| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08181858B2 |
Information banking
A method for conducting a financial transaction can be used by a person using a mobile device to conduct the transaction. The mobile device receives information related to the person that can be used for authentication purposes, such as a PIN or biometric data. The mobile device then authenticates the person by verifying the information received. If the person is authenticated, the transaction is completed using the mobile device, and if the person is not authenticated, the transaction is prevented. |
| US08181857B1 |
Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records
An automated banking machine is operated responsive to data read from data bearing records. The automated banking machine operates responsive to the card data read from user cards to carry out financial transfers for authorized users. The banking machine includes a top housing, a fascia assembly, a support, a card reader, a display, a cash dispenser, and a chest portion. An automated banking machine includes a processor case in horizontally pivotally supported connection with the housing, and which may be released from supported connection with the housing. |
| US08181856B1 |
Cash handling device having alert system
A cash recycler or other currency handling device includes a cash handling device alert system. Upon occurrence of one or more triggering events, a notification will be sent to one or more responsible entities. The responsible entity may be specified by a user. In addition, a user may specify the frequency of transmission of the notification or alert. In some arrangements, the alert may include a request for acknowledgement from the responsible entity. |
| US08181854B1 |
Cash handling device having integrated wireless modem
A cash recycler or other currency handling device includes an integrated wireless modem. The wireless modem may be located within a housing of the cash recycler. The wireless modem may connect to a network via a network service provider account held by a retail store or other venue at which the cash recycler is located. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless modem may connect via a network access account held by the financial institution with which the cash recycler is communicating. The wireless modem may include various settings that may be configured and adjusted via the user interface of the cash recycler. |
| US08181852B2 |
Banknote validator with banknote stack receiver
A banknote stack receiving structure is provided in front of a banknote validator for sequentially passing banknotes to the validator in a serial manner. A first drive arrangement engages one side of an exposed banknote and urges the banknote towards the validator. A restrictive drive cooperates with the first drive and a banknote must pass between opposed rollers of the drives to move to the validator. The restrictive drive roller contacts the opposite side of the exposed banknote but may also contact an overlapping banknote. The restrictive drive rotates to feed a banknote to the validator if a single banknote is present and automatically rotates in an opposite direction if overlapping banknotes are present. This automatic direction of rotation is due to slippage between banknotes and overcoming a low torque motor of the restrictive drive when a single banknote is present. |
| US08181840B2 |
Tissue tensioner assembly and approximation mechanism for surgical stapling device
A surgical stapling device having an approximation mechanism for treating hollow tissue organs is provided. The stapling device includes a handle, a body portion extending distally from the handle, a distal head portion at a distal end of the body portion, and an approximation mechanism. The head portion includes an anvil assembly having an anvil head and an anvil shaft. The approximation mechanism includes a rotatable approximation knob, a first member, and a second member. The rotatable approximation knob is operably connected to the first member to effect movement the first member over a first distance. The second member is rotatably coupled to a proximal end of the anvil shaft of the anvil assembly to operably connect the anvil shaft to the first member such that movement of the first member over the first distance effects movement of the anvil shaft in relation to the first member over a second distance. |
| US08181839B2 |
Surgical instruments employing sensors
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical instrument for operating on tissue is provided. The surgical instrument includes an end effector including a first tissue engaging member and a second tissue engaging member in juxtaposed relation to the first tissue engaging member; a gap determination element operatively associated with each of the first tissue engaging member and the second tissue engaging member for measuring a gap distance between the first tissue engaging member and the second tissue engaging member; and a tissue contact determining element operatively associated with a respective tissue contacting surface of at least one of the first tissue engaging member and the second tissue engaging member. The present disclosure also relates to methods of using the surgical instrument. |
| US08181836B2 |
Rotary fastener magazine
A fastener driving tool is provided, including a housing substantially enclosing a power source including a reciprocating piston with a driver blade. A nosepiece is associated with the housing and is configured for receiving the driver blade and for sequentially receiving fasteners for engagement with the driver blade for driving into a workpiece. A magazine is configured for retaining a supply of the fasteners and for sequentially feeding the fasteners to the nosepiece, the magazine storing a plurality of elongate strips of the fasteners, and being configured for rotating about a longitudinal axis of the magazine for providing access of fasteners in each fastener strip to the nosepiece. |
| US08181834B1 |
Backpack
A backpack comprises a load carrying section with a forwardly facing front panel. A pair of mutually spaced sleeves are joined to and border the sides of the front panel. An injection molded generally U-shaped partial perimeter frame has a base bordering a bottom of the front panel, with arms projecting from the base and into the sleeves on the sides of the panel. The load carrying section of the backpack is comprised principally of fabric. The front panel is flexible and has a stiffness greater than the stiffness of the fabric forming other portions of the backpack. In one embodiment, the front panel is integrally stiffened. In another embodiment, the front panel forms a pocket configured and dimensioned to accept a flexible stiffening plate. |
| US08181831B2 |
Container and associated dispenser for liquid materials
A container and associated dispenser for liquid is configured to dispense residual liquid from the container after the bulk of liquid has been dispensed from the container. This is accomplished by having a conical projection on the bottom of the container which causes residual liquid to flow into a gutter defined by the wall of the container and the surface of the conical projection. A dip-tube is connected to the dispenser and is rotatable in order to revolve the open free end of the dip-tube to access any circumferential location in the gutter in order to pick up residual liquid. |
| US08181826B2 |
Scent sprayer
The scent sprayer is a device for attracting animals. The device incorporates a scent spray dispenser. The dispenser includes an optionally camouflaged housing with a wind vane for rotating the sprayer in the direction of the wind. A radio frequency (RF) receiver is enclosed in the housing. The receiver is connected to a circuit that operates an electromechanical coupler to release a scent from the scent spray dispenser that attracts game. The scent sprayer also includes an RF transmitter that transmits a control signal on the same frequency as the RF receiver to trigger release of the scent. The scent contained in the scent spray dispenser may be urine, blood, pheromones, or any other scent suited to the game being hunted. |
| US08181822B2 |
Liquid food dispenser system and method
A system and method for dispensing fluids is introduced. A preferred embodiment comprises a sealed tank, a bag containing fluid inside the sealed tank, an outlet for dispensing the liquid in the bag, and a pressure generating device to create pressure in the sealed tank. |
| US08181821B2 |
Dispenser assembly
A dispenser (10) for items (26), such as cans (28) or bottles (30), including a main body (16) including one or more openings (32,34) for item dispensing therethrough; a storage means such as a holder (24) included in the main body to store the items substantially within the main body; and a rotation device (54,66) to rotate substantially within the main body, wherein items are presented by the rotation device to one or more of the openings for dispensing. |
| US08181818B2 |
Secure container with pressure responsive conduit for closure disruption
Secure product container 10 has opposed closure shells 10P and 10A forming product chamber 10C. The shells may be separated into an open accessible state (see FIG. 1A), in which the closure shells are uncaptured and product 10G is accessible. The closure shells may be placed together in a closed state along closure interface 12C (see FIG. 1B), in which the closure shells are captured to enclose the product. A closure capture between the closure shells holds the shells in the closed state. Closure capture 26 has a secured condition (see FIG. 2B) in which the closure shells are captured together in the closed state, and a released condition (see FIG. 2A) in which the closure shells may be uncaptured in the accessible state. Capture release device 12 on active shell 10A is pressure responsive for releasing the closure capture from the secured condition into the released condition when pressurized. When depressurized, the release device permits the closure capture to be secure from the released condition into the secured condition. Pressure system 14 (shown in FIG. 1A) is in fluid communication with the release device for pressurizing the release device to release the closure capture and uncapture the closure shells. The pressure system also depressurizes the release device to permit securing the closure capture and capturing the closure shells. |
| US08181810B2 |
Drinking cup having storage compartment and lever actuated seal for drinking area
A container and a lid for a container or container is provided. The container includes a lid and container body to which the lid is attached. The container may further include a storage compartment attached to the end of the container body. The lid includes a lid body defining a drinking aperture providing access to a central cavity of the container. The lid includes a snap closure pivoting relative to the lid body between an open position permitting fluid to pass through the drinking aperture, a first closed position with a portion of the snap closure is only biased against, but not engaged with, the lid body to prevent fluid to pass through the drinking aperture and a second closed position wherein the snap closure is engaged with the lid body. |
| US08181809B2 |
Gas-tight and light-tight closure for a container
In order to provide a reversible closure for containers which are subjected to an internal pressure in accordance with the invention there is proposed a closure device (200) comprising a deformable stretchable planarly extending cover (205) which can be moved into at least two operating positions, wherein the cover is aligned in a first operating position with the opening of the container and in a second operating position it undercuts the opening of the container over the entire periphery with a peripheral edge portion (222) so that the undercutting region (33) on the cover and the undercut region on the container form complementary sealing surfaces for gas-tightly and liquid-tightly closing the opening. The closure device further has an actuable means (260) for applying a force to the cover for deformation of the cover in such a way that it is deformable from one of the two operating positions into the other operating position. |
| US08181802B2 |
Closure device with biasing means
A closure device includes a base (1) and a top (23). The base (1) has an aperture (13) and the top (23) has an aperture (27). The top (23) is movable laterally relative to the base (1) between a first position in which the aperture (13) of the base and the aperture (27) of the top are not in alignment and a second position in which the apertures are in alignment. Biasing spring (22, 43) is provided with in the top so as to extend laterally between the base and the top with a free end of the biasing spring urging the top towards the first position in which the apertures (13, 27) are not in alignment. |
| US08181798B2 |
Mobile or stationary working apparatus with telescopic extension arm elements whose position in relation to one another is detected by RFID technology
Mobile or stationary working apparatus, in particular a working vehicle, with at least one telescopic extension arm (3) which has two or more extension arm elements (31, 32, 33) which can be moved in relation to one another, with detection means being provided on the extension arm elements (31, 32, 33) and also on a base station, in particular a rotatable trailer of the working vehicle, for detecting the position of the extension arm elements (31, 32, 33) in relation to one another and with respect to the base station, with provision being made, according to the invention, for the detection means to be in the form of radio detection means, with a radio base unit (8) being arranged on the base station and further transponder units (10, 12) being arranged on the extension arm elements (32, 33). |
| US08181796B2 |
Rack assembly for shipping glass panels
A rack assembly for shipping glass panels includes a base assembly, a deck assembly operatively carried by the base assembly, at least four end insert members operatively carried by the base assembly, at least four vertical assemblies operatively carried by the four end insert members, and at least two brace members. A first one of the brace members is operatively carried by a first pair of the vertically adjustable assemblies, and a second one of the brace members is operatively carried by a second pair of the vertically adjustable assemblies. The vertical assemblies are vertically adjustable relative to the end insert members so as to operatively adjust a height of the rack assembly to a preselected height. The deck assembly and the two brace members are selected from a group consisting of at least two different sizes of the deck assemblies and at least two different sizes of the brace members to be used so as to operatively adjust a width of the rack assembly to a preselected width. |
| US08181794B2 |
Forward osmosis membranes
Forward osmosis membranes include an active layer and a thin support layer. A bilayer substrate including a removable backing layer may allow forward osmosis membranes with reduced supporting layer thickness to be processed on existing manufacturing lines. |
| US08181793B2 |
Depth filter sheet material and method for manufacturing same
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a depth filter sheet material, the method comprising preparing a flowable aqueous pulp composition comprising a fibrous material and a binding agent; dispensing the flowable aqueous pulp composition onto a water permeable support in a predetermined amount per unit area; at least partially draining the water content of the aqueous pulp composition through said water permeable support; drying the at least partially drained pulp composition at an elevated temperature to form a depth filter sheet raw material comprising a first and a second surface section forming an upper and a lower surface of the sheet raw material, respectively, and an intermediate section positioned in between and integrally formed with the first and the second surface sections, the intermediate section having a permeability greater than the permeability of the first and second surface sections; and removing or displacing at least portions of one of the first or second surface section of the raw material. Depth filter sheet materials obtained by the method are also disclosed. |
| US08181790B2 |
Flotation apparatus
A flotation apparatus F includes a tank 1 for receiving a liquid raw material, and introduces air into the tank 1 to generate bubbles for adsorbing print ink in the liquid raw material to the bubbles, thereby floating and separating the print ink. The flotation apparatus F includes a circulating device for circulating the liquid raw material by raising and then lowering the liquid raw material in the tank 1, an air supply tube 4 for supplying air into the tank 1, and an agitating member 5 provided in the tank 1 for taking the air from the air supply tube 4 and agitating the air for forming the air into fine bubbles. The agitating member 5 has a rotary shaft 51 held horizontally and a plurality of members 52 horizontally separately provided around an outer periphery. On a cross section transverse to a longitudinal direction of the tank 1, an outer periphery of the agitating member 5 is arranged on a lower side of the tank 1 and in a position at a downstream side of the liquid raw material relative to a vertical line V passing through a center of the tank 1. |
| US08181789B1 |
Retail packaging for transaction cards
Retail packaging for a transaction card includes a carrier for retaining the transaction card, a transparent encasement enclosing the carrier, literature containing information associated with the transaction card placed within the encasement, and means for hanging the packaging within a retail environment. The encasement may take on a variety of forms, including having a curved outer surface forming a cavity within the encasement. The carrier may also take on a variety of forms, including forms having a main surface and a device for elevating the transaction card off the main surface to create a visual effect that the transaction card is floating within the encasement. The packaging may further include a panel that at least partially obscures the transaction card from view. |
| US08181784B2 |
Sealing sheet for use to close a container-defining sheet
Disclosed is a sealing sheet for use to close a container-defining sheet having a top surface comprising a given number of spaced apart cavities embossed therein, each of the cavities being upwardly opened and thus defining a container that is surrounded by a flange that is part of the top surface of the container-defining sheet. This sealing sheet has a top layer which can be glued to the flanges surrounding the containers of the container-defining sheet in order to close said containers. The top layer is advantageously made of a water-proof material such aluminum, in order to make the closure of the container-defining sheet moisture proof once such a closure has been completed. This top layer advantageously also has a top surface that is printable to ensure that relevant information as to the content of each container being made available on it if desired. |
| US08181775B2 |
Sports equipment hanger
The sports equipment hanger is a receptacle for storing and transporting sports gear or equipment. The receptacle includes a member fabricated from duck cloth. The member has opposed planar surfaces. A plurality of pockets, each constructed from open mesh material, is disposed on the opposed surfaces. Barrel locks are provided to close the pockets. A structure is attached to the top of the receptacle for hanging the receptacle when desired. |
| US08181772B2 |
Dispenser with corner latches
A dispenser having a storage compartment may hold a blister package or other object. The blister package may be slid in and out of the dispenser through an opening. Corner latches pivotally attached to the dispenser on either side of the opening move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, a portion of the corner latches extend into the opening thereby preventing the object from being removed from the dispenser. The corner latches are moved to the second position such that the corner latches no longer block the opening to the dispenser so that the blister package may be removed. |
| US08181770B2 |
Downloader conveyor for apples and like objects
A downloader conveyor is described and claimed. The downloader conveyor comprises an endless belt to which a plurality of cups is pivotally attached. The cups are adapted to receive apples or like relatively delicate objects. As the cups containing the apples descend into the bin, the cups rotate so as to permit the apples or other objects to roll out of or exit from the cups and to retard the cup acceleration. Each apple engages a skirt, which breaks the fall of the exiting apple. A distal end of the skirt can be arranged to scrape over the bin floor or scrape over the top of apples or other objects already placed in the bin, so as to again break the fall of the apple so that the apple is placed in the bin without substantial freefall. |
| US08181766B2 |
Roller storage system
A roller storage system is described consisting of a storage roller (200) for storing banknotes, where the storage roller (200) is operated in a money processing system. The roller storage system is characterized in that the system comprises a container (100) in which the storage roller (200) is disposed, the container (100) has at least one means that enables the guided insertion of the container (100) into the money processing system and/or the guided removal of the container (100) from the money processing system. |
| US08181763B2 |
Window winder drive
A window winder drive functions with a freewheeling coupling, which has an outer coupling part and an inner coupling part, which is concentric thereto, and comprises clamping bodies arranged between a clamping face of the outer coupling part and a clamping face of the inner coupling part, wherein the clamping bodies are arranged in pairs in the annular space formed between the clamping faces, and the first clamping body of a pair of clamping bodies demonstrates a clamping effect exclusively in a specific direction of rotation of the outer coupling part in relation to the inner coupling part, while the second clamping body of the pair of clamping bodies exclusively has a clamping effect in the opposite direction of rotation. |
| US08181749B2 |
Speed governor for an elevator
In a speed governor for an elevator, a clutch mechanism is provided between a governor sheave and a rotary body. An actuator performs switching between transmission and interruption of rotation by the clutch mechanism according to whether or not energization from a DC generator, which generates a current by rotation of the governor sheave, is performed. A rectifier circuit allows the current to flow from the DC generator to the actuator only when a rotating direction of the governor sheave is a predetermined one of a first direction and a second direction. |
| US08181744B2 |
Self-retracting lifeline systems and braking systems therefor
A lifeline system includes a lifeline and a drum assembly around which the lifeline is coiled. The drum assembly is rotatable about a first axis in a first direction during extension of the lifeline and in a second direction, opposite of the first direction, during retraction of the lifeline. The lifeline system further includes a tensioning mechanism in operative connection with the drum assembly to impart a biasing force on the drum assembly to bias the drum assembly to rotate about the first axis in the second direction. The lifeline system further comprises a braking mechanism in operative connection with the drum assembly. The braking mechanism includes a catch that is rotatable relative to the drum assembly about a second axis that is not concentric with the first axis. The second axis is operatively connected to the first axis so that the second axis rotates about the first axis in the same direction as the drum assembly when the drum assembly is rotating about the first axis. A center of mass of the catch is located in the vicinity of the second axis. The catch rotates about the second axis in the second direction when the drum assembly is rotated in the first direction at at least a determined angular acceleration to cause an abutment section of the catch to abut an abutment member of the lifeline system (for example, by moving radially outward a sufficient amount) and stop the rotation of the drum assembly. |
| US08181743B2 |
Portable tree stand
A pole or tree mounted device having a platform assembly at a lower position, and a seat assembly at an upper position. The seat assembly includes a seat brace, seat, and armrests and a leveler for assisting in securing and leveling the seat in a desired position, and the platform assembly includes a platform positioned substantially perpendicular to an outer surface of the tree or pole, and at least two braces positioned beneath the platform, wherein a first brace is secured in a substantially vertical position along an outer surface of the tree and is secured to an inner edge of the platform. The second brace is secured at some angle relative to the outer surface of the tree to extend from a lower position of the first brace to an outer edge of the platform. A leveler is provided to effectively level the platform as desired by the user. |
| US08181742B1 |
Safety jack plate
A safety jack plate, which is a plate assembly that can be used in conjunction with standard pump jacks with standard scaffolding is used by contractors. Each safety jack plate includes a flat plate, a pair of end pieces attached to the flat plate, a pair of cutouts on each end piece so that each end piece can be mounted over the rails of a jack, and ridged surface on the flat plate and each of the end pieces. |
| US08181741B2 |
Life saving implement
A life saving implement includes a prime motor assembly, a winding drum installing in the prime motor assembly to wind a wire rope, a braking drum installed on a side of the winding drum to control an RPM of the winding drum, a braking unit installed on a lower portion of the braking drum to control an RPM of the braking drum, a speed reduction unit installed on an upper portion of the braking drum to gradually reduce the RPM of the winding drum until the winding drum stops, and a passenger vehicle moving by the rotations of the winding drum and the braking drum. |
| US08181737B2 |
Condensed water discharge apparatus of muffler
A condensed water discharge apparatus is capable of smoothly excreting residual condensed water in a muffler. The device may include a through hole formed at the bottom of a muffler case, an inflow pipe communicated to the muffler case and in which exhaust gas flows, an exhaust pipe communicated to the atmosphere so that exhaust gas is exhausted from the muffler case thereto, a thermoelement, and a control valve mounted at the through hole so as to selectively open/close the through hole when driving or stopped by sliding about the through hole. |
| US08181736B2 |
Phase plug and acoustic lens for direct radiating loudspeaker
A phase plugs or acoustic lens improves the directional audio performance of a loudspeaker. Application of the improved directional audio performance to a sound system in a listening area may improve the performance of the audio system. Configuration of the acoustic lens or phase plug may include both symmetrical and asymmetrical features to provide an improved frequency response and directivity. The improved loudspeaker may provide improved an improved listing location, for example, in a vehicle. |
| US08181734B2 |
Motor vehicle steering system
A motor vehicle steering system includes a transmission ratio variable mechanism capable of changing a transmission ratio, and a steering-assist-force imparting mechanism. The transmission ratio variable mechanism is provided with an input member and an output member capable of rotation about a first axis, a first bearing ring for differentially rotatably coupling to each of the input and output member, a second bearing ring for rotatably supporting the first bearing ring via a rolling element, and an electric motor for rotation-driving the second bearing ring. A second axis that is a center line of the first bearing ring and the second bearing ring is inclined relative to the first axis. |
| US08181731B2 |
Drive train for work vehicle
A drive train for a work vehicle comprises: an engine mounted to a vehicle body such that an output shaft of the engine extends in a lateral direction of the vehicle body; a hydrostatic transmission having a pump shaft, a motor shaft, and a housing, the hydrostatic transmission being mounted to the vehicle body such that the pump shaft and the motor shaft extend in the lateral direction; a mechanical transmission having a plurality of transmission shafts each of which extends in the lateral direction. A pump side portion of the housing of the hydrostatic transmission is connected to an end plate of the engine and a motor side portion of the housing is connected to a casing of the mechanical transmission so that the housing extends from the engine to the mechanical transmission. |
| US08181730B2 |
Collision detection device for vehicle
A collision detection device for a vehicle includes an air chamber space, a pressure sensor and a collision determination portion. The air chamber space is arranged in the vehicle, and a pressure therein is changed in accordance with a collision with the vehicle. The pressure sensor detects a pressure change in the air chamber space. The collision determination portion determines the collision with the vehicle. An output value of the pressure sensor is integrated by time to calculate an integration value, and the collision with the vehicle is determined based on a threshold value set with respect to the integration value, and the output value of the pressure sensor. Therefore, when the collision with the vehicle occurs, whether an occupant protection device should be activated can be determined promptly. |
| US08181729B2 |
Motorcycle
To concentrate mass, to lower the center of gravity, to efficiently and optimally arrange an intake part for making a compact vehicle body. A cylinder inclined to the rear is arranged under a fuel tank and a body of an intake box is housed between a radiator arranged in front of the cylinder and the cylinder. An upper part of the body of the intake box is fixed to a body frame at the bottom of the fuel tank and air taken in is supplied to an intake port through an intake funnel and a throttle body respectively built-in. A lid of an intake duct can be extractably inserted into a window hole provided to the front of the body, a duct part integrated with the lid is arranged over the radiator, and an air intake guide port takes a flow of air in front of the radiator. |
| US08181719B2 |
Flow pulsing device for a drilling motor
A downhole flow pulsing device comprises a housing connected in series with a drill string and a valve with a rotating portion in the housing arranged to vary an area of a flow passage through the housing. A fluid actuated positive displacement motor drives rotation of the valve. A drive link permits the rotating portion of the valve to be optionally coupled directly to the motor of the drill string. The valve includes radially oriented rotating ports intermittently communicating with surrounding fixed ports and a bypass channel. Axial displacement of the rotating ports relative to the fixed ports and bypass channel permits amplitude of the downstream fluid pulses to be adjusted. The valve includes a number of circumferentially spaced ports which differs from a prescribed number of pressure fluctuations in the fluid for each full rotation of the rotor of the drill motor. |
| US08181718B2 |
Perforating gun gravitational orientation system
A perforating gun gravitational orientation system includes a perforating gun and a swivel device connected to the perforating gun to permit rotation of the perforating gun within casing, and the perforating gun spaced apart from the casing by the swivel device. Another perforating gun gravitational orientation system includes the swivel device having an axis of rotation which is spaced apart from a center of gravity of the perforating gun. Yet another perforating gun gravitational orientation system includes the swivel device having an axis of rotation which is spaced apart from a center axis of the perforating gun. |
| US08181717B2 |
Power tool with battery pack ejector
A power tool has a mechanism for ejecting a battery pack which includes a receiving frame which defines a cavity to receive a battery pack. A receiving member is adjacent the cavity. The receiving member meshes with a member on the battery pack to hold the battery pack in the cavity. A biasing member is in the cavity adjacent the receiving member. The biasing member ejects the battery pack from the ejecting mechanism. A member retains the biasing member in the cavity. The member guides a portion of the battery pack meshing with the receiving member into contact with the biasing member such that when the battery pack is locked onto the frame, the biasing member is in a compressed condition and when the battery pack is an unlocked position, the biasing member ejects the battery pack from the frame. |
| US08181715B2 |
Power tool
A power tool according to the invention includes a dynamic vibration reducer having a body, a weight and elastic elements. The body is formed by a plurality of cylindrical members which are coaxially disposed to face each other. The elastic elements exert biasing forces on the cylindrical members such that the cylindrical members are held apart from each other. The cylindrical members are fixed to the tool body side under the biasing forces of the elastic elements. Venting members for forced vibration are provided on the cylindrical members and protrude radially outward from the cylindrical members, respectively. The venting members are mounted by inserting into venting member mounting parts on the tool body side in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical members. At least one of the venting members can move with respect to the cylindrical member in the longitudinal direction. |
| US08181712B2 |
Nose piece for inserting fixing elements into predefined seats
A nose piece for inserting fixing elements into predefined seats in a work piece includes a drive channel for receiving a lower end of a drive rod. The drive rod is movable from an initial upper position, through a first intermediate position, to a lower position when acted on from above on by a drive force. A lower face of the nose piece is adapted to receive a first fixing element. At least one finger is biased toward a side wall of the nose piece. When the drive rod exerts a force on an actuator, the actuator moves the finger from a closed position, in which a lower portion of the finger is disposed under an outer portion of the flange of the first fixing element, to an open position, in which the lower portion of the finger is disposed away from under the outer portion of the flange of the first fixing element. |
| US08181710B2 |
Tube-end device for fire extinguishment
A tube-end device for fire extinguishment jets and sprays pressurized and fed water, seawater, or aqueous fire-extinguishing agent from a tube end. The tube-end device for fire extinguishment is provided with: an induction electrode unit disposed in an emission space side of a nozzle unit positioned inside the tube end; a water-side electrode unit disposed at a position of the interior of a tube main body in contact with fire-extinguishing water; a voltage applying device which applies an external electric field, which is generated by applying a voltage between the induction electrode unit and the water-side electrode unit, to the water, seawater, or fire-extinguishing agent in the process of jetting from the nozzle unit, electrically charges jetted particles, and emit the particles; and a battery which supplies power to the voltage applying device. |
| US08181705B2 |
Fluid injection device
The present invention regards a device designed for injection of fluids in a well bore, typically an offshore well bore for petroleum production and gas injection/gas lift system for fluid injection. The device comprises a outer hollow housing (1) with an internal body (2) moveable within the outer housing (1) with an internal bore (3) which in a first closed position is closed with a metal to metal seal system between the outer housing (1) and the internal body (2), which internal body (2) is operated by pressure differential across the internal body (2), where the internal body (2) is designed with slots (4) forming outlets of the internal bore (3) which in an open position of the device leads to the outside of the outer housing (1). |
| US08181702B2 |
Application of degradable fibers in invert emulsion fluids for fluid loss control
A method of treating a subterranean formation including emplacing in a wellbore a fluid, comprising an oleaginous continuous phase, a non-oleaginous discontinuous phase, an emulsifier, at least one degradable material, and at least one bridging material, and contacting the formation with the fluid. A method and apparatus related to an invert emulsion fluid loss pill including an oleaginous continuous phase, a non-oleaginous discontinuous phase, an emulsifier, at least one degradable material, wherein the degradable material hydrolyzes to release an organic acid, and at least one bridging material. |
| US08181700B2 |
System and method of displacing fluids in an annulus
The method of displacing fluids in the annulus between pressurized casing strings inside an active oil or gas well by providing a controlled turndown insert and guides then inserting and retrieving a flexible hose without it folding or buckling while being pushed or pulled through a wellhead system orifice with relatively sharp edges at the annulus opening where the hose must make a 90 degree turn from horizontal to vertical within a short radius without cutting, crimping or tearing the hose then seating and holding the hose while fluids are injected, all the while providing protection against well blow out or other pressure problems. |
| US08181697B2 |
Multi-function multi-hole drilling rig
A multi-function multi-hole rig is disclosed which, in certain aspects, includes multiple machines for accomplishing rig functions, e.g. drilling machine(s), tripping machine(s), casing machine(s), and/or cementing machine(s), for producing multiple usable wellbores one after the other. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b). |
| US08181696B2 |
Plate heat exchanger including strengthening plates provided outside of the outermost heat exchanger plates
The invention relates to a plate heat exchanger including a plurality of plates. The plates extend in parallel to a main extension plane and include several heat exchanger plates and a strengthening plate (2). The heat exchanger plates are provided beside each other and form a plate package with first plate interspaces and second plate interspaces. Each heat exchanger plate has four portholes forming ports (8) through the plate package. The heat exchanger plates include an outermost heat exchanger plate at one side of the plate package and an outermost heat exchanger plate at an opposite side of the plate package. Two of the plate interspaces in the plate package form a respective outermost plate interspace at a respective side of the plate package, which are delimited outwardly by a respective one of the outermost heat exchanger plates. The strengthening plates are provided outside one of the first heat exchanger plates. The strengthening plates (2) have a main zone (20), which extends in parallel with the extension plane and which includes a strengthening pattern (21), which is provided in the proximity of two of the ports (8) and includes at least one depression (22) extending outwardly from the heat exchanger plates. |
| US08181692B2 |
Method and apparatus for production of a cast component
A system for producing cast components from molten metal. One form of the present invention includes a system for the precision pouring of molten metal within a casting mold. The precision pouring system is driven by a pressure differential. |
| US08181690B2 |
Method of forming a coated article including a magnesium alloy
A method of forming a coated article is disclosed. The method involves heating a magnesium alloy component, positioning the component in a mold such that a gap exists between component outer surfaces and mold inner surfaces, and heating a magnesium-containing alloy material above its melting temperature, which is lower than that of the component. The material is formed from magnesium alloyed with i) the component element, but at a higher concentration, ii) at least one element that is different than the component element, or iii) the component element and at least one other element. The method further includes introducing the material into the gap, thereby covering at least the outer surfaces of the component, and cooling the material to form a substantially evenly distributed solidified coating on the outer surfaces of the component. The coating has a higher wear and/or corrosion resistance than that of the magnesium alloy component. |
| US08181689B2 |
Telescoping gate system and method
A telescoping gate can include a frame, a primary gate member connected to the frame in a manner such that the primary gate member can move relative to the frame, and a secondary gate member that is moveable with respect to both the primary gate member and the frame. The primary gate member can include at least one side wall, a top wall extending at an angle from a top of the side wall, and a bottom wall extending at an angle from a bottom of the side wall to create a cavity between the bottom wall, side wall and top wall. The secondary gate member can be located in the cavity of the primary gate member and configured to move relative to the primary gate member and the frame within that cavity. The bottom wall of the primary gate member includes a first roller/rail structure and the secondary gate member includes a bottom wall having a first roller/rail structure configured to mate with the first roller/rail structure of the primary gate member bottom wall. In addition, the bottom wall of the primary gate can include a roller/rail structure configured to contact a mating ground roller/rail structure. |
| US08181687B2 |
Transfer tool
To provide a transfer tool that can be preferably used without a table such as a desk and can easily carry out the transfer operation in any places, the transfer tool includes a transfer tool main body (1) and a transferred object receiver (2) that is accompanied by the transfer tool main body (1), wherein an insertion space (AS) in which a paper slip (P) can be inserted is formed between the transfer tool main body (1) and the transferred object receiver (2); a transfer head (H) is positioned so that at least a transfer face (RTa) of the transfer head (H) is exposed in the insertion space (AS); and a tape glue (T) is transferred on the paper slip (P) by slidably moving the transfer face (RTa) in a predetermined transfer direction while bringing the transfer face (RTa) into contact with the paper slip (P) with the paper slip (P) inserted in the insertion space (AS) and the paper slip (P) sandwiched between the transfer tool main body (1) and the transferred object receiver (2). |
| US08181685B2 |
Vehicle wheel
A vehicle wheel includes: a disk and a rim having a well portion and fixed to the disk for supporting a tire for the vehicle; and an additional air chamber member secured to an outer circumferential surface of the well portion in a tire air chamber defined between the rim and the tire. The additional air chamber includes a communication pipe with a communication through hole therein for communication between the additional air chamber and the tire air chamber. The additional air chamber has a peak in a radial direction of the vehicle wheel. A radius D2 of rotation of the vehicle wheel at the tip of the communication through hole is equal to or greater than a radius D1 of rotation of the vehicle at the peak of the additional air chamber. |
| US08181684B2 |
Automatic traction device
The problem of damage sustained to a traction device and the extendable traction elements thereof due to tire-roadway interaction forces exerted on the traction elements while extended over the tire tread area is solved by resiliently coupling a traction assembly within a tire rim to permit movement and repositioning of the traction assembly relative to the rim and biasing back to the original position. Preferably the traction assembly is mounted to a traction hub through a resilient coupling, and with the traction hub permitted to rotate relative to the rim. Also preferably, the invention provides for full retraction of the curved traction elements. This inventive device delivers increased traction in slippery conditions while protecting the traction device and surrounding mechanics from damage due to the impact of various roadway forces, and the device is effectively stowed within the rim when not in use. |
| US08181683B2 |
Pneumatic tire with tread having upper surface sipes and wall surface sipes
A pneumatic tire has a plurality of upper surface sipes formed on an upper surface of the block and arranged in parallel so as to be spaced in a sipe width direction, and a wall surface sipe extending along a tire diametrical direction in a wall surface positioned in a longitudinal direction of the upper surface sipe. The wall surface sipe is arranged between a pair of adjacent the upper surface sipes. |
| US08181677B2 |
Automated dispenser for radiopharmaceuticals
An automated dispenser for radiopharmaceuticals is mainly for a platform to have a moving mechanism being able to move three-dimensionally back and forth, a syringe holder and a bottle holder. The syringe holder is for holding a plural number of syringes. The bottle holder has a reverse drug bottle. The moving mechanism has a syringe clamp rotatable around a horizontal axis and a syringe driving mechanism. The syringe clamp is activated to hold a syringe and move it to where the syringe needle is inserted to the drug bottle. The syringe driving mechanism and the syringe clamp are simultaneously associated with the syringe for drug-withdrawing action. |
| US08181676B2 |
Temporary mobility kit with inadvertant flow prevention techniques
The present disclosure relates to temporary mobility kits that repair punctured tires. Some embodiments of the kit include an air compressor; a sealant assembly selectively connected to the pump; a sealant hose in the sealant assembly, configured to connect the air compressor to a tire valve; and a first circuit configured to assess a connection condition. |
| US08181673B2 |
Woven fabric band for circulation in a machine
A woven fabric band having a first and a second woven fabric layer having second longitudinal and second transverse threads, the outer side of the second woven fabric layer being formed by floats of longitudinal threads, wherein the longitudinal threads form a first longitudinal thread group with outer longitudinal threads and a second longitudinal thread group with inner longitudinal threads and that the outer longitudinal threads form the outer side of the second layer and the inner longitudinal threads extend within the band. |
| US08181669B2 |
Compliant check valve stop
A check valve (10) includes a valve housing (14) having at least one valve opening (16). At least one petal (12) is located in the valve housing (14) and is configured to substantially cover the at least one valve opening (16) when the at least one petal (12) is in a closed position. The at least one petal (12) is rotable about a hinge axis (22) toward an open position thereby allowing fluid to flow through the at least one valve opening (16). The check valve (10) includes at least one compliant petal stop (24), (36) to prevent rotation of the at least one petal (12) beyond the open position. |
| US08181668B2 |
Pressure reducing valve for gas
A pressure reducing valve for gas is provided in which a valve mechanism having opening in a central part a valve hole that communicates with a low pressure passage and a low pressure chamber and including a valve body that is capable of being seated on a valve seat facing a valve chamber communicating with a high pressure passage is housed within a body such that the valve body is connected to a pressure receiving member operating in response to pressure of the low pressure passage and the low pressure chamber, wherein the body (16) is formed by joining a plurality of body members (18, 19) having different strengths, the entirety of the high pressure passage (30, 64) being formed, among the plurality of body members (18, 19), within the body member (18) that has a high strength, and at least part of the low pressure passage (85, 86, 94, 119) and the low pressure chamber (83, 84, 116) being formed, among the plurality of body members (18, 19), within the body member (19) that has a low strength. This enables the cost to be reduced. |
| US08181666B2 |
Switch valve
A switch valve having a long span of life is provided. The switch valve 70 of the present invention has a low-melting-point metal 76 having a surface on which a blocking member contacts, with the low-melting-point metal 76 melted, thereby a closed state appears in which an inner space of the switch valve 70 is split up into an inner space and an outer space of the blocking member 72. When the inner space and the outer space of the blocking member 72 are connected in the inner space of the switch valve 70, outside devices are blocked from each other in the closed state. The outside devices are connected to each other in an opened state in which the lower end of the blocking member 72 is spaced away from the low-melting-point metal 76. |
| US08181665B2 |
Flushing unit and flushing system for flushing vapor compression systems
A flushing unit for flushing vapor compressions systems with a flushing agent. The flushing unit includes a pressure relief member to ensure that the reservoir containing the flushing agent is not over-pressurized. In certain embodiments, the flushing unit is adapted to be in communication with a driving fluid or propellant, such as an inert gas or a flushing gas, and with a source of a flushing agent, such as a reservoir. The flushing unit includes a valve that, when opened, causes the driving fluid to flow into the reservoir containing the flushing agent and displace the flushing agent from the reservoir, causing it to ultimately flow into the system being flushed such as via a suitable hand-held injector. In the event the pressure in the reservoir exceeds a predetermined level, a pressure relief valve in the flushing unit is automatically actuated, thereby relieving pressure in the otherwise closed system. |
| US08181663B2 |
Pressure relief device having support member with recessed areas
An apertured rupture disc support member (32, 90) is provided for use in a rupture disc assembly (70). A rupture disc (30, 30a) comprising one or more embossed segments (80) that are complemental with the support member apertures (56) is also disclosed. The pressure relief assembly (12) is particularly suited for use in sanitary pressure relief applications. |
| US08181662B2 |
Hydrocarbon transfer system with vertical rotation axis
A hydrocarbon transfer system includes a first structure with a length direction and a transverse direction having a frame carrying a vertical arm with at its end a fluid connecting member for connecting to a second structure which is moored alongside the first structure. The connecting member includes a winch and first guiding elements for engaging with second guiding elements on the second structure by connecting a wire to the winch on one end an to the second structure on the other end, and a tension device for moving the vertical arm away from the second structure for tensioning the wire.teh |
| US08181661B2 |
Modular system for concealment and shelter
An easy to use, universal, simple, lightweight, compact, portable, dynamically configurable and modular system of concealment and shelter. An operator configures a number of concealment blinds or shelters using brackets, supports, segmented shafts, covers, curtains, and skirts, and more complex modules. The segmented shafts have both the ability to make an attachment to retain a particular configuration while being able to break down the shafts for transportation or storage. The brackets and supports are used to secure a configuration to a tree, the ground, or a hand held device. Advanced modules include user adjustable domes and cylindrical arches. The system can be configured for placement on a hillside or over rough terrain and obstacles. Multiple modules can be carried by separate members of a group and combined together to form a more complex structure to meet the needs of the group. The system provides a novel star window with independently opening sections. The window openings are configured in a number of configurations to meet the needs of the user. The configuration of the structure is changed by the user to quickly provide cover, increase cover, and to adapt to terrain or changing weather. The system includes a low cost method of tightening the skin on a cover to reduce wind movement and noise. |
| US08181660B2 |
Treatment liquid permeation unit and treating apparatus
A treatment liquid permeation unit comprises: at least one vibration unit; and a vibration transmission unit for transmitting a vibration from the vibration unit. The vibration transmission unit is positioned between an adhesive with which a wafer is combined to a supporting plate or an adhesive adhered to a surface of the wafer and the vibration unit. A vibration from the vibration unit is transmitted via the vibration transmission unit. This promotes the treatment liquid for dissolving the adhesive to permeate the adhesive to which the treatment liquid is supplied. Therefore, the treatment liquid can more uniformly permeate the adhesive in a shorter time. This allows the treatment liquid for dissolving the adhesive to permeate the adhesive with which the wafer is combined to the supporting plate or to permeate the adhesive adhered to the surface of the wafer in a shorter time. |
| US08181657B2 |
Placement method and placement system
A placement method includes inserting an endoscope into a body, blocking a tubular tissue in the body with a distal end of the endoscope, pressurizing a detection target space between a placement member which is placed in the tubular tissue and blocks the tubular tissue and the distal end of the endoscope via a channel of the endoscope, and detecting a pressure state in the detection target space. |
| US08181649B2 |
Tube system for ventilation appliances
The invention relates to a three-arm tube system for a ventilation appliance suitable for invasive ventilation. Such a ventilation appliance includes an active inhalation valve and an active exhalation valve. The tube system also includes an inhalation tube arm, an exhalation tube arm and a ventilation tube arm for attachment to a mask, and also a flow sensor. A defined leakage is established in the ventilation tube arm, and the flow sensor is arranged between the leakage and the mask. The invention further relates to a ventilation appliance having such a tube system, and to a method for operating the ventilation appliance. |
| US08181648B2 |
Systems and methods for managing pressure in a breathing assistance system
A breathing assistance system for providing breathing assistance to a patient is provided. The breathing assistance system may include a ventilation system for supplying a gas flow, a conduit operatively coupled to the ventilation system, and a pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure of the gas flow through the conduit. The pressure sensor may include a structure configured to create a localized pressure drop in the gas flow proximate the pressure sensor structure. |
| US08181639B2 |
Grates with heat shield
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a cooking apparatus is provided. The cooking apparatus comprises a cooking surface, at least one grate, and a guard. The cooking surface includes at least one heat source and a control panel. The at least one grate is provided over a portion of the cooking surface. The guard is coupled to the at least one grate. The guard includes a first side and a second side. The first side of the guard is configured to deflect heat radiating from the at least one heat source. The second side of the guard corresponds with a sidewall of the cooking surface to form a channel between the guard and the sidewall. The channel is configured to create a thermal barrier between the at least one heat source and the control panel. |
| US08181637B2 |
Control apparatus for internal combustion engine
A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine, includes: a crankshaft; a crank angle detection unit; a generator; and a control unit to which alternating voltage signals are input, that ascertains ignition timings based on crank signals, performs ignition control so as to spark the internal combustion engine at the ignition timings, performs polarity determination processing in which the control unit determines a polarity of the alternating voltage signal each predetermined cycle and determines a current polarity determination result, and performs reverse rotation detection processing in which the control unit obtains the current polarity determination result each time the crank signal is detected so that the control unit ascertains a polarity cycle of the alternating voltage signals and in which the control unit determines that the crankshaft is in reverse rotation and stops the ignition control. |
| US08181635B2 |
Breather device for engine
In a breather device for engine, in which an inlet of a breather chamber communicates with a crank chamber through a reed valve, the reed valve being formed of: a fixed stopper plate arranged so as to be opposed to a valve seat formed on an end face of the inlet facing the breather chamber; and an elastic valve plate fixed at one end thereof to the stopper plate and capable of bending elastically to change its position from a closed position in which the elastic valve plate closes the inlet by seating on the valve seat to an opening limit position in which the elastic valve plate opens the inlet and abuts against the stopper plate, the stopper plate is provided at a center part thereof with an oil discharge hole through which oil present between the elastic valve plate and the stopper plate is pushed out when the elastic valve plate is pushed toward the opening limit position in which the elastic valve plate abuts against the stopper plate by pressure in the crank chamber. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the elastic valve plate from sticking to the stopper plate even if oil mist adheres to the elastic valve plate or the stopper plate of the reed valve. |
| US08181634B2 |
Engine including positive crankcase ventilation
An engine assembly may include an engine structure, an intake assembly and a cylinder head cover assembly. The engine structure may define a combustion chamber and a crankcase in communication with a fresh air supply. The intake assembly may be in communication with the combustion chamber. The cylinder head cover assembly may be fixed to the engine structure and may include a cover member defining a positive crankcase ventilation chamber and a separator coupled to the cover member. The separator may define an inlet providing communication between the crankcase and the positive crankcase ventilation chamber. The cylinder head cover assembly may include a first outlet flow path in communication with the intake assembly and a second outlet flow path in communication with the intake assembly. A first valve may be located in the first outlet flow path. |
| US08181632B2 |
Supercharger
A supercharger includes a housing, and a turbine shaft supported in a center hole in the housing through rolling bearings. Lubricating oil for the rolling bearings exists only within the housing. A cooling water jacket is provided within a body portion of the housing over a region from one axial end portion of the body portion to the other axial end portion thereof. |
| US08181631B2 |
Hydrocarbon storage canister purge system and method
A hydrocarbon canister purge system includes a hydrocarbon storage canister, a fuel tank disposed in fluid communication with the hydrocarbon storage canister, an engine disposed in fluid communication with the hydrocarbon storage canister, a hydrocarbon sensor provided in the hydrocarbon storage canister and a controller disposed in signal-receiving communication with the hydrocarbon sensor and in signal-transmitting communication with the engine. |
| US08181628B2 |
Throttle valve controller for internal combustion engine
A throttle valve controller for an internal combustion engine has a throttle valve driven by a motor. The target opening of the throttle valve is determined based on the operating state of the vehicle or internal combustion engine. A first lower limit is determined beforehand as the minimum target opening, and a second lower limit is set which is smaller than the first lower limit if the determined target opening is smaller than a predetermined opening and/or if the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine is lower than a predetermined speed. |
| US08181624B2 |
Open-cycle internal combustion engine
A Brayton cycle internal combustion engine of the open, or constant pressure type, in which rotary power is produced by the pressure of hot gasses against confined, rotor protrusions. |
| US08181623B2 |
Piston for an internal combustion engine
A piston for an internal combustion engine has at least two hub bores for holding a piston pin. The hub bores are formed with a cylindrical inner contour and are provided with a coating comprising a resin with solid lubricant particles embedded therein. The coating forms at least one geometric deviation from the cylindrical inner contour of the hub bores. A method for producing a piston of the type, includes producing bores with a cylindrical inner contour and applying a coating medium comprising a resin with solid lubricant particles embedded therein to the inner faces of the bores by a coating tool, such that the resulting coating forms at least one geometric deviation from the cylindrical inner contour of the hub bores. |
| US08181619B2 |
Vehicle having idling stop control and control methods thereof
In a device for controlling idling stop of an engine in which the idling stop is carried out when a temperature of the engine that is about to be stopped by the idling stop is higher than a threshold value, when the start improvement device does not function normally, the idling stop is prohibited regardless of engine temperature. Thus, the problem in which the engine cannot be restarted satisfactorily does not occur. |
| US08181616B2 |
Roller tappet for internal combustion piston engines comprising an anti-rotation device
An internal combustion piston engine comprising at least one cylinder head, said cylinder head closing at least one cylinder, inlet and outlet channels of said cylinder head being regulated, each one, by at least one inlet and outlet valve that is loaded by a closing spring, said inlet and outlet valves being activated by roller tappets (1) driven by cams of a camshaft and, if appropriate, by further transmission elements, said roller tappets (1) comprising at ends oriented away from rollers (7) of the roller tappets, two flattened portions (2) that are arranged substantially parallel to each other while being operatively connected to two matching inner surfaces (9) of an anti-rotation bridge (10) made typically of plastic, a spacing dimension of said flattened portions (2) at least partially overlapping a distance between said inner surfaces (9) and, starting from a mounting position of the roller tappet (1) in the anti-rotation bridge (10), an adjustment between the flattened portions. (2) of the roller tappets (1) and the inner surfaces (9) of the anti-rotation bridge (10) is varied with a tendency to adjustment with lash in direction of an operating position of the roller tappet (1). |
| US08181610B2 |
Vehicle cooling system with directed flows
A cooling system for internal combustion engines provides directed flows of heated or cooled coolant to various engine components and/or accessories as needed. By providing directed flows, the overall coolant flow volume is reduced from that of conventional cooling systems, allowing for a smaller capacity water pump to be employed which results in a net energy savings for the engine. Further, by reducing the overall coolant flow volume, the hoses and/or galleries required for the directed flows are reduced from those of conventional cooling systems, providing a cost savings and a weight savings. Finally, by preferably employing an impellor type water pump, the expense of an electric water pump and its associated control circuitry can be avoided. The direct flows are established by a multifunction valve which, in a preferred implementation, comprises a two-plate valve wherein each plate is operated by a wax motor. |
| US08181608B2 |
Leg-attached animal management device
A leg-mounted pouch and coil-up leash that allows hands-free managing of a dog or other animal. A leg pouch can contain a bottom opening through which the leash can be threaded to the animal or a removable leash coil otherwise attached or a separate leg brace removable from the pouch can hold the leash coil. This allows the wearer to control the animal without having to take the hands or eyes off of a weapon or other equipment or stop to change hand or arm positions. In some embodiments, there is a water bottle that can supply liquid to the animal. Also, in other embodiments, a remote-controlled release can free the dog wirelessly for an attack or other purpose. A preferred embodiment can separate into four parts, a leg-worn pouch or pouches, a belt or leg-worn attachment that holds a coil-up leash, a separable water bottle with a delivery hose, and an animal collar with a wirelessly controlled release. |
| US08181605B2 |
Centerline animal weave training device connector
An apparatus for demonstrating animal agility. In one embodiment, the weave apparatus includes a rail with a set of releasably removable legs. The apparatus has a plurality of joints that each secure a leg to the rail. The joint includes an axle that the leg pivots about relative to the rail. The joint in various embodiments includes a toolless releasable latching mechanism and/or a locking mechanism. In an embodiment used for training, the legs are grooved or slotted for engaging by a slider. Each slider engages one of the legs and includes a vertical projection that engages a pole. With the slider fully engaging the leg, the projection and pole are directly above the rail centerline. In a competition style embodiment, the legs provide support for the rail and the peg for the weave poles is attached to the rail. |
| US08181604B1 |
Barn system for housing farm animals
A barn system that enables control of the environment inside a closed barn utilizes banks of fans mounted in the opposing side walls of the barn and interior circulation fans in conjunction with misters to maintain the comfort of animals confined in the barn, in particular, milk cows. The interior circulation fans are of the oscillating type that can sweep in a horizontal arc to help the circulation of the air. Movable curtains in the side walls may be raised and lowered to allow for natural ventilation of the barn when outside conditions allow. A number of exhaust fans mounted on the roof ridge line provides for exhaust of the air out the roof, as opposed to the sides as in conventional barns. The fans, misters, operable ridge vents, exhaust fans and curtains are controlled by a central monitoring and control system. A scrubber system for removing VOC's in the exhaust air may be included. The barn system may also be equipped with a system to remove VOC's from the scrubber water to recycle water back for repeated use in the scrubber system. |
| US08181597B2 |
Plasma generating apparatus having antenna with impedance controller
Provided is a plasma generating apparatus. The apparatus includes a vacuum chamber, an ElectroStatic Chuck (ESC), an antenna holder. The vacuum chamber has a hollow interior and is sealed at its top by a vacuum plate that has a through-hole at its center. The ESC is disposed at an internal center of the vacuum chamber. The antenna unit is disposed within the vacuum chamber under the vacuum plate. The antenna cover covers and is coupled to a top of the antenna unit and receives and forwards an external source RF to the antenna unit. The cover holder is caught by an upper surface of the vacuum plate and suspends and holds the antenna unit. |
| US08181595B2 |
Liquid droplet ejecting apparatus, electro-optical device, method of manufacturing the electro-optical device, and electronic apparatus
A liquid droplet ejecting apparatus of the present invention includes a cleaning unit, a regular flushing unit, capping unit, and an ejection-amount measuring unit as droplet ejecting head maintenance units used for function maintenance, function recovery, adjustment, or inspection of a liquid ejecting head. The droplet ejecting head maintenance units are arranged in a group in a movable platen as a maintenance-unit installing section. The movable platen is supported by an accessory stand physically separated from a main body. |
| US08181591B1 |
Domed actuator for indicating device
An indicating device includes a first housing component adapted to be mounted to a container and a second housing component moveably connected to the first housing component. The second housing component is moveable relative to the first housing component along an axial path. The second housing component includes an exposed actuation surface having a substantially convex domed shape. The exposed actuation surface of the second housing component can include a lubricant. A method of actuating an indicating device is also provided. |
| US08181590B2 |
Sluice device for an ROV
A sluice device suitable for a remotely cable operated vehicle. A water tight compartment has a first and a second sluice gate. The sluice device includes a system for enabling launching, operating, and retrieving of the remotely cable operated vehicle. An insert for converting an existing torpedo tube to a sluice device, and a torpedo shaped transport container for an insert. |
| US08181582B2 |
Portable, modular voting booth
A voting booth that is easily transported between a polling-facility and a storage facility and is efficiently stored with other voting booths when not in use. The voting booth comprises a working surface, privacy panels, and a leg assembly. The leg assembly includes a plurality of casters. The voting booth components are configured to allow modular grouping and nesting with voting booths of like construction. The voting booth is light-weight and has a high degree of mobility. The nesting ability provides for efficient storage by minimizing the space needed to store multiple voting booths. |
| US08181581B2 |
Stackable, interlockable furniture modules
Interlocking, stackable articles of furniture are disclosed. The individual components may be used separately, interlocked end to end, stacked in various orientations to create shelving structures, or stacked vertically as a single upstanding unit. |
| US08181580B2 |
Composite structural material and method of making the same
A composite structural material suitable, for example, as a replacement for wooden boards, sheets, or posts, is disclosed. It comprises a dimensionally stable core material substantially surrounded by a dimensionally stable, laminar covering that is adherent to the core material. The laminar covering is comprised of at least one band of substantially parallel reinforcing cords bonded to at least one layer of a dimensionally stable web material selected from the group consisting of rigidified paper and rigidified cloth. Preferably the band of reinforcing cords is sandwiched between two layers of rigidified paper or cloth. The core material can be, for example, a foamed synthetic resin with or without filler. A continuous process for manufacturing the material is disclosed. |
| US08181570B2 |
Plug screw feeder for feeding cellulose pulp/chips
A screw pipe unit intended to cooperate with and at least partly enclose a screw in a plug screw feeder for cellulose chips/pulp is provided. The screw pipe unit comprises a plurality of openings for filtrate dewatered from the chips/pulp in the screw pipe when the plug screw feeder is in operation. The screw pipe is, on at least a portion of its inner surface, provided with bars inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the screw pipe. The angle of inclination of the bars decreases in the longitudinal direction, from a first portion of the screw pipe unit with maximum inclination to a second portion of the screw pipe unit with bars substantially parallel to the axis, the second portion being further away from the inlet end of the screw pipe unit than the first portion. |
| US08181564B2 |
Fuel pump
A fuel pump for use in an internal combustion engine, the fuel pump comprising a pumping plunger for pressurising fuel within a pump chamber during a plunger pumping stroke, a rider member co-operable with a drive, and an interface member, for example a foot of the plunger or an intermediate tappet, for imparting drive from the rider member to the pumping plunger to perform the plunger pumping stroke. The interface member comprises an arcuate contact surface co-operable with the rider member. The inventive concept also extends to a pumping plunger for pressurising fuel within a pump chamber of a fuel pump, the pumping plunger comprising a foot having an arcuate contact surface for engaging a rider member of a fuel pump in use. |
| US08181563B1 |
Gas tappet system for a rifle
A gas tappet system for use in an M16, M4, or AR-15 type rifle having a detachable piston eccentrically connected to an operating rod. A piston having a plenum therein and a releasably attached operating rod uses combustion or propellant gasses to move the piston in a long stroke, preventing damaging impulses to the bolt carrier and cycling rounds for automatic or semi-automatic fire. The operating rod, piston, cylinder, and mounting clamp permit easy installation on the rifle without any modification and can easily be removed for reinstallation of the original direct gas impingement system. |
| US08181562B2 |
Principle for the integration of missile-based weapon systems on a fixed ramp for stealth surface vessels in order to counter asymmetric threats
Device for launching missiles from a ship, includes at least one missile launch ramp, includes a ditch delimited by side walls of which at least two constitute bulwarks which extend around the periphery of the ship, the ditch being open above the exterior deck of the ship, in that the launch ramp is positioned in the ditch so it can be used to launch a missile over a lateral bulwark of the ditch extending around the periphery of the ship. It includes an element for discharging the missile propulsion gases including a duct opening onto an orifice in a lateral bulwark of the ditch extending around the periphery of the ship, and the lateral bulwarks of the ditch are of a height tailored to conceal the missiles in place on the ramp, for angles of incidence of between 0 and −5° with respect to the deck of the ship. |
| US08181558B2 |
Shaping device
An elongate element, in particular a catheter, has a curved shape imparted to its end by a device comprising razor blades which are mounted on a pivotal linkage mechanism. Upon pressing actuator members against the restoring force of spring elements, the razor blades are constrained by the pivotal linkage mechanism to follow a desired curved path. |
| US08181555B2 |
Machine for boring, turning, and face grooving
Embodiments of the present invention provide a machining tool including two spaced apart flange members adapted to be coupled with a turbine rotor while the rotor is in a first portion of a turbine casing. A carousel may be coupled to the flange members and adapted to rotate relative to the flange members, and adapted to couple with a cutting tool to complete a machining operation. Position of the cutting tool may be sensed and information on the position may be transmitted wirelessly to an operator readable display. |
| US08181553B2 |
Position control mechanism for bicycle control device
A position control mechanism is provided for a bicycle control device that has a shifting unit. The position control mechanism has an operating member that is configured to operate a positioning member that moves through two of a plurality of predetermined shift positions during a single progressive movement of the operating member. The operating member is configured in the preferred embodiment to operate both a hydraulic braking unit and the shifting unit. |
| US08181550B2 |
Rotary actuator incorporating a force relationship, and a method of reducing angular slack in such a rotary actuator
A rotary actuator incorporating a force relationship includes a twistably-deformable structure having a first and a second end plate and a helical spring with a first and a second terminal end secured on the first and the second end plate, respectively, and wherein the first and the second end plate have a first and a second notch, respectively, and wherein the first and the second notch have a first and a second contact zone, respectively. The rotary actuator further includes an outlet shaft and a motor assembly having an outlet gear configured to drive the twistably-deformable structure so as to drive the outlet shaft in rotation, wherein the motor assembly, the twistably-deformable structure and the outlet shaft are disposed in succession. The rotary actuator has a first finger constrained to rotate with the outlet gear and a second finger constrained to rotate with the outlet shaft. |
| US08181541B2 |
Low profile transducer with high moment capacity
A load transducer for use in an automated control system such as those used in robotic assemblies, and other linkage systems separated by joints. The transducer is capable of measuring force and moments transmitted by the joint of the robotic assembly. This localized sensory data is utilized by a microprocessor to control the motion of the linkages of the system. In addition to being very accurate and reliable, the load transducer has a low profile and small size. This invention is easily manufactured using strain gage technology. |
| US08181538B2 |
Magnestostrictive torque sensor and manufacturing method thereof, and electric power steering system
A magnestostrictive torque sensor detects rotating torque applied to a rod-shaped rotating shaft to work around the rotating shaft based on a change in magnetic characteristics of a magnetostrictive film formed on a surface the rotating shaft so as to extend around a full circumference thereof in a circumferential direction. The magnetostrictive film is formed continuously in an axial direction at a portion on the rotating shaft in the axial direction thereof. The magnetostrictive film has on the continuously formed area a first magnetostrictive film portion and a second magnetostrictive film portion having magnetic anisotropies which are opposite to each other and a third magnetostrictive film portion which is formed between the first and second magnetostrictive film portions. A first detection coil, a second detection coil and a third detection coil are provided for the first magnetostrictive film portion, the second magnetostrictive film portion and the third magnetostrictive film portion, respectively. |
| US08181535B2 |
Flow measuring apparatus using tube waves and corresponding method
Methods of measuring flow properties and flowmeters having an upstream transceiver and a downstream wave transceiver, each positioned with a wave emitting surface exposed to a fluid flowing in a conduit are described, the transceiver being separated by a length L along the conduit and adapted to receive wave signals traveling in flow direction and opposite to the flow direction, respectively, and an electronic processor for extracting from travel time measurements of the wave signals flow characterizing parameters, the transceivers being adapted to generate tube waves, particularly in the audible frequency range, in the conduit and used to determine the travel time of the tube waves between the upstream transceiver and the downstream wave transceiver. |
| US08181533B2 |
Ultrasonic flow meter and transducer assembly with isolated transformer capsule
In an embodiment, an ultrasonic flow meter comprises a spool piece including a throughbore and a transducer port extending from the outer surface of the spool piece to the throughbore. In addition, the ultrasonic flow meter comprises a transducer assembly disposed in the transducer port. The transducer assembly has a central axis and comprises a transducer holder having a first end proximal the throughbore of the spool piece, and a second end distal the throughbore of the spool piece. Further, the transducer assembly comprises a piezoelectric capsule including a piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric capsule is coupled to the transducer holder and extends generally axially from the first end of the transducer holder. Still further, the transducer assembly comprises a transformer capsule including a transformer. The transformer capsule is coupled to the transducer holder and is axially spaced apart from the piezoelectric capsule. |
| US08181531B2 |
Accessible stress-based electrostatic monitoring of chemical reactions and binding
A sensor may include a substrate that has a cavity formed in a surface thereof. A diaphragm, having a conductive portion, may be suspended over the cavity, a selective coating may be present on a face of the diaphragm outside of the cavity, and a counterelectrode may be spaced from and in opposition to the diaphragm. The diaphragm may deform upon interaction of the selective coating with an analyte and thereby alter a capacitance of the sensor in a manner indicative of a degree of interaction. |
| US08181527B2 |
Method and apparatus for pass/fail determination of bonding and bonding apparatus
An apparatus for pass/fail determination of bonding used in a bonding apparatus, includes: an ultrasonic horn configured to vibrate longitudinally in resonance with the vibration of an ultrasonic vibrator; a capillary attached at an anti-node of the vibration of the ultrasonic horn; a flange provided at a node of the vibration of the ultrasonic horn; a bonding arm; and a load sensor attached between the center of rotation of the bonding arm and a flange mounting surface in an offset manner from a longitudinal central axis of the ultrasonic horn, in which a load on the capillary in the direction toward and away from the bonding target is continuously detected by using the load sensor during bonding operation and the maximum value of the detected load is defined as an impact load to determine pass/fail of the bonding based on the impact load, thereby allowing a mid-bonding pass/fail determination. |
| US08181526B2 |
Acoustic emission test sensor fixing device
An acoustic emission test sensor fixing device, comprising a radial positioning mechanism, supporting mechanisms, bases, acoustic emission test sensor mounting mechanisms, and parallelism adjusting members, wherein the supporting mechanism comprises a main supporting arm and an auxiliary supporting arm, with one end of the auxiliary supporting arm is fixedly connected to or hinged with the main supporting arm and the other end is provided with kink shaft members which are symmetrical about the auxiliary supporting arm; and the bases are provided with plugholes which form revolute pairs with the auxiliary supporting arm. The above components are assembled as follows: the main supporting arms of the two sets of supporting mechanisms are connected to the two free ends of the radial positioning mechanism respectively in the way that the auxiliary supporting arms of the two sets of supporting mechanisms are located at the inner sides of the main supporting arms respectively and are arranged axis symmetrically with respect to the central line of the radial positioning mechanism, and the kink shaft members of the two auxiliary supporting arms are respectively inserted into the plugholes of the two bases to form revolute pairs, the two sets of acoustic emission test sensor mounting mechanisms are respectively mounted at the two bases, and the two sets of parallelism adjusting members are respectively mounted on the two main supporting arms and correspond to the positions of the bases. |
| US08181524B2 |
Ultrasonic stress measurement method and device
The present invention relates to an ultrasonic stress measurement method of measuring a residual stress of a measuring target layer in a measuring object using an ultrasonic wave, the method comprising, setting a plurality of vibration modes according to a number of degree of freedom of the measuring target layer in the measuring object, performing, for each vibration mode, a measurement operation of emitting an ultrasonic wave corresponding to the set vibration mode to the measuring target layer, receiving the ultrasonic wave reflected by the measuring target layer, and measuring an eigenfrequency of the measuring target layer, and measuring the residual stress of the measuring target layer based on plural measurement data of the eigenfrequency with respect to each vibration mode obtained by the measurement operation. The residual stress of the measuring object thus can be measured at higher accuracy. |
| US08181520B2 |
Muscle training device with muscular force measurement function for controlling the axial torque of a joint axle
A training device measures, after its robot arm is mounted on a trainee, a change in angle of the joint axles of a limb of the trainee with angular sensors. Based on the angular change measured, a controller calculates an angular rate in the direction in which a load is applied, stores as the maximum muscular force a load at the time when the angular rate has exceeded a predetermined value, and stops applying the loads. |
| US08181516B2 |
Measuring a liquid level in a tank with two measurement capacitors and two reference capacitors
Process for measuring a liquid level in a tank and a system suitable for such process that consists in: positioning, in the tank, two substantially identical reference capacitors and two substantially identical measurement capacitors so that, when the tank is full, the four capacitors are submerged and so that, when the liquid level in the tank falls, a measurement capacitor/reference capacitor pair (Cmeas2, Cref2) emerges before another pair of capacitors (Cmeas1, Cref1); measuring the four capacitors Cmeas1, Cref1, Cmeas2, Cref2 in air when they are in air; and when at least one capacitor is at least partly immersed in the liquid, measuring the value of the four capacitors, and calculating the liquid level in the tank from the measured value of the capacitor partly immersed in the liquid, its value previously measured in air, and the measured values of the other capacitors. |
| US08181515B2 |
Fluid level indicator strip
A fluid level indicator strip measures the level of water in a closed receptacle containing a volume of fluid within an impermeable liner. The strip is a flexible, thin and impermeable elongate strip having a first pressure sensing part disposed vertically within the receptacle on the surface of an inside wall and a second visual display part disposed on the same wall outside surface. The first and second parts are connected by a third horizontal part. Each pressure sensor is electrically connected to a direct opposite and corresponding visual display. In one embodiment the pressure sensors are piezoresistive. In another embodiment the visual displays are LEDs. |
| US08181514B2 |
Flow rate measuring apparatus including a recess for changing air flow direction
An inflow port and an outflow port of a bypass passage have openings on a front surface near a projecting end and on a bottom surface, respectively, of a bypass passage forming member. A recess portion is disposed on the front surface of the bypass passage forming member on a circuit housing portion side of the inflow port so as to extend at a predetermined depth over an entire region in a longitudinal direction of a short side of a rectangular cross section of the bypass passage forming member. |
| US08181513B2 |
Flow meter
A flow meter includes: a body portion comprising a main flow path wherein flows a fluid to be measured, a first branch flow portion wherein the fluid to be measured branches and flows from the main flow path, a second branch flow portion wherein the fluid to be measured, which branches and flows from the first branch flow portion, flows into the main flow path, and narrow portions for restricting the flow of the fluid to be measured, provided in a primary flow path between the branch flow portions, a branched flow path structuring portion through which flows the fluid to be measured, connected to the branch flow portions; and a fluid measuring portion provided with a sensor disposed facing a flow path that is provided in the branched flow path structuring portion, wherein the sensor measures the fluid based on the detection results of the fluid introduced from the branch flow portions. |
| US08181503B2 |
Disposable sensor for use in measuring an analyte in gaseous sample
The present invention is a disposable sensor for use with a device that quantifies analytes in a gaseous sample. It comprises (i) a sensing element, (ii) a means for interfacing the disposable sensor with a gas analysis device, and (iii) a housing. When used with a device that can quantify the concentration of an analyte in a gas sample, the present invention facilitates the use of exhaled breath analysis as a clinical tool. |
| US08181502B2 |
Method of calibrating measurement systems
There is provided a method of calibrating a measurement system for measuring a position (h) of a meniscus of a liquid fuel included within a marine fuel tank and therefrom generating a corresponding content signal indicative of a proportion of the tank filled with fuel. The method includes steps of: (a) from a first time instance when the tank is substantially empty, filling during a calibration phase the tank with the fuel at a substantially constant rate whilst simultaneously recording corresponding values (h(t)) of a meniscus position indicative signal generated by the measurement system; (b) at a second time instance after said first time instance, terminating filling of the tank with fuel when the position indicative signal corresponds to the tank being substantially filled with fuel; and (c) subsequently, after the calibration phase, applying signal processing to the position indicative signal to generate the content signal indicative of the proportion of the tank filled with fuel, the signal processing accounting for the tank during the calibration phase being filled at the substantially constant rate. |
| US08181501B2 |
Tool for rammer die-cutting
A tool for rammer die-cutting an annular part is disclosed. The tool includes a lower insert holder with a lower die cooperating with an upper insert holder and an upper die. Both dies include a die-cutting annular recess. The tool further includes a guiding device for guiding the part, restricting side shifts of the part while the part is lifted from the lower die. More particularly, the guiding device includes a column projecting from the lower die. The tool enables one to control the rebounding of a part and prevents it from turning upside down. |
| US08181491B2 |
Prosthetic knit for treating prolapses
The present invention relates to a prosthetic open knit fabric (10) made as a single piece, based on an arrangement consisting of several sets of yarns of a biocompatible polymer material, comprising, continuously in the direction of production of the knit, a central strip (11) and two lateral strips (12), one on each side of the central strip, characterized in that it comprises one or more set(s) of pillar stitch yarns defining a pillar stitch pattern, the said one or more set(s) of pillar stitch yarns extending across the entire width of the central strip (11) and of the lateral strips (12) and together forming a first threading across the width of the central strip and a second threading across the width of the lateral strips, the said first and second threading being different, and at least two partial weft stitching sets.The present invention also relates to a method of producing such a knit fabric and to an implant for supporting prolapses obtained from such a knit fabric. |
| US08181490B2 |
Vacuum sealed paint roller cover package and method of making the same
A compactly packaged paint roller cover and a method of compactly packaging a paint roller cover are disclosed which require significantly reduced shipping and display shelf space volumes. A semi-rigid paint roller cover manufactured from a small diameter tubular knitted pile fabric is placed within a vacuum sealable plastic bag, which is subsequently evacuated and sealed, collapsing the semi-rigid paint roller cover to a flattened configuration. Such compactly packaged paint roller covers require significantly reduced shipping and display shelf space volumes. To use the compactly packaged paint roller cover, the vacuum sealed plastic bag is opened upon which the semi-rigid paint roller cover resiliently resumes its round cross-section. |
| US08181489B2 |
Knitting tool
The present invention relates to a knitting tool 1 in which a knitting point 2 is joined to a flexible cord 3 for holding the knitted product, wherein the knitting point 2 and the flexible cord 3 are joined to one another by means of a coupling device 4 and the coupling device 4 has at least two elements 5, 6 that can be releasably coupled to one another by means of a bayonet catch. |
| US08181486B2 |
Methods for manufacturing performs for press molding and method for manufacturing optical elements
In the method for manufacturing preforms for press molding, a glass melt gob is separated from glass melt flow flowing out of a pipe and the glass melt gob is molded into a preform for press molding on a glass gob casting mold. The method comprises a viscosity-increasing step to increase viscosity of the glass melt. |
| US08181485B2 |
Roll-to-roll glass soot sheet sintering method and apparatus
An ultra-thin glass sheet is formed using a roll-to-roll glass soot deposition and sintering process. The sintering involves initially heating and sintering one or more central segments of a glass soot sheet, and progressively heating and sintering glass soot sheet segments that are located laterally or axially adjacent to previously-sintered segments such that, along respective width directions of the glass soot sheet, only a portion of the width is sintered at a given time interval during the heating. |
| US08181482B2 |
Cut gemstone exhibiting excellent optical brilliance
A gemstone including a substantially rectangular girdle, a crown extending in a first direction from the girdle, and a pavilion extending in a second direction from the girdle opposite the first direction. The gemstone has 65 uniquely arranged and angled facets, 25 of which are in the crown, and 40 of which are in the pavilion. The height of the crown is preferably between 9½ to 13½% of the width of the stone, the total depth of the stone is preferably between 63-70.9% of the width of the stone, and the width of the table is preferably between 60-68% of the width of the stone. The crown has four sides, a table, and four bezel facets each positioned at a respective corner of the crown. Each of the four sides of the crown have a first break extending from the girdle toward the table, a second break extending from the first break toward the table, a third break extending from the second break to the table, and a pair of star facets provided between the third break and the bezel facets at each corner of respective side of the crown. Preferably, and relative to a plane parallel to a surface of the table, the first break is cut at an angle of approximately 35-45°, the second break is cut at an angle of approximately 30-40°, the third break is cut at an angle of approximately 25-35°, and the bezel facets are cut at an angle of approximately 20-30°. |
| US08181479B2 |
Inlet guide vane, turbo compressor, and refrigerator
An inlet guide vane is installed at a suction port into which a fluid is sucked by the rotation of an impeller so as to be rotatable about an axis, and is comprised of a rod-like shaft supported by an inner peripheral surface of the suction port so as to be rotatable about the axis, and a plate-like vane body connected to the shaft and provided so as to protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the suction port. The vane body includes a tapered portion formed such that both side surfaces approach each other toward an outer edge of the vane body in its width direction and an outer edge thereof at a tip in the direction of the axis, and a parallel portion arranged on the axis and formed such that both the side surfaces are parallel to each other along the direction of the axis. |
| US08181477B2 |
Ice making device
An ice making device may include an ice tray, a drive mechanism for moving the ice tray to a water-supply position and to an ice making position, two guide plates each of which is formed with a guide groove for guiding the ice tray to the water-supply position and to the ice making position, two engaging projections provided on the ice tray and each of which is engaged with the guide groove, and two cranks each of which is formed with a drive groove with which the engaging projection is engaged and is connected with the drive mechanism to be turned for moving the ice tray. The water-supply position is located at a position separated from the ice making position in a lateral direction, and the two engaging projections are provided on the ice tray so that their axial direction are substantially coincided with each other, and a gravity center position of the ice tray is located on a lower side of the two engaging projections. |
| US08181464B2 |
Swirler with concentric fuel and air tubes for a gas turbine engine
A swirler passage is provided for mixing fuel and compressor air with at least two side walls; at least first and second conduits arranged inside at least one of the at least two side walls, the first conduit forming a fuel gas conduit and the second conduit forming an air conduit, the fuel gas conduit connected to a gas fuel supply and the air conduit connected to an air supply; a tube connected to the fuel gas conduit and entirely traversing the air conduit inside the side wall; a fluid passage connected to the air conduit and surrounding the tube; at least one fuel outlet opening of the tube arranged on the side wall; and at least one air outlet opening of the fluid passage arranged on the side wall and surrounding the fuel outlet opening. |
| US08181462B2 |
Turbocharger with two-stage compressor, including a twin-wheel parallel-flow first stage
A single-shaft exhaust gas-driven turbocharger includes two parallel-flow first-stage centrifugal compressors in series with a single second-stage centrifugal compressor, and a one-stage turbine arranged to drive both the first- and second-stage centrifugal compressors via a single shaft on which the compressors and turbine are fixedly mounted. The compressor housing defines from one to a plurality of circumferentially spaced inlet ducts for the second wheel of the first stage, and from one to a plurality of circumferentially spaced interstage ducts leading from a vaneless diffuser of the first stage into the inlet of the second stage. |
| US08181461B2 |
Coolant penetrating cold-end pressure vessel
An improvement is provided to a pressurized close-cycle machine that has a cold-end pressure vessel and is of the type having a piston undergoing reciprocating linear motion within a cylinder containing a working fluid heated by conduction through a heater head by heat from an external thermal source. The improvement includes a heat exchanger for cooling the working fluid, where the heat exchanger is disposed within the cold-end pressure vessel. The heater head may be directly coupled to the cold-end pressure vessel by welding or other methods. A coolant tube is used to convey coolant through the heat exchanger. |
| US08181458B2 |
Pressure recovery system
A pressure recovery system according to the present invention comprises a pump, a flow control valve and a flow amplifier. The flow control valve has an inlet connected to the outlet of the pump, an outlet for supplying fluid to the load to which pressurized fluid is to be supplied, and a bypass flow outlet connected to the flow amplifier. The bypass flow drives the flow amplifier for supplying fluid to an inlet of the pump. |
| US08181457B2 |
Fuel efficient hydraulic power steering
A hydraulic power steering system that maintains proportional pressure control between an input side of a gear and assist pressures internal to the steering gear by relying upon a control valve. A pressure differential is maintained between the input side of a gear and assist pressures internal to the steering gear throughout certain events. Those events include running the pump to fully charge the accumulator, idling the pump after fully charging the accumulator, discharging pressure from the fully charged accumulator at an onset of a steering event having a demand for steering load, recovering the discharged pressure of the accumulator by running the pump after turning on the pump at the onset of the steering event, and opening the relief valve in the valve manifold during the steering event. |
| US08181453B2 |
Exhaust Venturi apparatus, system, and method
An exhaust Venturi apparatus, system, and method includes an elongate housing for passage of exhaust gases, a Venturi mechanism disposed on the housing, the Venturi mechanism configured to create a low-pressure zone in the exhaust gases within the housing, and an aperture disposed in a side of the housing downstream of the Venturi mechanism, such that secondary air outside the housing is drawn into the exhaust stream. The aperture may comprise one or a plurality of apertures, small in cross-section compared to the housing cross-section, for minimizing sound emanating from the exhaust system. The Venturi mechanism may comprise a Venturi plate mounted between the housing and the engine. |
| US08181451B2 |
Method of controlling the operation of a selective catalytic reduction plant
A method of controlling the feeding of a reducing agent, such as urea or ammonia, to a selective catalytic reduction reactor, which is operative for removing NOx from a process gas of a process plant, comprising the steps of estimating a present value of at least one predetermined parameter which is indicative of the amount of NOx that needs to be removed from said process gas in the selective catalytic reduction reactor. The rate of increase of said at least one predetermined parameter is then estimated. When said estimated rate of increase of said at least one predetermined parameter is found to be positive, the amount of said reducing agent being supplied is increased to a higher value than would be the case if said at least one predetermined parameter were to be kept constant at the estimated present value thereof. |
| US08181450B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for reducing NOx emissions on an SCR catalyst using ammonia storage and slip control
Various embodiments of an apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for reducing NOx emissions using ammonia storage on an SCR catalyst. For example, according to one representative embodiment, an apparatus for reducing NOx emissions in an engine exhaust includes a NOx reduction target module that is configured to determine a NOx reduction requirement. The apparatus also includes an ammonia storage module that is configured to determine an ammonia storage modifier. An ammonia target module of the apparatus is configured to determine an ammonia addition requirement. The ammonia target module is communicable in data receiving communication with the ammonia storage module to receive the ammonia storage modifier, which is added to the ammonia addition requirement. The apparatus also includes a reductant target module that is configured to determine a reductant injection requirement that includes an amount of reductant added to the exhaust gas stream to achieve the ammonia addition requirement. |
| US08181449B2 |
Control method of exhaust gas purification system and exhaust gas purification system
An exhaust gas purification system has an exhaust gas purification device for purifying components in exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine. In order to recover a purification ability of the device, and in order to prevent oil dilution occurring when post injection is conducted during control that raises the temperature of exhaust gas, the system performs the following, during control; injection quantities of post injections are calculated based on previously set map data, accumulated to calculate a post injection accumulated injection amount, and, when the accumulated injection amount exceeds a predetermined value, the post injection is stopped to cease the regenerative control. |
| US08181444B2 |
Solid propellant rocket motor with notched annular fuel
A motor includes an annular solid fuel between an inside diameter and an outside diameter. The solid fuel has a series of radial notches that define segments of fuel between them. The notches allow for faster burning of the fuel, while still allowing structural integrity of the fuel segments to be retained during the burning process. |
| US08181442B2 |
Gas turbine aircraft engine with power variability
A gas turbine aircraft engine with power variability is provided. The gas turbine aircraft engine comprises a compressor and a turbine mounted on a common shaft, and, a continuously variable transmission coupled to the shaft for transmitting power to a propulsion load. |
| US08181440B2 |
Arrangement of a semiconductor-type igniter plug in a gas turbine engine combustion chamber
An igniter plug arrangement is disclosed. The arrangement includes an igniter plug of the semiconductor in shell type, a duct secured to a combustion chamber of a gas turbine engine, a floating sleeve via which the igniter plug is mounted in the duct, and a system for guiding air to cool the semiconductor of the igniter plug. The shell and the semiconductor define, at their combustion-chamber end, an annular igniter plug cavity. The shell includes orifices in the region of the igniter plug annular cavity that communicate with the annular cavity of the sleeve and orifices on its planar surface. |
| US08181439B2 |
Intake air heating system of combined cycle plant
A gas turbine is driven by a combustion gas produced when BFG compressed by a gas compressor and air compressed by a compressor are burned in a combustor. Steam is generated from a waste heat boiler by utilization of heat of an exhaust gas from the gas turbine, and a steam turbine is driven by this steam. An electric generator generates electricity upon driving of the turbines. A condensing heat exchanger is disposed in an air intake duct, and part of steam from the waste heat boiler flows through the heat exchanger to heat intake air. The amount of steam that flows through the heat exchanger is adjusted by adjusting the degree of opening of a steam control valve by a control device. By so doing, the ignition performance of the gas turbine in a BFG-fired gas turbine combined cycle plant is enhanced even in an extremely cold district. |
| US08181436B1 |
Adjustable multi-purpose yard tool
An adjustable multi-purpose yard tool for providing a single tool that has an adjustable handle and performs multiple functions including raking and hoeing includes a pole, a tool head coupled to the pole, and a handle assembly coupled to the pole. The handle assembly is adjustable to a desired position along a length of the pole. The tool head has a connection portion and a tool portion. The tool portion has a hoe portion and a rake portion. |
| US08181430B2 |
Method for stacking packaged food slices
The invention relates to a method and device for producing packs of a food that comes in slices, in particular individually packaged processed cheese slices. The pack of food is put together from two uniform product stacks of food slices. The first product stack is transported via a first feed segment, and the second product stack is transported via a second feed segment, in each case horizontally by means of a transport means at transport speed. The feed segments are guided over one another in parallel in a collection area, and the upper feed segment ends at a sliding edge that defines a collection point, whereby means for synchronization are adjusted such that a product stack that arrives via the sliding edge is neatly placed onto the product stack that is transported to the lower feed segment. |
| US08181426B2 |
Closing apparatus
A Closing apparatus (1) for closing packaging elements, in particular cardboard boxes, comprises conveying device (2) for conveying the packaging elements, a folding device (4) for folding down at least one section of the packaging element concerned, a first closing device (6) for closing at least one section of the packaging element concerned, arranged on a first longitudinal side of the conveying device (2), wherein the closing apparatus further comprises a second closing device (8) for closing at least a section of the packaging elements concerned that is mounted on a second longitudinal side of the conveying device (2) opposite the first longitudinal side of the conveying device (2). |
| US08181420B2 |
Levelling device for the placing of pieces for covering floors and similar
The device has a first lower substantially flat body, which has in its upper part a flexible post with a narrowed or weakened portion and a second upper body with the passage for receiving and securing said post. The flexible post, which has a rectangular cross section, has in its main surfaces respective mutually opposed toothings, which teeth are offset in the lengthwise direction and the passage of the second body has two latching pawls mutually opposed, so that in the operative position of the devices, the teeth of the flexible post engage in an alternate form with said latching pawls. The second body has a bell like hollow form with a lower widened contact mouth or border. |
| US08181419B1 |
Connector for connecting building members
A connector assembly for accurately projecting fasteners for connecting two building members together while permitting limited relative motion between the members. The assembly includes a plate having one or more longitudinal slots. The plate is secured to or a part of one of the building members. The plate is connected to the other building member by fasteners projected through breakaway washers formed in the slots. The breakaway washers each have an opening for guiding the fastener and centering the fastener on the slot. Centering the fastener on the slot prevents inadvertent clamping of the plate and the other building member together so that limited relative motion is permitted. |
| US08181418B2 |
System for the placement of modular fill material forming co-joined assemblies
A system for the placement of modular fill material forming co joined assemblies that promotes increased efficiency in fill material building methods by utilizing the capabilities of aerial conveyance devices, the pre-assembly of forms, the rapid bracing of forms, and the sequential placement of enclosure forms. |
| US08181412B2 |
Expandable ceiling grid
A preassembled suspended ceiling grid module comprising a plurality of parallel main tees and a plurality of cross tees, the main and cross tees each having horizontal flanges extended to both sides of a central plane, the cross tees being joined at their ends to the main tees with end connections that enable the module to be folded in a plane corresponding to an eventual ceiling plane in a zigzag pattern, such that the cross tees lie in directions generally parallel to the main tees with the cross tees connected on a side of a particular main tee being folded in a common direction relative to their end connection, and where connected to an adjacent main tee being folded in an opposite direction relative to their end connections with said adjacent tee. |
| US08181407B2 |
Flooring system having sub-panels
Laminated flooring planks include decorative motifs, mechanically embossed-in-registration surface textures, recessed perimeters, and locking mechanisms. Adjacent planks substantially aligned allow embossed-in-registration patterns to be substantially continuous across adjacent flooring panels. The recessed perimeter prevents the edges of the flooring panel from prematurely wearing. Individual planks within the flooring system may comprise at least one partial sub-panel having a decorative motif and/or embossed surface texture (i.e., pattern) that is complementary with a pattern of a neighboring partial sub-panel or plank. Each plank may include edge patterns adjacent a portion of an edge of the plank and at least one bulk pattern adjacent the edge patterns. Edge patterns within a plank and of planks within a flooring system are substantially identical to each other. Bulk patterns form a substantially continuous pattern within an individual plank when adjacent a plank. |
| US08181403B1 |
Roof vent
A roof vent has a base member adapted to be mounted on a roof, and a cover member for excluding water. The base member has a generally planar base having an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter, the inner perimeter defining a vent aperture. A water barrier wall extends upwardly from the base around the vent aperture for excluding water. A ventilated dome extends from the water barrier wall at least partially over the vent aperture. Generally triangular wedges extending outwardly from the water barrier wall, shaped to direct water flow away from the water barrier wall. The cover member has a top cover element with a perimeter flange extending downwardly, and is adapted to be mounted over the base member. |
| US08181402B2 |
Building-integrated photovoltaic power unit
A building-integrated photovoltaic power unit comprising: a solar cell module including a solar panel, a functional member, and a frame body including a first frame formed with an installation part extending outward and holding the functional member and the opposing edges of the solar panel facing each other; a processed rafter including a supporting member, the processed rafters including processed rafters configured as a structure of a roof, each having a width to allow installation parts of different solar cell modules facing each other to be installed thereon in a state where supporting members are successively installed stepwise in a longitudinal direction; and a cap member fixed to the processed rafter including a ceiling part covering upper surfaces of the first frames of the solar cell modules installed such that the respective installation parts face each other on an upper surface of the processed rafter. |
| US08181399B2 |
Stability bracing of a support structure for elevating a building structure
A support structure for elevating a building surface above a fixed surface having stability bracing to provide increased stability to the structure. The support structure includes a plurality of support pedestals that are disposed in spaced-apart relation on a fixed surface. A plurality of braces are attached to adjacent support pedestals to interconnect the support pedestals. Interconnecting the support pedestals in such a manner creates a stable support structure that can be utilized in unstable environments, such as seismically active geographic areas. The support pedestals can be adjustable-height support pedestals. |
| US08181394B2 |
Reinforced elevator door guide
This invention claims a steel elevator door guide, which contains a reinforcement beam, an attachment beam, a guide carrier and a glide. The attachment beam connects at the bottom end of a elevator cab or corridor door. The invention is held securely clamped together by fasteners, welding or glue. To further protect against any lateral movement imposed onto an elevator door, one or more frictional surfaces is engraved at contact points between individual components and safety rail(s) are provided. A noise reducing, nylon glide is attached to the guide carrier using the same fasteners as those supporting the reinforcement beam. These components are intended to prevent lateral motion of an elevator cab or corridor door even if a severe lateral pressure on the elevator doors has caused the glide to severely flex or fail. |
| US08181391B1 |
Vertical aquaponic micro farm
Embodiments of a vertical aquaponic micro farm are described. The vertical aquaponic micro farm is designed to support and incorporate a variety of food growing and alternative energy devices, and can be used to grow plants, fish, and other similar organisms. The system incorporates a biologically active grow mat and filter system and combines a biological filter system with aquaculture, hydroponics, solar, wind, and battery technologies. The vertical aquaponic garden/farm represents a self-sustaining micro farm that can be set up in any area with exposure to sunlight and/or wind. It can be used in exterior locations, or interior applications with the addition of appropriate lighting systems. Depending on application, the system uses significantly less water that required for traditional farming. Water is recycled through the grow mat media bed (bio-mat) and a biologic filter, which can be inoculated with a culture of nitrifying bacteria in combination with the plant roots. This system eliminates nitrogen waste by metabolizing ammonia, nitrite and nitrates. If fish are present, the system converts the effluent from the fish pond into plant mass. The overall system then returns clean water back to the fish pond. |
| US08181383B2 |
Mouse trap having retractable biting portions
This invention relates to a mouse trap having retractable biting portions. It includes a base, a movable portion, and a trigger. The base has a front seat which has a lower outer edge and several receiving holes. The movable portion is disposed on the base and has a front frame portion and a restoring force generating element. The front frame portion is disposed with an upper outer edge and a plurality of retractable biting portions. These retractable biting portions are corresponding to the receiving holes. The restoring force generating element is able to urge the movable portion moving from the first position to the second position. So, it can capture a mouse quickly. The protruded length of each retractable biting portion is automatically adjusted. Hence, the captured mouse will not bleed so it is sanitary. The capture method is humane without sacrificing its capturing result. The safety of the product can be enhanced. Plus, the biting depth is automatically adjusted. |
| US08181380B2 |
Electronic fishing device and a related system, method, and use
An electronic fishing device for facilitating trolling a fish-catching element in water and a related system, method, and use, the fishing device including: a first sensing element for obtaining a first indication relating to water temperature, a second sensing element for obtaining a second indication relating to the depth of the device, a steering member for adjusting the depth of the device, a processing unit for controlling, via the first and/or second indication provided by the first and second sensing elements, the steering member so as to guide the device relative to at least one element selected from the group consisting of: the position of the thermocline layer, a predetermined depth, and a predetermined temperature. In addition to fishing the disclosed device may be utilized in marine or other underwater research. |
| US08181378B2 |
Wraparound gun grip
A wraparound gun grip comprises a substantially flat continuous flexible sheet, the substantially flat continuous flexible sheet having a first side and a second side, the first side for adhering to a grip of a gun and the second side for providing improved gripping to a user of the gun, the substantially flat continuous flexible sheet cut to fit the gun's model. The wraparound gun grip is capable of being placed onto the gun by wrapping the wraparound gun grip around the factory grip of the gun. The wraparound gun grip includes one or more finger strips which can either be cut to size or tucked in. The second side can achieve increased friction by including abrading particles thereon (e.g., using sandpaper or grip tape). Alternatively, the grip side can be made from an elastomer, such as a synthetic rubber, or other material with the property of viscoelasticity. |
| US08181377B2 |
Display devices and methods of displaying objects
A display device includes (a) a first mounting member containing a first film-mounting surface, wherein the first film-mounting surface demarcates a first opening in the first mounting member; (b) a second mounting member containing a second film-mounting surface, wherein the second film-mounting surface demarcates a second opening in the second mounting member; (c) a first elastomeric film mounted to the first film-mounting surface and extending across the first opening; (d) a second elastomeric film mounted to the second film-mounting surface and extending across the second opening; and (e) a chassis configured for supporting the first mounting member and the second mounting member. The first opening and the second opening are configured for oppositional alignment in the chassis, and the first elastomeric film and the second elastomeric film are configured to retain a display object in a region defined by an oppositional alignment of the first opening and the second opening. |
| US08181375B2 |
Frontal panel display with assembly and disassembly automatic system
Frontal panel display with assembly and disassembly automatic system where a display receives, in the rear side (4) of its frontal panel, (1) two pairs (5) of cardboard to form the two hinges that, under the assembly unit (16) claw effect, allow the articulable boards (9) to lock perpendicularly to such panel (1) and, parallelly between them, form two supports to maintain the display straight while by the panel grooves (3) and boards grooves (12) and again under the assembly units (16) action, the display shall be folded and compacted. In another version, the frontal panel receives just one board, maintaining the same assembly and disassembly system as well as in other version, where the parallel boards pair is equally maintained locked in the perpendicular position in respect to the frontal panel so as to maintain the display assembled. |
| US08181371B2 |
Label sleeve for medication dosage reminder and confirmation systems
A medication dosage reminder sleeve apparatus for use in connection with a medicine container, comprising: a sleeve material comprising a transparent surface thereof, comprising a closed surface with a circumference substantially equal to a circumference of the medicine container with which the apparatus is to be used, wherein the sleeve material will conform to a shape of, and fit snugly upon the medicine container, when placed over at least part of the medicine container; and affixed to the sleeve material, at least one dosage reminder system; wherein: the sleeve material omits any adhesive on a surface thereof which contacts the medicine container when placed thereover; the sleeve material in combination with the dosage reminder system can, at will, be attached to, removed from, and slidably adjusted upon the medicine container; and the transparency of the sleeve material enables information printed on the medicine container to be seen through the transparent sleeve material while the transparent sleeve material is placed over at least part of the medicine container. |
| US08181370B1 |
Nestled labels for medicine containers
A labeling and a method of labeling adapted for pharmaceutical containers having multiple printed indicia locations varying in size and containing information for a user of varying sized pharmaceutical containers. The labeling includes a single substrate having several labeling options and can be designed with multiple main die cut portions separating various sections of the label such that various size labels can be produced from the single substrate. |
| US08181366B2 |
Ski boot, in particular for ski mountaineering
A ski boot for ski mountaineering or telemark skiing including a shell of plastic material and a sole. A first longitudinal cut in the shell defines two sides which allow the entry of the foot of the skier. A second cut in the shell, transverse to, and opening into the first cut, is formed in the front section of the shell. The first and second cuts form a longitudinal slot in the shell; stops are located at opposite ends of the slot. In the preferred embodiment, a peg with an enlarged head is slit within the slot to adjust the flexibility of the boot in the longitudinal direction. In the alternative embodiment, a gaiter and a profiled element are located in the area of the first cut and the second cut in the shell. A peg with an enlarged head is slid with aligned slots in the shell, gaiter, and profiled element, to adjust the flexibility of the shell in the longitudinal direction. |
| US08181349B2 |
Hair cutting device
A gap between a main body grip portion and a head portion is reduced while securing a tiltable range of the head portion with respect to the main body grip portion. A hair cutting device includes the head portion provided at its upper end surface with a blade head, and the main body grip portion which supports the head portion such that the head portion can vertically float and tilt. A lower portion of the head portion is accommodated in an opened space formed in an upper portion of the main body grip portion, the head portion includes a neck portion whose lower side width in the tilting direction is wider than an upper side width, the neck portion is located at a portion of an opening formed in an upper end surface of the main body grip portion. |
| US08181346B2 |
System for forming a labyrinth seal on a turbine blade
A system for forming a labyrinth seal on a turbine blade has a fixture with a plurality of nozzles for distributing a coolant, a first jaw set for clamping and holding a root portion of the turbine blade in a first orientation, which first jaw set is attached to the fixture and has two members for mating with said root portion of said turbine blade, each of the jaw set members respectively have ridges; and a plurality of grinding wheels for forming the labyrinth seal. |
| US08181345B2 |
Method for optimizing the mass of a composite panel
A method for optimizing the mass of a composite panel composed of a plurality of uniform thickness zones, each zone defined by a vertical arrangement of plies, each arrangement having a different number of piles, and different orientation angles, where a positioning order of the plies has a given orientation angle with respect to the others in the vertical arrangement, and the proportion of plies has a given orientation angle with respect to all the plies composing the vertical arrangement. The optimization includes defining a lay-up table, and defining a vertical arrangement of plies for each uniform thickness zone, and starting from the lay-up table, building a function describing the physical properties of each zone as a function of the total thickness of each zone, where the total thickness for each zone is adjusted using a discrete variables iteration process, until the mass of the panel is a minimum. |
| US08181343B2 |
Sealed crimp connection methods
Methods of making a sealed crimp connection attaching a terminal to a wire conductor are provided. A layer of fluid conformal coating is applied to overlie a terminal and underlie at least a lead of the wire conductor upon at least the lead being received into the terminal. The terminal, the fluid layer, and at least the lead of the wire conductor are crimped to form the crimp connection. Fluid conformal coating is displaced where an abutting surface of the terminal makes contact with at least the lead of the wire conductor. The fluid conformal coating is cured to a non-fluid state. The fluid conformal coating may be formed of an acrylated urethane material that may provide an increased pull force and a low crimp resistance in the crimp connection. The crimp connection may be constructed using a manufacturing process on an automated assembly line. |
| US08181340B2 |
External electrode forming method
A method of forming an external electrode of an electronic component involving: a paste preparation step, a removal step, an element preparation step, a contact step, and a formation step. A jig with a groove into which an element forming the electronic component can be inserted is prepared. A conductive paste is filled in the groove, and then removed, so as to leave the conductive paste along a first wall surface of the groove and remove the rest. Then, element immediately above the groove is located, and inserted into the groove and moved toward the first wall surface. Finally, the element is moved along the first wall surface and toward the aperture in a state in which the ridgeline of the element is kept in contact with the first wall surface, and moved away from the first wall surface so as to separate the ridgeline from the first wall surface. |
| US08181339B2 |
Method of manufacturing a printed circuit board
A printed circuit board and a method of manufacturing the printed circuit board are disclosed. The method of manufacturing the printed circuit board can include forming a first protective layer over one surface of a core substrate, forming a first circuit pattern over the other surface of the core substrate by a first process, removing the first protective layer, forming a second protective layer over the other surface of the core substrate, and forming a second circuit pattern over the one surface of the core substrate by a second process. |
| US08181334B2 |
Method for producing windings for a dry-type transformer
A method is provided for producing windings for a dry-type transformer with in each case one winding for the low voltage (LV winding) and one for the high voltage (HV winding). The LV and HV windings are each electrically insulated from one another and have layers which are electrically insulated from one another by virtue of, initially, the winding for the low voltage being produced from electrically conductive wire or tape material and an insulating layer including resin-impregnated fibre material. Prior to the application of the HV winding, the maximum insulating thickness for the layer insulation and the number of fiber rovings corresponding to this insulating thickness can be determined, and each winding layer and the associated insulating layer can be produced simultaneously with a physical offset with respect to one another. To produce the winding, fiber polymer layers can be applied, as layers of insulation, simultaneously with the winding conductor between the individual winding layers of the winding, and the finished winding is subjected to a curing operation. |
| US08181327B2 |
Mechanical method for improving bond joint strength
A method for improving joint strength between a first and second member comprising the steps of: applying a sealant material including a matrix material at least partially encasing rigid components to the first and second members; joining the first and second members upon an application of force that is applied through the use of one or more fasteners; wherein a compressive force is applied to the exterior surface of both the first and second members by the one or more fasteners while the rigid components apply an internal tension force acting opposite of the compression force to the interior surface of both the first and second members proximate to the fastener to form a mechanical lock thereby reducing slippage and generally maintaining the joint in position. |
| US08181323B2 |
Roman blind batten guide
A guide (2) for inserting a fold of fabric into the batten of a Roman blind comprising a leading end (12) and a trailing end (4). A slot (10) runs from trailing end (12) to leading end (4). The slot (10) has a T-section which opens into a countersunk central area (14) towards the leading end (12) and into a bore (6) towards the trailing end (4). The bore (6) is adapted to receive a leading end of the batten (8) and a screw (18) projects from the sidewall into the bore (6) in order to engage the batten (8). |
| US08181309B2 |
Upright vacuum cleaner
An upright vacuum cleaner for cleaning a surface includes an upper body having a dust collection container received therein, a base unit and a carriage configured to provide movement of the base unit at the surface. A motor-fan unit is disposed in the upright vacuum cleaner outside the upper body and is unit configured to create a partial vacuum on the surface. The upper body and base unit are connected with a tilting joint such that the upper body is tiltable relative to the base unit about a tilt axis that extends horizontally when the upright vacuum cleaner is in a position of use. A swivel joint is disposed between the upper body and the base unit. The swivel joint is configured to change a direction of travel of the upright vacuum cleaner in response to twisting of the upper body. The swivel joint includes a tubular section articulated to the base unit and a bearing housing disposed rotatably about the tubular section. The bearing housing is received in a receiving structure of the upper body. |
| US08181308B2 |
Wiper for vehicle having improved assembling efficiency and reduced weight
A wiper for a vehicle including: a wiper stripe; a plurality of supports combined with the wiper strip; first and second yokes slidably supporting the plurality of supports; a first auxiliary lever having one end combined with a middle portion of the first yoke; a second auxiliary lever having one end combined with a middle portion of the second yoke; and a primary lever having one end combined with the first auxiliary lever and another end combined with the second auxiliary lever and including an arm combination hole in which a wiper arm is combined with a center of the primary lever, wherein the primary lever is combined with the first auxiliary lever and the second auxiliary lever, the first auxiliary lever and the first yoke are combined with each other, and the second auxiliary lever and the second yoke are combined with each other. |
| US08181305B2 |
Windshield wiper device
The invention relates to a windshield wiper device, particularly for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one wiper shaft (10). Prior art windshield wiper devices having predetermined breaking points exist in order to meet the high demands of pedestrian impact protection. However, the risk of these predetermined breaking points rupturing during the operation of the wiper exists in this type of windshield wiper device. In addition it cannot be guaranteed that the predetermined breaking point ruptures in the event of a pedestrian impact. Therefore, in the inventive windshield wiper device, the at least one wiper shaft (10) can be displaced under the action of a force. |
| US08181304B1 |
Implement for brushing hair having a tangle reducing prong configuration
A system and method of configuring the prongs on a hairbrush. A brush head is provided having a face surface and a plurality of prongs. The prongs are arranged in parallel rows that include at least a first row, a second row, and a third row. The prongs are positioned in the first row of prongs so that the first row of prongs engages a first volume of hair from a lock of hair being brushed. The prongs are positioned in the second row of prongs so that the second row of prongs engages a second volume of hair that is greater than the first volume of hair. Likewise, the prongs in the third row of prongs are positioned so that the third row of prongs engages a third volume of hair that is greater than the second volume of hair. |
| US08181303B2 |
Rotary car wash brush and method of assembly
A car wash brush is constructed by sliding multi-layered, wheel-shaped foam plastic cartridges onto a hub with three keyways formed in the outer surfaces thereof. The cartridges use spacers interspersed with foam layers and adhesively bonded to the foam layers. The spacers have keys which fit into die hub keyways to prevent relative rotation while allowing, longitudinal sliding motion. Multiple cartridges are used to produce a brush of desired length. Old style hubs can be salvaged for use in this construction. |
| US08181302B2 |
Brush alignment control mechanism
A method and apparatus for providing uniform pressure, friction and/or contact between a substrate and a cylindrical roller in a brush-type cleaning system is described. The apparatus includes an alignment member adapted to allow pivotal movement of the cylindrical roller based on the topography of a substrate and/or the outer surface of the cylindrical roller. The method includes positioning a substrate between two cylindrical rollers, moving each of the two cylindrical rollers to a position where at least a portion of an outer surface of each of the cylindrical rollers are in contact with the major surfaces of the substrate, and rotating one or both of the substrate and the two cylindrical rollers relative to each other while allowing a longitudinal axis of one or both of the two cylindrical rollers to pivot relative to a plane defined by one of the major surfaces of the substrate. |
| US08181301B2 |
Dental cleaning device
An electric toothbrush with a removable brush section having a transponder communicating with a handle portion of the toothbrush via a non-contacting inductive coupling. |
| US08181299B2 |
Method for controlling a washing machine
A washing machine is disclosed. A method for washing laundry with the washing machine enhances washing performance and enables sterilization of the laundry by using steam while preventing damage of cloth due to the steam. The method comprises primarily supplying water into a tub, and supplying steam by heating the water using a heater installed in the tub to generate the steam. |
| US08181292B1 |
Seat cushion
A semi-active seat cushion is disclosed that comprises a plurality of chambers for containing a pressurized fluid, wherein each chamber is connected to at least one other chamber by an orifice that provides a fluid connection; a supply conduit for supplying a pressurized fluid to each of the plurality of chambers; and at least one relief valve that permits rapid and controlled deflation of the plurality of chambers. |
| US08181287B2 |
Shower tray
A shower tray (10) comprising a trimmable edge (26) for trimming a dimension of the tray to fit a given area, a waste water gully (28) which extends from the trimmable edge (26) and which includes a gully fall (32) in a direction away from the trimmable edge (26), and a waste water surface (30) which extends with the gully (28) from the trimmable edge (26). The waste water surface (30) has a waste water surface fall (34) which is parallel or substantially parallel to the trimmable edge (26) and which leads into the gully (28). As a result of the waste water surface fall (34) and the gully fall (32), a two stage water runoff arrangement is provided. |
| US08181286B2 |
Drain wall for a prefabricated shower module
A prefabricated, polyurethane reaction injection molded, leak-proof shower module suitable for use in constructing a tiled shower includes a plurality of sidewalls, a floor bounded along at least one peripheral edge by at least one sidewall extending substantially vertically from the edge, and a drain wall defining a drain aperture and having an outer surface and an inner surface. The floor slopes toward the drain wall at a pitch equal to or greater than ⅛ inch per foot. The drain aperture has a diameter of at least one inch, and is enclosed within a prefabricated drain assembly integrated into the floor and the drain wall, or integrated directly into the floor and drain wall. In one embodiment, the maximum thickness of the drain wall, measured from the outer surface to the inner surface, is equal to or less than 1½ times the smallest inner diameter. |
| US08181283B2 |
Pivotal floor mounted low flow urinal
A low flow urinal includes a bowl which incorporates a plurality of spray nozzles communicated by an inlet flow line. A structurally supporting stem extends from a location of the bowl and terminates in a remote pivot support secured to a floor location. The bowl secures against an upright wall surface in a first non-use position. An underside extending support is integrally formed with an underside of the bowl and provides floor support of the bowl when rotated to a second floor supporting location. A second drain line extends from a drain location associated with the bowl, with either or both the inlet and outlet lines optionally communicating with an associated toilet or separately engaged with fluid supply and waste discharge lines. |
| US08181277B1 |
Basic form for RYALL caps
A sleeping cap for lifting the face of a person away from a sleeping surface to prevent facial wrinkles comprises a U-shaped basic form covered with a fabric and having first and second extensions, each of the extensions being flexibly positioned within the fabric adjacent to each leg end of the U-shaped basic form, and the fabric covering the end of the first extension is attached to the fabric at the end of the second extension to form the sleeping cap. Straps from each side of the sleeping cap secure the cap on the person's head. |
| US08181275B2 |
Lacrosse glove with protective element
An embodiment of the present invention provides a lacrosse glove having a rigid protective element extending over and secured to the padding disposed on the back side of the thumb receiving portion of the glove. The protective element comprises a protective thumb portion that extends from proximate to a tip of the thumb receiving portion to a base region of the thumb receiving portion, and a protective transverse portion that extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the protective thumb portion from the base region of the thumb receiving portion toward a center portion of the glove. |
| US08181274B1 |
Novelty shirt
A novelty shirt with a chest section and long sleeves. The long sleeves in a first position extend downwardly adjacent the sides of the shirt and have shoulder and cuff portions spaced from each other along the vertical axes with elbow portions therebetween. Upper and lower, complementary mouth patterns are then provided on the outsides of the sleeves. The patterns on the downwardly extending sleeves face outwardly and it is not readily apparent that they are part of any overall design. However, when the sleeves are crossed laterally in front of the chest section of the shirt with the elbow portions adjacent one another, the complementary upper and lower mouth patterns on the sleeves then reveal the overall mouth design formed by them. Thereafter, the sleeves can be manipulated to separate the elbow portions to simulate the opening of the mouth. |
| US08181271B2 |
Kneepad with protective flexible outer cover
A kneepad includes a number of layered material portions and an inner padding portion located between the layered material portions. An integral protective covering is attached to an outer surface of the kneepad. A pair of attachment elements is adapted to attach the kneepad to a person's knee. The protective portion includes a number of raised elements that operate to form pneumatic cushioning. |