| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08177130B2 |
Spend diagnostics and lead management
A method and system are used to optimize utilization of a transaction card by a card member. The system and method including generating a first data set based on data stored in a database representing industries of the card members. Generating a second data set representing an average amount charged to a transaction account by the card members in each respective one of the industries based on the first data set. Comparing the average amount charged from the first generating step to an actual amount charged by each individual one of the card members in a respective one of the industries. Communicating a result of the comparison to the card members. Receiving data from the card members based on their receiving of the comparison result. Storing the data in the database or a lead management device, such that the data is updated. |
| US08177126B2 |
Banking system operated responsive to data read from data bearing records
An exemplary system includes an automated banking machine (322) which is operable to conduct transactions including cash dispensing for users responsive to communication with a transaction host (336). The machine is also operative to provide output signals which drive external displays (328, 330) which are separate from the machine. The machine is operable to receive visual and audio content from one or more broadcast content sources (342, 343) and to store the content in the machine. The content is then output through the external displays. The machine is also operative to receive and store a plurality of advertising messages. The advertising messages are output in a targeted manner to users of the machine. |
| US08177125B1 |
Automatic online checkout via mobile communication device with imaging system
A graphical checkout identifier is used to facilitate automatic checkout of a user on a webstore. A graphical identifier checkout system receives a request from a webstore for a onetime use graphical checkout identifier. In response to the received request, a onetime use graphical checkout identifier to be displayed by the webstore is generated. A request for checkout completion information by the webstore is encoded in the graphical checkout identifier, which is transmitted to the webstore for display. The onetime use graphical checkout identifier being displayed by the webstore is captured by a registered user operated computing device. In response, the requested checkout completion information is transmitted to the webstore, such that the user is automatically checked out on the webstore, without the user manually logging in to the webstore or entering the requested checkout completion information. |
| US08177120B2 |
Currency donation machine using air current
A device which collects donations of paper currency by allowing a person to insert paper currency and subsequently cause it to be floated through one or more tubes to a collection box by means of air flowing through the tubes is disclosed. A user of the device may use a diverter box to select one of several collection boxes to receive the donation. An audible or visual signal announces that a donation has been made. |
| US08177117B2 |
Materials for and method for manufacturing container with corner supports and resulting container
In accordance with the invention, a method of manufacturing containers and resulting containers and associated pre-assemblies and blanks are provided, which, when utilized, result in containers that have increased side panel strength and corner strength so as to enable effective vertical stacking of containers when the containers include product. |
| US08177115B1 |
Method and system for retreading track wheel
A wheel resurfacing method and system for resurfacing a worn track wheel to its original profile are disclosed. The system comprises a support for maintaining the worn railway wheel, a welding device, a controller, and a surface processing device. The worn railway wheel's circumferential surface defining a flange and a tread surface is reconstituted using a welding material. The welding device and the worn railway wheel rotate one relative to the other at a predetermined rate to adaptively aggregate annular welding beads along the circumferential surface to form a curvilinear profile slanted away from the flange. A surface processing device is then applied to the welded layer to form a substantially uniform surface to reconstitute the worn railway wheel to its original profile. |
| US08177114B2 |
Method for eliminating carbon contamination of platinum-containing components for a glass making apparatus
In the formation of sheet material from molten glass, molten glass is formed in a melting furnace and transported through a precious metal delivery system to the forming apparatus. Disclosed herein is a method to mitigate carbon contamination of individual components of the precious metal delivery system prior to and/or during their use. The method involves coating portions of the precious metal with an oxygen generating material prior to assembly of the component, and may comprise one or more heat treating steps of the component in an oxygen-containing atmosphere. |
| US08177111B2 |
Handheld electronic device vehicle holder
A handheld electronic device vehicle holder is used to hold a handheld electronic device having a loudspeaker. The handheld electronic device vehicle holder includes a holding body, and the holding body has a sound guiding groove extending to the edge of the holding body. When the handheld electronic device is place on the holding body, the sound outlet of the loudspeaker of the handheld electronic device is placed in the sound guiding groove. Then, sounds produced from the handheld electronic device are guided to the edge of the holding body through the sound guiding groove. |
| US08177109B2 |
Method and apparatus for support of a medical device
A catch plate is provided for supporting the weight of a tool by a connected cable. The catch plate includes an elongate formable body with a through opening at one end for attaching the plate to a vertical surface, and a hook feature formed in the elongate body at the end opposite the through opening, the hook feature disposed at an angle away from the plane of the elongate body and formable around the connected cable. |
| US08177106B2 |
Adjustable garment/coat hanger
An adjustable garment hanger including an overhead suspension element and a pair of hanger arms extending outwardly from a central housing. Arm inclination is adjustable relative to fabric being supported so as to minimize wrinkling deformation. Arms may collapse immediately downwardly on pivots to a generally vertical mode releasing the garment via its neckline opening. A central, flexible spring element includes ledges latching arms in a first, garment supporting position. When the spring element is driven upwardly or downwardly by twisting the suspension element in a mutually threaded boss, the ledges slightly adjust the arms upward or downward. Quick release tabs may be provided at an upper end of the spring element such that, when manually pressed, the ledges instantly withdraw allowing the arms to collapse and release the garment. With garment weight removed, springs attached to the arms act to bias their return to garment supporting position each collapse. |
| US08177103B2 |
Pressure regulating container for carbonated drink
A container that dispenses a carbonated drink such as beer has a pressure regulator that controls the pressure of the dispensed fluid with a pressurized carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is released to maintain the desired pressure by a pressure regulator that opens a valve when the pressure is too low in the dispensed fluid and closes a valve when the pressure is high enough in the dispensed fluid. The pressure regulator is easily adjusted without the use of a tool during operation by simply rotating the pressure regulator's cap on its threads. |
| US08177101B1 |
One turn actuated duration spray pump mechanism
A mechanically operated, one-turn actuation, duration spray pump mechanism for dispensing product from a container, wherein a cylinder is fixed to a cylinder retainer closure adapted to be attached to a container. In use, the cylinder extends into the container, and a splined shaft extends coaxially into the cylinder from a rotatable actuating collar connected to the cylinder retainer closure. At least one piston is mounted for axial movement on the shaft in sealed sliding relationship with the shaft and the cylinder. Interengaged structure between the piston and cylinder causes the piston to move axially within the cylinder to draw product into the cylinder and to store energy in an energy storage device when the actuating collar and shaft are rotated. The stored energy moves the piston to exert pressure on the product in the cylinder and dispense it when a discharge valve is opened. |
| US08177096B2 |
Bag cooler employing a multi-spike adapter and converter
A system for dispensing fluids wherein a support structure holds bulk fluid contained within a bag that is transferred from the bag to an enclosed chamber in a dispensing base, from which chamber the fluid is dispensed, via a puncturing device utilizing multiple spikes. After dispensing air pressure in the enclosed chamber is equalized with the air pressure acting on the bulk fluid by at least one of the spikes. |
| US08177095B1 |
Low-profile seed handling system with separate seed bins and turret seed feeder
A low-profile particulate handling assembly (24) is provided for use in conjunction with a downstream treating device, such as a seed treater unit (22). The assembly (24) includes a plurality of juxtaposed particulate bins (34) and a surmounting turret assembly (36) designed to successively deliver particulates to the bins (34). The particulates within the bins (34) are delivered to the downstream treating device through respective lower outlets (110) each equipped with an adjustable slide gate assembly (112) and a lower, multiple-chute assembly (114). Preferably, each bin (34) has a top wall (50) which in plan configuration approximates a sector of a circle, planar sidewalls (64), and downwardly tapered, arcuate sidewall structure (58) leading to the lower outlet (110); in this fashion, the bins (34) can be grouped with the sidewalls (64) in close adjacency, and with the outlets (110) located to feed into a single inlet (26) of the downstream treating device. |
| US08177094B2 |
Pump lid and containers employing such
A container for pressurized discharge of fluid contained therein, the container having a container body, a pump lid deployed on the container body for pressurizing an interior volume of the container, a release control arrangement; and an outlet nozzle. The pump lid has a rotatable pump cylinder configuration and a pump piston mechanically associated with the pump cylinder configuration such that at least a portion of the piston is deployed within the pump cylinder, thereby defining between them a variable pump volume, the pump piston configured with a substantially cylindrical piston wall having an interior surface and an exterior surface such that a portion of the interior surface is configured for releasable attachment to the container and a portion of the exterior surface interacts with the rotatable pump cylinder configuration. The association is such that rotation of the pump cylinder configuration generates linear motion of said rotatable pump cylinder configuration. |
| US08177091B2 |
Container and latch assembly therefor
A container is disclosed. A lid is affixed to a base at a hinged connection. The base includes an enclosure, and the lid includes a catch, the catch being opposite the enclosure. A latch assembly is disposed within the enclosure and includes a button within an opening in the enclosure, a latch, and at least one spring member. The latch extends from the button into sliding relationship with an actuating member, which is configured to actuate the latch when the button is depressed. When the lid is in a closed position, the latch engages the catch. The spring member extends away from the button into sliding relationship with the base. When the button is depressed, the latch disengages the catch, and the spring member resiliently flexes as the end of the spring member slides along a portion of the base. |
| US08177090B2 |
Storage tank with floating roof emergency draining system and spherical rotor fume sealing valve
A combination liquid petroleum storage tank and emergency drainage system for draining rain water accumulated on the floating roof of the storage tank, including a drain duct having an inlet adapted to receive rain water accumulated on the roof and extending downward about a central axis, and a petroleum vapor barrier valve in the drain duct at an axial location downstream of the inlet, the valve formed as a multi-blade rotor that is rotatably mounted in the drain duct for rotation about a central rotor axis extending generally perpendicular to the drain duct central axis at the axial location, the rotor having a plurality of generally semi-circular blades. |
| US08177086B2 |
Electrical box and stand and method for using same
A stand for an electrical box is provided to maintain an electrical box having at least one hub a predetermined distance from a concrete form prior to and during the concrete being poured. The stand has extensions with ribs thereon at different longitudinal positions from the base permitting the electrical box to be supported by the stand at different heights with respect to the concrete form to permit access to the hubs of the electrical box with electrical tubing and to accommodate concrete slabs of different thicknesses using the same height of electrical box. The electrical box and stand assembly have a locking mechanism to lock the electrical box to the stand at the selected predetermined distance from the form. The locking mechanism has hooks which engage indentations on mounting tabs of the electrical box. The mounting tabs have grooves which guide the hooks to the indentations. The stand can be attached to the cement form during building construction to maintain the electrical box at the predetermined distance above the cement form. |
| US08177084B2 |
Container assembly and pressure-responsive penetrable cap for the same
A pressure-responsive container assembly and elastically-deformable penetrable cap is provided. Embodiments of the penetrable cap of the present invention include, but are not limited to: an annular sealing portion for engaging an inner surface of a container, a substantially rigid portion extending radially inward from the annular sealing portion; a flexible transition portion extending radially inward from the substantially rigid portion; and a penetrable portion extending radially inward from the transition portion for closing the opening defined by the container. Thus, embodiments of the present invention may thus allow the penetrable portion to elastically deform about the transition portion to a generally convex shape so as to exert a radially outward force that may be transmitted by the substantially rigid portion to the annular sealing portion so as to reinforce a fluid-tight seal between the annular sealing portion and the inner surface of the container. |
| US08177083B2 |
Threadless cap with a nonintegral seal
A threadless cap for closing a liquid bottle, the liquid bottle having a neck with an upper edge defining a discharge opening. The threadless cap comprises a lid for overlying the upper edge, the lid including a surface for facing the upper edge and a projection extending from the surface toward the upper edge. The threadless cap also comprises a skirt depending from the lid. The threadless cap further comprises a seal member on the surface for establishing a sealing engagement with the upper edge. The seal member includes an arcuate bead of resilient material located on the surface in a position to register with at least a portion of the upper edge. The projection engages and extends along the arcuate bead of resilient material. A blank for such a threadless cap and a method for manufacturing such a threadless cap are also provided. |
| US08177082B2 |
Flexible membrane valve for cell culture vessel
An assembly for culturing cells includes a housing defining a reservoir for containing cell culture media and an opening in fluid communication with the reservoir. The cell culture assembly further includes a filter valve assembly configured to sealingly engage the opening. The filter valve assembly includes a flexible membrane, a contiguous side wall, an end wall, and a microbial filter. The end wall has an opening and extends across one end of the side wall to form a major cavity within the side wall and the end wall. The flexible membrane has a slit spanning the membrane and is disposable within the major cavity such that the membrane sealingly divides the major cavity into (i) a chamber formed between the end wall and the membrane and (ii) a minor cavity formed by the membrane and a portion of the side wall. The minor cavity is in fluid communication with the reservoir. The slit is biased in a closed position to prevent fluid from passing from the minor cavity into the chamber and is configured to open to allow gas to pass from the minor cavity into the chamber when the pressure differential across the membrane is above a threshold. The filter is disposed between the membrane and the opening such that air flowing through the opening in the end wall into the chamber passes through the filter. |
| US08177079B2 |
Storage systems and methods of use of the same
Storage systems and methods of use of the same are disclosed. The storage systems are configured to be connected to wall structures and to be modular in construction, so as to be able to use a plurality of horizontally disposed hang rails and/or a plurality of vertical standards, and/or modular storage components that are received on a hang rail or a vertical standard, or that may be connected directly to a wall structure. |
| US08177077B2 |
Supporting device for exhibiting golf club
A supporting device for exhibiting golf clubs enabling the easy dismounting and storing of the golf clubs from and onto the supporting device for exhibition when users actually dismount the golf clubs from the supporting device for exhibition, hold them within their hands, and perform a test swing. The supporting device includes a plurality of guide parts for hooking the heads of golf clubs thereto and hooking parts connecting respective guide parts to each other, wherein when the clubs are hooked to the guide parts, they are always arranged in a specified direction at all times. The guide parts are so formed that the inlets of guide parts supporting suspended shafts of the clubs are opened in the front direction so that the shafts of the clubs can be suspended therefrom are visible from the front direction of the supporting device. |
| US08177076B2 |
Merchandising system
A merchandising system includes an elongated mounting member selectively securable to an associated shelf. A cooperating member is received on the mounting member, wherein the cooperating member extends rearwardly over the associated shelf. The cooperating member includes an elongated body. An engaging element is mounted to the elongated body and is movable in relation thereto. The engaging element selectively contacts the mounting member in order to selectively secure the cooperating member to the mounting member. |
| US08177073B2 |
Water processor
A quickly cleanable water processor includes a shell, a water pipe, at least one filtering unit and a cleaning unit. The shell includes a space defined therein, a water inlet, a water outlet and an air inlet. The water inlet and outlet and the air inlet and outlet are in communication with the space. The water pipe is disposed in the shell and made with slots in communication with the water inlet. The filtering unit is detachably provided around the water pipe. The filtering unit includes alternately arranged membrane bags and water-guiding discs. The cleaning unit includes an air pump and an air pipe extended into the shell from the air pump through the air inlet. The air pipe includes apertures through which air reaches the membrane bags from the air pipe. |
| US08177072B2 |
Apparatus and method for separating and isolating components of a biological fluid
A device for separating and isolating components of a biological fluid comprising a container for containing the fluid to be processed, a tube cap assembly for closing the container while providing filling and extraction communication therewith, a float assembly disposed within the container for funneling and controlling biological fluid flow into an inverted domed shaped isolation chamber within the float and controlling the biological fluid flow out of the isolation chamber for effecting an encapsulation or a sealed isolation of at least one component or fraction of the biological fluid flow within the isolation chamber during a centrifugation process. The device further comprising a flexible tube for connecting an extraction passageway disposed within the float assembly and an extraction valve of the tube cap assembly for allowing extraction of at least the one component or fraction encapsulated or isolated within the chamber. |
| US08177065B1 |
Object support kit for a bed frame
A kit comprising a plurality of holding devices interchangeably attached thereto a side bed frame for storing various items and anchoring a pivoting tray table is herein disclosed. The kit provides storage of such items as television remotes, flashlights, bed operating controls, reading material, lotions, flashlight, snacks and even a handgun along a side bed frame as well as providing an anchoring means thereto a bed-side tray table. Each interchangeable holding device and anchor is attached to the side bed frame rail by means of a “U”-shaped clamp and wing nut mechanism allowing. The holders are available in multiple colors and styles and may be discreetly covered by a comforter, bedspread, or blanket when access is not required. |
| US08177059B2 |
Closure arrangement
The present invention concerns a closure for a container (1). The closure contains an additive to be added to the content of the container (1) at the first opening of the container (1). The closure comprises a cap (2), an insert (4) and a lid (11) covering a compartment (15) receiving the additive. The compartment (15) is defined by a doomed or conical center part (5) of the insert (4), an inner wall (14) of the cap (2) and the lid (11). The additive is added to the content of the container (1) in that the inner wall (14) of the cap (2) leaves a sealing contact with the center part (5) of the insert (4) when the cap (2) is unscrewed, giving access to openings (10) of the insert (4). |
| US08177058B2 |
Tray and slip sheet for transporting rubber
A tray and slip sheet system for transporting aggregated bales of rubber that provides a manner for thawing rubber being transported, that prevents large rubber bales being transported from fusing together, and that does not damage or contaminate the packaged rubber when a forklift's forks are inserted between two stacked aggregated bales using the tray and slip sheet system. The tray and slip sheet system uses a tray sheet, a slip (when transporting more than one stacked aggregated bale of rubber), and a strap securing system. The tray and slip sheet system provides a system that defines an air recirculation system that allows the first two levels of bales of rubber stacked over the footprint to be defrosted in hot air chambers after winter transport. Systems not having ventilation slits do not allow the first two levels of bales being transported from being completely defrosted. |
| US08177056B2 |
Drive for conveyor means or conveyed objects
A drive has a drive unit, wherein the drive unit includes a central body, a drive means, and a driven means circulating around the central body. Conveyor means or objects to be conveyed are able to be conveyed in a driven section of the drive unit along a conveyor path by way of the driven means. The driven means is mounted with respect to the central body by means of a roller body which circulates around the central body in an orbital track. To this end, the driven means rolls on the central body via rollers of the roller body and thereby the roller body transmits radial pressure forces to the central body. The driven means is driven directly by the drive means. The roller body itself is not driven directly by the drive means, but rather it is moved along solely by the rolling of the driven means on the roller body. |
| US08177048B2 |
Vacuum processing apparatus
A vacuum processing apparatus includes a vacuum chamber capable of keeping a first pressure lower than an atmospheric pressure, a driving source disposed in the vacuum chamber, an electric power supply mechanism including a primary side mechanism disposed outside the vacuum chamber for supplying electric power to the driving source and a secondary side mechanism disposed in the vacuum chamber for receiving the electric power from the primary side mechanism in a contactless relationship, and a vessel capable of accommodating airtightly the secondary side mechanism under a second pressure higher than the first pressure. |
| US08177041B2 |
Damper assemblies and vehicles incorporating the same
A damper assembly includes damper body, a piston assembly and a pulser. The damper body is operable to maintain a fluid. The piston assembly may include a piston rod and a piston plunger. The piston plunger and at least a portion of piston rod is slidably positioned within the damper body. The pulser is operable to generate hydraulic waves within the fluid toward the piston assembly to alter the damping force of the damper assembly. |
| US08177040B2 |
Disk brake for vehicle
In a disk brake for a vehicle, an electric motor is attached to a caliper body so as to exhibit a power for urging a friction pad toward a disk rotor. The electric motor includes a brush holder for holding brushes which contact a commutator at positions at even distances in a circumferential direction of an armature. Internal feed terminals are disposed in the brush holder so as to provide connection between the brushes and feed wires respectively leading to the brushes. A rotational angle detecting sensor is disposed in the brush holder so as to detect a rotational angle of the electric motor. The rotational angle detecting sensor is disposed in the brush holder on a side opposite from the internal feed terminals with respect to the armature. Thus, it is possible to improve assemblability of the rotational angle detecting sensor to the brush holder, and facilitate operation of connecting the feed wires to the brush holder. |
| US08177038B2 |
Disk brake apparatus
A thrust transmitting plate 14b on a cylinder hole bottom side portion of an adjuster nut 14, a drive side cam plate 12, and a cam spring 15 for biasing the thrust transmitting plate 14b toward the drive side cam plate 12 are accommodated in a generally cylindrical housing 16. Parts of the arc face of the circumferential wall of the housing 16 are deformed inwardly to form flat portions 16d. Engaging apertures 16e are formed in the flat portions 16d such that the engaging protrusions 14d are movable only in the cylinder axis direction when they are engaged. Portions of the circumferential wall of the housing 16 are protruded outwardly in convex shapes by presswork to form plural locking parts 16g arranged in the circumferential direction. The housing 16 is configured so as to be mounted in a cylinder hole 8 by latching those locking parts 16g to a circumferential groove 8f formed in the cylinder hole 8. |
| US08177023B2 |
Sound dampening housing for rock drill
The invention relates to a sound dampening housing for a rock drill which moves along a feed beam in a longitudinal direction thereof, the sound dampening housing being attachable to the feed beam of the rock drill on its both sides so that together with the feed beam the sound dampening housing constitutes a substantially closed space. The sound dampening housing is double-shelled, and an airspace is provided between its inner shell and its outer shell. |
| US08177022B2 |
Transmitted sound control apparatus
Wall partitioning between outside and inside of a room has an opening portion closed with a film. Sound insulating plate, comprising a lamination of a sound reflecting plate and a sound absorbing member, is supported in opposed relation to the opening portion and at an interval from the opening portion. Sound transmitted from outside of the room into the room through the film is reflected from the sound reflecting plate and then diffracted via sides of the interval, defined between the sound reflecting plate and the wall, to behind the reflecting plate to reach a human listener. Thus, with a mechanical construction, sound, propagated from outside the room into the room, can be made to be heard as sound of frequency characteristics desired by a human listener present in the room. |
| US08177020B2 |
Control device for the active steering of a vehicle
A control device for the active steering of a vehicle comprising a driving differential that is positioned between a steering wheel and steering control means, said differential which furthermore receives at a first input a counter-steering command supplied by a turn correction motor, wherein said steering wheel is linked to a second input of said differential by non-return means preventing any force feedback from said differential to said steering wheel. |
| US08177019B2 |
Steering device for vehicle
It is one object of the present invention to provide a steering device for a vehicle improving a resolution of detecting a steering reaction force thereby to control precisely a reaction actuator and to improve a steering feeling.The steering device for the vehicle is equipped with a reaction actuator 19 acting a steering reaction force on a steering wheel 1. This device further includes a steering angle sensor 11 detecting a steering angle δh of the steering wheel 1, a controller 20 controlling the reaction actuator 19 according to the steering angle δh, a torque sensor 12 detecting a steering torque Th acted on the steering wheel 1. The controller 20 controls in a feedback way the reaction actuator 11 based on the steering torque Th in a predetermined range including a middle point of the steering angle. The controller 20 drives, in a open-loop way without feed-backing the steering torque Th, the reaction actuator 19 out of the predetermined range of the steering angle δh. |
| US08177016B2 |
Hybrid internal combustion engine and air motor system and method
A hybrid internal combustion engine and air motor system is provided and includes at least one chamber having a drivable member and at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve, and a reservoir connected to the chamber through at least one of the intake valve and the exhaust valve. The system further comprises a computer configured to calculate air compressor efficiency during an air compressor mode of operation and select an intake and exhaust valve opening and closing timing sequence for maximizing air compressor efficiency and/or a computer configured to calculate air motor efficiency during an air motor mode of operation and select an intake and exhaust valve opening and closing timing sequence for maximizing air motor efficiency. A method for selecting an intake and exhaust valve opening and closing timing sequence for maximizing air compressor efficiency and/or for selecting an intake and exhaust valve opening and closing timing sequence for maximizing air motor efficiency is also disclosed. |
| US08177014B2 |
Axle assembly for a motorcycle having a pair of driven wheels
An axle assembly for a motorcycle having a plurality of drive wheels. The axle assembly is configured to permit a user to replace an endless power-transmitting element without substantially disassembling the axle housing assembly. A method for forming the axle assembly and a method for replacing an endless power-transmitting element are also provided. |
| US08177013B2 |
Motorcycle rear-wheels transmission and suspension system
A rear-wheels transmission and suspension system, adapted for modifying a two wheeled motorcycle into a motorcycle containing two rear wheels, includes a suspension device, a rear axle and a transmission device. The suspension device includes a supporting frame longitudinally extending along the central axis of a construction frame and pivotally connected with a seat portion of the construction frame of the motorcycle for supporting the rear axle at the rear end the supporting frame while defining a transmission cavity after a rear end of the supporting frame and at a central position behind an output of said engine along the central axis of the construction frame. Therefore the transmission device is able to be supported by the rear axle in the transmission cavity to transmit a rotation output from the engine to drive the rear axle to rotate for driving the rear wheels to rotate. |
| US08177007B2 |
Power unit
A power unit which makes it possible to attain the reduction of the size and manufacturing costs thereof, and improve turnability. A power unit drives left and right rear wheels. A first rotating machine and a second rotating machine are configured to be capable of inputting and outputting energy. A first and a second planetary gear units are disposed between the first and second rotating machines and the left and right rear wheels, respectively, for transmitting energy between the first rotating machine and the left and right rear wheels and between the second rotating machine and the same. The first rotating machine, the left rear wheel, the right rear wheel, and the second rotating machine are in a collinear relationship in rotational speed, and are in a line in this order in a collinear chart representing the collinear relationship. |
| US08176996B2 |
Proportional pilot-controlled pneumatic control system for pneumatically powered hand-held tools
A control system for use in conjunction with a primary power system and operable to control a pneumatically powered hand-held tool broadly comprises an air delivery assembly operable to communicate with a pressurized air source; a control assembly including an exhaust line from the primary power system and to the control assembly, a spool valve in fluid communication with the supply line and the exhaust line, and a control line in fluid communication with the spool valve and the hand-held tool; a tool assembly comprising the hand-held tool for performing delicate hand working operations; and a housing for at least partial storage of the air delivery assembly and the control assembly. The primary power system and the control system operate in conjunction with each other to both power and precisely control a pneumatically powered hand-held tool. |
| US08176995B1 |
Reduced-impact sliding pressure control valve for pneumatic hammer drill
A method and means of minimizing the effect of elastic valve recoil in impact applications, such as percussive drilling, where sliding spool valves used inside the percussive device are subject to poor positioning control due to elastic recoil effects experienced when the valve impacts a stroke limiting surface. The improved valve design reduces the reflected velocity of the valve by using either an energy damping material, or a valve assembly with internal damping built-in, to dissipate the compression stress wave produced during impact. |
| US08176993B2 |
Ripper plough for soil tillage
A ripper plough for soil tillage includes a body having an upper mounting attachment end, a lower soil engaging end, a leading edge, a trailing edge, and opposed sides. A ploughshare support extends outwardly from the body from the leading edge toward the trailing edge at a plough angle of between 40 degrees and 55 degrees and extends outwardly and downwardly relative to the body at a thrust angle of between 40 degrees and 50 degrees. Ploughshares are mounted on the ploughshare support. The ploughshares have a length between a leading edge and a trailing edge of at least 1.5 feet and are spaced apart at the trailing edge by at least two feet, to provide an average lift angle of upward lift of between 10 degrees and 15 degrees. |
| US08176991B1 |
Powered rolling and crimping device for crop termination
The powered rolling and crimping device is used to terminate cover crops in a minimum tillage soil conservation system. The device includes a powered crimping mechanism in combination with a crop roller. Power is transferred from a tractor power takeoff to a plurality of cam mechanisms via mechanical gearbox. The cam mechanisms raise and lower a crimping bar. As an operator directs a walk-behind tractor across a field of cover crops, a crop roller first flattens the crops and the powered crimping bar crimps the crops, thereby terminating the cover crops without severing the crop stalks disturbing the soil. |
| US08176983B1 |
Gas recovery component heating system
A gas recovery component heating apparatus and method of use. The apparatus includes an insulating shell and at least one heating element positioned along the interior of the insulating shell. The apparatus further includes one or more apertures configured to allow a portion of the gas recovery component to pass through the aperture when the apparatus is secured about the gas recovery component. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for securing the apparatus about the gas recovery component. |
| US08176972B2 |
Compliant vapor chamber chip packaging
An arrangement for improving the cooling efficiency of semiconductor chips. One embodiment is to construct a vapor chamber with one compliant surface for improving the efficiency of transferring heat from a semiconductor chip to the vapor chamber, and another embodiment is to construct a vapor chamber with the chip substrate such that the chips are embedded inside the vapor chamber. One surface of the vapor chamber has a flexible structure to enable the surface of the vapor chamber to be compliant with the surface of a chip or a heat sink device. |
| US08176971B2 |
Earth heat transfer loop apparatus
An earth loop heat transfer system which, in certain aspects, has a heat transfer loop extending down into the earth and having a first portion, a second portion, and a bottom portion at a first level in the earth, heat transfer fluid flowable down to the bottom portion and up therefrom and in the second portion to the earth surface, and valve apparatus in the heat transfer loop for controlling flow of heat transfer fluid; and, in one aspect, such a system combined with a rig useful in well operations for supplying heat transfer fluid for use on the rig, either from a loop or loops with portion(s) in water or portion(s) in earth, or both. |
| US08176970B2 |
Twin-belt casting machine and method of continuous slab casting
There is provided a twin-belt casting machine which prevents an uneven cooling condition between the top surface and the bottom surface of a slab between a pair of endless belts disposed vertically. The twin-belt casting machine 1 comprises a pair of rotating belt units 3 including respective endless belts 2 and arranged up and down so as to face each other, a cavity 4 formed between the pair of rotating belt units 3, and cooling means 10 which is arranged inside the rotating belt unit 3. The twin-belt casting machine 1 continuously casts a slab S as a metal liquid is supplied in the cavity 4. The twin-belt casting machine 1 further comprises distance adjusting means which is arranged inside at least one of the pair of rotating belt units arranged up and down so as to face each other, and which moves apart or closer the endless belt relative to the slab S in accordance with a part where the slab and the endless belt become distant from each other. |
| US08176967B2 |
Method for producing a cast component with a cast-in pipe
A method produces a cast component of an internal combustion engine with a cast-in pipe. Expendable molds and a permanent pattern, or permanent molds are used in the method. A solid core mold is mounted in a split outer mold. To solve the problem of the pipe changing its position during the casting of the component, a separate pipe holder is integrated into the outer mold or the core mold. The pipe is inserted into a retaining section of the pipe holder that is configured in such a manner that it locally surrounds the outer circumference of the pipe at least in part and with little play so that the pipe can expand in the axial direction during casting but is secured against displacements in radial directions caused by buoyancy forces of the liquid casting material. Subsequently the component is cast. |
| US08176961B2 |
Sliding screen assembly and components
A sliding screen assembly (1) with a screen (3), a pull bar (4) for movement between an open and a closed position, a series of guide wires (9,10) which pass through the screen (3) and pull bar (4) to be attached to an adjacent frame (2) of the assembly (1), the assembly (1) including a cassette (30) mounted to the frame (2) for fastening ends of the guide wires (9,10), the cassette (3) having an anchor block (32) to secure the cassette (30) in an associated upper track (7) and/or lower track (8) of the assembly (1) and a fastening mechanism (43) to adjustably secure the wires (9,10) to the cassette (30). |
| US08176958B2 |
Magneto-rheological elastomer wheel assemblies with dynamic tire pressure control
A wheel assembly includes a magneto-rheological elastomer (MRE) assembly disposed between a rim and a tire assembly. The MRE assembly may be configured to adjust a tire pressure within a chamber between the rim and the tire assembly when a magnetic field is applied to the MRE assembly. |
| US08176955B2 |
Disk flaker knife assembly
A knife assembly includes a knife blade and a mounting assembly having a knife blade support portion extending along a longitudinal axis of the mounting assembly. The knife blade support portion is constructed and arranged to position a cutting edge of the knife blade distal to a leading edge of the mounting assembly. The mounting assembly also has a counter knife portion disposed at the leading edge of the mounting assembly that defines a set back distance with the knife blade. The set back distance is constructed and arranged to provide a travel path for a wafer. |
| US08176954B1 |
Nonbinding tree harvesting apparatus and method
The tree harvesting apparatus and method of this invention are particularly useful in congested areas where the range of equipment movement is limited and where unrestrained heavy tree bolts would cause damage to surrounding property if allowed to free fall to the ground. The subject apparatus is adapted to engage and sever large tree limbs, tree tops and tree bolts from free standing trees by means of tree gripping and severing means which is operable to form a kerf without becoming bound within the same. Further, the subject apparatus is adapted to weigh a tree bolt or tree top immediately upon its formation and while in juxtaposition with the free standing tree. |
| US08176953B2 |
Device to dispense fluid products into a container and relative method
A device (10) to dispense fluid products into a container (12) provided with a closing portion (13) comprises delivery means (11) to deliver the fluid products into the container (12). The delivery means (11) comprises at least a tubular element (14) having a perforation end (34), by means of which the tubular element (14) perforates the closing portion (13) in order to make a delivery hole (16) in the closing portion (13) and is inserted, at least partly, into the container (12) in order to dispense at least one of the fluid products. |
| US08176951B2 |
Versatile systems for continuous in-line blending of butane and petroleum
A system and method are provided for in-line processes of blending butane into gasoline streams, and for blending butane into a gasoline stream at any point along a petroleum pipeline. The invention additionally provides a method for measuring the vapor pressure and vapor to liquid ratio of the gasoline, both upstream and downstream of the blending operation, as well as the sulfur content of the butane entering the blending operation. The blending operation can be controlled to ensure that the blended gasoline meets EPA requirements for vapor pressure and sulfur content of gasoline. The invention further provides a method for accessing and monitoring the operation off-site. |
| US08176950B2 |
Dosage-dispensing device with a changing mechanism for dosage-dispensing units
A device for dispensing a dosage includes a base frame, at least one device for receiving any dosage-dispensing unit or functional unit that is compatible to be inserted therein, a holder and at least one drive mechanism. The holder has at least one holding position for a dosage-dispensing unit or functional unit. A weighing cell arranged on a lower horizontal plane of the base frame includes a load receiver to receive a target container. A changing mechanism enables the receiving device to be moved horizontally relative to the base frame. This horizontal shift allows a dosage-dispensing unit or functional unit to be interchanged between the holding position and the receiving device. The changing mechanism also permits the receiving device, together with the drive mechanism, to be moved vertically with regard to the base frame. |
| US08176943B2 |
High temperature fire sleeve
A flexible hose for conveying fluids and suitable for high temperature environments, the hose comprising a core tube, a thermal insulating layer surrounding the core tube, a metal layer surrounding the thermal insulating layer, and a vented jacket surrounding the cover layer. The thermal insulating layer may be a fibrous material such as a silica fiber. The metal layer may also be a chemical resistant layer and be thermally stable up to at least about 550° F. The vented jacket may be a wire braid having interstices therein and formed from a corrosion resistant material. |
| US08176942B2 |
Closing device for a vacuum user system of an aircraft
A closing device for a vacuum user system or vacuum toilet system of an aircraft that makes it possible to quickly open and close a pipe connection piece in a vacuum user system or in a vacuum toilet system of an aircraft. The closing device comprises a cover; a closing element that can be inserted into the pipe connection piece and is connected to the cover by a spacer and is designed such that it substantially fully covers a cross section of the pipe connection piece; a sealing bellows located between the cover and the closing element and that at least partly encloses the spacer, wherein the sealing bellows comprises a sealing face; and an element that is movable in relation to the cover, which element is movable from a first position to a second position, wherein the movable element engages the sealing bellows such that the sealing face of the sealing bellows in the second position has a greater extension in a plane across the spacer than it does in the first position. |
| US08176939B2 |
Fluid pressure equipment provided with low sliding packing
A packing attached to a spool of a spool valve has a ring-shaped inner-peripheral seal portion provided with an inner-peripheral seal face, a ring-shaped outer-peripheral seal portion provided with an outer-peripheral seal face, and an intermediate flexible portion interposed between the both portions and curved by an action of a fluid pressure, the intermediate flexible portion has both right and left flat side faces parallel with each other, a thickness of the intermediate flexible portion is formed smaller than the inner-peripheral seal portion and the outer-peripheral seal portion, and a ring width of the intermediate flexible portion in a packing radial direction is formed equal to or larger than the thickness. |
| US08176937B2 |
Temperature adjustable mixing valve
A temperature adjustable water mixing valve having a cold water inlet, a cold water outlet, a hot water inlet, a mixing water outlet, and a valve core configured to open or close water channels. The temperature adjustable water mixing valve further includes a pressure relief channel between the cold water inlet and a port connected with a water storage device. The channel is equipped with a check valve allowing water to flow from the water storage device to the cold water inlet. The temperature adjustable water mixing valve opens the check valve to discharge toward the front-end water source when the inner pressure in the water storage device is high. |
| US08176936B2 |
Fluid cutoff device and gas meter with the fluid cutoff device
By removably disposing a fluid cutoff device in a gas piping, a gas cutoff management function for remote cutting-off/return, etc., can be added to an existing flow measuring unit, and a communicating portion can make bidirectional communications, so that by transmitting an acceptance state of a remote operation from the external device to the external device, higher reliability and safety can be realized, and by detecting use with the fluid cutoff device removed, safety can be further improved while unauthorized use is prevented. |
| US08176935B2 |
Vapor recovery control valve
A fuel vapor control valve comprising a housing fitted with an inlet port connectable to a fuel tank and an outlet port connectable to a fuel vapor recovery device. The inlet port and the outlet port are in flow communication via a first valve controlled passage admitting fuel vapor flow in a direction from the inlet port to the outlet port only when pressure within the fuel tank exceeds a threshold. A second valve controlled passage admits vapor flow in an opposite direction from the outlet port to the inlet port only when pressure within the fuel tank drops below pressure at the fuel vapor recovery device. |
| US08176933B2 |
Annular BOP packing unit
A packing unit for a blowout preventer includes an elastomeric, annular body configured to be disposed about a longitudinal axis of the blowout preventer and configured to be displaced radially inward towards the longitudinal axis upon actuation of the blowout preventer. The elastomeric, annular body includes a first section having a first set of material properties and a second section having a second set of material properties. The packing unit includes a plurality of rigid inserts distributed at equal radial distances from each other within the elastomeric annular body and about the longitudinal axis of the blowout preventer. |
| US08176931B1 |
Mobile fuel distribution station
A modular, environmentally friendly mobile fuel distribution station includes a fuel tank, a support structure having a plurality of legs for supporting an operation platform in an elevated position a predetermined distance above ground, an alternative power generation device, the alternative power generation device being one of a solar power generator and a wind power generator for providing primary power to the mobile fuel distribution station and a central platform operatively connected to at least two of the legs, the at least two of the legs bearing the weight of the central platform, wherein the fuel tank and the alternative power generation device are disposed on the operation platform. |
| US08176929B1 |
Line-stopping sheath spigot assemblies and line-stopping sheath assemblies using the same
A spigot for a line-stopping sheath assembly includes a flange including a flange plate and a flange barrel. The flange barrel includes a wall extending from the flange plate, with an end of the wall of the flange barrel opposing the flange plate having a projection defining a periphery of a socket area for receiving an end of a pipe. The spigot also includes a pipe having an end disposed within the periphery of the socket area defined by the projection of the flange barrel. |
| US08176927B2 |
Walking stick with all-rounded support
This invention discloses a walking stick including a main body, a pivot connector and a socket. The main body is of the shape of stick and connects to the socket through the pivot connector. A sphere is inside the pivot connector. A sliding-proof elastic element locates between the bottom of the main body and the sphere. The sliding-proof elastic element and the sphere are mounted inside the pivot connector. A bottom of the sphere reaches the socket through the pivot connector. The sphere rotates inside the pivot connector as the socket moves, while being urged against the sliding-proof elastic element. The sliding-proof elastic element has characteristics of sliding proof, elasticity and wear resistance. Thereby the walking stick of the invention offers all-round support for the user in use. Especially the sliding proof effect of the sliding-proof elastic element restrains the instant movement of the sphere, and its elasticity offers an effect of shock resistance. |
| US08176925B2 |
Dental floss tool device and method
A device to aid in flossing teeth including a jaw hook body, a pair of floss retaining projections on one end of the jaw hook body, and a grip handle at an opposite end of the jaw hook body. The grip handle may be a closed loop, an open loop, a padded structure, a pivoting structure, a decorative structure, a structure for holding the tool upright on a surface, or some combination of these features. |
| US08176923B2 |
Smoking articles and method for treating tobacco material with a suspension containing bismuth containing compounds and optionally glycerin
Provided is a method for reducing TPM cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, and/or phenolic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the particulate phase of mainstream smoke. Also provided is a smoking article including tobacco material treated with a bismuth containing compound and optionally glycerin. The method includes forming a suspension of a bismuth containing compound, water, and optionally glycerin. Tobacco material is contacted with the suspension, and then dried to evaporate the water. The tobacco material is used to form smoking articles with potentially reduced TPM cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, and/or targeted constituents in mainstream smoke. |
| US08176922B2 |
System and method for bidirectional communication with an implantable medical device using an implant component as an antenna
A system and method enables data to be communicated from a position within a human body to an external data device. The system includes a wireless communication module that is electrically coupled to an implant component having a metal surface so that the implant component operates as an antenna in response to the application of a modulated carrier wave being applied to the implant component. The wireless communication module may be coupled to the implant component so that the implant component operates as a monopole or dipole antenna. When the monopole configuration is used, the system further includes a ground plane so that the electromagnetic field emitted by the implant component is reflected and the emitted and reflected fields resemble the emitted field of a dipole antenna for the carrier frequency. |
| US08176915B2 |
End-tidal gas estimation system and method
An apparatus and method of using an end-tidal gas value taken from an non-intubated patient that includes measuring a plurality of gas concentration values, determining an end-tidal gas value from the gas concentration values, and reporting the end-tidal gas value for a breath as the greater of either: (a) a maximum gas concentration values observed during such a breath, or (b) the end-tidal gas value reported for a previous breath decreased by a maximum allowable breath-to-breath percent change. |
| US08176911B2 |
Regulating overfire air in a boiler using an overfire air tube damper
A method to regulate overfire air passing through an overfire air duct and entering a flue gas stream in a combustion system including: directing overfire air into an inlet of the overfire air duct, passing the overfire air through the duct and discharging the overfire air into the flue gas stream in the combustion system; adjusting a flow rate of overfire air entering the inlet using a damper adjacent the inlet, and moving the damper parallel along an axis of the overfire air duct to increase and decrease the overfire air entering the inlet, wherein the damper has an open position at which the damper is extended out of the inlet and a closed position in which the damper is substantially in the inlet and blocking air entering the inlet. |
| US08176910B2 |
Parasol heater with tilting parasol
A parasol heater comprising a moveable dish provided above a gas burner, wherein the dish is pivotably coupled to a first side of the burner, the heater comprising an actuator coupled to the dish and configured in use to effect movement of the dish relative to the gas burner, the actuator extending downwardly from the dish along a second side of the burner, the second side being opposite to the first side. |
| US08176902B2 |
Internal combustion engine system
The invention relates to an internal combustion engine system, especially in a motor vehicle, comprising an internal combustion engine, a make-up gas installation for supplying make-up gas to the internal combustion engine, an exhaust gas installation for evacuating the exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine, and an exhaust gas recirculation installation for extracting exhaust gas from the exhaust gas installation and introducing the extracted exhaust gas into the make-up gas installation. In order to improve the exhaust gas recirculation, two make-up gas paths through which make-up gas can flow in parallel are formed in a control section of the make-up gas installation, a make-up gas valve being arranged in each make-up gas path, for controlling the cross-section of the respective path through which gas can flow. |
| US08176901B2 |
Variable speed supercharger with electric power generation
A supercharger for boosting intake manifold pressure in an internal combustion engine and producing electrical energy comprises an input shaft (3), a electric machine (50) including a stator (51) and a rotor (53), a compressor (70) including an impeller (71), and a planetary transmission (30) located between the input shaft (3) and the rotor (53) of the electric machine (50) and the impeller (71) of the compressor (70), all such that the input shaft 3 can drive both the impeller (71) and the rotor (53), or the rotor (53) and input shaft (3) can drive the impeller (71). The planetary transmission (30) includes an outer ring (31) operatively coupled to the input shaft (3), a sun member (39) operatively coupled to the impeller (71), planetary clusters (38) located between the outer ring (31) and sun member (39), and a carrier (37) operatively coupled to the planet clusters (38) and the rotor (53). Each planetary cluster (38) comprises an inner roller (35) and an outer roller (33). |
| US08176900B2 |
Injector-ignition for an internal combustion engine
The present invention provides a heated catalyzed fuel injector that dispenses fuel substantially exclusively during the power stroke of an internal combustion engine, wherein ignition occurs in a fast burn zone at high fuel density such that a leading surface of the fuel is completely burned within several microseconds. In operation, the fuel injector precisely meters instantly igniting fuel at a predetermined crank angle for optimal power stroke production. Specifically, the fuel is metered into the fuel injector, such that the fuel injector heats, vaporizes, compresses and mildly oxidizes the fuel, and then dispenses the fuel as a relatively low pressure gas column into a combustion chamber of the engine. |
| US08176896B2 |
Target wheel position detection systems
A control module for a vehicle includes a time recording module that stores timestamps that correspond to each of N teeth of a target wheel of the vehicle in memory. N is an integer. A position module generates M angular positions based on the timestamps. M is an integer greater than one. Each of the M angular positions corresponds to a space between adjacent ones of the N teeth. A position estimator determines position of the target wheel based on the M positions. |
| US08176894B2 |
Vacuum system for an engine
Systems and methods for generating a vacuum in an engine are provided. The system includes a first throttle upstream from a plurality of cylinders and a second throttle upstream from one of the cylinders. The system further includes a vacuum reservoir in fluidic communication with an intake runner downstream from the second throttle; a vacuum consumer in fluidic communication with the vacuum reservoir, the vacuum consumer controlled by an actuator; and a pneumatic actuator driven by a pressure state of the vacuum reservoir to adjust the second throttle. |
| US08176891B2 |
Multi-cylinder engine
A multi-cylinder engine with a plurality of cylinders may include at least one variable cylinder that performs a power stroke or is deactivated, normal cylinders that perform power strokes at equal rotation intervals, and a control portion that activates or deactivates the at least one variable cylinder according to a predetermined load condition, wherein deactivation position of the at least one variable cylinder is determined based on rotation angle of a crankshaft. |
| US08176885B2 |
Cooling system with fouling reducing element
A system and method for reducing fouling. In one embodiment, the system includes a housing and a plurality of channels contained within the housing. The system also includes a fouling reduction element that passes through at least one channel of the plurality of channels, wherein the fouling reduction element is movable such that it reduces fouling inside of the at least one channel. According to the system and method disclosed herein, the fouling reduction element efficiently cleans the inside of the channels of the cooling system. |
| US08176884B2 |
Enhanced oxygen pressure engine
Systems and methods of operation for internal combustion engines which employ molecular sieve technology to provide enhanced oxygen content in the air-fuel mixture during operation. |
| US08176879B1 |
Machine for alternating conveyor belt livestock loading
Machine for alternating conveyor belt livestock loading with pre-loader having conveyor belt, main conveyor section having lift section, top section, and conveyor belt, swing belt section, which may or may not be pivotable, having conveyor belt, and auto-loader section having plurality of conveyor belts. |
| US08176878B1 |
Method and apparatus for restraining and muzzling animals
A semi-rigid animal head enclosure with a handle effective in muzzling and controlling a fractious animal using a lead passing through a portion of the enclosure and secured thereto or in corporation with a special capture stick having a lead forming a loop secured to the enclosure, one end of the stick and loop passing through the head enclosure and encircling the neck of an animal the stick having a method for releasing the lead from the capture stick, removing the stick from enclosure allows the lead to be secured to the head enclosure thus maintaining the enclosure over the head of the animal. |
| US08176875B1 |
Aquaponic method and apparatus for use in arid environments
An aquaponic method and apparatus used to raise fish in fish rearing tanks is combined with hydroponic channels for growing crops, in which fertilizer nutrients from the aquaculture effluent are utilized as fertilizer. The aquaponic method and apparatus produce a first water circulation system during the day in which water is repeatedly cycled from a sump, bypassing fish rearing tanks, to a clarifier for removing solids, a degasifier for removing volatile compound, then to the hydroponic channels, and then, back from the hydroponic channels to the sump. The aquaponic method and apparatus also produce a second circulation system during the night in which water is repeatedly cycled from the sump to the fish rearing tanks, from the fish rearing tanks to the clarifier, then from the clarifier to the hydroponic channels and then back from the hydroponic channels to the sump. |
| US08176874B2 |
System and method for heating a poultry watering device
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a watering system configured to provide water to livestock. The system includes a water basin defining a trough configured to retain water, a reservoir mounted to the water basin, wherein the reservoir is configured to receive and retain water above the water basin. A water path is defined from the reservoir to the trough, wherein water within the reservoir is configured to pass into the water basin through gravity. A first heating element configured to heat water within the reservoir. A second heating element is configured to heat water within the trough, wherein the second heating element is separate and distinct from the first heating element. |
| US08176872B2 |
Tubular element and a method for manufacturing thereof
A tubular element (9) tubular element (9) provides an inner space forming a passage for conducting milk, with a first material portion (9a) which constitutes the main part of the tubular element (9) and an additional material portion (9b) which includes a vent passage (9b) adapted to supply air to the inner space of the tubular element (9). The first material portion (9a) and the additional material portion (9b) are fixedly connected to each other in a contact area (9d) such that the material portions (9a, b) form an integrated unit. A method of manufacturing the tubular element. |
| US08176869B2 |
Spray applicating process and production assembly for manufacturing a pallet
A production assembly and associated process for mass producing such as a thermoplastic pallet and which utilizes a multiple insert supporting and continuously moving carousels inter-faceable with an input line upon which is transported a plurality of rigid and planar shaped inserts, as well as an output line a spaced relationship from the input line for removing, from the carousel, the resin coated articles. The invention further teaches a series of subset variants for spray applying a two part resin and hardener upon the insert according to a selected thickness, following which the inserts are cured and dried prior to transferring to the output line and in order to create a finished product. |
| US08176867B2 |
Watercraft immobilizing system
A watercraft immobilizing apparatus and system deployable from a marine vessel to passively defend against an attacking watercraft includes a towed array of entanglement lines. The entanglement lines can be stored on and supplied from one or more storage cartridges mountable on and deployed via outriggers and submersible rollers to foul and immobilize propellers and engine cooling intakes of attacking watercraft. |
| US08176864B2 |
Undergarments having finished edges and methods therefor
A garment having a finished edge that is an unopposed edge. The unopposed finished edge has a first bead of a polymer material in spaced relation to the unopposed edge. The first bead of a polymer material provides an unopposed, finished edge that is stretchable for adjusting to movement of said piece of fabric. The fabric also has a plurality of second beads of a cured polymer material provided on said fabric adjacent said first bead of a cured polymer. |
| US08176859B2 |
Refractory brick and tapered mortar joint
A refractory brick and mortar joint comprise a cold face of the refractory brick; a hot face of the refractory brick opposite the cold face, wherein the hot face is shorter in length than the cold face; and at least one tapered mortar joint extending from the hot face to the cold face, wherein the at least one tapered mortar joint is thicker at the hot face of the refractory brick than at the cold face of the refractory brick. A refractory brick comprises a cold face; a hot face opposite the cold face, wherein the hot face is shorter in length than the cold face; and at least one surface extending from the cold face to the hot face, wherein the at least one surface is angled to accommodate the difference in length between the cold face and the hot face. |
| US08176856B2 |
Loading ledge
A loading ledge to be used in transport and storing and a system for creation of load units. The loading ledge has an upper leg and a lower leg forming a substantially L-shaped cross section. The lower leg is furnished with one or more projections to make it possible to use handling equipment. One or more locking units are integrated in the loading ledge to grip straps or the like. The load unit is created in that two or more loading ledges are used together with straps to fixate the goods on the loading ledges. |
| US08176847B2 |
Method for assessing the plausibility of at least one measured value determined in a printing press
The plausibility of at least one measured value, that is determined in a printing press, and that includes a density of an ink applied to a stock, is assessed. The stock is conveyed through the printing press and the ink is applied to the stock in several inking zones. A relation is formed between a measured ink density value, which is determined for a specific ink in a selected ink zone, and a measured ink density value determined for the same ink in at least one other inking zone. The measured ink density value for the specific ink in the selected ink zone is rejected as being implausible, and is not used for automatically regulating the ink in the printing press, if the relation between the measured value and the measured value for the same ink in the at least one other inking zone inadmissibly either exceeds or lies below at least one predefined threshold value. |
| US08176843B2 |
Multi-compartment grease tray
An outdoor cooking grill includes a removeable grease drip pan. The grease drip pan has a number of removable fluid pans designed to collect grease and/or other fluid. |
| US08176837B1 |
Firearm operating rod
The embodiments of the present invention generally provide or relate to an operating rod for use in an auto-loading firearm. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide an operating rod for selectively actuating a bolt carrier by gas-impingement or mechanical operation. The operating rod can comprise an operating rod gas duct coupled to an operating rod gas tube, wherein gases from a fired cartridge are directed into the gas duct and flow through the gas tube to actuate a bolt carrier by gas-impingement. Alternatively, gases from a fired cartridge can be directed against a forward-end of the operating rod, thereby causing the operating rod to mechanically operate the bolt carrier. |
| US08176825B1 |
Brazed rotary cutting tool, an insert for a brazed rotary cutting tool, and methods for manufacturing the same
A method for producing carbide and diamond cutting tool inserts adapted to compensate for braze-induced warp is provided. In this method, the anticipated warpage of the insert from brazing is considered prior to cutting the insert from a PCD and carbide disk and the cutting path for the insert is adjusted to compensate. The adjusted cutting path creates an insert shape that, after warping as a result of the brazing process, will conform substantially to the originally intended insert or cutting tool shape. Also, a method of providing relief on the bottom surface of a brazeable insert is provided. Further, tools produceable by these methods are disclosed, such as a diamond edged rotary cutting tool with a substantially sinusoidal rake face and cutting edge. |
| US08176822B1 |
Hole punch and compressor with alignment member
Disclosed is a multi-function paper handling device primarily for use on pronged papers holders, typically two-pronged, which normally employ a compressor plate to hold papers which are spindled on the prongs. Instead of a compressor plate, the device replaces that function while simultaneously providing a hole punch which provides the holes for the prongs. The punch can also include an alignment guide, a letter opener or other features. A method of manufacture is also disclosed. |
| US08176821B2 |
Machine for processing sheets with cutouts of folds transverse to their forward moving direction
The invention concerns a machine comprising driving means (14, 16, 18) for driving sheets in a drive direction (F) through a processing zone (T), and processing means including a tool (53, 53′) and a counter tool (56), respectively, borne by a first and by a second transverse rotary support shaft (52, 54). Said processing means are designed to produce in the sheets cutouts and folds transverse to their drive direction. The counter tool has a substantially cylindrical surface having at least one working strip (57) which extends parallel to the axis of the second support shaft and is radially offset relative to the portions (58) of said surface which are adjacent to said strip, the latter being designed to cooperate with the tool to form a cutout or a fold in a sheet. |
| US08176819B2 |
Collision sensing device
The invention relates to a collision sensing device which can detect a collision between two or more objects. The collision sensing device comprises a deformable member (5) that defines a space (15) which can be assigned a pressure. In a first condition, the deformable member is undeformed, whereby the space (15) is assigned a first pressure (P1). In a second condition, the deformable member (5) is deformed whereby the space (15) is assigned a second pressure (P2). The pressure in the space is monitored. A collision with an object is detected when the pressure in the space changes from the first pressure to the second pressure.The invention can e.g. be applied in connection with machining, such as water jet cutting, but several other fields of application are also conceivable. |
| US08176816B2 |
Wrench
A wrench includes a wrench head mounted on an end of a handle. A handle of the wrench includes a fixed portion and a rotatable portion. Rotation of the rotatable portion of the handle causes movement of at least one contact surface of the wrench head. In one embodiment, rotation of the rotatable portion provides adjustment or movement of one of the jaws of the wrench head relative to another jaw of the wrench head. In another embodiment, rotation of the rotatable portion provides rotation of the wrench head. The rotatable portion of the handle is slidably mounted within the fixed portion of the handle, such that rotatable portion can be selectively extended to provide additional leverage on the wrench. |
| US08176813B2 |
Methods for manufacturing combination wrenches without generating carbon scale
A method for manufacturing combination wrenches includes preparing a material plate having a plurality of wrench material pieces. Each wrench material piece is sheared off from the material plate and then pressed in a sealed mold at a temperature without generating carbon scale to form a semifinished product including first and second driving ends and a handle interconnected between the first and second driving ends. The first and second driving ends of the wrench semifinished product are processed to form a combination wrench having a box end and an open end. |
| US08176811B2 |
Ribbed cover for drive axle housing
A rear cover for a drive axle housing is provided that minimizes stresses in the weld joining the output shaft bearing tube to the rear cover. In one embodiment, the rear cover includes a stiffening rib extending transversely across part or all of the cover. In another embodiment, the rear cover includes a raised portions proximate the output shaft bearing tube that is substantially spherical in shape. |
| US08176809B2 |
Planar torsion spring
A torsion spring comprises an inner mounting segment. An outer mounting segment is located concentrically around the inner mounting segment. A plurality of splines extends from the inner mounting segment to the outer mounting segment. At least a portion of each spline extends generally annularly around the inner mounting segment. |
| US08176808B2 |
Robot arm assembly
A robot arm assembly a base unit with a shoulder assembly rotatably disposed on the base unit. A lower robot arm is pivotably attached to the shoulder assembly. An upper robot arm is pivotably attached to the lower robot arm. The base unit includes a first motor which rotates a main shaft fixed to the shoulder assembly to rotate the shoulder. A second motor in the base unit rotates a second shaft in the shoulder assembly extending through the main shaft to pivot the lower robot arm with respect to the shoulder. |
| US08176807B2 |
Control unit for automatic transmission
An automatic transmission control unit includes a shift-by-wire control circuit that inputs an electrical signal based on a selected range selected by a driver, changes a range changeover member of an automatic transmission using the rotation of a motor to a predetermined position based on the electrical signal, and outputs a signal that drives the motor so as to achieve a travel range; and an automatic transmission control circuit that inputs the electrical signal based on the selected range and a signal based on a vehicle state and outputs a signal for controlling the automatic transmission in order to achieve the travel range, wherein the shift-by-wire control circuit and the automatic transmission control circuit are accommodated in one storage portion. |
| US08176805B2 |
Spindle bearing arrangement for a longitudinal seat adjusting gear
The invention relates to a spindle bearing arrangement for a longitudinal seat adjusting gear, which has a housing which can be attached by an attaching device on a vehicle-side component or on a seat component, whereby a spindle opening for guiding a spindle along a spindle opening axis runs through the housing and whereby an inner thread in the housing in the area of its spindle opening is formed to engage into a spindle run through in this manner, for shifting the housing and the spindle relative to each other along the spindle opening axis. The spindle bearing becomes advantageous in that the inner thread is formed in a spindle nut and the spindle nut is adjustably supported in the housing relative to the spindle opening axis. |
| US08176803B1 |
High-temperature sensor interface and network
The present invention is a sensor interface or network of interfaces that utilizes high-temperature electronics to operate at elevated temperatures for applications that include but are not limited to aircraft and automobile engines, vehicle frames, refineries, nuclear and chemical production plants, and in downhole drilling for petroleum and natural gas. The interface or network provide connectors for a variety of sensors with analog and digital outputs, and can in turn provide data to an automated electronic control system or a monitor. Because the sensor interface may be placed in so-called “hot zones” nearer to the sensors being monitored than other systems that use conventional electronics, the sensor interface can increase noise immunity, increase reliability, decrease cost, reduce weight, and increase space. |
| US08176800B2 |
Method for determining tension in a rod
A method of determining the tension in an elongated rod is described. The method includes impacting the rod and measuring the vibration response of the rod. Further, the method entails generating a theoretical vibration response of the rod based in part at least on the structural properties of the rod. Thereafter, the method entails adjusting the theoretical vibration response to cause the theoretical vibration response to conform with at least a portion of the measured vibration response. Based on the adjusted theoretical vibration response, the tension of the rod is determined. |
| US08176797B2 |
System and method for measuring flow rate from a meter roller
A system and method are provided for quantifying a degree of discontinuity of material flow from a meter roller. In an exemplary embodiment, flowable particulate material is fed into a meter roller. The meter roller is then rotated one revolution, and the output from the meter roller is collected and measured. Next, the meter roller is rotated one revolution in discrete increments, each increment having a substantially equal rotational angle. The output from the meter roller is then collected and measured for each increment. Finally, the measurement for each increment is compared to the measurement for the one revolution to determine a statistical parameter indicative of flow rate discontinuity. |
| US08176796B2 |
Ultrasound multiphase fraction meter and method for determining phase fractions in a multiphase fluid
An apparatus and method to determine fractions of various phases in a multiphase fluid. The apparatus includes main body including an interior configured receive a multiphase fluid and an exterior. The apparatus senses fluid pressure of multiphase fluid received in the interior and senses a fluid temperature of the multiphase fluid. The apparatus transmits an ultrasonic wave into the fluid and detects the transmitted wave to determine its velocity and attenuation. The apparatus may adjust the determined velocity and attenuation based on the temperature and pressure of the fluid to compensate for a difference between the sensed temperature and pressure and a standard temperature and pressure. The apparatus determines a gas fraction, water fraction, and a non-water fluid fraction of the multiphase fluid based on the sensed fluid pressure, the sensed fluid temperature, and the velocity and attenuation of the ultrasonic wave in the multiphase fluid. |
| US08176794B2 |
Unmounted head gimbal assembly clamping plate
An apparatus and associated method for non-permanently fixturing an unmounted head gimbal assembly (UHGA). A backing plate has a planar body defining a plurality of contact points, and a lip extending from the body that is operably alignable with the UHGA so that a force applied against the lip transfers through the body to urge each of the contact points against the UHGA. |
| US08176789B1 |
Three-microphone sound-intensity probe
Method and apparatus for measuring sound intensity emitted by a vibrating surface (10). The apparatus includes a probe (25) with three miniature microphones in the side-by-side arrangement, attached to a straight supporting tube (23). The three microphones are matched in phase and amplitude and form a geometric straight line. The supporting tube (23) with the geometric straight line of microphones is positioned perpendicularly close to the vibrating surface (10). The geometric straight line of microphones can be extended to intersect the vibrating surface at the measurement point (30). The microphones are supported at the ends of narrow tubes (22) attached perpendicularly to the supporting tube (23). The tubes contain wires from the microphones that are collected inside the supporting tube (23) and connected to the instrumentation (100). The sign of computed sound-intensity spectra and sound intensity indicates the direction of sound-intensity flow at the vibrating surface. |
| US08176788B2 |
System and method of ultrasonic inspection
An ultrasonic inspection apparatus may include a chamber partly filled with water from a first portion of the chamber to a water-line disposed apart from a second portion of the chamber, and at least one transducer disposed apart from the water-line. The at least one transducer may emit ultrasonic signals through a portion of a part being inspected towards the water-line. The water-line may reflect the ultrasonic signals emitted from the at least one transducer off the water-line, back through a portion of a part being inspected, and back to the at least one transducer. In such manner, one or more portions of a complex-shaped part may be inspected. |
| US08176787B2 |
Systems and methods for operating a two-dimensional transducer array
According to embodiments of the present technique, a system and a method for addressing transducers in a two-dimensional transducer array is disclosed. According to one aspect of the present technique, the transducers are arranged in rows and columns, and the columns are coupled to a shared transmit and receive circuitry while the rows are coupled to a row selection circuitry. In another embodiment, each transducer is coupled to a separate, dedicated transmit circuitry and the columns are coupled to a shared receive circuitry. |
| US08176784B2 |
Elastic wave device and electronic component
To provide an elastic wave device that is small sized and in which a frequency fluctuation due to a change with time hardly occurs, and an electronic component using the above elastic wave device. A trapping energy mode portion 2 provided in an elastic wave waveguide 10 made of a piezoelectric material excites a second elastic wave being an elastic wave in a trapping energy mode by a specific frequency component included in a first elastic wave being an elastic wave such as a SAW propagated from a first propagation mode portion 4, and a cutoff portion 3 provided in a peripheral region of the trapping energy mode portion 2 has a cutoff frequency being a frequency higher than that of the second elastic wave. A second propagation mode portion mode-converts the second elastic wave leaked through the cutoff portion to a third elastic wave being the elastic wave in the propagation mode to propagate the third elastic wave. |
| US08176783B2 |
Non-contact fluid characterization in containers using ultrasonic waves
Apparatus and method for non-contact (stand-off) ultrasonic determination of certain characteristics of fluids in containers or pipes are described. A combination of swept frequency acoustic interferometry (SFAI), wide-bandwidth, air-coupled acoustic transducers, narrowband frequency data acquisition, and data conversion from the frequency domain to the time domain, if required, permits meaningful information to be extracted from such fluids. |
| US08176779B2 |
Vibrating micro-mechanical sensor of angular velocity
Embodiments of the invention relate to measuring devices used in measuring angular velocity and, more precisely, to vibrating micro-mechanical sensors of angular velocity. The sensor of angular velocity according to an embodiment of the invention is adapted to measure angular velocity in relation to two or three axes, and at the least two seismic masses (34-36, 52-53, 71-75) of the sensor of angular velocity are adapted to be activated into primary motion vibration by a common mode. The structure of the sensor of angular velocity according to the invention enables reliable measuring with good performance, particularly in small size vibrating micro-mechanical sensors of angular velocity. |
| US08176777B2 |
Device and method for measuring layer thicknesses
The present invention concerns a device for measuring of layer thicknesses, especially for measuring of layer thicknesses of a structural part (18) during or after a coating process, with at least a first and a second path length measuring device (12, 14), wherein a first path length (a) to a surface (20) of a layer (22) being applied to the structural part (18) is measured by means of the first path length measuring device (12) and a second path length (b) to an uncoated surface (24) of the structural part (18) is measured by means of the second path length measuring device (14) continuously or at predetermined moments of time. According to the invention, the device (10) furthermore comprises at least a third path length measuring device (16) for measuring and monitoring the position of the first path length measuring device (12) relative to the structural part (18), wherein a third path length (c) is measured by the third path length measuring device (16) to determine the position of the structural part (18) continuously or at predetermined moments of time. The invention furthermore involves a method for measuring of layer thicknesses, especially for measuring of layer thicknesses of a structural part (18) during or after a coating process. |
| US08176773B2 |
Piezoelectric sensor and sensing instrument
To provide a piezoelectric sensor in which a first electrode for measurement and a second electrode for reference are provided apart from each other on one surface side of a piezoelectric piece and a common electrode is provided on an opposite surface side so as to face the first and second electrodes. A piezoelectric sensor includes: a first electrode for measurement and a second electrode for reference provided apart from each other on one surface side of a piezoelectric piece; a common electrode provided on an opposite surface side of the piezoelectric piece commonly for the first electrode and the second electrode to face the first electrode and the second electrode; and an adsorption layer formed on an area, of the common electrode, to which the first electrode is faced across the piezoelectric piece, to adsorb a substance to be sensed. |
| US08176771B2 |
Endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus and leak detection method performed by the apparatus
An endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus includes: a connecting portion connected to a bending transmitting portion of an endoscope to transmit driving force; a distal end driving portion for transmitting the driving force to the bending transmitting portion through the connecting portion; a fluid supplying unit for supplying gas into an inner space of the endoscope; and a control unit for controlling a pressure detecting portion for detecting pressure in the inner space and the distal end driving portion to provide the bending portion with bending motion, and for determining occurrence or nonoccurrence of water leak in the endoscope by comparing the pressure detected by the pressure detecting portion and a preset threshold. |
| US08176769B2 |
Fluid transportation by a plurality of particulates
Provided are apparatuses for measuring wetting, absorption, and/or other mechanisms of fluid transportation by a sample of particulates. The apparatus may include a container holding a fluid, a means for measuring fluid in the container, and a conduit having a fluid-conveying lumen that allows fluid to flow from the container to a conduit opening. Also included is a sample holder in fluid communication with the conduit opening. The holder may have a surface on which the sample may be placed to absorb fluid from the conduit opening against gravity without falling into the conduit opening. In addition or in the alternative, the holder may be constructed and situated in a manner effective to draw fluid from the conduit opening to provide a controlled reservoir of fluid for absorption by the sample against gravity. Methods using saturated a porous medium is also described. |
| US08176768B2 |
Particulate matter detection device
A particulate matter detection device 100 includes a first electrode 1 whose one surface is covered with an inter-electrode dielectric material 4; a second electrode 2 disposed on the side of the one surface of the first electrode 1, to perform the discharge of electricity by a voltage applied between the first electrode 1 and the second electrode; and a pair of measurement electrodes 5, 15 disposed on the surface of the inter-electrode dielectric material 4 so as to face each other; characteristic measurement means 3 for measuring electric characteristics between the pair of measurement electrodes 5 and 15; and particulate matter amount calculation means 13 for obtaining the amount of the particulate matter 11 collected by the surface of the inter-electrode dielectric material 4, based on the change amount of the electric characteristics. |
| US08176766B1 |
Liquid and solid trapping mouthpiece
A liquid and solid trap which induces cyclonic motion of a breath flow to separate solids and liquids from a breath sample prior to that sample being provided to a breath detector for determining composition of the vapor portion of said sample. The trap is generally used on delivery type testing devices used for measuring breath alcohol content. |
| US08176765B2 |
Die assembly and a method of making it
The present invention provides a novel die assembly for extruding and drawing ferrous and non-ferrous metal, and also to a method of making the same. The die assembly according to the present invention comprises a die core (3); at least one pre-stressed ring (2) placed around the die core (3); and a die casing (1) surrounding the ring (2), wherein the ring (2) is plastically deformed and hardened by press fitting it to the casing (1) so that the ring has compression stress exceeding its material yield limit by 10-40%, and the mating geometric feature (5) of the core and the ring is tapered towards the exit, to thereby obtain a rigid container system in which a die core can be press fitted with a great force without die cracking. As a result, a long lasting die assembly with surprisingly high performance, small dimension and low production cost is obtained by assembling the die core by a great force without die cracking. |
| US08176763B2 |
Steering rack
A toothed rack has hollow sections and a longitudinal axis that extends parallel to a longitudinal direction and which in the hollow region includes a wall encompassing the longitudinal axis of the toothed rack in a circumferential direction and in at least a subregion comprises a toothing. In the circumferential direction spaced apart from the toothing, at least one local attenuation and/or holding edge is developed in the wall, which, with respect to the longitudinal direction of the toothed rack, extends at least over a portion of the length of the toothing next to the attenuation. |
| US08176762B2 |
Analytical method for use in optimizing dimensional quality in hot and cold rolling mills
A device and method for prediction and/or control of the profile and/or shape of rolled metal strip. The device and method are compatible with both cluster-type and non cluster-type mills. The device and method employ a customized deflection model of the rolling mill, thereby combining the advantages of well-known finite element method with other relevant methods to allow real-time operation of the rolling mill without the computational complexities of such methods. In one form, the customized deflection model helps to obtain a compact, linear, and flexible analytical model with non-iterative solution, multiple continuous elastic foundations, third-order displacement fields, simple stress-field determination, and capability to compute dynamic deflection characteristics. |
| US08176757B2 |
Washing machine
A washing machine includes a cabinet, a top cover provided at a top of the cabinet, and a lid hingedly coupled to the top cover, wherein the lid includes a transparent member defining a center thereof, a lower frame including a seating part where the transparent member is seated, and an upper frame coupled to the lower frame to support the transparent member. |
| US08176756B2 |
Drain pump and washing machine having the same
A drain pump including a case including a mounting bracket; a first connection member mounted to the mounting bracket to be spaced from the cabinet; a second connection member inserted in the first connection member; and a fastening member passed through the cabinet and inserted in the second connection member so that the case is mounted to the cabinet. Since the first connection member is spaced from the cabinet, the second connection member can be prevented from being damaged by vibration of the drain pump. |
| US08176755B2 |
Heating part and laundry treating machine having the same
A laundry treating machine having a heating part is disclosed. A laundry treating machine includes a cabinet, a single partition wall partitioning inner space of the cabinet into a first space and a second space, and a hot air supply unit provided in the first space, the hot air supply unit supplying hot air to the second space and comprising a heating part. The heating part includes a heater heating air, a case supporting the heater to form an air path and preventing heat of the heater from transmitting in a different direction from the air path, a sensing part sensing the temperature of the heater, and a control part controlling the heater according to a temperature value measured by the sensing part. |
| US08176753B2 |
Methods and apparatus for reducing heat loss from an edge director
An apparatus for making a glass sheet includes a forming wedge with a pair of inclined forming surface portions converging along a downstream direction to form a root. The apparatus further includes an edge director intersecting with at least one of the pair of downwardly inclined forming surface portions, and a thermal shield configured to reduce heat loss from the edge director. Methods are also provided for reducing heat loss from the edge director with a thermal shield. |
| US08176752B2 |
Silica glass with saturated induced absorption and method of making
A silica glass article, such as a lens in a stepper/scanner system, having saturated induced absorption at wavelengths of less than about 250 nm. Saturated induced absorption is achieved by first removing Si—O defects in the silica glass by forming silicon hydride (SiH) at such defects, and loading the silica glass with hydrogen to react with E′ centers formed by photolysis of SiH in the silica glass article. The silicon hydride is formed by loading the silica glass with molecular hydrogen at temperatures of at least 475° C. After formation of SiH, the silica glass is loaded with additional molecular hydrogen at temperatures of less than 475° C. |
| US08176750B2 |
Heat exchanger
An evaporator includes two header tanks and a plurality of heat exchange tubes disposed therebetween. The interior of a refrigerant inlet header section of the first header tank is divided into two spaces by a first flow diverging plate. The heat-exchange-tube-side space of the refrigerant inlet header section is divided into a plurality of sections by a first partition plate. Flow diverging openings are provided in portions of the first flow diverging plate facing the sections. The interiors of first and second intermediate header sections of the second header tank are each divided into sections, equal in number to those of the refrigerant inlet header section. |
| US08176749B2 |
Cooler adapted for use in marine environment
A cooler includes a box portion having a rigid outer shell and a rigid inner shell, an insulative material disposed between the outer shell and the inner shell. The inner shell defines a chamber therein having a floor and opening to a inner shell top, the floor sloping from a higher end to a lower end. The box portion defines a drain hole passing therethrough adjacent to the lower end. The inner shell and the outer shell define a cavity therebetween adjacent to the floor. The cavity, into which a tray fits, opens to a hole defined by the outer shell. The outer shell includes a bottom from which four feet that are molded into the outer shell extend so as to form an air gap between the bottom and any surface upon which the cooler is placed. A door is configured to cover the hole. The outer shell defines a first recess about the hole so that neither the door nor the attachment member extends beyond an outer surface of the outer shell when the door is in a closed position. A lid portion is configured to fit against the inner shell top. |
| US08176748B2 |
Cao heat engine and refrigerator
This invention provides heat engines based on various structures of internal combustion engines, such as a four-stroke piston-type combustion engine, two-stroke piston-type combustion engine, rotary combustion engine, or a free-piston type combustion engine. Said heat engine is provided with at least a heating chamber per piston or rotor, a heat exchanger unit disposed within said heating chamber through which thermal energy is extracted from a heat source and at least a port leading to a working chamber space from said heating chamber, and has a significantly increased heat transfer duration from the heat source to the working fluid within said heating chamber without increasing the number of strokes per power stroke in a cycle. Additionally, said heat engine is provided with an over expansion mechanism in conjunction with a compression means for intake charge. Thereby many of the operational characteristics of an Otto power cycle may be attained in said heat engine, and a heat source with a. relatively low temperature may be accommodated through the combination of a lower compression ratio, the over expansion mechanism, and the boost of the intake charge. |
| US08176746B2 |
Vacuum food preservation system
A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an open storage space and including a door with an exterior side and an interior side adapted to receive a modular component. The modular component includes a base removably connected to the interior side and has a first edge and a second edge. A component door is hingedly-connected to the first edge of the base and is operable between an open position and a closed position. The base and component door define a sealed compartment when the component door is in the closed position. First fasteners are disposed on the component door, and second fasteners are disposed on the base. The second fasteners engage the first fasteners to create an airtight seal between the component door and the base. A vacuum device is in communication with the sealed compartment and a heat sealer is disposed on the base or the component door. |
| US08176744B2 |
Refrigeration-cycle component assembly and vehicular refrigeration system
A refrigeration-cycle component assembly includes a pipe connecting member, a box temperature-sensitive expansion valve, an ejector, a passenger-compartment high-pressure pipe, and a passenger-compartment low-pressure pipe. The component assembly is provided in a flat space, which is defined at a side of an air-conditioning unit in a vehicle transverse direction, and which is flat in the vehicle transverse direction. The pipe connecting member and the refrigerant suction portion are intensively arranged at a vehicle front side in the flat space. The component assembly is entirely covered by a heat insulating member. |
| US08176739B2 |
Coanda injection system for axially staged low emission combustors
The low emission combustor includes a combustor housing defining a combustion chamber having a plurality of combustion zones. A liner sleeve is disposed in the combustion housing with a gap formed between the liner sleeve and the combustor housing. A secondary nozzle is disposed along a centerline of the combustion chamber and configured to inject a first fluid comprising air, at least one diluent, fuel, or combinations thereof to a downstream side of a first combustion zone among the plurality of combustion zones. A plurality of primary fuel nozzles is disposed proximate to an upstream side of the combustion chamber and located around the secondary nozzle and configured to inject a second fluid comprising air and fuel to an upstream side of the first combustion zone. The combustor also includes a plurality of tertiary coanda nozzles. Each tertiary coanda nozzle is coupled to a respective dilution hole. The tertiary coanda nozzles are configured to inject a third fluid comprising air, at least one other diluent, fuel, or combinations thereof to one or more remaining combustion zones among the plurality of combustion zones. |
| US08176737B2 |
Exhaust system having 3-way valve
An exhaust system for a use with a combustion engine is provided. The exhaust system may have a first exhaust manifold, a second exhaust manifold, and an exhaust gas recirculation circuit. The exhaust system may also have a fixed geometry turbocharger with a first volute configured to receive exhaust from the first exhaust manifold, and a second volute configured to receive exhaust from the second exhaust manifold. The exhaust system may also have a recirculation control valve in fluid communication with the first exhaust manifold, the second exhaust manifold and the exhaust gas recirculation circuit. The recirculation control valve may have a valve element movable to selectively adjust a flow of exhaust in the exhaust gas recirculation circuit, the first volute, and the second volute. |
| US08176734B2 |
Hydrostatic transmission having proportional pressure variable displacement pump for loop charge and fan flow supply
A hydrostatic transmission having a hydraulic pump that is fluidly connected to a hydraulic motor. The transmission also has a pressure control valve that has first and second stages and is fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump. By utilizing the pressure control valve when the first stage of the pressure control is at a minimum pressure the second stage determines the minimum charge pressure setting for the hydrostatic transmission. |
| US08176728B2 |
Air-fuel ratio control device
An air-fuel ratio control device is provided for controlling the air-fuel ratio of an engine. The device includes an exhaust passage having a main catalytic converter and a bypass passage having a bypass catalytic converter, the bypass passage diverging from the exhaust passage at an upstream junction and rejoining the exhaust passage at a downstream junction. A valve mechanism disposed in the exhaust passage between the upstream junction and the downstream junction moves between a closed state and an open state. During a predetermined period of time after the valve mechanism opens to permit flow in the exhaust passage, the air-fuel ratio of the engine is controlled based on a signal from a first air-fuel ratio sensor in the bypass passage using a low response correction value that is less than a normal response correction value that would be used when the valve mechanism is closed. |
| US08176727B2 |
Internal combustion engine control apparatus and control method of internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine control apparatus of the invention starts gradually delaying an ignition timing θ for catalyst warm-up, immediately after a start of an internal combustion engine. When the ignition timing θ is delayed to or below a preset reference timing θref, a fuel amount increase flag F1 is set to 1 to start increase correction of a fuel injection amount. The internal combustion engine control apparatus then starts gradually increasing a throttle opening TH to a preset target opening THset. The increase correction of the fuel injection amount is terminated after elapse of a preset time t3 since the increase of the throttle opening TH to the preset target opening THset. This arrangement enables the increase correction of the fuel injection amount according to the requirement, thus improving the fuel economy and the emission. |
| US08176725B2 |
Reversed-flow core for a turbofan with a fan drive gear system
A gas turbine engine comprises a fan drive gear system, a low spool connected to the fan drive gear system, and a high spool disposed aft of the low spool. The low spool comprises a rearward-flow low pressure compressor disposed aft of the fan drive gear system, and a forward-flow low pressure turbine disposed aft of the low pressure compressor. The high spool comprises a forward-flow high pressure turbine disposed aft of the low pressure turbine, a combustor disposed aft of the high pressure turbine, and a forward-flow high pressure compressor disposed aft of the combustor. |
| US08176717B1 |
Combination pest and gardening tool apparatus
The combination gardening tool and pest apparatus provides a probe shaft having a first end spaced apart from a second end, an upper shaft disposed above and parallel with the probe shaft, a first insert slideably disposed within the upper shaft, a spade affixed outwardly from the first insert, the spade and first insert extendable to a position beyond the probe second end, the spade and first insert retractable to a position medial to the probe second end, a lower shaft disposed below and parallel with the probe shaft, a second insert slideably disposed within the lower shaft, a downwardly disposed rake affixed outwardly to the lower shaft, the rake and second insert extendable to a position beyond the probe first end, the rake and second insert retractable to a position medial to the probe first end. |
| US08176714B2 |
Capsule for preparing a beverage with a sealing member for water tightness attached thereto and method of producing the same
Method for producing a capsule containing beverage ingredients designed for insertion in a beverage production device in which a liquid under pressure enters the capsule in order to interact with the ingredients in the capsule and to drain a beverage from the capsule, wherein the capsule includes a body with a sealing member attached thereto. The method includes providing the body with a main cavity, injecting at least one sealing material by injection-molding onto at least a portion of the external surface of the body to mold a sealing member sealingly attached to the body, filling the cavity with food ingredients and imperviously closing the cavity with a membrane to provide a closed capsule containing the food ingredients. |
| US08176708B2 |
Top board structure
A top board structure capable of easily and simply assembling and welding a reinforcing frame to a top board body, providing a sufficient strength with a reduced weight, and reducing abnormal noise that might occur when an impact is applied. A reinforcing frame formed by assembling lateral reinforcing member directed in a lateral direction with a longitudinal reinforcing member directed in a longitudinal direction is fixed to the lower surface of a base board in a top board body formed at the peripheral edge thereof in a box shape opened downward by a downward piece, a rear surface cover in a box shape opened upward by an upward piece is formed at the peripheral edge of a cover base board, and the rear surface cover is fixed to the top board body with the upward piece of the rear surface cover kept fitted/inserted into gaps formed between the inside surface of the erect piece portion of the downward piece in the top board body and the outside portion of the reinforcing frame or the inside partition wall of the reinforcing member constituting the reinforcing frame. |
| US08176707B2 |
Methods of constructing movable walls
A system for partitioning an interior space includes a plurality of slotted, horizontal and vertical frame components configured for stable, permanent or temporary mountings. In one implementation, the frame components are configured to receive a plurality of different panels, such as glass or resin panels (or panes). The panels can be assembled with the frame components on site into virtually any length or shape, and can further be removed and replaced on-site as needed or desired without necessarily requiring complicated deconstruction efforts. In one implementation, a manufacturer can prepare preliminary assembly into which a plurality of different panels are inserted in any horizontal or vertical alignment. The manufacturer can the position an end frame-component to complete the sub-assembly after the different panels are inserted therein. |
| US08176705B2 |
Nacre composites, methods of synthesis, and methods of use
The present invention relates to a novel composite structure with enhanced toughness, which incorporates features mimicked from nacre (mother of pearl). The structure can be used in many industrial and clinical applications, including aeronautics (aircraft skin), the defense industry (armor materials); orthopedics and medical devices (tough, biocompatible coatings on prostheses) and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS; increased reliability for critical components). |
| US08176704B2 |
Process and device for sticking edging material onto lightweight building boards
The invention relates to a process for sticking edging material (12, 10) onto lightweight building boards (1) comprising two thin-walled outer layers (2, 4) and a core layer (6) of lightweight filler material disposed between the outer layers, having the steps: provision of a lightweight building board (1), a decor edge (10) and a stabilizing edge (12), and sticking on of the decor edge (10) and/or the stabilizing edge (12) in the region of a narrow surface (1′) of the lightweight building board (1). The process according to the invention is characterized in that the stabilizing edge (12) is introduced into a section between two outer layers (2, 4) in the region of the narrow surface (1′) without having first created a recess of at least one outer layer and/or of the core layer in this section, said recess corresponding substantially to the stabilizing edge. |
| US08176701B2 |
Insulative siding apparatus and method of making the same
A system of interlocking decorative panels having a stone decorative element. |
| US08176694B2 |
Heated floor support structure
A floor support structure is disclosed. According to an example of the disclosure, the support structure may include a surface, protrusions extending from the surface to form cavities between the protrusions, and openings adjacent to the protrusions to form pathways to the cavities. The support structure provides the openings and cavities to lay a cable in any desired configuration, in addition to the structure's established function to prevent a main floor from fracture or failure when an underlying subfloor shifts or settles. As such, the need for separate heating and support structures is eliminated. |
| US08176693B2 |
Photovoltaic mounting system with locking connectors, adjustable rail height and hinge lock
A cam-actuated connection device joins rail mounting members of a photovoltaic panel array. The connection device slides within channels of mounting members until the members are in a properly positioned grid. When in position, the connection device is rotated to lock the mounting members in a rigid grid network. The connecting device can be subsequently loosened, repositioned and locked into position. The rail-mounting members create a grid for installation of multiple PV panels. The mounting rail allows the unit to remain relatively compact in nature but still covers a wide range of PV panel thicknesses. The rail system has a hinged connection with the mounting rail that allows an installer to assemble the module in a near perpendicular fashion to the mounting rail, make the required electrical connections and then lower the PV module into its working position. The unit is then locked into its working position. |
| US08176691B2 |
Beaded soffit panel for buildings
A beaded soffit panel and related method for buildings and the like includes a plurality of generally flat, imperforate base portions shaped to enclose at least a portion of the soffit when the soffit panel is mounted in a generally horizontal orientation under the eave. A plurality of generally M-shaped, contoured beads extend between the base portions, and have oppositely inclined sidewalls with center walls therebetween to create a decorative appearance on the soffit panel. A plurality of narrow vent slits extend through the exterior faces of the bead sidewalls at a predetermined acute angle to define angled tabs that extend inwardly, whereby when the soffit panel is installed, vision through the vent slits from a position generally underneath the eave is substantially blocked by the angled tabs. |
| US08176685B2 |
Protective sheet made from a blend of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and polyethylene (PE)
A protective sheet and method for protecting an object is disclosed. The protective sheet or drop cloth is made from a blend comprising ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and polyethylene (PE), making it naturally liquid impervious and slip resistant. The protective sheet includes a top side having a raised surface design configured for retaining fluid, and a bottom side that is smoother than the top side for added slip resistance. The method comprises the steps of providing the protective sheet and positioning it over the object, wherein the top side faces away from the object, and the bottom side faces the object and the top side is available for a workman to walk on. |
| US08176681B2 |
Roof side weather strip for automobile
A roof side weather strip has an upper side portion, a vertical side portion and a corner portion. The vertical side portion has a mounting base portion which is to be mounted on a pillar, a hollow seal portion which is formed on a vehicle-interior inner surface of the mounting base portion and is adapted to be brought into abutment with a door glass, and a seal lip portion which is formed on a vehicle-exterior inner surface of the mounting base portion adjacent to a vehicle-interior side of the hollow seal portion and is adapted to be brought into abutment with a vehicle-interior side surface of the door glass. A groove portion is formed between the hollow seal portion and the seal lip portion, and a water stopping rib is formed in a portion in the groove portion which constitutes a portion on the corner portion which lies in the vicinity of the vertical portion or a portion on the vertical side portion which lies in the vicinity of the corner portion. |
| US08176673B2 |
Attachable and detachable vibration generating device for a fishing rod
An elongated vibration generating device with a self contained vibration generating mechanism having its own power source including a battery driven motor, and eccentric weight and means to vary the vibration that can be easily attached to an ordinary fishing rod having a reel and line mounted thereon to cause the fishing rod shaft to vibrate in a manner to cause a bait or lure attached to the line to vibrate in a selective manner to attract fish. The device is firmly detachably attached to a fishing rod shaft by the co-acting combination of: (1) a soft and resilient extension depending from one end of the device and having a curvilinear cavity defined by a wall adapted to frictionally engage the top of a fishing rod shaft, and a first strap which is fixably attached at one end to the device above the extension wrapped around the fishing rod and the extension, with the other end of the strap adjustably secured to the fixed end of the strap by a hook and loop fastening system; (2) a pair of spaced metal or hard plastic vibration-transmitting nubs depending from the device at the opposite end from the extension, adjacent the vibration generating mechanism, for self-aligning mounting on the rod, and a second strap fixably attached at one end to the device above the spaced projections, with the other end of the strap wrapped around the fishing rod and adjustably secured to the device by a hook and loop fastening system. |
| US08176672B1 |
Ice fishing signaling device
A device for signaling to an ice fisherman that a fish has taken the bait and a method for utilizing the device are disclosed. The device comprises a trigger pivotally attached to a housing. The trigger is balanced horizontally by a fishing line containing a loop adapted for looping and draping over one end of the trigger and one or more balancing and counterbalancing weights. The tugging of a fish taking the bait on the fishing line pulls the line off the trigger which allows the trigger to tip vertically signaling to the fisherman to take action to raise the fishing line. |
| US08176670B2 |
Firearm steady-rest
A firearm steady-rest which is provided in a folded storage form which is incorporated as part of a rifle sling. The steady-rest may be deployed by folding it outward to provide either a V-shaped support configuration or a U-shaped support configuration whereby the upwardly extending distal ends of the support engage and support the firearm therebetween. The steady-rest may then be grasped by the operator's forward extending hand to provide maximum steadying of the firearm for sighting and shooting. A gravity deploying bi-pod leg set is also provided which automatically locks into position when fully deployed by a gravity slide lock. |
| US08176669B1 |
Rail accessory mounting apparatus for weapon
A rail accessory mounting apparatus is provided. The apparatus generally comprises actuatable jaw segments and a base from which the jaw segments extend, a collar within which a portion of the base is seated with the jaw segments operatively engageable with a portion of the collar in furtherance being drawn together upon actuation. Moreover, an actuator, progressively advanceable in relation to the base so as to effectuate actuation of the jaw segments is provided, as well as a rail accessory receiving fixture supported at or by the collar, the fixture comprising a segment having a dovetail configuration characterized by a wedge shaped cross section with which a rail accessory device is readily mateable. |
| US08176668B2 |
Recoil reducer for use with a firearm
A recoil reducer device for use with a firearm is provided, that is movable between a rest position and a recoil position. The recoil reducer device includes a firearm stock, including a first stock member having a first stock member cavity, and a second stock member having a second stock member cavity. A recoil reducer is receivable in the first and second stock cavities. The recoil reducer includes a shock absorber including a housing and an axially movable plunger. A slider is provided that includes a first slider member fixedly coupled to the shock absorber, and a second slider member movable with respect to the shock absorber and first stock member. A base member is fixedly coupled to the second slider member and a magnet that is magnetically coupled to the base member. |
| US08176667B2 |
Firearm sensing device and method
A system for resolving at least one use parameter relating to a firing of a machinegun or of a semi-automatic firearm having a receiver, an action within the receiver and that includes a piston, and a buffer tube that receives at least a portion of the piston during a cycling of the action in response to a recoil. The system includes: a display configured to display at least an indication of at least one use parameter; a sensor disposed in the buffer tube, the sensor sensing a cycling of an action via movement of the piston in the buffer tube; a processor that receives sensed data from the sensor and, based on the received sensed data, calculates the at least one use parameter, the processor causing the display to display the at least an indication; and a power source disposed in the stock or the display and energizing the sensor, the processor, and the display. |
| US08176666B2 |
Sign holder
A sign holder includes a sleeve, a support and a plurality of rings. The sleeve has a front portion having a first height and a back portion having a second height that is greater than the first height of the front portion. The back portion is connected to the front portion by a bottom connecting portion and includes a plurality of spaced apart apertures that extend through a thickness of the back portion and are located along the back portion at least partially above the corresponding first height of the front portion. The support includes a support member and a connecting member connected to the support member. The connecting member is substantially perpendicular to the support member and is attached to a backward facing surface of the back portion. The plurality of rings are each threaded through one of the apertures in the back portion. |
| US08176664B2 |
Textile complex, communicating panel and method of displaying the textile complex
A textile complex adapted to be attached to a communicating panel includes a textile sheet having, on at least one face, loops adapted to engage with a self-gripping strip provided with hooks; a coating film attached to a face of the textile sheet; and a printing ink deposited on the coating film. The textile complex has a capacity for preferential elastic deformation in a direction of deployment on the communicating panel. A communicating panel and to a corresponding method of display are also provided. |
| US08176663B2 |
Electronic greeting cards and novelties with moveable elements and manual electronic circuit activation
Greeting cards and novelties with electronic circuits having switch mechanisms operable by manipulation of a moveable component. Manipulation of the moveable component causes activation of the electronic circuit. |
| US08176660B2 |
Customizable stud for an article of footwear
Customizable studs for articles of footwear having variable ground interaction characteristics are disclosed. A customizable stud may generally include a fastening member formed of a fastening member cap and fastening member shaft, a plurality of rings, and a washer. The fastening member cap and the plurality of rings define the ground interaction characteristics of the stud. To vary the ground interaction characteristics, the contour, height, and material makeup of the stud may be altered by varying the shape, number, thickness, length, and material of the rings. The stud components may be sold as a kit with at least one fastening member and a plurality of rings with varying characteristics. The kit may also include at least one washer. |
| US08176659B2 |
Protective footwear
A shoe, especially a boot, which has a protective function against toxic chemical agents, especially chemical warfare agents, and a multilayer layered construction, which has an outer layer, which faces away from the foot when the shoe is worn, and an inner layer, especially an inner shoe lining, which is assigned to the outer layer and faces towards the foot when the shoe is worn, wherein, in addition, an adsorption layer based on an adsorbent material, especially activated carbon, which adsorbs toxic chemical agents, is arranged between the outer layer and the inner layer. In this way, efficient protection against toxic chemical agents, especially chemical warfare agents is achieved, and a high degree of wearing comfort is achieved at the same time. |
| US08176658B2 |
Women'S shoes, including sandals, with interchangeable fashion inserts
A shoe, including a sandal, with a transparent plastic film visible display within a permanent pouch or detachable showcase, constructed to receive, retain and display interchangeable inserts. Insert array blanks provide for Do It Yourself heat or pressure sensitive adhesive applications or can be Pre Customized fashion designs, both with quick and easy in and out insertion and replacement to match or coordinate with a variety of fashionable ensembles. The pouch or detachable showcase is mounted on the shoe in a manner which retains the insert in a substantially constant position while the wearer of the shoe is walking. |
| US08176653B2 |
Method for removing moisture from substrate coated with transparent electrode
A method for removing moisture from a substrate coated with a transparent electrode comprises the steps of placing the substrate coated with the transparent electrode in an infrared oven, applying heat to the substrate in the infrared oven, drawing the substrate from the infrared oven, loading the substrate in a chamber and reducing pressure in the chamber and performing a heat treatment on the substrate. |
| US08176650B2 |
Method for warming up or cooling down a through-air dryer
A through-air dryer system that diverts the airflow within the through-air dryer during warm up and cool down from the normal airflow during the drying of paper in the papermaking process. During warm up and cool down, a majority of the airflow is supplied to one of the dryer's heads and extracted through the opposite head to reduce thermal stresses. If needed to further reduce thermal stresses, a minority of the airflow is supplied through the dryer's shell. |
| US08176644B1 |
Producing and using archery sights
An archery sight can include a scope with a Venturi-like inner opening, smaller in diameter at a narrow position and increasing in diameter toward each end, to provide a circular field of view through a range of off-axis angles. Archery sights with pins, such as extending into a scope, can include sight pin components that include bodies, tube-like parts extending to sight pin ends, optical fibers in the bodies and tube-like parts, and flexible, light-transmissive tubing that engages the bodies and surrounds the fibers along most of their exterior length. Each tube-like part can be attached to its body by inserting it into a portion of the body that surrounds it and then bending the portion of the body to produce one or more bends or kinks but without reducing inside diameter, so that a fiber can then be threaded through the tube-like part. |
| US08176641B2 |
Metallized cutlery and tableware and method therefor
A plastic cutlery item molded from a plastic material, such as polystyrene, having a metallic coating that imparts to this cutlery item the appearance of metal cutlery or silverware. In one embodiment the plastic cutlery or tableware items are molded using injection molding techniques, and subjected to a vacuum metallizing process in an individualized non-contiguous manner, where a thin metallic layer is deposited on at least one of their surfaces. The resultant items simulate the appearance of metal cutlery or tableware. In one embodiment of the invention the plastic cutlery or tableware articles are molded from a clear polystyrene resin and are coated with a thin stainless steel layer through vacuum sputtering deposition on only one of the sides. The abrasion resistance of the metallic coating can be enhanced by subjecting the articles to a post-metallizing holding period or by applying a clear protective overcoat. |
| US08176637B2 |
Hair clipper
The hair clipper comprises comb-like fixed blade and movable blade each having a plurality of comb-teeth each provided at its both sides with blades, in which the movable blade is reciprocated with respect to the fixed blade in an arrangement direction of the comb-teeth to cut hair, the fixed blade or the movable blade is slid in a projecting direction of the comb-teeth to adjust cutting height, wherein a tip of each comb-tooth of the fixed blade is provided with a guide projection for introducing hair, the guide projection is tapered with an inclination angle which is larger than an inclination angle of the comb-tooth with respect to projecting direction of blades on both sides of the comb-tooth. |
| US08176635B2 |
Manufacture of lattice truss structures from monolithic materials
Methods and systems to manufacture lattice-based sandwich structures from monolithic material. Such methods and systems eliminate the bonding process which is conventionally used to join lattice based truss cores to facesheets to form sandwich structures. This bonded interface is a key mode of failure for sandwich structures which are subjected to shear or bending loads because the nodes transfer forces from the face sheets to the core members while the topology for a given core relative density dictates the load carrying capacity (assuming adequate node-bond strength exists). An aspect comprises a core and related structures that provide very low density, good crush resistance and high in-plane shear resistance. An aspect of the truss structures may include sandwich panel cores and lattice truss topology that may be designed to efficiently support panel bending loads while maintaining an open topology that facilitates multifunctional applications. |
| US08176633B2 |
Method for the production of a fastening element for dry construction elements
A method for the production of a fastening element for dry construction elements involving feeding a flat sheet metal material through a nip formed between a top roller having first teeth and a bottom roller having second teeth, in order to create depressions and elevations as well as slanted sliding surfaces. |
| US08176627B2 |
Method of manufacturing wiring substrate and method of manufacturing electronic component device
In a method of manufacturing a wiring substrate, first, a structure in which an underlying layer is arranged in a wiring forming area of a temporary substrate and a peelable multi-layer metal foil that is larger in size than the underlying layer is arranged on the underlying layer and is adhered partially to an outer peripheral portion of the wiring forming area, is obtained. The peelable multi-layer metal foil is constructed by temporary adhering a first metal foil and a second metal foil with peelable. Then, a built-up wiring layer is formed on the peelable multi-layer metal foil, and the peelable multi-layer metal foil is separated from the temporary substrate by cutting a portion corresponding to a peripheral portion of the underlying layer, to obtain a wiring member in which the built-up wiring layer is formed on the peelable multi-layer metal foil. |
| US08176626B2 |
Terminal reel cart
A terminal reel cart that supports a reel of terminals and a terminal applicator such that the terminal applicator can be loaded with the strip of terminals and moved into position relative to a wire processing system. The terminal reel cart supports the reel of terminals and a terminal applicator. The reel cart includes a plurality of wheels that allow the cart to be easily moved throughout a processing facility. The reel cart includes a paper take up reel that is driven by a motor and collects the paper backing from the strip of terminals. The paper take up reel is driven by a drive motor on the wire processing system. |
| US08176624B2 |
Optical alignment module utilizing transparent reticle to facilitate tool calibration during high temperature process
An apparatus and method for aligning one or more components while attaching the component to a substrate. The component is positioned over the substrate. An alignment tool is attachable to the component. The alignment tool includes a tool alignment element, an optical tool, and a substrate alignment element attached to the substrate. The tool alignment element being alignable with the substrate alignment element such that the components are positioned at specified locations on the substrate for attachment to the substrate. Further, in the method according to the disclosure, the tool alignment element aligning with the substrate alignment element to position one or more components at a specified location on the substrate. |
| US08176622B2 |
Process for manufacturing a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) device
A process for manufacturing a high performance MTJ it is described: A first cap layer of NiFeHf is deposited on the free layer, followed by a second cap layer of Ru on Ta. The device is then heated so that oxygen trapped in the free layer diffuses into the NiFeHf layer, thereby sharpening the interface between the tunnel barrier layer and the free layer. |
| US08176621B2 |
Method for forming antenna structure
A method for forming an antenna structure is provided, including the following steps of: providing a non-conductive frame and disposing a plating resist material on the non-conductive frame, removing a part of the plating resist material within a predetermined region on the non-conductive frame and forming a roughened surface on the non-conductive frame within the predetermined region by laser marking, forming a medium layer on the roughened surface, wherein the medium layer comprises Pd or Ag, removing the plating resist material on the non-conductive frame, and forming a metal layer on the medium layer. |
| US08176617B2 |
Methods for making a sensitive resonating beam accelerometer
A method of making a resonating beam accelerometer (RBA). In an example process, a proof mass device and resonators are created from a quartz material. A direct bond is formed between the proof mass and the resonators by applying a predefined amount of pressure at a predefined temperature for a predefined amount of time. One or more damping plates are created from a quartz material. A direct bond is formed between the damping plates and the proof mass device. The proof mass device is created by applying a predefined amount of pressure at pressure at temperature to two bases, two proof mass portions, and a flexure. The proof mass bases are on opposite sides of the flexure. The proof mass portions are on opposite sides of the flexure. A gap is present between the proof mass bases and the proof mass portions. |
| US08176615B2 |
Method for securing a device
The method is for securing a device. Security bolts are into the device. The bolts have openings defined therein. A wire is inserted through openings of each bolt. The wire has a male end and a female end. A male end is inserted into a cavity of the female end to align a cavity of the male end with an opening of the female end. A locking bar of a lock is inserted through the cavity and the opening to lock the male end to the female end. The wire may also be attached to an item so that the device cannot be removed from the item. |
| US08176613B2 |
Method for attenuating driveline vibrations
A method for attenuating vibration in a driveline having a shaft assembly that transmits torque between first and second driveline components. The shaft assembly can have a hollow shaft member and at least one liner. The liner has a mass and a stiffness that are tuned such that the liner is a tuned resistive absorber for attenuating shell mode vibrations as well as at least one of a tuned reactive absorber for attenuating bending mode vibrations and a tuned reactive absorber for attenuating torsion mode vibrations. The tuned liner is inserted into the shaft member. |
| US08176607B1 |
Method of fabricating quartz resonators
A method for fabricating VHF and/or UHF quartz resonators (for higher sensitivity) in a cartridges design with the quartz resonators requiring much smaller sample volumes than required by conventional resonators, and also enjoying smaller size and more reliable assembly. MEMS fabrication approaches are used to fabricate with quartz resonators in quartz cavities with electrical interconnects on a top side of a substrate for electrical connection to the electronics preferably through pressure pins in a plastic module. An analyte is exposed to grounded electrodes on a single side of the quartz resonators, thereby preventing electrical coupling of the detector signals through the analyte. The resonators can be mounted on the plastic cartridge or on arrays of plastic cartridges with the use of inert bonding material, die bonding or wafer bonding techniques. This allows the overall size, cost, and required biological sample volume to be reduced while increasing the sensitivity for detecting small mass changes. |
| US08176605B2 |
Auto-lock safety buckle
A buckle, operating between a locked position and a released position, comprising a male buckle member having a plurality of locking members, and a female buckle member. The female buckle member includes a housing, a plurality of engaging portions formed on the housing for engaging with the locking members, a latch member slidably disposed in the housing for preventing the locking members from disengaging with the engaging portions in the locked position, and a bias device connecting the latch member to the housing for biasing said latch member against the locking member in the locked position. |
| US08176604B2 |
Pouch and airtight resealable closure mechanism therefor
A pouch has an airtight elongate closure mechanism adapted to provide a vacuum retention with an interior of the pouch over an extended period of time when sealed. The closure mechanism includes a first pair of interlocking members that resealably mate together, a second pair of interlocking members that resealably mate together, and sealing members that form an air tight seal disposed between the first and second pairs of interlocking members. The closure elements may be connected with opposing sidewalls of the pouch in a manner designed to provide differential opening and closing forces. The pouch may also include a check valve and air evacuation channels to aid in evacuating air from the interior. |
| US08176603B2 |
Universal cradle apparatus
A universal cradle apparatus having a pair of substantially rigid jaw structures each configured with a flange structure having a substantially planar mounting surface adapted for being secured to respective cooperating male and female portions of a clamping mechanism formed of telescoping male linear drive shaft and mating female linear drive channel. One of the two jaw structures is configured with an inclined interior clamping surface that is projected above the respective flange structure and in resiliently flexible relationship therewith. The jaw structures are mounted on the respective drive shaft and drive channel each having its respective interior clamping surface facing toward the clamping surface of the other jaw. A threaded fastener secures the male drive shaft in the mating female drive channel of the clamping mechanism, thereby permitting linear adjustment of the two jaw structures along a linear drive axis of the clamping mechanism. |
| US08176601B2 |
Device for releasably securing a flexible bag about the rim of a supporting receptacle
A fastener for releasably securing a flexible trash bag type liner about the outer upper peripheral rim of a supporting receptacle has an elongated body with a first leg and an interconnected second leg defining a space there-between. An axially movable rotation handle carried at one end portion of the body facilitates rotating the body axially to wind an excess portion of an edge portion of the flexible trash bag type liner about the body and prevents the unwinding of the excess portion of the liner from the body. |
| US08176597B2 |
Vacuum cleaner with cyclonic dirt separation
A vacuum cleaner has a cyclone module assembly comprising a cyclone separation chamber for separating dust and debris from air with the generation of a cyclonic airflow vortex forming a vortex tail, the cyclone separation chamber having an inlet opening in fluid communication with the suction nozzle through the working air path and an outlet opening for discharging cleaned air, and a dirt cup for collecting dust and debris that is separated from the air in the cyclone separation chamber. The inlet opening in the cyclone separation chamber is formed with a pair of opposed inlets. The opposed inlets can be symmetrically or asymmetrically positioned with respect to each other. The cyclone separation chamber can comprise first and second concentric cyclone separation chambers and the opposed inlets can form the inlet opening to the second or inner cyclone separation chamber. The cyclone separation chamber can further have at least one vortex stabilizer for retaining the vortex tail at a predetermined location with respect to the cyclone separation chamber. |
| US08176596B2 |
Vacuum cleaner
Several alternate improvements of a vacuum cleaner are provided. In one aspect, the vacuum cleaner utilizes interchangeable components. In another aspect, the vacuum cleaner comprises a chamber having a top, and a first cleaning stage and suction motor are provided on the top. In another aspect, the vacuum cleaner utilizes a reconfigurable divider plate. |
| US08176594B2 |
Wiper blade
The present invention relates to a wiper blade mounted to a wiper apparatus for a vehicle to wipe a windshield. An object of the present invention is to provide a wiper blade which can be more easily assembled and manufactured by forming a connector integrally with a wiper frame. According to the present invention for achieving the object, there is provided a wiper blade coupled to a wiper arm of a vehicle to wipe a windshield, comprising a wiper strip in contact with the windshield; a wiper frame curved along its lengthwise direction and having elasticity to bring the wiper strip into contact with the windshield; and a connector formed integrally with the wiper frame and coupled with the wiper arm. |
| US08176587B2 |
Folding headrest device for massage
A folding headrest product for massage consisting of an upper plate with a cushion attached thereto for the purpose of placing a massage receiver's head face-down. A height adjustment and locking element located on a downwardly extending male portion that is attached to said upper plate with a rotatable mounted mechanism for the purpose of rotating said upper plate generally 180-degrees. A height adjustment and locking element located on an upwardly extending female portion that receives said downwardly extending male portion. A lower plate portion for inserting between a mattress and box spring of a typical bed that meets said upwardly extending female portion at a generally 90-degree angle. A hanger element located on said upwardly extending female portion for the purpose of hanging said product on a closet pole. |
| US08176585B1 |
External immobilizer
An external immobilizer for cancer treatment has a foot section with at least one inflatable bladder therein, a knee section connected to an end of the foot section, a pelvic section connected to an end of the knee section opposite the foot section, and an inflation device. The knee section has an elevated surface thereon. The pelvic section has at least one inflatable bladder cooperative with a surface thereof. The inflation device is cooperative with the foot section and the pelvic section and is used to selectively inflate the bladders of the foot section and the pelvic section. |
| US08176584B2 |
Patient-support apparatus with movable top
A patient-support apparatus includes frame and a lift arm. The frame includes a base frame and an upper frame. The lift arm has a first end coupled to the upper frame and a second end spaced apart from the first end and coupled to the base frame. In this embodiment, the lift arm is configured to move the frame in a generally vertical direction while the lift arm rotates with respect to the frame. The apparatus is configured to allow the first end of the lift arm to translate along the upper frame while the second end rotates about an axis that is fixed relative to the base frame. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US08176574B2 |
Protective helmet
Described herein are various protective helmets, including helmets designed for equestrian use. In one embodiment, an equestrian helmet (1) includes a front shell (2) and a rear shell (3). Shell (3) is moveable with respect to shell (1) to provide the helmet with two configurations. The first of these is an open configuration where the helmet is configured for receiving within the helmet or removing from the helmet a human head (4). The second configuration is a closed where shell (3) is releasably lockingly engaged to shell (2) for securely containing head (4) within helmet (1). |