最新美国发明专利第2012-01-24期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US08100657B2	Steam turbine rotating blade for a low pressure section of a steam turbine engine A steam turbine rotating blade for a low pressure section of a steam turbine engine is disclosed. The steam turbine rotating blade includes an airfoil portion. A root section is attached to one end of the airfoil portion. A dovetail section projects from the root section, wherein the dovetail section includes a tangential entry dovetail. A tip section is attached to the airfoil portion at an end opposite from the root section. A cover is integrally formed as part of the tip section. The blade includes an exit annulus area of about 18.1 ft2 (1.68 m2) or greater.
US08100656B2	Fan apparatus for a cooking device A fan apparatus for a cooking device is provided having a fan impeller that is held on a drive shaft of a rotary drive by its hub and is pressed against a stop of the drive shaft in an axial direction by a screw nut. In order to ensure that the fan impeller is securely held on the drive shaft, the screw nut exerts a pressing force on the fan impeller in a radial direction.
US08100655B2	Method of machining airfoil root fillets An airfoil root fillet having a predetermined compound curve profile can be flank milled with a single flank milling cutter having a generally conical flank milling portion and a rounded tip portion defining a compound curve.
US08100653B2	Gas-turbine blade featuring a modular design A gas-turbine blade has a root 5 and an airfoil 2, with the airfoil 2 including an internal load carrier 6 as well as an airfoil element 8 enclosing the internal load carrier 6 by forming a cavity 7 extending along the longitudinal blade axis. The load carrier 6 is designed as a central element without cooling ducts and cooling air is introduced into the cavity 7 via the root 5.
US08100651B2	Stabilizing apparatus for vertical axis wind turbine A stabilizing apparatus for a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) includes at least two rolling units, at least two guiding units and at least an engaging unit engaged with the guiding units to fix the relative position among the guiding units. The guiding units are symmetrically extending from the center area of the apparatus to the outer edge of the circumference of the apparatus with a housing space formed inside each guiding unit. The rolling units are uniformly housed inside the housing space of the guiding units. The inner wall of the bottom of the housing space inside the guiding unit forms a guiding track extending from the center of the apparatus to the edge of the circumference of the apparatus. The straight line connecting the starting and the ending points of the guiding track forms an angle of 0-45° to the horizon surface.
US08100649B2	Ceiling fan with rotary blade surface light In a ceiling fan having a blade surface light, an annular blade surface light including a plurality of LEDs that are light emitters that are continuously placed is secured on a circumference that connects sides near tips of a plurality of rotary blades of the ceiling fan, and the light emitters are lit by a lighting controller only when they are in a predetermined range on a rotation reference circumference. LED devices housing the LEDs that are the light emitters and that are provided with cooling fins are housed in an annular LED case, and the LED case is secured to the rotary blades. Thus, the LEDs radiate heat from the cooling fins provided in the LED devices by rotation of the rotary blades, and they are intermittently lit and extinguished to prevent a temperature increase. The LEDs only in the predetermined range are lit, thereby preventing any uncomfortable feeling when LEDs are caused to flash.
US08100642B2	Centrifugal blower A centrifugal blower includes a housing (10), a cover (30) arranged on the housing, and an impeller (20) received in a space (25) formed between the housing and the cover. The housing includes a bottom wall (11) and a sidewall (12) surrounding the bottom wall. The sidewall defines an air outlet (121) therein. The sidewall and the impeller cooperatively define an air channel (24) therebetween. The cover includes a main body (31) and a tongue (32) extending from the main body. The tongue is a V-shaped flake and adjacent to the air outlet. The tongue extends into the air channel and protrudes toward the impeller.
US08100641B2	Steam turbine having stage with buckets of different materials A steam turbine having a stage including buckets of different material. For example, a set of first buckets may be made of a first material and a set of second buckets may be made of a second material, where the first material is different than the second material.
US08100637B2	Double suction type centrifugal fan A double inlet centrifugal fan includes an impeller and fan inlet port. The impeller has a main plate connected to the drive shaft in a fan casing, fan side plates, and a plurality of blades between the main plate and each of the fan side plates. The fan inlet port has an opening corresponding to the inner diameter of the blades. The blades on the side of the larger pressure loss in the suction air passage to the fan inlet port have a smaller inner diameter than the blades on the side of the smaller pressure loss. This equalizes the total pressure increase in the blades along the drive shaft, resulting in a compact double inlet centrifugal fan capable of supplying the required air flow.
US08100635B2	Control of clearance at blade tips in a high-pressure turbine of a turbine engine A turbine stage in a turbine engine, including a wheel with blades rotating inside a sealing ring held by a casing of the turbine, and an annular thermal protection sheet mounted between the casing and the sealing ring is disclosed. The annular thermal protection sheet is formed by a plurality of curved plates mounted end-to-end and attached by pins to the casing.
US08100630B2	Fluid flow machine with multi-flow rotor arrangement A fluid flow machine includes at least one casing 1 and at least one rotor drum 3 rotatable about a machine axis 4, with stator vanes 8 and rotor blades 7 being arranged in an annulus duct 2 formed between the casing 1 and the rotor drum 3 The annulus duct 2 is divided into an outer annular duct 5 and an inner annular duct 6 by at least one annular flow divider 11, in each of which rotor blades 7 and stator vanes 8 are arranged Outer rotor blades 7a, which are arranged in the outer annular duct 5, are rotatable at a different speed than the inner rotor blades 7b, which are arranged in the inner annular duct 6.
US08100628B2	Method for controlling a wind energy plant The present invention is related to a method for controlling a wind energy plant, with a nacelle disposed on a tower and with a rotor with at least one rotor blade, the blade adjustment angle of which can be adjusted by means of a blade adjustment equipment. The objective to provide a reduction of the loads acting on the plant when there is a malfunction of the blade adjustment equipment is resolved according to the present invention in that the function of the blade adjustment equipment is monitored, and when an error of the blade adjustment equipment occurs, the nacelle is rotated from an operating position into a rest position, in which there is a flow of the wind against the surface extended by the at least one rotor blade (4) in a rotation of the rotor which is reduced with respect to the operating position.
US08100625B2	Conveyor trailer A conveyor trailer includes a trailer and a conveyor system. The conveyor system includes one or more belts movably mounted in the trailer. At least one bulkhead is connected to the belts. The bulkhead includes a drive assembly. At least one drive element is mounted in the trailer and is configured to engage the drive assembly to move the bulkhead and the belts connected thereto forwardly and/or rearwardly in the trailer.
US08100622B2	Articulated lift arm An articulated lift aim assembly for a refuse receptacle generally includes an engaging device for releasably grasping the receptacle, an extendable boom along with an articulated arm mechanism interconnecting the book and the engaging device. A gear arrangement provides for coupling the boom and the arm for raising the arm mechanism with respect to the boom, rotating the arm mechanism with respect to the boom during raising of the arm mechanism and inverting the engaging device and receptacle during raising of the arm mechanism. A gravity operated hook is provided for latching the receptacle when the receptacle is inverted to prevent undesired release from the engaging device.
US08100619B2	Corner-cut corrugated fastener A corner-cut corrugated fastener in accordance with the principles of the invention includes one or more features to facilitate fastening corner joints. The corrugated fastener includes a corrugated body member having a leading edge and a trailing edge opposite the leading edge. The corrugated body member may have a notch along the trailing edge, or chamfers at opposing ends of the leading edge, or both a notch along the trailing edge and chamfers at opposing ends of the leading edge. Additionally or alternatively, the corrugated body member may include a corrugation that extends a full length of each lateral edge extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge in order to provide enhanced strength.
US08100617B2	Fastener system with frangible member A fastener system having a threaded shaft and a threaded body assembly. The threaded body assembly includes first and second bodies each having a threaded bore. A frangible member couples the two bodies together in an initial configuration. The two bodies are threaded onto the shaft in their initial configuration and, after one of the bodies has reached its final position on the shaft, the other body can be rotated relative to the one body and the threaded shaft thereby severing the frangible member and bringing engagement surfaces on the two bodies into bearing contact to inhibit loosening. The two bodies include recesses in their respective engagement surfaces. At least one of these recesses provides a space in which a stub of the frangible member is received when the two bodies are engaged together. The fastener system can be employed with the locking mechanism of an adjustable steering column assembly.
US08100616B2	Clinch nut to prevent corrosion A clinch nut is used to attach a first panel and a second panel with a space therebetween for accepting a liquid primer. The body has a nut face for abutting a first panel and a threaded aperture through the nut body for receiving a threaded bolt. The nut face has grooves into which the first panel is deformed to clinch the nut body to the first panel. An abutment rises from the nut face a distance greater than the thickness of the first panel so that upon the bolting of the second panel to the first panel by the insertion of the threaded bolt into the threaded aperture of the nut body, the second panel will be spaced from the first panel by the abutment thereby assuring that the liquid primer can flow between the first and second panels.
US08100615B1	Load securing and moving apparatus for a truck bed A load securing and moving device for a truck bed provides a slide rail affixed to each opposing inner side of the truck bed proximate an upper edge of each inner side. A sliding gate block carried on each slide rail communicates with an endless loop moving device carried inside a channel defined by each slide rail to move the sliding gate block along the length of each slide rail. A drive shaft communicates between the first slide rail and the second slide rail to transfer motion therebetween. A hand crank communicating with the endless loop moving device within the channel provides for forward and rearward movement of sliding gate blocks along the slide rails. A gate removably engages with and extends between the two sliding gate blocks providing a load securing and moving apparatus within the truck bed.
US08100614B2	Dual use transport vehicle A transport vehicle includes a chassis (4) with wheels (5), a load compartment (3) on the chassis with a load floor (7), longitudinal side walls (6) extending upwardly with respect to the load floor, a bulkhead (9) at the front, at least one load door (10) at the back, and a roof (8). A mezzanine floor (12) is provided in the load compartment above the load floor, lifting elements (18-25) which cooperate with the mezzanine floor for adjusting the height thereof with respect to the load floor, and a closed flexible bag (13) for containing a fluid, the bag having a lower surface (14) and an upper surface (15), the lower surface being supported in the load compartment and the upper surface being freely supported above the lower surface in dependence on the contents of the bag. The flexible bag (13) is positioned on top of the mezzanine floor (12).
US08100612B2	Core drill To provide a user-friendly core drill which, when forming a large-diameter cut hole by the core drill with respect to an object to be drilled, such as concrete, is able to easily form, for example, a chamfered portion or a countersunk portion with respect to an opening end portion of the cut hole. In a core drill comprising a base body including a shank and a drill core body including a drill cutting blade, a connection opening portion of the drill core body being attached to the base body, the connection opening portion of the drill core body is provided with a concave portion forming member including a large-diameter hole cutting blade, and the large-diameter hole cutting blade is provided outside the drill cutting blade in a radial direction of the connection opening portion.
US08100611B2	Stringer crawler A self-contained crawler assembly is engageable to a stringer and is adapted to position a drill bushing along the stringer for performing machining operations. The crawler assembly includes a longitudinal slider, a lateral slider and a controller for regulating operation of the longitudinal and lateral sliders for positioning the drill bushing at a hole location. In a further embodiment, the crawler assembly may include a longitudinal friction drive which is directly engageable to the stringer and which is operative to move in a direction parallel to the stringer.
US08100589B2	Optical module and optical waveguide An optical module includes an optical waveguide including a waveguide core through which light propagates and a clad configured to trap the light in the waveguide core, and a circuit board on which a surface-type optical element is mounted. The optical waveguide further includes a reflective surface from which an end face of the waveguide core is exposed, the reflective surface being provided on an inclined face at one end face of the optical waveguide core in an extending direction of the waveguide core, and an element mount opening provided in the clad such as to be opposite from the reflective surface, the element mount opening having a size such as to contain the optical element. The optical waveguide is mounted on the circuit board while the optical element is contained in the element mount opening and is aligned with the reflective surface of the optical waveguide.
US08100585B2	Wireless enabled device The invention described herein provides an embedded wireless device such as a RFID tag molded into separate housing formed of any thermoplastic material compatible to that of the plastic material as the device to which the housing is to be attached. Subsequently, the housed tag assembly can be thermally bonded onto the device through many means which are well known and accepted in the industry.
US08100584B2	Voltage measurement in an imaging system Methods and systems are generally described for measuring a voltage used by an imaging system to generate radiation used in imaging. In embodiments, different datasets are acquired using different degrees of attenuation of the radiation. The differently attenuated datasets are processed to derive a ratio of the differential attenuation. The attenuation ratio is processed to derive a measure of the voltage used by the imaging system to generate the radiation used to acquire the different datasets.
US08100582B1	Temperature probe A temperature probe for measuring the temperature of an airstream containing ice particles includes a fin which is positioned upstream of a temperature sensor. The fin causes the ice particles to be directed away from the temperature sensor. Both the fin and the temperature sensor are disposed in an unsheltered location where they are directly exposed to the airstream.
US08100581B2	Method of determining the presence of a mineral within a material The invention relates generally to a method of determining the presence of a mineral within a material, such as a rock, a rock fragment, soil, sand or other geological material including: applying pulsed microwave radiation to the material; detecting radiation emitted from the material after the application of the pulsed microwave radiation; and analysing the detected radiation to determine the presence of mineral within the material. The invention also provides a method of sorting rock fragments into at least two streams using this method and an apparatus for carrying out the method.
US08100579B2	Thermally compensating balance wheel A balance wheel having a thermally adjustable moment of inertia is described. In one aspect, the balance wheel includes radially movable compensation portions formed of shape memory material exhibiting a two-way memory effect. The radius of gyration of the balance wheel is therefore adjustable with temperature to compensate for thermoelastic effects in a balance spring attached to the balance wheel. In another aspect, a thermally stable balance wheel includes dynamically adjusting appendages whose expansion or contraction with temperature relative to the balance wheel cause change in its moment of inertia. The invention can compensate for both ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’ thermoelastic spring behavior.
US08100577B2	Fluid blending apparatus and associated method An apparatus and method for blending a predetermined fluid with a main fluid wherein a source of a predetermined fluid is mixed with a main fluid. The predetermined fluid flows through an inlet of a positive displacement pump assembly and transferred to a mixing chamber through an outlet of the positive displacement pump assembly. A turbine blade assembly located within the mixing chamber is used to mix a main fluid flowing into the mixing chamber with the predetermined fluid for eventual dispensing through an outlet in the mixing chamber when desired.
US08100576B2	Method and apparatus for preparation of granulated material An apparatus for preparing samples of granulated material comprises an upper vessel having a floor including a plurality of planks, slots between each plank, and an open ceiling to allow passing of homogenized material, a lower vessel under the upper vessel and having a plurality of division plates that fit in the slots and form a plurality of compartments which hold samples, a feeder which oscillates over the upper surface of the upper vessel to render a homogenised and representative sample. The method comprises positioning the lower vessel under the upper vessel, feeding material to be sampled through the feeder by an oscillating movement, raising the lower vessel such that the division plates partition the heap of material to form a plurality of samples, removing planks from the upper vessel, thus forcing the plurality of samples to fall toward the compartments, and separating both the vessels to remove the samples.
US08100572B2	Light guide device A light guide device is provided in an embodiment of the invention. The light guide device comprises a light guide plate and a light source provided on a side surface of the light guide plate. A light guide strip is provided on a side surface of the light guide plate intersecting with the side surface provided with the light source. A side surface of the light guide strip facing the light guide plate is a light exit surface of the light guide strip, a side surface of the light guide strip opposite to the light exit surface is a reflective surface of the light guide strip, and an end surface of the light guide strip adjacent to the light source is a light entrance surface of the light guide strip.
US08100569B2	Vehicle headlight A vehicle headlight can include an LED optical unit with a high cooling efficiency. The LED optical unit can include a projector lens, a lens holder including a frame that has a tapered portion, and an LED light source mounted on a base member. The base member can be located in the tapered portion of the frame to define an air flow space between the frame and the base member. The projector lens can be attached to the lens holder so as to face the light source. Cool air can flow from the air flow space towards the light source, and heat generated from the light source can flow toward the upward air flow space. The LED light source can be efficiently radiated even when it is located close to the projector lens. Thus, the vehicle headlight can be used for various vehicles including a small size car.
US08100560B2	Submersible high illumination LED light source A submersible high illumination light source assembly is disclosed, comprising at least one module. A module comprises a heat sink having a front surface and a rear surface. A printed circuit board comprising one or more electrical connections sized and shaped to couple with a plurality of high-illumination light emitting diode (LED) lamps is in thermal communication with the front surface of the heat sink. The plurality of high-illumination LED lamps are coupled in electronic communication with the printed circuit board via the one or more electrical connections. At least one reflector is sized and shaped to accept the insertion of one or more of the plurality of high-illumination LED lamps. A window is in watertight communication with the reflector plate. The submersible high illumination light source assembly operates both when submerged underwater and exposed to air.
US08100558B2	Lighting device and method for making the same A lighting device includes: at least one lighting module including a lead frame and a plurality of light emitting diodes packaged on the lead frame; an upper plate disposed on the lead frame, and having at least one perforated region formed with a plurality of through-holes for extension of the light emitting diodes therethrough, and at least two conductor regions respectively provided on two sides of the perforated region, the conductor regions being connected electrically to the lead frame; a heat sink disposed below the lead frame; and a plurality of fasteners fastening the lighting module to the upper plate and the heat sink such that the heat sink is in tight contact with bottom ends of the light emitting diodes.
US08100556B2	Light fixture with an adjustable optical distribution A light fixture includes a member having a substantially frusto-conical shape. A channel extends between a wide top end of the member and a narrower bottom end of the member. The member includes multiple surfaces (“facets”) disposed around its outer surface. Each facet is configured to receive one or more light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) in a linear or non-linear array. Each facet can be integral to the member or coupled to the member. The channel is configured to transfer heat generated by the LEDs through convection. Fins can be disposed within the channel, extending from the inner surface of the member to an inner channel. The fins are configured to transfer heat away from, and provide a greater surface area for convecting heat away from, the member. For example, one or both of the channels can transfer heat by a venturi effect.
US08100555B2	Lighting apparatus It is a lighting apparatus 10 that has a light emitting element 16, a light emitting element housing 15 having a concave portion 28 that accommodates the light emitting element 16, and an optically transparent member 18 that airproofs a space B formed by the concave portion 28 and transmits light emitted from the light emitting element 16. The concave portion 28 is shaped to become wider toward the optically transparent member 18 from the bottom surface 28A of the concave portion 28. The lighting apparatus 10 is provided with a light shielding member 12 for shielding a part of light emitted from the light emitting element 16 is provided on the optically transparent member 18.
US08100553B2	LED illumination module with large light emitting angle An LED illumination module comprises a plurality of supporters each comprising a bottom plate and a lateral plate extending upwardly and slantwise from the bottom plate, an LED mounted on an outer surface of each of the lateral plates of the supporters, and a lens covering the LED. An inclined angle θ of the lateral plate relative to the bottom plate and a light emitting angle φ of the LED adjusted by the lens covering thereon meet a formula: θ+φ>90°.
US08100551B2	Replacement light fixture and lens assembly for same A replacement light fixture for directing light emitted from a light source toward an area to be illuminated, including a base member upon with the light source is positioned and a reflector assembly detachably secured to a first and second mounting brackets that are mounted to a portion of the preexisting light fixture housing such that a lens portion of the reflector assembly overlies the light source and such that substantially all of the light emitted from the light source passes through the lens portion.
US08100549B2	Illuminating lens, and lighting device, surface light source, and liquid-crystal display apparatus each using the same An illuminating lens includes: a light entrance surface through which light emitted from a light source enters the lens; and a light exit surface through which the light that has entered the lens exits the lens. The light exit surface has: a concave portion intersecting the optical axis; and a convex portion provided around the concave portion to extend continuously from the concave portion. The light exit surface is formed in a shape such that a curvature C of micro-segments of the light exit surface in a cross section including the optical axis has a maximum value at a position outward from the midpoint of the convex portion.
US08100548B2	Direct backlight module supporting apparatus and direct backlight module A direct backlight module supporting apparatus and a direct backlight module are provided. The direct backlight module comprises a backboard, an optical film, at least one light source and at least one direct backlight module supporting apparatus. At least one light source is fixed on the backboard; and at least one direct backlight module supporting apparatus is placed between the backboard and the optical film, wherein the direct backlight module comprises a base and a main body. The base is fixed on the backboard. The main body is a pillar formed on the base. The main body has an opening stretching down from the top of the main body to make a backlight projected to the top of the direct backlight module supporting apparatus. The top of the direct backlight module supporting apparatus supports the optical film.
US08100531B2	Ophthalmoscope including an electronic shutter An opthalmoscope for examining a patient's eye includes an illumination device for generating an illumination beam Illumination imaging optics image the illumination beam onto the eye and a scanning device scans the illumination beam over the eye. The opthalmoscope also includes an observation device and observation imaging optics for imaging an observation beam generated by reflection of the illumination beam from the eye onto the observation device. An electronic shutter excludes stray light from the observation beam. The observation device comprises an electronic sensor with an array of photosensitive pixels that can respectively be activated and/or read out in rows, and the scanning device includes an electronic drive circuit for reading out at least one pixel row of the sensor.
US08100530B2	Optimizing vision correction procedures Example embodiments include a dynamic wavefront sensor, a controllable wavefront offsetting element and a controller that controls the controllable wavefront offsetting element to offset selected non-plane wave aberration components in order to allow remaining non-plane wave aberration components to be more efficiently detected and measured.
US08100527B2	Intermediate vision with phakic multifocal optics utilizing residual accommodations In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of correcting vision, which comprises determining a residual accommodation exhibited by a natural, crystalline lens of an eye, and selecting a multifocal intraocular lens (IOL), which exhibits a far-focus optical power (e.g., in a range of about −15 to about +50 Diopters (D)) and an add power (e.g., in a range of about 1 D to about 4 D), for implantation in the eye while retaining the natural lens. The add power of the IOL is selected as a function of the residual accommodation such that a combination of the IOL and the natural lens provides a visual contrast greater than about 10% at a spatial frequency of about 20 cycles/degree for viewing objects at a distance greater than about 30 cm from the eye.
US08100525B2	Curved lenses configured to decode three-dimensional content on television and computer screens Curved lenses configured to decode three dimensional content and method of fabricating the same. The lenses decode three-dimensional content displayed on televisions or computer monitors. Sheets from which the lenses are cut have either (i) a polarizing axis of 0 degrees relative to horizontal and one sheet has a retarder axis at −45 degrees relative to horizontal and the other sheet has a retarder axis of +45 degrees relative to horizontal; (ii) a polarizing axis of −45 degrees relative to horizontal and one sheet has a retarder axis at 0 degrees relative to horizontal and the other sheet has a retarder axis of 90 degrees relative to horizontal; or (iii) a polarizing axis of +45 degrees relative to horizontal and one sheet has a retarder axis at 0 degrees relative to horizontal and the other sheet has a retarder axis of 90 degrees relative to horizontal.
US08100523B2	Bidirectional media sheet transport apparatus Disclosed is a bidirectional media sheet transport apparatus. The transport apparatus includes one or more belt driven bidirectional nip assemblies aligned to transport one or more media sheets along a bidirectional path. In addition, disclosed are belt tensioning devices to apply multiple tension forces to a belt operatively engaging the one or more bidirectional nip assemblies. Also disclosed is a bidirectional baffle apparatus to enable bidirectional travel of a media sheet from one module to another module.
US08100522B2	Recording apparatus and recording method of recording apparatus A recording apparatus includes: a supporting member that has a supporting surface for supporting a target to which a liquid is ejected; a heating apparatus that heats the supporting member; a transport unit that transports the target from an upstream side of the supporting member to a downstream side while sliding the target on the supporting surface; and a recording unit that, when a direction in which the target supported on the supporting surface is transported is a main scanning direction, repeatedly performs a moving operation in the main scanning direction in which the liquid is ejected to a recording area of the target to perform recording and a moving operation in a sub-scanning direction in which no liquid is ejected, thereby performing recording on the recording area of the target.
US08100518B2	Inkjet printer with resilient connection between printhead cartridge and ink cartridge An inkjet printer that has a printer body, a printhead cartridge for installation in the printer body, the printhead cartridge having a pagewidth inkjet printhead structure with an array of nozzles, a plurality of ink cartridges for supplying ink, each of the ink cartridges having a docking face for engagement with a complementary face partially provided by the printhead cartridge and partially provided by the printer body and, a docking frame with a plurality of resilient connectors form part of fluid paths from the ink cartridges. Longitudinal expansion and contraction of the pagewidth printhead structure relative to the docking frame is accommodated by the resilient connectors.
US08100515B2	Multilayer piezoelectric actuator and liquid discharge head A multilayer piezoelectric actuator and a liquid discharge head are provided which are equipped with dense piezoelectric ceramics having improved insulation performance. The multilayer piezoelectric actuator comprises a multilayered body comprising a plurality of piezoelectric ceramic layers containing a PZT phase as a main crystal phase; and an electrode layer containing Ag, which is disposed at least one of on the surface and in the interior of the multilayered body. A lattice constant c of c-axis of the PZT phase is 0.4085 nm to 0.4100 nm, and a ratio of the lattice constant c of the c-axis of the PZT phase and a lattice constant a of a-axis, namely, the ratio c/a, is 1.011 or more. A second phase containing Ag different from the PZT phase is not substantially contained in the piezoelectric ceramic layer. A Zn2SiO4 phase is contained at grain boundaries of the PZT phase, and a Pb2SiO4 phase is not substantially contained at the grain boundaries of the PZT phase.
US08100513B2	Ferroelectric film, process for producing the same, ferroelectric device, and liquid discharge device A ferroelectric film having a columnar structure constituted by a plurality of columnar grains, and containing as a main component a perovskite oxide which has a composition expressed by a compositional formula A1+δ[(ZrxTi1−x)1−yMy]Oz, where A represents one or more A-site elements including lead (Pb) as a main component, M represents one or more of vanadium (V), niobium (Nb), tantalum (Ta), and antimony (Sb) as one or more B-site elements, zirconium (Zr) and titanium (Ti) are also B-site elements, 0
US08100509B2	Printer assembly for a pagewidth printer having a support frame configured to minimize substantial dimensional changes Provided is printer assembly for a pagewidth printer, said assembly having a support frame for supporting a printhead arrangement. The support frame includes an outer wall portion and an inner wall portion separated by an internal cavity, as well as a lower arm portion and an upper wall fast with the outer and inner wall portions. The upper wall portion defines a channel for operatively receiving the printhead arrangement, said upper wall portion and arm portion having a clipping arrangement configured to complementarily receive a printed circuit board (PCB) support having electronic for controlling the printhead arrangement. The support frame is configured to minimize substantial dimensional changes due to environmental changes to retain a positional relationship between individual printhead tiles of the printhead arrangement.
US08100508B2	Ink jet printing head A printing head is provided in which a distance between an ejection port face of the printing head and a print medium is reduced to improve an ink ejection accuracy during a printing operation. The printing head of the present invention is a back shooting-type printing head. The heater and an electrode connected thereto are formed at the back face of the substrate. The electrode and an in-support-base wiring for supplying electricity to the heater via the electrode are connected to each other at the back face side of the substrate. The substrate and the support base have therebetween a liquid chamber wall member including therein a space. The substrate, the support base, and the liquid chamber wall member constitute a liquid chamber that communicates with the ejection port and that stores ink supplied to the ejection port.
US08100507B2	Industrial ink jet printer A printer comprising a base module having a main drive element and a print zone, a main module back plane coupled with the base module, a machine base rail system coupled to the base module, and an expansion module releasably coupled to the machine base rail system between an operating position and a removed position.
US08100506B2	Printhead assembly with ink leakage containment walls for nozzle groups A printhead assembly comprising a substrate defining a plurality of ink inlets; a plurality of nozzle assemblies positioned on the substrate, each nozzle assembly defining a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with a respective ink inlet and a nozzle opening from which ink is ejected; and a plurality of endless containment walls extending from the substrate. Each endless containment wall surrounds a group of nozzle assemblies and defines a containment chamber to contain leakage ink from the group of nozzle assemblies therewithin.
US08100503B2	Printhead assembly with protective capping mechanism The present invention relates to a printhead assembly for a printer. The printhead assembly includes a mounting plate assembly for mounting to a chassis of the printer. An ink ejection printhead is mounted to the mounting plate assembly. A capping mechanism is mounted to the mounting plate assembly. The capping mechanism includes a capping member configured to cap the printhead. A carrier supports the capping member. An actuating mechanism is arranged to effect movement of the carrier back and forth between a first position at which the capping member is located remotely with respect to the printhead and a second position at which the capping member contacts the printhead.
US08100502B2	Printer cartridge incorporating printhead integrated circuit A desktop printer includes a printhead cartridge defining an ink reservoir and including a printhead integrated circuit having a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements, the ink reservoir and the printhead integrated circuit substantially spanning a width of a medium transfer path along which print medium is transported past the printhead cartridge; a cradle for removably receiving the printhead cartridge, the cradle supplying data and power to the printhead cartridge; and a capping mechanism attached to the cradle and actuatable between an open position where the nozzles are exposed, and a closed position where the nozzles are sealed, the capping mechanism substantially spanning a width of the medium transfer path.
US08100501B2	Liquid ejection apparatus, image forming apparatus, and liquid ejection method The liquid ejection apparatus includes: a recording head which includes a nozzle and an ejection device, the ejection device ejecting an ejection liquid through the nozzle by applying pressure to the ejection liquid in the recording head; a liquid accommodation unit which is in connection with the recording head and which accommodates a gas, the ejection liquid to be supplied to the recording head, and a non-volatile liquid having a permeability to the gas lower than the ejection liquid, the ejection liquid being separated from the gas by the non-volatile liquid; and a pressure control unit which controls pressure of the ejection liquid in the liquid accommodation unit by moving the gas into and out of the liquid accommodation unit.
US08100500B2	Ink jet printer having ink maintenance system controlling maintenance in accordance with the ink viscosity by use of a simple structure An ink jet printer is provided with an ink circulation route which includes an ink jet head, an ink supply tank and an ink collection tank. A measuring unit obtains a value indicative of the flow resistance measured when ink flows from the ink supply tank to the ink collection tank through the ink jet head. A control unit is operable to select one of maintenance operations on the basis of the value indicative of measured flow resistance. When the flow resistance value is lower than a predetermined value, the control unit selects the operation of circulating ink around the ink circulation route as a maintenance operation, and the maintenance unit does not perform the maintenance operation which consumes some amount of ink. This configuration makes it possible to perform maintenance in accordance with the ink viscosity by use of a simple structure.
US08100499B2	Method and system for detecting print head roll A method of detecting print head roll begins with the formation of a test pattern on an image receiving surface. The test pattern includes a plurality of marks arrayed across the image receiving surface in a cross-process direction with each mark in the plurality being formed by a different nozzle of a print head. The cross-process direction positions of each mark in the plurality of marks are then detected; and the detected cross-process direction positions are correlated to a print head roll value for the print head.
US08100498B2	Methods and systems for providing print media distortion compensation A reference image of an area of a print media is captured at approximately a first time by an image acquisition system. A first application of ink is applied onto the print media area by a printing assembly at the first time. A comparison image of the print media area is captured at a second time by the image acquisition system subsequent to the first application of ink onto the print media area. The reference image and the comparison image are processed to determine a relative displacement of a feature pattern on the print media between approximately the first time and the second time. A second application of ink from the printing assembly onto the print media is adjusted based on the determination.
US08100495B2	Inkjet printhead Disclosed is a thermal inkjet printhead including at least one volume-changing body that can be used to maintain a flow resistance of ink that flows into an ink chamber substantially constant over an operating temperature range for the thermal inkjet printhead. The volume-changing body can be disposed in the ink flow path through which ink flows into the ink chamber and can be configured to adjust its volume to change the cross-sectional area of the ink flow path when the operating temperature of the thermal inkjet printhead, and thus the viscosity of the ink, changes.
US08100493B2	Liquid jet and printing apparatus for preventing the change of voltage in the drive signal A liquid jet apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of nozzles, an actuator provided for each nozzle and connected to the respective nozzle, and a drive unit for applying a drive signal to the actuator. The drive unit includes a drive waveform generator that generates a drive waveform signal for controlling the drive of the actuator, a modulator for performing a pulse modulation of the drive waveform signal to produce a modulated signal, a digital power amplifier for power amplifying the modulated signal to produce an amplified signal, a low-pass filter for smoothing the amplified signal and supplying the drive signal to the actuator, and a modulation signal correcting unit that corrects the modulated signal according to a power supply voltage of the digital power amplifier.
US08100492B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head disposed on a transport path of a target to eject liquid from nozzles at a nozzle forming surface, a target transport unit transporting the target on the basis of a driving force of a first driving source such that the target passes through a position opposite the nozzle forming surface on the transport path, a liquid receptor transport unit transporting a liquid receptor for receiving the liquid ejected from the nozzles as a waste liquid on the basis of a driving force of a second driving source such that the liquid receptor passes through the position opposite the nozzle forming surface on the transport path, and a control unit controlling a driving state of the second driving source in order to change a transport velocity of the liquid receptor by the liquid receptor transport unit while the liquid receptor is transported.
US08100491B2	Liquid jet apparatus and printing apparatus A liquid jet apparatus includes a plurality of nozzles provided to the liquid jet head, an actuator provided corresponding to each of the nozzles, drive unit that applies a drive signal to the actuator, drive waveform signal generation unit that generates a drive waveform signal providing a reference of a signal for controlling the actuator, modulator unit that pulse-modulates the drive waveform signal generated by the drive waveform signal generation unit, a digital power amplifier for power-amplifying the modulated signal, which is pulse-modulated by the modulator unit, and a low-pass filter provided individually corresponding to the actuator and for supplying the actuator with the power amplified modulated signal power-amplified by the digital power amplifier as a drive signal after smoothing.
US08100490B2	Liquid storage device and liquid presence determining method A liquid storage device includes a storage portion that is configured to store liquid therein, a rotating member that is provided in a bottom portion at inside of the storage portion so as to be capable of rotating, a driving member that is provided at outside of the storage portion in a non-contact state with respect to the rotating member so as to drive the rotating member by magnetic force, the driving member rotating to allow the rotating member to rotate, a detecting portion that is capable of detecting a degree of rotation of the rotating member, and a determining portion that is capable of acquiring difference information of rotation between the rotating member and the driving member on the basis of a detection result by the detecting portion and determining presence of liquid in the storage portion on the basis of the difference information.
US08100488B2	Refrigerating appliance with height-adjustable storage device A refrigerating appliance including a housing defining an internal space and the refrigerating appliance including a storage element retained in a height-adjustable manner by a plurality of arms pivotable about parallel and spaced apart first axes fixed with respect to the housing and the plurality of arms pivotable about parallel and spaced apart second axes fixed with respect to the storage element, the refrigerating appliance including a coupling device connecting the plurality of arms wherein the first and second axes of the arms are maintained in the same plane, thereby inhibiting pivoting of the arms in opposite directions.
US08100487B2	Auxiliary positioning device for slide assembly A slide assembly with an auxiliary positioning device includes a positioning member and a guiding base. The positioning member is pivotally connected to a first slide member and includes a pin member. The guiding base is connected to a second slide member and includes a separation body, an engaging body, multiple passages and slots. When the second slide member is retracted, the pin member is located in a first passage. When the second slide member is pushed inward, the pin member moves from the first passage into a first slot. When the force is released, the pin member moves through a second passage and the second slide member pops out. When the second slide member is retracted again, the pin member is engaged with the engaging body and then disengaged from the engaging body by a pushing force, the pin member moves through a third slot and a third passage.
US08100486B2	Food storage unit with drawer having impact-absorbing seal A drawer seal includes a magnetic coupler, a bellows filled or substantially filled with a vibration dampening material and which is affixed to either a drawer or cabinet by a base member. The base member can be embodied as a dart that extends into a hole formed into the drawer or cabinet. A refrigerated food storage cabinet includes a self-closing drawer provided with the drawer seal whereby the drawer is less likely to rebound open.
US08100485B2	Rotating door mechanism and electronic appliance A rotating door mechanism includes: a front door member having a door panel part having a nearly cylindrical side surface which is opened and closed on a side surface of a cabinet; a base member; and a rotating member, wherein the rotating member is rotatably mounted on the base member, the front door member is movably mounted on the rotating member from a direction of the door front side to a depth direction while the front door member is energized to the door front side, the base member is formed with a guiding part guiding the movement of the front door member, and the door panel part is slid to rotate the rotating member and the front door member is moved with movements in a front/depth direction and in the rotating direction by the rotating member and the guiding part, whereby the door panel part is opened and closed.
US08100478B2	Vehicle seat assembly A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat base having a rack gear mounted thereto and a seat back pivotally mounted to the seat base with a pinion gear mounted at a lower end thereof. The pinion gear and the rack gear are arranged such that pivotal movement of the seat back effects longitudinal movement of the seat base.
US08100468B2	Connecting structure of resin panel and stiffener for vehicle A connecting structure of a resin panel and a stiffener for a vehicle, including the resin panel, a resin frame attached to a circumference of the resin panel; a weather strip attached to the frame; a metallic stiffener which is provided at the vicinity of the circumference of the resin panel; wherein the frame includes an extended part which extends outside of a side of the resin panel and the weather strip and the stiffener are integrally connected such that the weather strip and the stiffener sandwich the extended part, and wherein the frame is moved against a pinching force of the weather strip and the stiffener when the resin panel is deformed by a thermal expansion/contraction.
US08100462B2	Floor underframe of vehicles A vehicle floor underframe 5, which is arranged under a cab, includes: a front section 11, which is deployed on the front side of the cab and extends along the length of the vehicle; a rising section 12, which bends at the back end of the front section 11 and extends upward; a back section 13, which bends at the top end of the rising section 12 and extends towards the rear of the vehicle and is deployed under a passenger seat 7; and a buckling section 14, which is formed in the back section 13 and has stress concentration when a load from at least either the front end of the front section 11 or the back end of the back section 13 is applied in a compressing direction. The buckling section 14 is deployed under approximately the center of the passenger seat 7 along the length of the vehicle. The back section 13 bends and deforms upwards at the buckling section 14 when a load is applied from at least either the front end of the front section 11 or the back end of the back section 13 in a compressing direction.
US08100461B2	Rear-mounted aerodynamic structure for truck cargo bodies This invention provides an aerodynamic structure attached to the rear face of a truck cargo body, which rear typically contains a door assembly, with a plurality of doors that swing open on hinges, or a single, full-width door, which rolls upwardly. The various embodiments of the invention allow an aerodynamic structure to be permanently attached to the rear of the trailer in a manner that would obscure access to the door(s) in a deployed position, in which the aerodynamic structure generates reduced drag on the trailer body, yet enables ready access to the door(s) in a folded position. The folded position still allows the rear of the trailer to be fully accessible for loading and unloading, and in the case of swinging, hinged doors (among others), allows the doors to be folded through a full 270-degree arc from a closed position to a position flush along the sides of the vehicle, with a minimal sideways projection. The various embodiments also enable relatively rapid and easy transition between the folded position and the deployed position using a variety of actuators and linkages that tie the folding and deployment of various panels of the structure together. This allows an operator to selectively fold and deploy the structure without undue effort or strength.
US08100456B2	Vehicle endgate hinge assembly A vehicle endgate hinge assembly is disclosed. The hinge assembly has a bodyside hinge strap including a hinge support boss extending through the endgate opening shut-face and having a central hole that is coaxial with the endgate pivot axis, a mounting plate located outboard of the shut-face, and a threaded portion extending from the mounting plate through the shut-face. The hinge assembly may have a crank including a hinge key pivotally coupled to a member mounted on the endgate, a pivot shaft extending from the hinge key through the central hole, a lever arm extending from the pivot shaft normal to the endgate pivot axis, and a ball extending from the lever arm spaced from the endgate pivot axis. A nut is located inboard of the endgate opening shut-face and threadably received on the threaded portion, and an energy storage mechanism is coupled to the ball.
US08100453B2	Lid device opened at both sides and center console box A linkage member 3 is pivotally supported, through a first shaft 30, by an article 1 having an opening, is supported, through a second shaft 31, by a lid member 2, and includes a latch 32 engageable with a latch receiver 12 disposed in the article 1. The lid member 2 has an engageable end 201 disposed therein so as to be receivable into an engagement hole 34 formed in the linkage member 3 and further has a switching member 20 disposed therein so as to be movable to selectively set the engageable end 201 in an advanced position to place the engageable end in a most deepest position in the linkage member 3 through the engagement hole 34, in a retracted position to take the engageable end out of the engagement hole 34, and in an intermediate position between both of the advanced position and the retract position. When the engageable end 201 of the switching member 20 is set in the advanced position, the engageable end brings the latch 32 out of engagement with the latch receiver 12.
US08100451B2	Multi-fingered robot hand A multi-fingered robot hand has a minimum required number of joints in finger mechanisms and is capable of stably grasping a variety of articles. The multi-fingered robot hand includes: a first palm portion provided with three finger mechanisms each connected by a root joint; a second palm portion provided with one finger mechanism connected by a root joint; and a palm joint connecting the first palm portion and the second palm portion. The palm joint permits a variation in the connection angle of the second palm portion to the first palm portion. The palm joint, bending joints, bending joints of the root joints and the root joint have rotation axes parallel to each other, and the finger mechanisms bend while turning around the rotation axes.
US08100449B2	Chain grab hook with rotatable spring-loaded lock ball and snap-on nodule A chain grab hook for use with one hand, having a spring-loaded rotatable lock ball protruding from the shank of the hook, the lock ball movable along an axis aligned with the apex of a nodule on the tip portion of the hook, the nodule defining entrance and exit ramped slopes presenting a chain disengagement force exceeding a chain engagement force.
US08100448B2	Self-locking safety hook A self-locking lifting hook is disclosed, of the kind having and arcuate hook body and an upper, pivotable lever with one arm forming a suspension and a second arm forming a closure for the hook opening. A finger element is pivotably mounted at the upper part of the hook so as to close the hook opening, under the influence of a spring, irrespective of the pivotal position of the lever, so that the hook opening is always kept closed, unless the closure arm is swung into its fully open position and, thereafter, the finger element is operated so as to be retracted into its opening position.
US08100441B2	Electronic device and its latch structure An electronic device and its push-lock and push-release type of latch structure are provided in the invention. The latch structure includes a platform, an elastic restorable element connected to the platform, and two side bases respectively disposed on two opposite edges of the platform. Each of the side bases has a base body having a loop track with a stopper, a driven element movably disposed on the base body and movable with the platform, and a “U” type rod pivotally connected to the driven element at one end thereof and extending into the loop track at another end thereof.
US08100438B2	Exhaust of a motor vehicle An exhaust system of a motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to an inner exhaust pipe that is inserted into an outer exhaust pipe in an overlap region, and the two exhaust pipes are crimped in the overlap region.
US08100432B2	Air-bag with gas deflector A safety airbag arrangement for a vehicle comprises a main airbag having an inlet for connection with an inflator and a gas deflector bag secured within the main airbag, having an inlet in register with the inlet of the main airbag, for connection with the inflator, the gas deflector bag having ventilator holes and the arrangement being such that gas supplied to the airbag arrangement via the inlets by the inflator must first pass into the gas deflector bag, to pass subsequently from the gas deflector bag through the ventilation holes. The wall of the gas deflector bag is secured to the main wall of the main airbag by a plurality of arcuate seams spaced progressively from inlets, to maintain the gas deflector bag in a predetermined position relative to the main airbag when the airbag arrangement is activated.
US08100420B2	Skateboard A skateboard that includes a board (12) with an upper part (30) and a lower part (34), wheel supports (14), as well as elements (28) for orientation of the wheel supports (14), whereby the elements (28) for orientation include a pin (52) whose tip (54) is housed in a recess so as to create a connection that is essentially equivalent to a ball joint; the skateboard is characterized in that in its lower part (34), it includes receiving elements (58) that are manufactured with the board (12) and are able to accommodate each wheel support (14).
US08100419B2	Adjustable door and panel carrier An adjustable door and panel carrier has an adjustable gripping cradle mounted on two large pneumatic wheels. A single control lever positioned on an outside face of one of the outside walls moves both gripping panels simultaneously and smoothly to secure large planar objects on a cushioned, non-slip platform.
US08100417B2	Handcart The invention relates to a handcart composed of a main frame, four wheel sets properly assembled under the main frame, a grip, two positioning sleeves, and two joint assemblies installed between the main frame and the grip for changeably connecting the main frame with the grip. The grip can be aligned flat or become 90° to the main frame by means of the joint assemblies. Then the handcart can be transformed as a two-wheel handcart or a four-wheel one by handling the grip through movement of the pivotal connecting bases of the joint assemblies and combining the grip with the positioning sleeves movably fitted in positioning holes of the grip.
US08100415B2	Wheel suspension The present invention relates to a wheel suspension for mounting on a frame (3) of a vehicle, which, in its direction of propulsion, is arranged to be able to scale an obstacle (7), the wheel suspension (1) comprises a link element (9) arranged rotatably about a rotation point (R), to which rotation point (R), via the frame (3), can be applied a force (Gx) for propulsion, the link element (9) comprises a first and a second wheel axle (11, 13), the second wheel axle (13) serves as a moment axis (X) about which the link element (9) tends to rotate when a force (F) is applied to the first wheel axle (11) in the direction opposite to the direction of travel. The link element (9) acts as a lever arm by virtue of the rotation point (R) being situated at a distance from an imaginary straight line (L) intersecting the first and the second wheel axle (11, 13) and in a plane transversely to the extent of the moment axis (X).
US08100406B2	Sealing device A gap 6 between a stationary component 2 and a rotating component 4 is sealed by means of a leaf seal comprising an array of leaves 8, 9. The leaves 8, 9 are disposed in pairs, comprising a higher curvature leaf 8 and a lower curvature leaf 9 which contact each other resiliently at their tips 12. The contact at the tips 12 provides a damping effect. As a result, the tips 12 of the leaves 8, 9 are relatively stable when subjected to an air flow F, enabling damaging flutter to be suppressed.
US08100405B2	System and method for providing compliant rotating seals A system for providing compliant rotating seals including a rotating portion that has one or more teeth extending radially from it, and a stationary portion that has a plurality of bristles extending radially from it. The one or more teeth rotatively engage the plurality of bristles creating a tortuous path between them that resists a leakage of gas or fluid through them.
US08100403B2	Hydrodynamic intershaft seal and assembly A seal and seal assembly for providing a seal between an outer shaft and an inner shaft. The assembly includes a seal subassembly disposed between the shafts. The subassembly includes a split carbon ring, a solid outer ring, and a spring mechanism provided between the split carbon ring and the solid outer ring. The carbon ring is radially split into a plurality of segments having splits between ends of adjacent segments. The segments include a circumferential inner radius and a sealing dam on the circumferential inner radius. The solid outer ring includes a sealing face and a plurality of hydrodynamic grooves provided on a radial face. The spring mechanism may be configured to engage a portion of an outer diameter of the split carbon ring and a portion of an inner diameter of the solid outer ring and to urge the split carbon ring radially towards the inner shaft.
US08100398B2	Printer media transport system A printer media transport system includes a pick roller and a cleaner roller. The pick roller has a pick surface configured to rotate and frictionally direct printable media along a feed path, and the cleaner roller is configured to contact the pick roller, rotate as the pick roller rotates, and translate rotation of the cleaner roller to lateral movement of the cleaner roller against the pick surface of the pick roller.
US08100397B2	Feeder with adjustable time cycle and method A timed feeder for feeding corrugated boards to nip rolls of a box finishing machine. An indexing drive mechanism, driven by a computer-controlled servo motor, activates a feed member and has a feed phase when it drives the board to the nip rolls, and a dwell phase when the feed member is away from the feed path and the output shaft of the indexing mechanism is at zero velocity. During the feed phase, the output shaft of the indexing mechanism accelerates the feed member and the board beyond the nip roll velocity and then decelerates them to the nip roll velocity at the point where the board enters the nip rolls. During the dwell phase the input shaft is either accelerated or decelerated to change the duration of the cycle.
US08100396B2	Media sheet exit baffle An apparatus for directing media sheets from a media tray to a feed roller may be coupled to a feeder module. The apparatus includes a support member, a coupler, and a media director. The support member extends across a portion of a media tray width. The coupler extends from the support member and is configured to engage a feeder module to install the support member in a printer. The media director extends from the support member, and is configured to direct a leading edge of a media sheet moving from the media tray towards a feeder nip in the feeder module. The media director is vertically displaced from the support member and the coupler.
US08100395B2	Energy-efficient compact device for dispensing and accumulating banknotes The invention relates to an apparatus for accumulating and dispensing bank notes of various length, width and condition without appreciable deformation of current note and displacement of previously stacked notes, preferably having a device connected in series to verify genuineness of bank notes inserted. Apparatus comprises a lockable removable box with a note transfer, stacker and dispensing mechanism. A note transfer mechanism comprises a belt drive with at least one spring claw for gripping note leading edge. Stacker mechanism comprises two reversible frames with longitudinal revolving panels on their side segments. Dispensing mechanism comprises spring loaded roll pallet with outlet gate. A note is pulled into apparatus by means of gripper under the belt translation. The notes stack or bundle is formed due to reversible motion of frames with corresponding side panels revolving. At the dispenser embodiment the bundle of notes slides out due to cooperative motion of driving belt and roll pallet. Belt and frames drivers are operated by microcontroller. Proposed apparatus is characterized by a simple and therefore economical compact flat construction, multi-purposing using, low energy consumption and high rapidity of action.
US08100392B2	Image forming apparatus, method and computer-readable storage medium for distinguishably controlling tab sheet discharge The printer as an image forming apparatus supplies a plurality of types of tab sheet, and distinguishably discharges the tab sheets that became no longer necessary according to the type of tab sheets.
US08100390B2	Clamp device A clamp device for clamping a panel regardless of the panel's shape may include an air conduit, an air supplying unit that is communicated with the air conduit for selectively supplying air thereto and a tube that is connected with the air conduit to communicate therewith and expanded outwardly.
US08100387B2	Combination oil/gas-operated spring with expansion vessel A combination oil/gas spring includes a first hollow casing, a piston capable of fluid-tightly sliding within the casing, a rod connected rigidly with an end portion thereof to a central portion of the piston, a first chamber containing an actuating rod provided inside the casing, a second sealed chamber provided within the same casing on the opposite side of the piston, a mass of hydraulic fluid filling the second sealed chamber, a second hollow casing and a respective second piston provided to slide therewithin, a first conduit connecting the interior of the second sealed chamber with the interior of the second hollow casing, a first valve connected to the first conduit and adapted to selectively open and close it, a second conduit being provided to connect an expansion vessel to the first conduit at a position upstream of the first valve, and a second valve being provided on the second conduit. The combination oil/gas spring also includes a pressure-exerting unit adapted to act by exerting a controllable pressure upon the surface of the liquid in the expansion vessel.
US08100382B2	Valve assembly A flow control valve includes an inlet and an outlet through which fluid enters and exits the valve. A valve plunger has a guide spring attached thereto, such that the guide spring is situated between the plunger and a valve orifice. The plunger, and thus the guide spring, is movable relative to the orifice to control fluid flow through the valve. The guide spring and the orifice surface adjacent the guide spring define coplanar surfaces that seal against each other when the valve is closed.
US08100381B2	Gas regulating and safety valve for burners of a modulatable gas heating device The invention relates to an integrated gas regulating and safety valve for burners of a modulatable gas heating device. According to the invention, the gas regulating and safety valve comprises a housing (1) with two controllable closing elements, the axes of which are spaced apart from each other and extend one behind the other in series in the direction of gas flow between an inlet channel (2) and an outlet channel (4) of the housing. In the de-energized state, the two closing elements abruptly close the gas regulating and safety valve independently of each other, in each case by means of an associated spring element (7, 12). The first closing element, additionally serving for the modulation of the gas stream, has a drive spindle (15.1), which is formed as a spindle of a stepping motor (15), is surrounded by an excitation winding (16) and has placed on its end a restrictor component (8) and, at a distance from that, the first spring element (7). The second closing element, on the other hand, has a closure component (8) connected to an armature (9), wherein the armature (9) is arranged in a cylindrical cavity (18) and operates against the force of the second spring element (12) acting on the armature (9). This cavity (18) is surrounded by an excitation winding (17) of the armature (9) that is formed as part of an electromagnet.
US08100380B2	Igloo building block mold An igloo building block mold comprises a shell defining a pair of generally cuboid mold portions. The mold portions are offset from one another in both an upright direction extending between the top and bottom ends of the mold portions and a lateral direction extending between the end walls of each mold portion. A building block formed by the mold, when stacked on a previous row of blocks, permits inter-engagement between the blocks due to a shoulder being formed on each block which engages the corresponding shoulder of a previous block supported therebelow. The offset in the lateral direction permits side edges of each block to be inter-engaged with adjacent blocks as the blocks are placed in the desired position in the igloo structure during construction.
US08100375B2	Marine dockline holder The marine dockline holder provides an easy place to leave the docklines in an elevated position when the boat leaves the dock, enabling the lines to be easily retrieved and attached to the boat upon its return to the dock. The marine dockline holder has a line hook attached to the top of a two-piece rod. The rod is inserted into a spring which is in turn inserted into a deck mounting plate. The deck mounting plate is mounted to a dock by two connecting bolts passing though the upper and lower mounting plates, and though gaps in the dock's surface.
US08100373B2	Digital projector mount A projector mount securely mounts a projector or other presentation device to a computer workstand. The projector mount comprises a security plate and a projector bracket or projector arm. The projector bracket or arm is connected to the security plate by a hinge or ball pivot to provide vertical and horizontal tilting as well as pivoting capability of the projector or presentation device. A digital presenter mount comprises a vertical plate, a horizontal plate, a security holder bracket, and a locking bracket. The horizontal plate attaches to the vertical plate. The security holder bracket is inserted through slots formed in the horizontal plate and in the locking bracket to prevent theft of the presentation device.
US08100371B2	I.V. support stand and clamp apparatus An I.V. support stand (10) includes a support section and a base (20). The base (20) includes a base body and a plurality of wheel assemblies (24), each wheel assembly including a wheel support (26) operatively mounted to the base body for pivotal movement relative thereto and at least one wheel (28) operatively mounted to the wheel support. The wheel supports are pivotally movable relative to the base body between an extended position in which the wheels rest on a support surface and retracted position, the arrangement being such that when the base is disposed on the support surface the wheels are caused to adopt the extended position and when the base is moved clear of the support surface the wheel assemblies are caused to adopt the retracted position.
US08100369B2	I-beam seismic sway brace clamp An I-beam clamp, used for engaging the bottom flange of an I-beam or bar joist, includes a pair of threaded rods and a pair of brackets that can be moved relative to each other along the threaded rods. One of the brackets, a clamp bracket, has a set screw configured to engage a top surface of the I-beam flange, to hold the clamp in place once it is installed on the I-beam. The other of the brackets, a nut bracket, has half-threaded portions for selectively engaging the threaded rods, to hold the nut bracket in place relative to the threaded rods, and to disengage from the threaded rods, in order to allow positioning of the nut bracket along the threaded rods. The nut bracket may include a spring clip or other device to provide force to bias into engagement the threaded rods with the half-threaded portions.
US08100368B2	Clamp and seismic sway brace A seismic sway brace includes a clamp for engaging a circular object, a sway brace member, and a pair of connecting mechanisms for coupling the circular object to the sway brace member, and for coupling the sway brace member to building structure. The sway brace member may be a sway brace pipe or rod. Each of the connecting mechanisms may include a pair of strap clamps, held together by a retainer. The strap clamps and/or the circular object clamp may include one or more longitudinal slots. The longitudinal slots enhance wrapping of the clamps that engage the sway brace member or circular object, allowing the clamps to better engage the sway brace member or circular object.
US08100367B1	Variable geometry wing using a roll-up device A system includes a fabric wing, such as a Rogallo wing or parafoil, a roller connected to the fabric wing, cables connected to the fabric wing, a motor connected to the roller. Upon activation, the motor causes the roller to roll-up or unroll at least a portion of the fabric wing. The system may include a rigid or collapsible roller support structure connected to the roller. The roller may be located along a central axis of the fabric wing. A control unit may be connected to the cables, the control unit including a logic controller, power source, communications system, GPS and inertial navigation sensor system, motor controller, and one or more sensors including an air speed sensor, altitude sensor, obstacle detection sensor, and/or a ground proximity sensor. The system may include a second roller with an attached motor, with each roller located at an end of the fabric wing.
US08100361B2	Hull structure A hull structure is provided, for use in particular in an aircraft or spacecraft, the hull structure including an outer skin and structural components which are connected to said skin, as well as an inner lining which forms a supporting structure together with the outer skin and the structural components.
US08100356B2	Apparatus and method for winding film onto a film roll An issue with conventional stretch films is that the edges of the film can be easily damaged, which may result in tearing or failure of the film during use. Folding the film edges may reduce such damage but yields uneven rolls of film that are difficult to unwind. The present disclosure describes in-process devices, systems, and methods for oscillating the film to prevent stacking of the folded edges as the film is wound onto a film roll. The present disclosure also describes in-process devices, systems, and methods for entrapping air between the layers of film as they are wound onto a film roll. As a result, the film is less susceptible to damage and easier to use.
US08100355B2	Device for transporting and processing foodstuffs A device for transporting and processing foodstuffs, in particular meat, includes a feeding device, a grinder with an input and an outlet, and a drive element to drive cutting elements situated in a housing of the grinder. The cutting elements are situated in the housing of the grinder in such a way that the cutting elements can be removed from the housing of the grinder through the outlet by means of a force applied to the side of the input.
US08100353B2	Self-healing cutting apparatus and other self-healing machinery Self-healing of a mechanical part in a mechanical system is provided, such as a self-healing part in a cutting apparatus. Differential hardness of respective parts in contact with each other is used. Undesirable damage from a foreign object in a mechanical system is managed by directing damage away from a part that is not wanted to be damaged and towards a part that may receive damage and be replaced. True zero-clearance cutting on a commercial scale is provided via a cutting area including a sacrifice material that is relatively softer than the cutter. One example is a cutting system which is capable of cutting a material such as, for example, tape or paper, into a fiber or powder. Destruction of the material is further enhanced by advantageous strategic patterning of cutting edges on a rotary cutter, and further by secondary shredding features. For example, on the same axis as the rotary cutter, may be disposed, one on each end, rotating secondary shredders that receive material that has been cut by the rotary cutter as well as material that has escaped cutting by the rotary cutter. A variety of materials, of different thicknesses and types, may be reduced to a dust or powder-size. A single destruction machine advantageously may receive (with minimal operator intervention) a mixed input load, such as a mixture of a combination of paper (including paper that is folded, ripped, stapled, or otherwise irregular), CDs, DVDs, polyester, plastic cards, SMART cards, wood, Verichips, flash drives, biometric chips, and/or other generally-planar materials.
US08100346B2	Piezoelectric actuator with multi-function spring and device using same A piezoelectrically actuated device includes a body, a valve disposed within the body and an actuator for the valve, the actuator including a casing coupled with the body and a piezoelectric element disposed within the casing The actuator further includes a multi-function spring applying a preloading force to the piezoelectric element. The multi-function spring includes a first segment having a piston configured to translate a motion of the piezoelectric element during operation of the actuator, a second segment having at least one flexural element and a third segment having a first set of threads. The first set of threads is engaged with a second set of threads of the actuator and maintains the second segment in a tension state which corresponds with the preloading force.
US08100345B2	Fuel injection device A needle is forced to open an injection hole by reducing a pressure of fuel in an injection control chamber to thereby inject fuel stored in a fuel storage, while the needle is forced to close the injection hole by increasing the pressure of fuel in the injection control chamber to thereby terminate injection of fuel from the injection hole. In a valve-closing stroke of the needle to close the injection hole, fuel pressure is supplied from a common accumulator to the fuel storage and the injection control chamber in such a manner that the pressure to supply fuel to the fuel storage is lower than that to supply fuel to the injection control chamber. In this way, a force acting on the needle toward the injection hole side can be increased in the valve-closing stroke, to thereby accelerate a valve-closing speed of the needle.
US08100343B2	Water sprinkler toy A water sprinkler toy includes a base having a water inlet and a nozzle adapted to spray water in the shape of a funnel. Additionally, the water sprinkler toy includes an object capable of being suspended in the air by the water.
US08100339B2	Preamble data generating method and related apparatus for quick response code In order to increase the preamble information capacity of the QR code and avoid decoding errors, a method of embedding preamble information into a standard quick response (QR) code symbol is provided to generate a first QR code symbol. The method includes generating a preamble pattern according to a user definable data; and embedding the preamble pattern into a standard position detection pattern of the standard QR code symbol to generate a first position detection pattern.
US08100332B2	Payments using pre-paid accounts The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for payments using pre-paid accounts. Embodiments of the invention provide a single, universal payment method that cannot be physically stolen, that minimizes the risk of information theft, and which can be used to make both small and large payments. The universal payment method is more convenient, more efficient, and less expensive to use because it requires no exchange mechanism from one payment form to another. In addition, to the extent that prior-to-payment funds are controlled by the businesses to whom payment is to be made, the buying power is increased.
US08100331B2	Digital image capture and processing system having a printed circuit (PC) board with light transmission aperture, wherein first and second field of view (FOV) folding mirrors project the FOV of a digital image detection array on the rear surface of said PC board, through said light transmission aperture A digital image capture and processing system having single printed circuit (PC) board with light transmission aperture, wherein a first linear array of visible light emitting diodes (LEDs) are mounted on the rear side of the PC board for producing a targeting illumination beam, and wherein a second linear array of visible light emitting diodes (LEDs) are mounted on the front side of the PC board for producing a field of visible illumination within the field of view (FOV) of the system. The targeting illumination beam is centrally disposed within the field of visible illumination.
US08100329B2	Method of interacting with printed substrate A method of interacting with a printed substrate. The comprises the steps of: interacting with the substrate using an optically imaging pen having a nib; optically imaging target elements and coded data; calculating a position of the nib; and generating digital ink in the pen, the digital ink being indicative of the identity of the substrate and the position of the nib relative to the substrate; and sending the digital ink to a computer system such that the computer system can identify the interaction with the substrate. The position of the nib is calculated using the coded data, a perspective transform and a known spatial relationship between an optical axis of the pen and the nib. The perspective transform is determined using the imaged target elements which are perspective-distorted due to a tilt of the pen.
US08100321B2	Packet serving to contain loose items, and a blank from which to fashion such a packet A rigid packet for loose pastilles, sweets or similar items is composed of an outer casing (2), and an inner casing (3) with a small opening (4), accommodated slidably in the outer casing (2). The packet can assume a closed configuration in which the opening (4) is concealed completely by the outer casing (2), or an open configuration in which the opening (4) is at least partly exposed and is furnished with a mechanism (14) designed to lock the inner casing (3) in the closed position; the locking mechanism (14) can be operated from externally of the packet to release the inner casing (3) and allow it to slide toward the open position.
US08100320B2	Cooler carton A cooler carton for items such as beverage containers is erected from a blank. The erected carton has top panels forming a top with a central longitudinal perforation line and oblique cut-creases and perforation lines extending from ends of the central perforation line to corners of the top. Pulling up and back on flaps at end portions of the top severs the oblique cut-creases and perforation lines and severs the top along the central perforation line thereby opening the top and forming a containment skin that extends above the level of the items in the carton. Ice can then be added atop the items to cool their contents and the ice is contained by the skirt. Gussets are formed at lower corner portions of the carton and, along with a moisture barrier, prevent accumulated water from leaking from the bottom region of the carton.
US08100319B2	File folder A file folder having an index tab and an interior pocket capable of containing loose papers within the file folder, wherein a front cover of the file folder may be inserted into the interior pocket to releaseably secure the file folder in a closed position.
US08100306B2	Roof bar for a motor vehicle A roof bar (10) for a motor vehicle (1) includes an elongate load carrying member (13) selectively held in a deployed position by a latch mechanism (20). A crossbar portion (15) of the elongate load carrying member (13) is wider than it is thick and is orientated such that the width of the crossbar portion (15) is vertically arranged when the roof bar (10) is in the deployed position so as to increase the resistance to vertical bending of the crossbar portion (15).
US08100301B2	Sandbag filling apparatus A sandbag filling apparatus has an auger within a steel pipe mounted to a wheeled frame for easy positioning. The pipe has a sand receiving end positionable beneath a sand pile, and an elevated end with a sand chute for filling sandbags. The auger flights are substantially spaced from the pipe ID and driven by a motor mounted to the pipe. The pipe has an opening which, when positioned beneath a sandpile, allows sand to enter the pipe and to be delivered by the auger to the sand chute. A vibrator is mounted to the pipe between the opening and the elevated end which vibrates a pair of fins arranged on either side of the opening so that sand cannot form a bridge across the opening. Smaller openings may be positioned beneath the fins on either side of the primary sand opening to ease starting the auger with sand present.
US08100300B2	Rotate, squeeze and lift child resistant safety cap with dispensing actuator A rotate, squeeze and lift child resistant safety cap with a dispenser actuator for attachment to a pressurized container having a dispenser stem on its top includes: an inner member for attachment to either the container or its closure, the inner member having an outer member interlocking component, being one of a circular track and a circular rail, the circular track having inside and outside ledges with a track space between the inside and outside ledges, the track space having a predetermined track space width, the circular rail having inside and outside protrusions adapted to ride inside the track space and under the ledges, the protrusions having widths less than the track space width and greater than one half the track space width; and an outer member being an outer closure having a circular bottom that is semi-flexible, and at its circular bottom, having the other of the one of a circular track and a circular rail. When a user squeezes the outer member at the squeeze indicia to flex the outer member from circular to oval, the outer member can be removed to expose the dispenser stem for use.
US08100298B2	Aerosol actuator An improved actuator is disclosed for actuating an aerosol valve for dispensing an aerosol product from an aerosol container. The improved actuator comprises a base for mounting to the aerosol container. A unitary actuator button supports a nozzle extending between the aerosol valve and a terminal orifice. The actuator button is rotatable about the base between a locked rotational position and an unlocked rotational position. The unitary actuator button is movable for pivoting the nozzle button to actuate the aerosol valve for dispensing aerosol product from the terminal orifice when the actuator button is in the unlocked rotational position. The unitary actuator button is inhibited from pivoting the nozzle button when the actuator button is rotated into the locked rotational position.
US08100292B2	Integrated column wall for a vending machine A vending machine includes a plurality of column walls that collectively define an associated plurality of stack areas for storing product containers. The column wall includes various, vertically spaced and fore-to-aft extending stiffeners embossed into the column wall. The integral stiffeners eliminate the need for any additional discrete stiffener parts and fasteners. In addition, the integral stiffeners advantageously permit thinner material to be employed in forming the column walls, thereby improving the entire manufacturing process. Preferably, one of the stiffeners constitutes a decoupling member which isolates a bottom portion of the column wall from a top portion and substantially prevents bow forces from transferring into a dispensing region of the column wall. Furthermore, each of the column walls is integrally formed with an alignment member or louver structure in the form of a guide element or flange which provides for proper product positioning through a vending area.
US08100291B2	Upright rotatable product carrousel dispensing device A dispensing device comprising an upright rotatable product carrousel comprising a plurality of dispensing chutes for retaining a product. The dispensing chutes are radially located about a central pivot, with a dispensing point located at a lowest point of rotation of the product carrousel. During use, removal of product from a dispensing chute located at the dispensing point results in rotation of the product carrousel to position an adjacent dispensing chute at the dispensing point, allowing for sequential removal of product from the product carrousel.
US08100288B2	Non-round moisture-tight re-sealable containers with round sealing surfaces A hinged container is disclosed, including a base, a lid, and a hinge joining the base and lid, allowing the lid to pivot open or closed relative to the base. One of the base and the lid has a circular, outwardly tapered outer seal member disposed at least partially within its outer perimeter. The other of the base and the lid has a circular, inwardly-tapered inner seal member disposed at least partially within its outer perimeter. The inner and outer seal members are positioned to engage concentrically to wedge the inwardly and outwardly tapered surfaces together and form a seal when the base and the lid are closed, and to disengage concentrically to part the inwardly and outwardly tapered surfaces when the base and the lid are opened.
US08100284B2	Cryogenic storage tank with thermal shield A cryogenic fluid storage tank having an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit, and a thermal shield in thermal contact with the inner vessel is disclosed, wherein the thermal shield is adapted to militate against heat transfer from the atmosphere to a cryogenic fluid by the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit.
US08100282B2	Container having sliding support members The present invention provides a container for holding product therein during shipment and being returned for reuse that has a body, tracks attached to opposite sides of the body, and a plurality of support members supported by the tracks. Rollers are located at the ends of the support members which roll in the tracks to move the support members. The support members have product receptacles whereby products may be suspended between adjacent support members, portions of the products residing in the product receptacles.
US08100275B2	Connecting member for a clothes airer A connecting member for connecting a plurality of frame elements. The connecting member has a core section having a width and two supporting members for supporting frame elements extending in different directions from the connecting member. The connecting member has at least one additional member for supporting a further frame element. The or each additional supporting member is pivotally connected to the core section and moveable between a first position in which the additional supporting member lies within the width of the core section and a second position in which a frame element supported by the additional support will extend in a direction generally perpendicular to a frame element supported by a supporting element of the core section.
US08100274B2	Clothes airer A clothes airer with a number of pairs of pivotally connected pairs of frames 1. The pairs of frames are pivotally connected to each other at their free ends and to legs 5. One frame of each pair is pivotally connected to one or more legs 5 and the other is pivotally connected to one or more fittings 7 slidably mounted on respective legs 5.
US08100273B2	Rack for containers A rack for securing containers includes a plurality of bays into which one or more containers are received. An expandable, inflatable chamber is disposed adjacent each bay and selectively expands into the chamber to secure the containers within the bay. When installed on a vehicle, a pump may be activated automatically based upon a vehicle operating state or whenever the door is closed. Activation of the pump inflates the expandable chambers, thereby locking containers in place in the bays. This prevents movement and vibration and reduces damage to the bottles during transportation.
US08100269B2	Powder classifying device The powder classifying device classifies powder having a particle size distribution and collects the classified powder. The device includes a disc-like cavity to which the powder is supplied and where the supplied powder is classified, a powder supply port for supplying the powder to the cavity, guide vanes arranged so as to extend from an outer periphery of the cavity in an inner direction at a predetermined angle, a discharge unit for air streams including fine particles discharged from the cavity, a collection unit for coarse particles discharged from the cavity and air nozzles arranged below the guide vanes on an outer peripheral wall of the cavity along a tangential direction of the outer peripheral wall and blow compressed air into an inside of the cavity.
US08100261B2	Dental floss package A dental floss package includes a box-shaped body, wherein the dental floss can be housed in the form of a spool, a cutting blade and a closing body, as well as an additional body (3, 23) provided with an aperture (3c) for the fastening thereof to a display. The additional body is obtained integrally with the box-shaped body or the closing body but is detachable along a weakening line (6). The box-shaped body (1, 11, 21, 110) and the closing body (2, 12, 22, 120) are also obtained integrally and joined along a thin folding line (5), and the box-shaped body (1, 11, 21, 110) is interference-coupled with the closing body (2, 12, 22, 120) by way of a wall encircling the spool (4).
US08100260B1	Closeable lipstick An enclosure (1) for a lipstick comprising at least two enclosure parts (2, 3), the two enclosure parts (2, 3) are rotated relatively to one another and at least one of the at least two enclosure parts (2, 3) comprises an opening (4) and a closing mechanism, comprising two lids (5, 6) by which the opening (4) in one of the at least two enclosure parts (2, 3) is closed and a tubular element (8), which rotates relatively to one of the enclosure parts (2, 3), when the enclosure parts (2, 3) are rotated in relation to one another, each of the two lids (5, 6) and the tubular element (8) comprise means, which move the two lids (5, 6) when the tubular element (8) is rotated, so the lids (5, 6) close or open the opening (4) and the means of the tubular element (8), interacting with one of the two lids (5, 6) and the means of the tubular element (8), interacting with the other of the two lids (5, 6) are arranged on two different circular paths on the tubular element (8).
US08100259B2	Carrier apparatus for fastener A carrier apparatus for carrying at least one fastener includes a back plate, at least one inserting hole defined on the base plate, a restricting hole defined on the base plate communicating with the at least one inserting hole, at least two elastic flanges, and a fixing flange adjacent to the restricting hole. The at least one inserting hole is configured for inserting a body of the at least one fastener therein. The restricting hole is configured for receiving the body of the at least one fastener therein. The body of the at least one fastener inserts in the at least one inserting hole and is moved in to the restricting hole. The body presses the at least two elastic flanges when entering the restricting hole. The fixing flange abuts a head portion of at least one fastener to fix the at least one fastener on the base plate.
US08100256B2	Reinforced carton with handle A carton for cooperating with a packaging material to contain a plurality of articles and a package formed thereby. The carton comprises a plurality of panels comprising a central panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The side panels are positioned relative to the central panel to at least partially form a space for receiving the articles. A handle is in at least one of the side panels. The handle is adapted for grasping and carrying the carton. A reinforcement flap is foldably attached to the at least one of the side panels. The reinforcement flap has at least one opening for receiving an article. A handle reinforcement flap is foldably attached to the at least one of the side panels.
US08100254B2	Conveyor for conveying and buffering articles A conveyor is provided for conveying and buffering articles (G) and the like along a vertically extending, substantially helical path. A conveying assembly such as a conveyor belt or conveyor rollers is supported by a frame and driven by a drive unit and extends along said helical path and conveys articles along said path. The substantially helical path is divided into zones (Z), each zone being provided with switch members, in such a manner that the conveyor can be switched in each zone between a conveying position, in which the conveying assembly conveys the articles, and a buffering position, in which the articles present in said zone are stationary. Buffering devices distributed over the length of the conveyor and being present in each zone support the articles in the buffering position. The drive unit and/or the conveyor belt/rollers on the one hand and the buffering devices on the other hand are vertically movable with respect to each other in each zone (Z), in such a manner that the articles (G) in question are in contact with the drive unit in the conveying position and with the buffering devices in the buffering position in said zone. In this way a simple and reliable buffering system can be realised.
US08100253B2	Methods and apparatuses for transferring discrete articles between carriers An apparatus for transferring an article from a first carrier moving at a first speed to a second carrier moving at a second speed is provided. The apparatus comprises a support member comprising a track comprising an arcuate portion, and a carrier member configured to be moved relative to the track. The carrier member comprises a surface configured to receive the article from the first carrier in a receiving zone and deposit the article onto the second carrier in an application zone, an aperture in the surface, and a passage in fluid communication with the aperture. The apparatus further comprises a vacuum manifold in fluid communication with the passage. The carrier member is configured to be moved relative to the vacuum manifold. The apparatus also comprises a linear motor operably engaged with the carrier member and configured to move the carrier member relative to the track.
US08100250B2	Apparatus method and system for receiving and distributing coins and notes The present invention relates to methods and systems for receiving and distributing currency. In particular, the present invention provides a novel apparatus for the inflow and outflow of a variety of currency. The systems of the present invention are capable of recycling a variety of currency from multiple countries and multiple denominations. The systems of the present invention have the added advantage of compact size.
US08100249B2	Apparatus for accepting and dispensing bank notes The invention relates to an apparatus for accepting and dispensing or returning bank notes, including an apparatus having a pocket for accepting and dispensing or returning bank notes, which is dividable by means of a dividing element into two areas for inputting and dispensing or returning bank notes, wherein the dividing element consists of at least two non-interconnected parts which can be moved together within the pocket in order to form the two areas. Each part of the dividing element is movably arranged on a respectively opposite side wall of the pocket, as well as at least one clamping element which is disposed between the parts of the dividing element and can be moved within the pocket independently from the dividing element, in order to clamp bank notes disposed in the pocket inside the pocket.
US08100247B2	Mechanical coin-acceptor unit There is proposed a mechanical coin-acceptor unit with a coin running channel which has a running rail for rolling a coin, in or on which testing arrangements for testing the properties of the rolling coin are provided, having a coin-acceptor shaft and a return shaft disposed below the running rail, where the running rail is mounted on a basic body and has a recess in the running direction of the coin for testing the thickness of the coin which falls possibly through the recess into the return shaft, and the running rail is mounted rotatably on the basic body via a point of rotation.
US08100246B2	Coin accommodating and dispensing device A cyclic transporting unit is provided. The transporting unit transports coins one by one in reverse directions in depositing and dispensing. A plurality of accommodating and dispensing portions are arranged along the transporting unit. Since coins enter and exit the transporting unit through a single coin inlet/outlet of the accommodating and dispensing portion, a depositing and transporting route and a dispensing and transporting route of the transporting unit can be made common to each other. The accommodating and dispensing portion accommodates coins with the coins not aligned, and dispenses accommodated coins one by one to the transporting unit by a rotary disc and a delivering disc.
US08100244B2	Apparatus for receiving and dispensing documents of value An apparatus for accepting and for outputting documents of value is provided with a checking device for checking the authenticity of fed documents of value, a storage unit, which comprises at least two storages for storing at least two different types of documents of value, so that a document of value of each of the two types, independently of the order of input of the documents of value into the storage unit, can optionally be outputted from the storage unit, a temporary storage unit for a, preferably singled, temporary storage of at least one, preferably at least two checked documents of value, and a transport system, with the help of which documents of value coming from the checking device can be transported to the storage unit, wherein the storage unit is held in a rotatable and/or swiveling fashion between an operating position and an open position in such a way, that in an operating position receiving and/or outputting documents of value is possible, and in the open position the portion of the transport system kept away from a manual access by the storage unit during the operating position is exposed.
US08100243B2	Bill discriminating and counting apparatus The present invention relates to a bill discriminating and counting apparatus including a display section which can perform display written in plural languages. The bill discriminating and counting apparatus includes a second storage area in which display data of a mother language can be written in addition to a first storage area in which data for the display written in commonly-used English is stored, and the display written in the mother language can be performed by writing the display data written in the mother language in the second storage area in the country where the bill discriminating and counting apparatus is used.
US08100241B2	Viscous clutch with eddy current reduction An electromagnetically actuated viscous clutch assembly includes a rotor arranged relative to an axis of rotation, an electromagnetic coil for generating magnetic flux, a housing positioned adjacent to the rotor to create a fluid working chamber therebetween with the housing and the rotor being selectively rotatable relative to one another, an insert extending through the housing and configured to conduct magnetic flux from the electromagnetic coil along a flux path, a valve assembly electromagnetically linked to the insert along the flux path for selectively controlling fluid flow into the working chamber to selectively engage the rotor and the housing, and a plurality of recesses defined in a portion of the housing located at an interior of the flux path to reduce eddy currents.
US08100237B2	Energy-absorbing device, in particular in the form of a safety device against shock loads for a track-borne vehicle An energy-absorbing device in the form of a safety device against shock loads for a track-borne vehicle includes an energy-absorbing member and a mating member. The mating member co-operates with the energy-absorbing member in such a way that, if a critical shock force applied to the energy-absorbing device is exceeded, the mating member and the energy-absorbing member move relative to one another, towards one another, while at the same time absorbing at least some of the shock energy which is applied to the energy-absorbing device. To enable the overall energy which can be dissipated by the energy-absorbing device to be increased in a way which is easy to implement, provision is made for the energy-absorbing member to have at least one energy-absorbing region made of fibrous composite material which, in the course of the movement of the mating member relative to the energy-absorbing member, is at least partly reduced to fibers non-ductilely.
US08100235B2	Controllable hydraulic bearing A controllable hydraulic bearing for damping vibrations in a defined frequency band is proposed, which includes an elastomeric body (1), two chambers which are filled with a magneto-rheological fluid and connected with one another by at least one channel (2), with the chambers having at least partially flexible chamber walls, wherein the buckling spring rate of the chamber walls represents a measure for a pressure change due to the volume displacement between the chambers, and at least one electromagnet which generates a magnetic field in the region of the channel (2). According to the invention, the magnetic field in the region of the channel (2) is an inhomogeneous magnetic field.
US08100228B2	Portable anchorage assembly A portable anchorage assembly comprises an extension member interconnecting a counterweight assembly and a base. The counterweight assembly has a cavity configured and arranged to receive at least one weight. The extension member has a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally connected to the counterweight assembly. The base is connected to the second end of the extension member and includes a wheel and at least one anchorage point. The base is pivotable about the counterweight assembly on the wheel to position the at least one anchorage point in a desired location.
US08100227B2	Portable worker safety frame A portable worker safety frame provides many of the benefits of a loading dock while enhancing worker safety. In one implementation, the safety frame provides a walking surface of adjustable height that may be placed adjacent to an arbitrary work surface of a transportation vehicle. The safety frame can provide a walking platform that has a similar length as the cargo bed itself, yet is portable by such conventional means as the forks of a lift truck. The portable worker safety frame also provides an overhead safety rail to which each worker may attach a safety harness cord.
US08100225B2	Room dampening panel An acoustic treatment room dampening panel 10 is arranged to support at least three layers of material 3 with multiple through holes 2. Each layer of material with through holes are spaced apart, with through holes off set between layers, such that air flow is restricted and turbulence created, thus dissipating standing wave energy. The panels are intended for flush mounting against walls or ceiling at the apex of a room to help dissipate standing wave energy which stands up in the corners of a room.
US08100224B1	Suppressor with poly-conical baffles A firearm suppressor includes at least one baffle disposed within a cylindrical housing. The baffle includes a distal-facing conical baffle having a wider end and an opposing narrower end; and a proximal-facing conical baffle intersected by the distal-facing conical baffle such that the narrower end of the distal-facing conical baffle extends beyond a wider end of the proximal-facing baffle, wherein a central bore extends through both the distal-facing conical baffle and the proximal-facing conical baffle.
US08100222B2	Steering apparatus A steering apparatus includes an input shaft that transmits a steering force input from a steering wheel and an output shaft that transmits a steered force by which wheels are steered. The output shaft is arranged at a position that is radially offset from the input shaft. One of an eccentric cam and an adapting plate that form an eccentric pin mechanism is connected to the input shaft. The output shaft is connected to the other one of the eccentric cam and the adapting plate. A first connecting portion of the input shaft, which is connected to the eccentric pin mechanism, is connectable to a second connecting portion of the output shaft, which is connected to the eccentric pin mechanism.
US08100218B2	Electronic throttle on control handle A steering and engine speed control mechanism for operating a vehicle. The control mechanism has a control handle mounted on the vehicle. The control handle is configured to deflect about an axis by movement of an operator's hand. A steering direction of the vehicle is related to a deflection angle of the control handle about the axis. An actuating element for changing the speed of the engine of the vehicle is attached to the control handle and is conveniently movable by an operator's digit to a plurality of positions to effect the desired speed of the engine.
US08100215B2	Module for detecting a vehicle crash and an airbag deploying system including the same Embodiments of the present invention may provide a module for detecting a vehicle crash. The module includes a housing mounted to a vehicular frame member at one end portion thereof. The module includes first and second rods housed in the housing. The first rod is contacted to the frame member at one end thereof through the one end portion of the housing. The second rod is contacted to the opposite end of the first rod and being disposed between the first rod and the opposite end portion of the housing. The module includes first and second sensors mounted to the first and second rods respectively for detecting a crash by sequentially measuring stress wave caused by the crash. The first sensor detects a stress wave propagating through the first rod and outputting a signal. The second sensor detects a stress wave propagating through the second rod and outputting a signal. The module includes a biasing member disposed between the second rod and the opposite end portion of the housing for biasing the first and second rods toward the frame member. A magnitude of impedance of the first rod is larger than that of the second rod and the magnitude of impedance of the second rod is larger than that of the biasing member. The module can remarkably reduce the elapsed time required for detecting a crash by measuring a stress wave, which propagates very rapidly through a vehicular frame member.
US08100200B2	Chuck assembly for a down-hole drill A chuck assembly, an assembly for an earth-boring drill assembly, and a method of retaining a drill bit for an earth-boring drill assembly, the drill assembly including a casing. The assembly includes a drill bit having a generally cylindrical head, a chuck connectable to the casing and operable to support the bit, the chuck having an outer surface with a radially-outwardly extending chuck ridge, an axially-extending first slot being defined in the ridge, a sleeve having an inner surface with a radially-inwardly extending sleeve ridge engageable with the chuck ridge to limit axial movement of the sleeve relative to the chuck, the sleeve having a first lug supported on the inner surface, the first lug being positionable in the first slot to limit relative rotational movement between the sleeve and the chuck. The assembly may also include a retainer assembly provided between the sleeve and the bit.
US08100193B2	Adjustable packer wheel seeding system and method In one embodiment, a seeding implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame, and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, wherein the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a position of the ground engaging tool, wherein the packer wheel is positioned directly behind the ground engaging tool when the ground engaging tool is engaging a soil region. Further, the implement includes an adjustment mechanism configured to shift the packer wheel rearwardly upon the ground engaging tool encountering an obstruction and to shift the packer wheel forwardly after the obstruction has been passed by the ground engaging tool.
US08100190B2	Methods for swelling swellable elements in a portion of a well using a water-in-oil emulsion A method is provided for swelling hydrocarbon-swellable elements located in a portion of a well. The method comprises the steps of: (A) introducing a water-in-oil emulsion into the portion of the well, wherein the water-in-oil emulsion comprises: (i) a hydrocarbon liquid, wherein the hydrocarbon liquid is the external phase of the water-in-oil emulsion; (ii) an aqueous liquid, wherein the aqueous liquid is an internal phase of the water-in-oil emulsion and wherein the aqueous liquid is adjacent to the external phase of the water-in-oil emulsion; and (iii) a surfactant; and (B) allowing the water-in-oil emulsion to contact the hydrocarbon-swellable element for a sufficient length of time to cause the thickness of the hydrocarbon-swellable element to expand by a desired percentage, wherein the desired percentage is at least 5%.
US08100183B2	Reinforced polymeric siphon tubes A siphon tube having a polymeric material into which at least one continuous reinforcing agent is embedded, and wherein the at least one reinforcing agent runs substantially the length of the siphon tube. The polymer material can be one or more polymers selected from one or more high density polyethylenes, one or more polyamides, and one or more fluoropolymers.
US08100182B2	Loose tube flying lead assembly In combination, the loose tube flying lead includes: a) a pair of improved cobra head assemblies, each being able to receive a variety of different stab-plates with minimal modification; b) a pair of bend limiters, one extending from each cobra head assembly and c) an elongate bundle of non-constrained interior conduits surrounded by an over-hose, the over-hose being connected to each bend limiter. The over-hose may rotate independently of the bend limiters and the cobra head assemblies.
US08100178B2	Method of oil recovery using a foamy oil-external emulsion An improved method of producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation in which a solids-stabilized emulsion (SSE) is formed, the SSE comprising oil as a first liquid, droplets of a second liquid suspended in the oil, and solid particles that are insoluble in both the oil and the second liquid at the conditions of the subterranean formation. The SSE with dissolved gas is injected into the subterranean formation as a drive fluid, and at least a portion of the SSE is placed into one or more area of the subterranean formation having an in situ pressure sufficiently lower than the selected partial pressure to permit evolution of at least a portion of the gas from the oil. Furthermore, a method of making the foamy SSE is also provided.
US08100177B2	Method of logging a well using a thermal neutron absorbing material A method for determining the location and height of a fracture in a subterranean formation using a neutron emitting logging tool. The method includes obtaining a pre-fracture data set, fracturing the formation with a slurry that includes a proppant doped with a high thermal neutron capture cross-section material, obtaining a post-fracture data set, comparing the pre-fracture data set and the post-fracture data set to determine the location of the proppant, and correlating the location of the proppant to a depth measurement of the borehole to determine the location and height of the fracture. Using a pulsed neutron capture tool, it is also possible to determine whether the proppant is located in the fracture, in the borehole adjacent to the fracture, or in both. The method may also include a plurality of post-fracture logging procedures used to determine various fracture and production characteristics in the formation.
US08100175B2	Fracturing head with replaceable inserts for improved wear resistance and method of refurbishing same Fracturing heads with one or more replaceable wear-resistant inserts have annular sealing elements for inhibiting fracturing fluids from circulating between the inserts and a main body of the fracturing head. Worn inserts and degraded sealing elements are easily replaced to refurbish the fracturing head without replacing or rebuilding the main body. Service life of the main body is therefore significantly prolonged. In one embodiment, an entire flow path through the main body is lined with wear-resistant replaceable inserts to further prolong the service life of the main body.
US08100174B2	Drill fluid collecting device and method of use A drill fluid collecting device, in which a space between a power tong (2) and a backup tong (4) is provided with collecting means, and in which, on their respective sides facing the space, the power tong (2) and the backup tong (4) are provided with a seal (56, 62) which is sealingly movable against a pipe (20, 22) located in the tongs and sealingly connected to its respective tong (2, 4).
US08100173B2	Method of producing incontinence articles in the form of pants A continuous method for producing incontinence articles in the form of pants for receiving body excrements utilizes crotch sections comprising absorbent bodies and having leg cut-outs formed by a first contour cut. Two partial webs are joined to the crotch sections in such a fashion that one end of the crotch sections overlaps one partial web in a longitudinal direction transversely to the machine direction, and the other end thereof overlaps the other partial web, and the crotch sections are disposed at a separation from each other in the machine direction. A second contour cut is performed that includes the partial webs on their mutually facing edge sections for forming substantially curved leg cut-outs. The article is then folded and the partial webs are joined transversely to the machine direction at a separation from each other for forming side seam areas of the incontinence article to be produced.
US08100172B2	Installation adapted with temperature equalization system A temperature equalization system comprised of heat equalizer and fluid transmission duct disposed in a heat carrier existing in solid or liquid state in the nature where presents comparatively larger and more reliable heat carrying capacity; the fluid passes through the installation to regulate for temperature equalization, and flows back to the installation disposed in the natural carrier of heat for the installation providing good heat conduction with the natural heat carrier to provide the function of temperature equalization regulating on the backflow.
US08100169B2	Spray nozzle apparatus and method of use The subject invention pertains to a spray nozzle apparatus and method of use. The subject spray nozzle can be used to spray atomized fluid. The atomized fluid can then be incident on a heated surface such that heat is transferred from the heated surface to the atomized fluid. The subject invention also relates to a spray-cooling system and method of use. The subject spray-cooling system can incorporate a spray nozzle and a heat transfer plate. A device to be cooled, such as a laser diode, microwave amplifier, or other high power electrical device, can be placed in direct thermal contact with the heat transfer plate. The spray from the spray nozzle can then be sprayed onto the heat transfer plate. In a specific embodiment, a cellular transfer plate can be used and the spray from the spray nozzle can be sprayed into a cellular cavity or compartment, within the heat transfer plate. Heat is transferred from the heat source to the sprayed liquid via the wall of the heat transfer plate. The heat transfer plate can be attached to the spray nozzle housing, such that as the sprayed liquid exits the spray nozzle housing, the sprayed liquid enters a cellular cavity of the cellular heat transfer plate. Removing the cellular heat transfer plate from the spray-cooling assembly can allow the apparatus to be used as a conventional spray nozzle.
US08100168B2	Device for reheating the water of the windscreen washers of a motor vehicle The invention relates to a device for reheating the water of the windscreen washers of a motor vehicle comprising, in the engine compartment thereof, a degassing box (1) forming part of the engine cooling system, and at least one tank (3) for pressurised washing water, said tank being associated with a circulation pump which pumps water therefrom and supplies said water to nozzles for spraying the same over the windscreens. The inventive device is characterised in that the tank (3) at least partially surrounds the degassing box (1), leaving a separation space of a determined thickness thereinbetween, and a double-walled hollow body (4) is integrated into said space, defining a closed thermal insulating volume.
US08100167B2	Method and a device for detecting an abnormality of a heat exchanger, and the use of such a device A method and a device for detecting an abnormality of a heat exchanger exchanging heat between a first fluid flow flowing in a conduit and a second fluid flow flowing along a flow path, said conduit and said flow path each having an inlet and an outlet, whereby the method comprises the steps of establishing at least one parameter representative of the temperature conditions of the heat exchanger, establishing a second fluid inlet temperature, establishing a parameter indicative of expected heat exchange between the heat exchanger and the second fluid, processing the heat exchanger temperature, the second fluid temperature and the parameter indicative of expected heat exchange for establishing an estimated second fluid outlet temperature, and employing the estimated second fluid outlet temperature for evaluating the heat exchange between the first and second fluids by comparing the estimated second fluid outlet temperature, or a parameter derived therefrom, with a reference value.
US08100164B2	Movable partition systems including intumescent material and methods of controlling and directing intumescent material around the perimeter of a movable partition system Movable partition systems include a movable partition and an intumescent material positioned to seal a gap at a periphery of the partition. In some embodiments, masses of intumescent material may be shaped and positioned to expand toward one another, contact one another, and form a seal therebetween at a periphery of the partition when the movable partition is exposed to fire. A fire barrier may be provided by extending a partition along a track assembly, and heating an intumescent material to cause the intumescent material to expand, char, and form a seal extending along at least a portion of a periphery of the movable partition. Upon installing a movable partition, at least one mass of intumescent material may be positioned to seal at least a section of a gap at a periphery of the movable partition when the at least one mass of intumescent material is exposed to fire.
US08100159B2	Pneumatic tire with circumferential main grooves having protrusions In the pneumatic tire in which not less than three main grooves 1 extending in the tire circumferential direction R are formed and ribs 2 are formed by the main grooves 1, upper edges 11 of the main groove 1 when the tire is new extend in a linear manner in the tire circumferential direction R, the bottom 12 of the main groove 1 extends in a zigzag manner in the tire circumferential direction R, the sidewalls 13 of the main groove 1 is provided with concave portions and convex portions, and in the concave portion of at least one of the sidewalls 13 of the main groove 1, the protrusions 3 that is joined to the bottom 12 of the main groove 1 and to the sidewall 13. Further, the pneumatic tire may be provided with sipes or notches that extend from the concave portion to the inner side of the rib 2 in the tire width direction.
US08100157B2	Rubber composition for tire and pneumatic tire using the same A rubber composition for a tire, in which a specific tackifier is compounded, and tackiness and various physical properties are improved, compared with compounding a petroleum resin or a terpene resin, is provided. The rubber composition for a tire comprising an alkyd resin and a pneumatic tire using the same. It is preferable that a material derived from a resource other than petroleum, particularly, a material derived from animal and/or vegetable, and more particularly, a material derived from an animal oil and/or a vegetable oil is contained in the alkyd resin, and it is preferable that unsaturated polybasic acid is contained in the alkyd resin.
US08100153B2	Float valve apparatus According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a float valve apparatus including: a housing including: a partition wall dividing an internal space into lower and upper spaces and having an opening therein; a ventilation pipe communicating the upper space with an outside; a valve seat formed at the opening; and a communication hole communicating the lower space with the outside; a float that is valve vertically slidably movable in the lower space and that upwardly floats in accordance with liquid flowing thereinto to open and close the opening; an upward urging spring urging the float valve from the housing toward the opening; and a support spring disposed inside the upward urging spring to support the float valve to not contact with a bottom surface of the housing.
US08100152B2	Rotating filler for viscous product A machine for filling containers with liquid product, comprising a rotating carousel provided with a plurality of filling stations, means adapted to provide selective feeding by means of a hot fluid and by means of the product, and means adapted to collect and evacuate the hot fluid that exits from the faucets, all the walls of the machine designed to be in contact with the hot fluid and the liquid product having high thermal insulation characteristics.
US08100138B2	Applicator for applying composition to eyelashes and/or eyebrows An applicator enables a composition to be applied to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows. The applicator may include an applicator member including a core defining faces, and rows of applicator elements connected to the core. The rows of applicator elements may include at least a first row including applicator elements connected to the core via a respective bend portion. The applicator elements in the first row may include at least one applicator element including a main portion extending substantially parallel to a face of the core underlying and facing the main portion. The main portion may be situated between the bend portion and a free end of the at least one applicator element.
US08100137B2	Hair ornament An hair ornament includes a hairpin, which has an eyelet and two spiral spring wires extended from the eyelet and spirally intersected with each other, an ornament, and a connector, which has a front end fastened to the eyelet of the hairpin and a rear end pivotally connected to the ornament for enabling the hairpin to be biased relative to the ornament between an open position for insertion through the hair of a user and a close position to secure the ornament to the hair of the user.
US08100134B2	Ventilated smoking article A cigarette includes a rod comprising a wrapped tobacco column that is joined to an axially aligned filter by a band of air impermeable tipping paper. The filter end of the rod is inserted into a mouthpiece having an air impermeable outer surface that comprises a ventilation tube and a second filter, separated by a mixing chamber. The ventilation tube has an air permeable annular wall that defines a central axial passage through which the rod extends. In use, the end surface of the annular wall at the rod end of the ventilation tube, which extends radially outward around the rod, acts as a ventilation surface through which air is drawn into the mixing chamber, where it mixes with mainstream smoke from the burning tobacco rod. The air/smoke mixture is drawn through the second filter into the consumer's mouth.
US08100131B2	Mouthguard A “boil and bite” mouthguard including projections to improve moulding of the mouthguard to the user's teeth is described. The mouthguard also includes a base-wall configuration that acts to minimise thinning of the base during moulding and use of the mouthguard.
US08100130B2	Medical drape A medical drape is disclosed. The drape comprises a main portion having a front side, a back side, a first edge, a second edge, a top, and a bottom. The first and second edges are positioned opposite one another. The top and the bottom are positioned opposite one other. The drape further comprises a first and a second fenestration extending completely through the main portion and spaced generally equidistant from a vertical axis. The vertical axis is generally parallel to the first and second edges. The drape further comprises a third and a fourth fenestration extending completely through the main portion and are spaced generally equidistant from the vertical axis. The first and second fenestrations are closer to the top than the third and fourth fenestrations.
US08100128B2	Contraceptive sheath with integrated bead construction A female condom and an improved method for manufacturing a female condom is disclosed. The invention provides a device that is effective in both acting as a contraceptive and inhibiting the transmission of disease during coitus. The invention employs synthetic latex in an efficient and cost effect manufacturing method that results in an improved product.
US08100123B2	Respiratory system for inducing therapeutic hypothermia The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling a patient's body temperature and in particular for inducing therapeutic hypothermia. Various embodiments of the system are described. The system includes: a source of breathing gas, which may be in the form of a compressed breathing gas mixture; a heat exchanger or other heating and/or cooling device; and a breathing interface, such as a breathing mask or tracheal tube. Optionally, the system may include additional features, such as a mechanical respirator, a nebulizer for introducing medication into the breathing gas, a body temperature probe and a feedback controller. The system can use air or a specialized breathing gas mixture, such as He/O2 or SF6/O2 to increase the heat transfer rate. In addition, the system may include an ice particle generator for introducing fine ice particles into the flow of breathing gas to further increase the heat transfer rate.
US08100121B2	Timer for a gas cooking hob A gas cooking hob comprising a number of gas burners, each of which is connected to a main gas pipe via a gas pipe section, and a main switch. The main gas pipe or the gas pipe section is open to supply gas to the gas burners when the main switch is actuated while a gas supply to the gas burners is interrupted when the main switch is actuated once again. In order to be able to jointly interrupt gas supply to all gas burners even without the user acting directly upon the main switch, a timing member is assigned to the main switch in order to adjust an interval after which the main switch closes automatically.
US08100119B2	Paintball system A paintball system may include a marker and delivery system configured to deliver paintballs to the marker. The delivery system may include a conduit and a gas supply. The gas supply may be configured to provide gas flow to the conduit, which may propel paintballs in the conduit to the marker. The gas supply may be configured to dynamically alter the gas flow to the conduit. The delivery system may include a first seal sized and configured to form a seal with at least one of the paintballs in the conduit.
US08100117B2	Method and system for controlling engine exhaust An engine having one of a plurality of exhaust valves in each cylinder that may be deactivated is disclosed. In one example, one exhaust valve of each cylinder is deactivated in response to engine speed. The engine may have improved engine torque at low engine speeds and reduced time to torque (e.g., turbo lag).
US08100116B2	Diesel emission reduction using internal exhaust gas recirculation A method for controlling combustion in a direct-injection diesel engine includes monitoring a crankshaft rotational position of a cylinder of the engine, monitoring an engine load, determining an intake stroke within the cylinder based upon the crankshaft rotational position, and when the engine load is less than a threshold engine load, opening an exhaust valve for the cylinder during a portion of the intake stroke.
US08100108B2	Hydraulically operated charge air system for internal combustion engine A hydraulically operated charge air system for an internal combustion engine includes an intake manifold having a number of intake runners, and a number of rotatable airflow control devices mounted within at least a portion of the intake runners. A hydraulic motor rotatably positions the airflow control devices.
US08100105B2	Balance shaft unit The present invention relates to a balance shaft unit for mass balancing for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle including at least one balance shaft having at least one balance weight and a housing part in which the balance shaft is journaled. A first gear is associated with the balance shaft and meshes with a second gear. An introduction passage is formed in the housing part through which, starting from an assembly opening, at least one of the two gears can be introduced into the interior of the housing part, with the introduction passage extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the balance shaft. The first gear and the second gear are arranged sequentially with respect to the direction of extent of the introduction passage. The housing part surrounds the periphery of the assembly opening in one piece, with the length of the assembly opening at the outer side of the housing part in a normal plane to the longitudinal axis of the balance shaft being smaller than the sum of the diameters of the two gears. A particularly high stability is hereby reached.
US08100101B2	Fuel supply pump A fuel supply pump includes a housing, a shaft in a case, a cam in the case formed eccentrically with respect to the shaft to rotate with the shaft, a tappet on an outer circumferential side of the cam movable in a vertical direction, and a plunger reciprocating with the tappet to pressurize fuel in a chamber. The tappet includes a roller and a supporting member rotatably supporting the roller in its thrust direction. The roller slidingly contacts outer circumference of the cam. The member includes an end face supporting the plunger, a surface at its end on an opposite side from the face and slidingly contacting outer circumference of the roller, and an inner wall supporting the roller in the thrust direction. The roller includes a middle section slidingly contacting the surface along its longitudinal direction, and a contact part at both ends of the section contacting the wall.
US08100099B2	Method for operating an internal combustion engine, and internal combustion engine for carrying out said method The invention relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine comprising at least two cylinders respectively provided with admission valves and exhaust valves. According to the invention, in order to fill the cylinders with a larger amount of unburned gas during a gas exchange, the exhaust interval is reduced and the crossover phase of admission and exhaust intervals is extended, for at least one cylinder (3). The invention also relates to an internal combustion engine for carrying out said method.
US08100092B2	Hydrogen supplementation fuel apparatus and method A hydrogen supplementation fuel apparatus and method having a power source, a hydrogen generator and an accumulator for supplementing hydrogen gas to improve the fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines. The hydrogen generator uses electrodes that are helically wound about a separator to increase the hydrogen generation output.
US08100090B1	Animal harness and method of tying Apparatus and method for an animal harness and restraint system is provided. An animal restraint is created from a single continuous piece of cord in which a loop is fashioned in the rope approximately half way from each free end of the rope. Beginning with the loop placed over the rear neck area of an animal above its shoulders, each free end of the rope is brought around opposite sides of the animal neck, down the chest of the animal with several twists of the rope combining both free ends then separating. Each free end of the rope is then brought separately around the front leg of the animal to meet the loop with each end being pulled there through and to the rear of the animal to fashion a leash. The free ends may be wrapped twice through the looped portion to fashion a simple prusik-like friction means to secure the thus fashioned harness but allows slipping of the rope as may be desirable as the animal moves. The two free ends of the rope are then tied in a simple knot at the end of the rope to present a reigns or leash to control or restrain the animal.
US08100088B2	Animal nail clipper A clipper for clipping nails of an animal such as a dog, or cat, that allows for the clipping of an individual nail at the desired length while preventing injury to the animal, including a clipper portion and a sensing portion which allows the nail to be localized in a desired position relative to the clipping plane of the clipper and the internal structure of the nail, wherein the sensing portion is included within circuitry that includes a signal generation portion, a signal reception portion, and a quick indicator. The animal nail is positioned near the clipper portion and the sensing portion produces a sensible signal confirming the position of the clipping plane upon the nail, particularly the quick of the nail. The user then may adjust the position of the clipper portion such that the clipping plane avoids the quick. The user then actuates the clipper portion and trims the nail.
US08100087B2	Aquarium light fixture with hinge Various embodiments of the present invention provide a lighting apparatus that may be utilized with aquariums having features and functionality enabling a person to easily access the opening of an aquarium for various purposes, such as cleaning and maintenance. According to one embodiment of the invention, the lighting apparatus comprises two or more panels; one or more joints that join at least two adjacent panels together; and one or more light elements disposed on the aquarium lighting apparatus such that at least one lighting element illuminates a side common to all of the panels. For some embodiments, features of the present invention allow the lighting apparatus to illuminate the aquarium, while limiting the evaporation of water from the aquarium.
US08100083B2	Process and apparatus for depositing a ceramic coating A process and apparatus for depositing a ceramic coating, such as a thermal barrier coating (TBC) for a gas turbine engine component. The process deposits a coating whose composition includes multiple oxide compounds and a carbon-based constituent, e.g., elemental carbon, carbides, and carbon-based gases. The process uses at least one evaporation source to provide multiple different oxide compounds and at least one carbide compound comprising carbon and an element. The evaporation source is evaporated to produce a vapor cloud that contacts and condenses on the component surface to form the ceramic coating, and particularly so that the coating comprises the oxide compounds, an oxide of the element of the carbide compound, and the carbide compound and/or a carbon-containing gas. The process is carried out with an apparatus comprising a coating chamber in which the evaporation source is present, and a device for evaporating the evaporation source.
US08100073B2	Coupling and decoupling method and device for in-boom furling boom sails The invention relates to a method for automatically coupling and decoupling the luff of a battened mainsail and stackable luff holders as the connecting link between the sail luff and mast guiding slides, thereby allowing the now free sail luff to be reefed up by means of an in-boom furling boom and allowing the battened mainsail to be hoisted and reefed by means of mast guiding slides.
US08100072B2	Fabric sail The present invention relates to a fabric sail (1) which maintains a minimal surface. An elastic boundary is attached to the edges of an elastic membrane, and the edges (4) are shaped so that the membrane of the sail maintains a minimal surface configuration despite being deformed by the boundary. The sail therefore distributes strain across the sail surface and is thus free of wrinkles and creases. Points on the elastic membrane itself can be displaced but still form a minimal surface as defined by the boundary and the displaced surface connection points. In addition, strain matching allows the boundary and the elastic membrane to optimally share the strain caused by any deformation.
US08100069B2	Control device of sewing machine A control device of a sewing machine includes a pressing member, a pressing frame supported by the pressing member, feed detecting means for detecting a position or a feeding amount of the pressing frame, a feed dog which feeds the workpiece in the cloth feeding direction every stitch in association with the pressing frame, a feeding motor which sets a cloth feeding amount of the feed dog, a storing portion which stores, in every stitch, an error between a target position or a target feeding amount of the pressing frame and a detected position or a detected feeding amount obtained by the feed detecting means, and control means operable, in every stitch, to determine a correction value from the errors in a plurality of stitches which are stored immediately before, and to control the feeding motor to drive with the cloth feeding amount corrected by the correction value.
US08100068B2	Threader of sewing machine The present invention provides a threader of a sewing machine in which the entire head portion can be made compact and the operator can perform threading work with one hand. The threader comprises: a threading shaft approaching a needle bar for moving a supporting sewing needle vertically; a threading hook for moving a hook portion in and out of a needle hole; a positioning member for regulating a lowermost position of the threading shaft to a position where the height of the hook portion matches that of the needle hole; a first rotary mechanism for rotating by a predetermined angle near the lowermost point of the threading shaft so that the hook portion is inserted into the needle hole of the sewing needle; and a thread-guiding member for guiding the top thread to the hook portion at a near lowermost point of the threading shaft. The threader further comprises a second rotary mechanism for rotating by a predetermined angle so that a thread-catching portion of the thread-guiding member passes through the position of the needle hole of the sewing needle at a near lowermost point of the threading shaft, and the first rotary mechanism and the second rotary mechanism rotate the threading hook and the thread-guiding member in opposite directions.
US08100067B2	Apparatus and method for the injection of viscous fertilizer below the surface of the soil The invention pertains to apparatus and methods for injecting viscous fertilizer, such as dewatered biosolids, below the surface of the soil. The invention also pertains to apparatus and methods for creating a continuous flow of viscous material and for dividing a flow of viscous material.
US08100063B2	Surface expansion mechanism A mechanism and method for storing and deploying an expansion portion of a surface is provided. The mechanism is configured so as to raise and lower a storable expansion surface portion with respect to an adjacent surface portion, allowing the storable expansion surface portion to be stored behind the adjacent surface portion when a smaller surface area is desired.
US08100062B1	Expandable table An expandable table that is utilized as a kitchen table, with the table having several leafs that extend outward from underneath the primary surface of the table and serve to greatly increase the surface area of the table. Ideally, the table has a square or rectangular shape, allowing the mounting of four separate leafs that can be pulled out of each side of the table. Each leaf can be pulled out almost its full length and then be supported by an attached, hinged leg that provides extra support to the leaf after it has been pulled out from underneath the primary surface of the kitchen table.
US08100061B2	Item support apparatuses and systems for bedside An item support apparatus, such as an overbed table, for example, includes a support surface assembly, a base assembly, and a vertical column coupled to each of the support surface and base assemblies. A side assembly is coupled to the base assembly and configured to remain stationary while the support surface assembly moves upwardly and downwardly relative to the base assembly. The overbed table may further include a hand sanitizer container coupled with the support surface assembly and configured to receive a removable hand sanitizer container unit. The base assembly may include weight-activated casters. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08100054B2	Clamping device, system and method for clamping flexible plates onto an imaging cylinder An imaging cylinder includes a clamping device embodiment with a pair of independent adjacent clamping elements, and a method embodiment includes placing end edges of a flexible plate between each of the clamping elements of the clamping device and a surface approximately flush with the outer surface of the cylinder. One or more biasing devices, e.g., springs are used to impart a force onto the placed plate towards the surface approximately flush with outer surface of the cylinder. For each independent clamping element, a crank and lever mechanism or other means to translate rotative motion to approximately rectilinear motion is used to open a space between the clamping element and the outer surface when a rotative force is manually applied to provide for mounting and unmounting an end of a plate.
US08100048B2	Pinless piston and connecting rod assembly A piston extends along a central axis with an upper crown and a boss depending from the crown. The boss has opposite sides extending along opposite sides of the central axis to a free end and an annular pocket extending laterally into at least one of the sides. The boss further includes an opening extending through the free end into the pocket. The opening has a width extending from the side in which the pocket extends toward the other side of the boss. An assembly including the piston further includes a connecting rod terminating at a small end configured for receipt in the pocket with a shank extending from the small end. The small end can be provided with an external bearing material on a convex outer surface, and the small end is unobstructed from lateral movement along the opening over a full stroke of the piston.
US08100045B2	Hydraulic cylinder rod position sensor A fluid pressure cylinder assembly has a sensor to provide a signal indicating the amount of extension of a piston rod from the cylinder. The sensor includes a sleeve that is fixed relative to a base of the cylinder and passes into a longitudinal bore in the piston rod, and the piston rod carries a sensor core that is in the bore and is secured to the piston rod at an end opposite from a piston on the rod. The core slides on the interior of the sensor sleeve. A connection is provided to the sensor sleeve such that as the core moves relative to the sensor sleeve a signal indicating the amount of movement and the relative position of the cylinder base and the piston rod is provided.
US08100042B2	Adhesive tape canister An adhesive tape canister includes a reel to mount a roll of adhesive tape. When the adhesive tape needs to be cut, a handle portion of the adhesive tape canister is pressed, a first blade is moved towards the second blade. The adhesive tape can be cut by the first blade and the second blade in response to the first blade moving to the second blade.
US08100037B2	Milling head and methods for tube end preparation A milling head for use in conjunction with a rotary milling tool that is utilized to perform an operation on a tube, preferably of a tube bank or tube wall of a boiler system. The milling head is utilized to remove material or film from the outer diameter of a tube, or place a bevel on a tube end, or both. In one embodiment, the milling head includes at least one outer diameter milling element and at least one bevel milling element that are adjustable in relation to each other as well as the milling head body. Methods for milling a tube are also described.
US08100033B2	Vehicle pedal displacement control structure A vehicle pedal displacement control structure, which is capable of causing a vehicle pedal to displace so as to turn aside from driver's lower extremities and of reducing load on a steering support member in the event of an external force being applied to the front of the vehicle, is provided. A protrusion and a slide member are provided between the steering support member and a pedal bracket for suspending the vehicle pedal. When the pedal bracket moves backward with a toe board due to the external force from the front of the vehicle, the vehicle pedal and the pedal bracket are guided to turn aside from driver's lower extremities in a width direction of vehicle.
US08100032B2	Cable adjustment device A cable adjustment device for a Bowden cable having a control cable displaceable within a cable casing for a bicycle component. The adjustment device includes a guide element axially and rotationally fixed to the bicycle component and has a control cable bore therethrough. An adjustment element is rotationally fixed and axially displaceable in the guide element. The adjustment element has an abutment for engaging the cable casing. The adjustment device also includes an actuation element. The adjustment element is threadably coupled relative to the actuation element for converting the rotational movement of the actuation element into the axial movement of the adjustment element.
US08100030B2	Joystick A joystick for controlling the functions of machines and/or vehicles comprises an actuator which can be moved in different directions by means of a joint having preferably two degrees of freedom, wherein the back-and-forth motions of the actuator occurring in a first plane are subjected to an active force feedback in the form of an electromotor and a reduction gear, and the back-and-forth movement of the actuator which occurs in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane is subjected to a passive force feedback in the form of a sprung reset device. In order to make such a joystick which allows for a low-cost serial production, the invention proposes that the reduction gear is designed with low backlash and is connected on the output side to the actuator via a preferably leaf-spring assembly which connects a swing arm to a joint part.
US08100028B2	Cornu's spiral tooth gear A Cornu's spiral is applied to a tooth profile of a gear. In accordance with the application of the gear, the Cornu's spiral may be modified two-dimensionally by some constant proportion. Since Cornu's spirals have similarity are similar, when a pressure angle is determined, the tooth profile can be standardized by a module, so that it is highly versatile.By replacing the tip of a tooth and the bottom of a tooth by another curve, such as an arc, the range of application can be increased. Since working is always by flank contact between a protrusion and a recess, contact surface stress is low. In addition, the radius of curvature of a dedendum is large. Therefore, tooth bending stress is low, and fatigue strength is high. Even if the number of teeth is small, an undercut is not produced. Even if there is no backlash, a smooth working is achieved, so that the tooth profile is suitable for devices requiring precise alignment.
US08100026B2	Plastic injection-molded gear A plastic injection-molded gear that can prevent the occurrence of noise during meshing attributed to molten-liquid-induced creases, suppress deformations on a rim and a web, and suppress displacement of a meshing position is provided.A rim, on which teeth are formed, is supported by a first overhanging section, a second overhanging section, and radial direction ribs. The first overhanging section projects in a cantilevered manner from an outer peripheral edge of a web. The second overhanging section extends in an outward radial direction from a tip side of the first overhanging section. The radial direction ribs are formed straddling the first overhanging section and the second overhanging section. A connecting section between the rim and the second overhanging section is displaced from a meshing position of the teeth in a teeth width direction. The radial direction ribs are disposed in multiple numbers along the outer periphery of the first overhanging section, dividing a ring-shaped space between the first overhanging section and the rim into a plurality of small spaces (lightening sections).
US08100025B2	Rolling element retainer A rolling element retainer is provided with two through rolling element retaining spaces. Each of the rolling elements retaining spaces is provided for accommodation of one rolling element. The rolling element retainer is provided with a linking portion at each of two opposite sides thereof. The rolling element retainer is further provided with a rolling element rolling channel in each of two external end surfaces thereof. The angular difference between the respective rolling element rolling channels and the respective linking portions is 0 degree or 90 degrees. By such arrangements, the rolling channels at two ends of the rolling element retainer are provided for contact with the rolling elements therebetween, so as to guide the movement of such rolling elements.
US08100023B2	Rotary positive displacement flowmeter A rotary positive displacement flowmeter of the type utilizing two displacement rotors and a blocking rotor with the blocking rotor having a single recess and the displacement rotor cylinders being of substantially similar size as the blocking rotor, resulting in a uniform flowpath through the flowmeter with alignment of the rotor axes in a 180 degree plane.
US08100022B2	Device for measuring the total pressure of a flow and method implementing the device The invention relates to a device and to a method for measuring the total pressure of a flow. According to the invention, the device comprises a Pitot tube (25), means for measuring the total pressure at a stagnation point (4, 12) and comparison means (32, 33) for comparing pressures measured by the Pitot tube (25) and the means for measuring total pressure at the stagnation point (4, 12), the Pitot tube (25) and the means for measuring total pressure at the stagnation point (4, 12) being joined together and tapping air streams off the flow along the same axis (7). The method implementing the device includes comparing the measured pressures and if the difference between the two measured pressures is greater than a given discrepancy, then a warning is generated specifying that only the higher pressure has a good likelihood of being correct.
US08100020B2	Compliant and wireless health monitoring sensors for composite structures A sensor is provided. The sensor includes a substrate having at least one intrinsically conductive polymer coated on at least a first surface thereof and at least a first and second conductive contact.
US08100019B2	Cartridge fluid transducer There is provided a fluid transducer. The transducer housing includes a nose section, a middle section, and a rear section, with the nose section defining a through bore. A sensor is disposed in the nose section and is in fluid communication with the through bore. An electronic module is disposed in the middle section and is in electrical communication with the sensor. A cap is coupled to the real section of the transducer housing, with the cap configured to seal the rear section of the transducer housing. A conductor-insulator assembly is coupled to an outer surface of the transducer housing and the conductor of the conductor-insulator assembly is coupled to the electronic module. In one embodiment the conductor-insulator assembly is annular in shape, with an inside diameter corresponding to the outer surface of the transducer housing.
US08100016B2	Vibratory sensor A vibratory sensor includes a resonator element including (i) a first base portion and a second base portion, each ot the first and the second base portions having an upper main surface and a lower main surface, (ii) a resonating arm extended in a beam shape between the first and the second base portions to be vibrated at a predetermined resonance frequency, (iii) a first narrow portion formed by reducing a width of a portion extended from the first base portion to be smaller than a width of the first base portion in a direction orthogonal to an extending direction of the resonating arm, (iv) a second narrow portion formed by reducing a width of a portion extended from the second base portion to be smaller than a width of the second base portion in the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the resonating arm, (v) a first support portion extended from the first narrow portion in a direction opposite to the first base portion, and (vi) a second support portion extended from the second narrow portion in a direction opposite to the second base portion.
US08100013B2	Passage detection apparatus of object A passage detection apparatus is configured to detect the change in the properties (propagation state of sound wave, dielectric constant, etc.) of a specific space, which changes according to the passage of an object in the specific space and the size of the object. The passage detection apparatus includes a pair of detection units and configured to transmit and receive signals to and from an external device. The specific space is formed by the space between the detection unit and the detection unit. The detection unit is supported by a first substrate. The detection unit is supported by a second substrate that is parallel to the first substrate, and arranged at the position corresponding to the detection unit supported by the first substrate.
US08100011B2	Piezoelectric device, oscillation type gyro sensor, electronic device, and method of manufacturing piezoelectric device A piezoelectric device is disclosed. A substrate has an arm portion. A piezoelectric member is disposed on the substrate. A drive electrode oscillates the arm portion by a piezoelectric operation of the piezoelectric member. First and second detection electrodes detect a Coriolis force from the oscillating arm portion. A first lead electrode having a first area is disposed on the substrate and connected to the first detection electrode and connects the first detection electrode to the outside. A second lead electrode has a second area substantially the same as the first area. The second lead electrode is disposed on the substrate asymmetrical to the first lead electrode with respect to an axis in a longitudinal direction of the arm portion and connected to the second detection electrode. The second lead electrode connects the second detection electrode to the outside. A third lead electrode connects the drive electrode to the outside.
US08100010B2	Method and system for forming an electronic assembly having inertial sensors mounted thereto Systems and methods for forming an electronic assembly are provided. A first inertial sensor having a first sense axis is attached to a bracket. A second inertial sensor having a second sense axis is attached to the bracket such that the second sense axis is substantially orthogonal to the first sense axis. The bracket is attached to a circuit board having at least one microelectronic device mounted thereto.
US08100009B2	Method and apparatus for balancing A balance assembly for a rotating assembly comprising: a first movable rotor and a second movable rotor which are selectively movable about the rotating assembly; and a controller with a microprocessor operating with stored control programs for controlling movement of the first movable rotor and second movable rotor and adapted to calculate a value and to periodically modify the value and to cause the first movable rotor and the second movable rotor to move in accordance with the calculated value and the modified value, wherein the values are adjusted during a plurality of control iterations to reduce vibrational signals from an at least one vibration sensor.
US08100008B2	Measuring cap A cap for a bottle that may be used as a means to measure liquid or flowable contents being poured from a bottle. The portion of the cap used for measuring is inclined upward to its rim for accurate measurement and reading of the numbers and/or other markers. The opposite side of the measuring portion has an upright surrounding wall that extends from the rim, to form a second fluid retaining volume or storage area when covered with an optional top.
US08100006B2	Liquid level measurement device and installation incorporating the same A liquid level measurement device comprises a generally seamless pipe for insertion into an installation in which liquid level is to be monitored and a non-contact sensor assembly disposed within the pipe at a location spaced above the liquid. The sensor assembly senses the level of the liquid and generates output representative of the liquid level.
US08100002B2	Adhesion measuring apparatus A measuring apparatus is provided for measuring the coating adhesion of an edge or a corner of an object. The measuring apparatus includes a platform, a fixing assembly to fix the object, a supporting plate fastened to the platform, a loading mechanism pivotably attached to the supporting plate, a travelling limiting member fastened to the supporting plate to limit the pivoting angle of the loading mechanism, and a friction block installed to the loading mechanism and slidably abutting against and reciprocatingly rubbing the edge or corner of the object within a predetermined traveling distance. The predetermined traveling distance is limited by the traveling limiting member.
US08100000B1	Device and method for detecting vehicle engine pulse generator plate tooth defects A device and its method of use for in situ detection of bent and/or broken teeth on a vehicle engine pulse generator plate. The device includes a pair of detection sensors adapted to detect pulse generator plate teeth during rotation of a pulse generator plate, and a controller in communication with the sensors. The sensors are arranged such that one sensor leads the other with respect to the detection of teeth on a rotating pulse generator plate. Rotation of a pulse generator plate in the presence of the sensors will cause the sensors to produce an output signal each time a tooth passes by. The signals from the sensors form associated pulse trains that are evaluated by a microprocessor device and associated program of the controller to determine if the pulse generator plate has any bent and/or broken teeth.
US08099998B2	Apparatus and method for estimating stopped engine crank angle An engine control system, controller, and method for estimating a stopped engine crank angle of an internal combustion engine. Typical crank sensors do not output a reliable crank signal when the engine is about to stop, and do not indicate crank direction which is necessary to determine if engine bounce-back occurs. A crank sensor signal is analyzed as the engine coasts to a stop so that a coast-down model can be adjusted to accurately estimate the stopped engine crank angle. A bounce-back model is also used to estimate an engine bounce-back angle and to make further corrections to the estimated stopped engine crank angle.
US08099997B2	Potassium formate gel designed for the prevention of water ingress and dewatering of pipelines or flowlines A gelled composition for pipeline, flowline, pipeline jumper or flowline jumper dewatering or preventing ingress of seawater into open pipeline systems or components during tie-in operations of jumpers or additional pipe, valving, manifolds, subsea pipeline architecture or flow conduits operations is disclosed, where the composition includes a concentrated metal formate solution and a hydratable polymer. The gelled formate compositions have improved dewatering properties with 100% or 360 pipe coverage. The gelled formate compositions have can also be reused by breaking and reformulation.
US08099985B2	Latching arrangements for a padlock A padlock includes a lock body, shackle, locking mechanism and latch member. The latch member includes a laterally outermost shackle engaging portion that lockingly engages a recess in the shackle when the locking mechanism is in a locked condition and is disengageable from the recess when the locking mechanism is in an unlocked condition. The latch member is sized such that upward facing surfaces of the latch member that align with a circumferential edge of a shackle opening are limited to a notch laterally aligned with a laterally innermost portion of the circumferential edge when the shackle engaging portion is in a normal locking engagement with the recess.
US08099983B2	Front-loading laundry treatment machine A washing machine includes a liquor container suspended for oscillating in a housing. A washing drum is rotatable within the liquor container. A material-elastic collar is connected for establishing a liquid tight seal on the edge of a front-side loading opening of the liquor container, connecting with a housing-side loading opening, and with a door mounted for sealing the housing-side loading opening. A filling element is located on the door and has a curved outward portion in the shape of a truncated cone. The filling element has a surface area with at least one recess commencing close to a largest diameter of the cone portion, and forms a rising surface of sickle shape in the direction of the interior of the drum and toward a smallest diameter of the cone on the surface area thereof.
US08099980B2	I.S. machine An I.S. Machine is provided wherein the blow molds are closed to a slightly cracked location whereby applied cooling air can not leak into and pressurize the blow mold thereby damaging the parison during reheat. When reheat is completed, the blow molds are fully closed and the parison is transformed into a bottle by applying compressed air and/or vacuum.
US08099979B2	Dynamic item of jewelry A dynamic piece of jewelry, which comprises: a bezel comprising: a partially spherical base having a curved bottom and an essentially flat top; and plurality of prongs that extend in a tilted manner from said essentially flat top of the base, each of said prongs having a bottom end which is attached to said essentially flat top of said base, and a top end, and wherein said prongs are tilted such that they form a structure having an expanding cross section from the structure bottom to the structure top; a tooth at the top of each prong, for, jointly supporting a gemstone; a seat which supports said partially spherical base, said seat having a radius of curvature larger than the radius of curvature of said partially spherical base; a gemstone supported by said plurality of teeth at the top of said prongs; and a holder having a central hole, said holder being attached to said seat in such a manner that a top portion of the prongs including the gemstone protrude above said holder hole, and a bottom portion of said prongs and said partially spherical base being maintained below said holder, and wherein the cross section of said prongs structure at the holder level is slightly smaller than the hole, thereby enabling multi directional freedom of movement, although limited, of the bezel within said the limitation of said hole.
US08099976B2	Oil-returning device and accumulator The present invention provides an oil-returning device and a accumulator, the oil-returning device including an outlet pipe and a filtering component, the outlet pipe having an bent arc portion which is provided with a positioning hole, the filtering component including a filtering screen and a filtering screen base with an oil-returning orifice, and being fixedly installed in the positioning hole, wherein an effective cross section area Sn of an inner space of the outlet pipe at a position where the filtering component is installed is in a range of 50%˜90% of an original effective cross section area S0 of the inner space of the untreated outlet pipe at a position where the filtering component is to be installed. The accumulator includes a hermetically sealed container, a inlet pipe and the oil-returning device, wherein in the case of a given diameter of the outlet pipe and a diameter of the oil-returning orifice, appropriate oil-returning capacity will be attained by setting the effective cross section area of the inner space at the oil-returning orifice of the outlet pipe, and thus the production has significant versatility and can meet the requirements of various refrigeration systems.
US08099973B2	Environmental control system An environmental control system for conditioning air in a vehicle compartment, such as an aircraft cabin. Cool expanded higher-pressure air from a turbine is mixed with recirculated warmer, lower pressure air from the compartment. The air is mixed and recirculated by a jet pump which includes an inlet section, an outlet section, a diffuser section and a mixing section. The mixing section includes a plurality of separate mixing chambers. The diffuser section includes diffusers for receiving mixed gases from each of the mixing chambers. The outlet section receives the mixed gases which are then conveyed to the compartment. The inlet section includes for each of the mixing chambers, a primary nozzle for introducing the higher-pressure air into a respective mixing chamber, and a secondary nozzle for introducing the lower pressure air to a respective mixing chamber.
US08099972B2	Device for heating, cooling and producing domestic hot water using a heat pump and low-temperature heat store A heating device includes a low-temperature heat store thermally coupled to a heat pump. The heat store is a buried pocket containing a permeable material and water. A high heat exchange capacity is thus achieved by exploiting both the high specific heat of the water and the high latent heat of liquefaction of the water contained in the heat store.
US08099971B2	Vaporization reduction control system and method for a vehicle A system for controlling a fan in a vehicle comprises an ambient temperature module that generates an ambient temperature enable signal when ambient temperature is within a vaporization window. An engine component monitoring module that generates a vaporization temperature enable signal when an engine component in an engine compartment has an estimated outer surface temperature that greater than a water vaporization temperature. A vehicle speed module generates a speed enable signal when the vehicle speed is less than a first vehicle speed. A fan turn-on module that selectively turns on a fan based on the temperature enable signal, the vaporization temperature enable signal and the speed enable signal.
US08099969B2	Passenger car air-conditioning systems with adsorption heat pumps A system and method for air-conditioning motor vehicles and, in particular, to an air-conditioning systems for motor vehicles having adsorption heat pumps. The apparatus includes a two adsorber chambers, each connected to a condenser and an evaporator via different connection elements; a vacuum shell for enclosing the adsorber chambers, the condenser, and the evaporator, wherein the vacuum shell is not self-supporting; and one or more adsorbers housed in the adsorber chambers, wherein the adsorbers are comprised of a carrier material coated by a sorbent. The method includes using an adsorption heat pump having one or more adsorber chambers, wherein adsorption and desorption are alternated between the adsorber chambers. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US08099964B2	Magnetic refrigerating device and magnetic refrigerating method A magnetic refrigerating device includes: a magnetic refrigerating unit including a magnetic material “A” exhibiting a magneto-caloric effect that the temperature of the material “A” is increased by the application of a magnetic field and the temperature of the material “A” is decreased by the removal of a magnetic field, a magnetic material “B” exhibiting a magneto-caloric effect that the temperature of the material “B” is decreased by the application of a magnetic field and the temperature of the material “B” is increased by the removal of a magnetic field, a heat conductive material “a” exhibiting higher heat conductivity under the application of a magnetic field and lower heat conductivity under the removal of a magnetic field, and a heat conductive material “b” exhibiting lower heat conductivity under the application of a magnetic field and higher heat conductivity under the removal of a magnetic field, wherein the magnetic refrigerating unit is configured so as to include at least one layered structure denoted by “AaBb” or “AbBa”; and a magnetic field-applying means to apply a magnetic field to the magnetic refrigerating unit.
US08099961B2	Gas-turbine combustion chamber wall A gas-turbine combustion chamber wall for a gas-turbine has a combustion chamber wall 9, on the inner side of which several tiles 10 are arranged, with an interspace 14 being formed between the tiles 10 and the combustion chamber wall 9, into which cooling air is introduced via impingement-cooling holes 8 provided in the combustion chamber wall 9 and from which the cooling air flows into the combustion chamber via effusion-cooling holes 11, 23 provided in the tile 10. The tile 10 includes a surface structure 19, 22 on the side facing the combustion chamber wall 9. The area of the impingement-cooling holes 8 and the area of the effusion-cooling holes 11 do not coincide.
US08099960B2	Triple counter rotating swirler and method of use A fuel-air mixer includes an annular shroud, inner and outer counter-rotating swirlers, a hub separating the inner and outer swirlers, a center body extending axially along the annular shroud, a fuel shroud disposed radially outwardly from the outer swirler circumferentially around the annular shroud, and a radial swirler disposed downstream of the inner and outer swirlers, the radial swirler being configured to allow an independent radial rotation of a second gas stream entering the annular shroud from a region outside a wall of the annular shroud separately from a stream flowing through the inner and outer swirlers, the radially rotating second gas stream entering the annular shroud at a region adjacent an outer wall of the annular shroud.
US08099959B2	Heat recovery equipment Heat recovery equipment recovers heat from flue gas. The heat recovery equipment includes a power generation plant that drives a steam turbine by superheated steam produced in a boiler, and an exhaust-gas treatment line that treats flue gas output from the boiler. The exhaust-gas treatment line includes a first air preheater, a heat extractor unit, and a dry electrostatic precipitator. The power generation plant includes a condensed water line. The condensed water line includes a condenser, a condensed water heater, and a low-pressure feedwater heater. The condensed water heater heats water condensed by the condenser with the heat recovered by the heat extractor unit.
US08099958B2	Osmotic energy A process for driving a prime mover, said process comprising a) positioning a selective membrane between a liquid and a solution having a higher osmotic potential than the liquid, such that the solution becomes pressurized by the influx of liquid across the membrane, b) using the pressure generated in the solution to drive a prime mover, c) recovering the solution, d) separating at least some of the solvent from the solution to form a residual product, and e) recycling the separated solvent and/or the residual product of step d) to step a).
US08099955B2	Wave energy plant for electricity generation The invention herein proposed describes a plant operated by the movement of floaters (A) connected to horizontal arms (B). These arms (B) move hydraulic pumps (C), which inject water into the hyperbaric chamber (E). This chamber (E) supplies water through an outflow control valve, to set in motion a conventional turbine (G) that connected to electric generator supplies electricity.
US08099950B2	Exhaust gas purifying apparatus for internal combustion engine The present invention provides, as one aspect, an exhaust gas purifying apparatus for an internal combustion engine including a setting unit that sets commanded values of an amount and a period of injection from an additive fuel injector, an adding controlling unit that injects fuel from the additive fuel injector in accordance with the commanded values, a determining unit that determines whether a high-accuracy measurement state has been entered in which a difference between measurement values of first and second air-to-fuel ratio sensors is within a predetermined range, and a calculating unit that calculates, when the high-accuracy measurement state has been entered, a deviation between the commanded value and a true value of the amount of injection by the adding controlling unit as a correction value, from at least one of the measurement values of the first and second air-to-fuel ratio sensors.
US08099947B2	Control and diagnostic approach for emission control device A system and method for engine control and diagnostics are described. In one example, a catalyst is modeled as a non-linear integrator. The method may improve engine air-fuel diagnostics.
US08099946B2	Method, device and computer program product for diagnosing an oxidation catalyst A method, a device and a computer program product for the diagnosis of an oxidation catalyst for the oxidation of NO into NO2 in a motor vehicle is provided. An exhaust gas aftertreatment system includes at least the aforementioned oxidation catalyst and a particulate filter and/or an NOx-reducing catalyst arranged downstream of the oxidation catalyst, and a predetermined quantity of a reducing agent is supplied to the exhaust system upstream of the oxidation catalyst, and the NOx content or NO2 content is measured downstream of the oxidation catalyst. The method includes measuring a first value for the NOx/NO2 content at a point in time before the reduction agent is supplied to the exhaust gas system, measuring a second value for the NOx/NO2 content at a point in time during the period when the reduction agent is supplied to the exhaust gas system, and comparing the aforementioned values, in conjunction with which an indication of the impaired function of the oxidation catalyst is obtained when the difference between the aforementioned measured values is less than a predetermined first value.
US08099943B2	Exhaust duct with bypass channel An exhaust duct for directing a stream of combustion gases in a gas turbine engine is provided. The exhaust duct comprises an inlet for receiving the stream of combustion gases from a turbine section of the gas turbine engine; an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet; and a transition portion defining a passage between the inlet and the outlet. The passage comprises a discontinuous annular region having a first side portion and a second side portion that are separated by a flow splitter. At least one bypass channel interconnects the first side portion and the second side portion of the discontinuous annular region.
US08099935B2	Method and apparatus for fixing the tail end of the film for wrapping palletized loads Method and apparatus for fixing the tail end of the film for wrapping palletized loads, supplied by a reel (B), envisages the following working steps: a) Positioning along the side of the load and parallel thereto a straight member (1) and transversely extending over it a section of a penultimate turn (S) of the wrapping film so as to form a vertically open pocket (Z) between this turn and the wrapped load; b) Moving an edge of the film portion of the said penultimate turn which touches the said straight member towards the other edge of the said turn so as to free space on the said straight member (1); c) Extending over the free space of said straight member (1) a section of a last turn (S1) of the wrapping film,—d) The part of the said last turn (S1) situated on the said straight member is moved away from the said penultimate turn (S), is made to pass over the said straight member (1) and is inserted and pulled into the said pocket (Z), remaining temporarily connected to the said distributor with the reel (B); e) The part of the said penultimate turn situated on the said straight member (1) is made to pass over this member, coming out from the same end from where the tail end came out, so as to close the said pocket.
US08099933B2	Process of manufacturing sealed packages containing a pourable food product and packaging equipment for performing such process A process of manufacturing sealed packages containing a pourable food product from a web packaging material moving along a predetermined path involves providing a recurring pattern of printed register marks on the web packaging material, applying a recurring pattern of bend or fold lines on the web packaging material as a function of the detected position of the printed register marks, generating new references, distinct from the bend or fold lines, on the web packaging material in a synchronized way with the application of the recurring pattern of bend or fold lines; and performing one or more subsequent operations on the web packaging material based on a synchronization pulse created by detection of the new references.
US08099926B2	Tile alignment and leveling device A device for aligning and leveling tiles as they are laid in floors, walls, countertops, or the like. The device has a locking assembly and a bottom plate. The components are combined with a shaft that extends from the bottom plate through the locking assembly so that the locking assembly is movable along the length of the shaft. In use, the device is placed between adjacent tiles so that the locking assembly and bottom plate hold adjacent tiles at a desired height as the setting bed dries.
US08099925B1	Chair and system for post tension and pre-stressed cable intersections A chair and system for securing, supporting, and connecting cable, having troughs supported on support members for receiving cables. The troughs can each have locks for closing the troughs and securing the cables in place.
US08099924B2	Panel, in particular floor panel A panel, in particular a floor panel, includes a core of a wood material or wood material/plastic mixture. The panel includes a top side and an underside. The panel has a profile corresponding to one another on at least two side edges (I, II) lying opposite one another, such that two identically embodied panels can be joined and locked to one another through an essentially vertical joining movement in the horizontal and vertical direction. The locking in the horizontal direction can be effected by a hook connection with an upper locking section having a hook element and a lower locking section having a hook element. The locking in the vertical direction can be effected by at least one spring element that can be moved in the horizontal direction. During the joining movement the at least one spring element snaps in behind a locking edge extending essentially in the horizontal direction. The panel can be embodied as a thin panel with a high strength of the connection, when the at least one spring element is embodied from the core in one piece and the at least one spring element is embodied on the lower locking section.
US08099920B2	External wall constructing structure An external wall constructing structure excellent in ornamental appearance, weather resistance, contractibility, and safety is provided. An external wall constructing structure 1 comprising external wall panels that are joined to each other by vertical and horizontal shiplap joints and secured to a skeleton of a building by securing a metal fitting 5. A cut-off end portion 23 of a dimension-adjusted external wall panel 20 among the plurality of external wall panels is fixed to a skeleton 10 of the building via end constructing bracket 3. Left and right joint end portions of the dimension-adjusted external wall panel 20 are fixed to the skeleton 10 via lateral end securing metal fittings 6. In the end constructing bracket 3, a rear plate portion 31 is abutted on rear surface 26 of the dimension-adjusted external wall panel 20 and forward-bending portion 32 is abutted on cut-off end surface 231 of the dimension-adjusted external wall panel 20. The rear plate portion 31 and the rear surface 26 of the dimension-adjusted external wall panel 20 are adhered by adhesive agent 11. The forward-bending portion 32 of the end constructing bracket 3 has horizontal section 320, front section 321 and third abutting section 322 and sealing material 163 is placed in front of the front section 321.
US08099918B2	Special and improved configurations for unitized post tension block systems for masonry structures An uniquely improved mortar less masonry structure comprising a plurality of concrete masonry units connected to each other by metal bars and metal threaded fasteners thereby forming a reinforcing skeletal system for the masonry to utilize a post tensioned structure. The unique system has been developed with full recessed channels in the masonry unit, anchor bars that fit into the channels and extend across a plurality of masonry units and bolts that act as the tendon for the post tensioning system. This is an improved, rapidly constructed building system that demountably couples each individual masonry unit by an extended bar and bolt system. This extended bar is more efficient and easier to build with as compared to other traditional masonry structures.
US08099917B2	Metal “logs” buildings with rigidifying interior and exterior sheathing A U-shaped rigidifying member cooperates with parallel metal “logs” each usually extending horizontally. A curved portion of the U wraps halfway around a first log, and first and second legs respectively descend in parallel from opposite sides of the curved portion. The legs are substantially tangent to a second log. This structure is repeated with the U-shaped members overlapping and inverted or otherwise oriented to shed rain, and forms all or part of a wall or sloping roof of a building. The U-shaped members are secured to each other and to the logs to form a continuous structural ensemble that is aesthetically pleasing, even without additional interior and exterior sheathing. It is moreover strong and highly resistant to an external force having a horizontal component parallel to the plane of the wall or roof. The rigidifying members can alternatively be J-shaped.
US08099912B2	Universal floor panel for raised floors An replacement floor panel is provided for a raised floor, and includes a top plate with corner-forming sections and leveling legs for height adjustment. Foot-print-expanding brackets engage the leveling legs for extending their foot print outwardly so that the floor panel can be used on different raised floor systems without misalignment problems with stanchion supports. A handle is pivotally mounted in the top plate between a flush position and a raised position for grasping to lift the replacement floor panel, the handle having a decor matching the top plate for aesthetics.
US08099911B2	Jamb flashing A jamb flashing which includes a first plate, a second plate lying in a plane coplanar with or parallel to that of the first plate, and a flange the plane of which is substantially perpendicular to the planes of the first and second plates; said first plate having a first longitudinal edge which is upturned to lie at an acute angle to the plane of said first plate, and a second longitudinal edge which is rigidly secured to the lower edge of said flange; said second plate having a first longitudinal edge which is rigidly secured to the lower edge of said flange; said flange and said upturned first longitudinal edge of said first plate both projecting from the same side of the jamb flashing.
US08099909B2	Eavestrough protector An eavestrough protector or filter comprises an elongated and conformable container dimensioned to fit at least partially within an eavestrough. The container is water-permeable to permit water to flow through said container. A low-density fill material, e.g. an expanded polymer, is disposed within the container. The fill material has a density less than that of water to thereby float the protector when the container is filled with said fill material, thus providing a conformable floating eavestrough protector that is permeable to water. The protector may be inserted into an eavestrough or gutter to shield the eavestrough or gutter from becoming clogged with leaves, twigs or other debris. The foam protector is permeable to rainwater and floats on the water flowing through the eavestrough.
US08099903B2	Door system, door sub-system and a vehicle provided with a door system A door system has at least one door leaf and a displacement system for the door leaf. The door leaf is connected to an organ that is moveable between two suspension points, wherein the first suspension point is situated at a greater distance from the plane of the entrance opening than the second suspension point. A track system is provided, for moving the door leaf in two phases, wherein the track system in the first phase rotationally moves a side of the door leaf outward, and in the second phase determines a displacement of the door leaf by a displacement of the organ from the first suspension point in the direction of the second suspension point.
US08099901B2	Continuous assemblage of pots for raising and transplanting seedlings and method of manufacturing the same A continuous assemblage of pots for raising and transplanting seedlings and a method of manufacturing the assemblage is provided, in which it is possible to extend the length of a link piece without folding an extension portion or arranging a slit, thereby making it possible to handle enlargement of the interval between the planted seedlings stably and reliably. A link piece is formed by folding back both ends of a strip-shaped thin film in the length direction, such that approximately one-fourth of the length of the thin film is folded back onto the same face of the thin film at each end, then attaching the folded-back portions to the same face of the thin film with a water-soluble adhesive. The link pieces are disposed in two rows in a staggered arrangement in which the folded-back portions are oriented such that they face the folded-back portions of the opposing link pieces. Continuous pieces are formed by using a non-water-soluble adhesive to attach both ends in the length direction of each link piece to the opposing link pieces. Individual pots are formed between the opposing link pieces. Therefore, it is possible to extend the length of the link piece without folding an extension portion or arranging a slit, as in the conventional continuous assemblage of pots, thereby making it possible to handle enlargement of the interval between the planted seedlings stably and reliably.
US08099893B2	Method for permanent disturbance/destruction of electronics, in particular of a blast case or the like In a first step, it is proposed that tunable transmitters and detectors (receivers) be included in a detection system and that a narrowband, preferably variable frequency signal be used in order to determine the frequencies for optimum injection into the electronics of a target. When the detection system identifies these frequencies, destruction can be initiated in the second step of the invention for a transmitter or receiver which is communicating with the target. For this purpose, once the optimum frequencies have been determined, a high-power signal is transmitted into the local area of the target at the specific/determined frequency. The evaluation unit, which is integrated in the detection system, controls the transmission frequencies, evaluates the harmonic signals, selects the optimum frequencies for an attack, and controls and checks the attack process.
US08099888B2	Wristband label assembly with outboard cinch slot A business form includes in a first embodiment a wristband with a laminate backing including a tab portion at the opposite end of a free end, with the tab portion having a cinch slot. Several self adhering labels are provided inboard of the tab and may be individually separated. The labels and the wristband may each be imprinted with identifying indicia. A second embodiment includes a page sized form with one or more self laminating wristbands with each wristband comprised of a printable face stock region die cut into the face stock and a strap portion, a laminating portion, and a cinch die cut into the laminate layer. The laminating portion includes two halves which fold to enclose the face stock, with the strap portion extending from one of the halves. The cinch comprises two slots located either outboard of or on both sides of the face stock.
US08099887B2	Orbital sign assembly One embodiment of an orbital sign assembly, allowing for attachment to and full pivot or orbit capability of the attached signage around a horizontal run of span wire or other support member. Any one traffic signage is supported from a horizontal run of a span wire or other support member by a orbital sign assembly comprising a sign bracket (10) with attachment points at opposing ends and center, a pivot attachment (2) allowing 360 degree pivoting of the sign, which adjoins the sign bracket (10) to the a cable saddle (1) which contains two pivot attachment rails (3) for limiting side to side movement of the pivot attachment on its track. Conventional U-bolts (5) are located within the cable saddle and are used to clamp down to the span wire while still allowing traffic signal cables to be inserted through a cable slot (4) within the cable saddle (1). A cant tilt slot (11) is located on the sign bracket for leveling signage.
US08099883B2	Collapsible, self-expanding display unit and push element for the expansion thereof The invention relates to a display unit including of two panels which are joined along the lateral edges thereof, and at least one push unit joined to one of the panels and including first and second edges wherein at least the second edge is a free edge. The inventive display unit can be collapsed, whereby the element and the panels are disposed back-to-back adopting a flat configuration. The invention also includes a pull element intended to rotate, curve or bend the push element thereby pushing the free second edge of the push element towards one of the two panels in order to expand the panels automatically from the collapsed configuration to a service position in which the display unit it adopts a convex configuration able to stand upright.
US08099881B2	Boots To provide boots which have hygienic and health advantages such as the ability to effectively deodorize the inside of the boots. The entire outer surface excluding the sole of the boot is made of a material which is formed into an integrated body by continuously knitting a yarn and, in the material, at least the instep-covering part to cover the toe or the instep of the foot is knitted out of a yarn including a fiber into which minute particles having one or more functions selected from among deodorizing function, antibacterial function or blood circulation promoting function. The boot can also be formed by knitting a twine which is made by twisting a fiber into which minute particles having deodorizing function, antibacterial function or blood circulation promoting function around a fiber which has high elasticity.
US08099878B2	Electrical box template An electrical box template, an electrical box template extension device and a method for utilizing the electrical box template and an electrical box template extension device is provided and includes a template body having a template perimeter, a template back and a template front, wherein the template front includes, a front surface protruding from the template front and located adjacent at least a portion of the template perimeter, a centering structure located in a center portion of the template body and defining a centering orifice and at least one interior support located between said centering structure and the protruding front surface.
US08099875B2	Method and system for verifying alignment of power transmission pulleys A method and system for verifying the spatial and coplanar alignment of a number of power transmission pulleys, particularly as used with an automotive internal combustion engine. A planar light source is provided at a reference location associated with the power transmission pulleys, and an illumination plane emitted by the planar light source is allowed to impinge upon the pulleys. Then, correct alignment of the pulleys is determined by comparing the locus of the intersection of the illumination plane with at least one of the pulleys with a locus of intersection of the illumination plane with another of the pulleys.
US08099874B2	Sighting system A sighting system, having front and rear sights, for a shooting device, such as an archery bow, cross bow or a firearm. The front sight includes at least one sighting element. The rear sight includes a rear sight frame that has a lens located therein. At least one aperture is formed in the lens and defines an opening extending therethrough such that the aperture may be aligned with the sighting element of the front sight during aiming of the shooting device.
US08099866B2	Conductor-clad laminate, wiring circuit board, and processes for producing the same In a roll-to-roll step, an adhesive solution is applied to a release film 1 including a polyethylene terephthalate film and this film 1 is passed through a drying oven 500 regulated to 60 to 150° C. to thereby form an adhesive layer 2. Subsequently, an insulating film 3 including a polyimide film is laminated on the adhesive layer 2 at room temperature (about 25° C.) to thereby produce a layered product 6 including the release film 1, adhesive layer 2 and insulating film 3. Next, the release film 1 is stripped from the layered product 6 and a conductor film 4 including a copper foil is laminated to the adhesive layer 2 to thereby produce a conductor-clad laminate 8.
US08099851B2	Crimping and edge protection elements A crimping system for crimping a stent onto a catheter balloon includes at least one crimping head of moveable contracting members, which define a diameter reduction chamber. The chamber has a length and a longitudinal axis. The chamber has a reduced diameter configuration and a pre-reduction diameter configuration. Each member has a length corresponding to the length of the chamber. In both the reduced diameter configuration and the pre-reduction diameter configuration each member is a given distance from the longitudinal axis, wherein a first region of the length of each member is a greater distance from the longitudinal axis than a second region of the length of each member.
US08099850B2	Method for manufacturing a measuring transducer of vibration-type The measuring transducer includes at least one measuring tube communicating with a line connected during operation for conveying a medium to be measured, and a support element oscillatably holding the at least one measuring tube. Additionally, it is provided that the support element contains at least two passageways, via which the at least one measuring tube communicates with the line, and that the at least one measuring tube is affixed, especially releasably, at least one end to the support element by means of a screwed-fitting at one of the passageways. Alternatively or in supplementation thereof, it is further provided that the at least one measuring tube is, at least in part, made of cold-strengthened, for instance cold-stretched or autofrettaged, material. As required, the measuring transducer can further include at least two measuring tubes communicating with the line for conveying the medium; each of these two measuring tubes is to be connected to an inlet-side distributor element and an outlet-side distributor element. In such case, at least one of the two distributor elements can be embodied as an integral component of the support element, so that the support element can be kept, at least in the area of this at least one distributor element, free of materially bonded, joined locations, especially free of solder, braze or weld connections. The measuring transducer of the invention is especially provided also for applications in which the medium to be measured acts with a pressure of more than 500 bar, especially over 700 bar, on the measuring tube.
US08099847B2	Tool A tool for mounting a chisel on a chisel holder, having an actuating member, which has a push-off section, wherein the actuating member can be displaced along a displacement direction. It is possible to simplify changing the chisel if the actuating member can be shifted by an actuating unit. The actuating unit has a draw-in section, which is spaced apart from the push-off section and is arranged transversely with respect to the displacement direction of the actuating member. The actuating member can be power-operated bidirectionally in the displacement direction by the actuating unit.
US08099846B2	Stem collection containers for fastening tools A container (12) for use with a tool (2) for installing fasteners of the type in which a part of the fastener is broken off during installation, the tool (2) having a body, the container (12) being for collecting broken-off fastener parts during operation of the tool, the container (12) comprising: attachment means (20, 21) for removably attaching the container (12) to the body (8) of the tool, the attachment means (20, 21) being resiliently biased into attachment with the body (8) by resilient biasing means; and one or more contact region (22, 23) for receiving manual pressure from a user, at least one of the said one or more contact regions (22, 23) being coupled to the attachment means (20, 21); wherein the resilient biasing means are such that the attachment means (20, 21) can be detached from the body of the tool by the user applying manual pressure on the said one or more contact regions (22, 23) thereby detaching the container (12) from the body of the tool (2). Also provided is a fastener installation tool (2) having such a container (12).
US08099835B2	Wearing coating for delivery rollers of a drawing roller frame The coating of the pressure roller (3) of a drawing roller frame for spinning frames comprises an outer layer and an inner layer fixed to the core of the pressure roller. The outer layer is thinner and harder than the inner layer and is embodied as an endless belt (1) which loosely surrounds the inner layer such that the belt can be displaced in relation to the inner layer. In order to improve the running of the belt, the belt is guided over a deflector rail (2), the cross-sectional area (u) of the rail being wider than the average staple length of the fibre material (F) drawn on the drawing roller frame. Furthermore, the belt is designed in such a way that it comprises a double thread interlining, one thread interlining being wound counter to the second thread interlining such that the threads of one thread interlining cross the threads of the second thread interlining.
US08099831B2	Hinge structure and a mobile communication terminal therewith A hinge structure for a mobile communication terminal includes a drive cam arranged to be linearly displaced along a hinge axis, a drive shaft arranged to face the drive cam to be rotated about the hinge axis according to linear displacement of the drive cam, a follower shaft arranged to surround the drive shaft to be rotated along with the drive shaft, a follower cam arranged to face the follower shaft to be linearly displaced along the hinge axis according to rotation of the follower shaft, and an opening/closing resilient member for pushing the follower cam against the follower shaft.
US08099828B2	External filter chamber An external filter box for a surface maintenance machine having a hopper with selective communication being provided between the filter box and the hopper to permit dusty air to flow from the hopper to the filter box and to permit dust and debris captured by the filter box to flow into the hopper. In one example, the hopper includes a prefilter assembly which is coupled to an inlet of the filter box during a sweeping operation and which is removed away from the filter box during a hopper dump procedure.
US08099822B2	Grill oiler A grill oiler for applying oil to a grill comprising a handle attached to an applicator body. An applicator sleeve envelopes an applicator surface. The applicator surface is releasably attached to the applicator body such that the applicator sleeve may be easily replaced when worn or excessively soiled.
US08099821B2	Toothbrush, toothbrush filament and method for manufacturing same The present invention relates to a toothbrush. The invention relates in particular to a toothbrush filament having a filament body surrounding a matrix material in which grains are embedded, wherein the matrix material and the grains have a different resistance to etching so that by etching the matrix material and/or the grains a surface structure can be created on the filament body at least in the area of the tapering end section. According to one aspect of the present invention, grains having a shell structure with a grain shell, in which is encapsulated a grain core comprising a core material different from the shell material, have been embedded in the matrix material of the filament.
US08099817B2	Wafer edge cleaning In a first aspect, an apparatus for cleaning a thin disk is provided. The apparatus includes a support roller for supporting a rotating wafer within a wafer cleaner. The support roller comprises a guide portion, for receiving an edge of a wafer, having an inclined surface comprising a low-friction material and adapted to allow the wafer edge to slide thereagainst; and an edge-trap portion for retaining the edge of the wafer and having a transverse surface comprising a high-friction material and adapted, when in communication with the edge of the wafer, to resist sliding thereagainst. Numerous other aspects are provided.
US08099816B2	Vehicle wash system A brush station for use in a vehicle wash system includes a support frame. A first brush unit support is mounted to the frame and a first brush mounted on the first brush support member. Also, a second brush support is mounted to said frame and a second brush is mounted on the first brush support. The first brush support is mounted to the frame at a first longitudinal position that is upstream in the direction of vehicle travel from a second longitudinal position where the second brush support is mounted to the frame. The first brush support extends generally from the frame in the direction of travel and the second brush support extends generally from the frame opposite to the direction of travel. An exterior surface of a vehicle moving through the station in the direction of travel will be cleaned by said first and second brushes. Partial or substantially complete longitudinal overlap can be provided between the first and second brush units. The first and second brush supports may be pivotally mounted to the frame.
US08099814B1	Device for cleaning and scrubbing The disclosure details a device for cleaning and scrubbing that has a tub and a cylindrical brush rotatably mounted within its interior. The tub has a bottom, side walls, a front wall, back wall, and an open top. The device also includes a cover positioned within the tub; the cover has a shroud portion positioned over at least a portion of the brush as well as a generally planar portion that extends from the shroud to a location adjacent the bottom of the tub. The inventive device is well-suited for cleaning and scrubbing tools and implements that may be commonly used in the construction and/or remodeling industry.
US08099810B2	Changing station The disclosed changing station may support a small person, such as a baby. The station may comprise a platform, a support structure, and a mounting structure. The platform may be rotatable from a vertical storage position to a horizontal use position along a rotational axis. The support structure may have a rotatable support member that rotates along the rotational axis. The mounting structure may be used for mounting the support structure to a vertical wall.
US08099809B2	Mattress This invention proposes a mattress formed by covering a padding with a covering material, characterized in that the covering material has grip portions fixed to the longitudinal edges near the corners of the mattress, that the ends on one side of multiple fastening belts are fixed to both the longitudinal edges, that stowing portions for stowing the fastening belts are provided, and that fastening members are fixed at the ends on the other side of the fastening belts.
US08099806B2	Adjustable support frame A frame for supporting and moving a load, the frame comprising first and second support legs for supporting said frame on at least one floor; a load support member, extending between the first support leg and the second support leg, wherein the load support member is sized and shaped to be length adjustable; and a trolley, movably mounted on an external surface of the load support member, the trolley and load support member being sized and shaped to permit the trolley to move along the load support member; whereby access to the trolley, without removing same from the load support member, is facilitated.
US08099805B1	Sink and installation A sink and its installation are shown and described. A lip of the sink defines a continuous outer perimeter which is preferably received within a first inner perimeter of a portion of a countertop so that an upper surface of the countertop extends at or at an elevation above the upper surface of the lip. Preferably a slope leads from the upper surface of the countertop to an upper surface of the lip wherein water or food may be directed from the countertop into the sink. The sink preferably rests on a ledge of the countertop which has been machined or otherwise formed into the countertop. Furthermore, the outer perimeter of the lip of the sink preferably has no discontinuous points thereon wherein when a derivative is taken of an equation defining the outer perimeter, a solution is provided for all points.
US08099804B2	Thermally insulating blanket constructed of individual floats and system for deploying and retrieving same A blanket of many floats of like configuration and each incorporating a polygonal parametrical rims housing a plurality of radial spokes configured to, in alternate axial relationship, form cells closed at the respective one ends and opening axially at their respective opposite ends. The system of the present of invention includes plumbing with a series of water jets for generating a current to flow fluid in a controlled fashion from and to a storage tank to selectively deploy and retrieve the floats.
US08099799B2	Sports apparatus for securing the position of protective pads Securing devices secure the position of protective pads on the arms of a user of the protective pads. A first strap and a second strap are placed over the head with the head of the user passing in between the first and second strap. The first and second straps connect to a third strap at a first connection point. At a second connection point opposite from the first connection point a fourth strap connects to the first and second straps. The third and fourth straps each connect to an attachment device. The attachment devices connect to the protective pads of the wearer. Each one of the straps can each be adjustable to accommodate wearers of varying dimensions. The attachment devices can be detachable from the protective pads so that the wearer can utilize the securing device in conjunction with protective pads that the wearer already has.
US08099794B2	Body conforming textile holder for electronic device A body conforming, reusable, washable, textile holder for removably holding at least one electronic device in close bodily contact. The holder may be a wrap or tube constructed to enclose a portion of the body where the electronic device is to be held. The electronic device may be a cellular telephone, a wireless communication device, a personal audio device, a wearable computer, an electronic monitoring device, an electronic identification card, or other electronic device. The invention also relates to a system comprising the body conforming holder and an electronic device for use therewith, and a method for holding such an electronic device in close bodily contact by wearing the holder.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9