic converter holder. A catalytic converter element is arranged on the catalytic converter holder where an exhaust port directs exhaust gas from the catalytic converter element. To place the center of gravity of the exhaust system near the internal combustion engine or cylinder, the intermediate shell forms the prechamber and the exhaust port.
US08069647B2 Jet nozzle mixer
An external jet nozzle mixer includes identically formed lobes. The external mixer works with the internal mixer further to mix the engine internal bypass flow with the internal jet engine core flow to level the disparate flow velocities, to reduce the peak velocities from the jet engine core and increase the lower bypass velocities of the engine internal bypass flow, and thereby reduce noise. The internal lobe contours act as lifting flutes, causing mixing of the primary hot and cold flows to mix before exiting the nozzle. The external lobe contours act as venturi chutes, accelerating the cooler ambient secondary air flow. The lobes thus act collectively as an injector to force the cooler ambient secondary flow into the previously mixed primary flow as it exits the nozzle. Also obtained is an increased thrust efficiency and, consequently, decreased fuel consumption and engine emissions.
US08069643B2 Limited-antimony-content and antimony-free modacrylic / aramid blends for improved flash fire and arc protection
A yarn, fabric, and garment suitable for use in arc and flame protection comprising aramid fiber and modacrylic fiber wherein the modacrylic fiber has less than 1.5 percent antimony and is preferably antimony-free. In one embodiment, the yarn, fabric, and/or garments consist essentially of (a) 50 to 80 weight percent meta-aramid fiber having a degree of crystallinity of at least 20%, (b) 10 to 40 weight percent modacrylic fiber that is antimony-free, (c) 5 to 20 weight percent para-aramid fiber, and (d) 1 to 3 weight percent antistatic fiber, based on the total weight of components (a), (b), (c) and (d). In some embodiments, garments made from the yarns provide thermal protection such that a wearer would experience less than a 65 percent predicted body burn when exposed to a flash fire exposure of 4 seconds per ASTM F1930, while maintaining a Category 2 arc rating per ASTM F1959 and NFPA 70E.
US08069642B2 Crystallized meta-aramid blends for improved flash fire and superior arc protection
A yarn, fabric, and garment suitable for use in arc and flame protection and having improved flash fire protection, consisting essentially of (a) 50 to 60 weight percent meta-aramid fiber having a degree of crystallinity of at least 20%; (b) 31 to 39 weight percent modacrylic fiber; and (c) 5 to 15 weight percent para-aramid fiber; said percentages on the basis of components (a), (b), and (c). In some embodiments, 1 to 3 weight percent of the meta-aramid fiber is replaced with an antistatic fiber comprising carbon or metal with the proviso that at least 50 weight percent meta-aramid fiber is maintained. Garments made from the yarns provide thermal protection such that a wearer would experience less than a 65 percent predicted body burn when exposed to a flash fire exposure of 4 seconds per ASTM F1930, while maintaining a Category 2 arc rating per ASTM F1959 and NFPA 70E.
US08069638B2 Bale lump eliminator for a round cotton module baler
A baler for making large cylindrical modules of cotton includes an expansible module-forming chamber comprising a plurality of module-forming belts that are supported in side-by-side relationship across a plurality of fixed and movable belt support rolls. The module-forming chamber includes a fixed front section and a movable rear section in the form of a discharge gate mounted to an upper rear location of the front section for pivoting between a lowered baling position and a raised discharge position. Located at the bottom of the baling chamber between a bottom fixed belt support roll and a lower front roll of the lowered discharge gate is an inlet through which cotton passes into the module-forming chamber. A module wrapping arrangement is carried on the discharge gate for selectively feeding a length of plastic sheet material into the inlet for being wrapped about the circumference of a cotton module formed in the chamber. Located within the inlet in front of the lower front gate roll is a rake-like cotton bunching eliminator which operates to prevent cotton from bunching prior to being fed onto the circumference of a rotating cotton module during the operation of wrapping the module, thus eliminating the formation of lumps on the circumference of the module.
US08069635B2 Packaging machine
Methods for forming packages from a web of preformed bags. In one exemplary method of forming packages from a web of preformed bags, a first bag is held open with air. A product is loaded into the first bag that is held open with air. An opening of the first bag is sealed. A next bag is indexed such that an opening of the next bag is proximate to an engagement member. The web is engaged with the engagement member to pre-open the next bag. The web is disengaged by the engagement member. The next bag is opened with air for loading.
US08069634B2 Lifting system and apparatus for constructing and enclosing wind turbine towers
An apparatus and method for mounting a wind turbine and blade assembly on the upper end of a wind turbine tower. In one aspect the apparatus generally includes a ginpole that is used to assemble the tower and a lifting frame or truss that is removably secured to a top bay assembly of the tower using the ginpole. The lifting frame or truss is operated using either cables or hydraulic rams and extends fore of the tower when the frame or truss is in a first position and generally above the tower when in a second position. When in the first position, a wind turbine or blade assembly can be hoisted to the top of the tower. The wind turbine or blade assembly is then moved into position for mounting to the tower as the frame or truss is pivoted to a second position. When the turbine and blade assembly are secured to the tower, the frame or truss is disconnected from the tower and lowered to the ground followed by the ginpole being lowered to the ground.
US08069628B2 Ring furnaces with improved expansion joints and bricks designed to build it
The invention relates to ring furnaces of which at least one of the inner partitions is formed by a plurality of bricks made of refractory material including at least a first brick and a second brick placed above or below a third brick and separated from one another by a space of width J, in which the first brick has at least one recess on its assembly face opposite the third brick, the third brick has at least one projection on its assembly face facing the first brick, wherein the projection is inserted into the recess, the dimension E of said recess in the longitudinal direction of the partition is greater than the dimension B of said first projection in the same direction, and said recess is positioned at a determined distance Se from the end face adjacent to said space.
US08069626B2 Sanitary platform utilizing a web bracket
This patent pertains to a platform device upon which a person, equipment or both are supported above a ground surface in which the build-up of debris and moisture is impeded. The sanitary platform system is comprised of two or more main rails having square cross-sections that are on diamond and are side-by-side with a space between the main rails; one or more standard web brackets comprised of a plate, two or more tabs and a perimeter defining an opening for receiving a main rail on diamond which are mounted in spaced-apart relation along the length of each of the main rails; two or more vertical legs supporting each of the main rails above the ground surface, and one or more deck plates welded to the tabs of the standard web bracket.
US08069624B1 Pocketformer assembly for a post-tension anchor system
A pocketformer apparatus for post-tension construction has an anchor member with an interior passageway, a tubular member extending into the interior passageway, a cup member with an interior opening in which the tubular member extends through the interior opening, and a securement member affixed adjacent the opposite end of the tubular member from the anchor body. The interior passageway has a threaded portion. The tubular member has a first end retained in the threaded portion. The tubular member has the second end extending outwardly of a side of the anchor body opposite the threaded portion. The cup member is interposed between the securement member and the anchor member. A form board is interposed between the cup member and the securement member. The threaded portion is an internal thread formed on an non-tapered portion of the interior passageway.
US08069617B2 Debris deflection devices
This invention related to the field of drains and rain gutters typically attached to a house or commercial building. This invention describes gutter inserts that block, or deflect vegetation and other debris from entering rain gutters.
US08069616B2 Method for mounting a motor vehicle door lock
A motor vehicle door and to a motor vehicle door lock and a method for mounting the motor vehicle door lock in a motor vehicle door, the motor vehicle door lock having an inside locking lever, and when installed, being located in a hollow space of the door and coupled to an inside safety element via a connecting rod that extends through a passage opening in an inside wall segment of the door body. To facilitate installation, the connecting rod is formed of two segments, a lower connecting rod segment extending through the passage opening and being connected to a an upper connecting rod segment at a location that is outside of the hollow space in proximity to the passage opening.
US08069615B2 Supported hollow seal
A hollow seal for use in sealing between relatively movable first and second panels, such as between a fixed window panel and a slidable window panel of a rear window of a pick-up truck or the like. The hollow seal has an internal geometry that supports an outside layer or portion of the seal under pressurization to prevent leakage and seal blowout. The outside portion is shaped to provide a pair of laterally spaced-apart sealing lips that have a pressure-activated sealing geometry for tight sealing against the panels when under pressurization.
US08069614B2 Sealing strip and vehicle frame assembly
The present invention relates to an improved retention sealing strip (10) that improves the ease of assembly, and reduces manufacturing costs. The sealing strip (10) includes a retention section (28) having an upper hub (50), a first retention leg (54) positioned forward of the upper hub (50), a second retention leg (62) rearward (e.g., positioned at an inner-side of a vehicle cabin) of the first retention leg (54), an upper recess (52) positioned rearward of the upper hub (50), and a lower recess (58) positioned between the first and second retention legs (54, 62 respectively). The sealing strip (10) also includes a sealing section (30) integrally formed with the retention section (28).
US08069613B2 Mullion assembly for double door
A mullion assembly (10) includes a top mounting block (92) attached to a top beam (24) of a door frame (22). A bottom mounting block (108) is mounted on a floor (20) spaced from the top beam (24) in a vertical direction. A post (40) is detachably mounted between top and bottom mounting blocks (92, 108). A brace (50) is mounted to a lower end (44) of the post (40). A positioning rod (172) is mounted to the brace (50) and moveable between a locking position and an unlocking position to lock the post (40) between the top and bottom mounting blocks (92, 108). An anchoring rod (214) is mounted to the brace (50) and moveable between an anchoring position and a non-anchoring position, allowing further locking of the post (40) between the top and bottom mounting blocks (92, 108) when the mullion assembly (10) is exposed to a fire.
US08069612B2 Mullion assembly for double door
A mullion assembly (10) includes a top mounting block (92) attached to a top beam (24) of a door frame (22). A bottom mounting block (108) is mounted on a floor (20) spaced from the top beam (24) in a vertical direction. A post (40) is detachably mounted between top and bottom mounting blocks (92, 108). A brace (50) is mounted to a lower end (44) of the post (40). A positioning rod (172) is mounted to the brace (50) and moveable between a locking position and an unlocking position to lock the post (40) between the top and bottom mounting blocks (92, 108). An anchoring rod (214) is mounted to the brace (50) and moveable between an anchoring position and a non-anchoring position, allowing further locking of the post (40) between the top and bottom mounting blocks (92, 108) when the mullion assembly (10) is exposed to a fire.
US08069609B1 Floral arrangement assembly
A floral arrangement assembly for efficiently creating a customizable arrangement of flowers and vases. The floral arrangement assembly generally includes a base unit having a plurality of receptacles, a plurality of tubular members removably positioned within the plurality of receptacles, a plurality of vessels positioned within the plurality of tubular members, and a plurality of retainers for securing the plurality of vessels to the plurality of tubular members. The tubular members and vessels are retained in a substantially upright position. The vessels are adapted to receive and retain a plurality of decorative flowers. The assembly may also be used without the base unit in one embodiment or without the vessels and retainers in another embodiment. The tubular members may additionally hold a plurality of decorative objects below the vessels for added décor. Further, a light may be positioned below the tubular members within the base unit for illuminating the assembly.
US08069603B2 Canting vertical fore grip with bipod
Devices, systems and methods of canting firearms such as rifles relative to fore grip having extendable and expanded legs. One version allows for a rocking and canting of the firearm by pivotally attaching an upper portion of the expanded legs. Another version allows for a separate canting member to be clamped to both the upper portion of a vertical fore grip and to the lower mounting rail of the firearm. The canting member has portions that cant (move to the left or to the right) relative to one another. An operator can cant the firearm in a free-state or to fixed positions as desired.
US08069599B2 Double bridged tag
A tag comprising: a hang tab body; a hang tab; a ratchet; a cutting channel; a guide channel; and, a tail, the tail comprising teeth and at least one knob. The tail may be fed through the guide channel and the cutting channel into the ratchet, thereby allowing the ratchet to engage the teeth, which in turn prevents the tail from being disengaged from the ratchet, thereby securing the tag to a product. The product may be easily released by severing the portion of the tag in the cutting channel. The cutting channel can also provide a guide which helps to prevent damaging the product as the tag is remove.
US08069598B2 Adjustable display board system
An adjustable display board system comprises a display board, first and second grippers, first and second racks, and a handle. The first and second grippers are coupled to the display and include a plurality of teeth. The first and second racks are mounted to a rigid structure and include a plurality of teeth generally greater than the number of teeth of the first and second grippers. The teeth of the first and second grippers mesh with the teeth of the first and second racks to maintain the vertical position of the display board. The handle is pushed to disengage the grippers from the racks and allow vertical motion of the display board. The adjustable display board system also comprises a display board, a linear actuator unit, and one or more pivot arms. The linear actuator unit includes a movable actuator rod and is coupled to the one or more pivot arms, which in turn is coupled to the display board. Motion of the actuator rod is converted to raising and lowering of the display board.
US08069596B2 Stand for an information panel
In the case of a stand for an information sign (2), the support (1) used for the information sign (2) is an L-shaped metal strip which is releasably connected to a base part, ensuring the stability of the stand, and, at its top end, has a pivot pin (14) and coupling discs (22, 23) which are provided with locking protrusions (20) and locking recesses (21), by means of which the information sign (2) can be arrested in different positions.
US08069592B2 Heavy equipment vehicle for laying pipe
The present invention is a heavy equipment vehicle for laying pipe, such as a modified excavator. The vehicle includes an undercarriage with a tracks for moving, an excavator cab mounted to the undercarriage by a rotating platform, a counterweight mounted to the cab, a boom having a first arm and a second arm, two pipe hoists, and an excavator tool attachment. The excavator tool attachment can be a bucket, scoop, grapple, a pulverizer, claw or a hammer of an excavator. Each arm of the vehicle has a pipe hoist attached to an underside thereof. The pipe hoist element is a two-block hoist with a top block and a bottom block with a hook extending downward, and a winch with line connecting to the two-block hoist, such that the line lowers and raises a hook connected to a harness of a pipe. The boom can also have stabilizer attachments.
US08069591B2 Multi-purpose bucket arrangement
A multi-purpose attachment for work vehicles comprises a unique bucket shape and tine arrangement permitting the attachment to be used when performing a variety of jobs at a job site. The attachment may also include a thumb that can be extended over the open front of the bucket, retracted and even folded when not in use.
US08069590B2 Snow plow having limiting member
A snow plow for attachment to a vehicle, the snow plow including a mounting apparatus having a mounting frame, the mounting frame including at least one mounting upright. The snow plow further including a plow blade having a retention apparatus constructed and arranged to slidlingly and disengageably secure the plow blade to the mounting upright(s) when the plow blade is in a working orientation. The mounting upright includes a limiting member that limits upward movement of the retention member when the plow blade is in a working orientation such that the retention member is secured on the mounting upright. The preferred snow plow may also include an attachment member located on the mounting apparatus, wherein the plow blade retention member may be removably secured within the attachment member when the plow blade is in a non-working orientation.
US08069587B2 Molded insulated shoe footbed and method of making an insulated footbed
A shoe footbed 10 made by first molding a shape-retaining layer 12 into a contoured condition. After the shape-retaining layer 12 has been molded, a layer of thermal insulation 14 is placed on top of the molded layer 12. A conforming layer 16 and a fabric top layer 18 may be placed over the thermal insulation 14 and the shape-retaining layer 12. The inventive method of manufacture is particularly suited for making insulated footbeds that contain nonwoven webs of polymeric microfiber because damage to the fibrous web from heat and compression may be avoided.
US08069580B2 Measuring device for determining a position and/or a speed
A measuring device for determining a position and/or a speed includes a scale having marks arranged at spacings from one another, and a scanning head, with the scale and the scanning head being arranged for movement relative to one another along a movement direction. The scanning head is constructed to determine a first spacing of the scanning head in the movement direction relative to a first one of the marks, and a second spacing of the scanning head in the movement direction relative to a second one of the marks, with the position and/or the speed being determined on the basis of the first spacing and the second spacing.
US08069578B1 Laser tool mounting assembly and method of use
A laser mounting assembly for mounting a laser tool to a mounting surface such as a wall to adjacent to an end of a mounted first molding segment and orienting the laser tool to project a beam of light from a point aligned with a longitudinal edge of the first molding segment along the mounting surface to locate and permit marking of the position of a second molding segment longitudinal edge includes a laser tool distal end for mounting to a support surface and having a laser tool proximal end. The laser mounting assembly includes a mounting plate for securing to a mounting surface; and includes a backing panel for fastening to the laser tool distal end, such as with adhesive, the backing panel having a direction indicator along the panel periphery which extends laterally to an extent that it is visible to an observer at the laser tool proximal end. A method of assembly use is also provided.
US08069577B1 Optical sight device
An optical sight having a reference housing having a reference housing aperture formed therein; at least one reference point positioned within the reference housing aperture; an eclipsed ring having an eclipsed ring aperture formed therein; wherein the eclipsed ring includes a pivot aperture formed therein, wherein the eclipsed ring is pivotably coupled, via a pivot pin extending through the pivot aperture, to the reference housing such that the eclipsed ring may pivot relative to the reference housing and such that the eclipsed ring naturally pivots to a predetermined position, and wherein the eclipsed ring is pivotably coupled such that a first side surface of the eclipsed ring faces generally towards a second side surface of the reference housing; and at least one surface preparation on the first side surface of the eclipsed ring, wherein the surface preparation is visually distinguishable from a surface of the reference housing aperture.
US08069576B2 Vehicle wheel alignment measuring method and apparatus
A vehicle wheel alignment measuring method and apparatus capable of measuring wheel alignment of a vehicle body with high accuracy without wheels mounted in an assembly line. A dummy wheel (10) is mounted on a wheel mounting portion (6) on which a wheel is not mounted. Subsequently, with a vehicle body supported, a wheel mounting portion elevating means (8) elevates the wheel mounting portion (6) via the dummy wheel (10). Thereafter, an alignment measuring means (9) measures wheel alignment for the wheel mounting portion (6) on which the dummy wheel (10) is mounted.
US08069573B2 Pruning hook with two operation modes
A pruning hook includes an extension shank (30), a blade unit (10) including a fixed blade (12) mounted on the extension shank and a movable blade (13) pivotally connected with the fixed blade, a driving cord (15) connected with the movable blade, a slide (16) connected with the driving cord, a pull cord (20) connected with the slide, a control member (40) movably mounted on the extension shank and connected with a first end (21) of the pull cord, and a pulling member (50) movable relative to the extension shank and connected with a second end (22) of the pull cord. Thus, the blade unit is driven by the control member or the pulling member so that the blade unit has two operation modes to facilitate a user operating the pruning hook to perform a cutting action.
US08069570B2 Knife sheath
A knife and sheath for housing the knife, the sheath including a light, an actuator for activating the light, and finger openings, with the knife being withdrawn from the sheath to permit the fingers of the user to be inserted through the finger receiving openings and enable a thumb of the user to be positioned on the actuator for selective activation and de-activation of the light emitting device.
US08069569B2 Utility knife
A handle for a utility knife includes a housing made up of two or more portions. In one embodiment, a manually operable member for use in releasing the blade is retained to at least one portion of the housing and does not become separated from the housing when the housing is in an open state. In another embodiment, a catch for engaging the blade extends from a support member that is slidably movable within the housing. In another embodiment, the housing is formed of metal and a nose portion is formed of a metal that is more wear resistant than the rest of the housing, in order to improve the durability of the nose portion. In another embodiment, a bail screw is captured on a first housing portion and threadedly engageable with a second housing portion for (i) releasably securing the first and second housing portions in a fully closed state and, in turn, releasably securing a blade within the blade opening, and (ii) manually positioning at least one of the first and second housing portions in at least one intermediate state between the fully closed state and a fully opened state to, in turn, permit the blade to be manually moved through the blade opening.
US08069566B2 Operating method for improving the running behavior of gearwheels and burnishing device for performing the method
An operating method improves the running behavior of gearwheels negatively noticed upon gearwheel testing and is performed by a burnishing device. The gearwheels that were rejected from the production process may be optimized rapidly and in a targeted way so that they may be returned back into the production process. The tooth flanks of a gearwheel to be machined are, in a first method step, mechanically freed of particles adhering to the surfaces of the tooth flanks or slight protrusions protruding therefrom using a first gearwheel machining tool having a machining wheel coated with an abrasive agent. Subsequently, in a second method step in a second gearwheel machining tool known as a burnishing machine, the gearwheel is chucked between gearwheel-shaped rolling tools, the so-called burnishing wheels, and rolled without material abrasion.
US08069565B2 Method of forming a nozzle chamber incorporating an ink ejection paddle and nozzle chamber rim
A method of forming a nozzle chamber of a printhead includes steps of forming a first laminate of sacrificial layers on a substrate, the first laminate of sacrificial layers being formed as a ring on the substrate; photoimaging the first laminate of sacrificial layers to cause edges thereof to angle inwards, forming an approximate trapezoidal cross-section; depositing a TiN layer over the first laminate of sacrificial layer and the substrate, the TiN layer being inclined at portions deposited over the inwardly angled edges; etching the TiN layer to form a paddle and a nozzle chamber rim, the paddle incorporating an inner inclined portion and the nozzle chamber rim incorporating a complementary outer inclined portion, the paddle and nozzle rim defining an aperture therebetween; and removing the one or more sacrificial layers.
US08069558B2 Method for manufacturing substrate having built-in components
A method for manufacturing a substrate having built-in components prevents a short circuit caused by the spread of solder or conductive adhesive. Land regions to connect a circuit component and a wetting prevention region surrounding the land regions are formed on one primary surface of a metal foil. Terminal electrodes of the circuit component are electrically connected to the land regions using solder, and an uncured resin is disposed on and pressure bonded to the metal foil and the circuit component, so that a resin layer in which the circuit component is embedded is formed. Subsequently, a wiring pattern is formed by processing the metal foil. The wetting prevention region is a region obtained by roughening or oxidizing one primary surface of the metal foil so as to reduce solder wettability.
US08069556B2 Cable harness production system
A cable harness production system includes an electronic controller and at least one installation plate to which a plurality of mounting stations is fastened. Each of the mounting stations supports a receptacle for a functional element, which is directly connected to at least one cable harness or is shaped as a cable installation aid, such as a fork. In at least one mounting station, at least one electronic transmitter is integrated with a test sensor which can be activated by the mounting of a functional element, or by the insertion of a cable into the cable installation aid, so that a test message, as an electric wave, can be emitted and can be received and evaluated by the electronic controller.
US08069553B2 Method for constructing a dipole antenna
A method of fabricating a microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The fabrication method includes providing a proximal portion having an inner conductor and an outer conductor, the inner conductor extending at least partially therein. The method further includes providing a distal portion disposed distally of the proximal portion, with the inner conductor extending at least partially therein. A high strength material may be injected from an inflow slot to an outflow slot of the distal portion such that the material is disposed in-between the inner conductor and a ceramic layer. The material bonds the distal portion and the ceramic layer to the proximal portion while providing mechanical strength to the distal portion.
US08069550B2 Method for providing tooth halves with removable tooth tips for an electrical machine
In a method for constructing a linear motor, each tooth of a plurality of teeth is provided with two separate tooth halves with removable tooth tips. After removing the tooth tips to expose an open end of the tooth halves, a prewound coil is pushed over the open end of the two tooth halves of each tooth up to an end position, and a magnet is inserted between the two tooth halves of each tooth. The tooth halves have a thickness between the open end and the end position which does not exceed a thickness of the tooth halves at the end position.
US08069542B1 Interleaved interdigitated transducers
The present invention provides an interleaved IDT that is connected to and overlaps adjacent IDTs. In particular, the interleaved IDT may be connected to both an input IDT and an output IDT via corresponding bus bars. The first bus bar of the interleaved IDT is connected to the bus bar of the input IDT, and the other bus bar of the interleaved IDT is connected to a bus bar of the output IDT. The interleaved IDT is coupled electrically to the respective input and output ports of the overall surface acoustic wave architecture. As such, the bus bars of the respective input and output IDTs are effectively extended, such that the adjacent edges of the respective input and output IDTs partially overlap one another in an interdigitated fashion at the interleaved IDT.
US08069541B2 Device for needling a nonwoven web
The invention relates to a device for needling a nonwoven web having on the base thereof at least one needle bar comprising a needle board having a plurality of needles. The needle bar is held by a bar carrier on which a vertical drive engages for oscillating motion of the bar carrier for an up and down movement. A superimposed horizontal drive is also associated with the bar carrier, by which a back-and-forth movement is induced. The horizontal drive has two eccentric drives coupled to a horizontal guide. The eccentric drives are each formed by a connecting rod and a crankshaft coupled to a connecting head of the connecting rod. According to the invention, the connecting rods are coupled to the horizontal guide with the connecting rod ends thereof in a diagonal orientation, the center axes of the connecting rods forming an angle.
US08069538B2 Apparatus and method for securely yet removably attaching ornaments to shoes, clothing, pet collars and the like
A decorative charm and fastener system and its method for use upon an item to be worn by the user or a pet animal; the item to be worn may be a shoe, an item of clothing (including shirts, hats and caps, or the like), or a pet collar. The fundamental embodiment features a charm part and a base part that may be connected together on opposite sides of the item to be worn, with the item situated between the base part and the charm part. The system also includes an elastically compressible washer member that is placed upon the charm part. The compressible washer promotes a secure, yet temporary, connection between the charm part and base part when those respective parts are installed upon an item. Assortments of different charms thus are interchangeable for temporary attachment to the base part. Specialized alternative versions of the apparatus are disclosed for use upon the shoelaces of a shoe, as a pet collar. A variety of decorations accordingly may selectively be used in combination with a shoe, pet collar, or other item.
US08069526B2 Over-the-hand cleaning device having independently-movable cleaning tool
An over-the-hand cleaning device is described herein that comprises at least one finger portion, a cleaning surface and a rotatable member including at least one cleaning tool.
US08069525B2 Roller brush and method for production thereof
In a process for the production of a roll brush the first step consists of extruding a retaining profile 2 of plastic, which through the fill 3 with bristles forms a strip brush 1 as an intermediate product, the strip brush 1 being subsequently helically wound on a winding mandrel 4 with the adjoining side faces 6,7 of the retaining profiles 2 being glued or fused to form a roll brush.
US08069522B2 In-situ bwr and pwr CRUD flake analysis method and tool
The invention provides a method and tool to perform an analysis of CRUD on a nuclear fuel rod. The method recites providing a nuclear fuel rod with a layer of CRUD on an exterior of the fuel rod, scraping the CRUD from the fuel rod with a CRUD scraping tool and collecting CRUD flakes from the CRUD scraping tool. The method also provides for sorting the CRUD flakes into particle fractions, and analyzing the CRUD with a scanning electron microscope, wherein the scraping tool has a blade with a rigidity that is matched to an anticipated CRUD deposit shear strength.
US08069518B2 Boarding bridge, boarding bridge system, and method for mounting the boarding bridge
A boarding bridge includes a rotunda connected to a terminal building and rotatable around a vertical axis thereof; an extendable tunnel section connected to the rotunda at one end thereof; and a cab connected to the other end of the tunnel section and rotatable around a vertical axis thereof. The tunnel section is structured to extend generally parallel to a fuselage of an aircraft when the cab is attached to the aircraft. The cab includes a floor extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the tunnel section, and a gangplank which is arranged to be projectable forward from a portion of the floor, and by projecting forward, defines a path connecting the floor and a hatch of the aircraft.
US08069513B2 Patient support apparatus having auto contour
A patient support apparatus comprises a frame, at least one drop rail coupled to the frame and tiltable relative to the frame, a seat section supported by the at least one drop rail to tilt therewith, a thigh section coupled to the seat section, a head section coupled to the frame and coupled to the at least one drop rail, and a linkage coupled to the head section and coupled to the thigh section. Raising and lowering of the head section results in tilting of the at least one drop rail relative to the frame. The linkage has a first mode of operation in which the seat and thigh sections remain substantially parallel as the at least one drop rail tilts. The linkage has a second mode of operation in which the thigh section tilts relative to the seat section as the at least one drop rail tilts.
US08069500B2 Urinal apparatus including a simulated golf club
A portable urinal includes a simulated golf club and a privacy shield, allowing the urinal to be used in a secluded part of a golf course while appearing to practice a golf swing. In one embodiment, the simulated golf club includes an elongated sealed receptacle for holding urine. In another embodiment, the elongated sealed receptacle is formed within a canister attached to the simulated golf club, which may be an actual golf club.
US08069498B2 Protective arrangement
A protective arrangement has a rigid shell to cover a body part and at least one impact absorbing pad removably attached to the inner surface of the rigid shell. The pad has an outer part made of an outer curved sheet and an inner part made of an inner sheet that is parallel to and spaced inwardly from the outer sheet to define a space. The inner and outer sheets have a plurality of spaced apart projecting hollow protrusions extending to the other sheet, the protrusions of one sheet alternating with the protrusions of the other sheet to form an impact absorbing pattern of alternating protrusions in the space between the sheets.
US08069494B2 Puncture and cut resistant material
The invention is a garment that is made from an elastic and puncture resistant material that provides protection to the wearer against shark attacks. The garment includes at least one elastic base layer, a plurality of protective elements that overlap each other to form a protective layer, and a fabric layer to join the elastic material and the protective element against each other. The protective elements are rigid, but configured in such a way to maintain flexibility in the overall garment.