| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08839655B2 |
Test stand with an apparatus for calibrating a force-measuring device
A test stand encompasses a dynamometer, which is supported to oscillate about a main axis, from which a lever arm extends perpendicularly. For calibrating a force-measuring device, which is coupled to the lever arm, provision is made for a pneumatic cylinder as reference force-generating device. The reference force can be measured by a load cell and can be applied to the lever arm via a yoke. The force-measuring device, which is to be calibrated, the pneumatic cylinder, the load cell, and the yoke are disposed on the same side of the dynamometer and act on the same lever arm. |
| US08839654B2 |
Punch press oscillating tool insert
In certain aspects of the invention, punching machines and tools for punching machines are provided that include mechanical devices driven by a driving device of the punching machines and are used to oscillate a tool insert. Such machines and tools can provide an increased frequency of the oscillating movement of the tool insert. |
| US08839652B2 |
Method and device for press-hardening a metallic formed structure
In a method for press-hardening a metallic formed structure made of a hardenable steel sheet, the steel sheet is heated above a transition temperature Ac3 and then placed in a cooled press having a forming tool with at least one uncooled contour section for forming a region of reduced hardness. Marginal regions of the steel sheet are clamped with a sheet holder arrangement which has an inner sheet holder and an outer sheet holder. The inner sheet holder is hereby located closer to the forming tool than the outer sheet holder. The sheet holder arrangement is configured to slow down flow of the marginal regions into the forming tool. After closing the press tool, the steel sheet is formed in a first forming phase by holding the marginal region with the outer sheet holder and in a subsequent forming phase by holding the marginal region with the inner sheet holder. |
| US08839651B2 |
Horizontally stacked hemming press
A horizontally stacked hemming press includes a horizontally disposed base. A first vertical support is mounted on the base and disposed generally perpendicular to the base. A linear track is mounted on the base. A horizontally disposed die stack including a plurality of cooperably operable die sets are horizontally arranged in series and moveable along the linear track. Each die set includes a pair of vertically disposed die shoes. A guided press platen is horizontally moveable along the linear track. A second vertical support is mounted on the base distal from the first vertical support and disposed generally perpendicular to the base. A drive mechanism is supported by one of the supports and connected to the press platen for opening and closing the die sets. Actuation of the drive mechanism horizontally moves the press platen and thereby horizontally opens one of the die sets. |
| US08839650B2 |
Portable lock with modular cable
A lock assembly (210) including a body (220), at least one locking member (223, 240) and a length of lock material with two free ends and at least one leg (212) attached to one of the free ends, each leg configured to be engaged by a respective locking member. The locking members are separately actuable such that each leg (212) may be removed from the lock body independent of any other legs. A bracket assembly (300) for connecting a lock assembly (210) to a bicycle or the like. The bracket includes a bracket body (310) with a strap (330) that is secured via a pivotal buckle (340). The bracket body (310) includes at least one flange (320, 322) configured to slidably engage a groove (250, 252) provided along the lock assembly (210). |
| US08839648B2 |
Drawer of a washing machine
A washing machine comprising a dispenser having an opening, a detergent box movable within the dispenser through the opening and having flange parts provided at corresponding sides of the detergent box in a movement direction of the detergent box, and guide units, provided on inner surfaces of respective side parts of the dispenser, to movably support the flange parts when the detergent box is withdrawn or inserted. |
| US08839647B2 |
Vertical axis washing machine having steam features
One exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a vertical axis washing machine. The washing machine includes a cabinet having a top portion with a lid and side portions extending downwardly from the top portion. A tub is positioned within the cabinet with a basket rotatably supported within the tub. The washing machine also includes a heater, a water level sensor, and a fan. The water level sensor controls the volume of water that enters the tub such that the fan is not submerged in such volume of water and the heater generates steam from such volume of water. The fan rotates and circulates air inside the tub so that the steam is distributed throughout the tub. |
| US08839645B2 |
Method of manufacturing optical fiber base material and apparatus of the same
A method of manufacturing an optical fiber base material includes: forming a porous glass base material by depositing glass particles; providing a synthetic quartz glass vessel at least partly made of quartz glass which contains aluminum equal to or less than 0.01 ppm; introducing dehydration reaction gas and inert gas into the vessel; heating a portion made of quartz glass which contains aluminum equal to or less than 0.01 ppm in the vessel that contains the dehydration reaction gas and the inert gas; and inserting the porous glass base material into the heated vessel to dehydrate and sinter the porous glass base material. |
| US08839644B2 |
Post-manufacture glass container thermal strengthening method
A method of manufacturing of strengthened glass containers, and more particularly a method of thermally strengthening glass containers in a glass container manufacturing line at a location intermediate the hot end and the cold end. Glass containers formed at an I. S. machine are conveyed through a special tempering Lehr that heats them uniformly to a high temperature that is short of temperatures at which they may become deformed. Subsequently, the glass containers are subjected to a unique rapid thermal strengthening cooling process in which the outer and inner surfaces including all areas of the glass containers are simultaneously cooled to a temperature below the Strain Point of the glass used in the glass containers. |
| US08839642B2 |
Thermal solar energy collector for producing heat and/or cooling
A chemical heat pump includes a reactor part (1) that contains an active substance and an evaporator/condenser part (3) that contains that portion of volatile liquid that exists in a condensed state and can be absorbed by the active substance. A channel (4) interconnects the reactor part and the evaporator/condenser part. To heat the reactor part, a portion of this wall is arranged as a solar energy collector, which can result in a very compact structure. In at least the reactor part a matrix (13) is provided for the active substance so that the active substance both in its solid state and its liquid state or its solution phase is held or carried by or bonded to the matrix. The matrix is advantageously an inert material such as aluminium oxide and has pores, which are permeable for the volatile liquid and in which the active substance is located. In particular, a material can be used that has a surface or surfaces, at which the active substance can be bonded in its liquid state thereof. For example, the matrix can be a material comprising separate particles such as a powder or a compressed fibre material. |
| US08839641B1 |
Flow control system for an aircraft
A method for providing a flow control system for an aircraft. A compressor is removed from an existing air cycle machine, along with compressor ducting that is connected to a primary stage outlet of the heat exchanger and a secondary stage inlet of the heat exchanger in the existing air cycle machine. A first connector duct is provided and connected to the primary stage outlet of the heat exchanger and the secondary stage inlet of the heat exchanger. The turbine is removed from the existing air cycle machine, and a second connector duct is provided and connected to the upstream turbine duct directly and the downstream turbine duct. |
| US08839639B2 |
Air-conditioning clutch override device and method
Methods and devices that use an engine load condition of a vehicle, for example, the vehicle's engine intake manifold or plenum vacuum, to promote the efficiency of the engine. The methods and devices are operable to control the compressor of the vehicle's air-conditioning system, enabling the compressor to be shut off when the vehicle is under relatively high loads. The methods and devices operate by sensing a parameter indicative of an engine load condition of the vehicle, determining a difference between a reading of the parameter and an average based on multiple readings of the parameter, and then engaging and disengaging the compressor clutch depending on whether the reading of the parameter is above or below the average of the parameter. The compressor clutch is engaged if the engine operates under a high load for a duration that is dependent on the average of the parameter. |
| US08839632B2 |
Control strategy for a zonal heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system of a vehicle
A climate control system of a vehicle and a method of controlling the climate control system to minimize vehicle energy consumption and maximize occupant comfort. The climate control system includes a main HVAC system for conditioning a fluid discharged into a passenger compartment of the vehicle, an auxiliary HVAC system for conditioning a localized fluid of at least one HVAC zones of the passenger compartment, a seat system, and an HVAC controller. The HVAC controller controls the main HVAC system, the auxiliary HVAC system, and the seat system based upon at least one parameter and condition which pertains to at least one of electrical energy consumption of the vehicle and occupant comfort. |
| US08839631B2 |
Thermoelectric cooling system for a food and beverage compartment
A thermoelectric cooling system includes a thermoelectric device that transfers heat from a cold side to a hot side via a Peltier effect, an air heat exchanger that transfers heat from air to the cold side, and a heat sink that transfers heat from the hot side to a fluid coolant. The system also includes a temperature sensor that measures a temperature of air, and a controller that controls a flow of electrical power to the thermoelectric device according to a temperature measurement. The system also transfers heat from the air heat exchanger to the heat sink via the thermoelectric device according to a heat conduction effect due to a temperature difference between the air heat exchanger and the fluid coolant. The controller may reduce an effective voltage across the thermoelectric device to reduce power consumption of the thermoelectric device. |
| US08839628B2 |
Methods for operating a gas turbine engine apparatus and assembling same
A method for operating a gas turbine engine including a combustor assembly includes channeling a first fluid through a plurality of first nozzles into the combustor and igniting the first fluid downstream from the first nozzles. The method also includes increasing the operating speed of the engine and attaining a first predetermined percentage of a baseload by channeling the first fluid only through the first nozzles and then channeling a second fluid through a second nozzle into the combustor. The method also includes igniting the second fluid within the combustor downstream from the second nozzle. The method further includes channeling the second fluid to the first nozzles when the engine attains a second predetermined percentage of the baseload. The second predetermined percentage of the baseload is greater than the first predetermined percentage of the baseload. The method also includes terminating a flow of the first fluid through the first nozzles. |
| US08839627B2 |
Annular combustor
An annular combustor includes an annular outer shell that includes a first flange that defines an inner diameter IDOS and an annular inner shell that includes a second flange that defines an outer diameter ODIS. An annular hood includes a radially outer hood flange and a radially inner hood flange. A bulkhead includes a radially outer bulkhead flange that defines an outer diameter ODB and a radially inner bulkhead flange that defines an inner diameter IDB. The first flange is secured at a radially outer joint between the radially outer hood flange and the radially outer bulkhead flange. The second flange is secured at a radially inner joint between the radially inner hood flange and the radially inner bulkhead flange. The IDOS and the ODB define a ratio R1 of IDOS/ODB that is 0.998622-1.001129, and the IDB and the ODIS define a ratio R2 of IDB/ODIS that is 0.998812-1.001388. |
| US08839625B2 |
Gas turbine engine diffuser having air flow channels with varying widths
An exemplary diffuser includes a plurality of air flow channels defined by a corresponding plurality of vanes. The vanes extend from a first side of the diffuser and define a width of the air flow channel between the corresponding plurality of vanes. The first side has at least one tapered surface extending from an inner radial position to an outer radial position. The distance between a tapered surface and a top side of the plurality of the vanes defines a depth of the air flow channel. The width of the air flow channel varies relative to the depth of the air flow channel along the length of the air flow channel. |
| US08839621B2 |
Hybrid power plant
A hybrid power plant is described in which a pressurized water nuclear reactor or a biomass-fueled power plant, which have a relatively low operating temperature, such as, is combined with a coal or other fossil fuel power plant having a higher operating temperature. Steam from the first plant is superheated in the second power plant to provide a hybrid plant with improved efficiencies and lower emissions. |
| US08839618B1 |
Ionic buoyancy engine
A buoyancy engine is provided for use in a saltwater environment. The engine includes a gas filled housing and a buoyancy chamber in the housing. An elastomeric membrane is positioned between the buoyancy chamber interior and the housing interior. A semi-permeable membrane is provided between the buoyancy chamber interior and the saltwater environment. Two electrodes can be positioned with both electrodes in the buoyancy chamber or with one electrode being positioned in the buoyancy chamber and the other being positioned in the saltwater environment. A controller is joined to at least one of the electrodes for controlling an electrical potential between the two electrodes. A power source provides power to the controller. |
| US08839617B2 |
System and method for controlling charging of an accumulator in an electro-hydraulic system
A novel energy saving mode of charging an accumulator in an electro-hydraulic system is disclosed involving toggling the position of a fan isolation valve from the flow-passing position, where the flow is driving a fan motor thereby maintaining a fan in an on position, to the flow-blocking position where the flow is inhibited from driving the fan motor thereby causing the fan to turn off, when the time to charge an accumulator is less than the period of time that the fan may be off and still allow for the cooling requirements of the engine to be satisfied. By diverting fluid flow from driving the fan motor to charging the accumulator, the disclosed energy saving mode allows for a greater flow of fluid to be delivered to the accumulator for charging, making it possible to charge the accumulators quicker and more efficiently while maintaining the cooling requirements of the engine. The energy saving mode of operation may illustratively be used in a hystat fan and hybrid system. |
| US08839615B2 |
Power conversion
A wind energy converter 10 comprises a horizontal axis wind turbine 12 including a plurality of blade members 14 rotatable about a generally horizontal axis. A mass member 16 is movable along the or each blade member 14 under the action of radial forces induced by rotation of the blade members 14 and under the action of gravitational force, and movement of the or each mass member 16 is arranged to provide for conversion of the wind energy. Also described is a power generating system 200, 240 including a heat recovery arrangement 216, comprising a heat exchanger arrangement 218 and an expander 222. |
| US08839614B2 |
Thermoelectric generator for vehicle
A thermoelectric generator for a vehicle is mounted at an exhaust pipe and produces electricity using a temperature difference between the exhaust gas and coolant. The generator includes: a housing; thermoelectric modules mounted at an outer circumferential surface of the housing; a plurality of coolant tubes mounted so as to closely attach the thermoelectric module to the housing; first coolant containers mounted at both ends of the coolant tubes, respectively; and second coolant containers mounted at both ends of the coolant tubes, respectively. The coolant tubes are assembled to the first and second coolant containers as a modularized type, and thus assemblability may be improved and partial replacement of components in case of breakdown may be easily performed. In the coolant tube of the present invention, heat exchange is concentratedly performed at a portion in contact with the thermoelectric module, and thus generation efficiency may be more improved. |
| US08839613B2 |
Heat system for an engine
An exhaust system for an engine is disclosed herein. The exhaust system includes a catalytic converter, a heat collector downstream from the catalytic converter, and a heat transfer system receiving waste exhaust heat via a thermosyphon evaporator for storage and/or use in a cabin heating system. In this way, waste heat is utilized to provide better cabin heating, particularly at engine cold start. |
| US08839612B2 |
Method for operating an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine
A method for operating an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, wherein nitrogen oxide (NOx) is reduced by use of a SCR catalytic converter and wherein the ageing state of the SCR catalytic converter is monitored, characterized in that during a temporally limited phase having a high proportion of nitrogen oxide (NOx) in the exhaust gas, a conversion of said SCR catalytic converter is acquired and evaluated and the ageing state of said SCR catalytic converter is suggested therefrom. |
| US08839610B2 |
Controller of internal combustion engine
This invention has an object to appropriately correct characteristic variation of a PM sensor and to improve detection accuracy of the sensor.The PM sensor has a pair of electrodes for capturing the PM in an exhaust gas, and a sensor output changes in accordance with a captured amount of the PM. If the sensor output gets close to a saturated state, the PM combustion control for combusting and removing the PM between the electrodes by a heater is executed. |
| US08839609B2 |
Exhaust gas processing device for diesel engine
Provided is an exhaust gas processing device for a diesel engine which can carry out sufficient regeneration processing of a DPF. A DPF regeneration control section continues normal regeneration processing by a DPF regeneration control section when an accelerated regeneration starting operation section does not perform accelerated regeneration starting operation after notification of accelerated regeneration requiring information is started. The DPF regeneration control section prohibits the normal regeneration processing, and an accelerated regeneration re-requirement notification section starts notification of accelerated regeneration re-requiring information, when a PM accumulation amount estimate becomes equal to or higher than an accelerated regeneration re-requirement determination value J4. Thereafter, the regeneration processing of the DPF is not carried out unless the accelerated regeneration starting operation section starts the accelerated regeneration starting operation to cause the DPF regeneration control section to carry out the accelerated regeneration processing by the DPF regeneration section. |
| US08839605B2 |
Exhaust methane control systems and methods
A system for a vehicle, includes a conversion temperature determination module and a heating control module. The conversion temperature determination module generates a methane conversion temperature corresponding to a predetermined methane conversion efficiency. The heating control module selectively applies power to a substrate of an electrically heated catalyst (EHC) based on a temperature of the EHC and the methane conversion temperature. The EHC includes at least one catalyst that reacts with methane in exhaust output from an engine. |
| US08839600B2 |
Igniter for a rocket engine, method for ignition of a rocket engine
An igniter for a rocket engine or motor comprising a combustion chamber with a solid fuel, an inlet for supplying an oxidizer to the combustion chamber to ignite the solid fuel and an outlet for discharging exhaust gas, wherein the igniter is arranged to discharge exhaust gas to the rocket engine for igniting the rocket engine. The igniter can be used for multiple ignitions and can also be re-used after re-filling. |
| US08839596B2 |
Label remover for removing labels from bottles
Label remover for removing labels from bottles. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner. |
| US08839593B2 |
Pre-cast blocks for use in column construction
A decorative column comprising a rigid center post, a plurality of pre-cast pieces with each piece having a hole extending therethrough so the pre-cast piece slides onto the center post and remains in place on the center post. Each pre-cast piece being stacked upon another pre-cast piece, the pre-cast pieces being of a predefined shape, and a compressible center core liner filling a portion of the hole of the pre-cast piece. The compressible center core including a cutout shape consistent with the cross sectional shape of the rigid center post thereby allowing passage of the center post through the compressible center core. |
| US08839592B2 |
Dust free construction barrier system
A panelized, reusable barrier system allowing for containment of construction areas in hospitals and other clean room environments. Panels are adjustable in height from 92″ to 120″. Panels are available in 12″, 24″, 36″ and 48″ widths. Door panels consist of a 44″ wide door mounted in a 48″ wide panel. Custom clips secure the top of the panels to suspended ceiling grid. Custom camlock fasteners fasten the panels to each other. Hinged corner posts allow for wall transitions ranging from 10° to 90°. Porting options are available to allow for HEPA filtered air discharge and for monitoring differential air pressure between the work area and the public area. |
| US08839588B2 |
Bracket for use with boardwalk system
A bracket system including a bracket for use with a deck or boardwalk system. The bracket has an upper portion and a lower portion at least partially spaced away from the upper portion. The bracket is configured to receive a portion of the deck or boardwalk system between said upper and lower portions. The bracket further includes a fastener extending between the upper and lower portions and configured to urge the upper and lower portions toward each other to thereby press against the portion of the deck or boardwalk system therebetween to secure the bracket to the portion of the deck or boardwalk system. |
| US08839584B2 |
Device for connecting and locking two building boards, in particular flooring panels
The invention relates to a device for connecting and locking two building boards, in particular floor panels, on their longitudinal sides and/or transverse sides in the horizontal and vertical direction through an essentially vertical joining movement. The building boards have a top side and an underside. On their lateral edges (I, II) to be connected to one another are provided with profiles corresponding to one another, and a locking element is provided in the profile of the first building board, which locking element has an inner end and an outer end and is inserted with the inner end in a groove of the first building board, and which interacts with a locking depression provided in the profile of the second building board such that the two building boards are automatically locked in the vertical direction with the joining movement. The locking element is embodied in a foldable manner at a point distant from its outer end to form a locking finger, and is embodied in a foldable manner at a point distant from its inner end to form a closure. On the lateral edge (I) of the first building board between the top side and the groove a projection springing out outwards is provided. At the end of the joining movement the locking element is folded at both points and the locking finger with the outer end engages on the underside of the projection on the first building board and with its other end engages in the locking depression of the second building board. The closure thereby bears against the locking surface of the locking depression, whereby both building boards are locked in the vertical direction. |
| US08839579B2 |
Remodeling cable protecting plate
A framing construction system is provided that may comprise a cable protecting plate comprising non-metallic material, an upper convex surface, a lower concave surface, a first side edge, a second side edge, a first end, and a second end; an opening provided in wallboard; wherein the protecting plate is substantially rectangular in shape and inserted within the opening in the wallboard, with the lower concave surface being placed over a service line positioned across a structural support to prevent typical fasteners from penetrating the service line; and wherein the protecting plate is pivoted around the structural support and the upper convex surface of the protecting plate resting against an inside surface of the wallboard to secure by tension the protecting plate in the opening in the wallboard. |
| US08839573B2 |
Spring clip
A panel array support assembly has lower support joists supporting varied panel rails, to which are connected panel holding device or clips. The panel clips are spring-based and configured so that the length of each clip extends in a direction along the length of the panel rails. The panels are supported well inside of the edges extending in the same direction as the panel rails. |
| US08839570B1 |
Self-elevating mast employing actuators
A method includes accommodating a first mast section of a mast on a mast cart below a floor of a platform, the mast comprising a plurality of mast sections, and elevating, using actuators located on the mast cart, the first mast section through an opening in the platform. The method also includes attaching the first mast section to the platform using a plurality of holding locks located on the platform, accommodating a second mast section on the mast cart below the floor of the platform, and elevating the second mast section to the first mast section using the actuators. The method also includes attaching the first mast section to the second mast section, detaching the first mast section from the platform, elevating the first mast section and the second mast section through the opening using the actuators, and attaching the second mast section to the platform using the holding locks. |
| US08839566B2 |
Bearing site for a redirecting element
A window lift assembly for a motor vehicle, with a component on which a bearing site is provided for a redirecting element, in particular for a cable pulley or a deflecting piece, is provided. The redirecting element is arranged beside the component at the bearing site along a connecting axis pointing from the redirecting element to the component and the redirecting element redirects a driving force for adjusting a window pane of the motor vehicle. The redirecting element is mounted on the component along the connecting axis and the connecting axis forms a physical axis for mounting the redirecting element. The bearing site supports the redirecting element on an outer surface rimming the redirecting element at least in a direction vertical to the connecting axis, and for supporting the redirecting element the bearing site includes at least one portion protruding from the component. |
| US08839562B2 |
Mortise lock assembly and method of assembling
A mortise lock comprising: a case having opposite inner and outer sides which are horizontally spaced when the mortise lock is mounted on a door; a latchbolt supported by the case for movement between extended and retracted positions, the latchbolt extending from the outer side of the case; an element configured to be operably connected to a latch adjacent a top or a bottom of the door, the element being movably supported by the case and partially extending from the inner side of the case; and a latchbolt bar movably supported by the case, the latchbolt bar having an outer end operably connected to the latchbolt for moving the latchbolt between the extended and retracted positions, and the latchbolt bar having an inner end operably connected to the element for moving the element when the latchbolt bar moves the latchbolt. |
| US08839561B2 |
Door opening/closing structure
Provided is a door opening/closing structure in which the attachment/detachment of the door is easy in the rotatably opening/closing door. In the door opening/closing structure, an axial member attached to a door and an axial member attached to an object to which the door is attached are arranged to oppose each other in at least one position of the rotatably fixed door, wherein one of the two axial members comprises a magnet and the other comprises a magnetic body or a magnet which attracts each other with the magnet. |
| US08839559B2 |
Door urging apparatus
A door urging apparatus, for use with an existing door hingedly mounted in a frame, the door moving between a closed, a crossover, and open states, the door urging apparatus including an offset bracket with a base and an arcuate planar element having a proximal end that extends from the base and a distal end with a first pivotal attachment. Also included is a plate affixed to a frame portion opposite of the hinged mount, the plate having a second pivotal attachment. Further included is a gas spring assembly having a lengthwise cylinder with a telescoping rod, the gas spring provides a dampened force extending the rod outward. The gas spring is pivotally attached between the first pivotal attachment and the second pivotal attachment, wherein operationally the door is urged into the open state by the gas spring and is also urged into the closed state by the gas spring. |
| US08839557B2 |
Automatic door closer
Control devices that operate automatic door controllers and methods of operating automatic door controllers are disclosed. An embodiment of controller control device that operates with an automatic door closer includes a sensor that is attached to the door, the sensor operable to transmit data indicative of the orientation of the door. The controller also includes a receiver that is operable to receive the data from the sensor; monitor the orientation of the door based on the data received from the sensor; transmit a door closing instruction to the automatic door closer when the door orientation has been open for a first period; and pause the transmitting of door closing information to the automatic door closer for a second period when a pause input is received from a user. |
| US08839555B2 |
Apparatus for terrarium systems
An integrated environmental sustaining apparatus for maintaining a terrarium is adapted to simultaneously regulate temperature and deliver water droplets. The apparatus includes three major systems; a thermoelectric device, a water droplet delivery system, and a thermostat. The thermoelectric device is used to release heat or absorb heat. The water droplet delivery system includes a water pump, a water pipe and at least one water droplet dispersing device connected to the water pipe. A section of the water pipe is coupled to the thermoelectric device such that water flowing inside the water pipe will thermally communicate with the thermoelectric device. The thermostat is used to power on or off the thermoelectric device and the water pump in response to the temperature measurement inside the terrarium in relation to a predetermined temperature range determined by a low-temperature setting and a high temperature setting that can be programmed into the thermostat. |
| US08839553B2 |
Bench and planter combination
A kit for a planter is disclosed that has a polygon shape and has a selected number of sides and a same selected number of corners. The kit includes a selected number of bottom corner brackets, a selected number of corner beads, a selected number of top corner brackets, a selected number of top frame corner brackets, and a selected number of pairs of spacer runners that each correspond to the selected number of corners. The kit also includes a planter tub sized to fit within a planter body. The brackets and spacer runners are configured to be connected together to form a skeleton to which boards can be attached to form the planter body. |
| US08839552B1 |
Raised garden bed system including sprinkler system, and the like
Gardening system includes a raised garden bed, the raised garden bed including a garden box having a soil retaining area for plantings. Garden box includes side walls detachably attached together at adjacent free ends forming a corner. A weed barrier provided which extends between the front, back, left, and right side walls of the garden box, and is located at a lower portion of garden box below the soil-retaining area, and weed barrier extends up the side walls up to the height of the side walls. A sprinkler system with sprinklers is provided and can be coupled to a garden hose. Rods are provided having a length the same as the height of the side walls, for holding the garden box together and so that the garden system can be placed on a non-soil surface, such as a deck or the gardener's roof. |
| US08839550B2 |
Rodent station
A rodent station for capturing or trapping mice, rats or other rodents may provide one or more rodent entry points and is sized to receive one or more rodent suppression devices, such as conventional snap traps, ramp traps, glue boards, etc. The rodent station may present a high contrast entrance that is relatively darker than the station enclosure. The station opening size may be adjustable to accommodate both mice and/or rats. An interior receptacle for station maintenance records or other printed material may also be included. |
| US08839548B2 |
Ice fishing indicator device
An ice fishing device enclosed in a housing and configured for indicating that a fish has taken the bait is disclosed. The device provides a curved rod having a portion external to the housing and a portion internal to the housing. The portion inside the housing includes a curved end adapted for resting on a handle tip of the fishing spool. The curved end will release from the handle tip when a fish tugs on the fishing line, thereby moving the spool and the handle tip away from the curved end. Once the curved end is released, the curved rod containing a flag repositions to an upright position, alerting the fisherman that the fish is ready to be pulled out of the ice. |
| US08839546B2 |
Barrel clip for firearm support
A barrel clip of unitary plastic construction is used to securely clip onto the barrel of a firearm and simultaneously is able to hook the firearm to a non-human support such as a fence when, during hiking and/or hunting, there is a need for the hiker and/or hunter to be hands free and out of contact with his/her firearm. This lightweight, inexpensive inventive barrel clip helps prevent clogging and dirtying of the firearm barrel. Further it does not cause damage to the environment in which it is used. It is easily stored in a pocket, on the barrel of the firearm, or clipped onto some convenient item being taken on the hike and/or hunt. |
| US08839542B2 |
Firearm having anti-play buffers
A rifle having a receiver formed of upper and lower receiver portions attached to one another has one or more elastic bodies positioned between facing surfaces of the upper and lower receiver portions. The elastic bodies reduce play or lost motion between the upper and lower receiver portions for improved accuracy. |
| US08839540B2 |
Digital frame cover and decorative wrap
Disclosed is a digital frame cover comprised of two basic components which are utilized in conjunction with each other to decorate the front perimeter of a digital frame. The two primary components of the digital frame cover being (1) a hollow rectangular cover comprising cutouts at various locations, and (2) a “decorative wrap” of interior dimensions which allow the decorative wrap to fit snugly over the exterior of the cover. The cover slides/snaps onto the digital frame. The decorative wrap adheres to, or is magnetically attached to the cover. At the user's prerogative, the decorative wrap may be configured to display one or more of a selection of user-selected designs (i.e., wording, pictures, or appliqués). |
| US08839538B2 |
Tube container with an integral accessory panel
A tube container with an integral accessory panel includes a tube container formed from a selected tube material. The tube container includes a product dispensing end, an intermediate sealing portion, and a filling end opposite the product dispensing end. The sealing portion is adapted to be sealed subsequent to filling the tube container with a selected product. An accessory panel, integrally formed from the selected tube material, is provided between the intermediate sealing portion and the filling end of the tube container. |
| US08839536B2 |
Solar power generation display assembly and method for providing same
The present invention relates to a solar power generation display assembly and methods for providing same involving solar arrays in a display of designated indicia, each solar array containing one or more electronically linked solar modules or cells of a crystalline or amorphous type and other modules. The solar modules and/or portions of the solar modules and other module portions and/or portions of the other module portions within each specific array or display may be static or manipulated electronically or mechanically to provide an enhanced indicia while a programmable display management system enables operation of electrical and mechanical management sub-systems for displaying the indicia. |
| US08839532B2 |
Article of footwear incorporating a knitted component
An article of footwear may include an upper incorporating a knitted component. An inlaid strand extends through the knitted component. A combination feeder may be utilized to inlay the strand within the knitted component. As an example, the combination feeder may include a feeder arm that reciprocates between a retracted position and an extended position. In manufacturing the knitted component, the feeder inlays the strand when the feeder arm is in the extended position, and the strand is absent from the knitted component when the feeder arm is in the retracted position. |
| US08839531B2 |
Footwear
A footwear sole assembly that includes a midsole, a strike pad disposed on the midsole in at least a heel region of the footwear sole assembly, and an outsole disposed on the strike pad. A heel top surface of the footwear sole assembly is elevated between about 4 mm and about 12 mm above a forefoot top surface of the footwear sole assembly. |
| US08839530B2 |
Method of lasting an article of footwear with a fluid-filled chamber
A method of manufacturing an article of footwear may include assembling at least a portion of an upper of the article of footwear, the upper having a lower perimeter edge. A lasting element is secured to the upper adjacent to the lower perimeter edge. The lasting element includes a barrier and a tensile member located within the barrier, the tensile member being secured to opposite sides of the barrier. In addition, a sole structure of the article of footwear is joined to at least one of the upper and the lasting element. |
| US08839522B2 |
Interlocking cutlery and related methods
A utensil that includes a functional end and a handle associated with the functional end. The handle includes a longitudinal axis, a first surface, and a second surface. The first surface includes at least one protrusion configured to separably couple the utensil to a second utensil. The second surface is configured to receive at least a portion of a third utensil. The at least one protrusion is configured such that the utensil and the second utensil are configured to be at least one of coupled and decoupled with respect to one another via relative movement in a plane parallel to a reference plane that intersects a plane extending between the first and second surfaces. |
| US08839521B2 |
Hair cutting apparatus
Described is a hand held hair cutting apparatus that includes a razor blade holder with four finger holes extending through the holder. A razor blade, either straight or arched, can be attached to one edge of the holder. allowing the razor to be easily changed. Placing fingers through the holes in the holder allows a user to securely hold tool using four fingers. The apparatus can also be configured with three finger holes and a finger rest for end finger. |
| US08839520B2 |
Mounted structure, liquid droplet ejection head, liquid droplet ejection apparatus and manufacturing method
A method of manufacturing a device that has a semiconductor element includes: forming a first wiring on a first surface of a first member; forming a second wiring on a second surface of a second member with a gap from a connection terminal and a third wiring on an inclined plane of the second member, the second member being disposed on the first member so that the first and second surfaces face in the same direction, the third wiring being aligned with, and connecting, the first and second wirings; disposing the semiconductor element on the first or second surface; and providing plating that electrically connects the first, second and third wiring with the connection terminal, wherein the connection terminal faces the second wiring, and the plating is provided in the gap between the connection terminal and the second wiring. |
| US08839519B2 |
Method of making cold chassis for electronic modules
A scalable method of edge cooling and making a cold chassis for electronic modules. The steps include fabrication of modular cooling ribs, each including microchannels along the cooling edge and a peripheral flange. A set of adjacent ribs are secured together and assembled onto at least one face of a chassis frame member. The rib flanges are sealed (e.g. friction stir welded) with respect to the frame member. The Application includes new and retrofit environments with increased cooling needs and multi-scaled manufacturing. |
| US08839517B2 |
Spin formed catalyst
A catalytic device and method for forming a catalytic device are described. The devices and methods described can be used for emissions systems in heavy duty diesel engines. In particular, a method of spin forming a catalytic device generally includes disposing a mat about an outer surface of a catalyst substrate and inserting the catalyst substrate and mat inside a shell. The mat is between the shell and the catalyst substrate. The shell, catalyst substrate, and mat can be spin formed into at least a generally elliptical shape but generally other than a circle shape. |
| US08839511B2 |
Method of providing a removable overhead light
A plug-in overhead light is shown with an overhead female type, twist lock, electrical plug. The plug-in overhead light has a male type, twist lock, electrical plug. Upon plugging in the overhead light and twisting to lock, additional structural support for the overhead light is provided. Other than just the twist lock, electrical plug, the junction box is anchored to a ceiling joist and supports the overhead light projecting there below. A decorative cover extends over the junction box and may be used to hold the light globe in position. The male type, twist lock, electrical plug has a bulb socket on the end opposite the electrical plug. |
| US08839510B2 |
Production method for electronic chip component
A production method for an electronic chip component includes the steps of forming a first paste layer by applying paste onto a first end surface of an electronic component body with a second end surface being stuck onto a substrate having an adhesive surface and drying the paste, turning the electronic component body 180 degrees so as to stick the first end surface of the electronic component body onto the substrate by sliding a slider relative to the substrate in a state in which the slider is in contact with the first end surface of the electronic component body, forming a second paste layer by applying the paste onto the second end surface of the electronic component body and drying the paste, and firing the first and second paste layers. |
| US08839499B2 |
Method of manufacturing continuous sucker rod
A method for manufacturing a continuous sucker rod coil, wherein the method includes the step of selecting a plurality of input coils, each input coil having the same uniform hardness, and each input coil having two free ends. The method further includes the step of fusing adjacent free ends of adjacent input coils together to form one continuous length of rod, the fusing creating fused areas and a heat-affected zone at each fused area. The method also includes the step of treating each of the heat-affected zones to alleviate irregularities induced during fusing. Additionally, the method includes the step of winding the continuous length of rod into a finished coil. |
| US08839496B2 |
Flame blocking liner materials
A fire blocking non-woven textile containing a first carded web of char-forming fibers containing aramid or melamine/formaldehyde fiber and a second carded web of oxygen-depleting fibers comprising a blend of polyacrylonitrile copolymer with a halogen comonomer and a polyester polymer. The webs may be needled-punched or thermally bonded and remain as separate layers separating the action of the char forming and oxygen depleting layers to optimize char strength, provide a light weight product, which may satisfy 16 CFR 1633 at thicknesses of up to 3.0 mm. |
| US08839495B2 |
Closure component
A closure component has a plurality of closure components (12) with each disposed on a carrier part (10) by a footer (18). Each has a header (14) connected to the footer (18) by a shaft part (16). The header (14) is jointedly connected to the shaft part (16) by a hinge part (20). Because the footer (18) forms a further hinge part (22), by which the shaft part (16) is jointedly connected to the carrier part (10), improved adhesion to third components can be produced. |
| US08839493B2 |
Paper holder
A paper holder is provided which can reliably hold paper, reliably pull out an uppermost piece of paper one by one and, further, leave a straight and clear torn trace on paper such that dust is hardly produced. The paper holder has a case 10 in which a mount portion 12 including a bottom surface portion 11 and an upper covering portion 15 are detachably engaged and integrally formed, and in which a paper insertion opening 19 is formed, and has in the case 10 a holding piece 20 that holds inserted paper and that is provided with a blade 40. The paper holder has an elastic member 30 that biases the holding piece 20 by means of spring force applied in a direction in which the paper is pulled out. The holding piece 20 is made of a plate body having rigidity, and is axially supported rotatably by an axial support portion 17 that is provided inside the front side front surface portion 15d of the case 10, and further has a longitudinal surface portion 21 that extends from the axial support portion 17 to a bottom surface portion side. The blade 40 is fixed to a blade fixing member 50. The blade fixing member 50 is provided in a surface of the longitudinal surface portion 21 on a paper insertion direction side such that a tip 43 of the blade projects from an end of the longitudinal surface portion 21 on the bottom surface portion side. |
| US08839486B2 |
Press-in element, pre-installation component, component assembly and method
The present invention relates, amongst other things, to a punch-in element having a hollow head part of larger transverse dimension and a hollow shaft part of smaller transverse dimension which projects away from one side of the head part, wherein a ring-like sheet metal contact surface is formed at the said side of the head part and surrounds the shaft part, with a plurality of ribs at the outer periphery of the shaft part which extend in the axial direction along the shaft part from the sheet metal contact surface to close to the free end of the shaft part. A pre-installation component, a component assembly and a method is also claimed. |
| US08839483B2 |
Wiper blade
The invention relates to a wiper blade (10) having a support composed of a plurality of support components (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) that are joined to one another by welding, gluing, or the like and have at least one longitudinal channel (34) incorporating a pre-curved elastic support element (36) and two parallel retaining rails (28) separated by a longitudinal gap (32), for a wiper strip (38), wherein a connecting element (50) is arranged in the center region of the wiper blade (10) for the articulated connection to a wiper arm. It is proposed that at least two support elements in the form of spring bars (36) having a round cross-section are provided in corresponding separate longitudinal channels (34), between which the retaining rails (28) are arranged. |
| US08839480B2 |
Extend-a-brush
Disclosed is a brush holder having a hollow, box-like upper structure with interior contours conformable to the shape of the ferrule and heel of a paintbrush. The lower structure of the brush holder comprises a hollow, primarily longitudinal staff, said staff affixed at its top end to the brush holder. The lower, open end of the staff comprises a circular opening with interior female threads. By use of an extension pole having compatible male threads at one end, a workman, after insertion of a paintbrush into said brush holder, may engage the threads of the brush holder with the threads of the extension pole until a firm and secure attachment is achieved. In this manner, there is provided a greater range of brush contact for applying paint to an otherwise hard-to-reach surface. |
| US08839478B2 |
Railroad track cleaning assemblies and apparatus
Railroad track cleaning assemblies and apparatus are described. An example railroad track cleaning assembly includes a movable carriage movably coupled to a frame to which a plurality of wheels are operably coupled to enable the frame to move on railroad tracks. Additionally, the railroad track assembly includes a shaft rotatably coupled to the movably carriage to receive one or more brushes that are to be rotated and engage one of the railroad tracks and a spring assembly coupled to the movable carriage and to the frame to bias, via the movable carriage, the one or more brushes into engagement with the one of the railroad tracks. |
| US08839476B2 |
Oral care apparatus applied to the removal of dental plaque
An oral care apparatus includes: a care member; an orientation detection unit; an area estimation unit; a light source that emits light having a predetermined wavelength to which plaque reacts; a photoelectric conversion unit that receives light and converts the received light into an electric signal; an image capture unit that causes the light source to irradiate the care area with light, and that obtains image data, based on the electric signal of light reflected from the care area that is converted by the photoelectric conversion unit; a plaque detection unit for detecting an amount of plaque in the care area, based on the image data obtained by the image capture unit; and a storage unit for storing, in a memory, the care area estimated by the area estimation unit and the amount of plaque in the care area detected by the plaque detection unit in association with each other. |
| US08839473B1 |
Air mattress comfort adjustment system
A system, a device and a method for maintaining a consistent preset inflation of an air mattress inflated using a device having at least one sensor sensing relative humidity and temperature, and a controller activating a pump in response to a change in the ambient air condition, the sensor communicating to the controller, the controller selectively activating the pump in response to the change, the pump inflating the mattress to the preset inflation, maintaining consistent inflation of the air mattress. In one embodiment, the sensor communicates the ambient air condition to the controller wirelessly. The sensor is coupled to the controller and the controller is coupled to the pump operative to pump air into the mattress, the controller operative to activate the pump in response to the change in an ambient air condition, maintaining consistent inflation of the air mattress at the preset inflation chosen for comfort. |
| US08839471B2 |
Patient positioning support structure
A patient support system includes independently adjustable columns supporting a hinged bending or breaking patient support structure. At least one column includes at least two sections. A coordinated drive system provides for upwardly breaking and downwardly breaking orientations of the two sections in various inclined and tilted positions. |
| US08839464B2 |
Garment pocket for carrying an object in a concealed state
A garment pocket configured to carry, in a concealed and readily-accessible state, a handgun or other object is disclosed. The garment pocket has a receiving zone where the handgun or other object can be carried. The relative position of the receiving zone can be adjusted for the comfort of the wearer or to increase the concealment of the handgun or object in the receiving zone. In addition, a guard can be positioned on the outer surface of the pocket to prevent objects outside of the pocket from protruding into the receiving zone. |