| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08272415B2 |
Heavy duty tire
A heavy duty tire (1) comprising at least three rib-like land portions (7) with a block row where blocks (6) defined by circumferential main grooves (3) extending in the circumferential direction and lateral grooves (5) are arranged in the circumferential direction, wherein the lateral grooves (5) are provided, in their bottoms (S), with a sipe-forming region (Sy) having a sipe (20) which extends along the groove center line and has a width of 0.5 to 2.0 mm, and wherein the depth (DY) in the sipe-forming region (Sy) of the lateral grooves (5) is from 0.5 to 0.75 times the depth (H) of the circumferential main grooves (3), and the depth (DS) of the sipe (20) is from 0.75 to 1.0 times the depth (H) of the circumferential main grooves. |
| US08272414B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A tread surface includes a center arc, a shoulder-side arc, and a shoulder arc, and is formed such that a value given by F1=L1/(TDW×0.5) falls in the range of 0.64≦F1≦0.7, a value given by F2=TR1/OD falls in the range of 1.2≦F2≦2.0, a value given by F3=TR2/TR1 falls in the range of 0.1≦F3≦0.2, and a value given by F4=(β×TDW)/(100×SW) falls in the range of 0.35≦F4≦0.48, where L1 is outline range being a width from an equatorial plane to an edge of the center arc, TDW is extended tread width, TR1 is curvature radius of the center arc, TR2 is curvature radius of the shoulder-side arc, OD is tire outside diameter, SW is total width, and β is aspect ratio. |
| US08272412B2 |
Elastomer composition having glass micro fibers
Elastomer compositions and products formed therefrom, the compositions including one or more elastomers and glass microfibers having an average fiber diameter of no more than about 5 μm and an average length of between about 5 and 200 μm, wherein the glass microfibers are directionally oriented within the elastomer composition. Alternatively, the average length of the glass microfibers may be between 5 and 100 μm or in other embodiments, between about 10 and 70 μm.The elastomer compositions may be used to form products that include a tire tread or a support member within the sidewall of a tire. The glass microfibers may be oriented in, inter alia, a substantially circumferential orientation, a tread thickness orientation or at a 45° orientation in a plane formed between the tread thickness and circumferential orientations or in a sidewall thickness direction. |
| US08272407B2 |
Flexible hose and a paint application apparatus and system with same
An insulated hose for a high voltage paint application apparatus including an inner hose containing a fluid or paint charged at a high voltage. The flexible inner tube hose is arranged inside at least one flexible mechanical protection tube or layer and an air excluding medium is enclosed between flexible inner tube and first flexible mechanical protection layer. A mechanical protection layer may be surrounded by an electrical protection layer which is grounded. A system for applying paint or other fluid materials at a high voltage is also described. |
| US08272400B2 |
Gas valve control device
A gas valve control device, including at least: a timing controller, and a valve, including at least a rotating button, a contact plate, an electromagnetic valve, a pressing spring, a valve cover, a valve pole, a fixing pin, a plug bar, and a valve body having a cavity. Advantages of the gas valve control device include: integration of a timing controller and a control valve; timing control can be implemented mechanically or electrically; compact structure and good appearance; easy operation; safe and reliable; and accurate timing. |
| US08272399B2 |
Fluid admission system for providing a pressure-balanced valve
A valve assembly includes a valve housing located between a fluid inlet region maintained at a first pressure and a fluid outlet region maintained at a second pressure. A movable metering plate is located within valve housing. A fixed metering plate interacts with the movable metering plate to meter fluid flow through the valve housing. An armature is coupled to the movable metering plate and is configured to move the movable metering plate from a closed position toward an open position. The fluid admission system further includes a balancing region to balance pressure related forces acting on the movable portions of the valve, including the metering plate. A balance passageway is in communication with the balancing region and the fluid outlet region to maintain the balancing region at the second pressure of the fluid outlet region when the movable metering plate is in the closed position. |
| US08272398B2 |
Liquid discriminating vent valve
A valve assembly for a fuel tank includes a housing. A membrane supported by the housing such that the membrane covers a vapor passage defined by the housing. The membrane allows the passage of vapor through the membrane and prevents the passage of liquid through the membrane. A flow control feature is supported by the housing to assist in controlling flow of a vapor through the membrane and the vapor passage. The flow control feature assists in controlling flow by one of shielding liquid from the membrane and providing variable flow through the vapor passage. |
| US08272394B2 |
Double check back flow prevention device
A double valve is provided that includes an in-line inlet check valve and an outlet check valve that cooperate to prevent back flow of fluid through the valve. The check valve also includes at least one vent that allows for fluid trapped within the check valve to drain, thereby preventing freezing of the check valve and hydrant to which it is interconnected. The check valve provided omits many superfluous components and thus is smaller and easier to install than check valves of the prior art. |
| US08272391B2 |
Auto bending structure of sunshade
An auto bending structure of sunshade has an upper section of bending and a lower section of bending, which are connected by a sliding rod with a top through hole and a bottom through hole. The bottom through hole has a guide pin sliding in an arc groove provided on the scarf joint part of the lower section of bending, linear groves corresponding to the arc groove are provided on both sides of the groove of the upper section of bending. A sliding sleeve with a bottom through hole is provided on the top of said sliding rod, the bottom through hole of said sliding sleeve is corresponding to the top through hole of the sliding rod. The upper section of umbrella stem is provided with a linear groove which is surrounded by a ring, the ring is connected with the sliding rod and sliding sleeve by the connecting pin, which slides in the linear groove to make the ring to cooperate with the lower nest moving up and down as pulled by the umbrella string. |
| US08272390B2 |
Wash fluid containment system
A wash fluid containment system includes an elevated, fluid impervious surface upon which items to be washed are placed for washing. The surface is configured to cause wash fluid to flow to an edge of the surface and off of the surface to prevent buildup of wash fluid on the surface. A collecting trough is positioned in fluid flow communication with the edges of the surface to which the fluid flows to catch and collect the fluid as it flows from the surface. Used wash fluid is taken from the collecting trough for disposal or recycling and solids and debris can be easily removed from the trough. |
| US08272389B2 |
Compact mirror floss container
A compact mirror floss container configured to dispense floss includes: (i) a first clam shell member having a mirrored interior surface and (ii) a second clam shell member pivotally coupled to the first clam shell member. The second clam shell member includes a receiving mechanism. A floss cartridge is coupled about the receiving mechanism and configured to dispense floss. An attachment member is coupled to one of the first clam shell member and second clam shell member, configured to selectably couple to a receiving member. The container also includes a securing mechanism coupled to one of the first clam shell member and second clam shell member, configured to selectably couple the first clam shell member to the second clam shell member. The container also includes a cutting member configured to cut floss; and a decorative cover. The decorative cover is selectably coupleable to the clam shell members. |
| US08272382B2 |
Headgear connection assembly
A headgear connection assembly for a mask assembly includes a pair of clip receptacles provided to respective sides of a mask frame and a pair of locking clips adapted to be removably interlocked with respective clip receptacles. The locking clips are adapted to be removably connected to headgear straps in use. Each clip receptacle includes an upper wall. The upper wall has a recess and a lip adjacent to the recess at the edge of the upper wall. |
| US08272380B2 |
Leak-compensated pressure triggering in medical ventilators
This disclosure describes systems and methods for compensating for inelastic and elastic leaks in a ventilation system. The disclosure describes a model-based enhancement to conventional pressure triggering methodology that optimizes the timing and patient work of pressure triggering performance. The methods and systems described herein compensate for the additional effort a patient has to exert to generate the same amount of airway pressure drops compared to no leak condition. One method described includes calculating an elastic leakage and an inelastic leakage based on current measurements of pressure and flow in the ventilation system and then compensating a pressure threshold for the effects of the inelastic and elastic leaks in the system. |
| US08272374B2 |
Bow string suppressor
A noise reducing bowstring suppression device consisting of an individual length of pliable material supported between dual support members mounted on a bow, a bowstring on the bow contacting the pliable material when the bow is shot. |
| US08272373B2 |
Compressed gas-powered projectile accelerator
A pneumatic assembly for a paintball gun is provided. The pneumatic assembly includes a valve stem, and a bolt slidably mounted on the valve stem. The bolt includes at least one bolt port arranged through a sidewall of the bolt. A sealing member is provided on the valve stem in communication with an inner surface of the bolt. The bolt slides from a rearward position to a forward position along the valve stem. Compressed gas flows through the bolt port and through the bolt aperture to fire a projectile when the bolt is in the forward position. A paintball gun incorporating the pneumatic assembly is also provided. |
| US08272364B2 |
Implement having rotational speed reduction and operating method therefor
An implement comprises an internal combustion engine having a throttle valve. At least one handle, the inside of which is provided with a gas lever likewise in a pivotal manner, is attached to a housing surrounding the internal combustion engine. The minimum distance between the gas lever and the handle is defined by a stop. When the operator lifts the implement by the handle, the position of the gas lever also changes. Even when the gas lever is fully depressed, only a part-load position is achieved at the throttle valve. In this way, effective rotational speed limitation is achieved. |
| US08272359B2 |
Camshaft including weight reducing features and method of forming
A camshaft assembly may include a assembly and a shaft. The cam assembly may include a hollow structure with an interior surface and an exterior surface. A plurality of projections may be located on the exterior surface of the hollow structure. The interior surface of the cam assembly may define a recess axially aligned with at least one of the plurality of projections. At least one of the plurality of projections may define an undercut portion. The cam assembly may be coupled with the shaft. |
| US08272354B2 |
Fuel tank systems
A fuel tank system includes a fuel tank that has a tank wall defining a fuel storage space. A heat control chamber is formed within the tank wall. A pressure control device can control a pressure within the heat control chamber in response to a difference between a temperature within the fuel storage space and a temperature externally of the tank wall. |
| US08272350B1 |
Receptacle assembly
A receptacle assembly includes a receptacle formed by a continuous sidewall extending between a bottom and an opposed top. A diverter, formed with inclined channels, is positioned in the bottom of the receptacle opposite to the top. A volume is defined by the continuous sidewall between the inclined channels of the diverter and the top, an opening is formed in the continuous sidewall opposite to each of the inclined channels, and the inclined channels of the diverter are for receiving and conveying material from the volume to the respective openings. |
| US08272348B2 |
Method for plasma deposition and plasma CVD system
In a film-forming process with a capacitively-coupled plasma (CCP) chemical vapor deposition (CVD) device, pulse control is performed on a low-frequency radio-frequency power source. During the pulse control, an ON time and an OFF time form one period. Furthermore, in the pulse control, a time interval between a time period from the moment that the electric power supply is stopped till the electron density decreases to a residual plasma threshold capable of causing an arc discharge and a time period from the moment that the electric power supply is stopped till the density of high-temperature electrons decreases to a specific plasma state serves as the OFF time; a saturation time during the rising process of the density of the high-temperature electrons in the plasma after the electric power supply is started serves as an upper limit of the ON time; and electric power is intermittently supplied under the above conditions. |
| US08272346B2 |
Gasket with positioning feature for clamped monolithic showerhead electrode
An electrode assembly for a plasma reaction chamber used in semiconductor substrate processing. The assembly includes an upper showerhead electrode which is mechanically attached to a backing plate by a series of spaced apart cam locks. A thermally and electrically conductive gasket with projections thereon is compressed between the showerhead electrode and the backing plate at a location three to four inches from the center of the showerhead electrode. A guard ring surrounds the backing plate and is movable to positions at which openings in the guard ring align with openings in the backing plate so that the cam locks can be rotated with a tool to release locking pins extending from the upper face of the electrode. |
| US08272341B2 |
Device and method for cutting textile and non-textile sheet materials
A device for cutting textile and non-textile sheet materials with a sewing machine having a turning device (9) that can be mounted on the lower end of the needle bar (5). A cutting needle (23) is inserted from below into the turning device (9) instead of a sewing needle and can be brought into the desired cutting position, for example, by a fin (17) that projects from the turning device (9). |
| US08272340B2 |
Method and apparatus for enhancing the soil structure of land
A method of enhancing the soil structure of land having a topsoil layer and a subsoil layer beneath the topsoil layer includes providing at least one subsoil tiller blade having a tilling surface and a bottom end, and a channel positioned behind the tilling surface of the subsoil tiller blade for injecting nutrients toward the bottom end of the subsoil tiller blade. The subsoil tiller blade is inserted into the land such that the bottom end extends into the subsoil layer. The subsoil tiller blade is driven through the land such that the tilling surface loosens the subsoil layer while the channel deposits nutrients into the subsoil layer. |
| US08272339B2 |
Double-shoot single pass implement
A planting unit for depositing fertilizer and seed in a single pass, double shoot manner includes a rotating disc that cuts a furrow in a planting surface and a trailing seed boot, having a cutting edge, that cuts a vertically and horizontally offset trench in the furrow to form a seed bed in the planting surface. The disc has a mounting frame for mounting the disc to a linkage assembly that is, in turn, coupled to a toolbar mount. The seed boot is also attached to the mounting frame. This common attachment provides a relatively short and compact device without sacrificing fertilizer and seed stratification. |
| US08272338B2 |
Safe anchoring device
A safe anchoring device for anchoring a safe to a floor. In addition to anchoring the safe, the safe anchoring device simultaneously provides a watertight and airtight seal for the interior of the safe. A tunnel connects the interior housing to the exterior housing. Insulation is between the interior housing and the exterior housing. A removable top cover covers the tunnel on the inside of the safe at the interior housing. When the anchoring device is used to anchor the safe to the floor, a removable threaded locking bolt extends through the tunnel and is threaded onto a threaded tube section of a bottom cover while the bottom cover is securely attached to the floor. In a preferred embodiment, when the safe is anchored to the floor the watertight and airtight seal is provided by a gasket under the top cover and an O-ring under the bolt head of the threaded locking bolt. When the safe is not anchored to the floor, the threaded locking bolt is removed and the bottom cover covers the tunnel at the exterior housing. In a preferred embodiment, when the safe is not anchored to the floor the watertight and airtight seal is provided by gaskets under the top cover and the bottom cover. |
| US08272336B2 |
Locking mechanism
A locking mechanism, in particular for locking a table top in the work position thereof and for releasing the table top in order to pivot it for example into an approximately vertically extending storage position, is distinguished in that the locking mechanism comprises between the fully locked position and the fully released position at least one intermediate position, in which the table top is pivotable only through a restricted angular range in a manner delimited by stops. |
| US08272333B2 |
Rail road car truck and members thereof
A rail road freight car truck has a truck bolster and a pair of side frames, the truck bolster being mounted transversely relative to the side frames. The mounting interface between the ends of the axles and the sideframe pedestals allows lateral rocking motion of the sideframes in the manner of a swing motion truck. The lateral swinging motion is combined with a longitudinal self steering capability. The self steering capability may be obtained by use of a longitudinally oriented rocker that may tend to permit resistance to deflection that is proportional to the weight carried across the interface. The truck may have auxiliary centering elements mounted in the pedestal seats, and those auxiliary centering elements may be made of resilient elastomeric material. The truck may also have friction dampers that have a disinclination to stick-slip behavior. The friction dampers may be provided with brake linings, or similar features, on the face engaging the sideframe columns, on the slope face, or both. The friction dampers may operate to yield upward and downward friction forces that are not overly unequal. The friction dampers may be mounted in a four-cornered arrangement at each end of the truck bolster. The spring groups may include sub-groups of springs of different heights. |
| US08272332B2 |
Smart mass transit rail system
An overhead mass transportation system for cities and urban areas may be particularly suitable for environmentally acceptable, or “green”, systems because it can be used to produce power by an optional super solar system deployed, for example, over the tracks. The mass transportation system may meet many current economic and environmental needs. In many urban areas around the world, the mass transportation system can replace buses and taxis on the street, with their noise and pollution, and reduce the use of oil and fuel. The system can also be used for inter-cities transportation, where in can dispense with the need to carry large amounts of fuel for long distance transportation. The system may also be suitable for areas with challenged trains, such as those areas with a high level of floods, snow, or the like. Furthermore, the system may be suitable for desert transportation or transportation over waterways or between islands. The system can provide faster public transportation than buses and can operate where the streets are too crowded for ground transport, acting like an elevated freeway. |
| US08272325B2 |
Detonator free laser initiated blasting system
A detonator free blasting system, which comprises: a bulk explosive; a confined explosive; a fiber optic adapted to deliver laser light to the confined explosive, wherein the confined explosive is provided relative to the bulk explosive such that detonation of the confined explosive causes initiation of the bulk explosive. |
| US08272320B2 |
Broiler, conveyor oven, and toaster system with pressurized air guide for heat and flames
A cooking apparatus having a waste heat recovery system for incorporation into broilers, ovens, and toasters, the apparatus including a cooking chamber having a cooking platform, at least one air plenum disposed in the upper portion of the cooking chamber and having a plurality of air outlets for producing a focused forced air, a low pressure air source connected to the air plenums, a heating element or burner disposed under each of said air plenums, such that said curtain of focused forced air guides and directs heat from said heating element toward food product being cooked, and heat exchange pipes disposed between at least two of said air plenums. Radiant heat generated from the heating elements or burners rises in the cooking chamber and is retained between the air plenums to maximize heat transfer from the heated air to the heat transfer pipes, and thus to the low pressure air in the low pressure air system. The recycled heat enhances cooking. |
| US08272319B2 |
Extraction module for a capsule-based beverage production device
A device for producing a beverage from a capsule, comprising a motor-driven extraction module which comprises a first jaw member and a cooperating second jaw member, wherein in an opened state of the extraction module the jaw members are distanced from each other while in the closed state the jaw members tightly enclose a capsule space, a motor for controlling the transfer of the extraction module between the closed and opened state, and a knee lever arrangement, being functionally connected to the motor and to at least one of the jaw members and being designed to convert the motor drive action into a closure force, i.e. a force with which the first and second jaw member are approaching each other, which is increasing during the course of the closure movement. |
| US08272317B2 |
Housing with integrated water line
A beverage system includes a pump that draws a set amount of a flavored concentrate into a mixing chamber (28) for mixing with water to form a beverage. A pump head (46) includes a piston opening that receives a piston (48) and a water port that defines a water flow path. A housing (62) includes an integral water port (40). Water from a water source flows along a water line and into the integral water port (40) of the housing (62). The water flows through the water port (40) of the pump head (46) and into the mixing chamber (28) to form the beverage. |
| US08272312B2 |
Breech for a repeating rifle and barrel for such a breech
The invention relates to a breech for a repeating rifle with a breech guide, a locking chamber arranged in the breech guide, and a locking sleeve that is arranged concentrically about a rear part of the locking chamber and that has several locking elements that can be moved by an expansion device between an inner unlocked position and an outer locked position for engaging in a locking groove of a barrel. The expansion device has, according to the invention, a support sleeve that can move in the axial direction between the rear of the locking chamber and the locking sleeve. |
| US08272309B1 |
Composite truss armor
A composite truss armor and a method of manufacturing the same. The composite truss armor includes a filler material and a three-dimensional (3D) ordered truss structure. The 3D ordered truss structure includes: a plurality of first truss elements defined by a plurality of first self-propagating polymer waveguides and extending along a first direction; a plurality of second truss elements defined by a plurality of second self-propagating polymer waveguides and extending along a second direction; and a plurality of third truss elements defined by a plurality of third self-propagating polymer waveguides and extending along a third direction. The first, second, and third ordered truss elements interpenetrate each other at a plurality of nodes to form a continuous material. The first, second, and third truss elements define an open space. The filler material occupies at least a portion of the open space, and the 3D ordered truss structure is self-supporting. |
| US08272306B1 |
Adjustable silencer booster with spoked piston engagement shoulder
The herein proposed device relieves an autoloading handguns' barrel from the weight of the silencer allowing it to cycle properly. This improved booster housing for a silencer affords the user ten positions of orientation. A more robust orientation mechanism which minimizes rotational movement of the associated piston when it is fully seated within the booster housing is provided for. Increased accuracy of the host firearm is achieved through the minimization of rotational play. My improved booster housing design is lighter in weight than other similar designs and utilizes a coaxial expansion chamber between the housing and the interior of the silencer tube to increase sound reduction. |
| US08272305B2 |
Multi-gear synchro-moving riving knife system with quick release device
Present invention teaches to build a woodworking table saw where, a splitter/riving knife move with the saw blade in a synchronized manner, with an idle gear engaging in planetary circular action around a fixed quadrant gear and the outer gear teeth portion of a support arm, so that any height adjustment or angle tilting done to the saw blade will result in the same movement of the splitter/riving knife, maintaining the constant linear difference (usually 5 mm) between the saw blade and the splitter/riving knife. In addition, to facilitate the installation, changeover, and/or removal of the splitter/riving knife, a spring pressure plate mechanism is used, along with lug bolts and a spring loaded secure pin device to easily set the splitter/riving knife in a pre-set position without using tools and in shorter time duration. |
| US08272304B2 |
Miter saw with improved dust collection system
An improved dust collection system for a miter saw comprising a hollow dust chute attached to a bevel post of a miter saw. The bevel post includes a top portion and a bottom portion and is pivotably attached to a miter saw table. The dust chute comprises an input port positioned to receive saw dust resulting from a cutting operation, an exit port and a funnel body extending from the input port to the exit port. At least a portion of the funnel body extends toward an opening located in a guard of a cutting arm assembly. The cutting arm assembly is pivotably connected to the top portion of the bevel post; wherein, the dust chute remains substantially stationary, as the cutting arm assembly is moved during the cutting operation. |
| US08272300B2 |
Hand tool articulating apparatus with offset handle
A hand tool articulating apparatus has a pair of elongate members coupled for articulation about a pivot axis. Each elongate member has a clamping jaw on one side of the pivot axis and an arm extending to a handle on the other side of the pivot axis. One of the arms extends from the pivot axis along a first axis over a first distance to a first loop extending outwardly from the first axis and away from the other of the arms. The other of the arms has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion extends along a second axis from the pivot axis a shorter distance than the one arm. The second portion extends inclined to the second axis along a third axis away from the one arm to a second loop. The second loop extends outwardly from the third axis away from the pivot axis. |
| US08272297B1 |
Easy to assemble ratchet wrench
A ratchet wrench includes a handle including a head including a circular pocket, an internal arcuate recess communicating with the pocket, a circular flange on a lower portion of the pocket, and a C-shaped groove on an upper portion of the pocket, the groove having both ends terminating at the recess; a detent including an arcuate block including an arcuate wing plate extending from one end, and a spring loaded pawl movably seated on the wing plate and besides the arcuate block, the pawl including pawl teeth facing the pocket; a hollow, cylindrical socket rotatably seated on the flange and including external drive teeth on an outer surface, the drive teeth being disengaged from the detent, a toothed drive surface on an inner surface, and a central opening defined by the drive surface; and a split ring mounted on the groove to retain the socket in place. |
| US08272293B2 |
Bicycle shift operating device
A bicycle shift operating device basically comprises a bracket, a shift lever and a shift operating unit. The bracket includes a grip section having a lateral side with a shift cable guide portion. The lateral side faces towards a bicycle longitudinal center plane when the shift operating device is in an installed position. The shift lever is pivotally mounted to the bracket. The shift operating unit is mounted on the bracket. The shift operating unit includes a spool. The spool is rotated in a rotational plane in accordance with movement of the shift lever to wind a shift cable extending from the spool to the lateral side. The shift cable guide portion is arranged at the lateral side of the bracket such that the shift cable guide portion guides the shift cable along a guiding direction that is non-parallel to the rotational plane of the spool. |
| US08272291B2 |
Steering column locking device
A steering column locking device. More specifically, a steering column locking device for golf carts, and the like. |
| US08272289B2 |
Roller screw
A roller screw is provided having a structure suitable for circulating rollers. The roller screw has a screw shaft 5 with a spiral roller rolling groove 5a formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof; a nut 6 with a spiral roller rolling groove 6a opposed to the roller rolling groove of the screw shaft and formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof; and a plurality of rollers 7 arranged in a load roller rolling path 9 between the roller rolling groove 5a of the screw shaft 5 and the roller rolling groove 6a of the nut 6. Inside the nut 6 is provided a roller return path 11 extending linearly in parallel with an axis line of the nut 6. To opposite end faces in an axis line direction of the nut 6 are attached direction change path forming members 13 in which direction change paths 10 to connect the load roller rolling path 9 and the roller return path 11 are formed. The roller return path 11 is twisted to rotate an attitude of each of the rollers 7 while the rollers 7 move in the roller return path 11. |
| US08272288B2 |
Double-clutch transmission with a device for controlling a plurality of hydraulic shift cylinders
A double-clutch transmission having at least three and preferably four, hydraulic shift cylinders, and a control device to actuate the hydraulic shift cylinders. To improve the speed of operation when selecting a gear, the shift cylinders needed for gear shifting are actuated with the aid of at least three electromagnetically shiftable directional valves. |
| US08272286B2 |
Linear actuator with dustproof mechanism
A linear actuator with a dustproof mechanism provides reliable dustproof capability over the entire stroke of the actuator. A linear actuator 100 with a dustproof mechanism includes a ball screw, a movable stage 4 including a ball screw nut that engages the ball screw, the movable stage capable of making linear reciprocating motion in the axial direction of the ball screw in response to rotary motion of the ball screw, a housing member 2 disposed to cover at least the ball screw, openings 27, 28 formed in the housing member 2 along the path along which the movable stage 4 travels, and dustproof belts 29, 30 disposed inside the housing member 2 to block the openings 27, 28. The linear actuator 100 with a dustproof mechanism further includes end plate covers 105a, 105b that cover both ends of the housing member 2 and hence has high dustproof performance. |
| US08272281B2 |
Remotely readable valve position indicators
Remotely readable valve position indicators and related methods are described. An example valve position indicator includes a wireless identifier device coupled to a valve stem or shaft to move with the valve stem or shaft. The wireless identifier device is to convey information indicative of the position of the valve stem or shaft to a remote wireless electronic reader. The example valve position indicator also includes a shielding body to prevent the wireless identifier device from conveying the information to the remote wireless electronic reader when the valve stem or shaft is in a first position and to permit the wireless identifier device to convey the information to the remote wireless electronic reader when the valve stem or shaft is in a second position. |
| US08272275B2 |
Coriolis mass flowmeter with a magnet assembly having a non-magnetizable magnet holder
A Coriolis mass flowmeter having a measuring tube that can be excited to oscillation and a magnet assembly (1) serving to generate oscillations and/or to receive oscillations. The magnet assembly (1) includes at least one permanent magnet (2) and a magnet holder (3) holding the permanent magnet (2). The Coriolis mass flowmeter that has a mounting for the permanent magnet, which can withstand long-term oscillation stress and can reliably protect the permanent magnet is implemented by the magnet holder (3) consisting of nonmagnetic metal such as stainless steel. |
| US08272274B2 |
Microfluidic device and methods of operation and making
A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device and a method for operating the device to determine at least one property of a fluid. The device includes a base on a substrate and a tube structure extending from the base and spaced apart from a surface of the substrate. The tube structure includes at least one tube portion and more preferably at least a pair of parallel tube portions substantially lying in a plane, at least one continuous internal passage defined at least in part within the parallel tube portions, and an inlet and outlet of the internal passage fluidically connected to the base. A drive element is operable to induce vibrational movement in the tube structure in a plane of the tube structure and induce resonant vibrational movements in the tube portions. A sensing element senses the deflections of the tube portions when the tube structure is vibrated with the drive element. |
| US08272271B2 |
Device for monitoring one or more process variables
A device for determining or monitoring one or more physical and/or chemical, process variables and having a vibration sensor comprising, a plug-in element and a socket element, which are releasably connected by a pluggable connection and which communicate with one another via an interface, wherein, in the plug-in element or the socket element, a transducer is provided for determining or monitoring a process variable, and wherein the element not having the transducer has the vibration sensor, and the element having the vibration sensor is connectable with a superordinated unit. |
| US08272270B2 |
Ultrasonic measurement waveguide rod and ultrasonic measurement instrument
An ultrasonic measurement waveguide rod which is easy to manufacture and is capable of preventing a noise echo. An ultrasonic flaw detection waveguide rod 2 is arranged with a probe on one axial end thereof and a contact surface to be brought into contact with a test piece on the other end thereof. The cross-sectional shape of the rod 2 perpendicular to the axial direction is a polygon having sides any one (41A) of which is not parallel to any of the other sides 41B, 41C, 41D. Since at least a pair of the sides 41A, 41C opposed to each other are not parallel to each other, an ultrasonic wave P is allowed to reflect off outer surfaces making up the nonparallel sides 41A, 41C, enabling the ultrasonic wave P to be prevented from returning to the probe 3 as a noise echo. For example, the ultrasonic wave component reflected perpendicularly by one outer surface is reflected by the opposite outer surface and travels toward the outer surface having the side 41D. Hence, an echo or a noise hardly returns to the probe. |
| US08272266B2 |
Gyroscopes using surface electrodes
Gyroscopes using surface electrodes are provided. In this regard, a representative microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) gyroscope, among others, includes a top substrate and a bottom substrate. The top substrate includes an outermost structure that is open and enclosed and a first driving structure that is disposed within the outermost structure and includes first driving electrodes disposed on a bottom surface. The bottom substrate is disposed below the top substrate and includes second driving electrodes disposed on a top surface of the bottom substrate. The second driving electrodes are substantially aligned below the first driving electrodes such that a force can be applied to the first driving structure by an electrostatic force generated between the first and second driving electrodes. The first and second driving electrodes are also configured to provide a capacitance signal based on the movement of the first driving structure. |
| US08272265B2 |
System and method for active detection of asymmetry in rotating structures
System and method for active detection of asymmetry in a rotating structure, the method comprises: imparting harmonic mechanical excitation on the rotating structure that is asynchronous to the speed of rotation of the structure; obtaining a response from the excited rotating body; and analyzing the response to determine a presence of modulation of the imparted harmonic mechanical excitation, that causes vibration at a frequency that is a combination of both the harmonic mechanical excitation and the modulation speed of rotation. |
| US08272264B2 |
All working condition continuously measuring liquid level meter for a steam drum of a boil and the liquid level computing method thereof
A type of liquid level gauge for continuous measurement of boiler steam drum under full conditions and its method for calculation of liquid level, this liquid level gauge includes one metal measurement tube and one transmitter. The steam-side pipe connected to steam drum is fitted on the upper part of the metal measurement tube and the water-side pipe connected to steam drum is fitted on the lower part of the metal measurement tube, one insulated jacket pipe is available inside the metal measurement tube and 1# probe, 2# probe, and 3# probe are mounted from down upwards inside the insulated jacket pope. The respective probes are mutually insulated and not conducted. The three probes are respectively connected with the transmitter through lead wires of the probes. This liquid level gauge is able to monitor the water and steam dielectric constants in a real-time manner, and the liquid level values can be outputted accurately in a continuous way with the liquid level gauge for boiler steam drum designed according to this invention in all the cases, no matter the boiler is under the startup, shutdown, or joint discharge status, etc, thus to achieve the function for a continuous measurement of liquid level under full conditions. |
| US08272260B2 |
Method and apparatus for formation evaluation after drilling
Methods and apparatus for evaluating a formation include conveying a formation evaluation tool in a borehole on a tubular carrier extending from a surface location at least to the formation evaluation tool. A cable is conveyed to the formation evaluation tool and communication between the formation evaluation tool and the cable is established after the formation evaluation tool is moved to a selected borehole location. |
| US08272259B2 |
Compact wind tunnel instrument
Provided is a compact wind tunnel instrument. The compact wind tunnel instrument includes a blowing unit configured by a plurality of blowing devices provided in the same plane, and a control unit for controlling them, thereby easily providing a variety of wind environments. |
| US08272258B2 |
Aerodynamic test stand with adjustable supports for a vehicle and length adjustable band units adjacent the supports
An aerodynamic test stand (1) is provided for determining forces acting on a vehicle. The test stand has a stationary floor (2), at least two supporting devices (4) for supporting the motor vehicle, and at least one band unit moving in relation to the floor, for influencing air flow behavior in the floor region. The band unit is composed, segment-like, of runway sections (9, 10, 11, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28) to accurately detect forces acting on the vehicle. |
| US08272256B2 |
Pressure sensor
A pressure sensor has a Si device having a first main surface that has a bonded area, a second main surface parallel to the first main surface, a pressure-sensitive resistor formed on the first main surface, and a joining assist pattern formed on the first main surface, and a pressing member bonded to the bonded area on the first main surface and compressing the Si device in a thickness direction. The pressure-sensitive resistor has a first bonded section which is placed within the bonded area of the first main surface and is bonded to the pressing member. The joining assist pattern has a second bonded section which is made of the same material as the first bonded section of the pressure-sensitive resistor and is placed within the bonded area of the first main surface and is bonded to the pressing member. |
| US08272250B2 |
Nanoparticle array sensors
An effective sensor for indicating exposure to a toxic gas includes a non-conductive, inert substrate such as glass or polyethylene, a two-dimensional film of nanoparticles of a conductive metal such as silver or copper on the substrate and an electrode connected to each end of the film. When an electrical current passes through the film and the sensor is exposed to a toxic gas, changes in the electrical resistance of the film provides an indication of the presence of the toxic gas. |
| US08272242B1 |
Mechanical-combination door lock
A mechanical-combination door lock has a housing assembly, a lever assembly, a disable mechanism and a combination mechanism. The housing assembly is adapted to securely mount on a door. The lever assembly is mounted though the housing assembly and has a lock body, a lock bolt, an outer lever, an inner lever, a lock core, a lock rod and a linking gear wheel. The disable mechanism is mounted in the housing assembly above the lever assembly and has a retaining ring, a resetting resilient element and a turning rod. The combination mechanism is mounted in the housing assembly and has a pintle, multiple sleeves and multiple wheels. The mechanical-combination door lock has mechanical-combination detection and resetting functions and is allowed to be temporarily disabled while the door is open. |
| US08272238B2 |
Case with securable closure and method
A case has a body defining an accommodation such as may be sized to accept a squat cylindrical object such as a magnetic tape, a CD-ROM, a DVD or such like object. The case may include a locking mechanism, and that locking mechanism may be a combination locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may permit axial access to the accommodation, or it may permit radial access to the accommodation. The accommodation may lie in whole or in part between relatively movable members of the locking mechanism. |
| US08272237B2 |
Automatic yarn-gripping installation
An automatic strand take-up installation includes at least a first gripping member for taking hold of at least one strand bundle, the first gripping member being guided by a first conveying loop to a second gripping member guided by a second conveying loop, the bundle passing from one loop to the other loop due to an operating system for opening and closing the gripping members. |
| US08272236B2 |
High temperature stable fiber grating sensor and method for producing same
A method of producing a thermally stable grating allows the grating to be placed in environments where temperatures reach 1000° C. and where the grating is relatively stable and has very low loss from scatter. These gratings have spectral characteristics that allow them to be concatenated so as to form a sensor array. The method requires a step of lowering the characteristic intensity threshold of a waveguide by at least 25%, followed by irradiating the waveguide with femtosecond pulses of light having a sufficient intensity and for a sufficient duration to write the grating so that at least 60% of the grating remains after exposures of at least 10 hours at a temperature of at least 1000° C. Pre-writing a Type I grating before writing a minimal damage Type II grating lowers the characteristic threshold of the waveguide so that a stable low damage type II grating can be written; alternatively providing a hydrogen or deuterium loaded waveguide before writing the grating lowers the characteristic threshold of the waveguide. |
| US08272234B2 |
Silica crucible with pure and bubble free inner crucible layer and method of making the same
A method of making a silica crucible in a mold cavity of the type in which air is drawing through silica grain placed in the mold cavity. A pure silica grain layer is formed on top of a natural silica grain layer. At least a portion of the purse silica grain layer is fused while substantially no air is drawn through the silica grain. Any remaining pure silica grain and a least a portion of the natural silica grain layer is fused while drawing a substantially higher volume of air through the silica. At least a portion of the fused pure silica grain layer is then sublimated. |
| US08272232B2 |
Refrigerator
The present invention discloses a refrigerator with a water tank for supplying water to an ice tray by closing of a door. A refrigerator includes a cooling chamber for storing an article at a low temperature, an ice tray positioned in the cooling chamber and filled with water, for making ice, a water tank with a water supply hole for storing water and supplying water to the ice tray, and a valve for selectively opening and closing the water supply hole. In addition, a refrigerator includes a cooling chamber for storing an article at a low temperature, a main body for defining the cooling chamber, a door for opening and closing the cooling chamber, an ice tray positioned inside the door and filled with water, for making ice, a water tank with a water supply hole for storing water and supplying water to the ice tray, and a valve for selectively opening and closing the water supply hole. |
| US08272222B2 |
Inlet bleed heat system with ejector/mixer nozzles for noise reduction
An inlet bleed heat system in a gas turbine includes a compressor discharge extraction manifold that extracts compressor discharge air, an inlet bleed heat manifold receiving the compressor discharge air, and a plurality of acoustic dispersion nozzles disposed at an output end of the inlet bleed heat manifold that reduce a velocity of the compressor discharge air in the inlet bleed heat manifold. Noise is generated from the shearing action between the surrounding atmosphere and air jets from orifices. When the air jet velocity is slowed using, for example, a multi-stage ejector/mixer, noise can be abated. |
| US08272221B2 |
Hydrogen gas generator for jet engines
The hydrogen gas generator for jet engines includes a device that utilizes photons and a catalyst to disassociate hydrogen gas from water. The generated hydrogen gas is directed to the combustion chamber of a jet engine and combined with air therein for burning and powering the jet engine. The device is connected to a source of electric energy and pressurized water. The electric energy is supplied to an anode and a surrounding cathode. The cathode is designed to glow white-hot and emit photons and heat when an electric current is supplied thereto. The anode is fabricated from a catalytic material and is designed to become red-hot when supplied with electric energy. Water is supplied through a conduit and is converted to superheated steam, which is thermolytically decomposed to form hydrogen and oxygen. |
| US08272214B2 |
Shape memory alloy cables
A cable adapted for use as an actuator, adaptive structural member, or damper, includes a plurality of longitudinally inter-engaged and cooperatively functioning shape memory alloy wires. |
| US08272213B2 |
Hydraulic control device for vehicular hydraulic control circuit
In a vehicular hydraulic control circuit equipped with a mechanically-operated oil pump and an electrically-operated oil pump, a hydraulic control device is provided for reducing a high load imposed on the electrically-operated oil pump, when the electrically-operated oil pump is started during stoppage of the mechanically-operated oil pump. When the electrically-operated oil pump (72) is started from a state in which both the mechanically-operated oil pump (70) and the electrically-operated oil pump (72) are stopped, the mechanically-operated oil pump (70) is pre-started, and then the electrically-operated oil pump (72) is started. Therefore, oil pressure pre-generated by the mechanically-operated oil pump (70) can reduce a load imposed on the electrically-operated oil pump (72). As a result, excessive current that may occur in a control circuit for the electrically-operated oil pump (72) can be prevented. |
| US08272211B2 |
Tide operated energy system
An ocean tide energy conversion system is disclosed which uses incoming and outgoing tidal flows into a flume with a power wheel and power increaser to furnish power to a turbine pump to lift ocean water into an elevated holding reservoir. Electrical energy is produced when the water in the reservoir flows through a penstock to operate a generator before it is returned to the ocean. This system is completely operated by tidal flows. |
| US08272209B2 |
Exhaust gas purification system for internal combustion engine
An object of the present invention is to reduce oxide stored in an NOx catalyst in a more preferable manner. According to the present invention, when oxide stored in the NOx catalyst is to be reduced, the combustion mode of the internal combustion engine is switched into a low air-fuel ratio mode in which the air-fuel ratio of the air-fuel mixture in the internal combustion engine is low, and supply of fuel is executed at a time when the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas has been made low by the switching of the combustion mode. |
| US08272207B2 |
Late post injection of fuel for particulate filter heating
Various systems and methods are described for controlling an engine in a vehicle, the engine having a cylinder with a bowl. One example method comprises, during regeneration of a particulate filter positioned in an engine exhaust, timing a late post injection of fuel in an exhaust stroke to spray at least some of the injected fuel into the bowl and without hitting cylinder walls. |
| US08272206B2 |
Apparatus for plasma reaction and system for reduction of particulate materials in exhaust gas using the same
A reduction system for particulate materials in exhaust gas, which is connected to a tailpipe of an engine that burns a hydrocarbon-based fuel supplied from a fuel storage tank, and collects and removes particulate materials within the exhaust gas, may include a plasma reactor having a gas inlet and an outlet, and a DPF (diesel particulate filter) trap having a filter. The tailpipe of the engine may communicate with the gas inlet of the plasma reactor, and the outlet of the plasma reactor may communicate with the DPF trap. The exhaust gas exhausted from the engine may be transferred to the DPF trap after being heated while passing through the plasma reactor. |
| US08272199B2 |
Flexible combine harvester draper header having draper belt with internal guide rib
A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a flexiable cutterbar assembly and a draper assembly that flexes with the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a side draper belt configured to receive severed crop materials from the cutterbar assembly. The draper belt includes an internal guide rib. Pivoting structure is positioned within the interior of the draper belt. The pivoting structure presents a groove that receives the guide rib therein. |
| US08272198B1 |
Flexible platform jointed to a conveyor belt for a combine harvesting, chopping and spinning machine
A flexible platform jointed to a conveyor belt for a harvesting, spinning, and chopping machine which improves the functioning of all the platforms width, and eliminating deficiencies related to material, cereal or grain transport, with a transporting auger in all its width, obtaining a more homogeneous and smoother material flow. The platform includes two conveyor belts (1,2) adjacent and parallel to each other. The conveyor belt (1) is movable and flexible and is located adjacent to the cutting blades. The conveyor belts (1,2) are located between central corresponding augers (3, 4) and retractile central fingers (5), facing the feeder. |
| US08272197B2 |
Handheld lawn mower
A handheld lawnmower has a housing and a pair of wheels mounted on an axle. The axle is mounted to the housing. A handle mount is formed on the housing. The handle is connected to the handle mount, and the handle extends above the housing. An electric motor is connected to a top portion of the housing at a blade assembly cap. A blade assembly has a blade connection header, and a blade shaft is connected to the blade connection header at a blade shaft first end. The blade shaft is connected to a blade junction at a blade shaft second end, and a blade has a leading edge. The blade assembly is mounted in a direction to provide a flat cutting angle for the blade. A battery is electrically connected to the electric motor. |
| US08272190B2 |
Method of fabricating building wall panels
Methods of fabricating wall panels by generally continuously pultruding a wall panel profile comprising inner and outer layers, and spaced reinforcing webs and/or foam extending between the inner and outer layers, optionally studs extending inwardly from the inner layer, away from the outer layer. The so-continuously pultruded wall panel optionally has male and a female edges. The wall panel is periodically cut for wall panel height, thereby creating an ongoing stream of cut wall panels. The panels are advanced through a corner index station, and indexed at right angles while maintaining orientation of the panels. The wall panels leave the indexing station edge-to-edge. Resin is applied to facing edges of adjacent wall panels. Adjacent wall panels are joined to each other at the facing edges, to make a generally continuous wall panel. The so-joined wall panel is cut to desired lengths. The resulting wall panel can provide tough, water-proof, otherwise weather-proof, building systems and buildings, without structural use of concrete except in floor slabs. |
| US08272189B2 |
PV module frame, PV module and installation system thereof
A PV module frame, includes a module recess, a sidewall vertical to the module recess and a bottom portion vertical to the sidewall. The bottom portion extends from the bottom of the sidewall along the opposite direction of the recess of the module recess. A PV module having the PV module frame and a PV module installation system for installing the PV module onto a support, wherein the bottom portions of the adjacent solar cell assemblies are socket jointed and fixed to at least one installation beam which is fixed to the support. The beneficial effect of the present invention is that: fast installation of a PV module could be realized only by using the improved frame and one installation beam, Which reduces the quantity of the members in an installation system module and makes the installation more efficient, easier and more economical. |
| US08272188B2 |
Composite laminate structure
A composite laminate structure includes a first skin; a second skin; and a plurality of distinct groupings of Z-axis fibers that extend from the first skin to the second skin, wherein the Z-axis fibers include opposite ends respectively terminating at and integrated into the first skin and the second skin. |
| US08272182B1 |
Frame unit and method
An insulated frame unit for enclosing a wall to provide a highly insulated and airtight wall is provided. The frame unit includes a panel that is formed from a rigid insulated composition such as an expanded foam composition. The panels can be mounted to a wall frame in rows and columns to enclose the wall, and may include outwardly extending flanges that can cooperate with a flange of an adjacent frame unit to provide a stud-receiving opening into which a stud is inserted when mounting the frame units to the frame of the building. The frame unit is mountable to the frame with the interior side of the stud extending from the inner side of the frame unit so that adequate space is provided between the inner side of the frame unit and an interior finish member mounted to the interior side of the studs. |
| US08272180B2 |
Structural top cap arrangement for wall panel
An upright space-dividing wall panel is provided having an internal frame and a top cap attached to a top rail of the frame. The top cap includes a lengthwise channel in which threaded fasteners are slidably received for engaging the top cap to the frame rail. The top cap further includes side channels which cooperate with coupling brackets for securing a second panel to the wall panel. Further, a locator clip arrangement is provided between the top cap and a side trim cover on the end of the wall panel for precisely locating the trim cover relative to the top cap. |
| US08272173B2 |
Anchoring assembly part for a tower of a wind turbine
An anchoring assembly part for a wind turbine tower, which part is in a ring- or ring segment shape and prefabricated from a concrete material, and which has at least one projecting reinforcement element for the connection with a lower tower portion made of a concrete material, and at least one bore for receiving an anchor bolt for the detachable connection with an upper tower portion made of steel, an anchor sleeve with an internal thread for screwing in the anchor bolt being arranged in said bore. |
| US08272170B2 |
Drain box with downspout guard and method of making same
A drain box includes a housing having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion generally defines a cavity and has a bottom wall that extends below a plane defined by a generally flat roof of a building. The second portion is laterally adjacent to the first portion. The second portion has a bottom wall that extends along a portion the roof. A downspout guard is located within the cavity. The downspout guard includes a water-porous material located entirely within the first portion of the housing. |
| US08272164B2 |
Double hung sash lock with tilt lock release buttons
A combination tilt/sash lock for mounting to a window sash rail, the combination including a sash lock and tilt lock being mounted in linear relationship to each other; the tilt lock having a latch element latching to a window frame that is manually movable within a tilt lock housing between a latched position and an unlatched position; the sash lock having a rotatable cam movable by rotating a locking lever between a locked position and an unlocked position; the sash lock locking lever being located in a superimposed linear relationship to and blocking manual movement of the tilt lock in the locked position and allowing movement of the latch element in the unlatched position; and the tilt lock mechanism being movable from a latched position to a disengaged position. |
| US08272162B2 |
Method for preparing raw pollen
The present invention relates to a method for preparing raw pollen which is suitable for being used for the preparation of allergen extracts. The method involves instantaneously freezing the pollen immediately after harvesting, optionally followed by drying the frozen pollen by sublimation. |
| US08272158B1 |
Fishing net release device
A device that assists in the holding and releasing of a cast net when thrown for fishing is herein disclosed. The device replaces the traditional practice of holding the edge of a casting net in a fisherman's mouth while throwing. The device is made of a section of synthetic cord wherein each end of the cord is attached to the outward leg of a clip mechanism, thus forming a loop configuration. The loop is then placed around the fisherman's neck with the clip mechanism hanging in a downward configuration. The cast net is then prepared to throw but instead of placing the edge of the net in the mouth, it is secured within the jaws of the clip. The net is then cast and as the net travels away from the fisherman, it pulls away from the clip resulting in a perfect cast. |
| US08272154B2 |
Flip book greeting cards
A flip book greeting card having an outside cover containing text and artwork and an inside panel containing a flip book. The flip book is made up of one piece of material that is folded accordion-style to create several smaller folds, each fold containing a series of still frame pictures or drawings, each successive fold containing the same picture or drawing with incremental movements. The flip book is connected to the greeting card in such away that when a user pulls the free edge of the flip book, the flip book is set in motion, creating the illusion of a picture in motion. The user may then push the free edge back to its original location, while the flip book is set in reverse motion, creating the illusion of rewinding the movement of the picture. The picture or drawing used in the flip book may be coordinated with the occasion, theme and/or décor of the greeting card. |
| US08272152B2 |
Steamer
The invention is a steamer head, which includes a steamer body having a front face having at least one steam hole, the steam hole being in fluid communication with a steam chamber; and a crease panel assembly movably connected to the steamer body, the crease panel having a crease panel face, wherein the crease panel face has at least a portion in substantially parallel orientation to the front face. |
| US08272151B2 |
Hoist and drag system for mining
Equipment for mining and excavating includes a bucket used to remove overburden, a boom for positioning the bucket, and a hoist and drag cable for controlling the bucket. The equipment also includes a drum; a pedestal, a pinion assembly, and a cartridge assembly. The drum is used to wind the hoist cable or the drag cable. The pedestal supports the drum and surrounds a bull gear attached to the drum. A pinion of the pinion assembly extends within a port in the pedestal to engage the bull gear. The cartridge assembly is attached to the pedestal and includes an electric motor having a shaft extending from the motor, and a gear reduction coupled to the motor shaft. The pinion assembly is driven by the motor via the gear reduction. The pedestal allows the pinion assembly and other components to be removed or installed, without entirely separating the cartridge assembly from the pedestal. |
| US08272150B2 |
Shoe sole mounting standard for bicycle cleat
The present invention is embodied in a mounting standard for mounting a cleat assembly to a shoe sole having a curved underside portion and a plurality of mounting holes. The mounting standard is configured so that the cleat assembly can be moved forward or rearward with respect to the curved underside portion of the shoe sole without significantly affecting the distance between the cleat assembly and a user's foot. The present invention is also embodied in a shoe configured to receive a user's foot, the shoe comprising a shoe sole and a mounting standard. |
| US08272144B2 |
Electric household appliance
An electric household appliance (1) having a casing (2); a rotary drum (3) housing laundry to be dried and mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis (L) inside the casing (2); a door (4) which rotates to and from a work position closing an opening (2a) in the casing (2) to close the drum (3); a hot-air generator (5) for circulating hot air inside the drum (3); a steam generator (15) for circulating a steam jet inside the drum (3); an exhaust manifold (11) communicating with the drum (3) to allow outflow of air/steam from the drum (3); and a shutter device (30) for selectively opening/closing the exhaust manifold (11) to permit /prevent free outflow of air/steam from the drum (3). |
| US08272143B1 |
System and process for removing or treating harmful biological and organic substances within structures and enclosures
A process for removing or treating harmful biological and organic substances within an enclosure includes heating the ambient air within the enclosed area to a predetermined temperature over time to cause harmful biological or organic substances to be destroyed or migrate into the ambient air. Temperature and pressure levels are monitored through the treatment process. Contaminated objects or areas may be subjected to biocides, irradiation, or even freezing as part of the treatment process. The air removed from the enclosure is preferably passed through an incinerator, a filter or an irradiation device and the heated air is re-circulated to enhance efficiency. |
| US08272142B2 |
Hair dryer
A hair dryer includes a body having an air inlet and an air outlet, a fan for generating air flow from the air inlet to the air outlet, a heater for heating the air flow, and an attachment secured to the body and in communication with the air outlet to receive the air flow. A plurality of openings through which the air flow blows is formed in a concave surface which is sized and shaped for receiving a convex-shaped hair brush. The body includes a base portion adapted to support the hair dryer in a vertical orientation on a horizontal support surface so that the dryer can be utilized with hands free operation. The body also includes a grip portion between the base portion and the attachment that forms a cylindrically-shaped hand grip. Vertical central axes of the attachment, the grip portion, and the base portion are coaxial. |
| US08272141B2 |
Probe apparatus
An exemplary probe apparatus includes a fixture, a first probe assembly, a motor, a lead screw, two guide members, a second probe, and a reduction gear unit. The first probe assembly is fixedly attached to the fixture and includes a first probe. The motor has a drive shaft attached to the fixture. The lead screw is coupled to the fixture. The two guide members are attached to the fixture and parallel to the lead screw. The second probe assembly is moveably attached to the lead screw and the at least one guide member, and includes a second probe. The reduction gear unit is coupled to the drive shaft and the lead screw to transmit power from the motor to the second probe assembly through the lead screw. The second probe assembly is configured for moving the second probe towards or away from the first probe along the two guide members. |
| US08272140B2 |
Fluid reservoir assembly
A bottle assembly has a bottle for storing a fluid, such as a cosmetic fluid. An applicator for applying the fluid is configured to be insertable and removable from the bottle along a path. A sealing body, or assembly, which may include one or more seals, is configured to continue to seal the bottle when the cap is removed. |
| US08272139B2 |
Curvature examining jig
A curvature examining jig for examining the curvature of a circuit board quickly and accurately includes a platform and a carrier. An examining region is defined on the platform so as for the circuit board to be disposed flatly within the examining region. A recess is disposed in the examining region and configured to receive a protrusion of the circuit board. The carrier is slidably coupled to the platform, configured to move along the margin of the circuit board, and provided with a plurality of plug gauges facing the platform closely and configured to move to the examining region along with the carrier. Accordingly, the curvature examining jig is convenient in holding a circuit board having a protrusion, quick and accurate in examining the curvature of the circuit board, and effective in enhancing the efficiency of production lines. |
| US08272133B2 |
Circular saw having bevel and depth of cut detent system
A circular saw having a saw blade depth adjustment detent mechanism for facilitating rapid positioning of a saw blade at predetermined depth positions includes a housing enclosing a motor disposed therein that rotates a circular saw blade. The circular saw includes a foot which rides on a workpiece to guide the saw blade during cutting operations. The saw blade depth adjustment detent mechanism pivotally interconnects the foot to said housing such that the circular saw blade is adjustable to the foot through a number of saw blade depth settings within a range of saw blade depth of cuts relative to the foot. The saw blade depth adjustment detent mechanism includes a saw blade depth detent and a second member having a plurality of spaced saw blade depth recesses that are each matingly engageable with the saw blade depth detent to provide the range of saw blade depths. |
| US08272128B2 |
Method of using a compression tool to attach a cable connection
A tool for changing first and second parts of a connector from a pre-assembly relationship into an assembled relationship. The tool is portable and has a frame with an operating mechanism thereon. The operating mechanism has a plunger that is movable to thereby change the relationship of the connector parts. The operating mechanism is operable by a pressurized fluid within a container that is connected to the frame. |
| US08272127B2 |
Method of making a circuit interrupting device
A circuit interrupting device is manufacturable in a number of different configurations providing current path options, conductor connectivity options and sensing options. The device may include a configurable solid insulation housing into which various operable components are installed. The device may include a core element including a sensor assembly and conductor members, from which the various configurations may be established including a plurality of different current path configurations. A plurality of circuit interrupting devices may be configured together in an assembly with corresponding disconnect assemblies. An interlock is provided to prevent operation of the disconnect assemblies unless the circuit interrupting devices are in an open state. |
| US08272123B2 |
Substrates having voltage switchable dielectric materials
A method for designing a printed circuit board to meet a specification is described. A first voltage switchable dielectric material is placed in apposition with a first copper foil. A second voltage switchable dielectric material is placed in apposition with a second copper foil. An arcuate portion of the first copper foil is placed in apposition with a first side of an aluminum member, an adhesive substance being situated between the first copper foil and the first side of the aluminum member. An arcuate portion of the second copper foil in is placed apposition with a second side of the aluminum member, an adhesive substance being situated between the second copper foil and the second side of the aluminum member. |
| US08272120B2 |
Apparatus for applying solder to semiconductor chips using decals with aperatures present therein
An apparatus for applying solder to semiconductor chips is provided that employs a plurality of apertured decals to define areas for engaging solder on a semiconductor chip. Each of the plurality of decals includes an upper, center and bottom layer having apertures present therethrough. The apparatus fills the apertures with solder. The upper and bottom layers of the apertured decals are removed to provide solder portions projecting from the center layer. The apparatus provides a station for applying an adhesive layer to the exposed surfaces of the center layer having the solder portions projecting therefrom. The apparatus includes a station for contacting the solder and adhesive to the semiconductor chip. The apparatus also includes a separating structure for detaching the portion of the center layer that is in contacting to the semiconductor chip through the solder. |
| US08272117B2 |
Method of installing a compresent insulation arrangement for building openings
A window frame insulation assembly and sealing arrangement, comprising an elongated, extruded block of foam material having a first or inner side and a second or outer side. A unitary air fin is co-extruded therewith. The air fin comprises an elongated flange of flexible foam material. The air fin and the elongated block define an elongated receiving-channel that is filled with a foam compression rod there between creating a seal for blocking air and moisture from a building in which said window frame assembly has been placed. |
| US08272116B2 |
Method of fixing boot
A method for fixing a boot includes mounting a tubular anchoring areas, defined in opposite ends of a resinous boot, on an outer periphery of a counterpart member, and applying a clamping force to boot bands mounted around respective outer peripheries of the tubular anchoring areas to thereby fix the tubular anchoring areas to the outer periphery of the counterpart member. Coils are disposed around respective outer peripheries of the boot bands to generate an induction current in the boot bands. In this way, a reactive force of the magnetic field is generated between the coils and the boot bands to plastically deform the boot bands and reduce their diameters, whereby the tubular anchoring areas are fixed to the outer periphery of the counterpart member. |
| US08272114B2 |
Connector cover assembling system
A connector cover assembling system includes an arrangement apparatus, which aligns covers and includes a transporting channel for transporting the covers to a frame that supports the covers and associated connector bodies. A cover driving member transports the covers one by one from the frame to a separating mechanism, which further transports the cover to a location above a clamping mechanism for being clamped by the clamping mechanism. A lifting mechanism drives an inserting mechanism and the clamping mechanism to the separating mechanism. The clamping mechanism clamps the covers from the separating mechanism. The inserting mechanism drives the clamping mechanism to transport and assemble the cover to the connector body. A holding mechanism holds the connector body during the assembling operation. The control unit coordinates operations of the above-mentioned components. Therefore, manufacturing efficiency of electrical connector can be improved and manufacturing costs reduced. |
| US08272112B2 |
Tool set for the introduction in a sheath of a flow-monitoring device for a fluid piping, and an implementation method therefore
The invention particularly relates to a tool set making it possible to introduce in a sheath (2) a flow-monitoring device (1) comprising a hollow body (11), a valve (12), a cup-type seal member (13), and a plurality of retention elastic legs (14). This tool set comprises three tools (3, 4, 5), whereof the first tool is formed of a contention bushing (31) and an ejecting pusher (32), whereof the third tool (5) receives the sheath (2) and comprises a cylinder (51) wherein a centering piston (51) slides in the sheath, and whereof the second tool (4) shaped like a funnel, is inserted between the first tool (3) and the third tool (5), and makes it possible to radially compress the seal (13) and the legs (14) of the device (1) while inserting them into the sheath (2) while this device is pushed out of the first tool. |
| US08272109B2 |
Device for retaining objects to surfaces
A retaining device for retaining an object or objects to a surface or surfaces. The device includes an elongate, flexible strap having a plurality of bores and a retaining member embedded within a platform body. The retaining member has first and second portions. The first portion has a first end which is passed through one or more of the bores of the strap to operatively connect the strap to the retaining member. The strap is placed around the object to be retained. The second portion retains the first portion in a closed position so that the object is retained securely but non-permanently. An adhesive between the platform body and the surface permanently fixes the retaining device to the surface. |
| US08272105B2 |
Extendable linkage, extendable handle, and drywall tool with extendable handle
An extendable linkage mechanism for operating a slave actuator over a range of distances from a master actuator, an extendable handle for operating a tool over a range of handle length; and a tool for use by an operator for dispensing drywall joint compound into joints between sheets of drywall. Slanted engagement surfaces on master and slave wedges engage each other as well as master and slave rods to transmit motion and force at varying distances, for instance, from a lever at one end to a clamp at the other end. The elongated slave rod passes through orifices in the wedges. Structural or tubular members may slidably engage to provide extendibility. |
| US08272104B2 |
Hinge-slide cover mounting structure using a sheet metal bracket mechanism
A liftable slide cover mounting structure consisting of two hinges, two metal sheet bracket mechanism, two sliding rails, two gears, two gear racks and two supplementary support mechanisms. Subject to the use of the sheet plate bracket mechanisms to hold the sliding rails instead of zinc alloy sliding rail holders, the weight of the liftable slide cover mounting structure is minimized. Further, when the cover panel is opened from the base member, the sheet plate bracket mechanisms are forced into engagement with the supplementary support mechanisms to support the cover panel in position for enabling the user to operate the display screen of the cover panel positively. |
| US08272100B2 |
Universal bracket and luggage handle system
The invention includes a universal retractable handle assembly for attachment to luggage items of a variety of different sizes. A plurality of tubes having a fixed length can be attached to a bracket member such that each tube can extend in a telescoping manner to a different distance from the bracket member when the handle is in the extended position and thus be employed in different sizes of luggage. Additionally, a tube housing is provided which includes a tube receiving portion and reinforcing portions on an outer surface of the tube housing. The tube receiving portion is formed with an arcuate shape which corresponds with the shape of the tube member to be inserted therein. The reinforcing portions include a plurality of planar flanges which extend beyond the outer surface of the tube receiving portion to provide improved structural characteristics. |
| US08272099B2 |
Anti-pinch device for a drawer
An anti-pinch device for a drawer comprises: a flexible anti-pinch body, an elastic deformable portion, a sliding portion, and a stop portion; wherein a lower horizontal section is a fixing end which is to be fixed to an inner bottom surface of the drawer, a longitudinal section of the anti-pinch body opposite the fixing end is an extending section on which is formed the elastic deformable portion, and the sliding portion is located above the extending section, one surface of the sliding portion opposite to the extending section is the stop portion, a distance between the sliding portion and the stop portion is larger than a diameter of user's finger, whereby, when the drawer is pulled open, the sliding portion and the stop portion spring up and extend out of the drawer, so as to prevent the user's finger from getting pinched if the drawer is closed accidently. |
| US08272098B2 |
Hose and wand assembly for a surface treating appliance
A vacuum cleaner has a hose and wand assembly onto which a floor tool may be attached. The wand includes a plurality of telescoping tubes which can slide between retracted and extended positions. In order to be able to transmit power and signals from the vacuum cleaner to the end of the wand assembly, conductors are provided in a channel in the hose. The hose is connected to the interior of the wand, just beyond the last telescoping joint, with the conductors extending beyond the end of the hose to a connector at the far end of the wand. This arrangement automatically provides a reliable electrical connection down the wand. Previously, electrical conductors were not employed with this type of wand as it was not straightforward to provide electrical connections across the telescoping parts. |
| US08272090B2 |
Operating method for laundry machine
A method for operating a washing machine, in which wrinkles are removed from laundry using steam. The method includes supplying steam of a high temperature to a drum containing laundry; and supplying air to the drum. The method facilitates the refreshing of the laundry, such as clothes, thus allowing a user to wear the clothes just after the refreshing of the clothes. |
| US08272089B1 |
Massage table assembly
A massage table assembly includes a tabletop with a top side, a bottom side, a first end, a second end, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The tabletop has a primary aperture therein extending into the top side nearer to the first end than the second end. The primary aperture is elongated. Each of a plurality of insets is individually positionable in the primary aperture. The insets each have a pair of openings therein configured to receive breasts of a person lying face down on the tabletop. The openings extend into an upper surface and outwardly of a lower surface of each of the insets. Each of the insets has pairs of openings has different sizes with respect to other ones of the insets. A plurality of legs is attached to and extends downwardly from the bottom side. |
| US08272087B2 |
Piece of resting furniture such as a bed or chair
A piece of resting furniture such as a bed or chair comprising a least one actuator (4,5) and a control unit (11) and at least one control panel (9,10) to bring about an adjustment of the piece of furniture, and further comprising at least one strain gauge (18,19) connected to an alarm to detect whether a person is occupying the piece of furniture or not wherein the strain gauge (18,19) is located in connection with the actuator (4,5). The function is based on relative changes in the load on the strain gauge (18, 19) from a preset reference thereby allowing use of sensors with low resolution, which thereby are comparatively cheap. Moreover, when placing the strain gauge (18,19) in connection with the actuator (4,5) this simplifies the incorporation thereof in the piece of furniture. Not least the construction also renders it possible in an easy manner to upgrade existing hospital and care beds with an egress function. |
| US08272086B1 |
Bed cover lift
The lift is attachable to a foot end of a bed beneath a mattress. Elongate arms extend up from a base portion of the lift. A rod can join the upper ends of the arms, sheets or other bed covers supported above an upper end of the elongate arms and the rod to define a clearance space beneath the upper ends of the elongate arms and the rod. The arms are moved from a lowered position to a raised position by action of a driver. The driver preferably is powered by an electric motor. When the arms are raised the clearance space keeps the bed covers off of feet of a user resting on the bed. |
| US08272085B2 |
Boat hammock installation system
The present invention includes apparatus and methods for installing a hammock upon a boat. A method of installing a hammock comprises the steps of: installing first and second hammock end mounting means upon the boat, the first and second mounting means each comprising one of a vertical mounting member and a suspending anchor to suspend ends of a hammock, where each vertical mounting member is affixed to a surface of the boat, the vertical member including a longitudinally extending member having a first end and a second end, the first end affixed to a surface of the boat, the second end being elevated above the first end, and where each suspending anchor is affixed to an elevated structure of the boat, the anchor having one or more mounting surfaces engaging the elevated structure and one or more ratchets each receiving a strap extending about the elevated structure. |
| US08272083B1 |
System and method for faucet installations
A faucet installation system and method for use on faucets that include a valve stem that is adapted for insertion through an aperture in a sink or a countertop is disclosed. The system uses a valve having a valve stem that is adapted for connection to a water supply line that connects to a water supply valve. The valve stem includes an external surface that cooperates with a retention nut that is split, so that retention nut may be attached to the valve stem after the valve stem and water supply line have been attached to one another and inserted through the aperture in the sink or countertop, eliminating the need to attach the water supply line to the stem from under the sink or countertop. |
| US08272082B1 |
Tub box apparatus, systems and installation methods
Tub box systems, apparatus and methods of assembling in concrete floors under bath tubs. Tub boxes with water sealing members can include troughs/gutters about the perimeter edges of the tub box which collect water leakage between the tub box and concrete floors. Raised ribs on the outside of the tub boxes block water flowing on the surfaces of the tub box from reaching lower drain lines. Water barrier rings with flat outwardly extending sides and concentric raised ridges which attach about downwardly projecting drain bases underneath the tub box further prevent water leaks running down the drain bases. Fire stop material can be clipped about the drain bases and expand from heat to prevent fire from traveling upward around the drain lines in the concrete floors under bathtubs. |
| US08272080B2 |
Pumped shower draining device
A pumped shower draining device for shower apparatus, the device comprising a housing having a waste water inlet and a waste water outlet, a pump element provided within or adjacent to the housing which pumps waste water from the waste water inlet to the waste water outlet, a first pump-driving device drivably engaged with the pump element, a second pump-driving device drivably engaged with the pump element, and a controller to control the first and/or second pump-driving devices. The first pump-driving device is hydraulically operable by shower water supplied to a shower head. The second pump-driving device is electrically operable, and the controller controls at least one of the first pump-driving device and second pump-driving device to supplement and/or to be substituted for the other. Shower apparatus having the pumped shower draining device is also provided. |
| US08272078B2 |
Apparatus and system for a suction entrapment and entanglement avoidance retrofit/new installation
An apparatus and system are disclosed for a pool drain cover, the cover having a perforated ramp around its perimeter to which are attached a plurality of straight, horizontally disposed tubes, circumscribing channels with substantially continuous cross-sectional areas, each tube enclosing a channel extending the length of the tube of at least six inches. The cross-sectional area of the tubes is kept at a minimum and their number is increased by arranging the tubes in rows and columns or giving the tubes an elliptical cross-sectional area and arranging them in a single row, thereby reducing the tapering in the tubes. The cover may be segmented and may be of multiple shapes, including a circle. |
| US08272077B2 |
Sanitary washing apparatus
A sanitary washing apparatus includes: a washing nozzle; and a pressurizing device. The sanitary washing apparatus that performs first and second jetting processes alternately jetted with a prescribed waiting time there between. The pressurizing device makes minimum pressure of water in the second jetting process higher than minimum pressure of water in the first jetting process and makes maximum pressure of water in the second jetting process higher than maximum pressure of water in the first jetting process so that the second water mass is faster than the first water mass. The prescribed waiting time between the first and the second jetting processes is set so that before the first water mass impinges on the human body, the second water mass having faster velocity than the first water mass overtakes the first water mass to enlarge jetting water cross-sectional area of the first water mass. |
| US08272076B2 |
Cover for an eyewear strap
A cover for an eyewear strap is provided. The cover may include a first member, a second member associated with the first member and movable toward and away from the first member, and a fastener connected to the first member and the second member for removably connecting the first member to the second member. The cover may be adapted to receive an eyewear strap between the first and second members when the first and second members are disconnected, and the cover may be securable to the eyewear strap when the first and second members are connected together. |
| US08272072B1 |
System for reversible garments absent sewn seams
A reversible, seamless article of clothing and a system for constructing reversible seamless garments and accessories by assembling and attaching a plurality of reversible and interchangeable panels of the article of clothing with a plurality of fasteners. The panel elements have a plurality of edges with a plurality of buttonholes adjacent to the edges. The fasteners are elastomeric two-headed button studs. The panel elements are attached by matching the buttonholes of the elements to form the article of clothing and inserting the studs into the buttonholes to fasten the panel elements. A plurality of trim elements have buttonholes adjacent to the edges and can be attached to the article of clothing by inserting the stud into a trim buttonhole and a buttonhole on the garment. With the system of construction using reversible elements with buttonholes and stud fasteners, accessories, such as tote bags and watch bracelets, can be constructed. |
| US08272071B2 |
Blindfold for aquatic games
An eye cover for use in an aquatic environment is provided. In certain embodiments, the eye cover comprises an elastic headband configured to be worn around a wearer's head and configured in use to cover or surround the wearer's eyes. The elastic headband can be configured to provide an at least water-resistant seal around the wearer's eyes. At least one eye chamber disposed on a surface of the headband that in use faces the wearer's eyes can further be provided. The at least one eye chamber permit the wearer's eyes to remain open when the headband covers the wearer's eyes. The at least one eye chamber comprises a flange extending from the headband, wherein the flange is configured to provide at least a water-resistant seal around the wearer's eye. |