US07878881B2
A nursing garment is constructed with an outer bodice and an inner bodice, wherein the outer bodice is adapted for pulling up to uncover the inner bodice. The inner bodice has breast-feeding openings located for nursing and infant while wearing the inner bodice. The outer bodice provides breast cups. The outer bodice provides a bra-like support. The inner bodice is stretchable and provides a bra-like support.
US07878879B2
A game call assembly for attracting wild game comprises a game call configured for emitting a call when rotated to an inverted position. A motor when energized rotates a shaft. The game call is coupled to the shaft. A switch selectively electrically connects a power source to the motor. The game call assembly is configured for being mounted to a weapon, and also functions as a stabilizer.
US07878878B2
A Halloween novelty item used for entertainment consisting of a removable reservoir of fluid and a timed electromagnetic valve inside a head that is activated by a motion sensor whereby allowing fluid to expel intermittently out of orifices attached to a tongue when the Halloween novelty item is approached. The expelled fluid is caught by a bucket attached to a slide bracket which is attached to a body panel whereby allowing the bucket to be removable. An assembly attached to a bucket handle consisting of a pair of hooks attached to a pair of hands connected to a pair of flexible arms allows the assembly to detach from the bucket's handle. A stabilization board keeps the novelty item stable. Motion sensors facing different directions are attached to a voice recorder and a speaker allowing messages to play. A hinge and latches attached to the body allows the invention to condense.
US07878873B1
An apparatus for providing thrust adjustment on an underwater vehicle with a propeller shroud is disclosed. A portion of the vehicles body is provided with a compliant surface such that expansion and contraction of the compliant surface affects the flow of water through a channel formed by the vehicle body and the propeller shroud, resulting in variable thrust on the vehicle.
US07878869B2
Provided is a connecting member by which an electric wire can be branched easily with high reliability. Receptacle connecting ends (2a) of a plurality of wire terminals (2) having wires (3) are inserted into a wire terminal inserting hole (1a) of a holder (1), then, a pin terminal (4a) is inserted into a pin terminal inserting hole (1b) of the pin terminal (4a). The pin terminal (4a) is inserted through a tubular contact (2c) of the receptacle connecting ends (2a) arranged in the pin terminal inserting hole (1b), and electricity is carried between the wire terminals (2) through the pin terminals (4a).
US07878865B2
A locking connector for engaging a Universal Serial Bus (“USB”) receptacle, including: a connector housing having a locking cam opening on one side of the connector housing, the connector housing split along a longitudinal axis of the locking connector forming a connector housing gap on the same side of the connector housing as the locking cam opening; a locking cam surface positioned within the locking cam opening in contact with the connector housing; and a pivotable locking cam actuating lever connected to a top of the locking cam surface, the locking cam actuating lever having a locked position and an unlocked position, the locking cam surface in a rotated position expanding the connector housing when the cam actuating lever is in the locked position, the locking cam surface in a relaxed position with the connector housing not expanded when the cam actuating lever is in the unlocked position.
US07878856B2
An electric power outlet apparatus for enabling electric machines containing a communication apparatus to be connected to indoor power wiring used for power-line carrier communications easily in an optimum state is provided. A tap part 3 connected to a power plug 1 through a power cord 2 includes an impedance adjustment unit 30 and power jacks 41, 42, 43, and 44 and is housed in a tap casing 100 schematically shown. The power jacks 41 and 42 are connected directly to the power cord 2 and the power jacks 43 and 44 are connected to the power cord 2 through the impedance adjustment unit 30. Color display parts 51, 52, 53, and 54 for indicating the connection state of the power jacks 41, 42, 43, and 44 to the impedance adjustment unit 30 are provided on the periphery of slots on the surface of the tap casing 100.
US07878854B2
An electrical connector is provided for mounting on a circuit board having first and second vias. The electrical connector includes a housing having a mounting face for mounting along the circuit board, and first and second signal terminals held by the housing. The first and second signal terminals include respective first and second mounting contacts extending outward from the mounting face of the housing. The first and second mounting contacts are configured to be received within the first and second vias, respectively, of the circuit board. The first mounting contact extends a different length from the mounting face of the housing than the second mounting contact.
US07878853B2
A high speed connector with reduced crosstalk utilizes individual connector support frames that are assembled together to form a block of connector units. Each such unit supports a column of conductive terminals in two spaced-apart columns. The columns have differential signal terminal pairs separated from each other by larger intervening ground shields that serve as ground terminals. The ground shields are arranged in alternating fashion within the pair of columns and they are closely spaced together so as to face a differential signal terminal pair. The support frames support the ground and signal terminals utilizing radial spokes in which the spokes take the form of ribs that extend along the inner surfaces of one of the connector halves and define V-shaped air channels.
US07878852B2
A Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory card includes a tube metal housing that is rectangularly-shaped and a Chip-On-Board (COB)-Universal Serial Bus (USB) device and a carrier substrate having a U-block disposed on one side of thereof and vertically extending upwardly from a bottom surface of the U-block, the COB-USB device positioned on the carrier substrate forming a USB card sub-assembly, the USB card sub-assembly being securely located inside the metal housing with the U-block serving to stop the COB-USB device from slipping out of the metal housing.
US07878851B2
Known pumping devices have a connection lid, a connection cap slipped over the connection lid, a hollow chamber formed between the connection lid and the connection cap, and electrical connections that extend through the connection cap into the hollow chamber. It is disadvantageous that when fuels containing water are being pumped, such as ethanol, corrosion can occur at the electrical connections and at the uninsulated cable segments that are exposed to fuel near the electrical connections, for instance at the electrical coils or flexible cables of the carbon brushes, and in the final analysis this leads to an interruption in the electrical contact and thus to failure of the pumping device. In the electrical device of the invention, corrosion of the electrical connections and of the electrical components adjoining them upstream and downstream is avoided entirely or at least greatly diminished. According to the invention, the electrical connections are each provided in separate chambers of the hollow chamber.
US07878839B2
An electrical connector (1) comprises a base (10) with a plurality of contacts (19) received therein, a cover (11) slidably mounted on the base (10), a protecting mechanism (12) comprises a cover plate (13) retained in the cover (11) and a bottom plate (14) retained in the base (10), a cam actuator (16) rotatably assembled to the base (10), the cover (11) and the protecting mechanism (12) for actuating the cover (11) to slid on the base (10), the bottom plate (14) comprises a first plate (142) and a second plate (141), the first plate (142) comprises a base portion (1421) and a first engaging portion (1422) extending curvedly from the end of the body portion (1421).
US07878837B2
A socket connector includes a socket body, a moving plate movably mounted upon the socket body, and an actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism comprises a lid, a first operating lever, and a second operating lever. The first and second operating levers are disposed between the lid and moving plate with opposite tilted angles. The first operating lever has a cam section engaged with a bearing section formed on the moving plate so as to drive the moving plate to move in a substantially horizontal direction.
US07878831B2
An electrical connector (100) electrically connects a first IC package (800) having a first width and a second IC package (900) having a second width different from the first width. The electrical connector includes an insulative housing (2) defining a number of contact recesses (20), a number of contacts (3) inserted in the contact recesses, a connecting member (4) mounted on the insulative housing, and a number of guiding members (6) assembled to the connecting member for guiding the first IC package in the connecting member at a first state, and detachable from the connecting member for facilitating insertion of the second IC package in the connecting member at a second state.
US07878829B2
A floatable electrical connector assembly comprises a fixed housing (10) defining a front receiving frame (112) having an edge section (113). A movable housing (20) is discretely and movably attached to the fixed housing (10) in an up-to-down direction and adapted to be rested on the edge section of the receiving frame. One of the movable housing and the fixed housing defines a mating bar (217) while the other one of the movable housing and the fixed housing has a receiving slot (119) defining an enclosed boundary for receipt of the mating bar so as to permit the movable housing stably movable relative to the fixed housing in the up-to-down direction.
US07878828B1
An electrical socket with a safety feature that prevents accidental shock due to insertion of an object or objects other than a typical electrical plug configuration. The socket ‘hot’ side conductor is not energized if an object is inserted into any single plug tang location, or if multiple objects are inserted independently, in any combination, of the socket plug tang locations.
US07878827B2
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing, a number of electrical contacts and an IC (Integral Circuit). The insulative housing has a body and a contact insert received in the body. The electrical contacts are secured to the contact insert and each has a mating end, a solder end projecting out of the insulative housing and a connecting end located therebetween. The IC is bonded to contact insert for electrical connecting with the connecting ends of the electrical contacts, respectively.
US07878826B2
There is provided a card connector having a metallic ejection member. A card connector, in which a card accommodating space is formed by a base member and a cover member, comprises a plurality of contacts arranged on the base member, an ejection member capable of moving relative to the base member in a longitudinal direction, a compression coil spring biasing the ejection member rearward, and a heart cam mechanism including a heart cam and a cam groove. The ejection member includes a card push portion, a body, on a forward portion of which a coil spring accommodating space is formed, on a rear portion of which a swinging space is formed, and a coupling portion. The ejection member is formed integrally from a metallic sheet. The coil spring accommodating space and the swinging space are arranged in a row on the same line in a longitudinal direction.
US07878825B2
In a lever-type connector, a lever 70 is pivotally mounted on a second connector housing 60, and by operating an operating portion 71 of the lever toward a fitting side, the second connector housing is fitted to a first connector housing 10. By operating the operating portion to a cancellation side opposite to the fitting side, the fitted condition is canceled. A detection member 50 is slidably mounted on the first connector housing. When the lever is pivotally moved to a completely-fitting operating position where the two connector housings are properly fitted together, the detection member can be slid, and the thus slid detection member tells a completely-operated condition of the lever, and also prevents the operating portion of the lever from being operated to be moved toward the cancellation side. When the lever is stopped in a half-fitting operating position before the completely-fitting operating position, the detection member interferes with the operating portion of the lever, and is prevented from sliding movement, and tells an incompletely-operated condition of the lever.
US07878822B2
A sealed power distribution module includes a nonconductive body defining a terminal receptacle, a barrier seal engaged to and surrounding the body adjacent the receptacle on an exterior surface of the body, a terminal element grid fitted within the receptacle, and provisions for installing commercially available sealed terminals to complete the wiring. The grid is engaged to the body at a location interior to the barrier seal. The power distribution module may also include one or more bus bar assemblies oriented such that simultaneous switching of relay packages is possible.
US07878817B2
An electrical contact (1) includes an upper extending portion (11), a lower extending portion (12) and a bridge portion (13). The upper extending portion includes a first contact portion (111), a C-shaped connecting portion (1121) connecting with the first contact portion and a tail portion (1122) extending downwardly from a free end of the C-shaped connecting portion. The lower extending portion includes a second contact portion (121), a vertical portion (1222) and an inclined portion (1221) connecting with the second contact portion and the vertical portion. The bridge portion is integrally formed between the tail portion and the vertical portion. One of the upper extending portion and the lower extending portion is rotated around the bridge portion to form an angular relationship between the planes of the upper and lower portions.
US07878815B2
An electrical connector (100) assembled into a hinge (200), includes an insulative housing (1) defining a receiving cavity (110) running through a mating face (114) thereof and a plurality of contacts (2, 3) received and retained in the housing. The housing defines a plurality of receiving grooves (1251, 1252, 1253) running through a rear face (125) opposite to the mating face and communicating with the receiving cavity and at least one arc shaped side face (113) connecting with the mating face. The contacts are received and retained in the corresponding receiving grooves. Each of the contacts (2) defines a retaining portion (21), a contacting portion (22) extending forwards from the retaining portion and projecting into the receiving cavity, and a soldering portion (23) extending downwards from the retaining portion and received in the hinge.
US07878803B2
A method for correction of the form of dental alveolar arch relates to medicine and can be used in orthodontics for correction of the form of dental alveolar arch in the lingual and vestibular directions. The method intensifies correction of the form of alveolar process and increases convenience of the device usage. The method may be realized through fitting of an orthodontic device in the cavity of the mouth, its periodic removal and activation and influence on teeth by forward and rotary forces. In intervals between periodic activations through repeated removal of forces developed by the device, teeth are influenced by forces of masticatory muscles.
US07878801B2
An apparatus for monitoring orthodontic treatment compliance includes an appliance adapted to be worn over one or more teeth; and a compliance indicator mounted on the appliance to indicate compliance.
US07878793B2
A lip product remixing kit contains tools that provide for recovering unused cosmetic lip material from applicator containers, and remixing and remolding the materials to form reconstituted cosmetic lip products. Using the kit, one may re-color their lip product by combining two or more lip products so as to customize the overall appearance (color and shape) and consistency of the product as desired by the user. The kit also provides tools needed to recover the unused lipstick material in the base of an applicator tube and to re-mold the material into a new stick that may be inserted into a new or used applicator tube. Other uses for the kit are to repair a broken lipstick and reformulate a lipstick into lip gloss. In a preferred embodiment, the kit includes spatulas, mixing/measuring containers, storage containers, lip product applicator tubes with stickers, instructions, a tube of clear gloss and a mold for forming reconstituted sticks of lipstick.
US07878792B2
A support arrangement retains several calibration dies of a calibrating device disposed one after the other in the extrusion direction on a calibrating table of an extrusion plant. The support arrangement includes a support plate and a mounting plate separate from it. A joint arrangement is disposed between the support plate and the mounting plate and enables the support plate to be spatially displaced relative to the mounting plate.
US07878786B2
An apparatus for producing a tubular tissue scaffold having aligned biopolymer fibrils including a biopolymer gel dispersion feed pump that is operably connected to a tube-forming device having an exit port, where the tube-forming device is capable of producing a tube from the gel dispersion while providing an angular shear force across the wall of the tube, and a liquid bath located to receive the tubular tissue scaffold from the tube-forming device.
US07878781B2
A gear pump for operating with reduced likelihood of cavitation occurrences in the fluid being pumped thereby, the pump having a pair of gears each supported on a corresponding one of a pair of gear with teeth provided in each gear that mesh with at least one tooth of the other when such teeth have been rotated into a meshing region in the gear plane, and with one of the gear shafts being rotatably connectable to a motor. Bearing structures rotatably support corresponding ones of each of the pair of gear shafts with the bearing structures having bearing surfaces adjacent those gear sides. A pressurized fluid passageway is provided in at least one of the bearing structures across from the meshing region and extending between surface openings at the bearing surface of that bearing structure that are positioned on opposite sides of an alignment axis in that bearing surface, the surface openings being separated from one another by at least the width of a tooth provided in the pair of gears.
US07878777B2
A scroll compressor is disclosed. A plurality of grooves (85) communicating with each other are formed on a sliding surface of a thrust bearing (53) subjected to the axial force received by a movable scroll (32). The areas surrounded by the plurality of the grooves (85) make up a plurality of insular pressure receiving portions (83) independent of each other. The pressure receiving portions (83) represent at least one half of the area of the sliding surface.
US07878775B2
A scroll compressor includes a feature for location of a housing shell section off of one of the scroll compressor bodies. According to this aspect, a scroll compressor comprises a housing including a shell section; scroll compressor bodies having respective bases and respective scroll ribs that project from the respective bases and which mutually engage about an axis for compressing fluid; and a drive unit operative to facilitate relative movement between the scroll compressor bodies. The shell section is located axially relative to a remainder of the housing off of one of the scroll compressor bodies.
US07878774B2
A Moineau style stator includes a helical cavity component having reinforced helical lobes. The lobes are reinforced with a three-dimensional network of physically bonded aggregate particles. The network of bonded aggregate provides a porous skeletal-like structural reinforcement. Pore volume between the bonded aggregate particles may optionally be partially or substantially filled with an elastomer. An elastomer liner is typically deployed on an inner surface of the helical lobes to promote a rotational interference fit with a rotor.
US07878767B2
There is provided, in one embodiment, a ball valve for regulating the flow of petroleum fluids therethrough. The ball valve is capable of transitioning between an open and a closed position. The ball valve includes in one embodiment a hydraulic piston, containment union, ported stem, containment cage and drag plunger, and is adapted to regulate the flow of fluid northward through the valve. A ball and seat should be positioned above these components, so that the hydraulic piston may extend therethrough. More specifically, during a pump downstroke, fluid enters the drag plunger, moves northward through the containment cage and into the interior of the ported stem, exits the interior of the ported stem and enters a plurality of angled veins, which impart cyclonic motion on fluid passing northward therethrough, assisting in the removal of debris. Also during the downstroke, a pedestal portion of the hydraulic unseats the ball from the seat. During the upstroke, the piston withdraws, permitting the ball to come to rest on the seat, closing the valve.
US07878760B2
A method for operating a wind power plant, in which the wind power plant (10) has a multiplicity of components, but at least one rotor (18) with at least one rotor blade (22) and a generator for converting the mechanical energy of the rotor (18) into electrical energy and possibly a tower (14) on which the rotor (18) is arranged. Counterforces which counteract forces acting on the component (22), particularly wind loads, can be introduced into at least one component during the movement of rotation of the rotary blade (22).
US07878759B2
Method and apparatus for providing a turbofan blade 40 adapted to initiate and control a boundary layer transition at a side surface of the blade 40 during operation as a component in a turbofan assembly 35. The turbofan blade 40 includes a leading edge 55, a trailing edge 58, and two side surfaces including a high-pressure side surface 49 and a low-pressure side surface 52. At least one of the two side surfaces has an essentially smooth surface portion 61 located between the leading and trailing edges, and the essentially smooth surface portion is interrupted by a surface deviation 64. The surface deviation is configured to fix a positionally unstable laminar to turbulent boundary layer transition 24 at a location toward the trailing edge from the surface deviation during operation of the turbofan blade in the turbofan assembly. In this manner, fatigue inducing and/or structurally damaging unsteady aerodynamic forces experienced upon the blade and/or fan disc during operation are controlled, and the resultant fluctuating fan blade and disc peak stresses are mitigated.
US07878751B2
A rear eject body for a truck is provided. The body includes a floor and a pair of opposing sidewalls. A tailgate extends between the opposing sidewalls at a rear end of the rear eject body. The tailgate is pivotally supported for movement between an open position and a closed position. An ejector is supported in the rear eject body for movement between a retracted position at a forward end of the body and an extended position at the rear end of the body. A tailgate actuation assembly moves the tailgate between the open and closed positions in response to movement of the ejector between the retracted and extended positions. An ejector guide assembly includes sleds that slide in guide tracks to thereby guide the ejector as the ejector moves between the retracted and extended positions.
US07878744B2
A fibrous microencapsulated washer is provided for sealing and retaining a fastener. The fibrous microencapsulated washer includes a substrate and a coating of a microencapsulated material on the substrate. The fibrous microencapsulated washer includes an aperture extending therethrough to receive a fastener, whereby a radial installation of the fastener causes the microencapsulated material to react on the substrate to form a seal and to adhesively secure the fastener to a workpiece.
US07878743B2
A vehicle article carrier system employing a pair of support rails adapted to be secured to the sidewalls of a bed of a pick-up truck. Attached to the sidewalls are a pair of tie-down assemblies that can be fixedly secured at various points along each of the support rails. A load bar assembly is also included that can be quickly and easily attached to and detached from the tie-down assemblies. When the load bar is not in use, the tie-down assemblies can be used in connection with external bungee cords, nylon straps or other fastening implements to help restrain articles within the bed of the vehicle.
US07878738B2
A milling cutter, such as a surface or face milling cutter, and a cutting insert for a milling cutter. 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.
US07878735B2
The marine pipelaying system for vertical or near vertical laying of an offshore pipeline (20) includes a main supporting structure (5); a pipe connecting station (30), wherein a pipe section (21) is connected to an uppermost end (20a) of a previously launched pipeline; a static clamp (35) adapted for releasably securing the uppermost end of the previously launched pipeline, wherein the static clamp is adapted to support the weight of the<->previously launched pipeline; a mobile clamp (40) adapted for releasably securing the previously launched pipeline at a position below the static clamp, wherein the mobile clamp is adapted to support the weight of the offshore pipeline as the offshore pipeline is released from the static clamp; and a mobile clamp hoist (10) connected to the mobile clamp.
US07878733B2
An erosion protection device is described which is made of two or more components. Each component has an edge, surfaces on respective sides of the edge and at least one joining portion (a joining portion of a component comprises a recess in the edge and receiving portions on respective sides of the edge). Each recess has a base which is indented relative to the edge, and sidewalls which diverge as they extend from the base out to the edge. The receiving portions diverge relative to each other with the same slope as the sidewalls as they extend from adjacent the base of the recess away from the edge towards the respective surfaces. When joining two components together, a bonding medium is applied to the joining portion on one or both components. The joining portions are then brought together such that the space between the sidewalls and receiving portions of one component and the receiving portions and sidewalls respectively of the other component diminishes thereby squeezing the bonding medium therebetween as the components come together.
US07878731B2
A composition and method of use of said composition for soil stabilization is disclosed. The composition comprises a solution of soluble sodium silicate applied at the disclosed application rate to improve the load bearing capacity for a roadway. The method of the invention addresses the application of the disclosed composition to maximize stabilization of road beds.
US07878729B2
A ring binder mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages includes an elongate plate supporting two hinge plates for pivoting movement relative to the elongate plate. Ring members move with the pivoting movement of the hinge plates between a closed position for retaining loose-leaf pages on the mechanism and an open position for adding or removing pages from the mechanism. An actuating lever is mounted on the elongate plate for moving the ring members between their closed and open positions and for moving a travel bar in translation lengthwise of the elongate plate. A connector connects the lever to the travel bar so that the pivoting movement of the lever causes the translational movement of the travel bar. The connector is shaped to transfer force from the lever to the travel bar around a mounting post.
US07878726B2
An inner barrel is slidably inserted into an outer barrel, chuck pieces which hold a stick-shaped material is provided at a tip end portion of the inner barrel, a chuck ring is inserted between the chuck pieces and the outer barrel, an elastic member receiving part is provided at part of an inner peripheral surface in a circumferential direction of the outer barrel, an elastic member receiving part is provided at part of an outer peripheral surface in the circumferential direction of the inner barrel, and a coil spring is placed at part in a circumferential direction of the outer barrel and the inner barrel between the elastic member receiving part and the elastic member receiving part, and urges the inner barrel with respect to the outer barrel.
US07878724B2
A roll paper printer having a cover movable between an open and closed position with the printer having hooks on locking levers disposed to the cover to hold the cover in the locked position upon engaging pins located on the printer body side and having an opening lever to unlock the cover. The printer also includes a paper cutter device having a stationary knife which is attached to the cover and contact plate parts which extend from the stationary knife for contacting the front panel part on the printer body and having extension springs disposed in tension for pulling the stationary knife towards the back of the printer such that upon closing the cover the contact plate parts push the cover to the front of the printer. This causes the hooks of the locking levers to press from the back against the engagement pins to eliminate any play in the cover when in cover is in the locked position and to assist in opening the cover when the cover opening lever is operated.
US07878714B2
Clutch release bearing device, including an operating element, a rolling bearing furnished with rolling elements, with a non-rotating ring provided with a radial portion facing inwards and having a central opening, and with a rotating ring, the said rolling bearing being mounted on the operating element with which it may move axially, and a self-alignment sleeve placed between the non-rotating ring and the operating element and provided with a plurality of elastic ribs facing inwards.
US07878704B2
The invention concerns a double-chamber device for mixing at least two viscous substances, comprising: cylindrical and coaxial first and second communicating vessels, each hermetically sealed at one end by a mobile piston, and provided at its second end with a slightly conical bottom end, the two vessels being arranged, preferably vertically, in mirror symmetry relative to a meridian plane perpendicular to their common axis; a central mixing element connecting the two vessels at the two slightly conical bottom ends; and a high pressure hydraulic device for automatically activating the pistons in a coordinated reciprocating movement. A worm screw injection device in communication with one of the vessels or with the mixing element may be used to inject the substances. Mixing of substances may include driving the pistons in a coordinated reciprocal motion to collapse one vessel while expanding the other, forcing the substances through the central mixing element.
US07878698B2
A backlight unit and a liquid crystal display device improve uniformity of a luminance and a color of a display surface. The backlight unit includes a light source device and a circuit board, the light source device including a first board and a plurality of point light sources connected in series, the plurality of point light sources being arranged on the first board, and the circuit board including a second board, a driving circuit for the plurality of point light sources, and a variable resistance device, the driving circuit for the plurality of point light sources and the variable resistance device being arranged on the second board, wherein a resistance adjusting element of the variable resistance device is exposed to an outside, and at least one point light source arranged on an end side among the plurality of point light sources is connected in parallel to the variable resistance device.
US07878697B2
A high power LED lamp comprises a container having a cavity to fill with a liquid, a light source module for providing a high power LED source light to penetrate through the liquid, and an axial thermal conductor having a first portion nearby the light source module and a second portion extending in the liquid along an axial direction of the cavity to far away from the light source module to evenly transfer heat from the light source module through the liquid to the container.
US07878694B2
A vehicular lamp has a lamp unit disposed within a lamp housing, a right-left actuator capable of tilting the lamp unit in a right-left direction, the right-left actuator having a rotational shaft connected to the lamp unit, and an up-down actuator capable of tilting the lamp unit in an up-down direction, the up-down actuator having a retractable shaft connected to a support member that supports the lamp unit. The right-left actuator and the up-down actuator are provided within a single actuator housing. An axial direction of the rotational shaft and an axial direction of the retractable shaft are positioned within an identical plane.
US07878691B2
An LED road lamp includes a heat dissipater module containing circuit boards, LED chips, and a cooling fin seat; and a completely sealed power supply. By directly using the cooling fin seat as an outer cover of a road lamp to contact with atmosphere for cooling, and directly transmitting heat from the LED chips and the circuit boards to a stand pipe, a dual cooling effect is achieved. Heat of the power supply is dissipated from the stand pipe through its sealed outer casing, to largely increase cooling area, lower temperature, and increase a cooling efficiency, preventing the power supply from being affected by ambient weather. Therefore, lifetimes of usage of the LED circuit boards, the LED chips, and the power supply are prolonged, the circuit boards are quickly assembled on and disassembled from a cooling base, and convenience in assembling and disassembling the circuit boards is improved.
US07878684B2
A lighting system includes a rod rotatably mounted between a first support and a second support, and a light cord attached to the rod, the light cord including a plurality of light strings having a first end attached to the light cord and a second end free from the light cord. Each light string includes a plurality of lights. Each of the plurality of light strings have a use position in which the second end dangles from the rod and a stowed position in which each of the plurality of light strings are substantially wrapped around the rod. The lighting system further includes an activating mechanism for rotating the rod to transfer the plurality of light strings between the use position and the stowed position.
US07878678B1
The safety beacon of the present invention includes an arrangement of light emitting diodes (LEDs) controlled by a controller circuit and preferably powered by a rechargeable battery source. The rechargeable battery source will recharge when coupled to any appropriate power source, including a power outlet within a vehicle and a conventional wall power outlet. Further, when coupled to such a power source, the safety beacon will draw power for operation from the power source without using the battery source. The safety beacon encases the LEDs with a base preferably of a hard rubber casing and an outer housing forming a lens and preferably made of a high impact clear plastic. The safety beacon includes a port and connecting cable so that multiple safety beacons can be strung together. In such a configuration, the multiple safety beacons are configured to share power with all safety beacons within the chain. Preferably, the safety beacon includes a magnet within its base for affixing the safety beacon to metal surfaces, such as the surface of an automobile. The safety beacon also preferably is operated either manually or by a remote control device.
US07878676B2
A cosmetic housing (100) includes a first member (101) and a second member (103) couplable with the first member (101), such that a cosmetic (501) is enclosed between the first member (101) and the second member (103), wherein a surface of the first member (101) extends partially and not completely along a part of the outer surface of the second member (103), wherein the first member (101) retains the second member (103).
US07878666B2
An image recording apparatus includes an apparatus body, a recording section for forming an image, a display panel assuming upright and laying posture with respect to the apparatus body by pivoting on a predetermined axis, and a covering member having a first end and a second end. The first end is mounted pivotably on one of the apparatus body and the back surface of the display panel. The second end engages slidably with the other of the apparatus body and the back surface of the display panel. Accordingly, the covering member can be accommodated substantially in parallel with the back surface of the display panel. As a result, when the display panel is laid down, it is low in height, thereby making the image recording apparatus to be compact.
US07878664B2
A projector includes a projecting module for projecting a projecting image on a screen panel, an image sensor for capturing an image of an object which is located outside of the projecting module and faces toward the lens module, a light director, and a controlling unit. The projecting module has a lens module and a light source for emitting light transmitting through the lens module. The light director is movable between a first position where the light director is located outside of a light path associated with the lens module, and a second position where the light director is configured for directing light of the object through the lens module to be incident on the image sensor. The controlling unit controls the light director to move between the first and second positions.
US07878663B2
Provided is an image display apparatus, including: a light modulation element; an illumination optical system which includes at least one light source unit including a plurality of light emitting units two-dimensionally arranged and illuminates the light modulation element; and a projection optical system for enlarging and projecting an image of the light modulation element onto a projection surface, in which: an image of the plurality of light emitting units is imaged at a position corresponding to a stop of the projection optical system; the stop has an aperture shape of rotational asymmetry or of two-fold symmetry; and the plurality of light emitting units have illuminance intensities each independently controlled.
US07878646B2
A modular camera assembly includes a camera module. The camera module includes a camera, and a first body which supports the camera and terminates in a first connector opposite the camera. The camera includes a view finder, a lens, and a movable protective cover which can be moved to cover the view finder and lens. The camera further includes an image sensor which can capture an image through the lens that is viewed with the view finder. A printer module includes an elongate second body which terminates in a second connector. The second connector can connect with the first connector so that the bodies together form a barrel of substantially uniform diameter. The second body defines a pair of longitudinally extending and opposite slots. The second body houses a printer which can print the captured image on a sheet of print media which passes through the slots.
US07878645B2
A mobile device is provided which has first and second body sections movable relative to each other between operative and inoperative configurations of the device, a printhead for printing onto a media substrate, and a media feed path for feeding the media substrate past the printhead. The media feed path extends from the first body section into the second body section when in the operative configuration.
US07878631B2
A piezoelectric layer held between a first electrode on a substrate side and a second electrode formed on a surface of the piezoelectric layer facing away from the first electrode is formed of a ferroelectric material with a perovskite crystal structure, and the ratio of the surface roughness of the piezoelectric layer to the surface roughness of the first electrode falls within the range of 0.58 to 1.60.
US07878630B2
A printhead assembly for an inkjet printer includes an elongate attachment member for attachment to a main body of the printer and defining a number of ink feed tubes extending through the attachment member to be in fluid communication with an ink supply from the main body. An elongate ink channel assembly is mounted longitudinally on the attachment member and defines a number of longitudinally extending ink channels in fluid communication with respective feed tubes. The ink channels include a central ink channel and at least one ink channel on each side of the central ink channel. A series of elongate printhead integrated circuits is mounted serially along the ink channel member and in substantial alignment with the central ink channel. The printhead integrated circuits define longitudinally extending rows of ink inlets and the ink channel assembly defines a plurality of ink openings in fluid communication with the ink inlets and the ink channels.
US07878628B2
An inkjet printer with a nozzle plate that has an exterior surface with formations for reducing its co-efficient of static friction. By reducing the co-efficient of static friction, there is less likelihood that paper dust or other contaminants will clog the nozzles in the nozzle plate. Static friction, or “stiction” as it has become known, allows dust particles to “stick” to nozzle plates and thereby clog nozzles. By patterning the exterior of the nozzle plate with raised formations, dust particles can only contact the outer extremities of each formation. This reduces friction between the particles and the nozzle plate so that any particles that contact the plate are less likely to attach, and if they do attach, they are more likely to be removed by printhead maintenance cleaning cycles.
US07878624B2
An image forming apparatus in which air or dust does not enter a recording liquid tube when an ink cartridge is changed is disclosed. An engine unit, in which an image forming section and a sub scanning direction paper carrying section are integrated as one unit, is removably attached to an apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus. Further, an ink cartridge storing section, in which an ink cartridge is removably stored, is integrated into the engine unit, and is changed together with the engine unit. In addition, a carriage, the recording liquid tube, and the ink cartridge storing section are removed as one unit from the engine unit.
US07878620B2
A liquid-droplet ejecting apparatus has a drawing mechanism and an ejection head. The ejection head has a nozzle face and a protection plate. The protection plate has a frame portion and a first end positioned at a first widthwise plane, and a second end positioned at a second widthwise plane. The protection plate has a first and a second opening formed therethrough. The first opening is in fluid communication with the nozzles, and the second opening provides fluid communication with the nozzles and an exterior of the ejection head. A cap member selectively contacts the nozzle face and the protection plate, and the drawing mechanism operates in a first mode in which the cap member covers the first and the second opening, and a second mode in which the cap member covers only one of the first and the second opening.
US07878619B2
A maintenance method of a fluid ejecting apparatus having a fluid ejection head. A cap member faces an ejection region of the ejection head and a portion thereof facing the ejection region covers a space that includes the ejection surface. When the space covered by the cap member is to be uncovered, the facing portion of the cap member is tilted with respect to the ejection head. Fluid is then ejected from a first portion of the ejection region toward a predetermined region of the facing portion. The ejection head is then moved, and a second portion of the ejection region behind the first portion is positioned so as to overlap the predetermined region in a plan view. Fluid is then ejected from the second portion toward the predetermined region, and the potential difference resulting from the ejection of the fluid from the ejection head is detected.
US07878615B2
A system for detecting failures in a sensitive region of an inkjet printhead is described. The system includes an inkjet printer that uses a printhead for printing an image on a substrate. The image has a sensitive portion that is more sensitive to printing failures than the rest of the image. The printhead includes a first portion that prints an area of the substrate corresponding to the sensitive portion of the image. A radiant energy source is used with a photodetector located downstream from the printhead to detect background florescence from the substrate in the area of the substrate corresponding to the sensitive portion of the image that should be quenched by printing of the image. If background fluorescence is detected, a failure is indicated.
US07878610B2
An information recording apparatus into which an information recording medium is loaded, in which a label can be printed on a label surface of the loaded information recording medium is disclosed. The apparatus includes: an information recording means positioned on the recording surface side of the information recording medium; a print head positioned on the opposite side of the information recording means and the information recording medium and configured to print a label; and a print head moving means for moving the print head at a position shifted from the rotational center of the information recording medium in parallel with the radial direction of at least in the part of the information recording medium.
US07878595B2
Operation force required for pivot operation of a movable body can be set almost constant independent of variation in the angular position of the pivoting. A pivot mechanism (tumble mechanism (10A)) has a floor-side member (B) fixed to a predetermined position; a seat-side member (12) connected to the floor side member (B) by hinge coupling so as to be pivotable in a predetermined angle range; and a torsion spring member (14)provided to urge the seat side member (12)in the opposite direction to gravity that acts on the seat side member (12). The pivot mechanism is constructed such that weight moments about a pivot center (13a) acting on the seat-side member (12) as the pivot mechanism move varies. The torsion spring member (14) has an urging the section (14b) for urging the seat seat member (12) and a support section (14a) that is supported by the floor side member (B). The support section (14b)is disposed at a position between a pivot track of the urging section (14b) produced by the pivoting of the pivot mechanism and the pivot center (13a).
US07878592B2
A seat apparatus for a vehicle includes a first lock mechanism switching between a first locked state and a first lock-released state and a second lock mechanism switching between a second locked state and a second lock-released state. The first lock mechanism includes a restraining member and a releasing member. The restraining member restrains a pivotal movement of a seatback at a predetermined angle position, at which the seatback does not interfere with a seat cushion moving between a first position and a second position thereof, when the second lock mechanism is in the second lock-released state. The releasing member is linked to the restraining member and releases a restriction to the pivotal movement of the seatback by being moved in association with a movement of the seat cushion when the second lock mechanism is in the second lock-released state.
US07878588B2
The present invention relates to a unitary seat cover for accommodating a child safety seat upon a vehicle seat having an adjustable upper protective panel and a lower protective panel which are integrally attached by a fold line forming a unitary elongated cover.
US07878586B2
A system for anticipating the needs of at least one passenger onboard a mobile platform (such as a train, marine vessel, aircraft or automobile) is provided. The system includes a passenger seating area for receipt of the passenger. The passenger seating area includes a seat that has a seat back that moves into a reclined position, a tray table that is operable to be positioned to provide a surface for use by the at least one passenger, and a light source disposed for illumination of at least a portion of the passenger seating area. The system includes a camera that acquires an image of the passenger, and a gesture control module that generates activity data that includes at least one activity that the passenger is performing as recognized in the image of the at least one passenger acquired by the camera. The system further includes a smart control module that moves the seat back, positions the tray table, activates or deactivates the light source and performs combinations thereof based on the activity data.
US07878563B2
A combination chopstick utensil may comprise a first chopstick member and a second chopstick member. A base may be coupled to each of the first and second chopstick members; wherein the base may include a first transition member. The base may also include a second transition member, wherein the second transition member may be coupled to the first transition member along an interior edge. The first and second transition members may be selectably coupleable. The base may further include a separation facilitation structure between the first and second transition members and configured to facilitate separation of the first and second transition members. The separation facilitation structure may include a groove between the first and second transition members. The combination chopstick utensil may also include a utensil coupled to the base and extending therefrom substantially opposite of the first and second chopstick members.
US07878562B2
A carrier blade for transferring a semiconductor wafers into and out of a deposition chamber may include transition surfaces sloping downward from ledge surfaces. The transition surfaces slope from the corresponding ledges at angles that are greater than about 90 degrees so that the edges between the ledge surfaces and the transition surfaces are not sharp. The carrier blade may include bevels extending from the ledge surface(s) to upper lateral edges of the carrier blade.
US07878554B2
An anchor washer for anchoring a first element and a second element in relative engagement, includes an annular portion from which there extends at least one tooth that is inclined relative to a central axis of the annular portion, the annular portion being designed for mounting on the first element, and the tooth having two side faces between which there extends a rubbing surface for being oriented substantially towards the second element, the surface being connected to the side faces via coupling portions, the tooth being shaped so that at least one of the coupling portions is set back from at least a portion of the surface so that the coupling portion is kept at a distance from the second element. A coupling device including such a washer is also disclosed.
US07878547B2
A seatbelt anchor assembly for a motor vehicle seatbelt restraint system. The anchor assembly includes an anchor and a separate ferrule component. The anchor forms an engagement for the seatbelt and has an extending plate end. The ferrule component is adapted to be mounted to the vehicle through various means such as cable or direct mechanical fastener attachment. The ferrule forms a U-shaped cross-section which engages with the anchor and interlocks with it. In one embodiment, a retaining clip is provided enabling the anchor and ferrule components to be assembled without tools. A pair of holes is provided to enable final connection to be provided through a threaded fastener. Features are provided to prevent to make it apparent that the components are improperly assembled.
US07878539B2
An airbag module includes a bag wrap, a retainer, an airbag, and an inflator to inflate the airbag. The airbag includes at least one vent hole, and a deployment control flap to change trajectory of the airbag such that the airbag will deploy upwards and laterally to left and right sides. The deployment control flap is fixed at both ends to the retainer, airbag, or bag wrap.
US07878530B2
A rear-impact airbag apparatus for use in a vehicle has an inflator and an airbag accommodated in an accommodation portion formed in the roof of the vehicle. When supplied with gas from the inflator, the airbag pops out of the accommodation portion and is inflated and deployed. A lateral inflatable cell and a pair of left and right vertical inflatable cells are defined in the airbag. The lateral inflatable cell guides gas from the inflator to flow outward in the vehicle width direction. Each vertical inflatable cell guides gas flowing therein from a corresponding end of the lateral inflatable cell to flow substantially downward. The gas flowing path cross-sectional area of a boundary between the lateral inflatable cell and each vertical inflatable cell is larger than the gas flowing path cross-sectional area of the lateral inflatable cell. This permits gas to smoothly flow through the boundaries between the lateral inflatable cell and the vertical inflatable cells, at which the gas flowing direction is greatly changed.
US07878520B2
Disclosed is an overdrive system for a bicycle, which increases the speed through use of a combination of a plurality of sprockets and ratchet wheels, and which drives with less power where a user steps on a pedal of a drive lever using the principle of a lever as overdrive generating means.
US07878513B2
An embodiment of this invention is an apparatus for floor installation, repair, cleaning or ground proximity work. This apparatus is comprised of a curved base board with the curvature towards the ground covered by a protective cushion with massaging surface for comfort of knees, three or more independently lockable wheels, an adjustable angle and height seat covered by spring loaded matt and cushion for comfort and a brake system with handle for manual braking and exertion of force to the work surface. This apparatus also includes an adjustable length and angle truss covered with cushion for comfortable positioning of legs while working on the work surface.
US07878505B2
A credential substrate rotator includes a substrate support, a substrate feeder and a substrate sensor. The substrate support is configured to support a substrate in a substrate support plane and rotate about a central axis. The substrate feeder is configured to feed a substrate along the substrate support plane. The substrate sensor includes a substrate position indicator that is aligned with the central axis and has first and second positions. The first position indicates an absence of a substrate from a predetermined location of the substrate support. The second position indicates a presence of a substrate in the predetermined location of the substrate support. Also disclosed, is a credential substrate processing module that includes a credential substrate rotator, a first data encoder and a module controller. The credential substrate rotator includes a substrate support configured to support a substrate in a substrate support plane and rotate about a central axis, and a substrate feeder. The first data encoder is configured to encode data to a substrate presented by the substrate rotator.
US07878504B2
A roller mechanism includes a pair of rollers and an urging unit. The pair of rollers oppose one another sandwiching a conveyance path of a sheet material, and are provided to be capable of increasing and reducing an axis-to-axis separation thereof. The urging unit urges at least one of the pair of rollers in a direction of reducing the axis-to-axis separation of the pair of rollers with an urging force that increases with an increase in the axis-to-axis separation of the pair of rollers, and presses the sheet material with the pair of rollers. The urging unit increases the urging force non-linearly, with a rate of increase of the urging force falling as the axis-to-axis separation of the pair of rollers increases within a range of changes at times of sheet material-pressing.
US07878496B2
A sheet processing apparatus for binding a sheet bundle by a binding member having a curved shape, including: a support portion configured to support, as a sheet bundle, a plurality of sheets having punch holes formed therein; an adjustment portion configured to adjust a position of each of punch holes formed in the sheet bundle so that a locus of centers of the punch holes continuing in a thickness direction of the sheet bundle supported by the support portion is aligned with the curved shape of the binding member; and an attaching portion configured to attach the binding member to the punch holes of the sheet bundle in which the position of each of the plurality of sheets is adjusted by the adjustment portion.
US07878490B2
An implement for lawn and garden care includes a housing, a drive, and a handle attached to the housing with a vibration damping arrangement. The damping arrangement includes an at least partially elastic damping element. The stiffness of the damping element is determined by its cross section that includes at least one cavity or recess.
US07878488B1
Volatization of oil to impart a scent into air in an environment includes sensing a wireless transmitted signal in the environment and selectively outputting a control signal in response to the sensed wireless signal. The control signal activates a heater. Oil is transferred to a target region proximate the heater. The oil is actively volatized by the heater. Optionally, further wireless signals can be ignored until a cycle is complete, such that volatization occurs in response to only a portion of wireless signals in the environment. An apparatus can be so constructed to volatize oil in response to wireless signal events in the environment.
US07878486B2
Consistent and reliable releasing of a guardrail during a vehicle impact is enabled by a releasable fastener for safety structures along a highway. The release of secured components such as guardrail is controlled, and precise positional cooperation is provided between securing members and the guardrail. Forces may be attenuated to further optimize response.
US07878477B2
A mirror assembly comprising a mounting bracket for attachment to a vehicle exterior; a first pivot plate on the mounting bracket having a concave upper surface with a series of grooves formed therein; a support arm pivotally carried on the first pivot plate of the mounting bracket; and, a second pivot plate carried by the support arm having a base surface with a plurality of protruding teeth engaging the grooves in the first pivot plate so that a pivot gap is defined between the upper surface of the first pivot plate and the base surface of second pivot plate; whereby the pivot gap allows the teeth to both pivot and slide in the grooves of the first pivot plate so that the support arm is pivotal in a multi-axis arrangement with the mounting bracket to accommodate misalignment between the mounting bracket and the support arm during installation on a vehicle.
US07878466B2
An apparatus supporting mechanism comprises: a fixing member 111 fixed to the bottom of the apparatus; a connecting member 115 disposed in the fixing member 111 in such a manner as to freely project and be housed; a supporting member 112 disposed in the connecting member 115 and freely displaced between a first position, at which the supporting member is grounded or located proximate with respect to the installation plane of the apparatus, a second position, at which the supporting member is separate from the installation plane of the apparatus; and a displacing mechanism which displaces the supporting member 112 to the first position when the connecting member 115 projects while displaces the supporting member 112 to the second position when the connecting member 115 is housed.
US07878465B2
Tripod head for pivotably receiving a device, in particular a film or television camera, comprising a housing (10), a shaft (15) which is rotatably mounted in the housing (10), a receptacle (16, 17), which is connected to the shaft (15), for the device, at least two separate energy accumulators (21-25) which are respectively disposed between the shaft (15) and the housing (10), and a compensating comprising a respective interlocking (31-35) for the energy accumulators in order to switch the energy accumulators (21-25), in each case in operative connection between the housing (10) and shaft (15), so that a restoring moment is exerted on the receptacle (16, 17) via the shaft (15) in accordance with the torque of the device, and a common actuating element (46) in order to switch the energy accumulators (21-25) via the interlocking (31-35) individually or in combination, as desired, characterised in that the actuating element (46) is configured as a rotary disc and comprises on the side facing the housing a cam controller (50, 51) which acts on the interlocking means (31-35) in such a way that the energy accumulators (21-25) can be switched via the interlocking means (31-35) individually or in combination, as desired.
US07878461B2
Embodiments of the invention relate to a flight control system for controlling an aircraft in flight having a backup control system integrated into an active control stick. The actuated control stick may include a processing unit that includes independent and separate hardware and/or software dedicated to the primary control system and the backup control system. For the primary control system, the processing unit may receive a sensed primary control stick signal and communicate with a primary processor, which may be configured to generate a primary control signal. For the backup control system, the processing unit may receive a sensed backup control stick signal and generate a backup control signal. The processing unit may also generate tactile signal for use by the actuated control stick to adjust the feel of a pilot's control stick.
US07878457B2
A flow control device is disclosed including a flow control surface over which fluid is designed to flow in a predetermined direction. Vortex generators are associated with the flow control surface. Each respective vortex generator has a pivot axis that forms an acute angle with respect to the predetermined direction and is capable of being positioned in both of an extended state, in which the respective vortex generators function to create a swirling fluid flow, and a retracted state, in which the respective vortex generators are pivoted via the pivot axis so as to lie adjacent to the flow control surface. An actuator is associated with each of the vortex generators, each actuator adapted to position the associated vortex generator between the extended and retracted states. The flow control device is disclosed to be used in tiltrotor vehicles.
US07878448B2
The invention provides an aircraft with an auxiliary power unit isolated from the aircraft. An auxiliary power unit suspension system includes at least one suspension linkage. The suspension linkage terminates with a first low stiffness elastomeric rod end. The low stiffness elastomeric rod end has a low spring rate with the aircraft auxiliary power unit suspension system providing the aircraft auxiliary power unit with a suspended auxiliary power unit natural frequency, the suspended auxiliary power unit natural frequency below the aircraft auxiliary power unit operation frequency.
US07878447B2
An overend unwind system for unwinding tacky elastomeric fiber threads such as uncoated spandex thread, capturing the ballooning affect of the thread as the thread leaves the spool, applying a first-stage tension control on the thread adjacent where the thread leaves the spool, feeding the unwound thread to a nip in a downstream process, and applying a final tension increment to the thread adjacent where the thread enters the downstream process. All thread guide surfaces encountered by the thread after leaving the spool, and while the thread is under designed operating tension, are moving surfaces, such that the tensioned thread thereby experiences a reduced level of drag as the thread traverses its path of travel from the spool to the downstream process.
US07878446B2
An electrically powered dispenser for paper towels uses a special roller bracket to provide not only proper positioning and support for the drive and pinch roller shafts, but also tension and grounding between the drive and pinch rollers, thereby producing a dispenser that is both reliable to operate and simple to assemble. The mounting bracket is integrally formed from a single sheet of conductive material and preferably includes a pair of side plates connected by a mounting bar which includes an integrally formed tear bar portion for cutting the material after it has been transported past the rollers. Each side plate incorporates a flexible bridge (arm) portion for biasing each of the two shafts against a respective bearing portion to thereby complete a static discharge path from the rollers to the mounting bar without requiring any separate springs, contacts or wires. In a preferred embodiment, a door mounted projection blade assists in proper paper loading, a removable top cover functions as a universal mounting bracket, and flexible paper protection fingers discourage unwanted contact between the paper and the tear bar.
US07878440B2
A winding machine having a user-defined pitch between rotation of a form and translation of a point of winding material along the form, reduces damaging accelerative forces on the machine components by a slight modulation of the pitch near travel-reversal of the point of winding. The pitch of the windings over most of the form is unaffected and rotational speed of the form need not be modified.
US07878439B2
An assembly having a retractor and a pretensioner whereby the pretensioner can be employed to provide load limitation features. The pretensioner may also be used without the load limitation features. The pretensioner has a drive mechanism including a plurality of pretensioner balls sized to engage a pinion, the pinion operatively connected to the seat belt through a force limiting element. The pretensioner defines a guide surface structured to guide the pretensioner balls along a ball path along the pinion. The guide surface includes features to engage a pretensioner ball and block the pinion.
US07878435B2
A machine for distributing loosefill insulation is provided. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end configured to receive the loosefill insulation and a lower unit associated with the chute. The lower unit includes a first and second shredder configured to shred and pick apart the loosefill insulation and an agitator configured for final shredding of the loosefill insulation. The lower unit further includes a first shredder guide shell positioned partially around the first shredder, a second shredder guide shell positioned partially around the second shredder and an agitator guide shell positioned partially around the agitator. A discharge mechanism is positioned in the lower unit and is configured to discharge loosefill insulation from the lower unit. The position of a second end of the first shredder guide shell is offset in a vertical direction from the position of a second end of the second shredder guide shell.
US07878431B2
A rotary feeder for feeding a particulate material including: a cylindrical housing comprising a feeder inlet, a first feeder outlet, and a second feeder outlet; a rotor mounted in the cylindrical housing including a plurality of substantially impeller blades defining a plurality of circumferentially spaced pockets alignable with the feeder inlet, first feeder outlet, and second feeder outlet, and adapted to sweep a wall of the cylindrical housing as the rotor rotates in the cylindrical housing; a device for rotating the rotor; and a separating screen in the first feeder outlet to substantially prevent oversize material from exiting through the first feeder outlet, wherein each of the plurality of circumferentially spaced pockets will align with the feeder inlet to receive therein a particulate material and an oversize material through the feeder inlet, rotate in the cylindrical housing to align with the first feeder outlet and discharge the particulate material therefrom, and rotate in the cylindrical housing to align with the second feeder outlet after alignment with the first feeder outlet and discharge the oversized material therefrom is provided as well as a method of using the same.
US07878424B2
A compact personal misting device with no motors or batteries. The device includes a liquid container and a spray pump assembly with a fluid inlet tube that extends into the container. The pump assembly includes an atomizer nozzle operable to output mist using the liquid. The misting device also includes a folding fan pivotally mounted on the container that is selectively positioned in a storage position in which a flexible fan blade is retracted upon itself and also in a cooling position with the fan blade unfolded to extend outward from the container. The fan blade is formed of a flexible material that in the cooling position is substantially planar, e.g., a semi-circular shape. The atomizer nozzle outputs the mist in a target direction that is transverse to the plane containing the unfolded fan blade with the nozzle targeted about 90 degrees from the fan blade in some cases.
US07878418B2
An atomizer provides a control of duty cycle or a motor driving a diaphragm pump. By providing precise, high-speed flow through an eductor nozzle, improved atomization occurs. However, to control the total volume of atomized liquid discharged, the delay time between operational time periods may also be controlled. Thus, a very effective atomizer provides economical use of essential oils by control duty cycle. Precision modeling provides highly integrated subsystems providing superior performance and reliability.
US07878412B2
An identification verification system includes a combination of indicia that represent measurable characteristics mapped into a characteristic signature, and an indicia detector for detecting the characteristic signature and verifying authenticity of the characteristic signature.
US07878409B2
A hand-held barcode scanner includes a fingerprint reader for reading fingerprint data from a digit of an operator of the barcode scanner. Preferably, an operator's digit can be comfortably placed on the fingerprint reader while the operator is scanning barcodes. This type of barcode scanner may be used with a system or method for verifying identity during data entry. A system includes the barcode scanner with fingerprint reader; a database storing identification data and fingerprint data for users; and a controller, which is in communication with the scanning element, the fingerprint reader and the database, that compares fingerprint data from a digit placed on the fingerprint reader with the database to obtain an identity of a user and then associates the identity of the user with barcodes scanned by the barcode scanner. The system may activate an alarm if the identity of the operator is not an authorized user.
US07878406B2
An optical reader comprises: a first illumination source for projecting a first illumination field on a target; a second illumination source for projecting a second illumination field on a target; an image sensor array for converting light from a target into output signals representative thereof; and, a processor for decoding information from information bearing indicia within the target derived from the output signals; and, wherein the illuminance of the first illumination field on the target at a distance D from the first illumination source is greater than the illuminance of the second illumination field on the target at the distance D from the second illumination source.
US07878405B2
A dual laser targeting system is described. At least one pair of lasers is arranged symmetrically about an objective lens in a symbology reader. The lasers project a beam along their respective axis, which, when an optical element is placed in front of the laser, produces multiple beams concentric about each laser axis. These multiple beams produce a composite pattern that appears to be symmetrical about the optical axis of the objective lens. The resulting targeting pattern includes laser beam spots that frame the field of view (FOV) of the symbology reader, and the laser beam spots on the laser axes frame the optical center of the target.
US07878397B2
A magnetic card reader including a magnetic head, located in a non-secured region, at least one signal path including at least first and second electrical conductors extending from the magnetic head in the non-secured region to a secured region, circuitry located within the secured region and receiving at least one signal output along at least one signal path, the circuitry located within the secured region including functionality ensuring that a voltage difference along the at least first and second electrical conductors is virtually zero, thereby obviating illicit information retrieval via tapping of the at least first and second conductors and analysis of voltage differences therebetween.
US07878389B2
The invention provides a closure (106) for a compartment (100) having one or more walls (112, 114, 116 and 118) and an opening (110) defined by at least one of the walls (112, 114, 116 and 118). The closure (106) is associated with at least one fastener located inside the compartment (100). The fastener can hold the closure (106) in a first position (e.g. closed) relative to the opening (110). The fastener is adapted to cause the closure (106) to assume a second position (e.g. open) relative to the opening (110) upon receipt of a suitable signal. The closure (106) has at least on indicium (108) visible from outside the compartment (110). The indicium (108) is adapted to provide a visual indication of a status of the closure (106) or the compartment (110), such as closure open, closure closed, compartment empty, compartment occupied. Instead of indicium (108) or in addition to it, the closure of the invention can include in the fastener means for communicating to a remote device, a status of the closure or the compartment. The closure and the compartment may form an array with other closures and compartments having similar fasteners. In that event, the fastener in each compartment may be addressable.
US07878379B2
A clothes hanging device in the form of an arcuate hook with a ball at one end thereof. The ball is sufficient in diameter and texture such that clothing draped upon it will remain in place and will not be deformed in shape.
US07878375B2
A chemical liquid supply device applies chemical liquid from a nozzle to a processed object. The nozzle is provided in a moving head, which reciprocates between an applying position and a waiting position and includes an application valve operating so as to take an applying state of applying the liquid from the nozzle and a stopped state of stopping the application. Chemical liquid is pumped from a tank through a filter to a valve chamber of the application valve via a supply tube. The valve chamber is connected to a buffer tank through a circulation tube. The circulation tube is provided with a circulation valve for opening/closing its flow path.
US07878373B2
Dispensing cap for bottles, including a lower mounting part fixed onto a neck of bottle, an upper covering part containing the dispensing parts, such as valve and opening members, sealing elements between the cap and the bottle for gas-proof sealing, an outlet for pouring liquid, a tube support for holding the tube of siphon structure. The dispensing cap is characterized by containing an irreversibly removable fixing member (27). The fixing member is used to prevent push-down of the valve while the cap is intact. It thus prevents dispensing liquid from the bottle. After it is torn off from the upper covering part, however, to permit the dispensing of liquid from the bottle, the fixing member can be readily removed from the cap without opening the cap.
US07878368B2
A center pull towel mechanism having an adjustable iris system where a locking system is configured to enclose the surfaces defining the towel iris. In one form the adjustable iris system automatically adjusts the cross-sectional opening with an adjustable member positioned in the transverse rearward portion with respect to the towlette members interposed therein.
US07878367B2
A blister pack system has an upper part and a bottom part, between which a blister pack is disposed. Pouches of the blister pack are aligned with corresponding ejection openings of the upper part and corresponding ejection openings of the bottom part. Every ejection opening of the upper part is associated with an individual contact surface that can be connected to a control/computing unit via an individual strip conductor. The system includes an ejection device, which at a top section has an electrical contact, and at a peg section an additional electrical contact which is electrically connected to the electrical contact of the top section. The individual contact surfaces and the individual strip conductors associated therewith, as well as a common contact surface and a common strip conductor associated therewith or a subsection thereof extend in surfaces of the upper part that are electrically isolated from each other.
US07878365B1
A mug (10) includes an outer transparent casing (40) having an open bottom end. A cup (11) is received in the casing (40). A display member (60) is positioned in a space (44) between the casing (40), and the cup (11) and images thereon can be seen through the casing (50). A threaded hub (16) is formed at the bottom of the cup (11), and a cap (64) engages the hub (16) to close the bottom of the casing (40). In this manner the cap (64) can be removed for access to the display member (60) should it be desired to change the display member (60). A timepiece (50) is carried by the casing (40) and a lid (20) may be attached to the cup (11). A cup (70) may be provided to engage the lower portion (43) of the casing (40) and to cover the cap (64).
US07878364B1
A caddy for toting cleaning tools on a trash pail which comprises a container having an open top to hold the cleaning tools therein. A mechanism is for attaching the container to a side of the trash pail, wherein a person can easily remove the cleaning tools from within the container, so as to fill the trash pail with refuse when the need arises.
US07878362B2
A method of making a multiple ply slotted partition for use in a slotted partition assembly is provided. The slots of the partitions are engaged with each other at a plurality of intersections. The partitions are made by folding over a partition blank and securing a foam portion of the folded partition blank to itself. The foam may be heated before being cooled to secure opposed plies of the multiple ply partition together. The opposed plies of the partition are fused or parent welded together.
US07878358B2
A refuse receptacle system comprising a frame and a plurality of refuse containers supported by the frame is provided. Each of the refuse containers have a receptacle and a complimentary lid reciprocally movable with respect to the receptacle. The receptacle of each of the containers is supported by the frame and is disposed at an angle in a range from about 10 to about 20 degrees from a vertical axis. A plurality of linkages are associated with the frame, whereby each linkage is coupled to the complimentary lid of one of the containers and is configured for reciprocation of the complementary lid between an open position and a closed position with respect to the receptacle.
US07878349B2
The invention relates to a crane jib for a crane, having a longitudinal axis and an imaginary contour line that extends in a transversal plane relative to an axis of symmetry in an at least approximately mirror-symmetric manner. The contour line has an at least approximately arcuate section between a center that is equally interspaced from the first and second point of intersection on the axis of symmetry and the first point of intersection, and a first straight section is tangentially contiguous thereto in the direction of the second point of intersection. The imaginary extension of the first straight section in the direction of the second point of intersection intersects the axis of symmetry and forms an acute angle therewith. A second straight section is tangentially contiguous to the approximately arcuate section in the direction of the first point of intersection and extends up to the axis of symmetry and forms an angle of less than 90 degrees with the axis of symmetry in the first point of intersection in the interior of the surface enclosed by the contour line.
US07878345B2
A folding rack for receiving and transporting bags, for receiving objects, to be suspended in the rack. The rack has a base part and side frame parts which are connected articulatedly to the base part at their lower end and are pivotal at least about 90° or more in relation to the base part, from a position perpendicular to the base part into a position substantially parallel to the base part. A cross strut is articulated to an upper end region of each of the side frame parts. The struts are pivotal toward one another parallel to the base part, and free ends thereof are connectable to one another in a substantially rigid manner so that the upper end regions of the side frame parts are held by the cross struts, which are articulated to the upper regions of the side frame parts and are rigidly connected to one another, at a minimum spacing defined by the cross struts. In a mutually connected condition, as above described, the free ends of the cross struts engage in one another in a connection region and are held together in substantially rigid manner by a pipe clamp reaching over the connection region, and in an unfolded condition the side side parts extend parallel to one another and are substantially perpendicular to the base part, so that similar racks can be stacked on top of one another with side frame parts aligned with one another.
US07878339B2
A merchandise display hook for fishing rods has an elongated shaft originating in a hanger fixture for hanging or arranging on a vertical support surface and extends from there to a terminal end formed or affixed with hook formation for carrying a fore section of rod handle. The display hook includes a retainer attached to the shaft in between the hanger fixture and hook formation for retaining a section of the rod handle that is in between the fore section and the rod's butt end. The shaft is arranged to project from the hanger fixture generally horizontally. The hook formation and retainer are cooperatively arranged to cantilever the fishing rod in a suspended projecting disposition. Preferably the hook is hung about head high or higher. A row of such display hooks carrying a procession of fishing rods forms sort of a picket canopy in a retail setting over aisles.
US07878333B1
A decorative accessory storage device including a container, a shaft, a stand, and a panel for positioning, and displaying an accessory. The container of the accessory storage device includes a first container portion and a second container portion connected together at a closing edge. The shaft has a first end received by a sleeve attached to the container, and a second end disposed within an aperture in a stand being adapted to position the container in an upright position. A panel including a perforation is disposed in the container on to which a fastener of an accessory may be attached to position the accessory in a predefined position within the container.
US07878332B2
A packaging material which impart fragility capability and is easily manufactured and handled in preparing a product for shipment. The material is fabricated as a planar body having fold lines on which the body may be folded to encircle a product being packaged. The planar body is formed with locking features which enable a handler to easily secure the material about the packaged product and with defined openings facilitating handling.
US07878329B1
A shipping box system includes a plurality of walls defining a volume substantially in the form of a cuboid, a rigid base near a first wall of the plurality of walls adapted to resist motion relative to the first wall, and a rigid mount attached to the rigid base and adapted to connect with a shipped item to be placed in the volume, wherein the plurality of walls are configured to create a free space around the shipped item so as to prevent damaging contact with a substantial portion of the shipped item.
US07878327B2
A pallet container for liquids (1) comprises a pallet (10), a metal jacket (3) mounted to the pallet (10) and fastener means (30) for fastening the metal jacket (3) to the pallet (10). The pallet (10) has a base frame (11), two central feet (14, 15), located centrally on either side (12a, 12b) of the base frame (11) and mounted to the base frame (11), a support member (22) having two opposite end portions (23, 24), each connected to its respective central foot (14, 15) and a platform (25) mounted to the support member (22). The support member (22) has a central portion (26) which supports a corresponding central portion (27) of the platform (25) and the two end portions (23, 24) connected to the base of the two central feet (14, 15).
US07878324B2
A three-piece pocket-size container for holding a consumer product such as smokeless tobacco product in an interior volume of a perimeter band which has a base locked to a lower rim portion and an openable cover on an upper rim of the perimeter band. When closed, the cover, the perimeter band and the base form a flush exterior sidewall of the container. The base and cover can be metal and the perimeter band can be transparent (clear, tinted or colored) or opaque plastic to provide a container that maintains product freshness, and is easily opened and closed.
US07878320B2
A directional-change conveyor (1) is provided for conveying piece goods (2) along a first conveying strip and a second conveying strip oriented in a different direction. A transfer structure (3) is provided for transferring conveyed piece goods from the first to the second conveying strip. The first and second conveying strips are twin-belt conveyors (4, 5). The transfer structure (3) is provided with tilted non-driven guide rollers (11) in an angle sector (10) between the two revolving belts (6, 7) of the first twin-belt conveyor (4). The lateral revolving belts (6, 7; 8, 9) of the two twin-belt conveyors (4, 5) are provided as the only drive of the conveyor (1). The tilted non-driven (first) guide rollers (11) are the exclusive deflection elements in the angle sector (10) and deflect conveyed piece goods (2) from the first twin-belt conveyor (4) on a curved strip to the second twin-belt conveyor (5).
US07878317B2
A storage system is provided. The storage system may include a roller track configured for being placed within an attic or crawl space. The roller track may have left and right side rails and a plurality of rollers that extend therebetween. At least a portion of the rollers are capable of rotating with respect to the side rails. The roller track may be configured for being oriented at an incline so that objects capable of being located on the rollers are oriented at an incline.
US07878314B2
An apparatus for transferring power includes a sensor circuit for identifying a position of an axially-movable locking element. The axially-movable element is movable between a first position, which inhibits transmission of rotary power through the apparatus, and a second position that permits transmission of rotary power through the apparatus. The sensor circuit includes two Hall-effect sensors that are employed to sense a position of the axially-movable locking element and produce sensor signals that are employed to control a magnitude of the current that is output from the sensor circuit. A method of detecting an operating mode of a power transfer device that is configured to transmit rotary power is also provided.
US07878311B2
A vibration damper includes a cylinder within which a piston is slidably received thereby defining compression and rebound chambers. The piston has a bore with a valve seat through which fluid flows between those chambers. A poppet selectively engages the valve seat and forms a pilot chamber an opposite side of the poppet from the valve seat. The greater pressure within the compression or rebound chambers is applied by a first logic arrangement to the pilot chamber and a pilot spool control a fluid flow between the pilot chamber and a pressure cavity in the piston body. A second logic arrangement connects the pressure cavity to either the compression and rebound chamber which has the lesser pressure. A solenoid that moves the pilot valve element to control pressure in the pilot chamber and thus the amount that the poppet moves to allow fluid flow through the piston.
US07878309B2
A brake mechanism comprises a housing, a first handle, a first shaft mounted in the housing having at least one gear rotationally fixed thereon, a second gear rotatably mounted in the housing in operative engagement with the first shaft, a locking mechanism, and a clutch operatively disposed between the first handle and the second gear. The locking mechanism comprises a second shaft mounted in the housing, a second handle rotationally fixed to the second shaft, a first pawl rotatably received on the second shaft and in operative engagement with the first shaft at least one gear, and a second pawl having a first portion in operative engagement with the first pawl and a second portion. The clutch is in engagement with the second pawl second portion and is moveable between a first position in which the first shaft is rotationally coupled to the second gear and a second position in which the second gear rotates with respect to the first shaft.
US07878304B2
A gearbox arrangement comprising a main gearbox portion, a first gearbox section, and a second gearbox section. The first gearbox section comprises a differential assembly, wherein the differential assembly comprises a ring gear. The ring gear rotates about an axis. The second gearbox section comprises a power take-off assembly and a bearing plate defined by a plane. The axis and plane are parallel to one another. The gearbox arrangement further comprises a separator mounted to at least one of the first and second gearbox sections. Further, a guide is contained within at least one of the first and second gearbox sections.
US07878302B2
A lubricant arrangement is provided for multiple feed pipes to bearings lubrication system. In order to ensure a feed pipe remains substantially full of lubricant fluid, a drainage restrictor configuration is provided. This configuration typically comprises an anti siphon tube, accumulator, a fluid head between a supply pipe and the feed pipe as well as a final loop in the feed pipe formed by limbs. In such circumstances, drainage of lubricant fluid from other feed pipes for other bearings does not siphon lubricant fluid from the feed pipe which may be subject to potential coking as a result of high temperatures and air.
US07878297B2
A loudspeaker for acoustic enclosure, in particular a tweeter or a medium-frequency loudspeaker, which consists of a spherical diaphragm with direct radiation, with a front side that is concave in relation to the spool, and onto which is attached at a certain level, for example at mid-height or approximately at mid-height, the moving spool so as to achieve an optimal mechanical coupling capable of reproducing frequencies lower than 1 kHz with a high efficiency. Material such as pure beryllium or a Be/Al alloy or similar alloys is used to make the diaphragm.Loudspeakers of the tweeter or medium type, especially for very high-fidelity acoustic enclosures.
US07878287B2
The invention relates to a device for locating a subframe to a vehicle body having a control hole. The device comprises a pin attached to the subframe and extending toward the vehicle body when the subframe is positioned for mounting to the vehicle body. The pin is adapted to engage the control hole to precisely align the subframe and the vehicle body. The invention also relates to a method for locating a subframe to a vehicle body having a control hole. The method comprises providing a pin on the subframe that extends toward the vehicle body when the subframe is positioned for mounting to the vehicle body, and engaging the pin with the control hole to precisely align the subframe and the vehicle body. The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a subframe, comprising manufacturing a subframe having one or more bosses adapted to retain locating pins, and inserting locating pins into the one or more bosses so that the locating pins extend toward a vehicle body when the subframe is positioned for mounting to the vehicle body.
US07878283B2
A vehicle has a heat-emitting component and a thermoelectric generator, which has a heat-absorbing component thermally coupled with the heat-emitting component, and which generates electric energy from the temperature gradient between the heat-absorbing element and a heat sink. The thermoelectric generator is arranged directly on the heat-emitting component and is connected thereto in a thermally conductive manner.
US07878281B2
A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle for controlling and limiting the transmission of power from an engine to the driving wheels during start-up of the engine to produce a hybrid running mode where the vehicle is powered by both the engine and a motor-generator. During start-up of the engine, a first frictional element changing its state before and after a shift of the transmission is allowed to slip, and a second frictional element is allowed to slip. The element that is allowed to slip is switched from one to the other.
US07878275B2
A drill bit that includes a bit body having a plurality of blades extending radially therefrom, the bit body comprising a first matrix region and a second matrix region, wherein the first matrix region is formed from a moldable matrix material; and at least one cutting element for engaging a formation disposed on at least one of the plurality of blades is disclosed.
US07878271B2
A drill bit (20) for connection to a casing string (R), wherein the bit (20) comprises an annular bit face (21) which is built-up by a matrix and which comprises a sintered diamond-metal powder mixture, wherein the bit face (21) includes a plurality of radially orientated liquid delivery slots (16, 23, 26) for cooling and cleansing the bit face (21), wherein at least one of the liquid delivery slots is comprised of an inner slot (23) which extends radially outwards from the inside (24) of the bit face (21), wherein the slot (23) is terminated with an inner bottom (24) in the bit face (21), wherein a further liquid delivery slot comprises an outer slot (26) that extends radially inwards from the outside (27) of the bit face, and wherein said outer slot is terminated with an outer bottom (28) in the bit face (21).
US07878267B2
An apparatus for steering a drill string is disclosed herein, the apparatus comprising a drilling motor comprising a rotor, a stator, and at least one fluid passage for flowing drilling fluid to the stator. A blade is fixedly disposed on the exterior surface of the stator. A diverter valve controls the flow rate of drilling fluid to the stator, to provide counter rotational movement to the stator with respect to the rotor. Placement and movement of the blade is thereby controlled. When the blade is rotated such that it remains stationary with respect to a fixed point in a borehole, the drill bit is turned. When the blade is counter-rotated in a constant motion with respect to the rotor, the drill bit continues to drill in a straight direction.
US07878261B2
An operating apparatus for a work vehicle with a detachable implement provided with a hydraulic actuator, comprising:a control valve and a link mechanism for operatively connecting the control valve to an operating lever, both the control valve and link mechanism being disposed beneath a driver seat of the work vehicle; and a locking lever configured to be switched between a locked position for holding the operating lever in a neutral position, and a lock-releasing position for releasing the hold on the operating lever, wherein the locking lever is disposed between the driver seat and a rear fender positioned laterally of the driver seat.
US07878247B2
Methods for cleaning out horizontal wellbores using coiled tubing are provided for use during downhole operations. A coiled tubing having a bottom hole assembly is deployed into a horizontal wellbore. Fluid is circulated down the annulus of the wellbore and up the bottom hole assembly while the bottom hole assembly is moved upward at a selected rate and distance. This method may be used to remove downhole solids, such as formation sands and proppant.
US07878245B2
A variety of methods and compositions, including, in one embodiment, a method of treating a subterranean formation comprising introducing a treatment fluid into a well bore, wherein the treatment fluid comprises a particulate elastomer having a specific gravity of at least about 1.6. Another method of treating a subterranean formation comprises introducing a treatment fluid into a well bore, wherein the treatment fluid comprises a particulate elastomer having a specific gravity of at least about 1.05, wherein the particulate elastomer comprises a halogenated thermoplastic.
US07878240B2
A downhole swaging system includes, a tubular having an area of strength with a different resistance to swaging as compared to areas of the tubular outside of the area of strength, and a swaging tool. The swaging tool has a first swage, and a second swage with an adjustable swaging dimension, the second swage is in functional communication with the first swage such that the adjustable swaging dimension is adjusted in response to the first swage encountering a change in resistance to swaging.
US07878221B2
The invention regards a device for movement within a pipeline which device comprises at least one centralizing means (20) comprising at least two centralizing elements (21) arranged around the circumference of a body (8) of the device. The centralizing elements (21) are arranged to move from a retracted position to an extended position in contact with an inner wall (2) of a pipeline (1) to centralize the device.
US07878216B2
A female coupling for receiving a male coupling element and including a female element and a body delimiting a receiving zone. The female element includes a passage having a reduced opening that is closed by a valve and a cylindrical bore for receiving a male connection element. The female element is connected to the body by a nut and a ring member that engage one another in a manner to permit radial displacement of the female element to the body in order to facilitate the alignment of an elongated axis of the male element with an elongated axis along the passage of the female element as the male element is inserted within the cylindrical bore of the female element.
US07878204B2
A method for treating presbyopia utilizes an Erbium based, pulsed laser to sever sub-conjunctival strictures located within the scleral matrix of the eye. Introduction of treatment energy into the scleral matrix increases or facilitates an increase in accommodation, thereby mitigating the effects of presbyopia. The treatment energy can be directed into the scleral matrix to form tunnel ablations in and through the strictures of the scleral matrix. The tunnel ablations can enhance the accommodation of the patient's eye, enabling the eye to refocus at near distances while not losing its ability to focus at a distance.
US07878200B2
A headgear for securing a patient airway interface device to a patient's head, and in particular an infant patient. The headgear includes a central body, first and second forehead straps, and first and second lower straps. The forehead straps extend from opposite side of the central body. The lower straps also extend from opposite sides of the central body, and are inferiorly spaced from a corresponding forehead strap. Upon application to a patient's head, the central body and the forehead straps establish a line of attachment extending from the patient's forehead to a nape of the patient's neck (i.e., adjacent the occipital bone). The lower straps are then available for connecting an airway interface piece to the headgear.
US07878198B2
A method for relating to each other cardiovascular and sleep disordered breathing conditions of a patient. The patient's heart rate and/or detailed echocardiogram data is monitored and recorded continuously or periodically together with sleep disordered breathing information on similar time scales. Changes in the patient's heart rate associated with changes in sleep disordered breathing can then be observed. More specifically, positive airway pressure at therapeutic levels for treatment of sleep disordered breathing is applied while events associated with the treatment of the patient's sleep disordered breathing are detected and recorded. At the same time, information concerning the cardiovascular condition of the patient is stored and the stored information concerning the cardiovascular condition of the patient and the recorded events associated with the treatment of the patient's sleep disordered breathing are related to each other.
US07878197B2
A nasal comfort device provides humidified air to the nasal passages of a user. The device, which is attachable to a user's face, may include an evaporative surface and a reservoir that is fluidically connected to the evaporative surface. The reservoir may be positioned remotely from the evaporative surface and connected to the evaporative surface with a conduit. A support structure may include one or more support arms which maintain the evaporative surface below the nose. In some embodiments, the device may filter air instead of, or in addition to, humidifying the air. Medications or other agents may be included in the liquid being evaporated or on the evaporative surface.
US07878190B2
A solar collection apparatus includes a housing with a first opening, a second opening, and a partially-mirrored floor. The device includes fins with first and second end segments and curved bodies. Both sides of the fin bodies have the same curvature, and both sides are mirrored. The curved bodies of the fins all have the same curvature. The floor and the second end segments of the fins together define a light pipe. Light impinging on the first opening of the housing is directed into the light pipe by reflection between adjacent faces of adjacent fins. The second end segments of the fins prevent the light within the light pipe from exiting the light pipe in the first direction. Light within the light pipe exits the light pipe at the second opening, where it may be stored, or may be directed to a solar energy device such as a solar cell, turbine, or vehicle heater.
US07878180B2
A control system and method for controlling pump includes a pump control module communicating a drive signal to the high pressure pump and a high pressure pump in communication with the pump control module operating in response to the drive signal. A current sampling module samples a pump current signal to form a sample prior to an end of the drive signal. A current comparison module compares the sample to a threshold that may be a function of pump solenoid resistance, pump solenoid temperature, and/or system voltage, and a fault indication module generates a fault signal in response to comparing.
US07878169B2
A roller pin for carrying a cam roller in a tappet assembly is provided. The roller pin providing reduced run in time and reduced peak and localized contact pressure between the cam roller and roller pin. The roller pin comprises a substantially cylindrical shaft having a length, a first end and a second end. The length extends from the first end to the second end. The shaft includes a plurality of grooves axially spaced apart and extending in a direction being transverse to the length. The plurality of grooves located proximate the first and second ends and extending only partially the circumference of the shaft.
US07878161B2
A sliding mode control apparatus. When displacing a controlled object to which an urging force is applied by an elastic member from one displacement end to the other displacement end, the control apparatus sets a switching hyperplane and controls the controlled object by using a sliding mode control in such a manner that a state quantity of the controlled object is converged on the switching hyperplane. In the sliding mode control, the control apparatus switches an operation mode for controlling the controlled object when the controlled object passes an operation switching point. The control apparatus detects disturbance in the sliding mode control and a change with time of the elastic member, and changes the operation switching point in accordance with both of the detected disturbance and the detected change with time.
US07878154B2
A reusable parcel harness for securing a parcel to a dog's chest generally includes at least one pin bar having first and second mounting pins extending therefrom towards a latch housing, a spring-loaded latch to releasably secure the pin bar to the latch housing or pin bar in a closed configuration, a latch release mechanism, and a harness attached to the latch housing to secure the apparatus on a dog. The spring-loaded latch biases the pin bar and the latch housing towards an open configuration. A latch release processor actuates the latch release mechanism upon receipt of a locally or remotely generated latch release signal. A parcel to be secured to the harness includes a parcel body and straps extending from opposing sides of the parcel body. Each strap terminates in a mounting loop that can be secured about a mounting pin on the harness.
US07878148B2
One embodiment of a contiguous pet bowl and lid (30) comprising a watertight hollow utensil (60) connected to a lid (30) by a tether (21). The pet bowl is surrounded by an adjacent skirt portion (50) with a means to secure a watertight seal (40) around the rim (71). The topside aperture (71) is large enough to accommodate use by an animal. The lid (30) is sealable (41) when joined to the means to secure a watertight seal (40) retaining liquid or solid matter in any position. The lid (30) and pet bowl are also independent from a contiguous means. Other embodiments are described and shown.
US07878147B2
A pneumatically operated egg injection machine includes a sealed frame structure with a pair of in line parallel tracks through an injection section and a transfer section in series. An injection assembly includes a plurality of injectors gripped in a support plate to simultaneously inject vaccine into the same injection region irrespective of egg height and orientation. Fluid delivery systems meter prescribed vaccine dosages to the injecting needles with reduced turbulence, friction, heat and residence time to increase the delivered titer to the injected eggs. A transfer assembly lifts the injected eggs by causing a reduced pressure around the injection hole while maintaining the injection hole at atmospheric pressure. The injection assembly is sprayed with a sanitizing solution at the same time that the injected eggs are moved from the injection section to the transfer section.
US07878145B2
A plasma ion implantation system includes a process chamber, a source for producing a plasma in the process chamber, a platen for holding a substrate in the process chamber and a pulse source for generating implant pulses for accelerating ions from the plasma into the substrate. In one aspect, the system includes a plasma monitor configured to measure ion mass and energy in the process chamber and an analyzer configured to determine an operating condition of the system in response to the measured mass and energy. In another aspect, the system includes a data acquisition unit configured to acquire samples of the implant pulses and analyzer configured to determine an operating condition of the system based on the acquired samples.
US07878141B2
The present invention is directed to an airbag system that a user can deploy to reduce the chances of being buried in an avalanche or if buried, likely being buried near the surface, thereby improving the user's chances of surviving the experience. In one embodiment, the airbag system is comprised of an inflatable balloon, a pressure gas cylinder for holding a pressurized gas that is used in inflating the balloon, a valve that can be placed in a closed state to retain a pressurized gas in the pressure gas cylinder or an open state in which pressurized gas is released from the pressure gas cylinder. The system further comprises an ejector that operates to use pressurized gas received from the pressure gas cylinder and ambient air to inflate the balloon. Also part of the system is a flow restrictor that is located to receive pressurized gas from the pressure gas cylinder before the ejector receives the gas. A harness supports the noted elements of the system adjacent to an individual's body.
US07878139B1
A flagpole comprising a clip portion, where the clip portion is shaped such that it fits over the top of an automobile window and allows the flagpole to be held in place by the window and an associated window frame when the window is nearly in a rolled up position; a u-shaped portion extending generally downward from the clip portion, away from the clip portion, and then upward, such that the u-shaped portion extends around a vent visor or rain guard associated with the window, where the vent visor or rain guard need not be in use on the window when the flagpole is in use; a straight portion extending upward from the u-shaped portion; and a flag situated on the straight portion. The flagpole may also be adjustable such that it may be used on a trunk deck.
US07878135B1
A kick-up rudder mechanism for small, tiller-steered sailboats. The rudder has a two-position pivot that allows the rudder to kick up and drop back down automatically when it hits and then clears an underwater obstacle; to be raised and lowered manually with fore-and-aft motion of the tiller; and to be secured against unwanted kick-up with a vertically releasable fore-aft locking connection between the tiller and the rudder housing.
US07878131B2
Process for solid waste treatment, and particularly municipal solid waste, with recovery of the thermal energy, which is based on the general pyrolysis process modified in order to improve, on the one hand, the energy yield and, on the other, to reduce the quantity of unusable solid residues to be sent to the waste disposal, the unusable solid waste being limited to 10-15% of the total weight of the initial residue. The process and relative plant include a boosted treatment of the incoming waste, with a preliminary separation into three solid fractions, the first one of which is separately subjected to a preliminary drying step and the third one undergoes further shredding. The process and relative plant also include a section for recovering energy from the pyrolysis coke, wherein the latter is subjected to a thermochemical treatment with the production of a further quantity of synthesis gas.
US07878130B2
A overfiring air port of the present invention is to supply an incomplete combustion region with air making up for combustion-shortage, in a furnace in which the incomplete combustion region less than stoichiometric ratio is formed by a burner. Furthermore, the airport is characterized by comprising: a nozzle mechanism for injecting air including an axial velocity component of an air flow and a radial velocity component directed to a center line of the airport; and a control mechanism for controlling a ratio of these velocity components.
US07878128B2
A system includes a board having opposing surfaces and at least one leg connected to one surface of the board through a first pivotable fitting to allow the board and the leg to move between a first position wherein the board and the leg are substantially parallel and a second position wherein the board and the leg are substantially perpendicular. The system also includes a locking mechanism secured to the board through a second pivotable fitting at a first end and configured to rotate at a second end opposite the first end between a storage position extending parallel with the board and a work position extending perpendicular to the board.
US07878125B2
A railroad freight car may have a body for carrying lading. The body may be a gondola car body. The car body may include a decking or floor structure, and may include longitudinally extending side beams bordering the floor structure. The connection of the side beams to the floor structure may be may without the use of a dedicated side sill. The car body structure may include cross-bearers and side beam stiffeners that are joined together by structural knees. The car body may also include clean out ports to facilitate cleaning of the lading receptacle.
US07878120B1
A cartridge includes a cartridge case base having a bottom surface, a primer and an annular recess formed in the bottom surface, the annular recess being concentric with the primer; first and second concentric conductive rings disposed in the annular recess, the first and second rings being radially spaced apart and substantially flush with the bottom surface of the cartridge case base, the first and second rings being electrically insulated from the cartridge case base and the primer; a first data pin electrically connected to the first conductive ring and extending into an interior of the cartridge case base; and a second data pin electrically connected to the second conductive ring and extending into the interior of the cartridge case base, the first and second data pins being electrically insulated from the cartridge case base.
US07878117B2
A stencil printing apparatus with a plate-making device has first control means for executing a special plate-making mode for performing a plate-making operation so that perforated holes to be formed in a film of a master by heating and driving with regard to odd bits corresponding to odd-numbered heat generators and even bits corresponding to even-numbered heat generators are formed in different lines running in the main scanning direction, and so that the perforated holes to be formed on the film by heating and driving with regard to the odd bits and the even bits adjacent to each other are not arranged adjacent to each other in the same line in the main scanning direction.
US07878104B2
A kit for fitting a vehicle with protective armor includes an armored floor panel configured to be installed to a frame of the vehicle below an occupant compartment of the vehicle, and an armored shell configured to be received over an outer body of a cab of the vehicle. The armored shell may be removed to return the vehicle to its original, non-armored condition.
US07878098B2
An apparatus for cutting a roll of material includes an elongated blade having a distal end, a cutting guide attached to the elongated blade and positioned to direct the distal end of the elongated blade towards the roll of material, and a support position to hold the roll of material approximate to the elongated blade. A method for cutting a roll of material having an axis and a circumference includes radially cutting the roll of material from the circumference to the axis by advancing the distal end of an elongated blade, then rotating the elongated blade relative the axis to cut the roll of material. Alternately, the method teaches rotating the roll of material relative to the axis to cut the roll of material.
US07878096B2
A variable position nozzle assembly for a milling or grinding machine where a nozzle is positioned to target coolant to the cutting area of a chosen tool. Each tool may have a different length or cutting or grinding surface width. The CNC program that directs tool motion and tool changes, re-aims the variable position nozzle assembly based on a chosen tool and the dynamic position of the tool as it traverses a workpiece.
US07878091B2
A screwdriving tool includes a gear head and a drive arm. The gear head forms a gear housing, in which a free wheel or ratchet gear having an output rotational axis is arranged. A front side of the gear head includes an output coupling, in the shape of a polygon. The drive arm can be pivoted about a pivot axis, which is substantially transverse to the output rotational axis, from a quick-action screwdriver position, in which the drive arm is in the output rotational axis, into a power-action screwdriver position, in which the drive arm extends substantially transversely to the output rotational axis and can be fixed in both pivot positions by detents. The detents can be moved from a detent position into a release position by means of an actuating member associated with the drive arm.
US07878090B2
A handheld power tool, in particular a power drill or power screwdriver, has a tool holder, which is displaceably received in a housing and which can be driven via a drive unit; a microswitch that can switch the drive unit on and off is provided, which is switchable upon an axial displacement motion of the tool holder via an actuating element. The actuating element is joined axially solidly to the tool holder, so that the axial displacement motion of the tool holder at the same time acts as the displacement motion of the actuating element, which motion actuates the microswitch.
US07878082B2
A sliding device is provided in which a ball-nut screw system is disposed in a relation lying out of a guide rail and extending by the side of and in parallel juxtaposition with the guide rail, thereby making it possible to reduce the sliding device in the overall height. The ball-nut lead screw system may be easily mounted and/or demounted from the sliding device and easily made varied depending on design considerations. The sliding device includes the lead screw carried for rotation by bracket bearings in a way lying out of a guide rail in a way extending by the side of and in parallel juxtaposition with the guide rail, and a ball nut mounted to a slide table. The lead screw is actuated by a motor carried in a bracket bearing.
US07878081B2
A portable, refrigerant recovery unit for transferring refrigerant from a refrigeration system to a storage tank. The recovery unit includes two, opposed piston heads rigidly attached to respective piston rods that extend along a common fixed axis. The piston rods are rigidly attached to the yoke member of a scotch yoke arrangement. In operation, incoming refrigerant from the system is simultaneously and continuously directed to the opposing piston heads wherein the forces of the pressurized refrigerant on them counterbalance or neutralize one another. The scotch yoke arrangement includes a two-piece slide mechanism mounted about a cylindrical crank pin and a single piston embodiment is additionally disclosed.
US07878078B2
A device (1) for sampling particle contaminants is described. It may be adapted to a multitude of closed enclosures and with it, contaminants and/or pollutants present in the atmosphere of the enclosure may be recovered at a surface. With this sampling method, it is possible to obtain specific information as regards their behavior.In particular, the sampling device (1) comprises a support (2) on which suitable substrates (6) may be positioned, with which samples may be collected. The device (1) is conformed so as to confine the taken samples until the site of the analysis in order to further increase the specificity of the measurement.
US07878066B2
The invention relates to a vibration measurement system for frequency-selective oscillation measurement in particular of low frequencies as are relevant in the field of automation and drive technology. The invention proposes coupling a broadband transmitter structure, which is excited directly by the excitation signal to be determined, via an electrostatic or inductive force to a receiver structure. This force coupling results in amplitude modulation of a carrier signal exciting the receiver structure. The actual excitation signal can be extracted from the spectrum of the amplitude-modulated carrier signal, for example by suitably selecting the frequency of the carrier signal. In order to make an oscillation analysis possible which is as unsusceptible to interference possible, an interference signal brought about, for example, by connector excitations is largely eliminated in advance from the amplitude-modulated carrier signal.
US07878065B2
An ultrasonic inspection apparatus includes a container containing de-ionized water, at least one limiting member, a loading member, and a cover member. The at least one limiting member, the loading member, and the cover member are disposed in the de-ionized water and between the transmitting transducer and the receiving transducer. The limiting member is supported on the limiting member for loading the integrated circuits to be inspected. The cover member is detachably disposed on the loading member for holding the integrated circuits by a gravitational force of the cover member acting on the loading member.
US07878058B2
A fluid monitoring apparatus and method is disclosed for use in an underground utility vault. Specifically, a system utilizing multiple sensors to determine the total amount and type of fluid present in a utility vault is disclosed. A first sensor located above the fluid detects and determines the overall depth of fluid present. A second sensor, relying on specific properties of the fluid(s) present, is located in contact with the fluids present. The information regarding specific fluid level and type is conveyed to a central location for monitoring.
US07878055B2
A sensing and analyzing device for determining when physical limits of a patient have been exceeded by the patient during exercise is provided. The device may comprise a sensing unit, analyzing unit and a warning unit. The sensing unit may be attached to critical locations on a body of the patient. The sensing unit may be operative to sense pressure. The analyzing unit may be attached to a convenient location on the patient's body. The analyzing unit may be operative to receive pressure data from the sensing unit to determine whether the patient has exceeded the physical limits of the patient. The warning unit may communicate with the analyzing unit and be activated by the analyzing unit when the physical limit of the patient has been exceeded for notifying the patient when the patient's physical limits have been exceeded.
US07878047B2
There is described an apparatus for monitoring particles in a fluid stream, comprising a body portion and a detector element that is acoustically decoupled from the body portion. The detector element comprises a target surface, a sample acoustic sensor and a corrosion sensor. The sample acoustic sensor is acoustically coupled to the target surface and is arranged to provide a first signal, which varies in dependence upon acoustic noise generated by impacts of particles and fluid on the target surface. The corrosion sensor is arranged to provide a second signal, which varies in dependence upon corrosion and/or erosion of the target surface. A corresponding method of monitoring particles in a fluid stream is also described. The method and apparatus are suitable for monitoring sand in oil and gas production flow streams.
US07878042B2
This is directed to systems, methods, computer programs and other means for shock testing a piece of equipment, i.e., the target. The target can be mounted to a shock generation machine, which is then slammed into a sturdy foundation. The impact can result in multi-axis loads, depending on how the machine is configured, while also simulating the modal frequency response of an object, such as a naval ship's deck.
US07878041B2
A method and device are provided for verification of the quality of placing of blind rivets. The verification method involves successively carrying out, during the application of traction force to a stem, initial measurements in an initial state of the application of the traction force to obtain an initial traction force and an initial displacement of the rivet stem relative to the rivet body, intermediate measurements in an intermediate stage of the application of the traction force to obtain an intermediate traction force and an intermediate displacement, and terminal measurements in a terminal stage of the application of the traction force to obtain a terminal traction force and a terminal displacement. The obtained values are compared to acceptable values in an assignment table.
US07878036B2
A lock cylinder having a keyway includes a first plurality of guide channels. A plurality of cup-shaped pins is movably disposed within the first plurality of guide channels. Each cup-shaped pin of the plurality of cup-shaped pins extends across the keyway. Each cup-shaped pin of the plurality of cup-shaped pins has an engagement protrusion. The first plurality of guide channels conform to the shape of the plurality of cup-shaped pins to allow movement of the plurality of cup-shaped pins in a first direction while restraining movement transverse to the first direction. A plurality of biasing springs is positioned to bias the plurality of cup-shaped pins in a direction toward the keyway. A plurality of racks is movably disposed in a second plurality of guide channels. Each rack of the plurality of racks has at least one engagement groove to selectively receive the engagement protrusion of a respective cup-shaped pin.
US07878035B2
A lock system includes a lock mechanism for holding a lid element in a locked state, an electric actuator for driving the lock mechanism to an unlocking side based on an operation of an open switch, and a key cylinder adapted to be operated to rotate by a key so as to be switched through the rotational operation to an “UNLOCK” position where the open switch is enabled to function and a “LOCK” position where the open switch is disabled from functioning, whereby unlocking of the lid element is prohibited through a rotational operation of the key cylinder to the “LOCK” position. An operating unit of the lock system causes the key cylinder and the lock mechanism to be mechanically linked with each other by a wire cable, whereby the lock mechanism is forcibly driven to the unlocking side through a rotational operation of the key cylinder to the “OPEN” position.
US07878032B1
A lock guard is provided for padlocks securing different type J-hook latches of roll up doors in their locking position. The lock guard shrouds the shackle of the padlock thereby deterring vandals use of cutting tools to sever the shackle.
US07878031B2
The present invention provides a hand-held wringer for removing liquid from a wet or damp material. A wet or damp material is placed between two rollers and a trigger handle is engaged to reduce the space between one roller's axis relative to an opposite roller's axis so as to expel liquid from every fiber of the material as it is pulled therethrough.
US07878026B2
A synthetic microsphere having a low alkali metal oxide content and methods of forming the microsphere and its components are provided. The synthetic microsphere is substantially chemically inert and thus a suitable replacement for natural cenospheres, particularly in caustic environments such as cementitious mixtures. The synthetic microsphere can be made from an agglomerate precursor that includes an aluminosilicate material, such as fly ash, a blowing agent such as sugar, carbon black, and silicon carbide, and a binding agent. The synthetic microsphere is produced when the precursor is fired at a pre-determined temperature profile so as to form either solid or hollow synthetic microspheres depending on the processing conditions and/or components used.
US07878021B2
An ice-cream maker including a blade (30a) arranged in a double-walled container (20a), and a housing (1) containing a driving mechanism (10) that can generate a blade-rotating movement (30a) in relation to the double-walled container (20a), the double-walled container (20a) being composed of an external wall (23) and an internal wall (24) defining a housing (25) containing a phase changing mixture having a fusion range extending at least partially below 0° C. The inner wall (24) forms a vat (26), and the blade (301a; 30b′) is used to scrape the inner wall (24; 24′). The blade (30a) forms a spoon.
US07878010B2
An air conditioner includes a refrigerant circuit, an operation controlling section, a stability judging section, a refrigerant quantity judging section, and a condition changing section. The operation controlling section is capable of performing a refrigerant quantity judging operation to control constituent equipment to reach a predetermined target control value. The stability judging section judges whether or not the refrigerant quantity judging operation has stabilized. The refrigerant quantity judging section judges the adequacy of the refrigerant quantity in the refrigerant circuit by using an operation state quantity of constituent equipment or refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit when it is judged that the refrigerant quantity judging operation has stabilized. The condition changing section changes the target control value in the refrigerant quantity judging operation when it is judged that the refrigerant quantity judging operation has not stabilized.
US07878000B2
A mixer assembly for a gas turbine engine, including: a primary fuel injector having a central axis for injecting a primary fuel spray into a primary air stream, wherein fuel is provided at a desired rate and droplets of the fuel spray are within a desired size range; a secondary fuel injector positioned radially outwardly of the primary fuel injector for injecting a secondary fuel spray into a secondary air stream spaced radially outwardly of and surrounding the primary air stream; and, a primary air jet positioned between the primary fuel injector and the secondary fuel injector to direct a portion of an incoming air stream between the primary air stream and the secondary air stream.
US07877981B2
The description relates to a control strategy for assisting regeneration of a particulate filter for a turbocharged diesel V-engine. The engine has two cylinder banks, a first cylinder bank coupled to a first exhaust pipe and a second cylinder bank coupled to a second exhaust pipe. The two exhaust pipes are in communication with one another by a connecting pipe and have two exhaust gas turbochargers each connected in a respective one of the exhaust pipes. The first exhaust pipe being provided with an exhaust shut-off valve in order to operate the engine either with a single turbocharger when the valve is in its closed position or with the two turbochargers when the valve is in its open position. The first exhaust pipe is connected to a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and the second exhaust pipe is connected to a diesel oxidation catalyst and to the DPF.
US07877980B2
A gas turbine engine includes a turbomachinery core operable to generate a flow of pressurized combustion gases at a variable flow rate, while maintaining a substantially constant core pressure ratio; a rotating fan disposed upstream of the core, the fan adapted to extract energy from the core and generate a first flow of air which is compressed at a first pressure ratio; and at least a first bypass duct surrounding the core downstream of the fan adapted to selectively receive at least a first selected portion of the first flow which is compressed at a second pressure ratio lower than the first pressure ratio, and to bypass the first selected portion around the core, thereby varying a bypass ratio of the engine. The fan is adapted to maintain a flow rate of the first flow substantially constant, independent of the bypass ratio.
US07877977B2
A master link for a chain assembly is provided. The master link includes a body member with a first side, a second side positioned opposite the first side, a shoe surface configured to receive a track shoe, and a rail surface positioned opposite the shoe surface. The master link also includes first and second apertures extending through the body member from the first side to the second side and third and fourth apertures located between the first and second apertures. The master link also includes a strut member dividing the third and fourth apertures. The master link also includes a first gap located in the body member and extending from the first aperture to the third aperture and a second gap located in the body member and extending from the fourth aperture to the second aperture. The master link further includes a third gap located in the strut member and extending from the third aperture to the fourth aperture.
US07877975B2
A windrow merger lift mechanism having on a pair of rotational axes, skewed with respect to each other, to manipulate a merger apparatus between working and non-working positions. When the merger apparatus is in a first, or working position, the lift mechanism positions it to receive crop material from the conditioner rolls with minimal losses. When the merger apparatus is in a second, or non-working position, the lift mechanism positions the merger apparatus to allow crop material to be discharged from the header/conditioner with the same efficiency as a windrower having no installed merger attachment. The skewed axes of the merger lift mechanism optimize the merger position in both the working and non-working positions by moving the merger apparatus in four distinct, but related degrees of motion as the merger apparatus is moved between the positions.
US07877962B2
A system and method for providing a stronger lanai, area or pool enclosure. The system utilizes a beam having an interior channel that provides increased thread receiving surface for receiving one or more fasteners and an interlocking joint for further strengthening the connection between a plurality of beam members that form the beam.
US07877961B2
A joist comprised of at least one cold-formed steel elongated chord member; a cold-formed steel web having a plurality of web members and means for securing said web to said chord member. A plurality of joists are generally for use in a support system for a platform or a deck in the construction of floors and roofs. The support system is of particular use in a composite floor and roof systems.
US07877957B2
Various embodiments of the invention are directed to a method for installing an elevated batten system that includes a horizontal batten strip to which cylindrical-shaped pads are coupled. The pads elevate the horizontal batten strip above the roof deck surface, preventing water and debris from gathering on the roof deck surface and eliminating the need to install the vertical and horizontal battens in separate steps. Other various embodiments of the invention are directed to an elevated batten system that includes a horizontal batten strip to which pads are coupled that define a depressed portion. The depressed portion receives a fastener for coupling each pad to the horizontal batten strip, and in some embodiments, prevents irregularities in the height of the horizontal batten strip relative to the roof deck surface when installed on the roof deck surface.
US07877943B2
To provide an external corner member with excellent workability, which can be constructed on an external corner portion of a building without making a noticeable gap formed in abutting portion and without using any sealing material, a constructing structure of external corner portion using the external corner member, and a construction method of external corner portion. The present invention is an external corner wall material, which is obtained by disposing two plate material at substantially a right angle, and which has abutting portion that is obtained by abutting an inclined end surface of each plate material to an inclined end surface of the right or left external wall board disposed adjacent to the plate material, and a cutout portion that is provided behind the abutting portion. The present invention includes also a base joiner having a positioning guide for attaching external wall, a constructing structure of external corner portion using the external corner wall material and the base joiner, and a construction method of external corner portion. The external corner wall material and external wall board are abutted to each other, and the positioning guide for attaching external wall is disposed in a cutout portion formed in an end portion of the external corner wall material.
US07877939B2
The invention relates to a fastening means for preferably fastening a glass pane (12) in a frame structure made of wood or plastic material. The fastening means according to the invention is characterized by the following elements: several angular clamping pieces (1) and a holding rail (9), wherein each of the angular clamping pieces comprises two legs extending perpendicularly to each other and the vertical leg comprises a plate-like fastening portion (4), which extends from the center part thereof outwardly at a predetermined distance to the horizontal leg and is shorter than the angular clamping piece itself, wherein the holding rail (9) extending along the glass pane is provided in its longitudinal direction with a groove (10), the with thereof matching to the thickness of the fastening portion, and wherein, in the mounted state, the glass pane contacts at its backside the stop provided in the frame (11), several angular clamping pieces are tightly pressed to the front side of the glass pane and fixed by fixing elements (7), and the holding rail (9) is pressed onto the fastening portion (4) by its longitudinal groove (10).
US07877934B2
The disclosed invention is utilized for mounting a wind turbine and blade assembly on the upper end of a wind turbine tower. The invention generally includes a frame or truss that is pivotally secured to the top bay assembly of the tower. A transverse beam is connected to the frame or truss and extends fore of the tower when the frame or truss is in a first position and generally above the tower when in a second position. When in the first position, a wind turbine or blade assembly can be hoisted to the top of the tower. The wind turbine or blade assembly is then moved into position for mounting to the tower as the frame or truss is pivoted to a second position. When the turbine and blade assembly are secured to the tower, the frame or truss is disconnected from the tower and lowered to the ground.
US07877929B2
An agricultural method is provided for reducing the amount of fertilizer needed to effectively grow various plants as well as reducing fertilizer run-off, therefore minimizing fertilizer contamination of groundwater. A composition and/or material are also provided to facilitate the agricultural method. The material may include a semi-permeable or selectively permeable membrane made out of, for example, activated charcoal. An apparatus is also provided that incorporates the composition and/or material.
US07877926B2
An automated seed sampler includes a sampling station; a sampler for removing material from a seed in the sampling station; a seed conveyer for conveying the seed from the sampling station to a compartment in a seed tray; and a conveyor for conveying the material removed from the seed to a corresponding compartment in a sample tray. The method of the present invention comprises feeding seeds individually to a sampling station, removing a sample from the seed in the sampling station; conveying the sample to a compartment in a sample tray, and conveying the seed to a corresponding compartment in a seed tray. The samples can be tested, and the seeds can be sorted according to the results of the testing of their corresponding samples.
US07877925B2
A method of growing fruit such as papaya commercially, the method including the use of a structure having a covering adapted to permit sufficient light, nutrients and moisture, while substantially precluding access by potentially virus-carrying insects; together with seeds that are obtained, germinated, planted, and grown in a manner that permits plants to grow and bear seedless fruit suitable for harvest.
US07877924B2
A float may be used as a strike indicator for fly fishing and may be attached without hooks, clamps, grommets, rubbery gripping members, or tying of the line/leader. Instead, the float is attached by friction/interference fit onto a line or leader, preferably by sliding the float up the leader to a thicker-diameter portion of the leader to cause a sufficiently tight fit between the leader and an axial bore in the float. The bore may be tapered in diameter, may have a constant diameter, may have a significantly reduced or tapered diameter or another restriction in a portion(s) of the bore, and/or may have an enlarged end opening, for example. A slot may be provided from the outer surface of the float to the bore. The slot may be a straight slot, a Z-shaped slot, or other circuitous slot including curved, non-planar slots. This way, in addition to the friction/interference between the leader and the surface of the axial bore through the float, there is resistance to the leader sliding out through the slot.
US07877921B1
A weapon sight has an optical system that causes first radiation to propagate along a path of travel within the sight, and has a reticle generating portion that causes second radiation representing a reticle to propagate along the path of travel with the first radiation. The reticle generating portion includes a reticle illuminating portion that illuminates the reticle. The reticle illuminating portion includes a first light source having thereon a surface, light from the first light source passing through the surface and then illuminating the reticle. The reticle illuminating portion also includes a second light source spaced from the first light source, light from the second light source traveling toward the surface, being reflected and then illuminating the reticle.
US07877917B2
Stock for a recoilless hunting rifle, for medium and large caliber hunting guns, which eliminates the stress produced by the effect of the recoil on the shooter's shoulder, providing at the same time good targeting precision and reduced consumption of bullet cartridges or shot cartridges. The stock has a stock butt and a mechanical anti-recoil module, with fast assembling, and a gun stock resembling the classical gun stocks but without transferring the recoil force to the shooter's shoulder. The recoilless buttstock includes a mechanical anti-recoil module, presented as an assembly having a pair of coupling parts, an elastic mechanism, a fixed support with rollers, an upper guide with a spring, a lower guide with a spring and the case of the stock.
US07877913B1
A multi-faceted, rotatable promotional display device for being retained relative to a vehicle for enabling the perception of multiple promotional messages from a single vantage point. A display casing with multiple display surfaces is rotatably retained relative to a base structure. Promotional messages are displayed relative to the display surfaces, and a drive arrangement rotates the display casing relative. The display casing can have a square, triangular, or other cross section. The base structure can have a cup portion with a raised peripheral ridge, and a shell can envelope the display casing. The display surfaces can be electronic display screens or light transmissive panels. A light source can be disposed within the display casing. A drive motor can be powered by a battery, a photovoltaic array, or a wind turbine. A clutch or a force sensor can prevent the application of excessive rotational force.
US07877903B2
The invention provides a shoe having conveniently interchangeable components, such as a vamp and an ankle strap constructed for releasable attachment to the periphery of a sole member with the same fasteners. The components are easily removed and exchanged to alter the appearance of the shoe, thus providing a wearer with a variety of styles and/or decorative appearances in a single pair of shoes.
US07877902B2
A footwear comprises a sole and a heel provided with a first heel portion fixed to said sole, said heel comprising a second heel portion, rotatable around a hinge device and adjustable from a first position, in which said second heel portion protrudes transversely from said sole, to a second position in which said second heel portion is rotated to said sole; a footwear comprises a sole provided with a heel, and a support portion connected to said sole on which a further heel is obtained shaped to supportingly receive said heel.
US07877900B2
A sole construction for supporting at least a portion of a human foot and for providing energy storage and return is provided. The sole construction includes a generally horizontal layer of stretchable material, at least one chamber positioned adjacent a first side of the layer, and at least one actuator positioned adjacent a second side of the layer vertically aligned with a corresponding chamber. Each actuator has a footprint size smaller than that of the corresponding chamber, and is sized and arranged to provide individual support to the bones of the human foot. The support structure when compressed causes the actuator to push against the layer and move the layer at least partially into the corresponding chamber. In one embodiment, dual action energy storage and rebound is provided by using a plurality of actuators that move both upwardly and downwardly into corresponding chambers. In another embodiment, lateral stability is improved by using tapered actuators having a convex shape to accommodate the natural rolling movement of the foot.
US07877896B2
The present invention refers to a process for drying solid organic substances in aqueous phase including the steps of: feeding a continuous flow of such organic substances having a water content=50% by weight into a turbodrier having a cylindrical tubular body with horizontal axis, equipped with inlet and outlet openings, a heating jacket for bring the inner wall of the tubular body to a predetermined temperature, a bladed rotor extending inside the cylindrical tubular body (1) where it is made to rotate at speeds between 15 and 40 m/s, so as to disperse the continuous flow of organic substances into a flow of particles of organic substances; centrifuging the particles of organic substances against the inner wall of the turbodrier heated to a temperature above 130° C., with formation of a thin, dynamic, highly turbulent tubular fluid layer, which advances substantially in contact with the inner wall of the turbodrier towards the outlet opening; continuously discharging, from the turbodrier, a flow of organic substances in disgregated wet solid form having a water content=45% by weight; continuously feeding the flow of disgregated wet solid into an drier operating at a temperature lower than or equal to 160° C.; continuously discharging a flow of dry product having a water content=20% by weight from the drier.
US07877891B2
A clocking bar includes a rod and an indicator located along a length of the rod, wherein the indicator has a pair of indication components with a predetermined spacing therebetween. The bar also includes a hole one locator located along the length of the rod, and a rear hole locator located along the length of the rod. The clocking bar is configured to identify a stack bolt hole one from among a plurality of bolt holes on a rotor through use of a relationship between physical features of the rotor.
US07877888B2
A method includes measuring a radius of curvature at each of the plurality of positions of the outer peripheral surface of the predetermined section of the pipe is measured through the first device. A second device is detachably coupled to the plurality of positions along the outer peripheral surface of the predetermined section of the pipe. A wall thickness at each of the plurality of positions of the outer peripheral surface of the predetermined section of the pipe is measured through the second device. A cross-sectional area of the predetermined section of the pipe is measured based on a measurement data including the radius of curvature and wall thickness at each of the plurality of positions of the outer peripheral surface of the predetermined section of the pipe.
US07877887B2
An apparatus and method for compensation of the effects of various bias errors encountered by inertial rate gyroscopes, particularly vibrating element gyroscopes, configured to detect heading relative to true north. Certain embodiments are suitable for reducing rotational dynamic errors associated with rotating gyroscopes. Other embodiments may include compensation of biases not related to rotational dynamics, such as thermal drift. The various methods disclosed may also account for the bias by sampling the rotational vector of the earth at an arbitrary heading, and at a heading that is 180° offset from the arbitrary heading. The sequence may be repeated numerous times to compensate for bias drift. The bias drift may be constant with respect to time (linear) or changing over time (non-linear) during the data acquisition sequence. Some embodiments include methods that utilize data from accelerometers to infer the bank and elevation angles as well as earth latitude location relative to the equator.
US07877886B1
A reticle for stadiametric rangefinding has a horizontal crosshair and a vertical crosshair that are attached to an optical element. The optical element defines an optical axis and a field of view. The crosshairs intersect perpendicularly at a location that is offset from the optical axis. There may be a plurality of rangefinding indicia shaped to indicate the size of an object at a specific range. The rangefinding indicia may be arranged in a position other than vertical.
US07877884B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus onboard a vehicle for determining an actual alignment condition of the vehicle's axle during either dynamic or static conditions. Proper axle alignment depends on a perpendicular relationship between the axle and a centerline reference of the vehicle, which positions the wheels and tires parallel to the centerline. The invention, being installed onboard a vehicle with axle (58) properly aligned, in one embodiment, readily determines the perpendicular relationship between axle (58) and vehicle centerline (70) by measuring a spatial relationship between at least two control points or benchmarks established on the vehicle. These points may include point (58a) located at axle (58) and point (38) located on the vehicle's body or frame (62). Any change in the spatial relationship between the points is utilized as representation of a change in the perpendicular relationship between axle (58) and vehicle centerline (70).
US07877883B2
A method for locating a geometric detail of at least one wheel rim for determining its spatial position relative to a measuring instrument, includes: aiming at least one measuring camera of a measuring instrument of a chassis measuring system at a wheel rim; recording an image of a wheel rim using the at least one measuring camera; ascertaining at least one geometric detail in the image of the wheel rim; and selecting a known geometric detail for determining the spatial position of the wheel rim relative to the measuring instrument.
US07877878B2
A method of constructing a grain bin floor support system having a plurality of interconnected support members. The support members are constructed from a monolithic sheet of structural metal stamped and formed having upper and lower horizontal rails spanning across and integrally connected by a plurality of transverse support columns. The rails include a longitudinally extending center segment and a stabilizing portion adjacent each end thereof. The stabilizing portions are configured to be folded out in opposite directions forming a non-planar self-supporting structure.
US07877873B2
A method for forming a wire bonding substrate is disclosed. A substrate comprising a first surface and a second surface is provided. A through hole is formed in the substrate. A conductive layer is formed on the first surface and the second surface of the substrate and covers a sidewall of the through hole. The conductive layer on the first surface of the substrate is patterned to form at least a first conductive pad, and the conductive layer on the second surface of the substrate is patterned to form at least a second conductive pad. An insulating layer is formed on the first surface and the second surface of the substrate and covers the first conductive pad and the second conductive pad. The insulating layer is recessed until top surfaces of the first conductive pad and the second conductive pad are exposed. A first metal layer is electroplated on the first conductive pad by applying current from the second conductive pad to the first conductive pad through the conductive layer passing the through hole.
US07877872B2
A method for manufacturing a hollowed printed circuit board includes steps of: providing an electrically conductive layer; laminating a first dielectric layer having a first through opening defined therein on a first surface of the electrically conductive layer; forming a protecting layer on the first surface of the electrically conductive layer in the first opening; creating an electrically conductive pattern in the conductive layer; removing the protecting layer; and laminating a second dielectric layer having a second through opening defined therein on an opposite second surface of the electrically conductive layer in a manner that the first through opening is aligned with the second through opening, thereby a portion of the electrically conductive layer is exposed to exterior through the first through opening and the second through opening.
US07877866B1
A method of manufacturing a flexible circuit electrode array that provides excellent adhesion between the polymer base layer and the polymer top layer and insulation of the trace metals and electrodes. A layer of polymer is laid down. A layer of metal is applied to the polymer and patterned to create electrodes and leads for those electrodes. A second layer of polymer is applied over the metal layer and patterned to leave openings for the electrodes, or openings are created later by means such as laser ablation. Hence the array and its supply cable are formed of a single body. Alternatively, multiple alternating layers of metal and polymer may be applied to obtain more metal traces within a given width.
US07877864B2
An adjustable cable compression tool having at least two driver pins and a selectable cable cradle to ensure compatibility with multiple sized wired and connectors. The driver pins are mounted on an assembly to avoid loss when the driver pin is not selected for use.
US07877858B2
A method of manufacturing an antenna including providing a dielectric core which does not contain an electrical conductor, forming a layer of an electrically conductive material on the core and providing an electrically insulative tube over the core and over the layer of the electrically conductive material.
US07877851B2
Disclosed is an apparatus for making tubular-shaped membrane electrode assembly. The apparatus includes a guiding unit for guiding the direction of MEA production, a first weaving unit for weaving conductive fiber bundles into a first tubular conductive fabric around the guiding unit, a first catalyst-providing unit for forming a first catalyst film on the first tubular conductive fabric, a proton-exchange-membrane-providing unit for providing a proton-exchange-membrane on the first catalyst film, a second catalyst-providing unit for forming a second catalyst film on the proton-exchange-membrane, a second weaving unit for weaving conductive fiber bundles into a second tubular conductive fabric on the second catalyst film and a cooling and pulling unit for cooling and pulling the first tubular conductive fabric, the first catalyst film, the proton-exchange-membrane, the second catalyst film and the second tubular conductive fabric into a tubular laminate.
US07877849B2
A container system is provided for removing a needle portion from a needle holder of a needle system. The system includes a receptacle defining an opening, a lid configured to cover the receptacle opening, wherein the lid defines an aperture having a shape configured to receive a needle system having a first configuration. The system also includes an adapter configured for engagement in the lid aperture, wherein the adapter defines an aperture having a shape configured to receive a needle system having a second configuration, and wherein the engagement of the adapter in the lid aperture resists rotation of the adapter with respect to the lid.
US07877841B2
A handle for the housing of a portable computer has a grip portion for grasping by the hand of the user, a proximal end having a proximal surface for mating with an adjacent surface of the housing, and a distal end. The handle also has an actuator assembly for operating one or more scanning functions and is located in the grip portion. A releasable connection mechanism is positioned on the proximal surface and including an operable latch extending outwardly from the proximal surface adapted for engaging with the corresponding first slot in the adjacent surface of the housing. At least one protrusion extends outwardly from the proximal surface for engaging with the corresponding second slot in the adjacent surface of the housing. A control coupling is established once the proximal surface is mated with the adjacent surface through engagement of the releasable connection mechanism.
US07877835B2
In a method of cleaning a master disk according to the present invention, a self-adhesive surface sticking/peeling operation is performed on dust on the master disk by reciprocatingly oscillating the self-adhesive member while applying external forces in a plurality of directions. Dust on the master disk can be effectively removed by moving the self-adhesive member in this way and by using the adhesion of the self-adhesive member. Since the cleaning method according to the present invention is a removal method using a physical force, it has both the effect of removing organic materials and the effect of removing inorganic materials. Further, according to the present invention, the master disk to be cleaned can be cleaned in a state of being mounted on a disk holding member such as a holder. Therefore an apparatus of a comparatively simple construction can be applied in on-line form according to the cleaning method.
