US08177454B2
A quick coupler for attaching implements, such as buckets or other tools, to heavy equipment, such as backhoes and excavators, which includes two recesses or channels for receiving a pair of machine pins of an implement. A hydraulic piston actuates a first locking lever to enclose one of the pair of machine pins in one recess and a second locking lever to enclose the other one of the pair of machine pins in the other recess.
US08177445B2
An over-center mechanism includes a pivoting member, rotatable about a pivot point between first and second positions, a drive gear, having a first radius, fixedly attached to the pivoting member at the pivot point, a pinion gear, engaged with the drive gear, having a second radius, and an over-center tension spring, eccentrically attached between the drive gear and the pinion gear, to bias the pivoting member toward the first and second positions.
US08177444B2
An ejection assembly for a printer is provided, the ejection assembly being disposed downstream of a print head in order to receive web from the print head. The ejection assembly can include an ejection roller and a door having a closed configuration and an open configuration. The door can be biased toward the closed configuration and toward the ejection roller. Upon rotation of the ejection roller, the ejection roller can force the door from the closed configuration to the open configuration and can eject web past the door from the printer. In some embodiments, the ejection roller is rotated one full cycle, the ejection roller permits accumulation of web received from the print head and subsequently forces the door from the closed configuration to the open configuration and ejects the accumulated web past the door from the printer. Also provided are a corresponding printer and method.
US08177441B2
An imaging apparatus 10 comprises a lower housing 11, an upper housing 21, an outer camera 25, and at least one photographing button (buttons 14H and 14G). The upper housing 21 is connected to an upper surface of the lower housing 11 such that the upper housing 21 and the lower housing 11 are foldable. The outer camera 25 is provided in an outer surface of the upper housing 21 which is located outside when the two housings 11 and 21 are folded. The at least one photographing button is provided on an upper surface of the lower housing 11 for performing an instruction to store an image taken by the outer camera 25.
US08177433B2
A housing for a hydrodynamic bearing unit of this type is formed from a resin material having high oil resistance and low outgassing property to ensure the cleanliness of the bearing unit. An ester-based lubricating oil is used as a lubricating oil filled inside the hydrodynamic bearing unit 1, and the housing 7 is formed from an LCP-based resin material.
US08177427B2
A temperature sensor is provided. The temperature sensor includes: a temperature sensitive element having a temperature sensitive body and an element electrode wire; a sheath member having an external cylinder, the sheath member encompassing a sheath core wire to be bonded to the element electrode wire in the external cylinder; an enclosing member having a bottom-closed cylindrical shape extending in an axial direction, at least the temperature sensitive element and a bond portion of the element electrode wire and the sheath core wire being accommodated in an internal space of the bottom-closed cylindrical shape, and a holding member that is filled in the internal space, wherein an air gap is provided at least between an outer surface of the temperature sensitive body and the holding member so as to permit displacement of the temperature sensitive body in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the enclosing member.
US08177419B2
An animal feed mixer includes a housing forming first and second chambers. An upper auger and a lower auger are mounted in one of the chambers and a rotor is mounted in the other of the chambers. The rotor includes a plurality of arm assemblies that are staggered with respect to one another, that overlap one another in length, and that have paddles affixed to the outer ends of radially extending arms.
US08177418B2
An apparatus for making, storing, and transporting frozen confections includes a first housing member. A second housing member fits within such first housing member. A mixing member is engageable within such second housing member for mixing predetermined ingredients. A first lid member having an aperture disposed therethrough for receiving a first predetermined end of such mixing member releasably covers such second housing. A motor, connectable to at least one of such first housing member, such second housing member, such first lid member, such mixing member, and a combination thereof, enables at least one of such second housing member and such mixing member to rotate such that such predetermined ingredients are mixed. A securing mechanism secures such motor member to such apparatus. A power source is operably connected to such motor.
US08177416B2
The invention relates to a dental device, in particular a dental mixing device, with a housing, and with a frame that supports at least one motor and a mixing arm and is mounted on at least two bearings, preferably at least three bearings, in particular four bearings, inside a housing, each of these bearings being clamped between upper and lower elastic, pretensioned damping elements (32, 34). The damping elements are supported respectively on a first, upwardly directed abutment surface (58) and on a second, downwardly directed abutment surface (50) of the housing, in particular on a stand foot (52).
US08177409B2
A light guide sheet of the present invention includes a silicone rubber sheet 1 and plural printed mark parts 3a to 3d printed on the front surface of the silicone rubber sheet 1. The silicone rubber sheet 1 has a visible light transmittance of 80 to 99% and is provided at an end face thereof with a light incidence portion 2a allowing light to be incident upon the interior of the silicone rubber sheet 1. The light guide sheet is capable of causing the light incident upon the interior of the silicone rubber sheet 1 from the light incidence portion 2a to be diffused by the printed mark parts 3a to 3d, and pass through the printed mark parts 3a to 3d, thereby guiding the light outside from the printed mark parts 3a to 3d.
US08177408B1
In one embodiment of this invention, a light filtering directional control element provides increased spatial color or luminance uniformity and desired angular color uniformity and customizable light re-direction properties. In one embodiment of this invention, a light filtering directional control element directs light off-axis and focuses light in the far field. In a further embodiment of this invention a light fixture comprising the light filtering collimation element has a spatial luminance uniformity greater than 80%, a color uniformity Δu′v′ of less than 0.04 and a short mixing distance. In a further embodiment, the light fixture incorporating the element has electronically or manually configurable light output profile.
US08177406B2
A display including a light source for generating light, an optical waveguide for receiving and evenly distributing light in a light propagation direction by total internal reflections and a matrix of electromechanical picture elements for modulating light to produce an image.
US08177403B2
A vehicle headlamp is provided with a projection lens, a light source, a reflector, a first shade, and a second shade. The first shade includes an upper end crossing in a vicinity of a rear side focal point of the projection lens. The first shade shields a part of the light emitted from the light source and reflected by the reflector to form a first light distribution pattern. The second shade includes a light shielding portion for shielding a part of the light emitted from the light source and reflected by the reflector to form a second light distribution pattern. The second shade is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the second shade is positioned above the first shade and is separated from the first shade so that the first light distribution pattern is formed. In the second position, the second shade covers the upper end of the first shade so that the second light distribution pattern is formed.
US08177396B2
A method and apparatus to increase efficiency of wide area lighting fixtures having a lamp mounting opening in a reflector or reflector frame, which results in gap(s) or spaces that do not control incident light to the intended target. The gap(s) or spaces(s) are covered with reflecting surfaces which do control incident light to increase efficiency of the fixture.
US08177395B2
A lighting assembly that has a light fixture and an LED light module is provided. One or more resilient members generate a compression force when the LED light module is removably coupled to the light fixture to thereby exert a generally axial force on the LED light module to resiliently maintain the LED light module in resilient contact with the light fixture or socket of the light fixture to thereby resiliently couple the LED light module to the light fixture or socket of the light fixture. One or both of the LED light module and light fixture have one or more engaging members that extend radially from a circumferential surface thereof, and one or both of the LED light module and the light fixture have one or more slots configured to removably receive the one or more engaging members therein when coupling the LED light module to the light fixture.
US08177384B2
Helmet mounted lighting apparatus and method of manufacture. May utilize LED light source and battery power unit designed for mounting for example on a fire fighting helmet. May couple with helmet or to an ornamental leather shield typically mounted on the front of a fire fighting helmet. Enables enhanced visual field at night for benefit of the user. Apparatus is made of material suitable for the harsh conditions encountered by fire suppression and emergency personnel and is mounted in such a fashion as to not conflict with the typical physical features of the helmet or shield. The apparatus includes at least one lamp provided at a front side of the casing, a switch part provided remote to or in one side of the casing, a battery or series of batteries provided remotely or in the interior of the casing and optional time-out, power level adjustment, voltage and/or current control circuitry. May be secured using any method.
US08177381B2
The present invention provides an integrated backlight illumination assembly for an LCD display comprising, a plurality of solid state light sources for providing a point light source and a plurality of light guide films having light redirecting areas provided between the plurality of solid state light sources for redirecting and spreading the point light sources to a uniform plane of light. The invention further provides at least one polymer diffusion bar covering said solid state light sources and spacer collar rings comprising an optical spacer, collar section and an anchoring feature, wherein the spacer collar rings are located around a perimeter of the diffusion bar.
US08177377B2
An optical plate includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first surface defines a plurality of elongated, arc-shaped depressions. The second 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.
US08177375B1
A protective cover for the front and rear lenses of a barrel of an optical instrument such as a set of binoculars. The cover includes a removable shield for each of the lenses, wherein each shield is attached to a support which is removably attached to a barrel of the binoculars. The cover is constructed of flexible materials having elastic properties.
US08177369B2
Laser light beams are diffused and shaped by diffractive optical devices such that they are introduced to corresponding pixels of a liquid crystal layer over an entire area of a display region of a reflective liquid crystal panel. The diffused and shaped laser light beams are introduced to the reflective liquid crystal panel through a field lens and a polarizing beam splitter. Red, green and blue pixels are formed on the reflective liquid crystal panel, and a microlens array is formed on an incoming and outgoing side substrate while reflecting layers corresponding to the pixels are formed on a reflection side substrate. The laser light fluxes of the colors are distributed and condensed by the microlenses and introduced to the corresponding pixels and then reflected by the corresponding reflecting layers. Refractive optical devices may be used in place of the diffractive optical devices.
US08177361B2
The invention relates particularly to a spectacle lens having a first and a second surface, wherein at least the first surface of the spectacle lens has a major portion zone and at least one prism zone. The major portion zone of the first surface, together with the opposing second surface of the spectacle lens, forms a major portion of the spectacle lens, which is designed for vision in at least a predetermined distance. The prism zone of the first surface, together with the opposing second surface of the spectacle lens, forms a prism portion, which is designed and arranged such that an optical image of a display is formed at a predetermined virtual distance in front of the eyes of the spectacle wearer. The invention further relates to spectacles, which comprise the spectacle lens, and to a method and apparatuses for calculating or optimizing and producing the spectacle lens.
US08177360B2
The present invention provides eyeglasses including a frame and an arm connectable to the frame. The eyeglasses include a magnetic hinge connecting the arm to the frame. The magnetic hinge includes a first housing having an first inner cavity and a first outer protruding edge having a plurality of extending flanges disposed thereon, a first magnet disposed inside the first housing, a central washer including at least a portion of the central washer having magnetic attraction capabilities, a second housing having a second inner cavity and an inner lip portion radially disposed within the second inner cavity and a second magnet disposed inside the second housing. The magnetic hinge is magnetically held in place by the magnetic attraction between the first magnet and the second magnet via the central washer and the engagement of the extending flanges within the inner lip portion.
US08177356B2
A non-aqueous ink-jet ink which has printability on non-absorbing recording media such as polyvinyl chloride (abrasion resistance and water resistance), is excellent in ejection stability and safety, is free from problems concerning odor, does not cause operational abnormality in an ink-jet head even in long-term use, and can be stably used even after long-term storage. Also provided is a method of ink-jet recording with the ink. This non-aqueous ink-jet ink comprises a pigment, a binder resin, and an organic solvent. It is characterized in that at least 60 mass % of the organic solvent is accounted for by a water-soluble organic solvent and that the content in the ink of a metal salt which is the highest in content among the salts of metals selected among sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium is 3-50 ppm in terms of metal-ion concentration.
US08177355B2
A recording apparatus includes: a recording head that executes recording by ejecting ink onto a recording surface of a recording material; a platen that supports a face opposite the recording surface of the recording material positioned on a recording execution region by the recording head; and a plurality of suction hole sections provided in the platen. The platen is configured so that both side edge sections in a width direction provided with the suction hole sections are retractable with respect to the recording head, and both side edge sections of the platen are advanced towards the recording head and are retracted after attaching by suction of a curling section of the right and left side edges of the recording material and then after retraction, recording is executed on the recording material by the recording head.
US08177344B2
An ink feeding mechanism includes an ink reservoir 31, a subtank 32 for temporarily storing ink, a decompression channel 44 for decompressing the subtank 32 to a fixed pressure, an ink force-feed channel 41 interconnecting the ink reservoir 31 and subtank 32, a first switch valve 35 mounted on the ink force-feed channel 41, a communication channel 43 interconnecting the subtank 32 and an inkjet head 10, an ink circulating channel 42 interconnecting the communication channel 43 and ink reservoir 31, and a second switch valve 34 mounted on the ink circulating channel 42. A lid member 51 forming part of a chamber has a pressure regulating channel 45 connected thereto, which is connected also to a force-feed channel 46 with a pressure pump 37 mounted thereon, and an exhaust channel 47 with an exhaust pump 38 mounted thereon.
US08177340B2
This invention relates to a device for retrofitting a printer which has a cartridge receiving device for holding interchangeable consumable material cartridges. In order to reduce the cost of production, transport and storage, the device has an insert which has fastening means for attachment in the cartridge receiving device of a printer, on the insert a locking means being made which blocks the fastening means in the fastening position when a consumable material insert cartridge is connected in the cartridge receiving device.
US08177335B2
An electronic device has an electronic signal source electrically connected to a signal routing circuit, an electrically activated transducer to receive electronic signals through the signal routing circuit, and an anisotropic conductive film to provide electrical continuity between the signal routing circuit and the transducer, the anisotropic conductive film having material removed adjacent the transducer to reduce mechanical loading of the transducer. A print head has a jet stack including an aperture plate having apertures arranged to allow passage of ink stored in the jet stack, a diaphragm arranged adjacent the jet stack so as to apply pressure on the ink stored in the jet stack, a transducer arranged to cause the diaphragm to deflect when activated, an anisotropic conductive film having material removed adjacent the transducer to reduce mechanical loading of the transducer, and an electrical interconnect formed from the anisotropic conductive film arranged to electrically couple the transducer to a signal routing circuit. A method includes patterning an anisotropic conductive film to form an array of openings or recesses, bonding the patterned anisotropic conductive film to a transducer side of a transducer array such that openings or recesses in the anisotropic conducting film are arranged adjacent each transducer so as to not contact the transducer in the region of maximum deflection, and bonding a signal carrying circuit array to a circuit side of the transducer array using the patterned anisotropic conductive film.
US08177329B2
An object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet print head having plural types of nozzles arranged on the same substrate and through which ink droplets of different sizes are ejected, the ink jet print head exhibiting acceptable ejection performance regardless of the type of the nozzle. Thus, according to the present invention, each of the plural types of nozzles includes a bubbling chamber having an ejection energy generating element allowing an ink droplet to be ejected to a position located opposite an ejection port and an ejection port portion allowing the ejection port and the bubbling chamber to communicate with each other. Ratio of opening area of the ejection port portion at a position where the ejection port portion and the bubbling chamber communicate with each other, to the opening area of the ejection port is higher for the nozzle with a smaller ejection amount.
US08177325B2
An inkjet image forming apparatus includes a device to protect an ink sensing device operated without use of a separate drive source. The inkjet image forming apparatus includes at least one protecting device having a protecting member to protect the ink sensing device from impurities or to release the ink sensing device from protection, the protecting member being operated in linkage with the maintenance device to thereby be moved between the first position and the second position.
US08177324B1
Printers and apparatus to clean printer surfaces are disclosed. An example apparatus to clean a surface in a printer includes an endless cleaning material loop and an advancer to advance the cleaning material loop when the loop is not engaged with the surface and to not advance the loop when the loop is engaged with the surface.
US08177322B2
Quality degradation of a print image due to a deviation amount in a landing position of ink is prevented while suppressing degradation of through-put. In a method of completing a print to a unit region by at least one reciprocal scan to the unit region of a print medium by a printing head in which plural ink ejection ports are arrayed for ejecting ink, a printing rate in a scan direction where a deviation amount in a landing position of ink in an array direction of the ink ejection ports is relatively large is set relatively low and the printing rate in the scan direction where the deviation amount in the landing position of ink in the array direction of the ink ejection ports is relatively small is set relatively high.
US08177319B2
A liquid jetting apparatus receives delivery of liquid from a liquid delivery system including a delivery system-side terminal. The liquid jetting apparatus includes a apparatus-side terminal, a contact sensing portion and a remaining level sensor portion. The apparatus-side terminal contacts the delivery system-side terminal when receiving delivery of liquid from the liquid delivery system. The contact sensing portion supplies a first electrical signal to the apparatus-side terminal to sense contact between the apparatus-side terminal and the system-side terminal. The remaining level sensor portion supplies a second electrical signal different from the first electrical signal to the apparatus-side terminal to sense a liquid volume in the liquid delivery system.
US08177317B2
An image recording apparatus including a recording head, a feeding mechanism feeding a recording medium such that a second surface is opposed to the head, a first-area determining portion determining a first area, a second-area determining portion determining a second area, a contact-position determining portion determining a contact position on a first surface at which position a roller contacts the first surface, a feed controller capable of controlling feeding of the medium such that where the second surface is opposed to the head, the recording on the second surface is implemented with the second area skipped, and a judging portion determining whether the contact position is included in the first area at the moment of initiation of a skip operation. The feed controller controls an acceleration or a speed at which the medium is fed in the skip operation, on the basis of the determination made by the judging portion.
US08177310B2
The field-repair assembly is used for temporarily repairing a ruptured or otherwise damaged elastomeric track mounted on a vehicle and generally allows the vehicle to proceed, preferably on its own, to a maintenance site located nearby where replacement or permanent repair of the track can be undertaken. The assembly comprises a plurality of spaced-apart and generally parallel support members, each of which being generally transversely disposed on the ground engaging outer surface of the track. The transverse members are secured to each side of the track via retention brackets. The transverse members are further linked together via flexible cables which are fixedly mounted to retention brackets. The assembly further comprises a bridging element generally mounted to a subset of the transverse members. The bridging element is generally located over the damaged area of the track and on the outer surface thereof for providing continuity and support to the damaged track.
US08177305B2
A system for treating a subsurface hydrocarbon containing formation includes one or more shafts. At least two substantially horizontal or inclined tunnels extend from one or more of the shafts. A plurality of heat sources are located in at least one heat source wellbore extending between at least two of the substantially horizontal tunnels. Electrical connections for the heat sources are located in at least one of the substantially horizontal tunnels.
US08177301B2
An armrest, has a stationary shaft rotatably supporting an armrest body against a seat frame. The stationary shaft is inserted, so as to have fastening tolerance, inside a coil lock spring and to have a stationary-side hook and a free-side hook. A diameter of the coil lock spring is reduced or enlarged according to a normal or a reverse rotation, respectively, of the armrest body, so as to prevent or permit, respectively, the rotation of the armrest body. One of the inside diameter of the lock spring and the outside diameter of the stationary shaft is tapered in said shaft's axial direction.
US08177300B2
The present invention relates to a suspension system for a vehicle seat. The system comprises a top portion (9) and a first part (1) having a base portion (2), means (3b, 20) to receive the top portion and means (3, 4) to allow movement of the base portion (2) and top portion (9) towards and away from each other. The system further comprises a second part consisting of a spring element (10, 14) adapted in use to control movement of the base portion (2) and top portion (9) towards and away from each other. The top portion (9) and the second part (10, 14) are, in addition, releasably connected (13, 11a, 20) to the first part (1). This suspension system allows for flexibility in the manufacturing process and the replacement of parts.
US08177299B2
A chair has a link of a chair back, a link of a chair seat, and a link mechanism that pushes up the link of the chair seat when the link of the chair back is pressed to incline rearward, so that the occupant can take the optimum seating posture without being conscious, thus further improving the comfort in the reclined posture.
US08177298B2
A loading flap is pivotally mounted on the backrest of a vehicle seat and can be locked with the backrest. The locking operation can be carried out using positive and/or non-positive means, e.g. a bolt that moves in a translatory and rotative manner during locking and unlocking. The loading flap includes a housing that may be moved in a translatory manner parallel thereto during opening.
US08177292B1
A vehicle structural arrangement 10 is provided which provides improved roof strength and controlled energy absorption when a load is imposed on the roof structure 60. The vehicle structural arrangement includes an inner panel 12, an outer panel 14 and at least one bridge member 16 having a first region 32, a second region 34, and a middle region 36. The middle region 36 may be disposed between and is integral to the first region 32 and the second region 34. The first region 32 of the middle portion abuts the inner panel and the second region 34 of the middle portion abuts the outer panel.
US08177291B2
A longitudinal beam, which is provided for a chassis of a motor vehicle, has a curved section of a tubular member part horizontal reinforcement element. The reinforcement element is directly associated with the highest body of a lower horizontal limb of the tubular member part and is connected to an upper horizontal limb of the tubular member part. This draws the curved section in a crash of the vehicle a high degree of stability.
US08177289B2
Various embodiments of an improved top rail for a container body, e.g. a truck body, are disclosed. In exemplary embodiments, a support structure is disposed at least partially within a channel of the top rail to provide increased strength to the top rail and to protect the top rail and container body from damage. Examples of support structures include support blocks, such as composite blocks, and support rails, such as metal rails. In an exemplary embodiment, a low-profile light source can be installed on the top rail and/or the support structure.
US08177285B2
The present invention provides an automotive door enhanced with the absorption performance for the collision energy in the side collision. The automotive door constructed of an outer panel and an inner panel, comprising a door beam for a side collision therewithin, and provided with a glass ascending/descending space between the inner panel and the door beam for a side collision comprises a reinforcing panel disposed in a space between the outer panel and the glass ascending/descending space and joined with both of the outer panel and the door beam for a side collision.
US08177274B2
The invention provides techniques for diagnosing medical conditions and providing appropriate treatment at a patient's home residence. A mobile x-ray team can be dispatched to the patient's home residence. A technical team reviews patient data to determine a proper therapy plan. A mobile radiation therapy apparatus is dispatched to the patient's home as required by the therapy plan. The mobile radiation therapy apparatus includes a radiation source and shielding, and is capable of superficial radiation therapy and/or High Dose Rate (HDR) implant therapy. For HDR therapy, the mobile radiation therapy apparatus itself is a specialized radiation vault which the patient will enter. The technical team adjusts the therapy plan based on the additional analysis, and the mobile radiation therapy apparatus is dispatched in accordance with adjusted therapy plan.
US08177268B2
A lever-handle lock includes a stationary support base adapted to mount to a door around a lever handle carried on the door. The lever-handle lock also includes a lever-handle rotation blocker mounted on the stationary support base to block selectively rotation of the lever handle relative to the stationary support base at the option of a user.
US08177261B2
A device for collecting fuel leaks on the feed pipes of an interface, such as a fuel injection system for a thermal engine. Each feed pipe includes at each end a nut to secure the feed pipe in position on an interface, behind which nut is arranged a device for collecting fuel leaks. The recovery unit includes a spout and is integral with the nut and with the feed pipe in a sealing manner.
US08177259B2
A canister that adsorbs evaporated fuel in a fuel tank is protected from an impact force and is mounted sufficiently at a height above the ground to eliminate the need for a protection member. A pair of left and right side members extend in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle on a lower side of a rear floor of the vehicle. The canister is disposed between the fuel tank and the spare tire housing. A pair of front and rear cross members extending in the widthwise direction of the vehicle connect to the side members between the fuel tank and the spare tire housing. The canister is disposed directly below the rear floor between the pair of front and rear cross members, and the canister is mounted to the front and rear cross members.
US08177254B2
A vehicle airbag device has: a pad cover provided at the center of a steering wheel constituted of a spoke, a rim, and a hub and secured to the hub or to the spoke; an airbag that is provided, in a folded state, at the pad cover and deploys upon collision of the vehicle by tearing the pad cover to restrain a vehicle occupant; and an inflator secured to the hub or to the spoke to supply inflation gas into the airbag upon collision of the vehicle. The pad cover has an extension portion extending from the center of the steering wheel to the rim such that the extension portion overlaps the spoke. The extension portion has a tear portion that tears upon collision of the vehicle. A portion of the airbag is disposed, in a folded state, at the extension portion.
US08177252B2
A tube is cut to form a tube-formed box with an opening on its top side. A hitch ball is pivotally mounting on the tube-formed box, so as to extend above the tube-formed box when the hitch ball is in the operative position and to reside within the tube-formed box when the hitch ball is in the inoperative, stowed position. The tube-formed hitch box is joined to and extends through an underbed plate, with the top surface of the tube-formed hitch box higher than the top surface of the underbed plate, so the bed of the truck can ride on the underbed plate up to and even with the tube-formed hitch box. In another aspect, the door of the hitch includes one or more recesses around the finger hole, such as a finger access recess on one top side and a finger grip recess on the opposite bottom side of the door.
US08177248B2
A device that detachably mounts to the front side of a wheelchair frame, or similar vehicle, to manually lift or otherwise manipulate an occupied wheelchair p and/or down stairs. The manual wheelchair lift attachment comprises a wheelchair attachment portion and a handhold member for lifting that is connected by connecting arms. The wheelchair lift attachment apparatus may be adjustable to be configured with different sized wheelchairs. The invention also relates to a wheelchair having a permanent wheelchair frame that operably accepts a lifting mechanism apparatus. The invention also relates to a method of using the foregoing attachment and permanent configuration to transport an occupied wheelchair up and/or down stairs or otherwise maneuver the occupied wheelchair about other similar obstacles.
US08177240B2
The invention relates to a roller skate (2), in particular an inline roller skate, comprising a plurality of rollers (4, 6, 8, 10). In order to simplify braking and to improve the dosage of the braking force and the driving stability of essentially inline roller skates during braking, the roller skate (2) comprises a first frame part (12), which is or can be rigidly connected to a shoe and in which at least one of the front rollers (4, 6) is rotatably mounted, a second frame part (14), in which at least two rear rollers (8, 10) are rotatably mounted, the two frame parts (12, 14) being pivotable about a pivoting axis (24) which is parallel to the rotational axes of the rollers (4, 6, 8, 10), and a braking element (34) that can be pressed against at least one of the rear rollers (8, 10) during pivoting of the two frame parts (12, 14) relative to one another.
US08177238B2
Method and system of a flange seal ring. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising a metallic ring and a plurality of cogs. The metallic ring comprises a central bore that defines an internal diameter, a first sealing face that defines a first plane, a second sealing face that defines a second plane, a first groove in the first sealing face, and a second groove in the second sealing face. The plurality of cogs couple to the metallic ring, each cog extends through the first plane, and the plurality of cogs positioned one each at a plurality of radial positions around the metallic ring. At least one of the plurality of cogs configured to have an adjustable position relative to the central bore, and the cogs configured to align the central bore to a corresponding bore of a flange.
US08177237B2
A segmented piston ring assembly includes piston ring segments 2 having stepped ends 5, 6, at least one piston ring segment 2 including a radial step on a radially inner peripheral surface 9 over a part of the width of the piston ring segment 2, and a single-cut sealing ring 3, which bears radially against the inside of the peripheral surface 9 of the piston ring segments 2, the sealing ring 3 including an axial recess 10, 12 which cooperates with the radial step 4 of the piston ring segment 2 to prevent relative rotation therebetween.
US08177236B2
A seal assembly (100) for sealing a rotatable shaft entering a workspace is provided, the seal 5 assembly (100) comprising first and second sets of seal rings (110′, 110″; 170, 170′) separated by a space defined by the seal ring sets (110′, 110″; 170, 170′), an outer surface of a shaft sleeve (120) or the shaft and an inner surface of a body (140, 150) circumventing 10 the outer surface of the shaft sleeve (120) or the shaft and filled with a lubricating and/or cooling fluid, wherein the outer surface of the shaft sleeve (120) or the shaft is provided with grooves (120′), or any other irregular surface, wherein the space is 15 provided with at least one fluid directing member (160, 160′) that is configured to provide homogenous distribution of lubrication and/or homogenous distribution of cooling over a substantial part of the seal assembly (100) in interaction with the shaft 20 sleeve or the shaft. A method and a system are also provided.
US08177235B1
A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a bonus parlay wager for a wagering game with a bonus round. The bonus round in the wagering game is activated only based upon certain conditions. The player can earn a top payout for the bonus parlay wager by winning the bonus round in two consecutive games of the wagering game.
US08177233B2
Cups and games of skill involving such cups are provided. A representative cup includes: an aperture communicating with a cavity; and a barrier extending partially about the periphery of the aperture such that a portion of the cup lacking the barrier forms a lateral entrance to the cavity, the barrier having an upwardly and outwardly sloping first portion and a downwardly and outwardly sloping second portion, the first portion being located between the second portion and the aperture.
US08177228B2
The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for monitoring the singling of sheet material, in particular of bank notes.The invention starts out from monitoring the singling of sheet material, in particular of bank notes, by means of a singler having a drive and a control device for a monitoring and controlling of the singler, wherein a monitoring of place, time, orientation and state of the singled sheet material is effected immediately after the singling.
US08177219B2
A sheet feeder has a transmission mechanism which includes an output gear mesh with a transmission gear train, and a switch element, disposed between the transmission gear train and the output gear, for switching a rotational direction of the output gear. The switch element includes a movable arm, a driving gear driven by the transmission gear train, a switching gear set attached to the arm and meshing with the driving gear, and a clutch device for restricting movement of the arm to enable the switching gear set to be disengaged from the output gear. When the output gear meshes with the switching gear set, the output gear and a transmission shaft of the sheet feeding mechanism may change the direction of their rotation. When the output gear is disengaged from the switching gear set, the output gear and the transmission shaft of the sheet feeding mechanism are not driven by a power source.
US08177214B2
A sheet processing apparatus including: a stapler capable of performing a staple processing for sheets with plural staple modes; and a control section that determines a maximum number of sheets that can be processed in single staple processing with one staple mode of the plural staple modes, wherein the control section determines the maximum number of sheets differing from a maximum number of sheets in another staple mode of the plural staple modes.
US08177212B2
A printing and binding apparatus (1) is disclosed which can print on demand, bind, and trim a perfect bound book. The apparatus includes one or more text page printers (110, 200) and a color cover printer (114). The text page printers print the text pages of a book and form the text pages into a book block (BB). The color cover printer (114) prints a cover for the book. The book block and the cover are delivered to a binding station at which the spine (S) of the book block is adhesively bound to the cover. The bound book is then delivered to a trimming station (TS) at which excess margins (are trimmed from the book. A method of printing and binding a perfect bound book on demand is also disclosed.
US08177210B2
A method for positioning a work, which is adapted for a knock hole of a small diameter and which can absorb a pitch error between a main positioning hole and an auxiliary positioning hole of the work is disclosed. An insert shaft of a main positioning device is inserted into the main positioning hole. An auxiliary positioning device includes a base lower block having a parallel slide holding surface, a sliding flange having a sliding surface, and an insert shaft disposed above the sliding flange. The sliding flange of the auxiliary positioning device is guided and moved by the slide holding surface, and is inserted, while absorbing the pitch error, into the auxiliary positioning hole, thereby to position the work.
US08177208B2
There is provided a positioning jig capable of reliably adjusting the position The positioning jig includes a shaft including handle attaching portions at one end, a circular support portion at an intermediate portion, the support portion being at right angles to respective threaded holes of the handle attaching portions and including a larger diameter than that of another portion, and an applying portion at the other end; operation handles screwed to the handle attaching portions; and a base member including pins to be fixed to a mounting member, a support hole fitting around the entire periphery of the support portion, and handle fixing portions for regulating movement of the operation handles, wherein the shaft pivots about the support portion as a fulcrum in accordance with screwed amounts of the operation handles to dispose the applying portion at any position in a predetermined plane.
US08177201B2
A hydraulic mount has an upper support member and a lower support member. An upper elastomeric spring and a lower elastomeric spring are disposed between the upper support member and the lower support member to define an upper fluid chamber and a lower fluid chamber. A channel extends between the upper and lower chambers. During compression and extension of the hydraulic mount, fluid transfers between the upper and lower chamber to provide a damping force for the hydraulic mount.
US08177191B2
A multi-function tool comprises a shank body including a plurality of located grooves aligned thereon longitudinally; a pry bar including a first section, a second section extending from the first section for prying, a first receptacle longitudinally piercing the first section for slidably mounted on the shank body and two second receptacles transversely piercing the first section and in communication with the first receptacle; two clutches respectively disposed in the second receptacles for alternatively engaging with a selective one of the located grooves; and a foot hold disposed onto the bottom of the first receptacle; wherein the second end of the shank body is inserted through the first receptacle of the pry bar and installed to the foot hold, with the foot hold being able to rotate relative to the shank body.
US08177190B2
A vacuum valve including a valve body with a valve orifice, a closure member for closing the valve orifice, a first piston-cylinder unit, a second piston-cylinder unit, a first control element, and a second control element. When opening the vacuum valve, a pressure medium line, which applies pressure to the opening cylinder space of the second piston-cylinder unit, is blocked during the first part of the opening process, and is released at the end of the first part of the opening process by the first control element. When closing the vacuum valve, a pressure medium line, which applies pressure to the closing cylinder space of the first piston-cylinder unit, is blocked during the first part of the closing process, and is released by the second control element at the end of the first part of the closing process.
US08177188B1
A valve manifold includes a valve body carrying pairs of laterally spaced piston actuated valves controlled by control modules operative to selectively pressurize and exhaust an outlet port connected to a fluid device and configured in groupings permitting varying valve functionalities.
US08177184B2
A seat track assembly an illustrative embodiment of the seat track assembly includes a seat track having an elongated track plate and a pair of generally elongated, parallel, spaced-apart track flanges extending from the track plate. Each of the track flanges is variable in depth. A method of fabricating a seat track assembly is also disclosed.
US08177182B1
A wireless remote control device for a portable media device can include a touch-sensitive faceplate and a base section coupled to the faceplate such that the faceplate is rotatable relative to the base section. The base section can house electronic circuitry including a wireless transmitter that transmits signals to portable media device in response to a user touching the faceplate. Clamping feet can be attached to the base section, e.g., using hinges so that the wireless remote control device can be mountable on a vehicle steering wheel. The hinges can be movable in a lateral direction to vary the pitch between the clamping feet to accommodate various thicknesses of steering wheels. The clamping feet can be movable in an arcuate motion in order to clamp to or unclamp from the steering wheel.
US08177181B2
A carrying arrangement having a carrier arm adjustable in elevation is improved so that a load carried thereby can be easily exchanged. A gas-pressure spring (6) incorporates a latching device in such a manner that the gas-pressure spring self latches when a predetermined blocking position (P2) is reached and the self-latching device is disabled in response to an application of pressure to the carrier arm so as to move the carrier arm beyond the blocking position (P2).
US08177178B2
A novel device cradle formed with a substantially rigid spine with a device rest and a spaced apart device retainer formed on a front surface of the spine and adjacent to opposite first and second end thereof. A dual attachment base of the novel device cradle is formed on a back surface of the spine opposite from the front surface thereof and is positioned between the first and second ends thereof. The dual attachment base has a raised attachment plate that is spaced away from the back surface of the spine, a pair of spaced apart fastener attachment holes that are formed through the attachment plate and positioned adjacent to opposite front and back surfaces of the spine, and a pair of spaced apart T-slots that are formed through the attachment plate and positioned substantially between the attachment holes.
US08177176B2
A hanger bar for supporting a recessed light fixture is attachable to ceiling joists or a T-bar grid of a drop down ceiling. First and second bars of the hanger bar slide and telescope. First and second spring clips are detachably coupled to the brackets at the ends of the first and second bars, respectively. Each of the first and second clips has a pair of downwardly extending arms bent inwardly toward one another, a first leg extending from a first arm, a second leg extending from a second arm, and an outwardly-extending foot on the second leg. The spring clips snap on to the T-bar grid. Each bracket includes a nail that is angled away from the hanger bar and downward so that the nail head is below the level of the hanger bar. The angled nails enable easy hammer strikes to attach the hanger bar to ceiling joists without accidental hammer blows to the hanger bar. The bracket may be discrete from the hanger bar but attached via tox clinching or a tab pass-through attachment.
US08177165B2
An aircraft seat in a cubicle able to provide privacy via a hidden, sliding/pocket door drawn to a seat-side end of a divider between adjacent seats from within a facing panel of the next divider in the line of seats. The divider provides a recessed backing for the seat; whilst a return recess provides foot rest space opposite the seat. The dividers are generally S-shaped in one form. The seat in one form is a double seat, in that it comprises a convertible seat and a fixed seat immediately next to each other. The fixed seat provides an alternative seating position when the convertible seat is in bed configuration and a seat for a friend when the convertible seat is in seat configuration. In one form not only the convertible seat, but also the fixed seat have seat belts, the latter seat's belts being provided in case of turbulence during use. The convertible seat has a seat squab, a backrest and a leg rest both pivotally connected to the seat squab that are reclinable via a reclining mechanism.
US08177162B2
A system for enhanced lateral stability of an amphibious aircraft includes a buoyancy system laterally displaced from opposite sides of the fuselage of the aircraft and wingtip system having a hydrodynamic planing surface associated with each wingtip. The hydrodynamic planing surface on each wingtip prevents the submersion of an associated buoyancy structure. By supplementing the lateral stability of the buoyancy structures using hydrodynamic planing surfaces, the combined lateral width of the fuselage and buoyancy structures can be reduced without detrimentally impacting operational performance. This reduced lateral width enables the amphibious aircraft to be configured for storage and transportation on a trailer or shipping container.
US08177149B2
The invention relates to a method for producing very fine particles by means of a jet mill (1). The relative distance a/dDüse between at least approximately concentric milling jet inlets (5) whose center lines intersect at least approximately in one point is adjusted in accordance with the pressure of the working medium, a representing the jet length and dDüse representing the nozzle diameter.
US08177145B2
A feed injector system comprises a movable central member, a first member substantially concentric with the central member to define a first channel for conveying a first fluid oxidizer stream, a second member substantially concentric with the first member to define a second channel for conveying a fuel feed, and a third member substantially concentric with the second member to define a third channel for conveying a second fluid oxidizer steam. The first member and the second member are configured to enhance instability in the fuel feed emanating from the second channel.
US08177141B2
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for fluid handling devices with enhanced functionality. In some embodiments, the fluid handling device may include a plurality of filters coupled to the fluid handling device, where passing a first stream of fluid through the plurality of filters may improve the laminarity of the first stream of fluid, an orifice situated about the fluid handling device, where the first stream of fluid may exit the fluid handling device through the orifice in a substantially laminar state, and a surface disruptor coupled to the fluid handling device, where the surface disruptor may provide a second stream of fluid and where the disruptor may be positioned such that the second stream of fluid interferes with the first stream of fluid exiting the fluid handling device.
US08177130B2
A method and system are used to optimize utilization of a transaction card by a card member. The system and method including generating a first data set based on data stored in a database representing industries of the card members. Generating a second data set representing an average amount charged to a transaction account by the card members in each respective one of the industries based on the first data set. Comparing the average amount charged from the first generating step to an actual amount charged by each individual one of the card members in a respective one of the industries. Communicating a result of the comparison to the card members. Receiving data from the card members based on their receiving of the comparison result. Storing the data in the database or a lead management device, such that the data is updated.
US08177129B2
A multipurpose card, including a multimedia card portion with tiny protrusions on its face and a second card portion with tiny recesses which mate with the protrusions, wherein the two card portions easily connect and come apart. The multimedia card portion includes a flash memory device, which can be a removable, and a plug for programming the flash memory device. The multimedia card portion can also include an elongated finger hole and ‘wings.’ The finger hole and wings allow a user to grip the multimedia card in one hand with a thumb and middle/ring finger and pop apart the second card portion with an index finger.
US08177119B2
A disposable servingware container 10 press-formed from a generally planar paperboard blank has a characteristic diameter, D, and includes a bottom panel 12 having an arched central crown 14 with a convex upper surface 14a, a first annular transition portion 16 extending upwardly and outwardly from the bottom panel, with the proviso that a portion of the arched central crown defines a substantially continuous, convex arched profile 18 spanning at least 75% of the horizontal distance between center 20 of the container and the first annular transition. An optional sidewall portion 26 extends upwardly and outwardly from the first annular transition portion, while a second annular transition portion 28 flares outwardly with respect to the first annular transition portion defining a second radius of curvature, R2. The ratio of R2/D is 0.0125 or less. An outer flange portion 32 extends outwardly with respect to the second annular transition portion and forms the outer perimeter of the container.
US08177116B2
A method of bonding a stainless steel part to a titanium part by heating a component assembly comprised of the titanium part, the stainless steel part, and a laminated titanium-nickel filler material placed between the two parts and heated at a temperature that is less than the melting point of either the stainless steel part or the titanium part. The component assembly is held in intimate contact at temperature in a non-reactive atmosphere for a sufficient time to develop a hermetic and strong bond between the stainless steel part and the titanium part. The bonded component assembly is optionally treated with acid to remove any residual free nickel and nickel salts, to assure a biocompatible component assembly, if implanted in living tissue.
US08177105B2
A portable hand-held pleating apparatus for fabric material consisting of two halves containing a total of ten to twenty fingers adapted to allow fabric material to be pleated into numerous uniform pleats, specifically accordion pleats. The pleating apparatus can hold fabric material to allow for pleating by any user weaving said material through said fingers and then being removed by a simple upward motion. The pleating apparatus can be adjusted to enable variable pleat widths in a facile way.
US08177100B2
An apparatus for dispensing a beverage, for use with pressurized sources of one or more fluids, includes a handle having one or more valve chambers; a fluid valve in each valve chamber; one or more butterfly plates, each configured to bias one or more of the valve stems of the valves towards a valve-open position when the butterfly plate is pressed, thus opening fluidic communication from each of the fluid sources to a corresponding discharge opening; and a ball bearing cluster which provides one or more pivot points for the butterfly plates. The ball bearing cluster includes a retainer and at least one ball-shaped projection projecting from the retainer. The ball-shaped projection remains in a substantially fixed position and orientation with respect to both the retainer and the handle when one or more of the butterfly plates is pressed. The ball bearing cluster and butterfly plate may be molded.
US08177089B1
A reusable tamper indicating transport tube that can be used to securely transport large drawings and other documentation without damaging or distorting them. The tamper-evident tube comprises an outer tube, an inner tube, an outer cap, an inner tube cap, an inner tube locking mechanism, and an outer tube locking mechanism that is affixed to the peripheral surface of the outer cap.
US08177088B1
An adjustable sealing device for a storage container is disclosed that has a compressible sealing ball to provide a seal with the inner surface of containers having a variety of sizes and shapes. The device's valve ball for its vent is normally biased closed by a tensioner, and is selectively opened by a flexible lead. The lead passes through a container lid and compression washer(s) located between the sealing ball and lid. To insert the sealing ball into the container the lead is tensioned, to orient the longitudinal axis of the washer(s) perpendicular to the lid and sealing ball, so that pressure on the lid will be transmitted to the sealing ball through the compression washer(s). Releasing the lead's tension enables the lid to be placed on the container, and the lead and compression washers to be compactly draped over the sealing ball inside of the container.
US08177082B2
An assembly for culturing cells includes a housing defining a reservoir for containing cell culture media and an opening in fluid communication with the reservoir. The cell culture assembly further includes a filter valve assembly configured to sealingly engage the opening. The filter valve assembly includes a flexible membrane, a contiguous side wall, an end wall, and a microbial filter. The end wall has an opening and extends across one end of the side wall to form a major cavity within the side wall and the end wall. The flexible membrane has a slit spanning the membrane and is disposable within the major cavity such that the membrane sealingly divides the major cavity into (i) a chamber formed between the end wall and the membrane and (ii) a minor cavity formed by the membrane and a portion of the side wall. The minor cavity is in fluid communication with the reservoir. The slit is biased in a closed position to prevent fluid from passing from the minor cavity into the chamber and is configured to open to allow gas to pass from the minor cavity into the chamber when the pressure differential across the membrane is above a threshold. The filter is disposed between the membrane and the opening such that air flowing through the opening in the end wall into the chamber passes through the filter.
US08177080B2
A girder block lifting method, which can solve a problem that steel beams are inclined or fallen inward by lifting a heavy material, and a jack-up stage used therefor are provided. The method includes a main beam which can be provided between steel beams being targets of connection with the girder to construct a rigid frame structure, a height adjustment means (gate-shaped base) mounted on a cross beam member being parallel to the main beam and connecting other steel frames for adjusting height to the main beam, a connection beam for alternately connecting the main beam and the height adjustment means (gate-shaped base), and an auxiliary beam for connecting the connection beams. On a frame stage formed by connecting these beams, a plurality of lifting jacks are provided and a lifting sling is hung from upper part of the steel beam to enable jack-up of the girder block.
US08177074B2
A housing for a drying device which can be folded in and folded out comprises a base which is situated on the rear side and can be attached to a vertical support, such as a wall, and with respect to which the drying device can be folded in to form an elongate unit, wing means which are suspended on the base and can be pivoted along a pivot axis directed in the longitudinal direction of the unit between a closed position for covering the folded drying device and an open position in which the drying device can be folded in and out, as well as supporting means for supporting the drying device with respect to the housing. The wing means, in the closed position, extend forwards with respect to the base.
US08177073B2
A quickly cleanable water processor includes a shell, a water pipe, at least one filtering unit and a cleaning unit. The shell includes a space defined therein, a water inlet, a water outlet and an air inlet. The water inlet and outlet and the air inlet and outlet are in communication with the space. The water pipe is disposed in the shell and made with slots in communication with the water inlet. The filtering unit is detachably provided around the water pipe. The filtering unit includes alternately arranged membrane bags and water-guiding discs. The cleaning unit includes an air pump and an air pipe extended into the shell from the air pump through the air inlet. The air pipe includes apertures through which air reaches the membrane bags from the air pipe.
US08177057B1
A set of coins is arranged relative to a display having discrete regions associated with discrete coins within the set. In a preferred embodiment, the display is a map, and an opening is provided within the borders of or proximate to each state on the map in order to receive a respective coin.
US08177055B2
A conveyor includes at least one conveyor support apparatus. Each conveyor support apparatus includes one or more bases and a plurality of supports adjacent to the at least one base. The supports are comprised of concrete. The supports extend vertically from the base. One or more idlers are connected to the supports for supporting a moveable belt. The moveable belt is supported by the one or more idlers for movement such that the moveable belt is able to move material. A method of providing conveyors and concrete support apparatuses that may be used in such conveyors are also disclosed herein.
US08177052B2
A sensor and controller for a belt moving about a path, the sensor and controller including an analog sensor including a medium that changes a characteristic to give a signal that varies continuously with any lateral belt edge position, thus yielding improved resolution of actual belt edge position, and a control mechanism responsive to the changes in characteristics of the medium for more accurate edge position control.
US08177040B2
In a disk brake for a vehicle, an electric motor is attached to a caliper body so as to exhibit a power for urging a friction pad toward a disk rotor. The electric motor includes a brush holder for holding brushes which contact a commutator at positions at even distances in a circumferential direction of an armature. Internal feed terminals are disposed in the brush holder so as to provide connection between the brushes and feed wires respectively leading to the brushes. A rotational angle detecting sensor is disposed in the brush holder so as to detect a rotational angle of the electric motor. The rotational angle detecting sensor is disposed in the brush holder on a side opposite from the internal feed terminals with respect to the armature. Thus, it is possible to improve assemblability of the rotational angle detecting sensor to the brush holder, and facilitate operation of connecting the feed wires to the brush holder.
US08177027B2
Safety measure for accessing a pitched roof. A belt provided with loops for anchoring a person who accesses the roof is proposed. This belt is permanently installed on the roof slab and under the horizontal battens that support the roof elements, such as tiles. After removing one or more tiles, the belt, and more particularly the loops thereof, is exposed and a safety measure can be provided.
US08177015B2
The motorcycle is provided in an embodiment with a vehicle body frame, an engine, and an exhaust pipe connected to the engine. The vehicle body frame has a front frame supporting at least a part of the engine, a left rear frame connected to the front frame and extending rearward of a vehicle body on the left with a center of a vehicle in a horizontal direction as a basis, and a right rear frame extending rearward of the vehicle body on the right. The exhaust pipe has at least a crossing part partially crossing the center of the vehicle in the horizontal direction with a first supporting member mounting a left part of the crossing part to the left rear frame on the left and a second supporting member mounting the right part of the crossing part to the right rear frame on the right.
US08177012B2
A saddle-ride three-wheeled vehicle has a fuel cell which generates an electric power by a chemical reaction between a fuel gas and a reaction gas. The three-wheeled vehicle includes a drain pipe which guides water discharged from the fuel cell out of a vehicle body; a rear body to which a pair of left and right rear wheels are journaled; and a linking mechanism which swingably links the rear body and a front body to allow the front body to sway left and right with respect to the rear body, wherein the drain pipe has a drain port between the pair of left and right rear wheels.
US08177003B2
A fuel cell electric vehicle includes a driving motor for driving a pair of wheels, a fuel cell for generating electricity used in the driving motor with the fuel cell being disposed above the driving motor, and supply/discharge manifolds. The supply/discharge manifolds are for transporting the fuel gas, the oxidizing gas and the coolant to or from the fuel cell from lateral end portions of a lower part of the fuel cell so that the fuel gas, the oxidizing gas and the coolant supplied to and discharged from the fuel cell flow in a substantially vertical direction with respect to a vehicle without the fuel gas, the oxidizing gas and the coolant passing through a center portion between the lower part of the fuel cell and an upper part of the driving motor.
US08176997B2
A hand-held power tool includes a work spindle (4)in which a chuck (3) for receiving an axially displaceable, within limits, percussion working tool (2), is mounted on. The work spindle (4) having a coaxial die (5) located in its interior for imparting blows to the percussion working tool (2). At least one cooling air channel (7) extends in an outer housing (6) radially outwardly of the work spindle and opens into a chuck free space (8) which adjoins the work spindle (4). The at least one cooling air channel (7) communicates with the interior of the work spindle through an opening (10, 10′) formed in the work spindle. A seal (9, 9′) completely flowtight seals the free space (8) outwardly.
US08176996B2
A control system for use in conjunction with a primary power system and operable to control a pneumatically powered hand-held tool broadly comprises an air delivery assembly operable to communicate with a pressurized air source; a control assembly including an exhaust line from the primary power system and to the control assembly, a spool valve in fluid communication with the supply line and the exhaust line, and a control line in fluid communication with the spool valve and the hand-held tool; a tool assembly comprising the hand-held tool for performing delicate hand working operations; and a housing for at least partial storage of the air delivery assembly and the control assembly. The primary power system and the control system operate in conjunction with each other to both power and precisely control a pneumatically powered hand-held tool.
US08176991B1
The powered rolling and crimping device is used to terminate cover crops in a minimum tillage soil conservation system. The device includes a powered crimping mechanism in combination with a crop roller. Power is transferred from a tractor power takeoff to a plurality of cam mechanisms via mechanical gearbox. The cam mechanisms raise and lower a crimping bar. As an operator directs a walk-behind tractor across a field of cover crops, a crop roller first flattens the crops and the powered crimping bar crimps the crops, thereby terminating the cover crops without severing the crop stalks disturbing the soil.
US08176967B2
A method produces a cast component of an internal combustion engine with a cast-in pipe. Expendable molds and a permanent pattern, or permanent molds are used in the method. A solid core mold is mounted in a split outer mold. To solve the problem of the pipe changing its position during the casting of the component, a separate pipe holder is integrated into the outer mold or the core mold. The pipe is inserted into a retaining section of the pipe holder that is configured in such a manner that it locally surrounds the outer circumference of the pipe at least in part and with little play so that the pipe can expand in the axial direction during casting but is secured against displacements in radial directions caused by buoyancy forces of the liquid casting material. Subsequently the component is cast.
US08176963B1
An accordion-style storm shutter panel and system for use in covering an opening in a building structure including an outer frame assembly and a plurality of vertically mounted elongated panels foldably connected together in accordion style fashion. The panels are joined by slip fitted lateral knuckle joints and a track engaging a guide which extends from ends of the knuckle joints. A plurality of spaced apertures are formed through and extend over the substantial length of each of the panels, each of said apertures preferably having a notch-and-tab arrangement extending around a periphery thereof. A plurality of transparent, translucent or opaque locking plugs are sized and have a spaced locking tab arrangement around a periphery thereof, which matably and releasably lockingly engages within each aperture. Alternately, the plugs may be fixed in place and be light-transmitting.
US08176951B2
A system and method are provided for in-line processes of blending butane into gasoline streams, and for blending butane into a gasoline stream at any point along a petroleum pipeline. The invention additionally provides a method for measuring the vapor pressure and vapor to liquid ratio of the gasoline, both upstream and downstream of the blending operation, as well as the sulfur content of the butane entering the blending operation. The blending operation can be controlled to ensure that the blended gasoline meets EPA requirements for vapor pressure and sulfur content of gasoline. The invention further provides a method for accessing and monitoring the operation off-site.
US08176948B2
A liquid dispensing vending system that includes a closed, integrated system of bottles and dispensing machines. The bottles used with the instant dispensing system are designed to minimize the growth of mold, mildew, bacteria and other harmful micro organisms. The vending system may be used to dispense water, soft drinks, coffee, tea, water with nutrients, and/or antioxidants, into containers such as rugged bottles capable of being reused many times. The bottles are designed to be refilled by the dispensing machines, and therefore are tampered resistant. The bottles are made of an antimicrobial plastic and their contents are stored under pressure to discourage bacterial and organic growth inside the bottle.
US08176945B2
Paper machine clothing that includes interwoven warp threads and weft threads forming a weaving pattern composed of repeat units having at least 26 warp threads. The weaving pattern, one of on its own or in combination, is formed by at least one of: at least one basic textile weave, at least one derivative of a basic textile weave, and at least one extension of a basic textile weave.
US08176944B2
Paper machine clothing, such as a forming fabric formed by a large number of repeating units, wherein each repeat unit includes a paper-side woven structure having paper-side warp and weft threads and a machine-side woven structure having machine-side warp and weft threads, such that the paper side and the machine side woven structures are connected to each other by binding threads, and each repeat unit being formed by at least 26 warp threads and the paper machine clothing having a total thickness of 0.78 mm and less.
US08176936B2
By removably disposing a fluid cutoff device in a gas piping, a gas cutoff management function for remote cutting-off/return, etc., can be added to an existing flow measuring unit, and a communicating portion can make bidirectional communications, so that by transmitting an acceptance state of a remote operation from the external device to the external device, higher reliability and safety can be realized, and by detecting use with the fluid cutoff device removed, safety can be further improved while unauthorized use is prevented.
US08176935B2
A fuel vapor control valve comprising a housing fitted with an inlet port connectable to a fuel tank and an outlet port connectable to a fuel vapor recovery device. The inlet port and the outlet port are in flow communication via a first valve controlled passage admitting fuel vapor flow in a direction from the inlet port to the outlet port only when pressure within the fuel tank exceeds a threshold. A second valve controlled passage admits vapor flow in an opposite direction from the outlet port to the inlet port only when pressure within the fuel tank drops below pressure at the fuel vapor recovery device.
US08176924B2
Electronic color changing artificial nails comprise a polymer layer in a general shape of a human natural nail, bistable electro-optic material and a ledge on which display electrodes are disposed located at a tip of the artificial nail. Once the artificial nail is attached to the natural nail, the artificial nail can be updated by simply plugging the tip into a separate electronic color changing device which is used to set the color of the nail to whatever the user desires.
US08176922B2
A system and method enables data to be communicated from a position within a human body to an external data device. The system includes a wireless communication module that is electrically coupled to an implant component having a metal surface so that the implant component operates as an antenna in response to the application of a modulated carrier wave being applied to the implant component. The wireless communication module may be coupled to the implant component so that the implant component operates as a monopole or dipole antenna. When the monopole configuration is used, the system further includes a ground plane so that the electromagnetic field emitted by the implant component is reflected and the emitted and reflected fields resemble the emitted field of a dipole antenna for the carrier frequency.
US08176918B2
A three dimensional face mask comprises: a three dimensional cup, a three dimensional soft rubber washer, an elastic tape, and an anti-skid band; it is characterized in that: the three dimensional cup is made by hot pressing of multilayer of filtration material, the three dimensional soft rubber washer is provided with a soft nose cushion and is bonded to an outer periphery of the three dimensional cup by hot pressing, the anti-skid band is bonded to a lower edge of the three dimensional cup, the elastic tape has two ends symmetrically bonded to both sides of the three dimensional cup. The three dimensional non-woven face ensures a good air tightness against the face while leaving a large enough space between the three dimensional cup and the nose and mouth area to ensure conformable wearing, good filtration, making the wearer easy to breathe and talk.
US08176914B2
The present invention relates to an anesthetic absorbing circle, comprising: a first common tube, providing an anesthetic gas mixture; an inspiration branch, connected to the first common tube and delivering the anesthetic gas mixture to a patient end; an expiration branch, connected to the first common tube and sending back the expired gas from the patient end to the first common tube; a second common tube, connected with the inspiration branch and the expiration branch at its first end and connected with the patient end at its second end; and a flow sensor, wherein the flow sensor is disposed in the first common tube. Thus, according to the present invention, the flow sensor can conduct bidirectional monitoring, the flow sensor is remote from patients, and water accumulation at the probe will not appear; in addition, the probe can be easily detached and disinfected at a high temperature, and can be used between adults and children.
US08176913B2
An apparatus including a lens, a gasket to receive the lens and a frame removably coupled to a respirator helmet is defined. The gasket forms a seal with a respirator helmet. The frame secures the lens within the gasket and defines a release mechanism to enable a quick release of the frame from the respirator helmet.
US08176903B2
A system and method for delivering EGR to an internal combustion engine is presented. The system can reduce system cost and lower system complexity.
US08176896B2
A control module for a vehicle includes a time recording module that stores timestamps that correspond to each of N teeth of a target wheel of the vehicle in memory. N is an integer. A position module generates M angular positions based on the timestamps. M is an integer greater than one. Each of the M angular positions corresponds to a space between adjacent ones of the N teeth. A position estimator determines position of the target wheel based on the M positions.
US08176894B2
Systems and methods for generating a vacuum in an engine are provided. The system includes a first throttle upstream from a plurality of cylinders and a second throttle upstream from one of the cylinders. The system further includes a vacuum reservoir in fluidic communication with an intake runner downstream from the second throttle; a vacuum consumer in fluidic communication with the vacuum reservoir, the vacuum consumer controlled by an actuator; and a pneumatic actuator driven by a pressure state of the vacuum reservoir to adjust the second throttle.
US08176889B2
An intake manifold for an engine includes a plurality of intake distribution pipes arranged in a side-by-side relation to one another; an intake inlet pipe provided in an end wall and arranged in a direction of the intake distribution pipes; a surge chamber provided inside the intake manifold, and providing communication between the intake inlet pipe and the intake distribution pipes; and an intake guide wall provided integrally with the intake manifold. The intake guide wall extending in the direction in which the intake distribution pipes are arranged. One surface of the intake guide wall is smooth-and-flat and the other side surface of the intake guide wall includes a plurality of thinned concave parts separated by a plurality of ribs provided between the concave parts.
US08176886B2
A camshaft adjusting device for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. The camshaft adjusting device has a stator which is driven via a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine and a rotor which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the camshaft. The rotary angle position of the rotor can be varied with respect to the stator by way of a piston which can be displaced in the radial direction.
US08176884B2
Systems and methods of operation for internal combustion engines which employ molecular sieve technology to provide enhanced oxygen content in the air-fuel mixture during operation.
US08176865B2
A steering actuator (1) designed as a linear electro-mechanical actuator for a ship control system which comprises an electric motor (2), a controller (11) connected, via a CAN bus, to the electronic control unit of the ship control system (ECU) and an angle sensor (12) actively connected to the controller (11) for determining the angular position of the rudder (13). The electric motor (2) is designed as a vector-controlled brushless motor.
US08176862B2
A method for making a fitted tablecloth for covering a utility or card table is disclosed. The steps include providing a primary panel having a plurality of sides, providing a rail panel having a plurality of side panels and a plurality of pleats, such that the plurality of side panels are separated by the plurality of pleats, folding the plurality of pleats against the plurality of side panels such that the plurality of side panels meet at a plurality of joints, connecting the primary panel to the rail panel such that the plurality of side panels are connected to one another at a plurality of top joints, and stitching the side panels from the plurality of top joints to a portion of the side panel forming an inner seam.
US08176859B2
A refractory brick and mortar joint comprise a cold face of the refractory brick; a hot face of the refractory brick opposite the cold face, wherein the hot face is shorter in length than the cold face; and at least one tapered mortar joint extending from the hot face to the cold face, wherein the at least one tapered mortar joint is thicker at the hot face of the refractory brick than at the cold face of the refractory brick. A refractory brick comprises a cold face; a hot face opposite the cold face, wherein the hot face is shorter in length than the cold face; and at least one surface extending from the cold face to the hot face, wherein the at least one surface is angled to accommodate the difference in length between the cold face and the hot face.
US08176852B2
The invention is directed to a toy track for traversal of at least one toy vehicle. It includes a track segment having a flipper disposed therein, the flipper being attached to the track segment at a pivot point and capable of movement thereabout. A vibration damper post having a stanchion portion and a resilient portion for supporting the track segment is also included.
US08176841B2
A cooking implement shelf is disclosed that is attachable to a commercial griddle and is able to support and position cooking implements such as a spatula, grill weights, cooking tongs, a salt shaker, etc, in a location that is readily accessible to a grill cook and does not taking up space on the cooking surface. One aspect of the invention is attachable to a staging feature on top of a barrier that runs along the backsplash of the griddle, while another aspect is directly attachable to the backsplash or to a side splash guard of the griddle. In preferred embodiments, the accessory is made from stainless steel, includes a warming tray and drip pan under the shelf, can be positioned above the cooking surface so as to warm items in the tray without harming them, and is adjustable horizontally and in height from 8″ to 17″ above the cooking surface.
US08176840B2
A brewing device for the brewing of a capsule containing beverage ingredients. This device includes a frame, first and second capsule enclosing members for at least partially enclosing the capsule during brewing, wherein the first enclosing member is mobile along the frame in relation to the second enclosing member, a closing mechanism to actuate the first enclosing member, the closing mechanism including an actuation member; a capsule holding member for receiving the capsule during insertion of the capsule between the first and second enclosing members and for holding it in place during closing of the enclosing members.
US08176829B1
An armor system includes a hard face and at least one reinforcing layer covering a rear surface of the hard face. The reinforcing layer is fabricated from a glass-ceramic material exhibiting crystalline bodies throughout the mass of the glass-ceramic material. At least one resilient layer forms a rearward outer layer of the armor system. The hard face and cooperating reinforcing layers serve to disburse energy caused by the impact of an incoming projectile with the armor system, while the resilient layer serves to retain any pieces of the hard face and reinforcing layers fractured during ballistic impact. In certain embodiments, a plurality of hard faces, each with cooperating reinforcing and resilient layers, are held in parallel and spaced apart arrangement.
US08176826B2
A method of operating a progressive die wherein the progressive die acts on a work piece having an elongated body with a blank at one end. The work piece is supported by a bandolier which is also formed in the progressive die. The progressive die acts on each blank.
US08176823B2
A miter saw with a bevel lock arrangement comprises a base with a bevel arm configured to rotate about a first axis that is substantially parallel to a support surface provided on the base. A cutting arm is pivotably connected to the bevel arm and configured to rotate about a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. A locking surface is connected to the base and is oriented substantially perpendicular to the support surface. A clamping surface is moveably connected to the bevel arm and configured to engage the locking surface. An actuator is configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. The actuator is configured to force the clamping surface against the locking surface when the actuator is in the locked position and to release the clamping surface from the locking surface when the actuator is in the unlocked position.
US08176821B2
The invention concerns a machine comprising driving means (14, 16, 18) for driving sheets in a drive direction (F) through a processing zone (T), and processing means including a tool (53, 53′) and a counter tool (56), respectively, borne by a first and by a second transverse rotary support shaft (52, 54). Said processing means are designed to produce in the sheets cutouts and folds transverse to their drive direction. The counter tool has a substantially cylindrical surface having at least one working strip (57) which extends parallel to the axis of the second support shaft and is radially offset relative to the portions (58) of said surface which are adjacent to said strip, the latter being designed to cooperate with the tool to form a cutout or a fold in a sheet.
US08176818B2
A rotary tool includes a tool body having a driving end formed thereon and an annular groove defined therein. An indicating coiled spring is received in the annular groove. The indicating coiled spring has a colored indicating mark formed thereon for easily identifying a standard of the rotary tool. The indicating coiled spring is made of metal, wherein the indicating coiled spring is hard to be broken and a lifetime of the indicating coiled spring is lengthened. The indicating coiled spring is able to elastically expand to be easily and co-axially sleeved on the annular groove of the tool body, such that the indicating coiled spring being replaceable and re-useable. When operating, the indicating coiled spring is rotatable relative to the tool body.
US08176808B2
A robot arm assembly a base unit with a shoulder assembly rotatably disposed on the base unit. A lower robot arm is pivotably attached to the shoulder assembly. An upper robot arm is pivotably attached to the lower robot arm. The base unit includes a first motor which rotates a main shaft fixed to the shoulder assembly to rotate the shoulder. A second motor in the base unit rotates a second shaft in the shoulder assembly extending through the main shaft to pivot the lower robot arm with respect to the shoulder.
US08176807B2
An automatic transmission control unit includes a shift-by-wire control circuit that inputs an electrical signal based on a selected range selected by a driver, changes a range changeover member of an automatic transmission using the rotation of a motor to a predetermined position based on the electrical signal, and outputs a signal that drives the motor so as to achieve a travel range; and an automatic transmission control circuit that inputs the electrical signal based on the selected range and a signal based on a vehicle state and outputs a signal for controlling the automatic transmission in order to achieve the travel range, wherein the shift-by-wire control circuit and the automatic transmission control circuit are accommodated in one storage portion.
US08176804B2
In a driving force transmission mechanism in a motor type damper device, when a small AC synchronous motor rotates in one direction and a tooth-missing gear part of a tooth-missing gear engages with the first rack part of a rack member the rack member is moved upward to operate a baffle in an open direction and, when the tooth-missing gear part engages with the second rack part of the rack member, the rack member is moved downward to operate the baffle in a close direction. In this manner, even when the baffle and the rack member are operated in both directions, the tooth-missing gear is required to be rotated in only one direction and the rotation of the small AC synchronous motor is not required to be reversed. Therefore, the structure of a control circuit for the motor type damper device can be simplified.
US08176803B1
The present invention is a sensor interface or network of interfaces that utilizes high-temperature electronics to operate at elevated temperatures for applications that include but are not limited to aircraft and automobile engines, vehicle frames, refineries, nuclear and chemical production plants, and in downhole drilling for petroleum and natural gas. The interface or network provide connectors for a variety of sensors with analog and digital outputs, and can in turn provide data to an automated electronic control system or a monitor. Because the sensor interface may be placed in so-called “hot zones” nearer to the sensors being monitored than other systems that use conventional electronics, the sensor interface can increase noise immunity, increase reliability, decrease cost, reduce weight, and increase space.
US08176802B2
There is provided a fibrous particle generating apparatus and a test system. The fibrous particle generating apparatus includes a base material containing a fibrous material; a holding unit holding the base material; a fibrous particle generator generating fibrous particles by chafing the base material; and a movement unit moving the holding unit such that the base material held by holding unit is chafed against the fibrous particle generator. With this configuration, fibrous particles can be stably generated, and an evaluation of the object apparatus can be carried out on the basis of the generated fibrous particles.
US08176800B2
A method of determining the tension in an elongated rod is described. The method includes impacting the rod and measuring the vibration response of the rod. Further, the method entails generating a theoretical vibration response of the rod based in part at least on the structural properties of the rod. Thereafter, the method entails adjusting the theoretical vibration response to cause the theoretical vibration response to conform with at least a portion of the measured vibration response. Based on the adjusted theoretical vibration response, the tension of the rod is determined.
US08176796B2
An apparatus and method to determine fractions of various phases in a multiphase fluid. The apparatus includes main body including an interior configured receive a multiphase fluid and an exterior. The apparatus senses fluid pressure of multiphase fluid received in the interior and senses a fluid temperature of the multiphase fluid. The apparatus transmits an ultrasonic wave into the fluid and detects the transmitted wave to determine its velocity and attenuation. The apparatus may adjust the determined velocity and attenuation based on the temperature and pressure of the fluid to compensate for a difference between the sensed temperature and pressure and a standard temperature and pressure. The apparatus determines a gas fraction, water fraction, and a non-water fluid fraction of the multiphase fluid based on the sensed fluid pressure, the sensed fluid temperature, and the velocity and attenuation of the ultrasonic wave in the multiphase fluid.
US08176793B2
A method to diagnose a failed weld in a welding process includes monitoring a location of a weld created on a plurality of work pieces, diagnosing the weld as a failed weld based on said location with respect to a closest edge of one of the work pieces, and identifying said failed weld based on the diagnosing.
US08176792B2
An inspection system for inspecting a processing accuracy of a work piece is provided. The inspection system includes a supporting mechanism which supports the work piece in a same posture as a posture in which the work piece is assembled to a body; a load reproduction device which applies a load to the work piece along a substantially vertical direction; and a measurement device which measures positions of at least one characteristic portion of the work piece while the load is being applied to the work piece.
US08176783B2
Apparatus and method for non-contact (stand-off) ultrasonic determination of certain characteristics of fluids in containers or pipes are described. A combination of swept frequency acoustic interferometry (SFAI), wide-bandwidth, air-coupled acoustic transducers, narrowband frequency data acquisition, and data conversion from the frequency domain to the time domain, if required, permits meaningful information to be extracted from such fluids.
US08176778B2
A capacitive level sensor comprises a probe which is longitudinally segmented into a plurality of segments. Each segment comprises an electrode forming an electrical capacitor to a common ground electrode. Each electrode is connected to a measuring circuit via an associated one of a plurality of controllable switches. A control means controls said switches to successively and separately connect the capacitors to the measuring circuit. To simplify the design and manufacture of the level sensor, the controllable switches are individually arranged in the associated segments of the probe, and the control means is subdivided into control units respectively arranged in the segments and connected to a single control line. Alternatively, if a plurality of controllable measuring circuits are individually arranged in the associated segments and connected to an associated one of said electrodes, and if the control means successively and separately activates the measuring circuits, the control means is subdivided into control units respectively arranged in the segments of the probe and connected to a single control line.
US08176775B2
In a tire testing machine, a test tire transported onto a belt conveyor is entrusted to a lower rim by lowering the belt conveyor. In this state, an upper rim is lowered to the position of the lower rim, whereby the upper and lower rims are fitted to the test tire, and then the test tire is inflated. An inflation method for the tire testing machine comprises stopping the belt conveyor at an intermediate position, without lowering the belt conveyor to a descent limit, when entrusting the test tire to the lower rim by lowering the belt conveyor; and inflating the test tire, with the weight of the test tire being shouldered by the belt conveyor as well.
US08176774B2
The invention relates to a method for testing the mobility of the negative pressure relief valve of the fuel system of a motor vehicle, the negative pressure relief valve depending on the pressure within the fuel system having to be moved between a closed position which closes the fuel system and an open position which clears the fuel system, with the following steps: a) Testing the position of the negative pressure relief valve; and b) Testing the position of the negative pressure relief valve in reaction to a pressure increase within the fuel system if the negative pressure relief valve in step a) was in the closed position. The invention furthermore relates to a system for testing the mobility of the negative pressure relief valve of the fuel system of a motor vehicle.
US08176765B2
The present invention provides a novel die assembly for extruding and drawing ferrous and non-ferrous metal, and also to a method of making the same. The die assembly according to the present invention comprises a die core (3); at least one pre-stressed ring (2) placed around the die core (3); and a die casing (1) surrounding the ring (2), wherein the ring (2) is plastically deformed and hardened by press fitting it to the casing (1) so that the ring has compression stress exceeding its material yield limit by 10-40%, and the mating geometric feature (5) of the core and the ring is tapered towards the exit, to thereby obtain a rigid container system in which a die core can be press fitted with a great force without die cracking. As a result, a long lasting die assembly with surprisingly high performance, small dimension and low production cost is obtained by assembling the die core by a great force without die cracking.
US08176764B2
Disclosed is a termination tool and a method for securing a connector to a cable. The termination tool includes a holder receivable of the connector and a push block slideably located in the termination tool. The push block is capable of forming at least one axial crimp in the connector when the push block is articulated along a connector axis toward the holder. At least two crimp dies are rotably fixed to the termination tool and are capable of forming at least one transverse crimp in the connector when the at least two crimp dies are moved toward the connector axis. A lever is in operable communication with the push block and the at least two crimp dies. The lever is capable of urging the push block along the connector axis toward the holder and the at least two crimp dies toward the connector axis to form both the at least one axial crimp and the at least one transverse crimp.
US08176762B2
A device and method for prediction and/or control of the profile and/or shape of rolled metal strip. The device and method are compatible with both cluster-type and non cluster-type mills. The device and method employ a customized deflection model of the rolling mill, thereby combining the advantages of well-known finite element method with other relevant methods to allow real-time operation of the rolling mill without the computational complexities of such methods. In one form, the customized deflection model helps to obtain a compact, linear, and flexible analytical model with non-iterative solution, multiple continuous elastic foundations, third-order displacement fields, simple stress-field determination, and capability to compute dynamic deflection characteristics.
US08176761B2
A keypad lockset adapted for deadbolt as well as lever locks, and having as a first embodiment an exterior gear train, an interior gear train, and an electronically controlled clutch for coupling the gear trains when engaged and for uncoupling the gear trains when the clutch is disengaged, so that when the clutch is engaged rotation of an external thumb turn will permit the door latch to be withdrawn and thus to permit opening of the door, and a mechanical override mechanism that can be operated in case of electrical failure, and in which clutch mechanism and the override mechanism both operate through the single, standard 2⅛ inch door preparation hole, or alternatively as a second embodiment, a keypad lockset in which two four-bar mechanical linkages are used in place of gears as means to actuate the clutch, and alternatively to provide for a pass-through override function.
US08176759B2
Theft prevention device for enabling to lock the handlebar grip and the brake-lever of a two-wheeled vehicle, where the brake-lever is movably connected to the handlebar, to prevent stealing of the vehicle. The device may comprise a housing comprising at least two openings; a handlebar cuff that enables slidably attaching to the housing through the openings and cuffing of the handlebar grip therein; a brake-lever cuff that enables slidably attaching to the housing through the openings and, cuffing of the brake-lever therein; and a lock assembly that is operatively associated with the cuffs. The lock assembly enables locking the cuffs in a position where the cuffs cuff the handlebar grip and the brake-lever. To install the theft prevention device the cuffs should be approximate to one another, and then the user may lock the cuffs in the approximated cuffing position, using the lock assembly.
US08176753B2
An apparatus for making a glass sheet includes a forming wedge with a pair of inclined forming surface portions converging along a downstream direction to form a root. The apparatus further includes an edge director intersecting with at least one of the pair of downwardly inclined forming surface portions, and a thermal shield configured to reduce heat loss from the edge director. Methods are also provided for reducing heat loss from the edge director with a thermal shield.
US08176752B2
A silica glass article, such as a lens in a stepper/scanner system, having saturated induced absorption at wavelengths of less than about 250 nm. Saturated induced absorption is achieved by first removing Si—O defects in the silica glass by forming silicon hydride (SiH) at such defects, and loading the silica glass with hydrogen to react with E′ centers formed by photolysis of SiH in the silica glass article. The silicon hydride is formed by loading the silica glass with molecular hydrogen at temperatures of at least 475° C. After formation of SiH, the silica glass is loaded with additional molecular hydrogen at temperatures of less than 475° C.
US08176749B2
A cooler includes a box portion having a rigid outer shell and a rigid inner shell, an insulative material disposed between the outer shell and the inner shell. The inner shell defines a chamber therein having a floor and opening to a inner shell top, the floor sloping from a higher end to a lower end. The box portion defines a drain hole passing therethrough adjacent to the lower end. The inner shell and the outer shell define a cavity therebetween adjacent to the floor. The cavity, into which a tray fits, opens to a hole defined by the outer shell. The outer shell includes a bottom from which four feet that are molded into the outer shell extend so as to form an air gap between the bottom and any surface upon which the cooler is placed. A door is configured to cover the hole. The outer shell defines a first recess about the hole so that neither the door nor the attachment member extends beyond an outer surface of the outer shell when the door is in a closed position. A lid portion is configured to fit against the inner shell top.
US08176746B2
A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an open storage space and including a door with an exterior side and an interior side adapted to receive a modular component. The modular component includes a base removably connected to the interior side and has a first edge and a second edge. A component door is hingedly-connected to the first edge of the base and is operable between an open position and a closed position. The base and component door define a sealed compartment when the component door is in the closed position. First fasteners are disposed on the component door, and second fasteners are disposed on the base. The second fasteners engage the first fasteners to create an airtight seal between the component door and the base. A vacuum device is in communication with the sealed compartment and a heat sealer is disposed on the base or the component door.
US08176744B2
A refrigeration-cycle component assembly includes a pipe connecting member, a box temperature-sensitive expansion valve, an ejector, a passenger-compartment high-pressure pipe, and a passenger-compartment low-pressure pipe. The component assembly is provided in a flat space, which is defined at a side of an air-conditioning unit in a vehicle transverse direction, and which is flat in the vehicle transverse direction. The pipe connecting member and the refrigerant suction portion are intensively arranged at a vehicle front side in the flat space. The component assembly is entirely covered by a heat insulating member.
US08176739B2
The low emission combustor includes a combustor housing defining a combustion chamber having a plurality of combustion zones. A liner sleeve is disposed in the combustion housing with a gap formed between the liner sleeve and the combustor housing. A secondary nozzle is disposed along a centerline of the combustion chamber and configured to inject a first fluid comprising air, at least one diluent, fuel, or combinations thereof to a downstream side of a first combustion zone among the plurality of combustion zones. A plurality of primary fuel nozzles is disposed proximate to an upstream side of the combustion chamber and located around the secondary nozzle and configured to inject a second fluid comprising air and fuel to an upstream side of the first combustion zone. The combustor also includes a plurality of tertiary coanda nozzles. Each tertiary coanda nozzle is coupled to a respective dilution hole. The tertiary coanda nozzles are configured to inject a third fluid comprising air, at least one other diluent, fuel, or combinations thereof to one or more remaining combustion zones among the plurality of combustion zones.
US08176729B2
An emissions control method may include injecting a fuel into an engine exhaust gas provided to a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) when a DOC operating temperature is greater than a first limit, terminating the injecting when a temperature of a catalyst in communication with exhaust gas exiting the DOC is greater than a second limit, and injecting a dosing agent into the exhaust gas after the terminating.
US08176725B2
A gas turbine engine comprises a fan drive gear system, a low spool connected to the fan drive gear system, and a high spool disposed aft of the low spool. The low spool comprises a rearward-flow low pressure compressor disposed aft of the fan drive gear system, and a forward-flow low pressure turbine disposed aft of the low pressure compressor. The high spool comprises a forward-flow high pressure turbine disposed aft of the low pressure turbine, a combustor disposed aft of the high pressure turbine, and a forward-flow high pressure compressor disposed aft of the combustor.
US08176715B2
In an air evacuative binding type air packing bag and a packing method using the same, an air cylinder is bended to form a first cushioning wall and a second cushioning wall, two sides of the first cushioning wall and the second cushioning wall are adhered to each other to form an accepting space. Next, an article is placed in the accepting space, and air in the accepting space is then evacuated to allow the first cushioning wall and the second cushioning wall to bind the article up to retain the article in the accepting space and not to be shaken with the air packing bag.
US08176709B2
A composite profile for a window, door or façade element includes first and second outer profile parts and at least one insulating strip connecting the first and second outer profile parts with an intermediate space defined between them for thermal separation. At least one outer profile part connecting element is disposed in the intermediate space so that it is normally not in contact with the first and second outer profile parts. An actuating element is disposed so that, upon being activated by heat, it moves the outer profile part connecting element into engagement with the first and second outer profile parts, so that the outer profile part connecting element connects the first and second outer profile parts.
US08176708B2
A top board structure capable of easily and simply assembling and welding a reinforcing frame to a top board body, providing a sufficient strength with a reduced weight, and reducing abnormal noise that might occur when an impact is applied. A reinforcing frame formed by assembling lateral reinforcing member directed in a lateral direction with a longitudinal reinforcing member directed in a longitudinal direction is fixed to the lower surface of a base board in a top board body formed at the peripheral edge thereof in a box shape opened downward by a downward piece, a rear surface cover in a box shape opened upward by an upward piece is formed at the peripheral edge of a cover base board, and the rear surface cover is fixed to the top board body with the upward piece of the rear surface cover kept fitted/inserted into gaps formed between the inside surface of the erect piece portion of the downward piece in the top board body and the outside portion of the reinforcing frame or the inside partition wall of the reinforcing member constituting the reinforcing frame.
US08176704B2
The invention relates to a process for sticking edging material (12, 10) onto lightweight building boards (1) comprising two thin-walled outer layers (2, 4) and a core layer (6) of lightweight filler material disposed between the outer layers, having the steps: provision of a lightweight building board (1), a decor edge (10) and a stabilizing edge (12), and sticking on of the decor edge (10) and/or the stabilizing edge (12) in the region of a narrow surface (1′) of the lightweight building board (1). The process according to the invention is characterized in that the stabilizing edge (12) is introduced into a section between two outer layers (2, 4) in the region of the narrow surface (1′) without having first created a recess of at least one outer layer and/or of the core layer in this section, said recess corresponding substantially to the stabilizing edge.
US08176703B2
The object of the present invention is a shelter structure, in particular for electrical equipment, totally modular, simple and inexpensive to make, and extremely quick to assemble, also on the place of use. Such structure comprises angular connecting joints (11), horizontal bars (13) and vertical uprights (14) that connect to said joints, and a series of panels (16, 17) of suitable materials suitable for forming the walls, the roof and the floor of the structure.
US08176702B2
A modular block system comprises a first block, a second block, a third block, a fourth block, and a capstone, the first block having a front face, a back face, a first side, a second side, a top, and a bottom, with the front face being wider than the back face and the first side being slanted from the front face toward the back face, the second block having a front face, a back face, a first side, a second side, a top, and a bottom, with the front face being wider than the back face and the first and second sides being slanted from the front face toward the back face, the third block having a front face, a back face, a first side, a second side, a top, and a bottom, with the front face being wider than the back face and the first side being slanted from the front face toward the back face, and the fourth block having a front face, a back face, a first side, a second side, a top, and a bottom, with the front face being wider than the back face and the first side and the second side being from the front face toward the back face.
US08176701B2
A system of interlocking decorative panels having a stone decorative element.
US08176699B1
Each of a plurality of vertically disposed trusses having angled rafters and a joint is coupled to a ridge board. Upper TboxTrusses function as the rafters. Each upper TboxTruss has a planar plate. The planar plate has a hollow box depending downwardly there from. An interior sheet of fire resistant fabric sheet material is above the upper TboxTrusses. An exterior sheet of the fire resistant fabric sheet material is below the upper TboxTrusses. Insulation material is located between the interior and exterior sheets and bounded by adjacent hollow boxes.
US08176684B2
Method, together with the devices implementing said method, for controlling the closing and opening movements of a movable barrier (103) so as to prevent a dangerous impact with an obstacle or crushing thereof, said movable barrier (103) comprising a closing edge having, positioned thereon, one or more sensors (108) connected to a first transceiver (27b) able to exchange a signal with a second fixed transceiver (27a) in communication with a control unit which manages the movement of the barrier (103), comprising a step defining for said signal a communications protocol consisting of more than two signal configurations (A, B, C, D).
US08176675B2
A device for bringing a fishing hook attached to a line out to the side of a boat during trolling, comprising an elongated hull (5), a keel (6) and a line (7) with a release device (8), where the release device is arranged to hold the line during trolling and release the line when a fish bites on the hook.
US08176672B1
A device for signaling to an ice fisherman that a fish has taken the bait and a method for utilizing the device are disclosed. The device comprises a trigger pivotally attached to a housing. The trigger is balanced horizontally by a fishing line containing a loop adapted for looping and draping over one end of the trigger and one or more balancing and counterbalancing weights. The tugging of a fish taking the bait on the fishing line pulls the line off the trigger which allows the trigger to tip vertically signaling to the fisherman to take action to raise the fishing line.
US08176664B2
A textile complex adapted to be attached to a communicating panel includes a textile sheet having, on at least one face, loops adapted to engage with a self-gripping strip provided with hooks; a coating film attached to a face of the textile sheet; and a printing ink deposited on the coating film. The textile complex has a capacity for preferential elastic deformation in a direction of deployment on the communicating panel. A communicating panel and to a corresponding method of display are also provided.
US08176658B2
A shoe, including a sandal, with a transparent plastic film visible display within a permanent pouch or detachable showcase, constructed to receive, retain and display interchangeable inserts. Insert array blanks provide for Do It Yourself heat or pressure sensitive adhesive applications or can be Pre Customized fashion designs, both with quick and easy in and out insertion and replacement to match or coordinate with a variety of fashionable ensembles. The pouch or detachable showcase is mounted on the shoe in a manner which retains the insert in a substantially constant position while the wearer of the shoe is walking.
US08176656B2
The present invention relates to a laundry dryer having an improved structure, which can remove wrinkles of laundry during a drying cycle after washing. A dryer includes a cabinet in which various parts are installed; a drum rotatably mounted in the cabinet, the drum holding laundry therein; a heater that heats air to supply hot air to the drum; a steam generator that generates steam to supply the steam to the drum; a water container that has an outlet to supply water to the steam generator; a water supply path provided between the steam generator and the water container; and a contact prevention part that prevents the remaining water of the water container or the water supply path from contacting with the various parts provided in the cabinet, wherein the remaining water is the water remaining in the water container or the water supply path when the water container is detached from the water supply path.
US08176650B2
A through-air dryer system that diverts the airflow within the through-air dryer during warm up and cool down from the normal airflow during the drying of paper in the papermaking process. During warm up and cool down, a majority of the airflow is supplied to one of the dryer's heads and extracted through the opposite head to reduce thermal stresses. If needed to further reduce thermal stresses, a minority of the airflow is supplied through the dryer's shell.
US08176642B1
A linear gauging device when attached to a chain saw bar will facilitate in the accurate measurement and swift successive cutting of a log into pre-determined uniform lengths of firewood. A chainsaw attachment consisting of an elongated resilient rod having one end fitted with a stabilizing cup and a locking stud, when extended through a single bore in the chainsaw bar, allows the effortless attachment to any chain saw bar. The locking stud fitted with a bore to receive a modified cotter pin thus performing a failsafe means of attachment. The rod is extended perpendicular to the cutting plane and lengthwise to the log. The opposing end of the rod is fitted with a large disc, when firmly locked against the end of the log, will position the chain saw cutting bar in the exact location of the measured length of cut. In contrast to the fixed measured length of the gauging rod, a variable length rod can be manufactured consisting of two rods, a hollowed outer rod and a telescoping inter rod. The outer rod having one bore perpendicular to the rod and extending through both sides of the hollowed rod. The inter rod having several perpendicular bores at two inch increments. This arrangement thus allows the gauging rod to be set at several different lengths by aligning desired inter rod bore with outer rod bore and inserting a modified cotter pin through the bores firmly locking the measured length adjustment in place.
US08176641B2
A plastic cutlery item molded from a plastic material, such as polystyrene, having a metallic coating that imparts to this cutlery item the appearance of metal cutlery or silverware. In one embodiment the plastic cutlery or tableware items are molded using injection molding techniques, and subjected to a vacuum metallizing process in an individualized non-contiguous manner, where a thin metallic layer is deposited on at least one of their surfaces. The resultant items simulate the appearance of metal cutlery or tableware. In one embodiment of the invention the plastic cutlery or tableware articles are molded from a clear polystyrene resin and are coated with a thin stainless steel layer through vacuum sputtering deposition on only one of the sides. The abrasion resistance of the metallic coating can be enhanced by subjecting the articles to a post-metallizing holding period or by applying a clear protective overcoat.
US08176638B2
Ergonomic scissors are adjustable with respect to thumb offset, thumb ring rotation, and thumb/finger ring diameter, so as to enable effective control, in conjunction with unstrained wrist movements, of scissor roll, yaw and pitch. A set of interchangeable thumb rings of various inner diameters accommodate a range of anatomical thumb sizes. Each of the interchangeable thumb rings is rotatably attachable to the lower shank through multiple discrete placement openings in the bottom face of the lower shank.
US08176637B2
The hair clipper comprises comb-like fixed blade and movable blade each having a plurality of comb-teeth each provided at its both sides with blades, in which the movable blade is reciprocated with respect to the fixed blade in an arrangement direction of the comb-teeth to cut hair, the fixed blade or the movable blade is slid in a projecting direction of the comb-teeth to adjust cutting height, wherein a tip of each comb-tooth of the fixed blade is provided with a guide projection for introducing hair, the guide projection is tapered with an inclination angle which is larger than an inclination angle of the comb-tooth with respect to projecting direction of blades on both sides of the comb-tooth.
US08176636B2
A structurally integrated high pressure, hydraulic hand-held tool for cutting the hooves on horses. The tool includes a handle, with a hydraulic flow line provided centrally therethrough, a chamber integrated into the upper end of the handle, the chamber comprising a piston, so that as hydraulic fluid is exerted into the handle chamber, it forces the piston upwardly and out of the handle chamber, and at the upper end of the tool are a pair of mounts, that pivotally connect a pair of opposing jaws, each jaw having a cutting blade, and including links and a clevis that pivotally move the jaws and their cutting blades into a cutting action upon the horse hooves.
US08176633B2
A method for the production of a fastening element for dry construction elements involving feeding a flat sheet metal material through a nip formed between a top roller having first teeth and a bottom roller having second teeth, in order to create depressions and elevations as well as slanted sliding surfaces.
US08176632B2
A regenerated elastic rollers manufacturing process is provided. The process includes the step of removing an agglutinated stain of toner adhered to the surface of an elastic roller including a mandrel and an elastic layer. The step further includes the steps of: (1) pressing a pressing roller against the surface of the elastic roller so as to crack the agglutinated stain on the surface of the elastic roller; and (2) removing the agglutinated stain cracked in the step (1) from the surface of the elastic roller by means of an adhesive roller.
US08176624B2
An apparatus and method for aligning one or more components while attaching the component to a substrate. The component is positioned over the substrate. An alignment tool is attachable to the component. The alignment tool includes a tool alignment element, an optical tool, and a substrate alignment element attached to the substrate. The tool alignment element being alignable with the substrate alignment element such that the components are positioned at specified locations on the substrate for attachment to the substrate. Further, in the method according to the disclosure, the tool alignment element aligning with the substrate alignment element to position one or more components at a specified location on the substrate.
US08176622B2
A process for manufacturing a high performance MTJ it is described: A first cap layer of NiFeHf is deposited on the free layer, followed by a second cap layer of Ru on Ta. The device is then heated so that oxygen trapped in the free layer diffuses into the NiFeHf layer, thereby sharpening the interface between the tunnel barrier layer and the free layer.
US08176619B2
A method of manufacturing a molded commutator for a vacuum cleaner motor, includes providing a cylindrical molding ring; arranging commutator segments in a circle along an inner periphery of the cylindrical molding ring such that grooves are formed between adjacent pairs of the commutator segments and the grooves are extended orthogonal to the rotating direction; press-fitting cylindrical varistors between the commutator segments, with a press-fitting load for each of the varistors ranging from 2 kN to 5 kN; and resin-molding the commutator segments and the varistors together with a molding material so as to maintain integral engagement of the commutator segments and the varistors; wherein the commutator segments are of copper alloy containing silver, and the varistors are of zinc oxide compounds; wherein side surfaces of the varistors contact with the adjacent pairs of commutator segments; and flexible metal is printed on the contacting side surfaces of the varistors.
US08176618B2
A solid electrolyte body is placed on and fixed to an upper plate of a press jig such that a major surface (an upper surface) of the solid electrolyte body faces one major surface of a guide plate having an open space. The upper plate is rotated by a transfer mechanism to incline the solid electrolyte body in one direction, and the inclined solid electrolyte body is moved toward the other major surface of the guide plate such that a first edge of the solid electrolyte body protrudes from the open space. Then, a cutter is slid along the other major surface, so that the first edge is chamfered to form a first chamfered portion.
US08176614B2
A dishwasher includes a tub having a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls that collectively define a first washing chamber. The tub is supported in an outer, modular support body having first and second opposing side walls joined by a bottom wall, as well as a pair of upper frame members. In one embodiment of the invention, first and second support bodies are mounted one atop another to establish a dual drawer-type dishwasher, with the first and second support bodies being joined, preferably at a stepped interface region, by a plurality of brackets. The first and second support bodies are preferably aligned by arranging lugs formed on upper in-turned flanges on a lower support body within recesses formed in the bottom wall of the upper support body.
US08176612B2
A method of energizing a high pressure tube connector for a well comprising a tube; a first connector assembly comprising: a female profile disposed over the tube and a first ferrule disposed over the tube adjacent the female profile; a second connector assembly comprising: an inverted jam nut disposed over the tube and a second ferrule disposed over the tube adjacent the inverted jam nut, wherein the second ferrule extends along the tube in a direction opposite the first ferrule; a nipple comprising a test port, wherein the nipple is disposed over the tube between the first ferrule and the second ferrule; a primary seal formed by compressing the first ferrule into the female profile using a pressure from the test port; and a secondary seal formed by compressing the second ferrule into the inverted jam nut using the pressure from the test port.
US08176608B2
A method of manufacturing spring cushions (10) having slow-acting pocketed spring cores (12) characterized by the individual springs of the cores (12) being sealingly pocketed within semi-impermeable fabric material.
US08176607B1
A method for fabricating VHF and/or UHF quartz resonators (for higher sensitivity) in a cartridges design with the quartz resonators requiring much smaller sample volumes than required by conventional resonators, and also enjoying smaller size and more reliable assembly. MEMS fabrication approaches are used to fabricate with quartz resonators in quartz cavities with electrical interconnects on a top side of a substrate for electrical connection to the electronics preferably through pressure pins in a plastic module. An analyte is exposed to grounded electrodes on a single side of the quartz resonators, thereby preventing electrical coupling of the detector signals through the analyte. The resonators can be mounted on the plastic cartridge or on arrays of plastic cartridges with the use of inert bonding material, die bonding or wafer bonding techniques. This allows the overall size, cost, and required biological sample volume to be reduced while increasing the sensitivity for detecting small mass changes.
US08176601B2
A fastener for releasably securing a flexible trash bag type liner about the outer upper peripheral rim of a supporting receptacle has an elongated body with a first leg and an interconnected second leg defining a space there-between. An axially movable rotation handle carried at one end portion of the body facilitates rotating the body axially to wind an excess portion of an edge portion of the flexible trash bag type liner about the body and prevents the unwinding of the excess portion of the liner from the body.
US08176593B2
A drain cleaning machine with an electronic cable monitoring system is disclosed which comprises a frame supporting a rotatable drum which is driven by a motor through an endless belt. The drum contains a flexible drain cleaning cable which is rotatable with the drum and axially displaceable into and out from the drum, and the frame supports a cable feeding device through which the cable extends and by which the cable is displaced into and out of the drum. An electronic cable monitoring system is configured to assess an amount of cable payed out from and retracted into the drum. A process determines an amount and direction of relative movement between a rotatable drum and a cable follower member and generates a signal representative of an amount of cable payed out or retracted into the drum.
US08176591B2
An electrical toothbrush includes an electrical toothbrush main body including a drive source of a brush; an orientation sensor configured to detect an orientation of the electrical toothbrush main body; and a controller configured to switch an operation mode of the electrical toothbrush according to a result of comparing an orientation value, which is a value calculated from an output of the orientation sensor, and a threshold value set in advance. A threshold value used for switching determination from an operation mode to an operation mode, and a threshold value used for switching determination from the operation mode to the operation mode are set to different values.
US08176590B1
Unique dental care devices, systems and methods for cleaning teeth and oral tissue comprises an oscillating tooth brush with dual opposing brush heads, adapted to clean teeth and sulcus area. The devices are capable of brushing a set of opposing upper and lower teeth of the mouth simultaneously. The devices, once inserted and positioned into the mouth to clean a pair or a set of opposing upper and lower teeth, can be maneuvered inside the mouth cavity from one side of the mouth to the other to clean all the teeth without requiring removal from the mouth and repositioning.
US08176589B2
A spring mattress is disclosed including a plurality of strings interconnected side by side, each string including a plurality of continuous casings and each casing including a coil spring. Further, in at least one embodiment, at least one of the casings in at least one of the strings includes a plurality of stretch openings into the interior of the casing, wherein at least some of said stretch openings are displaced in relation to each other in a lengthwise direction of the spring. At least one embodiment of the present invention also relates to a method and a device for manufacturing of such a mattress, as well as to a bed adapted for such a mattress.
US08176588B2
An inflatable furniture comprises: a receiving body, a plurality of side-board-connecting members, airbag-connecting members, a pump, a power supply, two airbags, and an audio device. By opening the side boards and inflating the airbags, the airbags can be inflated into beds or sofas, and when after use, the airbags can be deflated and folded into the receiving body. Furthermore, the receiving body can also be temporarily used as a tea table or a stool.
US08176576B2
A container comprising a body (1), a lid (5) for the body (1), and a locking arrangement for securing the lid (5) to the body (1): the locking arrangement comprising a handle (23) which fits around at least a part of the periphery of the lid (5), and at least one locking device which connects the handle (23) to the lid (5) such that the lid (5) is movable by the handle (23), which is such that the locking device locks when the handle (23) is lowered with respect to the lid (5), and which is such that the lifting of the handle (23) away from the lid (5) causes the locking device (4) to unlock.
US08176571B2
The cotton pants 1 as a pair of pants with the L pocket is that the front and the reverse edge 3Ab of the storing part 3A is perpendicular against the length direction of the belt part 3, therefore all the sewing process can be done by sewing machine and the mass productivity can be kept. Also because the upper edge of the raw fabric which does not have the rectangle expansion and contraction inside the elongating part 3B is sewn on and the lower edge of the raw fabric which does not have expansion and contraction is sewn on the lower edge of the belt part 3, one part of the raw fabric 6 which does not have expansion and contraction can be seen even if the one who wears it turns over the lower edge of the elongating part 3B by curiosity and the inner structure of the stretch stopper material 11 etc. can not be seen, therefore the situation that the one who wears it pulls out the inner structure and destroys the structure which is capable of expansion and contraction can definitely be prevented.
