Document Document Title
US07861997B2 Releasable deck mount for shipboard printers
A releasable deck mount used to tie printers to the deck of vessels includes a metal plate for welding to the vessel's deck that incorporates a profile of a clip that is connected to a strap and inserted into the deck mount for capture purposes. The plate is very low and minimizes any tripping hazard. A spring plate is attached to the top of the metal plate and a pin is secured to the spring plate and extends through a hole in the metal plate. The pin is designed to be movable and has a chamfer to allow insertion of the strapping clip. The clip is released from the deck mount by lifting the pin to allow the clip to be removed.
US07861994B2 Seat adjustment apparatus of vehicle
A seat adjustment apparatus of a vehicle that prevents a torque rod from falling off. A torque rod is rotatably supported by through holes, which are provided in a left base frame. The torque rod pivots with respect to base frames through pivoting of rear lifter links. A metal hook member is secured to the torque rod. The metal hook member includes a first engagement portion, second engagement portions, and a third engagement portion. The first engagement portion is passed through the torque rod and engaged with a torsion bar. The second engagement portions are engaged with the torque rod. The third engagement portion is provided at a position radially outward from the second engagement portions and engaged with the left base frame. The torsion bar is fixed to the torque rod through the metal hook member.
US07861988B2 Heat exchanger mounting bracket
The invention relates to a heat exchanger mounting bracket which has a first member with a retaining channel and a second member with a retaining lug. The retaining channel of the first member retains the retaining lug of the second member at an initial mounting position, with a predetermined retaining force, by way of at least a formation on the first member. The retaining channel and lug are releaseable from one another when a force greater than or equal to the predetermined retaining force is applied between the first and second members. A heat exchanger mounting bracket is also provided where a body member is provided with a longitudinal slot toward one end for locating a portion (P) of a heat exchanger, and a pivotal arrangement toward the other end. The pivotal arrangement and longitudinal slot allow displacement of the portion (P) of the heat exchanger from a fore to an aft position upon application of an impact force.
US07861982B1 Subsea clamp for hoses and control lines
A clamp for a tubular hose or cable is disclosed. The clamp comprises a first clamp half, a second clamp half, and a hinge pin. The first clamp half has a first end and a second end and defines a first concave semi-cylindrical face. The first end of the first clamp half carries means for mounting the clamp. The second clamp half has a first end and a second end and defines a second concave semi-cylindrical face. The first clamp half and the second clamp half come together along a parting line and are retained together by a hinge pin. The clamp halves are provided with snap-in liners for easy use. Alternative mounts for mounting the clamp on subsea wire line or tubulars is also disclosed.
US07861977B1 Adaptive material actuators for Coanda effect circulation control slots
A system and method of use are provided for introducing tangential control fluid flows along the surface of an aerodynamic member. The fluid flows are directed toward a coanda surface disposed at the trailing edge of the aerodynamic member. At least two injection slots are provided on opposite sides of the aerodynamic member to produce opposing forces. Control of the flow of fluid from each slot determines the net effect of these opposing forces. Smart material actuators are used to control the flow of fluid from each slot by varying the size of each slot.
US07861974B2 Docking system
A convex forward surface of a forward-biased probe head of a first portion of a docking system engages a central concave conical surface of a second portion of the docking system. A first linear actuator moves a flexible docking cable assembly relative to a support structure through bores therein and through the probe head. An aftward retraction of the docking cable assembly causes a linearly-actuated cam element thereof to rotate a rotary cam follower pivoted from the support structure, which engages an aft edge portion of the probe head, forcing the probe head forward. A plurality of distal coupling elements operatively coupled to the support structure around a central axis thereof engage with and become releasably captured by a corresponding socket and associated capture mechanism of a mating second portion of the docking system, and rigidized when the probe head is forced against the central concave conical surface.
US07861971B2 System for opening and closing a landing-gear compartment for an aircraft
A system for opening and closing an aircraft landing-gear compartment is described. The landing-gear compartment includes a plurality of hatches mounted on a fairing of the aircraft and has main hatches with crosswise openings and at least one secondary hatch with a longitudinal opening.
US07861965B2 Reel and recording cartridge
The reel includes a reel hub that is made of a resin material and is formed into a cylindrical shape, an upper flange that is made of a resin material and is extended integrally outward in a radial direction from one end portion in an axial direction of the reel hub, and a reinforcement ring that is integrally disposed radially inside a tape take-up surface of the reel hub by insert molding and reinforces the reel hub in the radial direction. A position of an upper end of the reinforcement ring coincides with a position of an upper end of the tape take-up surface in the axial direction of the reel hub.
US07861959B2 Crushing machine for comminuting laminated glass
A crushing machine for comminuting laminated glass, particularly windshields for cars, consists of a chamber with cylindric wall (24) in which is suspended a rotor (28) with pivotably beaters (50). Plural layers of laminated glass are fed through a feeding opening (20) through rubber rollers (22) which form an almost airtight lock into the crushing chamber. At the inner side of its wall (24), the chamber is provided with a number of evenly distributed ribs (54) to be impacted by laminated glass pieces, which are subsequently further comminuted by the beaters (50). The crushing chamber is provided with a slot-formed discharge opening (34) which may be varied in width. Outside the discharge opening (34), there is mounted a collecting containing (36) provided with subpressure. Due to naturally occurring leaks in the wall (24) of the crushing chamber, including the feeding opening (22), there will be a continuous flow of air out through the opening (34), why the material will eventually be conducted therethrough and collected in a container (36). From here, the material may leave the container (36) through an aperture closed by a flap (38). With the crushing machine according to the invention, there may be achieved a complete comminution of laminated glass material and separation of glass from the plastic film in one step and so that the finest glass particles have a size in the order of 0-3 millimeters.
US07861952B2 Sprinkler having shutoff control device
A sprinkler includes a tubular member having a longitudinal track and a number of water discharging openings formed through the track, and one or more shutoff control devices slidably attached onto the track and movable along the track to selectively align with either or some of the water discharging openings of the tubular member and to selectively block and seal the water discharging openings of the tubular member. The shutoff control devices each include a seat slidably attached to the track, and a latch pivotally attached to the seat for selectively blocking either of the water discharging openings of the tubular member and for controlling the water spraying patterns of the sprinkler.
US07861950B2 Texture sprayer noise reducer
A hand-held apparatus for spraying texture material including a body, a pressurized air source mounted on the body, a texture material hopper mounted on the body, and a texture delivery nozzle for selectively spraying texture material from the hopper onto a surface to be coated by propelling the texture material using pressurized air from the pressurized air source wherein each of the air source and the hopper can be disconnected from the body without the use of tools. An air directing plunger has a plurality of discontinuities at an outlet thereof, which may be radially outwardly directed recesses or radially inwardly directed teeth for reducing the noise generated by the pressurized air during operation.
US07861949B1 Portable washing apparatus
A portable washing apparatus includes a housing that has a bottom wall, a top wall and a perimeter wall. A dividing wall divides the housing into a first compartment and a second compartment. A valve is mounted in the housing and is fluidly coupled to each of the first and second compartments. An outlet pipe is fluidly coupled to the valve. Actuation of the valve allows selective fluid communication between the outlet pipe and the first or second compartments. A pump is fluidly coupled to the outlet pipe and draws fluid out of the housing. A tube has a first end and a second end. The first end is fluidly coupled to the pump. Fluid drawn outwardly of the housing by the pump is ejected outwardly of the second end. A cleaning fluid is positioned in the first compartment and a rinsing fluid is positioned in the second compartment.
US07861948B1 Adjustable arc rotor-type sprinkler with selectable uni-directional full circle nozzle rotation
A sprinkler includes a drive mechanism mounted in a riser that rotates a nozzle at the top of the riser. The drive mechanism enables a user to select between oscillation of the nozzle through an adjustable arc and uni-directional full circle rotation of the nozzle. The sprinkler includes an automatic arc return feature that enables the nozzle to resume oscillation between a pair of original pre-set arc limits when the nozzle is twisted by a vandal outside of the arc limits.
US07861947B1 Wall-mounted lawn sprinkler system
A wall-mounted lawn sprinkler system disposed along an exterior wall of a building for watering a lawn or garden area adjacent to the building. The system includes at least one sprinkler water supply conduit connected with the existing pressurized water supply line associated with the building, at least one housing mounted on the exterior wall of the building, and a water sprinkler device housed within each housing. The sprinkler device has a body with an interior chamber connected with the water supply conduit, a retractable member slidably mounted at a first end in the chamber having a sprinkler head at a second end exterior of the chamber, and a spring engaged with the retractable member to bias it into a normally retracted position. The retractable member and sprinkler head are extended outwardly of the housing when water under pressure is supplied to the chamber.
US07861939B2 Methods and arrangement in an information management system
An arrangement and method of allotting pattern units of an overall coding pattern in an information management system, are based on selectively setting a state indicator for each pattern unit to indicate one of a plurality of states. The flow of data in said system may be controlled based on the state indicator. The data may be originally recorded by an electronic pen from a coded product which is provided with at least part of a pattern unit. The product may be generated on demand by requesting an allotment of one or more pattern units.
US07861927B2 Automated retail kiosk with changeable presentation formats
An automated retail kiosk or vending machine that can vend working cellular handsets and that uses changeable presentation formats. The kiosk is generally an automated retail kiosk that can deliver primarily prepaid wireless products and services such as prepaid cellular handsets, prepaid cellular and long distance calling plans and E-pins, accessories like ear buds, phone holsters, SIM backup devices, cables and the like. In addition the kiosk or vending device can optionally provide a complete array of banking services including check cashing, prepaid debit cards, transfer of funds from debit card to debit card and many other services. An advertisement screen can play continuous or targeted advertising. The kiosk or vending device can change how it looks by accepting changeable front plates or housings, and it can communicate wirelessly over a network and be managed from a central location.
US07861918B2 Voting system and method
Systems and methods are disclosed for enabling a voter to vote at any single official polling place in the state (jurisdiction) even if it lies outside the boundaries of his local voting location (division of the jurisdiction). The systems and methods disclosed also prevent voter fraud, including a single voter voting more than once, at any polling place anywhere in the jurisdiction.
US07861917B2 Quadcorner tray wrapper designs
Containers of the wraparound and tray style are provided, having enhanced stacking strength and general robustness, through the provision of internal and external reinforcing panels and flanges. Variations of the basic invention are provided with closure flaps of varying configuration and placement; end walls and minor flaps with angled side edges to provide for containers having inclined sides; regions of weakness, removable portions of panels and/or preformed apertures to permit conversion of the containers to display/merchandising modes; gusseted corner structures to provide for containment of fluent materials; and enhanced transverse support structures.
US07861914B2 Self-assembly of components
A method is provided for the production of a bond between a first element having at least one first metal coating and at least one further element having a second metal coating, the at least one further element being freely moveable in a medium and the at least one first metal coating of the first element and the second metal coating of the at least one further element being in a solid state, a liquid phase being formed upon contact of the at least one first metal coating with the second metal coating.
US07861911B2 Adjustable overlap joint and structure produced thereby
A friction stir welding method and a structural body formed using a friction stir welding method. In particular, a friction stir welding method and a structural body made of an aluminium alloy extruded frame member formed by friction stir welding of a number of extruded frame members. Joining is performed by abutting a first member with a second member by contacting a downwards facing surface of an overlapping portion of a first member which projects above one face of the other member in the lateral direction in and an upwards facing surface of a second member in such manner that the downwards facing surface and the upwards facing surface are in slideable contact before joining and the first and second member are rotatable, and carrying out a friction stir welding to join the members to form a frame structure.
US07861896B2 Assembly of a container filled with mineral concentrate and a dosing device
An assembly (1) for preparing mineral water in situ, including a container (2) filled with a mineral concentrate (4) and a dosing device (6) connected to the holder for dispensing the concentrate from the container in a dosed manner, the dosing device being provided with a housing (15) including an inlet (16), an outlet (18), a liquid flow path (20), a pump (22), and a magnetizable or magnetic operating element (24). The operating element is being included in the housing for carrying out a predetermined movement relative to the housing with the aid of a changing magnetic field and the operating element is mechanically connected to the pump for driving the pump when the operating element carries out the predetermined movement. The operating element is manufactured, from corrosion resistant steel, or the operating element is provided with a corrosion resistant coating such as gold, silver or Teflon or the operating element is manufactured, from a magnetizable and/or magnetic ceramic material.
US07861890B2 Dispensing apparatus and method for semi-solid product
Dispensing apparatus is primarily intended for dispensing product from product containers by extrusion. In controlling discharge of product a flexible tube is connected to the container outlet and the tube is engageable with drive means for deforming the tube and controlling product discharged along the tube to an outlet nozzle. Usually there will be valves towards the entry and exit of the flexible tube and the drive means engages the tube between the spaced positions.
US07861888B2 Stackable stemware
Stackable stemware provides nestably stackable respective upper and lower portions wherein the lower portions include at least one reinforcing rib to limit the stacking depth of similar lower portions when nestably stacked.
US07861886B2 Baking sheet
A baking sheet having a substantially flat silicone cooking surface, two rods extending along and coupled to opposite sides of the cooking surface, and two thermo-resistant handles coupled to and extending between the two rods. The thermo-resistant handles may be connected to the rods using thermo-resistant connectors. The baking sheet may be rectangular, square, round or other shape. The handles and rods may be manufactured from various materials.
US07861882B2 Sealed docking device for moblie containers of various diameters
The invention relates to a device for the sealed docking (14) of mobile containers (42) equipped with plugs (44) of various diameters on a containment box (10). The device includes a center disk (22) and at least one docking flange (20a, 20b, 20c) that are concentric to each other, normally plugging the access opening (18) of the containment box. A locking/unlocking mechanism (24) makes it possible to only unlock the center disk (22) alone or the center disk and one or more of the docking flanges (20a, 20b, 20c), according to the diameter of the plug (44). This arrangement makes it possible, in particular, to clean the plug (44) of a mobile container (42) serving to transport contaminated nuclear equipment.
US07861878B2 Fastening device for folding boxes
A fastening device for folding boxes, the folding boxes including a bottom and four lateral walls coupled in jointed fashion to the edges of that bottom, two opposite walls having each fastening devices for ensuring the unfolding of the box, the device in general including a vertically displaceable central piece and some lateral bolts with horizontal displacement for fastening the lateral walls via their adjacent edges. The folding device includes elastic spring elements which link the central control piece with the pairs of bolts, at the same time, the spring elements, in the rest position, maintain the bolts in the engagement and fastening position of the bolts, while for the release position of the bolts the spring elements pull the bolts towards the release position against the resistance of the elastic elements.
US07861861B2 Container for holding elastic loops therein
A container for holding elastic loops is described. The container includes a foldable and substantially planar card. A foldable, substantially planar sheet is included for holding elastic loops. The sheet is formed such that it can be contained within the card. A separator is pivotally attached with the card. When an elastic loop is placed upon the sheet and the sheet is positioned upon the card, the separator covers a portion of the sheet such that it holds elastic loops against the sheet to allow the loops and sheet to be concealed within the card. For ease of storage and concealment, the card has a shape and size such that when folded, the card is of a substantially similar shape and size as a credit card for placement within a wallet.
US07861857B2 Carry-on luggage with garment hanging feature
An advantageous carry-on bag is now disclosed which accommodates hanging garments, folded garments and accessories. The bag comprises a bottom portion comprising a first bottom area and a flap area. The flap area which zips or otherwise removably secures to the top edge of each of two ends and the front side of the bag. The first bottom areas secured to the bottom edge of the two ends and the front side. When the flap is in a first position extending outwardly from said end bottom edges, it forms an area adapted to receive hanging garments. Upright flaps attached to the side edges of the end sections removably secure to one another to form a wall parallel to the front side section and define a packing area which may receive for example folded garments.
US07861852B2 Device for conveying objects
Disclosed is a device for conveying pro-filled objects, particularly bottles or parisons comprising an annular collar between two sliding planes with the aid of at least one conveying apparatus, at least one part of which rests against the object in a frictionally engaging manner and is supported on receiving elements or pressure rollers. The part of the conveying apparatus that rests against the object in a frictionally engaging manner is resilient or is mounted in a resilient fashion.
US07861850B2 Conveyance apparatus, cleaning apparatus, and manufacturing method for a liquid crystal display
A conveyance apparatus includes: a stage section having: a feeding stage on which a work to be fed is placed; a first working stage on which the work is subjected to a working process; a second working stage on which the work is subjected to the same working process as that of the first working stage; and a discharging stage on which the work to be discharged is placed; and a conveyance section having: a feeding arm feeding the work from the feeding stage to the working stages; a discharging arm which is provided on a discharging stage side of the feeding arm and discharges the work from the working stages to the discharging stage; a first drive unit moving the two arms in an alignment direction of the four stages; and a second drive unit changing distance between the two arms in the alignment direction.
US07861846B1 Singulating apparatus
A singulating apparatus is therefore provided that utilizes a plurality of singulating cavities, each singulating cavity having a plurality of movable wall segments enabling the size and shape of the singulating cavities to be changed to correspond to the size and shape of the object being singulated.
US07861839B2 Transmission lock
A lock arrangement for a transmission, in particular in the form of a parking-lock arrangement for an automated transmission. The lock arrangement is prestressed by a first spring accumulator into a locking position in which the transmission is locked. The lock arrangement is capable of being shifted by means of an actuator from the locking position into a release position in which the transmission is released. The lock arrangement has an electronically activatable blocking device which is designed for blocking the lock arrangement mechanically in the locking position.
US07861838B2 Automatic transmission control apparatus
An automatic transmission control apparatus is provided with a brake switch, a brake fluid pressure detecting section, a range position detecting section, a neutral control section and a prohibiting section. The brake switch is configured to output an on-signal when a brake pedal is depressed and otherwise output an off-signal. The brake fluid pressure detecting section is configured to detect a brake fluid pressure corresponding to a brake pedal depression force. The range position detecting section is configured to detect if a traveling range of an automatic transmission is selected. The neutral control section is configured to start a neutral control that puts the automatic transmission into a neutral state when the brake fluid pressure detected by the brake fluid detecting section exceeds a start threshold value while the range position detecting section detects that the traveling range is selected, and to end the neutral control when the brake fluid pressure falls below an end threshold value while the neutral control is being executed, with the start and end threshold values being set to values that are higher than the brake fluid pressure occurring when the brake switch starts outputting the on-signal. The prohibiting section is configured to prohibit the neutral control from being subsequently started again, after the neutral control has been started by the neutral control section, regardless of the brake fluid pressure detected by the brake fluid pressure detecting section until the brake switch outputs the off-signal.
US07861831B2 Front wheel brake device for forklifts
A front wheel brake device for forklifts is used in applying brake to a front wheel attached to opposite lateral bottom sides of a mast assembly. The device includes a support bracket provided at the bottom sides of the mast assembly, a brake housing fixed to the support bracket and received within the front wheel, a wheel hub fixedly secured to the front wheel, an axle shaft rotatably provided within the brake housing and engaged with a shaft portion of the wheel hub for unitary rotation with the front wheel, brake discs axially movably fitted to the axle shaft for unitary rotation therewith, friction plates alternately arranged between the brake discs and fitted to the brake housing for movement in an axial direction of the axle shaft, and a piston provided within the brake housing for, when operated, pressing the friction plates against the brake discs.
US07861830B2 Safety device
A safety device is provided having a clamping system that uses pressure admission into a chamber of a clamp element dependent on the position of a weight to be carried relative to the clamping system. For this purpose a valve is provided in a medium supply line, which valve is to be opened or closed by means of a movable actuation element. Here, the actuation element should be movable in the same direction in which the weight moves, preferably in a vertical direction. As a result of the arrangement of such a valve, the device couples the vertical movement or position of the weight with an actuation of the valve, and thus to provide an additional control for the pressure admission into the chamber or the clamping force resulting therefrom. A preferred chamber has curved top and bottom walls that elongate with a pressure drop.
US07861829B1 Payout mechanism for advancing screen spline using a spool holder and method for its use
A payout mechanism for spline used for attaching screen mesh to a frame uses a base member with a pair of upright standards, each standard having a downwardly extending channel. A spool with a length of spline wound thereabout has an axle passing through its hollow core with the axle being received within the channels. An end of the spline is grasped and whenever a pulling force is exerted on the spline, the spool rotates about the axle paying out additional spline. A brake mechanism located on one of the standards can be used to slow or even stop rotation of the spool while a post with a notch extending upwardly from the base can be used to frictionally hold an end of the spline between jobs.
US07861815B2 Motorcycle
A motorcycle is provided in which the size of the body frame is restricted from increasing in a vehicle-width direction while enhancing the frame rigidity. The body frame includes a head pipe and left and right front frame sections which extending from the head pipe. The left and right front frame sections have left and right side wall sections which extend in a longitudinal and vertical directions of the vehicle. Left and right side wall sections are disposed on the left and right sides of the engine unit. The engine unit is supported by the left and right side wall sections which have relatively high rigidity, thereby enhancing the supporting rigidity of the engine unit. This type of engine unit support ensures body frame rigidity without widening the space between the left and right body frame sections in a vehicle-width direction.
US07861803B2 Auxiliary equipment for use with drilling apparatus
The invention relates to auxiliary working apparatus (10) for use with drilling apparatus for drilling holes into the ground and where the drilling apparatus has a platform supported by a support structure (50) thereof through which a drill bit (30) passes, the platform serving as a barrier between chippings blown from a hole being drilled into the ground and the drill motor and drill bit displacement mechanism of the drilling apparatus. The auxiliary working apparatus includes a roller-type brush (20) arrangement that, in its operative configuration, is mounted beneath the platform and that is operable for displacing chippings blown from a hole being drilled into the ground to spaced locations from the hole.
US07861796B2 Method of operating drill with solid state speed control
A method of operating a hand power tool in one embodiment includes generating a variable speed control signal with a solid state switch that corresponds to a selected speed for a motor, generating a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal corresponding to the variable speed control signal, generating H-bridge driving signals for an H-bridge circuit in correspondence with the PWM signal, and selectively coupling a motor to a power source using the H-bridge circuit in accordance with the H-bridge driving signals.
US07861786B2 Method and apparatus for fluid bypass of a well tool
Apparatuses and methods to inject chemical stimulants (284) to a production zone (102, 202) through a string of production tubing (110, 210) around a downhole obstruction are disclosed. The apparatuses and methods include deploying an anchor seal assembly (200) to a landing profile (120, 220) located within a string of production tubing (110, 210). The anchor seal assembly (200) is in communication with a surface station through an injection conduit (260, 264) and includes a bypass pathway (262) to inject various fluids to a zone below.
US07861776B2 System and method for forming a coiled tubing connection
A coiled tubing connection system is used in a well. A connector having an engagement end is used to couple a wellbore device to the end of a coiled tubing. The connector is spoolable, and the engagement end comprises engagement features that facilitate formation of a connection that is dependable and less susceptible to separation.
US07861774B2 Method and apparatus for wellbore fluid treatment
A tubing string assembly is disclosed for fluid treatment of a wellbore. The tubing string can be used for staged wellbore fluid treatment where a selected segment of the wellbore is treated, while other segments are sealed off. The tubing string can also be used where a ported tubing string is required to be run in in a pressure tight condition and later is needed to be in an open-port condition.
US07861770B2 System for cyclic injection and production from a well
A system is provided for injecting an injection fluid into an earth formation via a wellbore formed in the earth formation and for producing hydrocarbon fluid from the earth formation via the wellbore. The system comprises an injection conduit extending into the wellbore and being in fluid communication with a plurality of outlet ports for injection fluid, and a production conduit extending into the wellbore and being in fluid communication with at least one inlet section for hydrocarbon fluid. The injection conduit is arranged to prevent fluid communication between the injection conduit and each said inlet section.
US07861757B2 Flashless welding method and apparatus
A method and apparatus for welding two separate ends of an extrusion or two separate extrusion ends to form a flashless extrudate or gasket by having a first and a second mold for supporting and clamping the extrusion ends, and a spacer bar for positioning the extrusion ends to a location within the mold. A heating element elevates the temperature of the extrusion ends to a welding condition, and a clamping device is used for securing the extrusion ends. A flashless welding operation results by inserting and clamping at least one heated extrusion end into a welding mold until an acceptable contact pressure is obtained against the opposing heated extrusion end.
US07861754B2 Edger with staggered saws
Embodiments of the present invention provide a wood processing machine adapted to cut wood workpieces along multiple optimized cutting paths. In various embodiments, the wood processing machine includes a first saw assembly and a second saw assembly that is disposed down stream from the first saw assembly. The first saw assembly is adapted to cut the workpiece along the first optimized cutting path and the second saw assembly is adapted to cut the workpiece along the second optimized cutting path.
US07861752B1 Saw guide system
A saw guide system for securing a panel and providing a guide for a saw to cut a straight line across the panel includes a sawhorse being positioned on a support surface. A first rail is coupled to a top plate of the sawhorse. The first rail supports the panel when the panel is positioned on the sawhorse. A support mount is attached to the first rail. A second rail is pivotally coupled to the first rail by the support mount. The second rail is vertically spaced from the first rail to allow the panel to be placed on the first rail. The second rail is pivoted towards the first rail to position the panel between the second rail and the first rail. The second rail is abutted by a saw to maintain a straight cut across the panel when the saw is used to cut the panel.
US07861747B2 Forming fabric having exchanging and/or binding warp yarns
Forming fabric that includes a top layer having top weft yarns and a bottom layer having bottom weft yarns. At least one pair of binding warp yarns and at least two adjacent pairs of top and bottom warp yarns are utilized.
US07861746B2 Motor vehicle hose
A motor vehicle hose consisting of plastic material, where the interior surface of the hose consists at least in segments of an electrically conducting plastic material. The invention provides for a section of electrically conducting plastic material that extends at least over a portion of the circumference of the hose and which is connected to the electrically conducting interior surface of the hose. The section extends in a radial direction into a layer of non-conducting plastic material. The section extends at least in segments in the longitudinal direction of the hose.
US07861741B2 Hydraulic flow control valve with flow rate setting adjustability
A hydraulic flow control valve allowing easy adjustment of fluid flow for a variety of hydraulic attachments is disclosed. The hydraulic flow control valve comprises a spool and a flow rate setting adjustment device configured to adjust a flow rate setting of the hydraulic flow control valve by adjusting the amount of travel allowed for the spool. An associated method of operating the hydraulic flow control valve is disclosed.
US07861739B2 Hydraulic pressure damping device
A hydraulic pressure damping device mainly comprises a valve body of which a joint port is provided with a control valve of which one end is provided with a first joint to valve a switch of the valve body between a water inlet and a water outlet. A second joint at the other end of control valve is conjoint with a hydraulic pressure damper to damp the hydraulic pressure. Thus, it is easy to assemble and replace the hydraulic pressure damping device, and materials and installation space may be saved.
US07861736B2 Mechanism for opening and closing a foldable tent or awning
A mechanism for opening and closing a tent or awning is disclosed. A plurality of poles are pivotally attached to a hub at upper engagement points. A plurality of braces are pivotally coupled to the poles at lower engagement points at one end and pivotally coupled to a base at another end. The base has a shaft slidable in the hub and the shaft houses a biasing member which generates an upward force on the shaft which is transmitted to the braces and the poles. The upward force urges the poles to pivot toward the open position when the lower engagement point is radially outward of the upper engagement point, and the upward force urges the poles to pivot toward the closed position when the lower engagement point is radially inward of the upper engagement point.
US07861734B2 Umbrella hub with cord lock feature
An umbrella hub is provided that is operative to engage an umbrella cord for maintaining an umbrella in an open position. The hub can comprise a hub body, a channel, a passage section, and an engagement section. The hub body can comprise a series of projections extending outwardly from the hub body. The channel can be formed in one of the projections of the hub body. The channel can be configured to allow the cord to pass therethrough. Further, the passage section can be configured to allow the cord to pass freely therethrough. Finally, the engagement section can be configured to engage the cord to prevent upward movement of the cord relative to the hub body.
US07861733B2 Device for treating pieces of a substrate at high pressure with a supercritical or near-critical treatment medium, piece by piece or in batches
A device for treating pieces of a substrate at high pressure, piece by piece or in batches, with a treatment medium in the supercritical or near-critical state, includes a first pressure chamber, a pipe system for supplying and discharging the treatment medium, to and from the pressure chamber under high pressure and an electric motor, which is fixed to the housing in the first pressure chamber or in a second pressure chamber coupled to the first pressure chamber under the high pressure, for driving an actuator to carry out a mechanical action in the treatment medium. The electric motor is in this case open to the treatment medium and is disposed and designed to be accessible to the treatment medium, in such a manner that during the treatment of a substrate the treatment medium flows through and around the electric motor.
US07861729B2 Hair weave foundations and methods of use
A hair piece to be attached to the head of a user, the hair piece having a cloth-based foundation having a top edge, a bottom edge, a left edge and a right edge, with the foundation including a middle slit provided at about the center of the foundation, a bottom slit provided adjacent the bottom edge, a first set of side slits provided along the left edge, a second set of side slits provided along the right edge, a first set of rubber bands provided along the left edge, a second set of rubber bands provided along the right edge, a third set of rubber bands provided along the top edge, a fourth set of rubber bands provided along the bottom edge, a fifth set of rubber bands provided about the middle slit, and a plurality of wefts of hair attached to the foundation.
US07861725B2 Method for monitoring formation of a lesion in a tissue structure using a cryogenic system
Clamp based low temperature lesion formation apparatus, systems and methods.
US07861721B2 Appliance, system and method for preventing snoring
An appliance, a system and a method prevent snoring of a patient. The appliance opens an airway of the patient by advancing a lower jaw of the patient. A slot is formed on an upper shell and/or a lower shell of the appliance to receive teeth of the patient for wearing the appliance. A hinge connects the upper shell to the lower shell and resists the closing of the mouth of the patient to maintain the open airway of the patient. Wedges protrude from the hinge between the upper shell and the lower shell to further resist the closing of the mouth of the patient. Stiffer material of the hinge and/or the wedges relative to material of the upper shell and the lower shell requires more force to close the mouth of the patient and maintains the open airway of the patient during sleep. Extended margins may receive liner material to secure the appliance to the dentition. Lingual extensions on the lower arch help to maintain the lower jaw in a forward position relative to the upper jaw.
US07861717B1 Controlled gas-supply system
The invention relates to a gas-supply system for patients receiving artificial respiration or breathing spontaneously, in which one or several gases (for example NO, oxygen) are added to the respiration gas at varying proportions (continuously or intermittently) by means of a control device (program control, sensor control or combined program/sensor control). This gas-supply system allows for adaptive dosing of the gas to suit individual patients.
US07861713B2 Adapter for use in an aerosol delivery system
According to one aspect of the present invention, an aerosol inhalation system includes a first conduit member for delivering medication in the form of aerosol particles to a patient. The system also includes a first device in fluid communication with the first holding chamber for producing the aerosol particles and being sealingly yet releasably received within an adapter that forms an entrance into a first holding chamber. The adapter has a compressible material disposed thereon which is at least partially compressed by insertion of the first device to form the seal between the first device and the adapter, thereby creating a closed system that is therefore capable of delivering a fixed concentration of the medication to the patient due to a valve of the valve mechanism being closed when the patient inhales and the medication is delivered to the patient.
US07861706B2 Gas manifold for a cooking range, with a pipe closure
The gas manifold (1) adapted for installation on a cooking range includes a conduit (2) for distribution of a flow (Q) at a pressure “P”, with a number of regulating taps (5) fixed to the conduit (2). The conduit is made from a metal pipe (3) with a thin cylindrical wall To and the pipe end (6) is sealed without cracks by means of friction welding with no addition of material, with a sealing wall (7) formed by means of a thickening in the form of a tip (7a) in the axial direction of an enlargement or height “H” greater than the original thickness To of the pipe. For making the gastight closure a rotary tool (8) is used that includes at least two rotary rollers (9) for the compaction of the metallic mass between two counterposed centripetal forces (Fr), in combination with an axial stretching force (Fa).
US07861702B1 Gas air operated with draw back boring toy long-barrelled gun
The present utility model relates to a gas air operated with draw back boring toy long-barrelled gun. Its firing module, ammunition box module and trigger module are installed in the main body of the gun, wherein a rifle bolt main body is provided inside the firing module, and there is a connecting rod, a piston module and a rifle bolt gearing component provided inside the rifle bolt main body. Through the trigger module, and the connecting rod, the piston module and the rifle bolt gearing component provided inside the rifle bolt main body, its trigger module produces gas air fire, and makes the firing module produces gas air draw back and automatic loading. It enables the firing module to draw back and loading automatically, and allows the gun to fire continuously.
US07861700B2 Slingshot pouch
An improved slingshot pouch with a holding means in which the pouch walls apply equal pressure across the surface of a pressure sensitive projectile. As a result of the uniform pressure on the projectile, it can be fired with confidence that it will not burst or be crushed during the process. The pouch is generally spherically shaped and is formed from a flexible and pliable material. The pouch comprises a triangular handle, a wall, end arms, ribs, and angle arms. The pouch has a smooth inside lining without flex fingers or other projections. The pouch is provided with a triangular gripping element attached in a pigtail fashion at its rearward side.
US07861697B2 Carbureted natural gas turbo charged engine
A control system for a turbo charged natural gas engine. A butterfly valve used for fuel control upstream of a carburetor provides non-linear flow response during opening and closing and a flow compensator compensates for the non-linear response. A throttle valve position sensor acts in association with a controller which compares the throttle valve position signal with a predetermined set point and thereby opens or closes the waste gate of the turbo charger which affects oxygen content in the exhaust. A compensator for a throttle valve used with electronic engine controllers is also provided.
US07861696B2 Multi fuel co-injection system for internal combustion and turbine engines
An improved multi-fuel supply and co-injection system and method for powering internal combustion and turbine engines, whereby various combinations of fuels, both liquid and gaseous, may be mixed together and fed into the system, under the real-time control of a microprocessor responding to a variety of sensors and acting on a variety of control devices, all working together in a manner designed to enhance the utilization of the thermal content of the various fuels, and in particular to enhance the combustion efficiency and increase the power output while decreasing the consumption of fuel, calculated both by quantity and by cost and whereby the liquid fuel lubricates the moving parts of the injection system.
US07861695B2 Device for delivering fuel out of a fuel tank
A device for delivering fuel has a fuel delivery unit placed inside a fuel tank and which consists of a swirl pot with a fuel pump situated therein for delivering fuel out via a flow line to an internal combustion engine, and with a ventilation system located inside the fuel tank and serves to withdraw fuel vapors from the fuel tank. This ventilation system consists of ventilation lines and a liquid trap for precipitating fuel. The ventilation lines are arranged with one end in the upper area of the fuel tank, and, with the other end, lead into the liquid trap. An activated charcoal filter located downstream from the liquid trap has a connection to the atmosphere. The liquid trap and the activated charcoal filter are situated next and at the height of the swirl pot. At least the liquid trap is mechanically connected to the swirl pot.
US07861694B2 Fuel supply system for internal combustion engine
A high-pressure return passage returns excess fuel in a delivery pipe that is connected to an injector to a fuel tank. An upstream end of the high-pressure return passage is connected to the delivery pipe via a high-pressure regulator. A vertically lower portion of the high-pressure return passage is vertically below the upstream end and the downstream end. A low-pressure return passage returns excess fuel in a main passage to the fuel tank. The switch valve switches the open state and the closed state of the low-pressure return passage. A control section controls the switch valve to the closed state after the engine is stopped and drives the fuel pump so as to execute a forced return process that flows fuel into the high-pressure return passage.
US07861687B2 Multiple throttle device
A compact multiple throttle device where multiple throttle shafts are driven by a single drive force. A throttle device includes a first throttle shaft to which a first throttle body and a third throttle body are fixed and also includes a second throttle shaft to which a second throttle body and a fourth throttle body are fixed. The first throttle shaft and the second throttle shaft are parallel to each other. The third throttle body and the fourth throttle body are integrally coupled to each other in a gear case. In the inside of the gear case, a motor for driving the first throttle shaft and the second throttle shaft is arranged. Further, first to sixth gears for transmitting drive force of the motor to the first throttle shaft and the second throttle shaft are included.
US07861686B2 Fuel injection control apparatus and fuel injection control method
According to an internal combustion engine fuel injection control apparatus and control method, when an operating region of the engine shifts from a fuel cut region in which no fuel is injected to a low load region in which a small amount of fuel is injected, or visa versa, at least one pilot injection is executed ahead of a main injection in the low load region, and the number of pilot injections is determined according to the engine coolant temperature. This injection control makes it possible to ensure drivability while suppressing the amount of HC produced.
US07861676B2 Training guidance system for canines, felines, or other animals
A computer-aided training and management system that uses a computer or other processor in wireless communication with an instrumented dog collar and/or optionally, one or more dog interaction devices, such as, for example, video monitors, loudspeakers, video cameras, training toys (e.g., ball, bone, moving toy, etc.), an animatronics “trainer,” a treat dispenser, a food dispensing and monitoring device, a water dispensing and monitoring device, tracking devices, a dog door, dog-monitoring doghouse, a dog-monitoring dog toilet, is described. In one embodiment, the instrumented dog collar is in two-way communication with a central computer system.
US07861673B2 Egg incubation transport system and methods regarding same
Methods and systems provide for incubating a plurality of eggs at least partially at a primary incubation location and then incubating the plurality of eggs (e.g., a plurality of single sex eggs sorted from the plurality of eggs) at least partially during transport to a secondary location.
US07861671B2 Top-fill hummingbird feeder
A liquid birdfeeder includes a generally upstanding container having a large opening at its top end and a bottleneck opening at its lower end. A quarter-turn removable cap is screw-threaded onto the top end to seal the top end opening. The lower bottleneck opening is screw-threaded into a central collar of a feeding basin having a plurality of feeding ports. An actuator rod extends longitudinally through the container and is operatively connected to a biased sealing mechanism which selectively seals or opens the bottleneck opening. When the removable cap is screw-threaded onto the top end opening, the cap depresses the actuator rod causing the biased sealing mechanism to move to an open position which allows liquid to flow out from the container into the feeding basin. When the removable cap is removed, the actuator rod can move upwardly under the force of the biased sealing mechanism, which moves the sealing mechanism to a closed position and prevents liquid in the container from flowing into the feeding basin. The container can then be filled through the top opening without flooding the feeding basin. In one preferred embodiment, the bird feeder includes a common functional feeding module connected within an outer decorative cladding by an interference fit.
US07861665B2 Pipeline pig signal with adjustable mounting
An improved signal with adjustable mounting to allow the signal to be oriented to face any direction, without rotating the pressure-containing plug, and with integral seal to protect the outer threads of the mounting nipple.
US07861658B2 Human powered rail bike
Disclosed herein is a human powered rail bike. The rail bike includes a chassis having a predetermined shape. Rail wheels comprising a pair of front wheels and rear wheels, roll along two rails of the track which are arranged side by side. A plurality of seats is mounted to the chassis. A one-way clutch capable of changing direction limits the rotating direction of an axle to one direction, that is, a forward direction or a backward direction. A plurality of crank pedals is rotatably mounted to the chassis, and is connected to the one-way clutch capable of changing direction via a chain. A direction conversion lever functions to convert the rotating direction of the one-way clutch. Further, a pair of brake units is provided to reduce the speed of the rail bike or stop the rail bike.
US07861657B2 Non-lethal projectile
A projectile is provided for use in a non-lethal weapon system. The projectile having kinetic energy is launched substantially along the longitudinal axis in the direction of a target. Upon impact of the projectile with the target an elastic mechanism absorbs elastically a first portion of the kinetic energy. A locking mechanism stores the first portion of the kinetic energy within the elastic mechanism; whereby the remaining kinetic energy of the impact is reduced to a non-lethal level of the target. The projectile preferably includes a deformable head attached to the first body. The deformable head is formed from a viscoelastic material which manifests both the elastic mechanism (with the elastic mechanical properties of the viscoelastic material) and further manifests the locking mechanism with the viscous properties of the viscoelastic material.
US07861650B2 Method and apparatus for adjusting a substrate support
A stencil printer for printing viscous material on a substrate includes a frame, a stencil, and a print head to deposit and print viscous material over the stencil. A substrate support supports a substrate in a print position. A substrate support movement assembly includes a first movement mechanism configured to move the substrate support in a first direction, a second movement mechanism configured to move the substrate support in a second direction, the second direction being generally perpendicular to the first direction, and a third movement mechanism, spaced from a first movement mechanism, configured to move the substrate in the first direction. The stencil printer further includes a controller coupled to the substrate support movement assembly to move the substrate support by the first, second and third movement mechanisms in an x-direction, a y-direction and a rotational direction to align the substrate.
US07861638B1 Transparent blast and ballistic projectile resistant barrier
A transparent blast and ballistic projectile resistant barrier is comprised of a two-dimensional array of transparent hardened tiles that are encapsulated in a transparent resin layer. Preferably, the hardened tiles are transparent ceramic tiles, and the resin layer is a transparent polyurethane encapsulating the tiles. Additional transparent polycarbonate layers and glass fiber layers are also employed reinforcing the transparent barrier and providing the transparent barrier with polished exterior surfaces.
US07861631B2 System and method for cutting roofing shingles
A system and method for cutting shingles according to which a plurality of cutting blades are mounted on the outer circumference of a cutting cylinder, and the cylinder is rotated with the blades engaging the sheet while effecting relative translational movement between the cylinder and the sheet so that shingles are cut from the sheet upon one rotation of the cylinder.
US07861626B2 Lens surface cutting apparatus and lens surface cutting method for spectacle lens, and spectacle lens
A lens surface cutting method for a spectacle lens includes the steps of calculating the mean curvature of a lens surface (5) to be machined, calculating a helical machining path (4) that matches the mean curvature, and cutting the lens surface (5) to be machined by a cutting means. The helical machining path (4) calculated by the helical machining path calculating step is a path in which helix spacings P (=P1, P2, . . . Pn) on the lens surface (5) to be machined are equidistant and a helix spacing d (=d1, d2, . . . dn) on an X-Y projection plane 100 increases continuously from a lens outer periphery toward a center. The cutting means cuts the lens surface (5) to be machined from the outer periphery toward the center along the helical machining path (4). Thus, a spectacle lens having a lens surface with a surface accuracy that is almost uniform throughout an entire surface can be obtained.
US07861625B2 Dynamic alignment monitoring system for on-vehicle disk brake lathe
A dynamic alignment monitoring system allows an operator to monitor the misalignment of an on-vehicle disk brake lathe with respect to a vehicle axis about which the disk to be machined rotates, and can allow the operator to discontinue further alignment when appropriate in order to speed the overall time of the alignment process. The system processes signals from an angular rate sensor and a tachometer, using a scaling routine to derive a LRO value corresponding to the LRO of the disk which would result from machining in the current alignment condition. A representation of the derived LRO value is displayed to the operator. An operator override can allow the operator to discontinue further alignment adjustments when an acceptable alignment condition is indicated. The system can aid the operator by also presenting a representation of an acceptable LRO value for the particular vehicle being serviced.
US07861621B2 Box end/open end wrench
A driving head of a wrench includes three engaging surfaces and three reception concavities alternatively defined in an inner periphery thereof. A recess is defined in a center of each of engaging surfaces and located between first and second engaging portions. The last reception concavity has one of two insides connected to the second engaging portions next to it, the other insides of the last reception concavity is connected with a third engaging portion. The recesses and the reception concavities are sized to accommodate protrusions of a star-shaped nut. The reception concavity is sized to accommodate one of protrusions of a star-shaped nut. The adjacent first and second engaging portions have a common tangent line and three respective common tangent lines are located on three sides of a hexagonal object. The wrench is able to drive the object in two opposite directions without removing the wrench from the object.
US07861616B2 Vehicle transmission
A vehicle transmission is adapted to transmit a power output from an engine unit to a wheel. The vehicle transmission includes a driving unit and a speed-changing unit. The driving unit includes a main box, a first driving mechanism disposed within the main box and adapted to be driven by the engine unit, and an output shaft driven by the first driving mechanism. The speed-changing unit includes an auxiliary box connected removably to the main box, a second driving mechanism disposed within the auxiliary box and driven by the output shaft, and an axle parallel to the output shaft and driven by the second driving mechanism. The axle is connected fixedly to the wheel, and extends into the auxiliary box.
US07861611B2 Stop device
A stop device comprises a rotatable shaft, a travelling nut mounted upon the shaft in such a manner that rotation of the shaft causes the nut to translate along the shaft, and a stop member mounted upon the shaft and operable to limit the length of the shaft along which the travelling nut can translate, wherein the stop member is adjustably mounted upon the shaft.
US07861603B2 Coriolis mass flowmeter including an inner pipe made of fluororesin and outer pipe having fibers
A Coriolis flowmeter includes an oscillator for oscillating a fluid pipe that forms a flow path for allowing a measurement fluid to flow; first and second detectors that are disposed to be spaced apart from each other along the flow path of the fluid pipe so as to detect a state of oscillation of the fluid pipe; and a calculator for calculating a mass flow rate of the measurement fluid that passes through the flow path of the fluid pipe on the basis of a relative amount of the states of oscillation that are detected by the first and second detectors. The fluid pipe includes an inner pipe made of a fluororesin whose inner circumferential surface is in contact with the flow path, and an outer pipe having fibers that are arranged in order to surround an outer circumferential surface of the inner pipe and a resin that is cured in a state of close adhesion between the fibers arranged in order, and having an elastic modulus larger than that of the inner pipe.
US07861602B2 Explosion-proof high temperature compatible, multi-vortex flow meter
A temperature-sensitive sensor (21) and a heating temperature-sensitive sensor (22) are fixed in position in a liquid-tight fashion by welding, with the metal tubular bodies (36 and 37) being inserted into the tubular body insertion holes (19 and 20) of a vortex detector (4). Sealing performance is secured without using any O-ring. The temperature-sensitive sensor (21) and the heating temperature-sensitive sensor (22) respectively have lead wires (42 and 43) held together with the lead wires (27) of a vortex detection sensor (11) within the internal space (35), and the lead wires (27, 42, and 43) thus held together are led out toward the flow rate converter (not shown) via a metal pipe (34). Since the lead wires (27, 42, and 43) are held together within the internal space (35) and led out toward the flow rate converter via the metal pipe (34), there is involved only one joint portion between the sensors and the flow rate converter. With this structure, explosion-proof performance can be attained easily.
US07861600B2 Apparatus for ascertaining and/or monitoring fill level and/or flow of a medium
An apparatus for ascertaining and/or monitoring fill level and/or flow of a medium in a containment, including: at least one antenna, which radiates and/or receives high frequency signals according to a predetermined radiation characteristic along a main radiating axis in the direction of the surface of the medium; a control/evaluation unit, which evaluates the reflected high frequency signals and determines fill level on the basis of the travel time of the high frequency signals and/or flow on the basis of a Doppler frequency of the reflected high frequency signals; and at least one lens located between the antenna and the medium and having a first focal length in the direction of the antenna and a second focal length in the direction of the medium. A first focal point of the first focal length of the lens is so selected that the emitted high frequency signals of the antenna hit the lens within the lens aperture and that a second focal point of the second focal length lies in an opening region of the containment having an opening diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the lens aperture.
US07861598B2 Pressure transducer
A pressure transducer, including a housing having a housing axis and a measuring cell chamber defined in the housing. The measuring cell chamber is exposable to a pressure via an opening. The opening is surrounded by an annular, first sealing surface. A pressure measuring cell having a second sealing surface facing towards the opening, and a support surface facing away from the sealing surface sealing ring; and a clamping apparatus, which engages the housing are provided. The pressure measuring cell and the sealing ring are clamped by means of an axial clamping force in such a manner between the clamping apparatus and the first sealing surface, that the sealing ring is arranged pressure-tightly between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface. The pressure transducer further includes a misalignment accommodating arrangement, which includes a first transmission body, which faces toward the opening, and a second transmission body, which is facing away from the opening. The axial clamping force is transmitted through the misalignment accommodating arrangement, from the clamping apparatus to the pressure measuring cell, and the first transmission body is tiltable relative to the second transmission body about two mutually perpendicular axes.
US07861585B2 Flowmeter
A flowmeter includes a flow sensor capable of measuring instantaneous flow rates of forward and backward flows of a fluid, smoothing means for smoothing the measured instantaneous flow rate, an integrating counter for integrating the smoothed flow rate and outputting an integrated flow rate, determination means for monitoring the smoothed flow rate to determine whether or not the fluid is fluctuating, an auxiliary counter for integrating, in place of the integrating counter, the smoothed flow rate while the fluid is judged to be fluctuating by the determination means and when fluctuation of the fluid is detected, and control means for adding an integrated flow rate held by the auxiliary counter to that held by the integrating counter when it is judged by the determination means that the fluid has begun to flow regularly, and causing the integrating counter to restart integrating the smoothed flow rate.
US07861573B1 Laser shock induced spallation
Laser shock methods and systems are disclosed for evaluating impact resistance of materials, and for simulating and evaluating threshold conditions where damage may occur.
US07861563B2 Dual locking system and latch incorporating therefor
A dual locking system having a manual lock and an electrical lock, and a shuttle connected to both the manual lock and the electrical lock. The shuttle is moveable by either the manual lock or electrical lock between an engaged position in which a hook on the shuttle can engage a prong and a disengaged position in which the hook does not engage a prong. Upon de-energization of the electrical lock, the shuttle remains in the engaged position if the shuttle was in the engaged position prior to de-energization and the shuttle remains in the unengaged position if the shuttle were in the unengaged position prior to de-energization. The dual locking system is incorporated in a latch.
US07861561B2 Portable wringer
A portable wringer includes a housing having upper and lower ends and defining an open interior area therebetween. The portable wringer also includes first and second rollers positioned inside the open interior area, the first and second rollers being accessible through the housing and movable relative to one another so as to cooperatively pass an item therebetween. A crank handle is operatively connected to the rollers for causing at least one of the rollers to rotate. A plurality of legs are coupled to the housing adjacent the lower end of the housing with each leg being pivotable between a storage configuration and a deployed configuration. The legs may be telescopic for length adjustment thereof. The portable wringer includes a removable tray positionable in the housing beneath the first and second rollers for collecting a liquid initially associated with the item passed between the rollers.
US07861560B2 Drum type washing machine and balancer for drum type washing machine
A drum type washing machine having a balancer to prevent a reduction in the washing capacity of a rotating drum while preventing a collision noise of balls installed in the balancer. The diameter of the balls is maintained in a range of 12 millimeters to 30 millimeters, so as to prevent a collision noise of the balls during rotation of the rotating drum while preventing a reduction in the washing capacity of the rotating drum.
US07861556B2 Method and apparatus for impulsively spinning optical fiber
A method and apparatus for impulsively spinning optical fiber while the optical fiber is being drawn is disclosed herein.
US07861555B2 Article of jewelry
An article of jewelry including a body having an outer major surface and a decorative pattern formed on the outer surface of the body, the pattern including pairs of intersecting grooves and an optically transparent synthetic decorative element that includes admixed glitter, diamond dust, or both formed in a respective well created by the intersection of each pair of intersecting grooves.
US07861547B2 HVAC system control for improved vehicle fuel economy
A method of operating a HVAC system in a vehicle having an engine that operates in a high efficiency mode and a less efficient mode is disclosed. The method may comprise the steps of: operating a refrigerant compressor to cool a passenger compartment and charge a cold thermal storage apparatus; determining if a cold charge in the storage apparatus has exceeded a threshold; enabling compressor cycling if the cold charge in the storage apparatus has exceeded the threshold; detecting if the engine is operating in the high efficiency mode; determining an amount of HVAC loads on the engine; determining a proximity of the engine operation to a switching point from the high efficiency mode to the less efficient mode; and conducting a HVAC load shed if the HVAC load reduction allows the engine to stay below the switching point and the compressor cycling is enabled.
US07861536B2 Ejector controlled twin air source gas turbine pressurizing air system
A passive pressurizing air system for a gas turbine engine includes a flow path for directing an air flow having a low temperature and low pressure, extending through a cavity to a pressurized area of the engine. The cavity contains pressurized air having a high temperature and high pressure. An air flow mixing apparatus is provided for adding the pressurized air from the cavity into the flow path to provide a mixed air flow having an intermediate temperature and intermediate pressure.
US07861531B2 Fairing for a combustion chamber end wall
An annular fairing for covering the annular chamber end wall of a turbomachine combustion chamber, and in particular of an airplane turbojet. The fairing presents openings for passing fuel injectors that are supported by the chamber end wall. The fairing is subdivided into a plurality of adjacent sectors, each sector presenting inner and outer fastener edges capable of being fastened on either side of said chamber end wall. Each sector includes a lip on one of its side edges, which lip is connected to the remainder of the sector by a step, said lip being designed to over the side edge of the adjacent sector.
US07861522B2 Electrically driven brake booster
The present invention relates to an electrically driven brake booster in which boost control is performed as follows; when an input piston is displaced forward by an input rod upon an operation of a brake pedal, an electric motor is operated according to the input, and a primary piston is displaced forward by a ball-screw mechanism, and then a primary and secondary pressure chamber in a master cylinder main body are pressurized. A first seal and a second seal are disposed at a seal portion between the primary piston and the input piston. A portion between the first seal and the second seal is in communication with an outside through a discharge passage. Brake fluid which leaks from the first seal is sealed off by the second seal, and is discharged to the outside through the discharge passage, whereby it becomes possible to prevent that the electric motor and the ball-screw mechanism otherwise might be corroded by the leaking brake fluid.
US07861511B2 System for recirculating the exhaust of a turbomachine
A portion of the exhaust generated by a turbomachine is recirculated through an inlet portion by an exhaust gas recirculation system. The system reduces the level of harmful constituents within the exhaust before the exhaust is recirculated.
US07861505B1 Reduced-weight plant-cutting assembly for a header
A cutting assembly for a header of a plant-cutting machine has an elongate blade support bar including a first elongate segment that can engage a second elongate segment by interlocking. Overlying the elongate blade support bar is a plurality of blade sections, including first sub-plurality of blade sections overlying a first lengthwise portion of the first elongate segment, and a second sub-plurality of blade sections overlying a second lengthwise portion of the first elongate segment and a third lengthwise portion of the second elongate segment. An elongate attach bar overlies the first sub-plurality of blade sections, and a spanning bar overlies the second sub-plurality of blade sections.
US07861503B1 Rotary cutting deck with hydraulic direct driven spindle
A rotary cutting deck with a hydraulic direct driven spindle includes a spindle housing attached to the rotary cutting deck and having a stepped internal bore, and a blade adapter inserted into the stepped internal bore and having a first, upper end connected to a hydraulic motor, and a second lower end with a contact surface against which a rotary cutting blade is clamped. A bolt threaded to the blade adapter provides the only clamping force between the rotary cutting blade and the contact surface, which is substantially flat and does not capture the blade. A notch or hole in the outer edge of the hydraulic direct driven spindle may be engaged to hold the hydraulic direct driven spindle stationary relative to the blade during installation or detachment of the blade.
US07861502B1 Top adjusting linkage for leveling a mower deck
A top adjusting linkage for leveling a mower deck includes a generally vertically aligned lift rod connecting a pair of pivotable arms supporting the mower deck. One of the lift arms may be pivotably connected to a deck lift pedal. The lift rod has an effective length between the pivotable arms, and an engageable upper end to change the effective length. A fender deck with an access hole is provided directly above the upper end of the lift rod, so that an operator can engage the upper end of the lift rod.
US07861490B2 Method of packaging articles
A heat-shrinkable holder is disclosed for securing a plurality of articles. The holder may include a first sheet formed of heat-shrinkable material, and a second sheet formed of heat-shrinkable material and joined to the first sheet. The first sheet and the second sheet each have a substantially equal pre-shrinking length, and are joined so as to create at least two openings therebetween. Each of the openings is sized larger than one of the articles. The first and second sheets are heat-shrinkable to an extent to shrink the openings sufficiently to secure two of the articles together into a unit. Various modifications and additions are possible, including use of more than three sheets, providing for the reading of printed indicia on the articles or holder, providing a handle. Numerous orientations and collections of articles are possible. Related packages including a holder and articles are also disclosed, as well as related methods of manufacture of the holder and package.
US07861488B2 Corrugated decking flooring system
The invention includes a corrugated decking flooring system. The corrugated decking flooring system can include a corrugated deck having at least two flutes and a trough between the flutes. A sound insulation layer generally conformal with both the flutes and the troughs of the corrugated deck can be provided. An underlayment layer can be provided over the sound insulation layer.
US07861487B2 Tile alignment and leveling device
A device for aligning and leveling tiles as they are laid in floors, walls, countertops, or the like. The device has a locking assembly and a bottom plate. The components are combined with a shaft that extends from the bottom plate through the locking assembly so that the locking assembly is movable along the length of the shaft. In use, the device is placed between adjacent tiles so that the locking assembly and bottom plate hold adjacent tiles at a desired height as the setting bed dries.
US07861486B2 Flexible expansion and sealing joint and method for using the same
An expansion joint and seal is provided that is adapted for adherence to a wall and floor interface. The joint is operative to seal the interface such that self-leveling materials cannot flow between the wall and the floor. When adhered to the interface, a compressive member may be disposed coincidental to the wall. This compressive member allows for expansion of solidified self-leveling materials relative to the wall. In one arrangement, the joint and seal utilizes a flexible sheet member having a bottom surface that is adapted for adherence to the interface of a wall and floor. A compressible member is attached to the top surface of the flexible sheet member. The bottom surface of the flexible sheet member may also include a peel-away release member that covers an adhesive disposed on the bottom surface.
US07861471B2 Track assembly with apparatus for forming deck edging for swimming pools
An apparatus is provided for constructing edging around the perimeter of a swimming pool having a decking and a retractable pool cover, wherein an elongated guide connector is attached to a wall of the swimming pool for connecting to a guide member for the pool cover, that includes a form member shaped to form the edging, and a form mating structure on the form member for removably mating the form member to the elongated guide connector.
US07861469B2 Method and apparatus to fix wooden and other foundations
A method and apparatus for supporting and straightening a framed wall includes a plurality of beams, a mounting plate, a bolt, and a pusher. The mounting plate is secured to the beam and the bolt is threadably secured to the mounting plate. The bolt is received by the pusher. When tightened, the bolt applies pressure to the pusher which in turn applies pressure to the framed wall. Alternatively, a plurality of mounting plates and pushers may be used to apply pressure to a cross beam and thereby efficiently apply pressure to a plurality of framed wall beams. By tightening the bolt, the user can apply pressure to the beam and straighten or retain the wall. As the wall shifts during periods of correction, the bolt may be re-tightened to apply additional pressure to the wall.
US07861462B2 Vehicle window regulator having a floating window carrier
A window regulator including a drive rod having a linear axis; a runner connected to the drive rod for movement therealong; a window carrier pivotally secured to the runner for supporting a window; and a guide engaged by the window carrier having a radius of curvature such that the window carrier moves the window along a path coincident with the radius of curvature as the runner moves linearly along the drive rod.
US07861461B2 Method for automatically opening door and device for automatically opening and closing door
A door opening and closing device for a slide door, which can be horizontally open and close the slide door by application of a light load and which can be constructed and maintained at low costs. The door opening and closing device has a transmission mechanism for converting through a lever (31) the amount of settlement of a tread plate (21) placed on floor surfaces at positions in front and back of the slide door (12), into a predetermined displacement amount. The tread plate (21) is weight-wise balanced such that the transmission mechanism and settlement of the tread plate due to the weight of an adjustment weight (W) causes the tread plate (21) to float through the lever (31). Up-down movement of the long transmission member (32) presses a drive rotation body (42) to an open door rail (41), and a component force of the pressing force allows the slide door (12) to be opened by application of a light load.
US07861458B2 Collapsible container
A collapsible container includes a base, at least one side wall and at least one end wall extending from the base, a top ring and a lid. The top ring is positioned on the side wall and the end wall on an opposite side from the base. The lid is hingedly attached to the top ring. The side wall and end wall are pivotable between a collapsed position and a use position relative to the base.
US07861455B2 Artificial bait
An artificial bait for fishing with a flexible appendage (28, 28′) which is made of soft plastic or other resilient material and it is either formed or interchangeably fitted on a radial bearing (27, 27′) rotatably mounted on a shaft (25, 25′, 25″, 23″).
US07861451B1 Folding stack plate for foregrips
Adapter devices, apparatus, systems and methods of allowing a firearm to be supported by a foldable fore grip/gun handle. The fore grip gun handle can have bipod type legs that can be extendable from the handle. The fore grip handle can be just a vertical extension. The adapter can allow for the fore grip/gun handle to move from a fold back position along the bottom of the firearm so that the firearm can be easily carried, and the adapter to can allow for the handle to move down to a vertical support position beneath the firearm when the firearm is to be used. The adapter can also support a light in both a folded position and in a downwardly extended position, where light can be aimed forward, rearward to the side and/or pointed down from the firearm. The adapter can allow for a dual functioning component that can be either or both a fore grip and/or a light source.
US07861448B2 Banner mounting assembly and method
A banner mounting assembly 10 is disclosed. The banner mounting assembly 10 includes a frame assembly 11 having a top frame 12 and a bottom frame 14 disposed beneath the top frame. The top frame 12 has four sections 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d, and the bottom frame 14 has four corresponding sections 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d. Clamp assemblies 20 disposed on each bottom frame section 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d of the frame assembly 11 secure a banner 16 or other advertisement media to the frame assembly 11 after the banner 16 has been disposed within the frame assembly 11. Each of the top frame sections 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d is hinged to the corresponding bottom frame sections 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d, thereby allowing the top frame sections 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d to be moved between a closed position and an open position.
US07861447B2 Outdoor fluorescent lamp fixture
Provided is a lamp supporting device mounted in an illuminating advertising signboard, particularly which is formed as an assembly type that makes carrying and storage thereof convenient thereby being generally used without limitation in various sizes (length) of lamps with simple replacement of a center frame, and can arrange lamps in a way being overlapped thereby avoiding blackening and in a plurality of lines while freely adjusting the width between the lamps.
US07861441B1 Gift card envelope
An envelope for one or more gift cards is disclosed.
US07861438B2 Footwear with free floating upper
A novel shoe construction provides a unique fit and feel to the shoe wearer's foot. The shoe construction is a variation in what is typically called vulcanized shoe construction. Wherein the conventional vulcanized shoe construction bands of flexible material are permanently adhered or vulcanized to the shoe sole and to a portion of the upper adjacent the shoe sole, in the shoe construction of the invention upper sections of the bands are let loose by being unattached to the shoe upper. In addition, a toe cap of the shoe and a heel counter of the shoe are secured to the shoe sole, but are unattached to the shoe upper. This construction results in a shoe that not only has a unique appearance, but also has a unique feel to the shoe wearer's foot with the upper surrounding the foot being free floating along the sides of the foot as well as across the toes and heel of the foot.
US07861433B2 Railway car coupler reconditioning contour gauge
A railway car coupler head contour gauge includes a cylindrical portion configured to be rotatably coupled to a coupler head. A gauging blade is coupled to the cylindrical portion. The gauging blade includes a gauging contour that is configured to align with a contour face of a top pulling lug of the coupler head after operational use of the coupler head.
US07861416B1 Firewood cutting gage chain saw attachment
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 powerful magnet and an anti-slip 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 said rod 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 said 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 said bores firmly locking the measured length adjustment in place.
US07861407B2 Busbar structure, method of producing the busbar structure, and electric motor having the busbar structure
A method of producing a busbar structure includes a busbar arranging step for arranging a plurality of the busbars at predetermined positions in a cavity which is formed between a fixed mold and a movable mold which can be clamped and opened with respect to the fixed mold, and clamping the two molds, a resin filling step for filling molten resin into the cavity in which the busbars have been arranged, and a busbar fixing step for hardening the molten resin which has been filled thereby to fix the busbars at predetermined positions with the hardened resin, and opening the two molds. Interposed pins to be interposed between the busbars which are arranged in close proximity to each other are detachably disposed in an engaged part of the movable mold, and removed from a molded product when the two molds are opened.
US07861406B2 Method of forming CMOS transistors with dual-metal silicide formed through the contact openings
Methods and associated structures of forming a microelectronic device are described. Those methods may include amorphizing at least one contact area of a source/drain region of a transistor structure by implanting through at least one contact opening, forming a first layer of metal on the at least one contact area, forming a second layer of metal on the first layer of metal, selectively etching a portion of the second metal layer, annealing the at least one contact area to form at least one silicide, and removing the unreacted first metal layer and second metal layer from the transistor structure and forming a conductive material in the at least one contact opening.
US07861403B2 Current transformer cores formed from magnetic iron-based alloy including final crystalline particles and method for producing same
A current transformer core has a ratio of the core outside diameter Da to the core inside diameter Di of <1.5, a saturation magnetostriction λs of =|4| ppm, a circular hysteresis loop with 0.50=Br/Bs=0.85 and an Hcmax=20 mA/cm. The current transformer core is made of a soft magnetic iron alloy in which at least 50% of the alloy structure is occupied by fine-crystalline particles with an average particle size of 100 nm or less, and the iron-based alloy comprises, in essence, one combination.
US07861400B2 Fabricating a write head with multiple electronic lapping guides
Write heads and corresponding methods of fabrication are provided using multiple electronic lapping guides to collect information regarding multiple distances of a write head, such as a throat height and a flare point distance of a write pole. A method of fabricating a write head includes fabricating a write pole and a corresponding write pole ELG. The method further includes fabricating a trailing shield and a corresponding trailing shield ELG. The method further includes performing a lapping process on the write head, and monitoring a lapping depth of the lapping process based on the resistance of the write pole ELG and the resistance of the trailing shield ELG.
US07861389B2 AT cut quartz crystal resonator element and method for manufacturing the same
An AT cut quartz crystal resonator element includes a quartz crystal element piece having an exciting part formed from an AT cut quartz crystal plate in a rectangular shape having an X-axis direction of a quartz crystal set to a long side, and an exciting electrode formed on each of front and back main surfaces of the exciting part, in which each side surface in the longitudinal direction of the exciting part is composed of two faces, an m-face of a quartz crystal and a crystal face other than the m-face.
US07861376B2 Hinge with damper
The invention relates to a hinge, particularly for movable furniture parts (1), comprising: at least seven rotational pins; at least two stop parts (2, 3) for fastening to furniture parts (1) or the like, and; a linear damping device for damping an opening and/or closing movement of the hinge. This hinge is designed in such a manner that all components (8, 9) of the linear damping device (7) execute a motion relative to both stop parts (2, 3) during the opening and/or closing movement of the hinge.
US07861367B2 Vacuum cleaner
The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner with a dirt collection tank which has a suction inlet and is in flow connection with at least one suction unit via at least one filter and at least one extraction line, and with at least one external air inlet which opens into the extraction line downstream of the filter and can be closed by means of at least one closing valve, wherein the closing valve has a movable valve member which is acted upon by a spring-elastic restoring device with a closing force and in the closing position, in addition, by a magnetic holding device with a magnetic holding force. In order to develop the vacuum cleaner further in such a manner that it makes a particularly effective cleaning of the filter possible, it is suggested in accordance with the invention that the magnetic holding device have an electromagnet which can be acted upon with an exciting current for the purpose of closing the closing valve and that the valve member can be moved continuously back into the closing position via the open position, proceeding from the closing position, when the exciting current is interrupted, wherein the switch-off time of the exciting current is adapted to the movement time of the valve member.
US07861363B2 Beam blade windshield wiper assembly having an airfoil
A beam blade wiper assembly including a rubber wiping element and an elongated beam having first and second longitudinal ends. The wiper assembly also includes an airfoil having an attachment portion and an upper portion extending between first and second distal ends. The attachment portion includes a flat rib and a pair of legs adapted to operatively engage the rubber wiping element. The upper portion includes a solid base having a leading edge that extends from the base toward the wiping element. The base and the rib define a space that receives the elongated beam. The base and the elongated beam define a cavity that provides flexibility between the upper portion and the attachment portion during wiper operation. The upper portion further includes a spoiler that extends from the base in a manner opposite to the leading edge.
US07861362B2 Compound water-wiper apparatus
A water-wiper apparatus has a handle having a height, width, and length with a substantially oval shape in cross-section orthogonal to the length, a major axis of the oval shape in the direction of the height, the handle formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material, a first engagement interface along the length of the handle in a region bisected by the major axis, the engagement interface comprising a channel having a shape and a first width and an opening of a second width less than the first width to the outside of the handle, and a wiper blade of the length of the handle, formed of a flexible material and having a second engagement interface shaped to engage the first engagement interface, engaging the wiper blade with the handle, the wiper blade having a curved side in cross section from the handle to a tip end of a wiper leg away from the handle, the curve of the side having a radius of from one-half inch to one-and-one-half inches.
US07861359B1 Vehicle window weather seal strip cleaning tool
A cleaning tool for cleaning the weather sealing strip at the windows of a vehicle has a flat elongate strip that has a brush end and a handle end joined by a medial section, the medial section being offset relative to the brush end by a first obtuse angle and being offset relative to the handle end by a second obtuse angle. The brush end as a twist offset relative to the handle end, the twist being right-handed for right-handed users. The brush end is tapered and has a rounded tip and has a brush material covering this end except at the rounded tip. A handle encompasses the handle end.
US07861353B2 Glove/mitten eraser
The present invention generally relates to an eraser for chalkboards, blackboards, markerboards, or whiteboards and the like. The eraser is worn on the hand of a person and at least the palm of the glove/mitten has an eraser surface for erasing. The glove/mitten is especially suitable for use in a classroom.
US07861346B2 Corrugated metal plate bridge with composite concrete structure
A light to medium-duty bridge structure suitable for use in golf-courses, parks and similar settings. The bridge structure comprises at least one corrugated metal plate having corrugations oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bridge structure. Applied to the upper surface of this corrugated metal plate is a layer of concrete or like material to provide a support/running surface. The corrugated metal plate is provided with a plurality of devices adapted to engage the concrete or like material so as to provide a composite corrugated metal plate-concrete structure capable of supporting light to medium-duty loads.
US07861341B2 Restraint with shoulder harness adjuster
A restraint for holding a person atop a gurney or on a vehicle seat. A harness includes a pair of straps slidably mounted to a main frame. The straps are connected to an adjuster. A slide plate is mounted to the frame with the straps extending therethrough. A spring loaded device normally positions the plate to position the straps apart from the shoulders of a person positioned beneath the straps until the straps are pulled relative to an adjuster moving the plate and the straps adjacent the shoulders of the person.
US07861337B1 Hammock device for infants
A hammock device for cradling infants comprising a foldable support base for placing on a ground surface; a first and second support brace pivotally attached to the base; a swinging bar pivotally connected to the first support brace via a first control box and to the second support brace via a second control box; a sheet-like hammock component wherein the first end is attached near the first end of the swinging bar and the second end is attached near the second end of the swinging bar such that an inner cavity is formed in which the infant may be placed; and a motor disposed in the first control box that causes the swinging bar to rotate in a first direction and a second direction.
US07861331B2 Reduced water consumption flush toilet
A reduced water consumption flush toilet for a motor vehicle includes a bowl assembly, a waste ball valve assembly and a water valve assembly. The bowl assembly defines a bowl and a discharge opening at a lower end of the bowl. The waste ball valve assembly is mounted to the flush toilet for selectively opening and closing the discharge opening of the bowl assembly. The water valve assembly delivers a source of flush water to the bowl. The water valve assembly includes a water valve operable in a water valve open condition and a water valve closed condition. The flush toilet further includes a common actuator for controlling both the waste ball valve assembly and the water valve assembly. The common actuator is movable from a first position to an intermediate position and from the intermediate position to a second position such that in the first position the waste ball valve assembly closes the discharge opening and the water valve assembly is in the closed condition, in the intermediate position the waste ball valve assembly closes the discharge opening and the water valve assembly is in the open position for adding water to the bowl, and in the second position the waste ball valve assembly opens the discharge opening and the water valve assembly is in the open position for flushing the bowl.
US07861329B2 Disposable drain filter
The present invention provides a disposable drain filter comprising a central shaft having a first end region and second end region, and a plurality of snaring discs having a central opening to accommodate the shaft. The snaring discs having radially emanating fins that form a fin snaring disc, wherein each fin is defined by a flat upper wall and a pair of side wall surfaces that meet at a single point, the flat upper wall having a plurality of upwardly projecting protrusions placed at the junction of the upper wall and side walls, to further grip materials. The fin has a narrow first end region affixed to the hollow tube, and a wide second end region. The second end regions of adjacent fins are separated by a 0.25 inch gap. A barb snaring disc is placed sequentially after each fin snaring disc, thereby forming an alternating sequence of snaring discs, wherein the barb snaring discs have radially emanating bristle extensions with barbs to further grip materials. The filter is dimensioned to take a resting position above the trap region of a shower drain. The filter can also be applied to a kitchen and lavatory drain.
US07861325B2 Swimming goggles with strap positioning function
A pair of swimming goggles includes a body having a strap coupling section formed on each of two sides thereof. Each strap coupling section includes front and rear faces, with upper and lower grooves formed in the front face. Each groove includes a slot in an outer end thereof and a through-hole in an inner end thereof. The slots and the through-holes extend from the front face through the rear face. A head strap includes two ends each extending in sequence through one of the slots, one of the grooves, one of the through-holes, the other through-hole, the other groove, and the other slot, with the head strap forming upper and lower clamping sections.
US07861318B2 Pad wearable over articulated joint
A pad, such as a knee, elbow, or shoulder pad, is wearable over an articulatable joint involving an arm of a wearer or a leg of a wearer and is constructed so as to define two flexing lines extending between an upper edge of the pad and a lower edge of the pad, which flexing lines define a central region of the pad and two lateral regions of the pad, so as to define a flexing line spaced from the central region and extending through each of the lateral regions, and so as to define plural flexing lines spaced from the upper and lower edges and from one another and extending across the central region, between the lateral regions. The pad comprises plural layers, which are sewn so as to define the flexing lines, and at least some of those layers are fabric layers.