US08011347B2
An exhaust brake has a body with a passageway for exhaust gases therein. A valve member is movably located within the passageway for selective movement between an open position where the valve member opens the passageway and exhaust gases are free to move through the passageway and a closed position where the valve member blocks the passageway and the passage of exhaust gases through the passageway. The valve member has an aperture therethrough to permit a limited flow of exhaust gases through the aperture when the aperture is open. An exhaust valve actuator mechanism is coupled to the valve member for moving the valve member between the open position and the closed position. A closure member is positioned adjacent to the aperture. The closure member has an open position where the closure member is spaced apart from the valve member and permits a flow of exhaust gases through the aperture and the closure member having a closed position where the closure member contacts the valve member about the aperture and inhibits a flow of exhaust gases through the aperture, An actuator member operatively engages the closure member. There is a relief actuator mechanism, the relief actuator mechanism including an actuator member that operatively engages the closure member. The relief mechanism brings the closure member into operative engagement with the valve member with sufficient force, when the valve member is closed, to maintain the closure member in the closed position when the exhaust gases are below a predetermined pressure.
US08011337B2
A valve timing adjusting apparatus includes a first rotor, a second rotor, and a bias mechanism. The bias mechanism is provided to one of the first and second rotors. The bias mechanism includes a resilient member and a projection portion that is rotatable together with the one of the first and second rotors. The projection portion is rotatable relative to the other one of the rotors and contacts a contact part of the other one. Restoring force of the resilient member is applied to the other one of the first and second rotors through the projection portion. The contact part includes an inclination portion that is configured to increase and decrease restoring force of the resilient member.
US08011335B2
A valve lift may be continuously varied by an apparatus that includes: an input cam provided on an input shaft; a mediating lever that moves upwards or downwards by the input cam and is formed with an output cam; a valve unit operated by the output cam; and a control device that is coupled to the mediating lever and is capable of changing a contact point between valve unit and the output cam of the mediating lever.
US08011332B2
In an internal combustion engine, a variable compression ratio mechanism able to change a mechanical compression ratio and a variable valve timing mechanism able to control the closing timing of an intake valve are provided. The mechanical compression ratio is made to be the maximum mechanical compression ratio at low load operation regions excluding idling operation, while during idling operation, the mechanical compression ratio is made lower than the maximum mechanical compression ratio.
US08011327B2
A variable voltage electronic pet training apparatus. The variable voltage electronic pet training apparatus controls the intensity of the stimulation by the controlling the voltage level present at the primary side of the transformer while maintaining a fixed signal to the correction pulse switch. A trigger signal contains information about the desired stimulus intensity level. A controller interprets the trigger signal and produces a voltage control signal associated with the desired energy level. Application of the voltage control signal to a power converter keeps the voltage level applied to an energy storage capacitor sufficient to produce the desired stimulation intensity.
US08011324B1
Apparatus for providing drinking water to an animal includes inner and outer annular walls which define a water supply reservoir. The inner wall forms a draw reservoir that is in communication with the water supply reservoir to replenish water in the draw reservoir and maintain the level of water in said draw reservoir equal to the level of water in said water supply reservoir.
US08011312B2
A floating oil storage system and associated methods for storing oil are disclosed. In some embodiments, the floating oil storage system includes a storage cell, a floating member disposed within the storage cell, whereby the storage cell is divided into a first compartment and a second compartment disposed below the first compartment, a pump operable to deliver oil under pressure into the first compartment, whereby the first compartment expands and the second compartment contracts expelling seawater from the second compartment, and a suction tank operable to receive oil expelled from the first compartment under hydrostatic pressure of seawater in the second compartment, whereby the first compartment contracts and the second compartment expands receiving seawater.
US08011299B2
A method is disclosed of printing an area of a substrate in a plurality of passes using curable ink, the method comprising depositing a first pass of ink on the area, partially curing ink deposited in the first pass, depositing a second pass of ink on the area, and fully curing the ink on the area. The method finds particular application in the field of inkjet printing, and can afford the advantage of better wetting of ink on the substrate deposited by a previous pass and reducing the problem of ink spreading.
US08011298B2
In an ink supply method and system and an ink container where the ink is automatically supplied in the stencil printing, to permit suitable detection of empty of the ink container even if the kind of ink which has not been set is employed. A parameter representing an inkless time corresponding to the kind of ink (viscosity of ink) is stored in the storage means (8) provided on the ink container (10), the parameter is read out from the storage means (8) and the inkless time is set on the basis of the parameter, whereby it is recognized that the ink container is exhausted when the time for which the ink in the ink fountain (2) is not detected by an ink amount detecting means (40) becomes longer than the inkless time.
US08011297B2
A printing system includes a first printing machine that is provided in the form of a newspaper printing machine and which comprises at least two first printing units that are provided in the form of printing towers and with a number of printing machines arranged one above the other for effecting double-sided printing of a substrate in multiple colors. A first folding funnel is arranged in a machine exit of these first printing units. A second printing machine is provided with at least one second printing unit and with a dryer that is situated in the machine exit of the second printing unit. The at least one second printing unit is positioned with respect to its printing location, and when viewed from above, is arranged next to the machine exit of the first printing units provided in the form of printing towers. A web, or a partial web, which has been printed by the second printing unit, and which has passed through the dryer, can be diverted by 90° from a direction of conveyance that is perpendicular to a machine exit and can be guided in a direction of conveyance that is parallel to the machine exit.
US08011296B2
High resolution patterns provided on a surface of a semiconductor substrate and methods of direct printing of such high resolution patterns are disclosed. The high resolution patterns may have dimensions less than 0.1 micron and are formed by a direct writing method employing a supercritical fluid comprising nanometer-sized particles, which may be optionally electrically charged.
US08011294B2
A method for harvesting biologics from eggs by which an egg is de-capped by positioning the egg in a reference opening so as to expose an upper section of said egg, then, while said egg is positioned within the reference opening, cutting the upper section of the egg by moving a cutter member over the reference opening through the egg, and then removing the debris formed from the cut upper section. The biologics can then be harvested in various ways such as by inverting the egg to allow the biologics to drain for collection. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.
US08011290B2
A beverage preparation apparatus with a three-way valve that includes an inlet; a first outlet; a second outlet; a first member movable between first and second extreme positions under the influence of liquid flow from the inlet to the first and/or second outlets from the first extreme position towards the second extreme position which closes off the first outlet so that the liquid flow then extends from the inlet to the second outlet; a second member which is freely moveable under the influence of a liquid flow from the inlet to the second outlet between a third and fourth extreme position wherein under the influence of the liquid flow from the inlet to the second outlet, moves from the third extreme position to the fourth extreme position and in the third extreme position blocks a liquid flow from the second outlet in the direction of the inlet.
US08011287B2
Pin bosses (1) are proposed for the piston (2) of an internal combustion engine, having in each case one pin bore (3) which has a zenith-side ovality in the region (15) of the bore center (7), wherein the zenith-side ovality of the pin bore (3) increases starting from the bore center (7) radially to the outside and radially to the inside, and the nadir-side ovality increases starting from the bore center (7) radially to the inside. As a result, the shape of the pin bore (3) is adapted to every load-dependent deformation of the piston pin. As a result of this, in addition, the lubrication of the piston pin is improved in the region of the bore center (7).
US08011283B2
A desk-top cutting machine which includes a base that supports a wood material W and a turntable that has a rotating shaft part and is carried and supported on the base rotatably around the rotating shaft part. The desk-top cutting machine further includes a cutting part having a swinging shaft part. The cutting part is disposed on the turntable and supports a cutting blade, and swings the cutting blade approachably to and separably from the turntable. The desk-top cutting machine further includes a scale part and an indicator part which display a rotary angle of the turntable with the base, and an irradiation unit near the indicator part emitting light that illuminates the indicator part.
US08011280B2
A rotary cutter for trimming printed products conveyed in an overlapping flow. The rotary cutter including a first knife that rotates and a second knife that rotates counter to the first knife. The second knife is arranged to operate jointly with the first knife. At least one of the knives includes a plurality of blades distributed over a circumference. A conveying device conveys the overlapping flow between the first knife and the second knife. A control unit controls the rotational speed of at least one of the first knife and the second knife. The rotational speed of at least one of the knives is predetermined based on at least one of the speed value for the conveying device or a thickness value of the overlapping flow.
US08011278B1
A punching apparatus for forming a series of slots in a board, comprising: an upper wheel and a lower wheel, wherein the upper wheel is opposed to the lower wheel, and further wherein: the upper wheel comprises a series of punches disposed on a frame of the upper wheel, wherein each punch comprises a shearing portion that extends from the frame, and which is configured in the shape of a slot; and the lower wheel comprises a series of mating dies, wherein each mating die of the series of mating dies comprises a cavity, wherein the shearing portion of a particular punch is gradually disposed within the cavity of a particular mating die of the series of mating dies as the upper wheel and the lower wheel move in relation to each other.
US08011277B2
A hand tool and bit storage device configured to allow easy storage and access to a wide variety of bits. The hand tool comprises a body portion, a stem portion and a bit interface. The hand tool couples with the storage device. The storage device holds one or more tool frames or bit inserts each comprising a plurality of bits. The bit inserts are deformable to allow easy access to the bits contained therein. In some embodiments, the bit inserts may be locked in the storage device.
US08011274B2
A motorized machine with a “mutually definite units of energy for forced energy economy” (MDUFEE) gearbox family with a simplified shifting pattern of shifting mechanisms to cause a real gear dependence on mechanical inertia created by the weight of a load and a fast changeable resistant force in response to the movement. Each gearbox includes a sufficient number of gearsets with gear ratios selected from a faltering geometric sequence and arranged to provide a sufficient number of torques and overdrive speeds to the output shaft to satisfactorily operate the machine over a conventional range of machine speeds and at least limit the use of the acceleration system in the motor to reduce the heat and power generated from a the motor to less than 50 percent that used to generate a similar conventional range of machine speeds using a motor with a conventional gear box.
US08011264B2
Revolving rollers, each provided on an outer peripheral surface thereof with revolving roller grooves extending therearound, are caused to mesh with a rack rod thread of a central rack rod with an axial angle over a lead angle of the rack rod thread and arranged for rotation on a holder member to be twisted. The holder member is rotated round the rack rod by a motor to translate the rack rod. A large thrust can be generated while ensuring a high reliability since a high efficiency is achieved by realizing rolling contact in set points of mesh of the rack rod thread and the revolving roller grooves, points of mesh are made planar, and interference in other points than the points of mesh can be suppressed. Also, play can be restricted by assembling the revolving rollers to the rack rod thread while applying torque in a direction, in which the axial angle is increased.
US08011263B2
An injection-molded resin face gear that can suppress deterioration of gear accuracy caused by shrinkage of resin material after injection molding and allow accurate and smooth rotation transmission is provided.An injection-molded resin face gear 1 includes a boss 3, a disk-shaped web 4, and a teeth section 5. The boss 3 has an axis hole 2. The web 4 is formed on an outer circumferential side of the boss in an outward radial direction. The teeth section 5 is formed on an outer circumferential edge of the web 4. The teeth section 5 includes a cylindrical section 13, a disk-shaped section 14, and a plurality of teeth 15. The cylindrical section 13 is connected to the outer circumferential edge of the web 4. The disk-shaped section 14 is formed on one end side of the cylindrical section 13 in the outward radial direction. The teeth 15 are formed evenly spaced on an outer circumferential side of the cylindrical section 13 such that one side surface of the disk-shaped section 14 is a bottom land 16. The web 4, the cylindrical section 13, and the disk-shaped section 14 have almost the same thicknesses. The outer circumferential edge of the web 4 is connected between an end surface 19 and an end surface 22 of the cylindrical section 13, in almost the center in a direction along a rotational center axis CL.
US08011262B2
A multipurpose combined machine, such as compressor-pump or similar, includes motor elements (M) and a plurality of operating machines (H, C, V) that can be powered in an independent manner by the motor elements, wherein the operating machines are powered through a transmission box (1) having freewheel bearings (5a-5c) and members (S, D) are provided for reversing the rotation direction of the motor elements (M).
US08011259B2
The invention relates to a composite structure of a sample carrier 20 and a sample holder 30 for use in a TEM, for example. The sample carrier is hereby separately embodied from the sample holder. Although such compositions are already known, the known compositions are very fragile constructions. The sample carrier according to the invention can be formed from a strip of metal, and is a simple and cheap element. Using resilient force, it clamps onto or into the sample holder. The portion of the sample holder to which the sample carrier couples also has a simple form. The sample carrier can couple to the sample holder in vacuum using a coupling tool.
US08011258B2
In one aspect, an apparatus includes a head configured to receive a pad for sampling explosive residue on a surface and a feedback system coupled to the head. The feedback system is configured to indicate when a pressure applied by the head is greater than a minimum threshold value. In another aspect, an apparatus includes a head configured to receive a pad and rotate to apply a shear force to the pad for sampling explosive residue on a surface. The apparatus includes a feedback system coupled to the head, which is configured to restrict the shear force applied by the head to be within a predetermined range. In another aspect, a method includes applying pressure to a pad to sample explosive residue on a surface, sensing the pressure applied to the pad, and providing an indication of when the pressure applied to the pad is greater than a threshold value.
US08011257B2
A multichannel pipette, including a grip part defining a longitudinal axis and including a piston-driving device movable axially thereon, a displacement part rotating about the axis and having cylinder and piston arrangements, and a connection device for detachably connecting the grip part to the displacement part and permitting a rotation of the displacement about the longitudinal axis. The connection device includes threaded connection elements engaged with one another. The pistons move axially to the cylinders via a piston-driving device. A connection part of the threaded elements is axially connected with the cylinders and includes a clearance for a rotary bearing provided therein. Form-fit configurations on the support and connection parts are engaged to prevent a reverse rotation of the connection part relative to the support part. By a manual release action, the form-fit configurations disengage, such that the connection part rotates in a reverse rotation relative to the support part.
US08011254B2
An apparatus correctly measures motion characteristics a head gimbal assembly exhibits when turned in a radial direction of a hard disk. The apparatus includes an assembly support to fixedly support the head gimbal assembly on a center axis that corresponds to a rotation axis around which the head gimbal assembly is turned in actual use, a disk drive to rotatably support the hard disk and turn around a turn axis that is concentric with the center axis on which the head gimbal assembly is fixedly supported, and a turn unit to turn the disk drive around the turn axis, thereby creating a relative turn of the head gimbal assembly with respect to the hard disk.
US08011245B2
A gyroscope includes a ring-shaped resonator mounted in a housing, and a bottom plate attached to the resonator. A plurality of openings arranged substantially circumferentially on the bottom plate, and a plurality of grooves between the openings. A plurality of piezoelectric elements are located in the grooves. The resonator is substantially cylindrical. The plurality of openings are arranged substantially symmetrically. The piezoelectric elements can be outside the resonator, or inside the resonator. A cylindrical flexible suspension connecting the bottom to the resonator to the ring shaped resonator, wherein an average radius of the cylindrical flexible suspension and the ring shaped resonator, accounting for variation thickness of wall, is the same throughout.
US08011230B2
A scanning probe microscope, capable of performing shape measurement not affected by electrostatic charge distribution of a sample, which: monitors an electrostatic charge state by detecting a change in a flexure or vibrating state of a cantilever due to electrostatic charges in synchronization with scanning during measurement with relative scanning between the probe and the sample, and makes potential adjustment so as to cancel an influence of electrostatic charge distribution, thus preventing damage of the probe or the sample due to discharge and achieving reduction in measurement errors due to electrostatic charge distribution.
US08011229B2
A method for determining postural stability of a person can include acquiring a plurality of pressure data points over a period of time from at least one pressure sensor. The method can also include the step of identifying a postural state for each pressure data point to generate a plurality of postural states. The method can include the step of determining a postural state of the person at a point in time based on at least the plurality of postural states.
US08011224B2
A feeding device for enriching and feeding a fluid sample into a chemical detector, the feeding device comprises (a) a sorbent element having a sorbent material for sorbing at least one target chemical present in the fluid sample; (b) a desorbing mechanism for generating conditions for the sorbent material to desorb the at least one target chemical out of the sorbent material, thereby to provide an enriched fluid sample; and (c) a loose connector, for providing a loose connection between the feeding device and the chemical detector, such that when the sorbent material desorbs the at least one target chemical, the chemical detector is fed by the enriched fluid sample, and when the sorbent material sorbs the at least one target chemical, the chemical detector is fed by environmental fluids.
US08011223B2
In the hydrogen remaining sensor of the present invention, the hydrogen remaining sensor is arranged in a space in which the hydrogen is absorbed/released by the main hydrogen storage alloy, and is equipped with the vessel-like sensor main body in which the sensor hydrogen storage alloy is filled and through which the hydrogen is moved. Also, the easy-to-deform portion in which the strain is caused easily due to the hydrogen absorption/release of the sensor hydrogen storage alloy is provided to a part of the sensor main body, and the strain gauge for measuring the strain of the easy-to-deform portion is provided. As a result, according to the hydrogen remaining sensor of the present invention can contribute to sense precisely a remaining amount of hydrogen in the main hydrogen storage alloy.
US08011219B2
The invention relates to a method for adjusting the position of a mandrel (10), which is situated in a hydraulic punch consisting of a cylinder and a ram that form a mandrel cylinder (8), in an extrusion press for producing pipes (2), which are extruded from blocks (4) that are loaded into a receiving device (5) situated upstream of the extrusion press (3) and are punched using the mandrel (10). The invention is characterised in that the mandrel cylinder (8) is driven directly by pumps (11), which are set for a pre-calculated throughput that is dependent on the press speed, and that an additional throughput is added to the pre-calculated pump throughput. To adjust the position of the mandrel (10), a control valve (16) that acts on the ring side (12) of the mandrel (8) is connected to a tank (17).
US08011209B2
A method of making a glass is provided in which the time needed for doping a refractive index control substance such as fluorine into a soot glass deposit body can be reduced. The method comprises the steps of: (1) putting a soot glass deposit body in a container; (2) doping a refractive index control substance into the soot glass deposit body by supplying an doping gas into the container, the doping gas containing the substance; and (3) consolidating the soot glass deposit body by heating, wherein the final set-value concentration of the substance is determined beforehand depending on the target refractive index of the glass, and in step (2), the container is supplied with the doping gas including the substance having a concentration set to be higher than the final set-value concentration, and subsequently, the doping gas including the substance having the final set-value concentration is supplied into the container.
US08011200B2
The disclosure provides systems and methods for regulating and distributing cooling fluid through a plurality of heat sinks, such as cold plates, using a flow regulator, which sets the total flow rate, in combination with one or more individual orifices that allow further flow distribution as required by individual cold plates, despite flow variations upstream of the orifices. An orifice can be coupled to an orifice holder, which includes a body to support the orifice, and which may be coupled (directly or indirectly) to an inlet of the cold plate. Alternative manners of coupling orifices in the fluid flow besides an orifice holder can be employed. Generally, the flow regulator(s) is coupled with a plurality of orifices and conduits through which the cooling fluid flows. Related system components can be assembled as a module for installation into a cooling system that includes other system components such as a pump, compressor or other pressure sources for the cooling fluid.
US08011199B1
Methods of controlling air conditioning and HVAC units using a thermostat for a discrete-speed unit that include changing speed based on how long the unit operates at a particular speed. Speed may be increased if a unit operates for longer than a predetermined time at a particular speed, and speed may be reduced if the unit operated for less than a specific amount of time during the prior run. In different embodiments, single-stage thermostats may control units that operate at three speeds, and two-stage thermostats may control units that operate at three to five or more speeds. In addition, in some embodiments, outdoor coil temperature may be measured and considered in determining speed. Further, in some embodiments, maintaining continuous or repeated operation at a boost speed may be avoided. Energy savings and noise reduction may result.
US08011192B2
Method for defrosting an evaporator in a refrigeration circuit (2) for circulating a refrigerant in a predetermined flow direction, the refrigeration circuit (2) comprising in flow direction a compressor unit (4), a heat-rejecting heat exchanger (6), an expansion device (12) and an evaporator (14), wherein the evaporator (14) comprises at least two refrigerant conduits (42; 44) and the method comprises the following steps: (a) operating the refrigeration circuit (2) in the normal cooling mode where the refrigerant exiting the heat-rejecting heat exchanger (6) flows through the expansion device (12) and through the evaporator (14) and towards the compressor unit (4); (b) terminating the cooling mode by interrupting the flow of the refrigerant exiting the heat-rejecting heat exchanger (6) into the evaporator (14); and (c) directing hot gas refrigerant through only a portion of the refrigerant conduits (42; 44) of the evaporator (14) for defrosting the evaporator (14).
US08011186B2
A turbocharger system comprises a first relatively small high-pressure (HP) turbocharger (1) and a second relatively large low pressure (LP) turbocharger (2). The turbine (6) of the LP turbocharger (2) is connected in series downstream of the turbine (4) of the HP turbocharger (1) in a first exhaust gas passage (11). An exhaust bypass flow passage (12) provides a bypass flow path around the HP turbine (4). A rotary valve (8) is located at a junction of the bypass flow passage (12) and a first exhaust gas flow passage (11). The rotary valve (8) comprises a valve rotor (19) which is rotatable to selectively permit or block flow to the LP turbine (6) from either the first exhaust gas passage (11) or the bypass gas passage (12). The rotary valve (8) is operated to at least partially restrict flow to the LP turbine to generate a braking back pressure.
US08011183B2
A beta-type free-piston Stirling cycle engine or cooler is drivingly coupled to a linear alternator or linear motor and has an improved balancing system to minimize vibration without the need for a separate vibration balancing unit. The stator of the linear motor or alternator is mounted to the interior of the casing through an interposed spring to provide an oscillating system permitting the stator to reciprocate and flex the spring during operation of the Stirling machine and coupled transducer. The natural frequency of oscillation, ωs, of the stator is maintained essentially equal to ω p 1 - α p k p and the natural frequency of oscillation of the piston, ωp, is maintained essentially equal to the operating frequency, ωo of the coupled Stirling machine and alternator or motor. For applications in which variations of the average temperature and/or the average pressure of the working gas cause more than insubstantial variations of the piston resonant frequency ωp, various alternative means for compensating for those changes in order to maintain vibration balancing are also disclosed.
US08011180B2
A method of operating an engine having a diesel particulate filter in a vehicle is disclosed. In one example, the filter is regenerated in response to a temperature differential across each of a plurality of filter channels. The method can improve the timing of filter regeneration.
US08011179B2
A method is provided for compensating for factors affecting particulate matter accumulation within an aftertreatment element of an engine exhaust system. The method comprises determining rate of change of flow resistance through the aftertreatment element with time. Regeneration is periodically initiated to reduce particulate matter accumulation within the aftertreatment element. Rate of change of flow resistance through the aftertreatment element over time is correlated with at least a model of particulate matter accumulation within the aftertreatment element and a model of regeneration frequency of the aftertreatment element, based on predetermined values for particulate matter accumulation and regeneration frequency. Action, at least including increasing regeneration frequency, is initiated to compensate for an increased rate of particulate matter accumulation in the aftertreatment element.
US08011172B2
An engine arrangement for a component subject to icing. The arrangement comprising a manifold as part of a flow path incident upon a heated component. The manifold including holes to create jets having an exit angle toward the component subject to icing. The jets of hot gas are entrained in a core flow passing through the main flow path before washing over a desired incident area of the component. The exit angle and spacing between the jet and the component are determined to reduce disruption of the core flow and/or provide the desired incident area on the component and/or use the minimum amount of hot air.
US08011171B2
A portable storage apparatus for storing perishable items at a reduced temperature and under a reduced pressure is provided. The method of using the apparatus is also disclosed.
US08011166B2
A process for efficiently conveying containers along a table-top conveying system includes the steps of temporarily securing a transfer stabilizing support (1a, 1b) to a bottom end of a formed container (14) so that the container can freely move along a production line using the table-top conveying system where the transfer stabilizing support has a bottom surface (2a, 2b) with an opening (4a, 4b), a sidewall (6a, 6b) extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface, and a ridge area (10b) surrounding the opening and inside the sidewall of the support; and after the container has gone through operations of the production line, the transfer stabilizing support is removed so that aesthetic qualities of the formed container shape are revealed.
US08011161B2
In constructing a home, a plurality of upwardly opening U-shaped channel members are installed onto a floor structure. Wall sections are then set into the plurality of U-shaped channel members. The result is that the U-channel members locate the wall sections. Each wall section may be pre-fabricated with lines for service (e.g., electrical lines or plumbing conduit) running through it. After the wall sections are set in place, the lines for service may be interconnected. Cut-outs may be provided at the sides of the wall sections to provide access to the lines for service to allow their interconnection.
US08011160B2
The present invention is directed to a bracket for use in a metal stud wall having internal bridging members for tying the metal studs and bridging members together. The bracket is an L shaped bracket having a leg for overlying the bridging member joined to an upright for overlying the metal stud. The outside corners of the leg and upright of the L shaped bracket are truncated so that the bracket may be inserted within the channel of a metal stud and rotated to the proper position for attaching to the bridging member and metal stud.
US08011154B2
A building block arrangement comprises a first layer of building blocks and a second layer of building blocks. The first layer of building blocks includes two spaced apart rows of building blocks whereby a space is provided between adjacent side faces of the building blocks of the first layer. The second layer of building blocks includes two spaced apart rows of building blocks whereby a space is provided between adjacent side faces of the building blocks of the second layer. The space includes communicative vertical portions such that that the space at least partially isolates an interior wall portion from an exterior wall portion. The second layer of building blocks is positioned on top of the first layer of building blocks. The second layer of building blocks spans across at least a portion of the space in the first layer of building blocks.
US08011152B2
A block suitable for use in an arrangement of blocks that are interlocked. The block may comprise: a first side surface extending between a first edge and a second edge, the first side surface being irregular and having a first half and a second half that are congruent; a second side surface extending between the second edge and a third edge, the second side surface having a first half and a second half that are congruent; a third side surface extending between the first edge and a fourth edge, the third side surface being congruent with a first portion of the first side surface; a fourth side surface extending between the third edge and a fifth edge, the fourth side surface being congruent with a second portion of the first side surface such that the first portion and the second portion of the first side surface constitute the first side surface; and a fifth side surface extending between the fourth edge and the fifth edge, the fifth side surface having a first half and a second half that are congruent. The arrangement of blocks may be part of a paved surface, a wall or another structure, or may be used in various other applications.
US08011148B2
Components for use in the assembly and installation of a modular decking system, comprised of structural free floating piers which distributes loads of deck pad to ground, piers have a pad bearing surface and four uniformly placed receiver blocks which interlock with corresponding recesses at four pad corners, an interlocking cam passes through pad recesses at deck surface and locks to piers by rotating cam with custom designed tool.The system is designed to be assembled without permanent fasteners to allow for expansion, reconfiguration or relocation, or addition of traditional and contemporary deck accessories that engage and interlock with the piers, pads and cams. One ideal manufacturing method of one or any of the system components is compression molded post-consumer and/or industrial thermo-plastic waste.
US08011145B1
A joint device is installed between adjacent components during construction to provide a proper transition between the components. The joint device has a generally L-shaped configuration with a first leg of the device that may be mounted to the outer face of the inner wall of a cavity wall construction and in the cavity between the spaced walls. The second leg projects generally perpendicularly from the first leg and from the inner wall toward the outer wall adjacent the bricks at which the movement joint is located. The second leg of the joint includes a series of segments in which a terminal end portion of the second leg is joined to a remainder thereof by frangible connections or perforated joints. After the joint device is installed on the inner wall and the outer wall is constructed, the terminal end portion of the second leg is removed by being torn along the appropriate frangible joint depending upon the spacing between the components.
US08011144B2
The slab edge forming and insulating system includes edge members and support braces. The edge members include an elongated shell having an upright portion with an insulated inside surface, an upper portion and a lower portion. Each of the upper and lower portions have formed edges. Open cross sectioned support braces having upper and lower formed edges for engaging the formed edges of the elongated shell are fixed to a footing and connected to the edge members. The edge members form and insulate the edges of the poured concrete of the slab while the open cross sectioned support braces receive the poured concrete of the slab and thus anchor the edge members to the edge of the slab.
US08011138B2
The present invention concerns a privacy booth comprising at least two partition members having first and second terminal ends; and at least two linking members having first and second opposed ends, each second terminal end of the partition member and each first opposed end of the linking members forming a first pivotable coupling, each first terminal end of the partition members and each second opposed end of the linking member forming a second pivotable coupling, the privacy booth being operable between a deployed state, in which adjacent partition members are spaced-apart to define a respective compartment therebetween, and a storage state in which adjacent partition members are substantially parallel with one another, and preferably flat packed against one another.
US08011135B2
A plant irrigation apparatus for providing a fluid to one or more plants includes a plurality of platforms that are disposed in an array. Each platform has a support surface that is disposed at a platform elevation. A fluid reservoir for containing the fluid is defined at least partially in between adjacent platforms of the plurality of platforms. At least one fluid-regulating structure is configured to maintain a maximum elevation for the fluid, wherein the maximum elevation for the fluid is lower than the platform elevation. A capillary mat is supported by the plurality of platforms. At least a portion of the capillary mat is disposed within the fluid reservoir below the maximum elevation of the fluid.
US08011126B2
A price-and-information tag includes front and rear surfaces both having product and price information. The tag includes a pre-fold line and a perforated line dividing the sheet into spaced-apart first and second sections. When bi-folded, the first section fits into an upwardly-open pocket of an extruded tag holder, with the second section in front of the tag holder and hiding the first section. Further, the second section can be torn off along the perforated line to reveal the information on the first section with minimal labor. A picture on the tag allows a non-reading installer to place the tag. Methods related to same are also shown, including double folding the elongated sheet and then using the first section to engage a tag holder with only the information on the second section being visible, the second section being later torn off to reveal the information on the first section.
US08011123B2
A handle for a beverage dispensing tap that incorporates a feature that permits a protective cap from the Barnes neck of a malt beverage keg to be attached for the purpose of identifying the beverage being dispensed.
US08011120B1
A material dispenser that may be used with a snow removal machine is comprised of a container, broadcaster actuator, and broadcaster in one embodiment. The material dispenser allows the operator to broadcast dry treatment material from a container mounted to the snow removal machine regardless of whether the precipitation engaging member of the snow removal machine is operating. The broadcaster actuator operates to cause the treatment material to be placed on or adjacent the path of the snow removal machine. The broadcast actuator may be positioned on a handle member of the snow removal machine so that it is convenient for the operator to engage the broadcast actuator while operating the snow removal machine or when the precipitation engaging member is not removing precipitation. A slide gate may be used to throttle the volume of treatment material exiting the container, and a slide gate actuator may be remotely mounted.
US08011114B2
A vehicle dryer includes an energy-conserving rotatable inlet butterfly valve to selectively admit or block air to a fan encased in a blower housing. The valve includes a plate mounted on a shaft that extends across the inlet portion of the blower housing. The plate is rotated by its shaft to either an opened position for admitting air into a blower housing, or a closed position for blocking air from entering into the blower housing. A crank arm is coupled to the valve shaft, and a pneumatic cylinder includes a piston rod for turning the crank arm through a ninety-degree angle, thereby rotating the valve plate between its opened and closed positions.
US08011113B2
The subject of the invention is a hot gas generator (8), particularly for a dehydration or drying unit, the generator comprising a burner or hearth (9) and being characterized in that it comprises at least one exchange circuit (10) comprising at least one pipe through which the gas to be heated flows, the pipe comprising a cool gas inlet end (11) and a hot gas discharge outlet (12), the pipe having a surface for heat exchange between the combustion gases generated by the burner or hearth (9) and the gas to be heated which flows through the pipe, the pipe also providing a physical barrier between the heated gases and the combustion gases generated by the burner or hearth. Application to producing a drying or dehydration installation.
US08011111B2
A transparent measuring apparatus for material includes a planar structure including a top surface, bottom surface, a left edge, a right edge, a top end, a bottom end and a plurality of holes for attachment of accessories. A plurality of measurement lines is formed on at least one of the top and bottom surfaces. A material alignment guide is attached to the bottom surface. The material alignment guide includes a first edge for aligning the material and is configured for moveably aligning the first edge with the measurement lines. Protrusions extend below the bottom surface a sufficient distance from the bottom surface to facilitate movement of the material alignment device. A plurality of accessories adds width to the planer structure, adds length to the planer structure, provides a safety barrier when cutting along an edge and provides a slot for guiding cutting along an edge of the planer structure.
US08011109B2
A level of the type having an elongate hollow frame including two sidewalls each defining axially aligned vial openings into the frame. A vial casing is secured with respect to the frame and defines a hermetically sealed single-cavity casing interior entirely enclosing a liquid-and-bubble vial with a substantially cylindrical outer surface extending between two vial ends. The casing is formed of two opposite round face-walls and a surrounding cylindrical wall therebetween. The cylindrical wall has a pair of opposed major wall-portions of first thickness and a pair of opposed intervening wall-portions of second thickness greater than the first thickness. Each intervening wall-portion defines a recess which snugly receives a corresponding one of the vial ends. The inner surface of the surrounding wall is smooth and substantially free of light-ray-interfering structures, whereby the vial appears embedded in the surrounding wall and the face-walls provide uninterrupted full views of and about the cylindrical vial.
US08011094B2
A method of converting a diesel engine to a natural gas engine comprising inserting a spark plug into a diesel fuel injector opening in a cylinder head; installing a throttle body on the diesel engine; installing a throttle body adaptor between a throttle body and an intake manifold of said diesel engine; and modifying a piston, whereby the compression ratio of said piston is decreased during operation of said piston. The method also includes installation of a waste gate and waste gate adaptor and a timing mask.
US08011092B2
The invention includes methods of utilizing removable mechanical precising mechanisms and/or optical-based precising mechanisms to align chips within sockets. The sockets can be configured so that compression of the sockets opens a clamping mechanism. A chip can be placed within a socket with a manipulator and aligned during compression of the socket. Subsequently, the compression of the socket can be released while the manipulator remains in contact with the chip to hold the chip in place until the clamping mechanism is retaining the chip in the socket. The chip can then be released from the manipulator. The invention also includes systems for utilizing removable nests to align various chip geometries within generic socket designs.
US08011091B2
A target layer with holes is formed on a bottom conducting layer. Nanotubes are formed in the holes from the bottom conducting layer. A flat insulating layer is then deposited on the target layer, the nanotubes passing through the insulating layer. Air gaps are then formed by selective decomposition of the target layer. The decomposition agent and/or decomposition by-products use the walls and the central holes of the nanotubes to pass between the target layer and the outside. After decomposition, the top conducting layer is formed on the insulating layer. The nanotubes then electrically connect the conducting layers.
US08011079B2
An endovascular device tip assembly and method of making the same, incorporating a tip device with a first and second flange, usable with catheters and other suitable endovascular devices is provided. The tip assembly incorporates a tip device by providing a counterbore within a primary bore of a tubular end portion of an endovascular device. The tip device is fitted securely within the counterbore by placing the first flange within the counterbore and the second flange on the outside of the end portion.
US08011067B2
A handle (10) is suitable for transmitting a torque between a rotation knob and a respective output shaft connectable to cables, tubes, or the like, wherein said handle comprises at least first and second transmission lines which operate between a first rotation knob (12) and a first output shaft (22) and between a second rotation knob (14) and a second output shaft (24), respectively. The first and second rotation knobs are co-axially arranged along a common axis (X). The first and second output shafts are arranged on different axes (X, Y). The handle comprises a lock-out mechanism suitable for selecting between the first transmission line and the second transmission line thus preventing the rotation of the one rotation knob while the other is being rotated. The lock-out mechanism alternatively operates on the one of the rotation knobs, while the other is released due to the relative translation of the knobs along the common axis (XI between a first relative position and a second relative position and vice versa.
US08011065B2
A hinge is mounted between a cover and a base of an electronic device. A lid covers the hinge and is attached securely to the base. The hinge has an arced surface and a rotating shaft. When the cover is pivoted to a certain angle, the rotating shaft abuts the arced surface to lift up the cover so the cover is selectively distant away from the lid. Therefore, the shape of the electronic device does not need to be disfigured and the cover still does not bump against the lid.
US08011062B2
A vacuum cleaner motor assembly includes a motor in a bucket, configured so as to drive a fan to provide airflow. An epicyclic gear system is attached to the output shaft of the motor, to produce an output of reduced rotational speed. The output is employed to drive an agitator via a belt. The belt is driven at a reduced rotational speed to that achievable hitherto, and thus there is reduced wear on the belt. The provision of a gear arrangement mounted directly to the motor casing provides a compact assembly. One of the epicyclic gears, such as the ring gear, is arranged to slip with respect to a clutch member if the agitator becomes jammed. An actuator switches off the motor if the heat of friction of the slipping gear exceeds a predetermined value, or if the slipping gear rotates at a speed above a predetermined value. Thus, the motor switches off before damage occurs to any of the components of the system.
US08011058B2
A singulation handler system is provided for a strip of electronic packages, which comprises an onloader located adjacent to an onloading location for providing an unsingulated strip of packages for singulation and a cutting jig for mounting the strip of unsingulated packages. The cutting jig is movable between the onloading location and a singulation location at which the strip is singulated by a singulation engine. The system further includes a buffer boat for holding singulated packages that have been removed from the cutting jig and which is operative to convey the singulated packages in a fixed relative orientation. A gang pick head is operative to transfer multiple singulated packages simultaneously from the buffer boat to a rotary turret device and an offloader is provided for transferring singulated packages from the rotary turret device to containers in which the singulated packages are storable.
US08011057B2
There are provided a device and a method for cleaning teeth. The device comprises a brush, a shaft connected to the brush, a neck surrounding the shaft along a substantial portion of the length of the shaft, and a controller coupled to the shaft at the end of the shaft opposite the brush, the controller being mounted at the base of the neck so as to be movable between a first position that extends the brush away from the neck, and a second position that retracts the brush towards the neck. The method comprises inserting, between adjacent teeth, a device having a brush, a controller and a handle, the controller for effecting movement of the brush in a direction generally perpendicular to the handle, and keeping the handle generally stationary while moving the controller up and down to move the brush along front-to-back and back-to-front paths between the adjacent teeth. Moving the controller may occur via pressure from a user's finger, or via force from a motor in the device. In some cases, the method includes vibrating the brush while it is moved along the front-to-back and back-to-front paths between the adjacent teeth.
US08011055B2
A cleaning implement that includes a shaft, a mop disposed on one end of the shaft, a wringer, and a fixed grip. The wringer includes a wringing sleeve and a wringer handle. The wringer is movable over a range of travel between a mopping position and a range of wringing positions, in which wringing positions the wringing sleeve covers and compresses at least a portion of the mop to thereby expel liquid from the mop. The wringer is rotatable relative to the shaft through at least a portion of the axial range of travel. The wringer further comprises at least one volute wherein the volute defines a semi-enclosed area inside the wringer, the semi-enclosed area configured to receive a portion of the mop through a gap defined in the volute. The volute includes a first fin and a second fin that define the gap therebetween.
US08011047B2
A spinal-length mattress including a means for providing buoyancy to a human torso and abdomen thereon; attached to the mattress at one end, a pelvic support portion; and attached to the mattress at an opposite end, a head rotation stabilization portion having an air passage opening allowing a person to breathe freely when resting in a face down position thereon. By supporting the pelvis and stabilizing the head to substantially limit motions of the neck, a central cushion (preferably dominated by a “shape memory foam” filling) allows the spinal column to passively distribute all directional stresses—including those deriving from body mass and from muscle tension. Thus relieved of stress, disks between spinal bones begin to return to their respective naturally compliant symmetrical shapes; thereby generally providing a long term benefit in exchange for a quarter hour or a half hour of regular prone-oriented engagement with the mattress.
US08011042B1
An organizational device for use with a group of children comprising a substantially-rectangular flexible mat having opposed first and second ends, a length, and a width. In a preferred embodiment, the substantially-rectangular flexible mat has a first plurality of substantially-rectangular areas distributed along the length and a corresponding first plurality of identification pockets affixed to the first plurality of substantially-rectangular areas. In another aspect, the substantially-rectangular flexible mat has at least one end anchoring device coupled to each of the first and second ends wherein the at least one end anchoring device is configured to removably couple to a fixed object. The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing an organizational device for use with a group of children.
US08011041B2
A support surface, such as an underpad, for preventing pressure sores in a patient is a multi-layer textile assembly having a skin contact layer formed from a fabric of synthetic filament yarns woven to provide air permeability and moisture vapor permeability and having a thickness of less than 1 mm. An absorbent middle layer is formed from a breathable microfiber fabric woven to provide for moisture transition from an upper surface of the middle layer to a bottom surface of the middle layer. The skin contact layer and the middle layer are stitched together using a stitching pattern optimized to produce an open pattern with minimal puckering. A bottom layer is formed from a breathable, waterproof fabric woven from synthetic yarn to produce a moisture vapor transfer rate within the range of 5,000 to 20,000 grams per meter squared per 24 hours. The three layers are attached together around their outer edges.
US08011038B2
The present disclosure relates to a method of providing different types of hems/flanges on the base sheet of the bed sheets or pillow cases or duvets or shams to provide variety and options. More specifically the present invention relates to a method of making a “hem”/“flange” with or without design elements, separately and attaching the said hem/flange to the base sheet of the bed sheet or pillow cases, duvet covers, shams etc by means of zippers, snap buttons, regular buttons, etc.
US08011036B2
A changing table is mounted on the frame of a play yard to be vertically adjustable in operative height and pivotally movable between operative and inoperative positions. The frame of the changing table is provided with a downwardly extending guard member that extends across the opening between the frame of the changing table and the frame of the play yard to prevent a child's head from being trapped in the opening. The use of the guard member enables the changing table to be moved through a greater vertical range of operative positions without violating ASTM standards regarding the passage of probes through frame openings. The height adjustment mechanism is mounted within the vertical frame member of the play yard and the vertical mounting member of the changing table to allow the changing table to be raised and lowered with respect to the upper frame members of the play yard.
US08011035B2
The invention finds application in the field of ambulance transport, emergency transport and other transport equipment. It relates to a stretcher (1) of the type comprising an upper frame (2) with a articulated platform (3) mounted thereto; a from loading carriage (4). The stretcher (1) has at least one additional rear leg (9) and a corresponding support (10) for holding said rear leg (9) against the upper frame (2), in such a manner as to be suspended between the front loading carriage (4) and the additional rear leg (9) during loading and unloading. The provision of a motor-driven coupling system/device allows automatic loading and unloading of said stretcher (1).
US08011032B2
A method and apparatus for circulating water in a bathing installation with a water circulation flow path and a tub for holding bathing water is described. A pump is submerged in a chamber in the circulation flow path so that the pump when operated provides a positive pump pressure to pump water through the circulation flow path from an inlet opening to an outlet opening. Thermal contact is provided between a pump housing surface and water in the chamber to allow heat transfer between the pump housing surface and water in the chamber.
US08011028B2
A firefighter's coat including an outer shell and a liner. The outer shell has an inner surface, an outer surface, a front opening with a closure, and a downwardly extending rear tail. The liner has an outer surface facing the inner surface of the shell providing a barrier against the environment. The liner outer surface has a bottom edge loose from the outer shell inner surface to facilitate air circulation for drying when the coat is not in use, and a pocket is defined along the bottom of the outer shell tail and adapted to receive the rear of the liner bottom edge when the coat is in use. A releasable fastener is adapted to releasably secure the liner in the pocket.
