US07993123B2
An apparatus and method for fabricating a three dimensional model from a composite model formed or a plurality of successive layers of model material and sacrificial mold material. Each successive layer is constructed by depositing, drop-by-drop, at least one line of sacrificial mold material delineating at least one boundary of the model material within the layer and thereafter depositing the model material onto all delineated regions of the layer by spray deposition. Each successive layer is completed by a planing process which removes the undesired thickness of both the sacrificial and the model materials. Following completion of the composite model, the sacrificial mold material is removable from the composite model, by a process effecting only the sacrificial mold material, to produce the three dimensional model. A device, for depositing the model material at the rate faster than the rate that the mold material is deposited, is also described.
US07993121B1
A windshield repair apparatus includes a base, a pressurizing barrel, a pressurizing bar and a rotary tube. The base includes a bracket and at least one sucking disc. The sucking disc is provided with a perforation for transfixing the pressurizing barrel. An interior of the pressurizing barrel can be inserted with the pressurizing bar and when a rotary tube is screwed on the pressurizing barrel, the pressurizing bar can be squeezed down at a same time, allowing a repairing liquid in the pressurizing barrel to flow more deeply into a crevice of windshield by strong air pressure.
US07993117B2
A scroll compressor includes a baffle member in a high pressure region of the housing where compressed fluid is stored. The baffle serves to carry and transfer pressure loads away from the central region to an outer periphery region where such loads can be transferred to the outer housing. Deflection, stress and wear on the scroll compressor bodies may be reduced.
US07993116B2
A variable displacement vane pump includes a rotor, a cam ring; and a pump casing including first and second side walls disposed on both sides of the cam ring, and a circumferential wall surrounding the cam ring and defining first and second pressure chambers. A pressure introduction groove is formed in a sliding contact surface between the cam ring and one of the first and second side walls, and arranged so that a pressure lower than an outlet pressure is introduced.
US07993113B2
A damper is configured for a vacuum pump that evacuates a vacuum system via gas transfer by a gas transfer mechanism in the vacuum pump by the rotating action of a rotating body in the vacuum pump. The damper restrains the propagation of vibrations produced in the vacuum pump to the vacuum system during an evacuation operation. The damper comprises a vibration absorbing device that is positionable between the vacuum pump and the vacuum system during an evacuation operation and that has a damping characteristic in a frequency band that coincides substantially with a rotation frequency of the rotating body of the vacuum pump.
US07993112B2
A compressor includes a housing and one or more working elements. A muffler is located downstream of the discharge plenum and a helmholtz resonator is located in the discharge plenum upstream of the muffler.
US07993111B2
An apparatus for preventing noise from occurring due to cavitation in a power steering pump during low temperature start-up includes the addition of a multi-passage orifice element for adding wetted surface resistance to high viscous fluid flow downstream from a single passage outlet orifice element of a fluid flow control device and upstream of an associated steering gear or steering assist valve.
US07993107B2
A wind turbine includes a nacelle with any manner of associated power generation equipment. The nacelle is mounted atop a tower having a base end configured for support on a ground level foundation. A tower support system provides support to the tower and includes an axially extending circumferential sleeve mounted around the tower at a location between the base end and the nacelle. A plurality of support legs are disposed around the sleeve, with each support leg having a first end rigidly affixed to the sleeve and an opposite foot end configured for mounting to a ground level footing. The support legs extend from the sleeve with a length and at an acute extension angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the tower so as to provide a designed degree of vertical and lateral support around the circumference of the tower.
US07993102B2
A cooling circuit serves to provide cooling air in a rotor having a compressor rotor and a turbine rotor. The cooling circuit includes a first cooling path through the compressor rotor in series with a second cooling path through the turbine rotor such that one amount of cooling air is used for cooling both the compressor rotor and the turbine rotor. The construction enables a reduction in cooling air requirements, thereby increasing power plant efficiency.
US07993097B2
A cooling device for a stationary ring surrounding a gas-turbine hot-gas flow path, said ring being made up of a plurality of ring segments that are fastened by upstream and downstream fastener systems onto a plurality of spacer segments forming a support spacer surrounding said ring so as to co-operate therewith to define at least one annular impact cavity into which at least one air supply orifice opens out, each ring segment having walls that are pierced with a plurality of air exhaust holes opening out both into the impact cavity, and into the hot-gas flow path, the device further comprising means for channeling the air coming from leakage through the seals of the fastener systems, and for directing it towards at least one of the axial ends of the ring segments so as to cool said end(s).
US07993087B2
The present invention provides a threaded member with antirust effect. An oil reservoir is formed inside the threaded member and multiple conduits are formed on an outer circumference of the stem body of the threaded member in communication with the oil reservoir. An absorption material is installed in the oil reservoir and soaked with an antirust liquid. The antirust liquid in the oil reservoir can slowly seep out of the conduits to the outer circumference of the stem body so as to protect the threaded member from rust.
US07993086B2
The present disclosure shows an anti-rotation bolt for fastening reactor plates to prevent subsequent SCC problems wherein the bolt head has a circumferential series of anti-rotation tabs extending from the head of the bolt which are moved in by a restrainer cone which is placed on top of the bolt to allow its insertion into the plates and is removed for locking the tabs into detents formed in one of the plates to provide anti-rotation. The cone is again moved over the tabs during the removal of same leaving the bolt undamaged and fit for reuse.
US07993082B2
This roughing insert is provided with an insert body, and a waveform cutting edge which is formed on an intersecting ridge line portion between a rake face and a flank face of the insert body, and which undulates along this intersecting ridge line portion. The waveform cutting edges are formed such that a portion thereof has a smaller wavelength than the remaining portion thereof.
US07993076B2
A system and method to remove surface water from a watershed atop a hill behind a bluff to an outfall point near a toe of the bluff, and a method to build the system. The system includes a catch basin structure and a catch basin drain pipe directionally bored from the catch basin structure to the outfall point. The location of the catch basin is determined based on a location of the outfall point and a desired slope of the catch basin drain pipe. The catch basin structure has a catch basin with an opening near its bottom, and a cover structure that provides a sculpted, rounded and smooth transition from the opening to a reducing pipe coupled with the catch basin drain pipe.
US07993074B1
The present invention discloses a tactile warning panel inlay system and method. Such system is comprised of a panel formed with an exposed surface having a plurality of tactile warning protrusions and a support surface configured to contact a substrate matrix. The panel includes a plurality of apertures extending from the exposed surface to the support surface. Further, a plurality of fasteners are configured to extend individually through an aperture included in the plurality of panel apertures to secure the panel to the substrate matrix. Each fastener includes a head conformed to the shape of the tactile warning protrusion and a body for extending the fastener through the panel and into the substrate matrix.
US07993068B2
A writing instrument comprising: a main body having a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis extending in a longitudinal direction through the first and second ends; a writing tip disposed at the first end of the main body; an ink-containing cartridge; a rear body comprising an elongate housing having a first end a second end and an access opening at the first end allowing the ink-containing cartridge to be inserted into or removed from the housing, the housing extending in a loading direction between the first and second ends of the elongate housing; and an articulation means connecting the main body and the rear body. The articulation means allows the rear body to pivot with respect to the main body about an axis of articulation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between a loading or open position in which the access opening is rotated away from the longitudinal axis of the main body and a closed position in which the longitudinal direction and the loading direction substantially coincide.
US07993066B2
An applicator for reducing the concentration of unwanted chemicals such as para-chloroaniline (PCA) from an antiseptic solution includes an antiseptic solution in amount sufficient to have an antimicrobial effect on a surface and at least one hydrophobic or hydrophilic material. The hydrophobic or hydrophilic material selectively removes undesired by-products from the antiseptic solution when the antiseptic solution contacts the hydrophobic or hydrophilic material. A method for selectively removing unwanted by-products from an antiseptic solution includes the steps of providing an antiseptic solution in amount sufficient to have an antimicrobial effect on a surface and contacting the antiseptic solution with at least one hydrophobic or hydrophilic material that selectively removes the unwanted by-products from the antiseptic solution.
US07993060B2
A seat slide apparatus for a vehicle includes a first rail adapted to be securely mounted on one of a vehicle floor and a seat, a second rail adapted to be securely mounted on the other of the vehicle floor and the seat and movably assembled relative to the first rail, a first bent portion formed at the first rail, a pair of second bent portions respectively formed at the second rail at longitudinal sides of the first bent portion of the first rail so as to contact the first bent portion to restrict further relative movement of the first and second rail, and a relief portion provided at one of the first and second rails so as to face one of the second and first bent portions, respectively.
US07993057B2
Systems are provided for measuring temperature in a semiconductor processing chamber. Embodiments provide a multi-junction thermocouple comprising a first junction and a second junction positioned to measure temperature at substantially the same portion of a substrate. A controller may detect failures in the first junction, the second junction, a first wire pair extending from the first junction, or a second wire pair extending from the second junction. The controller desirably responds to a detected failure of the first junction or first wire pair by selecting the second junction and second wire pair. Conversely, the controller desirably responds to a detected failure of the second junction or second wire pair by selecting the first junction and first wire pair. Systems taught herein may permit accurate and substantially uninterrupted temperature measurement despite failure of a junction or wire pair in a thermocouple.
US07993053B2
A food blending apparatus and a method of blending food within a container with the object of providing a hygienic system whereby disposable containers are charged with product at a location remote from consumption. After filling with ingredients the container is sealed and then cooled. Containers include an integral blender which when connected to a drive enable the product to be blended at the point of consumption after location in driving connection with the drive means. Product is accessed through a sealed opening of the container after opening the seal. After consumption the container is disposed of and is constructed to make disposal economical.
US07993036B2
An apparatus and method is characterized by providing an optical transfer function between a predetermined illuminated surface pattern, such as a street light pattern, and a predetermined energy distribution pattern of a light source, such as that from an LED. A lens is formed having a shape defined by the optical transfer function. The optical transfer function is derived by generating an energy distribution pattern using the predetermined energy distribution pattern of the light source. Then the projection of the energy distribution pattern onto the illuminated surface is generated. The projection is then compared to the predetermined illuminated surface pattern to determine if it acceptably matches. The process continues reiteratively until an acceptable match is achieved. Alternatively, the lens shape is numerically or analytically determined by a functional relationship between the shape and the predetermined illuminated surface pattern and predetermined energy distribution pattern of a light source as inputs.
US07993026B2
The invention disclosed a light source, comprising a light tube and a plurality of prism members disposed on an outer surface of the light tube for reducing amount of external lights entering the light tube. According to the invention, the prism members disposed on the outer surface of the light tube can not only focus the light emitting from the light tube, but also increase the possibility of total reflection of the incident light.
US07993025B2
An LED lamp includes a heat dissipating body, a rotating front cover, an LED assembly, a lens assembly, a driving unit, and a socket. The heat dissipating body has a plurality of fins for dissipating heat. The rotating front cover is rotatably disposed in the front side of the heat dissipating body, the inner wall of the rotating front ring has a screwed channel. The LED assembly is disposed in the heat dissipating body. The lens assembly has a screwed thread mating to the screwed channel and disposed in the heat dissipating body. The lens assembly can be moved via rotating the rotating front cover. As a result, the illuminating angle of the LED lamp is adjustable.
US07993024B2
A device for automatic battery-operated lighting of the inside of a piece of furniture comprises a body provided with fixing means on a surface of the furniture by means of a mounting surface thereof and a chamber containing an electric battery and a light source and from which the control end of a normally closed pushbutton contact protrudes frontally for the connection of the battery to the light source when the furniture is opened. The fixing means comprises a tongue, intended for resting at a corner of the surface of the furniture and a tooth facing the tongue that is intended to be inserted into a hole on set surface of the furniture. A hooking lever is rotatable on the base body from an unhooking position to a hooking position, controlling the movement of means for moving the tooth towards the tongue to cause the tooth to engage in the wall of the hole with a reaction on the tongue resting on the corner of the furniture.
US07993021B2
A solid state lighting tile includes a substrate and a plurality of lighting element clusters on a surface of the substrate. Respective ones of the plurality of lighting element clusters include first and second mounting positions configured to receive solid state light emitting devices, and at least first and second ones of the solid state lighting element clusters may be electrically connected in series. The tile further includes a plurality of solid state light emitting devices configured to emit a first color light, and respective ones of the solid state light emitting devices may be mounted in respective ones of the plurality of solid state lighting element clusters. One of the first color light emitting devices is mounted in the first mounting position of the first solid state lighting element cluster and a second of the first color light emitting devices is mounted in the second mounting position of the second solid state lighting element cluster.
US07993020B2
An optical plate includes a light output surface and a bottom surface opposite to the light output surface. The light output surface defines a plurality of triangular pyramidal depressions and a plurality of four-sided pyramidal depressions. Each four-sided pyramidal depression is surrounded by four triangular pyramidal depressions.
US07993019B2
The laser enclosure includes an enclosure body which is adapted to accommodate a laser scanner therein. The enclosure with the laser assembly is used in a sawmill environment. The enclosure body includes an assembly for moving the mounted enclosure body to obtain and maintain a desired orientation and aiming for the laser scanner relative to a companion laser scanner. A movable front plate/door comprises one part of the enclosure body, mounted and arranged to be movable to an open position, permitting access to the interior of the enclosure body. The movable door also includes openings for the laser scanner components.
US07993017B2
A projection display apparatus 101 in which the light quantity adjusting means has a simple and readily interchangeable structure, and which can improve image quality by adjusting the quantity of light received by a light valve continuously, without causing illuminance irregularities, and without having unwanted light radiated onto the screen, the light quantity adjusting means 9 having light blocking members 91L, 91R for blocking light in transit to a second lens array 22, and rotational axes 91LA, 91RA for turnably supporting each of the light blocking members on an xy plane, the light blocking members 91L, 91R and rotational axes 91LA, 91RA being positioned so that the rotational axes 91LA, 91RA are disposed in positions symmetric with respect to the optical axis AX on the xy plane, and the turning range from the light blocking initiation position at which the light blocking members 91L, 91R, by being turned, start to block light in transit toward the second lens array 22 to the maximum light blocking position at which the light blocking members 91L, 91R block a maximum quantity of the light in transit toward the second lens array 22 is equal to or less than ninety degrees.
US07993007B2
A reduced product height/thickness projector includes an illuminator, an electro-optic modulator, a projection system, a collector lens, and associated housing. The illuminator including a light source that emits an illumination light flux, a first lens array having a plurality of first lenslets that divide the illumination light flux from the light source into a plurality of sub-light fluxes, a second lens array having a plurality of second lenslets corresponding to the plurality of first lenslets, and a superimposing lens that superimposes the sub-light fluxes from the second lens array on an illuminated area. The central axis of the image formation area of the electro-optic modulator and the lens optical axis of the superimposing lens is shifted from the light source optical axis of the light source. The lens optical axis of the collector lens is shifted opposite from the central axis of the image formation area of the electro-optic modulator.
US07993006B2
An information handling system powers a projector through a communication interface, such as a USB interface, by selectively enabling first or second power levels through the communication interface. Initially, the communication interface provides a first minimal power level to run a controller on the projector. The controller communicates with the information handling system to establish approval for power at a second level, such as by communicating an identifier or a power level to the information handling system. The projector approves a power draw at the second power level based upon information received from the information handling system. The projector draws power at a second level that is adequate to fully operate the projector for presentation of visual images.
US07993002B2
A perimeter of the present invention including: visual field scanning screen generating means; fixation image displaying and controlling means; visual target scan line parallel setting means; visual target displaying and controlling means; statically displaying and controlling means for a specific time; static display position storing means for a specific time; kinetic display and control starting means for giving rise to another of the visual target kinetically based on the start point of a specific time from the position which the static display position storing means stores; detecting means; detection position storing means; distance storing means; and scanning continuation means.
US07992999B2
A fully automated optic nerve head assessment system, based on spectral domain optical coherence tomography, provides essential disc parameters for clinical analysis, early detection, and monitoring of progression.
US07992987B2
A fluid ejecting apparatus that ejects a fluid includes a storage portion that stores a fluid, a head, and a head capping device. The head discharges fluid supplied from the storage portion from a plurality of nozzles and includes a fluid discharging passage through which other fluid is discharged from the storage portion. The head capping device contacts the head and receives the fluid discharged from the plurality of nozzles and the fluid discharged through the fluid discharging passage. The head and the head capping device respectively include a head side flow passage and a head capping device side flow passage, which cooperatively form a circulation flow passage, through which the fluid that flows from the storage portion through the nozzles and the fluid discharged through the fluid discharging passage are returned back to the storage portion, in a state where the head capping device contacts the head.
US07992984B2
A liquid container for supplying a liquid to a liquid consuming apparatus includes: a liquid containing section that contains the liquid; a liquid supply section that supplies the liquid to the liquid consuming apparatus; a liquid flow section that connects from the liquid containing section to the liquid supply section; a sensor that is provided in the liquid flow section and used for detecting presence or absence of the liquid at a corresponding position thereof; and a stirring member that stirs the liquid, the stirring member is provided at a position between the sensor and the liquid supply section in the liquid flow section.
US07992981B2
A liquid supply device includes a liquid supply channel that supplies a liquid from an upstream side as a liquid supply source side to a downstream side, where the liquid is consumed, and a pump that pumps a part of the liquid supply channel as a pump chamber. A first one-way valve in the liquid supply channel on an upstream side from the pump chamber permits ink to flow from the upstream side to the downstream side. A second one-way valve on a downstream side from the pump chamber permits ink to flow from the upstream side toward the downstream side. A liquid pressure accumulation unit with a volume variable pressure accumulation chamber is disposed on a downstream side from the second one-way valve to form a part of the liquid supply channel and stores the liquid in a pressure-accumulated state within the pressure accumulation chamber.
US07992970B2
A droplet ejecting apparatus for discharging liquid from nozzles of pressure chambers by supplying liquid from a liquid tank to said pressure chambers and then contracting said pressure chambers by means of piezoelectric elements, comprising: pressure chamber plates forming said pressure chambers, and to which vibration plates forming walls of said pressure chambers are formed integrally; and a common liquid chamber formed in the liquid tank and connected to respective liquid supply ports of the respective pressure chambers through respective flow passages connected to said respective liquid supply ports; wherein the liquid tank and the pressure chamber plates are mutually superimposed in a layered structure, in positions where the flow passages coincide with the liquid supply ports of the pressure chambers.
US07992968B2
A fluid ejection device with a firing chamber from which fluid is ejected, a heating element that heats fluid in the firing chamber and, drive circuitry for the heating element having a field effect transistor (FET). At least part of the firing chamber overlaps the FET when viewed in a direction parallel to the direction of fluid ejection, and the firing chamber and the FET is separated by a layer of insulating material.
US07992967B2
A liquid drop ejection head unit includes plural lines of plural nozzles formed on a nozzle plate, plural lines of plural drive elements that generate energy for ejecting liquid drop through the plural nozzles, and plural sheets of flexible printed circuit boards that input signals to the plural drive elements. The sheets of flexible printed circuit boards include input and output terminals for taking in and output a signal to one of the plural drive elements. A wiring board is provided to connect to the input terminals of the plural sheets of flexible printed circuit boards. The wiring board is arranged in parallel to the nozzle line within a width of nozzle plate. The plural sheets of the flexible printed boards are arranged opposing to each other via the wiring board. The input terminals are positioned not to face each other.
US07992958B2
Printing systems are disclosed that produce homogenous, smooth edged printed patterns (such as integrated circuit (IC) patterns) by separating pattern layouts into discrete design layers having only parallel layout features, and by printing each design layer using individual print solution droplets deposited onto the substrate. A printhead alignment operation includes printing a first spot from a first printhead ejector on a first substrate location, positioning a second ejector over the first substrate location and printing a second spot, measuring a distance between the first spot and the second spot, adjusting a rotational orientation between the print head and the substrate to reduce the distance between the first spot and the second spot, and then repeating the printing, measuring and adjusting processes until the first and second spots are separated by a predefined threshold value apart. The design layers are then printed.
US07992957B2
A method of inspecting a discharge state of a nozzle prevents wrongly determining that discharge is normal even though fluid droplets are not discharged normally. In a fluid droplet discharge device such as an inkjet printer, a momentary induced current is produced when a charged ink droplet 17c lands on a head cap 31 with a potential difference. A voltage change detection unit 39 detects the induced current as a voltage change. A decision unit 40 determines that the ink discharge state is normal if the maximum amplitude L of the voltage change detected by the voltage change detection unit 39 in a first period S is greater than or equal to a first threshold value Q. If the amplitude of voltage change detected in a third period U after the specific period has passed goes to a second threshold value R, a decision cancellation unit 41 determines that noise is contained in the voltage change. If the ink discharge state is determined to be normal and noise is determined to be contained in the voltage change, inspection is repeated and the normal discharge decision is cancelled.
US07992947B2
A method for activating a two-stage switching valve including a first stage which has a small flow cross-section and a second stage which has a larger flow cross section, the switching valve being situated between a main brake cylinder and a hydraulic pump in a hydraulic brake system. The pressure equalization knock on opening the switching valve is substantially reduced by activating the switching valve in a first control phase via a control signal having a low amplitude, due to which only the first stage of the valve is first opened, and by activating the valve in a second phase via a control signal having a higher amplitude.
US07992945B2
In one aspect of the invention, a degradation pick comprises a bolster disposed intermediate a shank and an impact tip. The shank comprises an outer diameter and first and second ends. The shank is coupled to the bolster through the first end and the second end is adapted for insertion into a central bore of a holder attached to a driving mechanism. The shank comprises a hollow portion disposed within the outer diameter and between the first and second ends. The hollow portion may comprise an opening that is disposed in the second end. In some embodiments the hollow portion may comprise a length that is at least as great as the outer diameter.
US07992931B1
An adjustable back support assembly with a cushioning pad for use with a motorcycle is disclosed. The angle of support is adjustable, and the back support and cushioning pad of varying sizes may be used with the assembly. The assembly is attached to the motorcycle using stock holes present in the rear fender and requires little or no disassembly of the motorcycle to install. The assembly is shaped to complement the styling of the motorcycle and is removable without damaging the paint or finish.
US07992926B2
A front end portion of a side member functions as a crumple zone during a collision with another vehicle or the like. A radiator support is attached via a bracket to this crumple zone. When another vehicle or the like collides with the side member, the radiator support separates from the side member. When another vehicle or the like collides with the radiator support, external force applied in the rear direction to the radiator support is transmitted to the side member.
US07992925B2
A vehicle has a door system having at least a front and a rear door leaf which are each movable between an open and a closed position with respect to the cabin structure. The vehicle includes a door locking system which is provided to lock the door leaves in their closed position in case of collision of the vehicle. The locking system includes a locking mechanism and a triggering mechanism having a front operational portion which is located in vicinity of a front end of the cabin structure so as to be displaced in case the front end of the cabin structure is deformed due to a collision, the displacement mechanically triggering the locking mechanism towards an engaged position.
US07992916B2
Added openings are provided for sport utility vehicles (SUV), pick-up trucks, two and four door vehicles, vans, minivans, station wagons, or other vehicles. The opening(s) may utilize doors, gates, windows, sunroofs, or lids that provide more physical and/or visual access to the interior space, cargo, and/or seating within the vehicles that currently are not easily accessible, viewed, seen-by, or displayed-on conventional opening means. These openings may also provide the ability to place cargo within the space of the vehicle that current vehicles prohibit from being carried therein, or they may provide decorative, descriptive, or electronic displays for such vehicles, for example, advertising on taxi cabs. Among the embodiments, this invention results in a new 2 door or a 4 door SUV vehicle having added rear side doors, and a new 2 door or 4 door automobile that in effect functions likes a pick-up.
US07992907B1
An animal excrement collector device including a handle having a first internal cavity; a spring-loaded extension assembly disposed therein, that extends an extension rod from the handle upon activation of an extension button disposed on the handle; a trigger-lock mechanism, which is continuously disposed within the first internal cavity and an extension rod second internal cavity, includes a trigger grip member that activates a trigger button which, in turn, extends first and second cables that extend claw members hingedly attached to the second cables, which, in turn, expand a waste collection bag attached thereto. The claw members retract to pick up an object, such as animal excrement, and scoop the object into the waste collection bag for containment. The used waste collection bag may be hung from a J-hook disposed on a handle lower end. A bag dispenser disposed within the second internal cavity holds unused bags.
US07992906B2
A system designed to store an implant together with the tools necessary to implant the stored implant, and a method of using such system. Such system includes an implant storage tool adapted to retain the implant within a storage container. The implant storage tool is operable to provide an implant applicator.
US07992905B2
A forward structure of a motor vehicle, particularly of a passenger car, includes a bumper cross member and an energy absorption element, particularly a foam-type impact absorbing element, disposed in front of the bumper cross member in the driving direction. A plurality of recesses are shaped into the forward-side outer contour of the energy absorption element. To ensure optimal energy reduction while the mounting space is reduced, and thereby a best-possible protective function with respect to a leg impact, at least several of the recesses completely penetrate the energy absorption element along its entire depth, whereby a plurality of breakthroughs are arranged in the energy absorption element.
US07992901B2
In a straddle type of vehicle having a fuel tank (30) with a built-in fuel pump (42), the fuel pump (42) is placed in the fuel tank (30) with the pump axis (A) directed nearly in the vehicle width direction. The straddling type of vehicle is provided that a nearly horizontal surface portion (31b) is formed on the bottom of the fuel tank (30) and the fuel pump (42) is placed on the nearly horizontal surface portion (31b) with the pump axis (A) directed nearly in the horizontal direction.
US07992895B2
This invention is in the field of safety devices to lessen injuries arising from impact in vehicles, particularly automobiles. A bolster which may be employed to reduce impact severity to passengers from either frontal or side impacts is activated by impact sensing devices. The housing of the bolster has a lateral length L. Upon activation, the bolster is inflated with an activating fluid and extends the lateral length L of the bolster upon activation.
US07992890B2
The present invention provides an airbag guide with a covering which comprises a lid (4) and an airbag guide (7) which are connected to each other by a hinge (10). In the fitted state, the lid (4) is clamped between the airbag guide (7) and the edge region of the outlet opening (2) for the airbag.
US07992889B2
The present invention relates to a vehicle that is converted from a stroller for carrying a passenger and cycle operated by a rider to a combined unit. More specifically, the invention relates to a stroller and a bicycle combined, physically and operationally, such that the operator of the cycle portion of the stroller-cycle can control operation of the stroller portion while the stroller-cycle is in motion.
US07992886B2
An articulated selective adjustment apparatus carried within the pedestal of a fifth wheel assembly comprises a mounting plate pivotally connected to a plunger arm configured for selective extension and withdrawal from the pedestal, and having ends to which are pivotally connected first and second prongs having interior ends disposed toward the pedestal that are pivotally connected to the mounting plate ends.
US07992872B2
The present invention generally relates to a game device. In one aspect, a foosball game apparatus is provided. The foosball game apparatus includes a game body having a playing field, an endwall adjacent each end of the playing field, and a sidewall adjacent each side of the playing field. The foosball apparatus further includes an electronic digital display formed in each end wall for indicating a time period and a score. In another aspect, a method of playing a timed foosball game is provided.
US07992865B2
A tray comprises a main body to support a sheet, an extension member rotatably mounted to the main body and extending from the main body in the discharging direction of the sheet to support a part of the sheet discharged from the main body, first and second shafts provided at the end of the extension member and inserted in first and second holes formed on the main body, and a projection provided on the second shaft inserted in the second hole.
US07992862B2
A sheet size detecting mechanism includes an adjustable module, a sensing module and a controlling unit. The adjustable module includes a first sheet guide, a second sheet guide, an adjustable part and a circular gear. The adjustable part is a moved to a position where the first sheet guide and the second sheet guide are respectively in contact with two parallel edge sides of a sheet. The circular gear is rotated as the adjustable part is moved. The sensing module includes a sustaining element and a circuit board. The sustaining element is connected to an underside of the circular gear, and synchronously rotated with the circular gear. When the circular gear is rotated by an angle, the sustaining element is in contact with a specified one of the plural sensing regions, so that the circuit board generates a sensing signal. According to the sensing signal, the sheet size is acquired.
US07992857B2
A paper-sheet handling device, as shown in FIG. 23, is a device that transports a bundle of paper-sheets obtained by binding a plurality of paper-sheets and is provided with a clamp movement mechanism 80 that contains lower arms 801a and upper arms 801b and transports the bundle of paper-sheets with it being fixed. The clamp movement mechanism 80 contains a clamp-opening-and-closing driving section 881 that drives the upper arms 801b, the clamp-opening-and-closing driving section 881 is provided with cams 87a, 87b, and each of the cams 87a, 87b contains a part having a given curved shape, the part keeping a normal operation range in which the upper arm 801b is moved up to a predetermined position with respect to the lower arm 801a to release the bundle of paper-sheets 3″ and a U-shaped part that keeps a lock position for opening the clamp, the U-shaped part being continuous with the part having the given curved shape. Such a configuration allows a situation in which the upper arms 801b are opened to be locked. This enables workability and operability when a jam removes to be improved and enables release of the lock of a manipulation lever to be prevented from being forgotten.
US07992853B2
A method and apparatus for processing documents is provided. Documents having a selected characteristic are placed into a first area, whereas documents not having the selected characteristic are placed into a second area. A sensor in the first area detects the presence of documents in the first area. The documents are conveyed to a scanner that scans the documents to obtain information regarding the documents. The processing of the documents is controlled by a processor. A document is electronically tagged as having the selected characteristic and processed accordingly in response to the detection of the document in the first area and in response to whether the document arrived at the scanner during a pre-determined time frame.
US07992852B2
A pipe stand able to support a conduit includes a table having a first surface, supports pivotably coupled to the table for supporting the table in an elevated position with respect to the support surface, and a shelf extending between the supports and positioned between the table and the support surface. At least one of the supports includes an electrical connector, and a power cord is in electrical communication with the electrical connector and connectable to an external power source. The pipe stand includes a first jaw extending from the first surface of the table and shaped to engage a portion of the conduit, and a second jaw a second jaw extending from the first surface of the table and spaced a distance from the first jaw, the second jaw shaped to engage another portion of the conduit. A clamping device is supported by one of the first jaw and the second jaw. The clamping device includes a cord removeably coupled to the table and engageable with the conduit and a winch for biasing the cord with respect to the conduit.
US07992851B2
The present invention is directed to a magnetic indexing device that can be connected to a conveyor, the device firmly holding a golf ball in a particular orientation for the purposes of printing of indicia and logo on the ball when device and ball move along the conveyor. The device includes a stationary base portion and a rotating cup portion which are magnetically coupled to each other. Each portion has recesses for housing magnets to create a magnetic field of attraction which firmly locks the two portions together. When rotation of the cup portion to the base portion is required, the rotation is substantially friction-free because of a thrust bearing ring set in the base portion. The cup portion is caused to rotate 45° or 90° upon being biasly urged by station locks located on the conveyor. The cup portion has an open bridge section wherein cam surfaces of the station locks can engage and cause the cup portion to rotate, which is necessary for each new procedure, whether it be inspection of the ball, pad printing of indicia and logo, or curing the printed ink with ultraviolet light.
US07992847B2
An earthquake-proof plinth includes a display floor plate that has an aperture configured to fit a middle section of an article seated on the plinth and that has a seat panel passing through the aperture and supported by a shaft extending vertically downward from the seat panel; a vibration sensor; a shaft stopper that stops the seat panel and shaft in a shock-absorbing elastic fashion when the article still on the seat panel falls and eventually has its middle section fitted in the aperture of the floor plate; and a retainer that normally retains the shaft in position to keep the seat panel flush with the display floor plate while it releases the shaft in response to a detection signal from the vibration sensor to let the seat panel and shaft drop.
US07992846B2
A mixing bag for use in bioprocessing receives a fluid and includes a sensing element for measuring at least one property thereof. The bag may include an internal fluid-agitating element and an integral sparger. Related methods are also disclosed.
US07992840B2
The disclosure provides an efficient design for a pressure rated oil field gate valve that meets the challenges of providing a quality product with minimal increase in price due to the design. It minimizes weight increase in the valve body over valves not meeting strict pressure specifications, due to strengthening ribs at strategic places without having to increase the overall body size as in commonplace in the industry. It provides redundancy of seals with minimal costs and no change in seat pockets over valves not capable of meeting the higher standards. It provides multiple shear points along a valve stem that can still allow a user to operate the valve from external to the valve bonnet. It further provides for additional sealing of the valve bonnet to the valve body by using elasticity in metal over long lengths to maintain a compression seal between the bonnet and the body.
US07992829B1
A clamp apparatus including a first strap and a second strap. The first strap including an attachment end for attachment to an associated structural member, an intermediate portion having a first radius of curvature for contacting an elongate article, and a connection end having a first aperture for receiving a fastener. The second strap including an attachment end for attachment to an associated structural member, an intermediate portion having a second radius of curvature for contacting the elongate article, and a connection end having a second aperture for receiving the fastener. The first radius of curvature is different from the second radius of curvature.
US07992817B2
A belt retractor for a safety belt system includes a frame, a belt reel rotatably mounted in the frame, a force limiter, a locking mechanism which couples the belt reel in a restraint case to the frame via the force limiter, and a belt webbing unwinding measuring means which includes a signal transmitter and at least one sensor. The sensor is associated with the signal transmitter and detects a change in a magnetic field. At least upon activation of the locking mechanism the signal transmitter is coupled to the belt reel such that it generates a signal upon rotation of the belt reel.
US07992816B2
A crushing and mill device includes an outer rotary disk (1) and an inner rotary disk (2) put in said outer rotary disk, wherein, the outer and inner rotary disks communicate the inlet (3) of the feed material, some through holes (20) communicating the outer and inner disk are provided on the sidewall of the inner disk, some carrier plates (4) for carrying the feed material are provided on the places that correspond to the through holes (20) on the disks. The rotations of the outer and inner disks are driven by motors, and the rotations direction of the inner and outer disks are opposite. The sidewall of outer disk has an outlet (10) of the feed material. The feed material enters the inner and outer disks from the inlet, and the feed material is shot off oppositely by the rotations of the outer and inner disk. The feed material passes the through holes of the inner disk and impacts with each other to be broken and milled. The particulates formed by milling are shot off from the outlet on the sidewall of the outer disk. The device can lower energy consumption and raise output.
US07992806B2
A showerhead with a rotationally adjustable handle includes a handle unit, a water outlet head unit, and a water inlet control unit. The handle unit has a hollow structure therein and has a first, a second, and a third communicating pipe penetrating therethrough. The water outlet head unit has a cover cap and an outlet valve assembly. The cover cap is connected to a first end of the handle unit and provided with an accommodating space for accommodating the outlet valve assembly. The outlet valve assembly is connected to one ends of the first, the second, and the third communicating pipe. The water inlet control unit is connected to a second end of the handle unit and is rotated to control a water inlet state among a plurality of stages, such that a water flow is guided into any one or a combination of any two of the communicating pipes.
US07992800B2
A nebulization apparatus with a packaging and fixing structure includes a piezoelectric driving device, an adhesive agent, a nebulization plate, a packaging layer and a fixing base. A ditch at the piezoelectric driving device is provided for filling an adhesive agent and installing the nebulization plate that is fixed to the driving device by the adhesive agent. The packaging layer covers the piezoelectric driving device. The fixing base fixes the piezoelectric driving device. Preferably, the packaging layer is made of a polymer material for insulating moisture and preventing short circuits of the piezoelectric driving device. The ditch and the adhesive agent enhance the attaching strength of the piezoelectric driving device and the nebulization plate to extend the life of the nebulization apparatus, and the adhesive agent can electrically insulate the nebulization plate and the piezoelectric driving device, such that the nebulization plate will have no electrochemical action with the liquid.
US07992791B2
This disclosure discloses a tag label producing apparatus comprising: a printing device; a transmitting/receiving device that performs information transmission/reception; a feeding device that feeds said tag medium; a coordination control portion; a communication determining portion that determines whether or not information transmission/reception has succeeded; and a decision portion that decides a feeding-stop condition for stopping feeding based on a feeding condition for the transmission/reception, and a feeding-condition for printing to a print area; wherein: said coordination control portion controls in coordination operations of said feeding device, said transmitting/receiving device, and said printing device so as to stop feeding based on said feeding-stop condition decided by said decision portion and to perform retry of said information transmission/reception when said communication determining portion determines that said information transmission/reception has failed.
US07992787B2
A portable terminal assembly comprises an enclosure having a distal end wall and a proximal end wall connected to a pair of sidewalls such that the enclosure walls connect a bottom surface to a top surface having a user interface to define an enclosure interior. The enclosure has a power source compartment positioned in the enclosure interior. The cover couples to the compartment situated in an opening in the bottom surface. The cover housing of the cover includes a cover surface, a pair of cover sidewalls, a proximal cover end wall and a distal cover end wall such that the cover walls extend from the cover surface to define the cover interior. A magnet is coupled to the cover interior, such that the magnet has a sufficient magnetic field strength for affecting the state of the contacts of a switch. The switch is mounted in the interior of the enclosure, such that the switch is coupled to at least one component receiving power from the power source when positioned in the compartment. It is recognized that the proximity of the magnet to the switch affects the state of the contacts and therefore the supply of power to the at least one component.
US07992774B2
One form of the present invention contemplates a unique system for creating a customized bank card by a consumer/user based on instructions from a remote terminal. Other forms of the present invention contemplate unique apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, software, methods, and combinations of these for creating customized bank cards.
US07992773B1
Systems and methods are provided for enabling a portable electronic device to retrieve information about an object when the object's symbology, e.g., a barcode, is detected. According to one embodiment a method is providing in which symbology associated with an object is detected and decoded to obtain a decode string. The decode string is sent to one or more visual detection applications for processing, wherein the one or more visual detection applications reside on the portable electronic device, and receiving a first amount of information about the object from the one or more visual detection applications. The method also includes sending the decode string to a remote server for processing and receiving a second amount of information about the object from the remote server. The first amount of information is combined with the second amount of information to obtain cumulative information which is displayed on the portable electronic device.
US07992768B2
A cash register tray includes a base tray having a plurality of change compartments and a plurality of weight sensors, each weight sensor being configured to determine content weight of a respective change compartment. The cash register tray includes a processor in data communication with each weight sensor. Data input and output devices are in data communication with the processor. The processor includes programming for associating each compartment with a respective monetary denomination and monetary value, an initial monetary value and content weight using weight sensor data. The processor includes programming for adding value to respective compartment values if change is added to a compartment as sensed by the input device or weight sensors and for subtracting value from a respective compartment value as indicated by respective weight sensors. The processor divides an increase or decrease by a predetermined value after each transaction to account for coin weight variations.
US07992767B1
A canted swivel for a mailbox to provide an automatic swiveling mailbox arrangement enabling retrieval of mail from the box without entering a nearby thoroughfare with the mailbox having a rest point or balance point facing outward toward the thoroughfare at its balance point as a result of a canted ball bearing swivel.
US07992765B2
A carton and blank for forming the carton having a dispenser for dispensing cylindrical containers or other types of articles. The dispenser has a removable dispenser panel that is accessed from an access panel foldably attached to the carton.
US07992764B2
The invention relates to a folding carton for the preservation and for the transport of goods with a reduced complexity, comprising a front wall element, a rear wall element, side wall elements connected to the front wall element and to the rear wall element by fold lines, a lid connected to the front wall element by a fold line, a base connected to at least one of the front wall element, the rear wall element and the side wall elements by a fold line and a separation flap element connected to one of the rear wall element and the side wall elements by a fold line, wherein the separation flap element comprises a plurality of flap sections, the flap sections by folding being arranged relative to each other in such a way that at least three compartments are formed.
US07992763B2
Fabrication techniques for and examples of metallic composite materials with high toughness, high strength, and lightweight for various structural, armor, and structural-armor applications. For example, various advanced materials based on metallic-intermetallic laminate (MIL) composite materials are described, including materials with passive damping features and built-in sensors.
US07992753B2
A bag dispenser includes an axle having a plurality of spaced-apart interior annular rings. A roll of bags are wound about the axle and a rod is insertable into the axle. When inserted into the axle, the rod engages at least one of the annular rings to connect the rod to the axle.
US07992741B2
A lid for a drinking cup may include a rim portion and a raised cover portion. The rim portion may be adapted to matingly engage an upper peripheral edge of the drinking cup so as to selectively maintain the lid in a covering relationship on the cup. The raised cover portion may extend from the rim portion, and have a perimeter adapted to impede spillage of liquid over a peripheral edge of the lid. Liquid spilled or released on the cover portion or perimeter portion may drain away from the periphery of the cover portion and into the drinking opening or a recess in the cover portion that is adapted to receive a reclosable tab.
US07992739B2
A collapsible frame container assembly comprises a frame component comprising a plurality of panels connected to each other, the panels being movable relative to each other between a first substantially folded condition wherein the panels are collapsed and a second unfolded condition wherein the panels are opened to define a frame structure. Also provided is a container component comprising first and second sides defining a space therebetween of a size which can be varied according to the relative positions of the first and second sides. The frame component when in the unfolded condition and the container component are releasably coupled to each other to define a predetermined frame container assembly.
US07992736B2
There is provided a synthetic resin bottle in which an amorphous carbon film having good appearance without forming the brown mottled pattern on the surface thereof is deposited.The present invention provides a bottle having a mouth portion, a shoulder portion, a body portion and a bottom portion in which an amorphous carbon film is deposited on the inner surfaces of the mouth portion, the shoulder portion, the body portion and the bottom portion by supplying C2H2 gas. When the height position of the shoulder portion in the direction toward the mouth portion along the bottle axis from the position at which the inner diameter of the shoulder portion is maximal is within the area whose height is not more than 70% the total height of the shoulder portion along the bottle axis, the amorphous carbon film on the shoulder portion within the above range of height position is formed so that the thickness thereof is not less than 0.9 times but not more than 1.1 times the thickness at the shoulder portion having maximum inner diameter.
US07992733B2
An assist system is configured for moving a mass vertically, along a Z axis. The assist system includes a vertical actuation system, a cable, a plurality of pulleys, an actuator, and a mass. The pulleys are operatively attached to the support structure and an assist device that is movable attached to the support structure. The cable is routed around each of the pulleys and attached to the support structure. One of the pulleys supports the mass. The mass moves vertically in response to the actuator.
US07992728B2
An organizer assembly system includes a track having a base and a bar coupled to, and spaced from, the base to form an I-beam having a longitudinal axis. The base is configured for attachment to a first mounting surface or a second mounting surface, and the bar is configured as a rail in a plurality of rail orientations of varying lengthwise rotation of the track about the longitudinal axis. A first organizer item of the system has a runner to engage the bar of the track in a first rail orientation of the plurality of rail orientations in which the track is attached to the first mounting surface and the runner rides upon a first surface of the bar such that the track supports the first organizer item relative to the first mounting surface. A second organizer item of the system has a hook to engage the bar of the track in a second rail orientation of the plurality of rail orientations in which the track is lengthwise rotated from the first rail orientation and attached to the second mounting surface such that the hook engages a second surface of the bar that supports the second organizer item to suspend the second organizer item along the second mounting surface.
US07992724B2
To reuse support plate and to fix a membrane sheet by the same method both in a new product manufacturing and in regeneration. In a flat membrane element including a deposit fixed portion formed by lapping a membrane sheet performing solid-liquid separation onto a support plate supporting the membrane sheet and by emitting a laser to a circumferential edge of the membrane sheet to deposit fix the member sheet onto the support plate, and making an inside of the membrane sheet surrounded by the deposit fixed portion be a solid-liquid separating area; an embrocation having laser absorption property is applied on the surface of the membrane sheet of the deposit fixed portion. At the time of regeneration, such a portion of the membrane sheet that corresponds to the solid-liquid separating area is cut off and, after that, a new membrane sheet is lapped on the embrocation and the new membrane sheet and the embrocation are deposit fixed by a laser.
US07992710B2
An oral care implement demonstration assembly includes a powered oral care implement, a package housing and a plurality of demonstration elements. The oral care implement demonstration assembly is configured to produce a visual demonstration effect when relative movement is provided between a first demonstration element and a second demonstration element. Among the visual effects that may be utilized is a Moiré effect. Additionally, an associated method for demonstrating features of an oral care implement though one or more visual effects is described herein.
US07992703B2
A method according to the present invention includes providing a transfer plate used in conveying manufactured product or raw materials onto or off from a conveyor belt. Generally, the transfer plate includes a support member and a transfer extension depending from the support member to interface to a predetermined conveyor belt. The support member may be coupled to a support structure to allow multidirectional flotation, or acceptable operational movement, of the plate due to incidental movement of the conveyor belt. The method further includes the step of manually coupling the support member to the support structure, thereby preventing the need for tools during repair or replacement.
US07992682B2
A mechanism for facilitating the storage of ladders in the upper area on the outside of an emergency vehicle which includes the capability of moving of the ladder to a lower deployed position to facilitate immediate access thereto by emergency workers such as firemen and the like. The construction includes an inner housing attached to the vehicle and an outer housing movable by an arm assembly relative thereto to urge the ladder between the storage and deployed positions. An adjustment mechanism including a yoke is included for varying the position of the powering drive cylinder which operatively moves the outer housing relative to the inner housing.
US07992680B2
A fall protection apparatus includes a single longitudinally extending rigid rail onto which two laterally spaced apart moveable lanyard anchorages are mounted. The rail has a generally H-shaped cross-section with opposing vertically oriented first and second tracks laterally spaced apart by a connecting member extending between the tracks and substantially continuously along the length of the tracks The apparatus is attached to a structure by a support member, such as an overhead or lower support member, with the support member being attached to an upper or lower surface of the connecting member respectively. Each anchorage is adapted to be independently moveable along the length of one of the tracks, with the tracks being sufficiently spaced apart to permit the anchorages to freely pass by each other and the attachment point.
US07992679B2
An anchor system for a personal fall protection system having belay lines extending between vertical supports includes modular components adapted to be mounted to virtually any structure while permitting the installation of one or two belay line runs. A mounting plate interfaces with the vertical support, while one or two support plates are supported by the mounting plate and by anchor elements extending through each of the plates. Each support plate includes a shuttle guide and is configured to connect to belay line segments running between successive anchor systems and forming the complete belay line course. The fall protection system is further provided with a transfer station that allows a person to transfer from one belay line to another.
US07992676B1
A tuned acoustic attenuation device includes a housing defining a chamber within with air inlet and outlet channels opening into the chamber. An acoustic chamber or chambers are arranged on an exterior wall of or alternately within the housing and positioned to extend in a substantially lateral parallel relationship to the inlet or outlet channel and are configured as quarter wave tuners. The acoustic chambers may be realized within the housing by adapting housing stiffening support ribs of the housing. The acoustic attenuation characteristics of individual acoustic chambers cooperate to broaden the sound attenuation bandwidth or increase the attenuation at selected noise frequencies.
US07992672B2
An electric power steering system includes a steering wheel, a rack-and-pinion type steering gear box connected to the steering wheel, a steering torque sensor, a pinion shaft, and a steering actuator mounted on the pinion shaft to assist a steering operation conducted by a driver. An overload preventing control is conducted so that a sum of a current conversion value of a steering torque detected by the steering torque sensor and an assist current calculated based on the steering torque becomes equal to a limit value. When the steering gear box has reached a stroke end, the assist current is prevented from excessively increasing, thereby preventing a reduction in durability of the steering gear box or a motor of the steering actuator.
US07992670B2
A motor vehicle having a unit, particularly a drive assembly, which is operated by a fuel that is cryogenically stored in a vehicle tank, is provided, in which fuel is heated by a heat exchange with a warmer medium. The fuel taken from the vehicle tank comes in contact with the cold side of a thermoelectric generator, particularly in the form of a Seebeck element, in order to generate electric current for the electric power supply of the vehicle. The warm side of the thermoelectric generator is preferably acted upon by the warmer medium also used for the heat exchange with the cold fuel, in which case the thermoelectric generator may be integrated in a heat exchanger for the heat exchange between the fuel taken and the warmer medium.
US07992669B2
Vehicle seat belt apparatus includes an electric-type pretensioner that includes a motor for rotationally driving a belt reel to take up a belt. The apparatus also includes: a take-up position detection section for detecting a take-up position of the reel; a traveling condition determination section for determining that a traveling condition of the vehicle has varied to a predetermined condition; and a control section for controlling power supply to the motor, on the basis of a signal output from the determination section, to thereby control a driving amount of the motor but also for controlling the reel, in accordance with a detection signal output by the take-up position detection section, so that the reel is kept at a predetermined take-up position, to thereby hold a vehicle occupant in a seat with the belt.
US07992667B2
An adapter apparatus is provided for use in mounting two oil filter cartridges on an engine. The adapter apparatus includes a manifold for interconnecting the oil filters, and for allowing oil to flow in series through the oil filters and an engine. The manifold includes a metal manifold block having an outer face, an inner face, and at least one lateral edge with a plurality of cooling fins thereon. The manifold block has a plurality of hollow flow passages formed therein to route oil therethrough. Two sleeve fittings are attached to the manifold block, and each of the sleeve fittings has male threads formed on an outer surface thereof. Each of the sleeve fittings threadably receives one of the oil filters thereon. The apparatus also includes inlet and outlet tubes attached to the block body, for respectively routing oil to and away from the adapter apparatus.
US07992662B2
A parallel hybrid vehicle includes a heat engine, a transmission including an input and an output, and an electrical device. The transmission input is coupled to the engine and the transmission output is coupled to the electrical device such that substantially all of the torque generated by the heat engine is channeled through the transmission to the electrical device, and a differential, the electrical device coupled to the differential such that during a first mode of operation the electrical device functions as a motor to receive substantially all the torque generated by the engine through the transmission, and such that during a second mode of operation the electrical device functions as a generator to receive substantially all the torque generated by the vehicle through the differential. A method of retrofitting a vehicle is also provided.
US07992660B2
In a crawler vehicle, at the time of crane operation at a place where a grounding space of crawlers is limited, a land leveling preparation is suppressed as little as possible so as to improve efficiency of the operation. The crawler vehicle is provided with left and right crawler frames on the both left and right sides of a track frame. The crawler frames can be moved between an expansion position for maximizing a distance between centers of the crawlers and a contraction position for minimizing the distance. Further, the crawler vehicle can position the crawler frames to the track frame at an intermediate position in the middle of the expansion position and the contraction position.
US07992654B2
A system for controlling drilling mud density in drilling operations that combines a base fluid of lesser/greater density than the drilling fluid required at the drill bit to drill the borehole to produce a combination return mud in a riser. Concentric tubular members are disclosed, wherein one tubular member, such as the drill string, is utilized to inject the drilling fluid into the wellbore. Another tubular member carries the combination fluid to the surface for separation by a centrifuge system. By combining appropriate quantities of drilling mud with another fluid, the density of the combination fluid carrying drill cuttings to the surface can be regulated. During separation by the centrifuge, a weir plate having an adjustable height is utilized in the centrifuge to regulate the separation of the base fluid from the drilling fluid, producing a high density fluid and a low density fluid. The adjustable centrifuge permits the densities of the two fluids to be readily altered as desired for well drilling operations.
US07992651B2
A wavy disc and coulter with notches and method of using same, the disc or coulter having plurality of waves formed in the blade by deviating the entire outer periphery of the variable wave coulter from a flat plane. A plurality of crests and a plurality of valleys are formed in the blade, wherein each of said plurality of waves comprises a first and a second crest and one valley between the first and second crests at the outer periphery thereof. A notch is disposed in each respective wave on the outer periphery of the blade and wherein at least a majority of the notch is disposed between the first one of the respective crests and the respective valley, such majority of the notch being closer to the first respective crest than to the second respective crest.
US07992646B2
A horizontal offline stand building system includes a substantially horizontal, elongate catwalk having a frame and a stand lifting arm. The catwalk has a top surface adapted to receive at least two tubulars aligned coaxially along a linear path in a make-up channel on said top surface. The tubulars are threaded together to form preferably at least a triple pipe stand in the make-up channel. The completed stand is then transferred laterally to a delivery channel containing the stand lifting arm. The stand lifting arm is selectively actuable lifting arm for selectively elevating a rig end of a pipe stand from said top surface of the catwalk to the deck of a drilling rig, and then for supporting the mid and rear sections as the stand is hoisted from the delivery channel up the derrick of the drilling rig.
US07992643B2
Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retro-fitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replace the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.
US07992639B2
Improvement in the compatibility of hydrocarbon and water is achieved by surface active agents newly synthesized by mixed microbial populations. Methods for enhancing the microbial production of surface-active agents in hydrocarbon-exposed surface waters can be achieved by supplementing the mixed microbial population with one or more carbon sources, most notably propionate. Hydrocarbon-exposed surface waters having enhanced levels of surface-active agents can be used to improve hydrocarbon recovery from subterranean formations or for remediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated sites.
US07992634B2
One embodiment provides an adjustable guide 10a to steer the end 90 of a pipe string 88 into position to be engaged and supported by a pipe gripping apparatus such as, for example, an externally gripping elevator assembly 10. The adjustable guide 10a may comprise a plurality of angularly distributed guide inserts 30, each having a sloped surface 30A to engage a pipe end 90. Another embodiment provides an adjustable guide 60a to steer a pipe connection into position to pass through a spider 60. The guide inserts 30, 80 of an adjustable guide may be controllably positionable to together form a guide that is concentric with the bore of the tapered bowl of an elevator assembly or a spider. One embodiment comprises a guide insert retainer 11 having a plurality of channels 28, each slidably receiving a guide insert 30 and positionable by rotation of a threaded shaft 40.
US07992628B2
A liquid cooled charge air cooler includes a plurality of pairs of adjacent separator plates supported in parallel spaced relation. The pairs alternatingly define a first set of adjacent pairs in fluid communication with a charge air inlet and a charge air outlet, and a second set of adjacent pairs in fluid communication with a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet. Fins extend between adjacent plates of the first set of adjacent pairs to define a charge air flow path between the charge air inlet and the charge air outlet. A plurality of dams extend between adjacent plates of the second set of adjacent pairs in a select offset configuration to define a multi-pass coolant flow path between the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet. Each dam includes an associated bypass port allowing a portion of coolant to bypass at least a portion of the coolant flow path through the dams.
US07992625B1
Method and apparatus for heat transfer are described. In particular, a heat transfer device includes a housing having input and output ports for ingress and egress of a medium. The housing defines an interior volume with a first portion having pins extending therein and a second portion defined in part by a network of micro-channels. An interface between the first portion and the second portion of the interior volume has orifices for providing passageways for flow of the medium therebetween. A first portion of the pins are spaced apart from the interface to promote generation of vortices of the medium in the first portion of the interior volume.
US07992623B2
A wall covering system for radiant heating includes a first wall covering portion and a second wall covering portion. The first portion is releasably connectable to the second portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to an outer surface of the first portion. The first portion includes a bottom side and top channel portion downwardly depending from the bottom side. The second portion includes a top side and a bottom channel portion extending upwardly from the top side. The top channel portion and the bottom channel portion bound a channel for receiving a heating conduit. The channel extends longitudinally relative to the first portion and the second portion.
US07992621B2
A side dam for use in a continuous twin roll caster system includes a body of refractory material having opposed outer surfaces with one outer surface adapted to contact molten metal and casting rolls in a continuous twin roll caster system and retain molten metal, and an opposite outer surface having fastening portions of refractory material adapted to attach the side dam to a side dam holder to hold the side dam in place during casting; an aperture in the outer surface of the body positioned adjacent a nip of the continuous twin roll caster system and adapted to receive a side dam insert; and a side dam insert of a second refractory material harder than the refractory material of the body having a first surface adapted to contact molten metal and form with the outer surface of the body the outer surface of the side dam.
US07992616B2
An apparatus for making a carbon nanotube film includes a substrate holder, a bar supplying device, a carrier device, and a stretching device arranged in alignment in that order. A method for making a carbon nanotube film is further provided.
US07992614B2
A horizontal hotpress system is provided, which can maintain the thickness of the boards (laminated boards) after hot-pressing within the allowable range, by driving and controlling the press cylinders individually, even when, for example, the size or material of the boards changes. Also, A horizontal hotpress system is provided, which can maintain the thickness of the boards (laminated boards) after hot-pressing within the allowable range, by driving and controlling the press cylinders individually or jointly without adjusting the pressing positions of the press cylinders, even when, for example, the size or material of the boards changes, and further, being able to adapt to change of the material of the boards or the like.
US07992612B2
A simulation press having a main body and an actuator attached thereto. The actuator is substantially aligned with the main body. A first plate is coupled to the main body and a second plate is coupled to the actuator. Both plates are adapted to engage a workpiece so as to simulate various modes of deformation of an area or areas on the workpiece when the second plate is moved relative to the first plate. The simulation press further includes a drive controller for controlling operation of the actuator. The drive controller additionally responds to feedback from at least one feedback sensor included with the simulation press.
US07992603B2
A saw speed readiness system for use with a forestry machine comprises a controller configured to receive a threshold selection signal, and change a speed readiness threshold from a first saw speed to a second saw speed in response to the threshold selection signal, the speed readiness threshold representing a non-zero saw speed above which a disk saw is considered to be ready for a tree-felling operation but below which the disk saw is considered not to be ready for the tree-felling operation. An associated method is disclosed.
US07992600B2
The apparatus for filling a motor vehicle cooling system includes a communication body, a valve, a flexible connecting hose, a pressure gauge, a relief valve and a hanging portion, in which the valve, the connecting hose, the pressure gauge, the relief valve and the hanging portion are all disposed on predetermined positions of the communication body, while the connecting hose is extended out of the communication body for a distance and it connects to a top opening of the cooling system tightly by a metallic cap.
US07992596B2
A method of weaving including warp and weft being supplied in the form of tapes, and not yarns. The method preferably carried out in vertical format and includes feeding positively flat tensionless warp for shedding and taking-up; selecting, feeding positively and inserting weft tapes of different widths and thickness by gripping in its fore end in flat condition; depositing inserted weft at fabric-fell in a flat condition without beating-up; and taking-up the woven material that includes either the same or different widths of flat wefts. The warps and wefts, preferably of partially stabilized type of fibrous tapes, can be overfed in a tensionless, positive and controlled manner when required to make the fibres of constituent fibrous tapes occur non-linearly in the form of wave/texture during weaving. Extra warps and wefts can be also fed in tandem whereby the warps and wefts become composed of two or more unconnected, mutually slipping, flat tapes in a stacked arrangement. These doubled warps and wefts function effectively as a unit warp and weft during weaving and in the fabric. The method also allows for the production of other materials such as those with slant weft tapes in relation to warp, having a shape within the body of the fabric and warp and weft tapes of shaped edges. A variety of fibrous and non-fibrous materials are equally well processed.
US07992595B2
An artificial grass mat that is composed of a ground fabric and a number of artificial grass blades protruding from the ground fabric, at least one of the artificial grass blades being formed from a pile-warp yarn (1-6; 7-10; 15-18) having a density of less than 5,000 dtex; and a method for producing an artificial mat of this type. The artificial grass mat is suitable both for use in athletics, such as football, tennis, hockey, golf, and for other uses, including domestic and garden applications, as a decorative landscape element.
US07992589B2
A valve including a body delimiting an inlet duct opening into a first and second outlet duct. The body includes a first butterfly valve element and a second butterfly valve element. The first butterfly valve element is mounted on a first transmission gearwheel connected to a drive motor and is movable into two closed positions on either side of an open position of the first duct. The first transmission gearwheel is connected to a second transmission gearwheel, on which the second butterfly valve element is connected by a one-way positive drive element. When the first butterfly valve element is moved from an open position to one of the two closed positions in the first duct, the second butterfly valve element is driven from a closed position to an open position of the second duct. The valve includes a member for returning the second butterfly valve element to the closed position.
US07992588B2
A valve device includes a tubular member fitted into an inflatable article, a flexible diaphragm having a peripheral region which engages a valve seat of the tubular member through a mounting support and an intermediate surrounding region which has a portion that can be flexed to deflect a corresponding portion of the peripheral region from the valve seat, and a positioning member which is actuated to be displaced between normally-closed and deflating positions so as to bring an engaging end thereof to be proximate to or distal from the valve seat. In the deflating position, the flexed portion is vested with an increment of biasing force that is counteracted by a resisting force at an actuated end so as to keep the peripheral portion in a deflected position for maintaining the valve device in an open state.
US07992571B2
A suture trimmer having a shaft with a groove formed in the side thereof, a cutting member movably disposed within the shaft, and a suture retainer slidably disposed within the shaft. The suture trimmer may be used to position knots formed within a suture loop prior to trimming the free end(s) of the suture loop, and to deliver an agent near the location where the suture is severed.
US07992568B2
Disposable operating room surgical draping systems are disclosed. Methods of using disposable operating room surgical draping systems are also disclosed.
US07992561B2
An airway device is provided that may track the flow of respiratory gases through the device with sensing elements at a plurality of locations along the gas flow path of the device. Such a device may be useful for assessing a variety of clinical states, for adjusting patient ventilator settings, or for determining whether or not an airway device has been properly inserted into a patient airway.
US07992560B2
The present invention is a breathing mask that is fully adjustable so as to enable a comfortable and leak proof seal around a patient's face. The mask includes a frame, a cushion, a hose connector, a strap, connector, a strap, and a headgear. The present invention ensures both comfort and effectiveness by enabling a full adjustment of various components such as the angle of the strap relative to the face mask and the adjustment of the size of the headgear. Furthermore, the present invention also allows for the free rotation of certain elements in order to maintain a sufficient seal without increasing the pressure applied to the patient.
US07992555B2
A ventilation system for intensified breathing that includes both a manual ventilation system and automatic ventilation system. The gas mixture from a gas supply system is supplied to a switching valve that is operable between a manual position and an automatic position. When the switching valve is in the manual position, the inhalation gas from the supply system is guided to a manual ventilation bag. When the ventilation bag is squeezed during manual inhalation, the gas flow from the manual bag is directed to the inhalation limb of the patient circuit. When the manual ventilation bag is released, the pressure within the ventilation bag falls below the exhalation pressure, thereby indicating the beginning of the exhalation phase and the re-inflation of the manual ventilation.
US07992549B2
A method of operating an internal combustion engine comprises the steps of (a) pressurizing a liquid fuel to a pressure above 150 psig; (b) heating the liquid fuel to a temperature above 500° F. to produce a heated liquid fuel; (c) suddenly reducing the pressure of the heated liquid fuel sufficiently to vaporize the heated liquid fuel to form a vaporized hot fuel; (d) combining the vaporized hot fuel with oxygen to form a vaporized hot fuel/oxygen mixture; (e) introducing the vaporized hot fuel/oxygen mixture into the internal combustion engine; and (f) combusting the vaporized hot fuel/oxygen mixture within the internal combustion engine.
US07992546B2
A delivery unit for delivering fuel in a fuel tank comprises a prefilter and swirl pot which are produced as one piece. The prefilter is produced during die-casting of the swirl pot. The invention allows the delivery unit to be produced in an especially inexpensive manner.
US07992544B2
The invention relates to a fuel injector which has a retaining body and an injection nozzle nut. An expansion sleeve, which can be supplied with hydraulic fluid, is provided around the periphery of the fuel injector, in particular around the periphery of the retaining body. The expansion sleeve includes at least one pocket-type recess, which can be supplied with hydraulic fluid.
US07992540B2
A decompression braking device in an endothermic engine (1) is provided of the type comprising a lever axle (2) on which a plurality of eccentric bushings (31) of a corresponding plurality of levers (3) provided with tappets (4) are rotationally and eccentrically mounted for actuating a plurality of exhaust valves (5), and a camshaft (30) for actuating the plurality of levers (3), the device is characterized in that it comprises an actuating member (6, 61) mounted externally to the lever axle (2) and connected to the latter by linkages (8, 9, 10), such that a respective rotation of the bushings (31) by a predetermined angular value (α), with consequent displacement of the hinging axis of the levers (3), corresponds to each excursion of the actuating member (6, 61).
US07992529B2
In an internal combustion engine, comprising: an upper link (11) connected via a piston pin (21) to a piston (32) that reciprocates within a cylinder; a lower link (12) attached to a crank pin (33b) of a crankshaft (33) to be free to rotate and connected to the upper link (11) via an upper pin (22); and a control link (13) which is connected to the lower link (12) via a control pin (23) and oscillates about an oscillation central shaft (24), the following equation is established when the piston (32) is at bottom dead center cos(θl+α)
US07992522B2
The present invention provides for an off-shore unitary fish farming apparatus, including: a plurality of floatable fish containers aligned sequentially having attachment means for flexibly connecting the containers to maintain the containers in a predetermined relationship to one another, a dampening means attached to at least one or the containers to reduce current and wave and also deflect any floating debris away from the containers, a fish feed tank for holding, mixing and distribution of fish feed slurry to each of the plurality of fish containers, the fish tank having a securing means for attaching the dampening means to the tank; a feed dispenser for radially dispensing fish feed in the container directly beneath the water surface, anchor means to anchor the apparatus to an aquatic floor, the anchor means allowing radial movement or the tank around an anchor position and a crane mounted on the fish feed tank.
US07992520B2
A squirrel-proof bird feeder and feed level control device is described. The bird feeder includes a vertically disposed inner housing member which is positioned within a vertically disposed outer housing member with each of the housing members including a plurality of vertically spaced-apart housing segments. The spacing of the housing segments divide feed openings therebetween. A combination feed level control and feed port device is positioned between each of the housing segments of the inner housing member so that feed ports are provided therebetween. The outer housing member has a plurality of feed openings formed therein which register with the feed ports of the combination devices when the outer housing member is in its first position. If a squirrel should move onto the outer housing member, the outer housing member moves downwardly with respect to the inner housing member so that the feed openings in the outer housing member do not register with the feed ports of the combination devices. A spring interconnects the inner and outer housing members to yieldably maintain the outer housing member in its first position. The combination feed level control and feed ports not only function as a feed level control mechanism but also provide feed ports at the lower end thereof.
US07992519B2
An arrangement is provided in a milking system for simultaneous milking of a plurality of milking animals, wherein the milking system comprises a plurality of milking positions (P1-P24) and an arrangement for establishing identities of and expected milking times for the milking animals. Each of the milking positions is provided with teat cups, which are attached to the teats of a milking animal and are connected to a source of vacuum to milk the milking animal. The inventive arrangement comprises means (10) for determining a milking position, at which the milking animal having the longest expected milking time is present, based on the established identities and expected milking times; and a device (11, 13, 17; 20) for performing an action with respect to the milking system in response to the determination.
US07992516B2
A phosphor layer forming apparatus (1) in which a paste (21) containing a phosphor is discharged so as to cover each of a plurality of light-emitting elements (11) mounted on a substrate (10) includes the following: a discharge portion (12) for discharging the paste (21) in the form of droplets onto each of the light-emitting elements (11); a measurement portion (13) for measuring the thickness of individual phosphor layers that are formed of the paste (21) covering each of the light-emitting elements (11); and a discharge control portion (14) for controlling the amount of the paste (21) to be redischarged for each phosphor layer in accordance with the thickness of the individual phosphor layers measured by the measurement portion (13). This phosphor layer forming apparatus can reduce the manufacturing time.
US07992515B2
An electrode holder for a powder spraying device includes a powder channel and a bridge arranged into the powder channel for holding an electrode. In addition a wedge is provided, which can be fixed on the bridge, on the upstream side of the bridge.
US07992512B2
An interface between the gunwale or other surface of a boat and a tool such as a electronic device such as a fish finder. The interface is tucked under the mount of the electronic device and includes an opening running radially from the interior of the interface to and beyond an outer diametrical portion of the mount such that a power cord and/or other electrical connections can run from a power source in an inner portion of the boat, then to a central portion of the interface, then to the portion of the interface disposed beyond the outer diametrical portion of the mount, and then to the electrical device.
US07992511B2
An inflatable floor for an inflatable boat acts as a keel using three inflatable floor layers. The uppermost first inflatable floor layer has a planar cross section. The second inflatable floor layer is located under the first inflatable floor layer. The third inflatable floor layer is located under the second inflatable floor layer. A plurality of threads are provided, in an X- or I-like configuration, inside air chambers of the three inflatable floor layers. The threads link the upper and lower walls of the air chamber of each respective inflatable floor layer to each other. The inflatable floor has increased buoyancy and stiffness, is easy to fold and transport and is easy and economical to repair or replace and thus is easily applicable to a large military or rescue inflatable boat.
US07992510B2
A personal watercraft is provided that is capable of achieving high speeds. The craft can operate on a surface of a body of water or beneath the surface of the body of water. The personal watercraft includes a hull, a streamlined water tunnel disposed within the hull, a plurality of fins extending from the hull, a propeller disposed within the water tunnel, a motor disposed within the hull and outside of the water tunnel, a water intake at the front of the water tunnel and at the front and bottom of the hull, first and second water exhausts at the rear of the water tunnel and at the rear and bottom of the hull, and first and second handgrips located at the rear of the hull. The propeller can pull water into the water tunnel via the water intake, and the amount of water entering the watercraft at any given time is substantially the same as the amount of water exiting the watercraft via the water tunnel and the water exhausts.
US07992508B1
A docking mechanism comprises first and second units, operative to firmly attach and release a watercraft such as a ferry boat to a dock. This action can be produced by actuators that may be hydraulic or pneumatic actuators, or by other means such as manually actuated levers, electric motors or solenoids. A moveable locking piston acts to push locking cylinders or other locking members such as movable links against watercraft lock channels mounted upon the watercrafts. The apparatus results in very firm coupling of a watercraft to the dock, beneficially permitting ferry boats to load and unload cargo without keeping their engines running which wastes fuel and pollutes the environment. The lock channels on the watercraft are however configured to permit relative vertical motion between the watercraft and the latching assembly to account for water level changes and yet maintain very firm coupling of the watercraft to the dock.
US07992499B2
The invention relates to the field of penetrative projectiles capable of penetrating buildings whose structures are reinforced such as anti-aircraft shelters for example. The invention consists in a projectile comprising a solid penetrative body designed to perforate a wall of the building, the roof for example. Inside the projectile according to the invention are housed sub-munitions enclosing the charge in the form of bomblets, a device for plugging the hole formed in the wall by the passage of the projectile, and a sequencing and command device. When the wall is penetrated, the rear portion of the penetrative body is separated from the rest of the penetrative body and the plugging device is deployed so as to block the hole that has been passed through. After penetration, the front portion of the penetrative body continues its route toward the ground while the sub-munitions enclosing the bomblets remain suspended in the air under the wall.
US07992494B2
An ignition circuit for a detonator is disclosed. The circuit includes; an igniter having a first terminal and an opposing second terminal, a first diode electrically connected in series with the igniter at the first terminal, and a second diode electrically connected in series with the igniter at the second terminal. The first and second diodes each have an anode terminal and a cathode terminal, wherein like terminals of the first and second diodes are electrically connected to the igniter, thereby defining proximal terminals proximate the igniter and distal terminals on an opposing side of each respective diode. An energy source and a switch are electrically connected in series with each other, and are electrically connected across the distal terminals. Current flow through the igniter sufficient to ignite the igniter is prevented until an ignition voltage is applied to the distal terminals that is equal to or greater than the reverse breakdown voltage of the first diode or the second diode.
US07992486B2
An espresso tamper including a force calibration means is shown. The tamper is optimally handheld. Upon force of a desired magnitude being applied by a user, at least one discrete signal, such as an audible, visual, tactile or electrical signal is emitted. The tamper handle includes an anti-rotation feature. The handle is flared to avoid pinching the user's fingers during operation and to stop the user's fingers from sliding down the handle or in any way touching the base, thereby rendering the tamper more effective and safe. The tamper and force-calibration kit and method of use optimize espresso making.
US07992483B2
A firing frequency controller which includes a cylinder body, a piston assembly, and a unidirectional seal is provided. The cylinder body includes a first orifice, a second orifice and a third orifice, wherein the gas flux through the first orifice and the third orifice are inequality. The piston assembly disposed inside said cylinder body is repeatedly moved. The unidirectional seal is disposed at outside of the piston and adjacent to the inner wall of the cylinder body. The unidirectional seal is contacted with the cylinder body and is kept airtight while moved at one direction. The unidirectional seal is not contacted with the cylinder body and kept non-airtight while moved at another direction. Because of pressure difference, the velocity of piston assembly can be adjusted and then the firing frequency of toy gun can be controlled.
US07992481B2
A panel cutting apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a bench and a rail mounted to the bench, and adapted to guide a saw along the rail. A bench aligner displays a visual indication of a desired cut line of said workpiece. A positioning guide allows for convenient repositioning of a workpiece, allowing a user to make accurate, repeatable cuts in a workpiece, such as a panel material or sheet of plywood.
US07992474B2
A separator chute is placed at a standby position while a part is machined, and when the processing of the part is completed, the separator chute is swung and moved to a reception position to receive the part separated from a spindle. An opening portion of a cover structure, formed near a pivot shaft of the separator chute, is formed in the size through which the machined part can be discharged. The opening portion is closed by the separator chute when the chute is in the standby position and opened when the chute is in the reception position.
US07992472B2
A torque-limiting and ratcheting driver. The drive comprises a handle having an enclosed end and an open end, which houses a drive assembly. The drive assembly comprises a drive shaft, a drive clutch member and a camming clutch member supported by the drive shaft. The camming clutch member is coupled to the drive shaft, and the first drive clutch member and second camming clutch member are biased towards one another. The drive assembly has a locking screw supported by the drive shaft, with the locking means located at the enclosed end of the handle. The drive assembly is secured with the housing. The driver also comprises a ratcheting assembly connected to the handle, independently assembled of the drive assembly.
US07992455B2
A tightening torque measuring unit capable of reducing errors with respect to either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction as soon as possible is provided. A tightening torque measuring unit 10, installed in a tightening device, includes a torque sensor 12 that detects a tightening torque and an amplifier that amplifies an output from the torque sensor 12. The amplifier 40 or 42 applies a different gain to the output from the torque sensor depending on whether the tightening direction of the tightening apparatus is clockwise or counterclockwise.
US07992452B2
A measuring transducer of vibration type for registering, on the basis of the Coriolis principle, at least one measured variable of a medium flowing through a pipeline. The measuring transducer includes: a measuring tube, which is connectable with the pipeline via an inlet and an outlet, wherein the measuring tube includes a first measuring tube arc and a second measuring tube arc; an oscillation exciter for exciting oscillations of the measuring tube arcs; at least one oscillation sensor for registering resulting oscillations of the measuring tube arcs; and a transducer housing surrounding the measuring tube arcs. The measuring tube arcs are elastically coupled to the transducer housing. In this way, a robust and reliable measuring operation is guaranteed, which is little influenced by oscillatory in-couplings.
US07992445B2
In a pressure sensor including a pressure detecting element in an intermediate portion or at a deep side of a through hole formed in a protrusion, a body portion (a base portion and the protrusion) is made of ceramic or an insulative resin material and molded into a predetermined shape, and the pressure sensor is constituted as a molded interconnect device in which a conductive pattern is formed on a surface thereof. Accordingly, a smaller pressure sensor can be obtained.
US07992441B2
A pressure sensor module is disclosed. The pressure sensor module comprises a sensing element (1) mounted on a front side (3) of a support member (5). The support member (5) comprises a hole (7) through the support member (5) from the front side (3) to a back side (9). The sensing element (1) covers the hole (7) at the front side (3). A back side barrier (6) provided at the back side (9) of the support member (5) surrounds a surface of the back side (9) of the support member (5) and forms an enclosed area (8), wherein the enclosed area (8) and the hole (7) form a pressure channel (10). A back side protective member (2) fills the hole (7) and at least partially the enclosed area (8). The support member (5), back side barrier (6) and back side protective member (2) form a module that can be placed during production of the pressure sensor in a housing of the pressure sensor.
US07992436B2
The electro-optic liquid level sensing system detects a level of liquid in a container having an upper opening, such as for a server container of a beverage maker for a transport system, such as for aircraft, trains, trucks, buses and the like. A support housing mates with the upper opening of the container, and a primary liquid level sensor is mounted in the support housing for non-intrusively measuring the liquid level. A secondary liquid level sensor may be mounted in the support housing to sense a predetermined liquid level to prevent accidental overflows. Protective lenses may be placed in front of the primary liquid level sensor.
US07992433B2
At least one aspect of the invention provides an improved fuel sensing system for a generator, in addition, one or more other aspects of the invention provide improved systems and methods for determining remaining run-time of a generator system.
US07992413B2
An object of the invention is to provide a process for producing a synthetic quartz glass while taking account of a refractive index distribution remaining in the synthetic quartz glass; a jig for use in the synthetic-quartz-glass production process; and a synthetic quartz glass for an optical member, produced by the process. A process for producing a synthetic quartz glass, which comprises: depositing and growing fine quartz glass particles synthesized by flame hydrolysis of a glass-forming material on a rotating target to thereby form a porous quartz glass base of a substantially cylindrical shape; presintering the porous quartz glass base; and heating the presintered porous quartz glass base to a temperature not lower than the vitrification temperature to convert the base into a transparent glass, wherein in the step of conversion into a transparent glass, the porous quartz glass base is placed so as to make its growth axis vertical and a load is vertically imposed on the thus-placed porous quartz glass base.
US07992408B2
A compressor has a housing. A crank is carried by the housing for rotation about a crank axis. A cylinder is defined within the housing and has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion is smaller in transverse cross-sectional area than is the proximal portion. A piston is held within the housing for reciprocal movement at least partially within the cylinder. The piston also has a distal portion smaller in transverse cross-sectional area than a proximal portion. A connecting rod is pivotally coupled to the crank for relative rotation about a proximal axis and to the piston for relative rotation about a distal axis. A first compression chamber exists in the cylinder distal portion beyond the end of the piston. A second compression chamber exists in the cylinder proximal portion beyond a piston shoulder. The first and second compression chambers are non-series and non-parallel.
US07992404B2
A window air conditioner includes an indoor housing, an outdoor housing, an air conditioning unit including a first unit for removing heat from indoors at the indoor housing, a second unit for releasing the heat to outdoors at the outdoor housing, and a power control panel provided at the indoor housing to control the first and second units; and a connecting rod extended between the indoor housing and the outdoor housing, wherein the connecting rod serves as a bridge for suspendedly hanging the air conditioning unit at the window frame at a position that the indoor housing is supported at an interior side of the window frame while the outdoor housing is supported at an exterior side of the window frame.
US07992401B2
An evaporator includes a plurality of flat heat exchange tubes arranged in a left-right direction at a spacing with the widthwise direction thereof pointing forward or rearward, and fins arranged between respective adjacent pairs of heat exchange tubes. The fins have at least front edges thereof projected forwardly outward beyond the heat exchange tubes. Assuming that the amount of projection of the fins beyond the heat exchange tubes is X mm and that the heat exchange tubes are Y mm in thickness in the left-right direction, i.e., in height, X and Y have the relationship of 0.11Y≦X≦1.0Y. The surfaces of the fins can be drained of condensation water efficiently.
US07992391B2
An annular wall which transversely connects longitudinal walls of an annular combustion chamber of a turbine engine is disclosed. The wall is essentially flat, inclined in relation to a longitudinal axis of the turbine engine, and includes a plurality of deflectors, each formed by an essentially rectangular flat sheet. The deflectors are mounted on the wall and each includes an aperture for the installation of a fuel injection system, a plurality of multi-perforation holes formed in relation to the deflectors around their aperture so as to allow a passage of air intended for the cooling of the deflectors, and a flow forcing unit which forces the flow of air for cooling the deflectors to flow radially around the fuel injection systems.
US07992390B2
A fuel manifold of a gas turbine engine includes a tube assembly having substantially rigid inner tubes disposed inside of substantially rigid outer tubes in pairs, concentrically spaced apart by a spacer apparatus. The inner tubes form a primary fuel passage for directing a primary fuel flow and the outer tubes form a secondary fuel passage for directing a secondary fuel flow, the secondary flow being greater than the primary flow.
US07992389B2
A system and method for monitoring at least one operating parameter indicative of an operating condition of an engine and controlling a turbocharger assist device to maintain desired operating conditions of the engine equipped with a turbocharger. In one embodiment, a controller is provided to control operation of a turbocharger assist device in an engine for generating electric power when an excess of energy exists in the exhaust of the engine to subtract work from a turbocharger drive shaft.
US07992384B2
A hydraulic control device of construction machinery is disclosed. The device includes a main merging/diverging valve, operating levers operated to actuate plural actuators, an operating condition judging section, and a pattern collating section. When a load pressure of each actuator is high, a discharge pressure of each discharge oil path is also high, and when a total of the discharge pressures exceeds a predetermined set pressure, the main merging/diverging valve is switched to a diverging position, and when the total of the discharge pressures drops to below the set pressure, the main merging/diverging valve is switched to the merging position.
US07992377B2
A method of extending emissions performance of an exhaust after-treatment system of a vehicle that includes a dosing agent includes determining a level of a dosing agent source, selectively entering a limp-home mode based on the level and monitoring a catalyst temperature during said limp-home mode. Operation of an engine is regulated to increase the catalyst temperature when the catalyst temperature is less than a threshold catalyst temperature during the limp-home mode.
US07992368B2
An equine training aid for enabling a horse, pony, donkey or the like, particularly dressage or show horses, to adopt an optimum outline or profile. The training aid includes a self-centering, continuous loop portion (1), configured, during lunging or riding, to be in contact tension with the equine wherein the continuous loop portion (1) includes a front section (1a) and a rear section (1b) each of which are linked by a linker such as the form of rings (2a) and pivotal clips (2b). Each of the loop sections (1a) and (1b) additionally has two adjustment mechanisms (e.g. sliders; (3)) to allow each loop section to be lengthened or shortened and both ends of the rear section (1b) terminate in a safety loop (4) which allows rotation of the device to a limited extent and prevents the rear section of the loop portion (1b) from slipping down the hind legs of the equine when the device is being dismantled and removed from the equine.
US07992352B2
A building frame resistant to earthquakes, gale-force wind loads, fire, insects and rot includes a peripheral frame wall constructed of rectangular steel tubing. Side wall frame modules and end wall modules bolted together along adjacent edges form the peripheral frame wall. Diagonal bracing is built into selected side and end wall modules as required for the desired degree of wind resistance. Trusses made of various size tube such as 2×3 inch rectangular steel tubing for supporting a roof, including a hip roof, on the peripheral wall, are assembled and welded in a welding shop and the prefabricated trusses and wall modules are trucked to the building site. Multiple stories may be erected and fastened together by anchor brackets arranged bottom-to-bottom above and below the second and higher floors. The building frame is secured to a foundation by attaching the anchor brackets to anchor bolts set in the foundation.
US07992343B1
A flexible fishing lure comprising: a head integral with an egg sack, a body integral with the egg sack opposite the head, at least two air trapping cavities disposed adjacent each other along a central axis in the body for trapping and retaining air during lure movement, and a tail integral with the body. The tail is tapered to a point and rises when the head is engaged with a hook, and the tail remains at an elevated position above the head when submerged in water.
US07992342B1
The balanced fishing rod support and leverage device comprises an angled rod engaging portion extending upwardly from a balanced pivotable base at a centered position along the base. A free end of the rod engaging portion is adapted to receive a butt of a fishing pole therein and the base is adapted to be engaged under the feet of a user, with the rod engaging portion extending upwardly therebetween. The device is pivotable toward and away from a user to be used to leverage a fish toward the user without allowing for horizontal buckling of the rod and device.
US07992340B1
A fishhook setting apparatus utilizing a lever arm support which holds a fishing rod associated with the fishhook and which is freely rotatable about a pre-determined arcuate path. The trigger mechanism initiates the instantaneous raising of the rod chip through the lever arm support when the lever arm support travels to the extreme portion of an arcuate path.
US07992338B2
Alignment devices for assisting proper location of fingers relative to the triggers of trigger-activated devices, trigger-activated devices, finger position indicating triggers for trigger-activated devices, and methods for activating a trigger-activated device are disclosed. Alignment devices for assisting proper location of a finger relative to a trigger may include a body having a trigger face configured to engage a user's finger, a trigger-engaging region, and a position indicator disposed on the trigger face. The trigger-engaging region may be adapted to couple the alignment device to a trigger of a trigger-activated device. The trigger-engaging region may be configured to position the trigger face in a predetermined position relative to the trigger. The position indicator may be disposed on the trigger face. The position indicator may be configured to provide an indication that at least a portion of the finger is positioned in a predetermined lateral position relative to the trigger.
US07992332B2
An exemplary power regulator apparatus provides power for illumination of a display object, such as a merchandise package or container, which has a light emitting apparatus comprising a secondary inductor and an illumination source. A support structure, such as a point of purchase display, typically contains or supports one or more power regulators and display objects. The power regulator comprises a controller and a primary inductor, and the controller is adapted to provide a voltage or current to the primary inductor to generate a primary inductor voltage. The controller may also comprise a plurality of switches and a memory adapted to store values for switching frequency or switch on-time durations or pulse widths. The illumination source emits visible light when the power regulator is in an on state and when the secondary inductor is within a predetermined distance of the primary inductor.
US07992330B2
A display for printed materials includes a pocket mounting panel having a plurality of indexing holes, which may be arranged in columns and rows, and a plurality of pockets adapted to receive printed materials. The pockets include at least one rearwardly extending pocket engaging clip having a resiliently deformable member that is adapted to be received by an indexing hole. Pockets may be installed in a vertically cascading arrangement and individual pockets may be removed from the pocket mounting panel without removing adjacent installed pockets by manually engaging and deforming the resiliently deformable member(s) of the target pocket through access windows provided in the rear panels of the pockets.
US07992329B2
A single pointed ripper bucket excavation tool (SPRB) for use mounted to an arm of an excavation machine has a body mounted for rotation from the arm and a pair of generally flat, side plates mounted to the body and narrowing from a first width in a region of the body to a second, relatively smaller width at a tip region spaced from the body. A single ripper tooth is mounted in the tip region of the ripper bucket. One or more plates are mounted to span a region between the side plates, rearward of the ripper tooth in a direction of ripping motion, to define, with the side plates, a ripper bucket volume for receiving material ripped from the substrate during ripping motion.
US07992322B2
Disclosed herein is a dryer having a heater-integrated intake duct capable of reducing thermal loss and preventing overheating of the dryer. The dryer includes a support panel having a through-hole, an intake duct communicating with the through-hole, a drum into which air flows via the through-hole, a heater disposed inside the intake duct to heat the air flowing into the drum, and a heat exchanging part transferring heat of the heated air into the drum.
US07992319B2
The invention provides a dryer for drying particulate material, comprising at least one substantially vertical elongate container having: an upper inlet for receiving a charge of moisture containing particulate material; a lower outlet for discharging dried particulate material, whereby the particulate material travels under the influence of gravity from the inlet to the outlet; at least one substantially vertical gas permeable wall through which a drying gas can pass to contact the particulate material; the dryer also comprising at least one plenum on an exterior surface of the at least one gas permeable wall, covering ingress and egress openings within the at least one gas permeable wall.
US07992317B1
A tape measure apparatus that includes one or more information storage components and one or more protection components.
US07992313B2
A detection device includes an X-axis magnetic sensor, a Y-axis magnetic sensor, and a Z-axis magnetic sensor each having a sensing axis for detecting a geomagnetic azimuth and a sensor controlling semiconductor. The magnetic sensors are selected from those fabricated from the same wafer, each having the same structure, and directly mounted on the circuit substrate by directing the respective sensing axes of the magnetic sensors at different predetermined angles. Electrodes of the magnetic sensors for conducting the sensor controlling semiconductor are located in a parallel row at one side of the sensing surface.
US07992303B2
An electric hair clipper with improved blade control structures for adjusting a scissors kit includes a combination housing provides a knob fitting portion, a pivot portion, an axial guiding slot, a motor receiving portion and a motor fixing portion. An adjusting knob provides a knob body and a pivot portion that pivots on the pivot portion of the combination housing, a turning operation portion around the adjusting knob for the finger to fiddle with and a pusher driving portion formed continuous various distance radially from the center of the pivot portion, an elastic orientation part is placed between the knob body and the combination housing. A motor unit is provided in the combination housing. A sliding pusher provides a body; a driven link portion that driven by the pusher driving portion of the adjusting knob to make the sliding pusher slide, a push head can push against the scissors kit.
US07992302B2
A lower tool frame is used in manufacturing a plurality of convertible roofs. Structural roof parts are disposed in the lower tool frame upside down with respect to their use position. Forward connection parts are provided for selectively connecting the forward end of the convertible roof to a windshield frame and rearward connection parts are provided for attaching the rearward end of the convertible roof to a vehicle body. A single upper tool frame is lowerable onto the lower tool and is used to position the forward and rearward connection parts with respect to the structural roof parts. The single upper tool frame is used to assemble all of the convertible roofs for a series of vehicles.
US07992287B2
A system for fabricating a transducer for an ink jet imaging device comprises a transducer assembly including a transducer overlying at least a portion of a flexible carrier. The transducer has a top surface extending a first distance from the carrier. A spacer overlies a portion of the carrier not covered by the transducer. The spacer has a top surface extending a second distance form the carrier. The second distance is less than the first distance and corresponds to a target thickness for the transducer. A lapping tool is configured to lap the top surface of the transducer. The system includes a detector for detecting when the lapping tool contacts the lapping spacer.
US07992282B2
Methods of refinishing differently configured brakes are disclosed that include constructing a reversible flange plate by forming a body with a hollow bore extending through the center of the body, installing rings adjacent a hollow bore in the body, and manipulating the body in such a way as to allow the body to be mounted on a brake lathe to refinish differently configured brakes.
US07992281B2
Method and apparatus for attaching a part forming a lifting lug to fresh, prestressed hollow-core slab or massive slab, wherein the part forming the lifting lug is embedded by vibrating at least partly through the upper surface of the slab, after which the part forming the lifting lug is turned by vibrating, so that the lower parts of the lifting lug set themselves under the reinforcing strands of the slab.
US07992273B2
An apparatus for manipulating a medical device is formed of at least three coupled movable blades which are disposed about a reference circle to form an aperture whose size may be varied. The aperture capable of being sized to contain a medical device. Each blade is in communication with an actuation device which is capable of moving the blade to alter the size of the aperture. Each blade includes a single radial point which a) lies on the circumference of the reference circle prior to movement of the blade, and b) may be moved only along a radius of the reference circle on movement of the blade.
US07992263B2
To connect a belt connecting member (4) of a first member (1) with a snap hook (5) of a second member (2), a neck portion (21) having a circular cross section is provided so as to project from a connecting portion of the snap hook (5), a bulging portion (22) is provided on a tip end of the neck portion (21) so as to radially bulge to define an engaging portion (23), a fitting hole (13) is provided on a connecting portion of the belt connecting member (4) with an engaged portion (15) that is engageable with the bulging portion (22), the engaged portion (15) and the engaging portion (23) are formed in an oval shape having a long axis (L, L′) in a flush plane of the belt connecting member (4) and the snap hook (5) and a short axis (S, S′) in orthogonal planes of the belt connecting member (4) and the snap hook (5), and the engaging force can be largest when the snap hook (5) is in its most general state in use where the belt connecting member (4) and the snap hook (5) are orthogonal.
US07992254B2
There is provided a caster device including a caster, a crank shaft, a rotating member, a pushing member and a connecting rod. The crank shaft is coaxially coupled to a reciprocatingly rotatable cam element of the caster. The rotating member is rotatably coupled to a movable object. The rotating member has a plurality of pins spaced apart from one another in a circumferential direction. The pushing member is vertically movably coupled to the movable object. The pushing member rotates the rotating member by contact with the pin. The connecting rod and the crank shaft convert a rotation of the rotating member to a reciprocating rotation of the cam element. The caster is set to one of a plurality of operating modes according to the reciprocating rotation of the cam element.
US07992249B2
A wiper arm assembly and method of construction thereof includes a mounting head and a wiper arm configured for relative rotation during assembly from a disassembled position to a shipping position, wherein the wiper arm and mounting head are locked against rotation toward the disassembled position once in the shipping position. The mounting head and wiper arm have locking surfaces configured for locked engagement with one another while in the shipping position. The locking surfaces are brought into engagement with one another by a force imparted by a spring while rotating the mounting head relative to the wiper arm from the disassembled position toward the shipping position. When in the shipping position, the locking surfaces confront each other and prevent the mounting head and the wiper arm from rotating back toward the disassembled position from the shipping position.
US07992236B2
A mock shower drain for temporary, in-situ installation within a shower area that is configured to utilize an integrated bonding flange drain, the mock shower drain includes a lower section operable to mate with a drain fitting installed in the shower area, the drain fitting operable to mate with a corresponding lower section of an integrated bonding flange drain. An upper section is sized to fit within a cavity formed in a subfloor of the shower area sized to receive a corresponding section of the integrated bonding flange drain. A cap section is coupled to the upper section, the cap section forming a barrier to resist passage of debris to the drain fitting. An intermediate section intercouples the upper section and the cap section. The mock drain is dimensioned such that an uppermost portion of the mock drain is elevated at least as high as to be substantially flush with the subfloor of the shower area when the lower section of the mock drain is mated with the drain fitting.
US07992225B2
The present invention is a securing pocket for attachment to a garment that supports a small hands-free electronic device. The pocket further comprises an opening within the garment for supporting the pocket. The opening is dimensioned and contoured to support the electronic device. The pocket further comprises a first covering and a second covering dimensioned and contoured to support the electronic device. The second covering overlays the first covering and have a seamless attachment thereto with an edge being left unattached for receiving and removing the electronic device. The first cover has slightly larger dimensions than the opening and overlays the opening and has a seamless attachment thereto.
US07992223B2
A thin athletic band which is economical to manufacture yet provides considerable impact protection coupled with effective perspiration removal.
US07992221B2
An improved uniform for military, police, and security personnel that when worn with ballistic vests, offer the wearer increased protection, performance and survivability from low and high velocity projectiles in a combat or tactical environment.
US07992220B1
A burp cloth device that is designed to protects a mother's hand while feeding and burping an infant. In this manner, the amount of an infant's spit-up that contacts the mother's hand is limited and the mother's skin need not become irritated by the contact with stomach acid or the need for excess washing. The burp cloth device has a hand pouch that defines an open interior. The hand pouch has at least one side opening that provides access into the open interior by a user's hand. A cloth panel extends below the hand pouch. The cloth panel has side edges that extend downwardly to a free hanging end. Secondary features, such as a catch pocket, protruding tabs and teething surfaces can be added to the cloth panel.
US07992218B2
A wetsuit includes an outer layer and an inner layer. The inner layer is attached to the outer layer and includes a plurality of fibers having wool and being configured in a plurality of clusters. The inner layer also includes a plurality of interconnected channels. At least a portion of each channel is defined by a space between adjacent clusters. The wetsuit also includes an opening that is disposed on a rear side of the wetsuit. The wetsuit additionally includes at least one fastener that is connected to the opening to open and close the opening.