Document Document Title
US08182164B2 Printing apparatus and print setting method
A printing apparatus which prints one image by sequentially transferring a set of a plurality of color inks to roll paper from an ink ribbon cyclically coated with the plurality of color inks, the apparatus comprising: an acquisition unit which acquires image data; a print processing unit which prints an image on the roll paper based on the image data acquired by the acquisition unit; a cutting unit which cuts the roll paper after the print processing unit prints the image; and a setting unit which sets a cutting position, the setting unit displaying an image to be printed on a display unit together with the cutting position, and changing the cutting position in accordance with an operation to an operation member, wherein the cutting unit cuts the roll paper in accordance with the cutting position set by the setting unit.
US08182161B2 Controlled fold document delivery
There is provided a method to image a dual-sided thermal media including a plurality of contiguous, alternating first and second thermally imageable panels distinguished by one or more associated sense marks, each of the imageable panels including a first and second imageable sides. The method includes determining a starting panel of the alternating first and second thermally imageable panels of the thermal media on which to start imaging one or more received pages of data, determining a starting side of the first and second imageable sides of the starting panel according to number of the one or more received pages of data, advancing the thermal media to the starting panel using at least one of the of the one or more associated sense marks, and imaging the thermal media with the one or more received pages of data starting at the determined starting side of the advanced to determined panel. There are also provided a dual-sided direct thermal printer to image the dual-sided thermal media and the dual-sided thermal media for dual-sided imaging.
US08182158B2 Fixture for shape-sensing optical fiber in a kinematic chain
Localized strain is effectively eliminated in a shape sensing optical fiber where the fiber exits a link in a kinematic chain. In one aspect, the fiber is positioned in a channel within a fiber fixture portion of the link, and a surface of a lip of the channel is curved. The curved surface of the lip begins tangent to a wall of the channel and has a maximum radius of curvature that is less than the minimum bend radius that the fiber will experience during shape sensing. In another aspect, the fiber is positioned within a shape memory alloy tube that extends from the link.
US08182153B2 Bearing damper with spring seal
A bearing damper includes: (a) an annular sleeve having spaced-apart grooves formed in a radially-facing surface therein; (b) an annular bearing race received in the sleeve; and (c) a resilient seal ring disposed in each of the grooves, wherein the seal rings cooperate with the sleeve and a radially-facing surface of the bearing race to define a closed annular gap, and further wherein the seal rings are sized so as to urge the bearing race towards a coaxial position relative to the sleeve.
US08182151B2 Hydration system with disposable bag and sleeve fastening assembly
A disposable bag hydration system. A reusable bag sleeve fastening assembly comprises an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve, and a cap. A lip portion of the inner sleeve is inserted into a bag fill hole, and the outer sleeve is positioned over the inner sleeve. A periphery area of bag material around the hole is sealed between portions of inner sleeve and the outer sleeve. A drinking tube is attached to a cap which is secured to the outer sleeve.
US08182140B2 Thermal icing conditions detector
A sensor for detecting icing conditions in an airstream includes a flow housing mounted on an aircraft and in which one or more probes are mounted. At least one of the probes subjected to impingement of the airstream and liquid moisture droplets in such airstream. The heat removal, or cooling effect on the probe in the airstream carrying liquid droplets is determined. A temperature signal indicating the airstream temperature is combined with signals from the at least one probe for determining whether or not icing conditions are present.
US08182139B2 Calibration of temperature sensing circuitry in an electronic device
Temperature sensing circuitry is used for thermal management of an electronic device. The temperature sensing circuitry includes at least one thermistor placed at or near a component of the electronic device. The temperature sensing circuitry also includes a high-precision resistor for calibration purposes. The resistance of the resistor is equivalent to the resistance of the thermistor at a reference temperature. A calibration reading is obtained using a set current that is being passed through the resistor. An error present in the temperature sensing circuitry is determined based on the calibration reading and a design value. A temperature measurement associated with the component is then made using the thermistor, while the set current is being passed through the thermistor. The error is corrected in the temperature measurement of the component. Other embodiments are also described.
US08182135B2 Mixing machine with bowl support
A mixing machine includes a base, a head including a rotatable output member for receiving a mixer tool and a support column extending vertically from the base to the head. A bowl receiving assembly is below the head. The bowl receiving assembly is configured to move vertically along the support column and defining a bowl receiving location. A bowl lock assembly includes a moveable bowl lock member carried by the bowl receiving assembly and having an unlock position and a lock position. The bowl lock assembly is configured such that placement of the bowl lock member in the unlock position or the lock position depends on a vertical position of the bowl receiving assembly.
US08182134B2 Mixing system for thermoset compositions including static and rotary mixers
Systems for mixing thermoset compositions are disclosed. Methods for making thermoset compositions using such systems are also disclosed. The systems include a static mixer in combination with a rotary mixer for mixing base and curing agent components of the thermoset compositions.
US08182130B2 Light guiding structure of a light guide plate
A light guiding structure of a light guide plate is provided. The light guiding structure comprises a plurality of protrusion ridge portions extending along a longitudinal direction. The height or the vertex angle of each protrusion ridge portion periodically or randomly varies along the longitudinal direction.
US08182128B2 Planar white illumination apparatus
In one aspect, an illumination structure includes a substantially non-fiber waveguide, which itself includes a discrete in-coupling region for receiving light, a discrete propagation region for propagating light, and a discrete out-coupling region for emitting light.
US08182126B2 Automotive headlamp apparatus synthesizing light distribution patterns of right and left lamp units
An automotive headlamp apparatus includes a left lamp unit, a right lamp unit and a headlamp apparatus control unit. Each of the left lamp unit and the right lamp unit includes a bulb, a movable shade, a shade moving mechanism and a fixed shade. Each movable shade can advance or recede with respect to the light axis of the bulb, and forms an individual light distribution pattern for a low-beam by shielding part of a light at an advanced position while allowing formation of a partial shape of a light distribution pattern for a high-beam at a receded position. The fixed shade forms the partial shape of the light distribution pattern for a high-beam when the movable shade is located at the receded position. A pattern control unit determines each shape of the individual light distribution patterns by controlling each of the shade moving mechanisms in the left lamp unit and the right lamp unit, and also determines a shape of a synthesized light distribution pattern by superimposing each of the individual light distribution patterns one on another.
US08182125B2 External safety illumination for a bus with light mounted to mirror arm
A light source along the mirror mounting arm of a school bus or other passenger vehicle to reduce the risk of people or other objects being injured by the school bus. The light source may be mounted directly on the mirror mounting arm or embedded within a mirror mount. The light source may be focused downward to illuminate the ground and may provide vehicle status information and guiding information. Additionally the light source may sweep the ground back and forth or be directed under the control of the driver. The light source may be activated automatically when movement is detected near the vehicle.
US08182123B2 Flat illumination device for illumination and backlighting with integrated emergency power supply
The invention relates to a flat light-emitting lighting device for a vehicle, and to a method for providing emergency energy supply to the lighting device. A shallow installation depth and low power consumption of the lighting device may be ensured by the use of a flat OLED illumination device. Due to the low power consumption of the flat OLED illumination device, an emergency energy supply may be integrated without this increasing the installation depth. Such flat lighting devices, which in the case of emergency are self-supplying, may, for example, be used in aircraft in order to, with suitable icons or text, indicate escape routes or other emergency-relevant information.
US08182108B2 Dynamo light
A retractable leash light has a light housing; and a handle formed on the light housing for handgrip. The light has an LED element and a switch. The light is connected to an electric circuit. A crank mechanism is mounted on the light housing, and the crank mechanism has a knob pivotally mounted to a crank arm of the crank mechanism. The crank mechanism also has a crank wheel mechanically connected to the crank arm of the crank mechanism. A generator is connected to the crank wheel. Rotation of the crank wheel powers the generator to generate electricity output from the generator. The generator is connected to the electric circuit for powering the electric circuit. A leash is mounted on a leash spool. The leash spool is mounted within the light housing. The leash is retractable into the light housing and extendable from the light housing.
US08182103B1 Modular MMW power source
A millimeter wave power source module may include N submodules, each of which includes M circuit devices, where M and N are greater than one. Each circuit device may have an output connected to a corresponding radiating element. Each submodule may include a power divider having K input ports and M output ports, where K is a factor of M. Each input port may be coupled to a corresponding receiving element, and each output port may be coupled to an input of a corresponding circuit device. Each submodule may include a heat spreader for removing heat from the circuit devices. The power source module may include a combination RF feed network and heat sink. The combination RF feed network and heat sink may include a wavefront expander to expand the RF input wavefront along at least one axis, and to direct the expanded wavefront to the receiving elements of the N submodules. The combination RF feed network and heat sink may also include a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the heat spreaders of the N submodules.
US08182102B2 Transparent support, optical film, polarizing plate and image display device
Provided is a transparent support including a light-transmitting particle having an average particle diameter of 6 to 20 μm, wherein the transparent support has a thickness of from 20 to 200 μm, the light-transmitting particle is contained in a ratio of 0.5 to 20 mass % based on entire solid content in the transparent support, and the transparent support has an arithmetic average roughness (Ra) of 0.05 μm or less.
US08182100B2 Free-form condenser optic
A condenser for directing light from a UHP arc lamp or other generally cylindrical source onto a target such as a microdisplay in line with a front end of the lamp comprises a primary mirror to direct light from the source towards the back end of the condenser, and a secondary mirror at the back end of the condenser to direct the light from the primary mirror onto the target.
US08182085B2 Curved lenses configured to decode three-dimensional content
Curved lenses configured to decode three dimensional content and method of fabricating the same. The lenses comprise a polyvinylalcohol polarizer film or similar type of material laminated with triacetate or similar type material on one or both sides, wherein the polarizer film has a polarizing efficiency equal to or exceeding 99% and a transmittance percentage equal to or exceeding 35% and a retarder film (e.g., norbornene copolymer resin) laminated on a front surface of the polyvinylalcohol polarizer film laminated with triacetate and aligned to produce a desired circular polarization responsive to specified retardation wavelengths. Thermoforming and press polishing techniques may be used to fabricate/curve the blanks into lenses. The lenses (optical elements) may be used in an injection molding process to add thickness.
US08182083B2 Print module having pivotable support/instrumentation rack for print head assembly
A print module for printing mailpieces comprises a print head assembly operative to deposit ink on each mailpiece and a registration plate for registering a first surface of each of the mailpieces during print operations. The print module includes a conveyor belt opposing the registration plate and engaging a second surface of each of the mailpieces for conveyance along a feed path. Disposed beneath and supporting an underside surface of the conveyor belt, is a continuous compliant deck operative to urge the conveyor belt and mailpieces toward the registration plate during printing. The compliant deck is also operative to print consecutive mailpieces of variable thickness dimension. The print module also includes a pivotable support rack for mounting the print head assembly to a housing. A pair of gas springs produces a moment about a pivot axis to bias the support rack to an open position and a pair of locking mechanisms produces a biasing moment opposing the moment produced by the gas springs to retain the support rack in a closed position.
US08182081B2 Inkjet recording apparatus
An inkjet recording apparatus may include at least one inkjet head configured to eject ink onto a recording medium. The inkjet recording apparatus may also include a conveying device configured to convey the recording medium in a conveying direction, the conveying device including a recording-medium support surface that opposes the inkjet head and includes a plurality of holes. The inkjet recording apparatus may further include a suction device configured to suck air through the holes to attach the recording medium to the recording-medium support surface. The inkjet recording apparatus may yet further include a duct including an opposing opening that opposes the suction device via the recording-medium support surface, and a non-opposing opening that does not oppose the suction device.
US08182080B2 Image forming method
An image forming method includes: moisture-controlling one surface of an inkjet recording medium having an air permeability of 300 seconds or more; feeding the moisture-controlled inkjet recording medium onto a conveyance path in a state where the moisture-controlled inkjet recording medium is curled such that a surface of the moisture-controlled inkjet recording medium that is curved inwards faces the conveyance path for conveying the inkjet recording medium; conveying the fed inkjet recording medium while adhering the inkjet recording medium by suction onto the conveyance path; and forming an image by applying ink by an inkjet method on the inkjet recording medium adhered by suction to the conveyance path.
US08182075B2 Liquid delivery system and manufacturing method thereof
The liquid delivery system is equipped with a liquid container that is installable on the liquid jetting device, a liquid supply device, and a liquid flow passage member. The liquid container is equipped with a recess portion having an opening provided on a first surface, a container main unit having a liquid delivery portion for delivering liquid to the liquid jetting device, and a sealing film that seals the opening of the recess portion to define together with an inner surface of the recess portion a chamber and a inner flow passage at an upstream side of the liquid delivery portion. The liquid flow passage member is connected to at least one of the chamber and the inner flow passage via a hole provided on the sealing film.
US08182070B2 Liquid ejecting print head, liquid ejecting device including the same, and image forming apparatus including the same
A liquid ejecting print head, which may be included in a liquid ejecting device and/or an image forming apparatus, includes a plurality of print head units arranged across a longitudinal direction of the liquid ejecting print head and aligned in a zigzag manner in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the liquid ejecting print head, a plurality of nozzle arrays mounted on each print head unit and including a plurality of nozzle orifices for ejecting a droplet of ink, an energy generating element mounted on each print head unit and provided for each nozzle orifice for generating energy for ejecting the droplet of ink, and a wiring member including a plurality of wirings formed to run in an identical direction with respect to each print head unit and configured to transmit respective signals to the energy generating element.
US08182061B2 Apparatus having head cleaning unit for enhanced capability for cleaning liquid dispensing head
A cleaning unit for use in an inkjet recording apparatus, having an inkjet head including a nozzle face, includes a first wiping member and a second wiping member. The first wiping member slides on the nozzle face in a given direction while in contact with the nozzle face to remove ink from the nozzle face and accumulate the ink to one side of the nozzle face. The second wiping member, disposed rearward of the first wiping member with respect to the given direction, removes the ink accumulated by the first wiping member.
US08182045B2 Cover for a side-dump trailer or truck
A cover for a side-dump trailer or truck is disclosed wherein a rigid cover comprised of metal, fiberglass or plastic is movably mounted with respect to the side-dump trailer or truck so that the cover may be moved from a closed position over the upper end of the side-dump body or which may be pivotally moved to either side of the side-dump body so that the side-dump body may be pivotally moved to a dumping position opposite to that of the cover.
US08182039B2 Coupling device of vehicle seat
A coupling device of a vehicle seat includes disc-shaped first and second coupling members; at least two lock member; and guide portions that guide the lock members. The guide portions are disposed on sides of each lock member. When the lock members are pushed outwardly in the radial direction so that external teeth of each lock member are engaged with internal of the second coupling member, the lock member is inclined with respect to the corresponding guide portions, and a portion of each side surface of the lock member contacts the side surface of the corresponding guide portion. At this time, one of the lock members is rotated in a rotational direction opposite to a rotational direction in which the other lock member is rotated.
US08182038B2 Vehicle seat having a device for controlling a pneumatic suspension system
A vehicle seat having a device for controlling a pneumatic suspension system, by means of which the vehicle seat is spring-mounted relative to a vehicle body part, including at least one directional-control valve which is pneumatically connected to the device for controlling the suspension system and which is arranged in the region of a seat part of the vehicle seat, the seat part being movable relative to a base frame and which is adjustable by a movement of the seat part relative to the base frame.
US08182037B2 Fold-and-dive seat assembly for vehicle
A fold-and-dive seat assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The fold-and-dive seat assembly includes a seat cushion dived downward toward a floor panel by means of a dive link, a seat back connected to the seat cushion by a connection link, and rotatably connected to the floor panel to be folded toward the seat cushion, a head rest provided on an upper end of the seat back, a sliding unit, connected to the head rest and the seat back, for moving the head rest in a back and forth direction in a sliding manner, and a slid driving member for operating the sliding unit in link with the dive link, upon folding and diving, to slide the head rest in a rearward direction.
US08182029B2 Open roof construction for a vehicle
An open roof construction for a vehicle is disclosed. The open roof construction includes a panel movable between a closed position and a raised or tilted position via operation of a tilting lever and an auxiliary lever. In illustrated embodiments, the tilting lever includes a follower movable along a guide curve to lift a rear end of the panel from the closed position to a raised position. The auxiliary lever provides auxiliary lift to the tilting lever when the follower reaches an opened end of the guide curve. As disclosed, the auxiliary lift lever rotates from a lowered position to an upright position which in illustrated embodiments is generally perpendicular to a stationary roof part to provide additional lift to the tilting lever.
US08182021B2 Pick-up truck box cover
A cover assembly for a pick-up truck cargo box includes first and second rails attachable at the sides of the box. A cover has a first resilient hinge strip connecting a first panel to a second panel and allowing the first panel to pivot relative to the second panel. A third panel is attached to the second panel by a second resilient hinge strip, which allows the second panel to pivot relative to the third panel. The panels are supported on the rails. Latches on the panels hold the panels onto the rails. The cover may be opened by sequentially releasing the latches and folding the panels over onto each other.
US08182015B2 Rear vehicle seat release and carrying handle
The present invention discloses a removable rear seat assembly for use in a motor vehicle having a passenger compartment and a vehicle floor. A seat frame is mounted to the vehicle floor. A release mechanism is provided operatively connecting the seat frame to the vehicle floor as to prevent movement of the seat frame. A release handle is mounted to a rear of the seat frame and is connected to the release mechanism for purposes of activating the release mechanism. The release handle may also be used as a carrying handle allowing for increased maneuverability of the seat frame after removal. The seat frame is removable from the passenger compartment upon a downward pulling and upward rotation of the release handle. This specific movement requirement prevents the inadvertent release of the seat frame from the vehicle floor. The release handle is prevented from an immediate rotation upwards preventing a vehicle occupant from activating the release mechanism by kicking or lifting the release handle. The release handle is freely rotatable downwards to the vehicle floor creating a breakaway feature allowing a vehicle occupant to step on or kick the release handle without activating the release mechanism. These safety features prevent the inadvertent release of the seat frame.
US08182013B1 Tailgate ladder assembly
A tailgate ladder assembly includes a pickup bed having a tailgate hingedly coupled thereto. A housing includes a bottom wall, a top wall and a pair of side walls. The bottom wall is attached to the tailgate and has an open end facing away from the bed. A pair of guides is slidably mounted within the housing and each abuts one of the side walls. Each of the guides has a first end that is extendable outwardly of the front end in a deployed position. A bottom ladder includes a pair of legs and a plurality of steps attached to and extending between the legs. Pivot rods extend through the legs and the guides to pivotally couple the bottom ladder to the guides. The bottom ladder is pivotable to be extendable into the housing or to extend downwardly from the tailgate.
US08182010B2 Robot hand and humanoid robot having the same
Disclosed are a robot hand and a humanoid robot having the same. The robot hand includes a plurality of finger members and a base member to which one end of the finger members is rotatably coupled, respectively. The finger members are rotated through pneumatic pressure so that intervals between adjacent finger members are changed. If the finger members are not used, the intervals between the finger members are widened so that the finger members are prevented from being damaged when the finger members collide with walls or objects.
US08182005B2 Cylinder lock with reinforcements to improve structural strength
A cylinder lock includes a shell that has an enlarged tubular section, and a constricted tubular section. A retractor case that contains a latch retractor for retracting a latch is disposed within the enlarged tubular section. An inner surface of the enlarged tubular section is provided with an interlocking unit that interlocks with the retractor case to prevent relative rotational movements of the retractor case and the shell. In an embodiment, the retractor case has at least one tongue extending radially between a pair of annularly spaced apart interlocking elements of the interlocking unit.
US08182003B2 Exit device and method of operating the same
The invention provides a method of operating an exit device. The exit device includes a locking mechanism for locking and unlocking a door, the locking mechanism having a latch bolt movable between an extended state and a retracted state, and a link connected to the latch bolt and movable between locked and unlocked positions, movement of the link between the locked and unlocked positions causing movement of the latch bolt between the extended state and the retracted state to lock and unlock the door, and a motor operably connected to the link. The method comprises operating the motor to move the link in a first direction toward the unlocked position, the motor being operated until the link reaches a hard stop position; thereafter determining a soft stop position based on the hard stop position; and thereafter selectively using the motor to move the link in the first direction toward the unlocked position, the motor being operated only until the link reaches the soft stop position.
US08182001B2 Direct action window lock
A window latch for a sliding window having a sliding sash including a latch plate and a housing. The housing includes an engagement element movable relative to the housing from a locked position operatively engaged with the latch plate to an unlocked position disengaged from the latch plate. A handle is operatively coupled to the engagement element and movable from a first position to a second position in a first direction corresponding to the direction the sliding sash to which the handle is attached moves to an open position. The handle operatively moves the engagement element from the locked position to the unlocked position as the handle is moved in the first direction toward the second position.
US08181997B2 Water hose connector
A water hose connector assembly has a main body, an elastic snapper seat, a sleeve and a pipe locking ring. A plurality of oblique guide blocks are formed on a tubular portion of the main body. The oblique guide blocks have an oblique guide surface. An elastic snapper seat has a C-shaped chassis and a plurality of elastic claws. The chassis is received in slots at a bottom of the oblique guide blocks. Elastic pushers are formed onto an inner wall of the sleeve and aligned with the oblique guide blocks.
US08181994B1 Sheet with wristband
A printable form comprising a printable face surface and a wristband releasably bonded to f the printable face surface. In at least one embodiment the wristband may be detached from the printable face surface and secured to around a body part for use in identification. In at least one embodiment the wristband comprises one or more labels that may be detached therefrom.
US08181991B2 Instrument panel with positive locking capabilities
An instrument panel assembly having a locking feature. The instrument panel assembly includes an elongated member attached to a portion of the vehicle and extending towards the instrument panel assembly, a lower panel spaced apart from the elongated member, at least one clip disposed on one of either the lower panel or the elongated member; and a corresponding number of tabs disposed on the other of said lower panel or said elongated member. The clip and tabs are spaced apart from and registered to each other so as to lockingly engage each other and keep the lower panel in contact with the elongated member when the lower panel and elongated member are driven into contact with each other.
US08181988B2 Airbag apparatus
An airbag of an airbag apparatus includes a bag body, a supplementary bag, a communication hole that communicates the bag body and the supplementary bag, an open/close element that opens and closes the communication hole and a connecting element extending from the open/close element. The connecting element is connected at the leading end to an anchor mechanism that regulates the operation of the open/close element under control of a control device. The open/close element keeps closing the communication hole while the anchor mechanism holds the connecting element whereas opens the communication hole when the anchor mechanism releases the connecting element such that inflation gas is fed into the supplementary bag.
US08181987B2 Air bag deployment door with force transmitting hinge
An air bag deployment apparatus is provided for use in an air bag deployment system of an automotive vehicle. The apparatus has a support base for attachment to a rear surface of an occupant facing substrate. A door support panel has upper and lower surfaces and four side edges for attachment to the rear surface of the substrate within the area of an air bag deployment door. An air bag chute extends downward from the support base and contains a plurality of skirt walls for defining a path for deployment of an air bag from beneath the substrate. A hinge element extends from one of the skirt walls to one edge of the door support panel wherein the hinge element has upper and lower surfaces joined by a left side surface and a right side surface. At least one of the side surfaces protruding from the skirt wall includes an undercut so that a lower corner of the hinge element forms an obtuse angle, resulting in better transfer of deployment forces through the hinge element.
US08181986B2 Directional device for deployment of an airbag
A directional device for the deployment of an airbag includes a deflection element that directs airbag deployment, the deflection element on actuation of the airbag exerting a pressure on the airbag which is directed away from the windscreen during the entire airbag deployment phase such that the airbag is directed away from the windscreen on its deployment. The directional device prevents damage/destruction of the windscreen on actuation of the airbag and thus improves protection of the vehicle occupants. The directional device is also capable of being variable fixed and replaceable in an airbag configuration/covering and may also optionally be integrated therein such that simplification of the development or series production of the airbag configuration is achieved.
US08181978B2 Bicycle suspension system
In a preferred embodiment, an ultra-light weight suspension fork for bicycles that provides smooth action of the suspension system that hitherto has been unachievable. This fork assembly contains a telescoping mechanism located in the head tube of the bicycle that uses linear roller bearings to reduce stiction and prevent torsional losses, but limits weight by only using two such bearings. Side-to-side load is eliminated by the use of two longitudinal members in close proximity to the inner tube of this telescoping mechanism. The telescoping mechanism is coupled to the wheel via an arched single-sided fork crown designed to maintain torsional and braking stiffness. The arched crown contains arches in two dimensions. The fork crown is coupled to the wheel via a shaped fork tube whose wall is thickened while the outside diameter is reduced so that the connection point to the axle mechanism has the same outside diameter as the fork tube thereby enabling significant strengthening of the assembly.
US08181971B2 Sealing ring
A sealing ring has a sealing element with at least one fastening part and at least one sealing part provided with a sealing edge. The sealing element is essentially of rotational symmetry. The sealing edge, at least over a portion of a circumference thereof, is positioned in a slanted position relative to a seal axis at an angle different from a 90 degree angle, viewed in a projection onto an axial plane of the sealing ring.
US08181969B2 Lubrication blocking seal
A lubrication blocking seal includes a hollow body that has upper and lower planar surfaces, a surrounding wall, a reservoir area and an open top. The body has upper and lower seal-receiving recesses located in the upper and lower planar surfaces, and a lower central aperture sized and shaped to fit closely about a rotating shaft. A cover is sized and shaped to seal to the hollow body and has an upper central aperture sized and shaped to fit closely about the rotating shaft and means for mounting a bearing about the shaft and to the cover. A lower seal is sized and shaped to fit closely about the rotating shaft and into the lower seal-receiving recess. An upper seal is sized and shaped to fit closely about the rotating shaft and into the upper seal-receiving recess. A quantity of lubricating material sufficient to fill the reservoir area is provided.
US08181967B2 Variable clearance packing ring
Disclosed is a variable clearance packing ring including a plurality of arcuate packing ring segments positional seriatim, a plurality of biasing member interfaces defined by the plurality of arcuate packing ring segments, and a biasing member interactive with one of the plurality of interfaces on one of the plurality of arcuate segments and one of the plurality of interfaces on an adjacent one of the plurality of arcuate segments.
US08181965B2 Replaceable brush seal elements
The present invention relates to replaceable brush seal assemblies for use with turbines such as industrial gas turbines. In accordance with the present invention, a brush seal assembly comprises a flange, a brush seal mounted to the flange, and retainers preventing rotation of the brush seal relative to the flange. A method of repairing a brush seal having a back plate, side plate, and bristles is also disclosed. The method comprises the steps of removing the side plate and the bristles from the back plate, and securing a second brush seal to the back plate.
US08181962B2 Casino wagering game with bonus suits
A casino wagering game based on the card game of thirty-one. Each player is dealt three cards and the goal is to get as high of a hand as possible. Each player is allowed the option to replace one selected card. A bonus suit can be determined randomly, and if the player's hand is formed using the bonus suit then the player is entitled to playing benefits. The player benefits can include the ability to win on ties as well as receiving bonus payouts on hands.
US08181956B2 Sheet transport device for image forming apparatus
A sheet transport device includes: a registration roller pair that includes a first roller and a second roller lower in abrasion resistance than the first roller, and nips and transports a recording medium; and a drive mechanism that provides a rotation to the first roller to rotate at the first circumferential speed, and provides a rotation to the second roller to rotate at the second circumferential speed different from the first circumferential speed.
US08181955B2 Feeder device and method for moving printed products by planar motion
A feeder device for printed products is provided including at least one first drum rotatable about a first axis; at least one second drum rotatable about a second axis; and an actuator coupled to the at least one first drum and the at least one second drum for reciprocating the at least one first drum and the at least one second drum axially. A printed product conveying device and a method of transporting printed products are also provided.
US08181954B2 Mail feeding device
A feeding device for feeding each of accumulated mail items P onto a conveyance path includes a pickup belt which runs along a pickup position, and a negative-pressure chamber opposing the pickup position with the pickup belt interposed therebetween. When each mail item is picked up from the pickup position and reaches a nip between conveyance belts, air is introduced into the negative-pressure chamber to eliminate negative pressure therein.
US08181951B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus allowing a printing section inside of a casing to print paper and discharging the printed paper from the casing through a discharge port of the casing includes a discharge tray configured such that the position thereof is switchable from a placement position for covering the surface of a feeding belt and receiving the paper discharged from the casing to an exposure position for exposing the surface of the feeding belt, and vice versa, wherein a surface of the discharge tray has a coefficient of friction lower than the surface of the feeding belt.
US08181948B2 Tilt machining device and method
The support system and method enables exact and preferably machine assisted manual location and height placement of a vacuum operated hold down with rigid pre-set support on a conventional working table. A height adjustable jack screw support with angularly flexible hold down enables a holding support engaging the bottom of a work piece even where a lower surface of the work piece has an irregular shape due to the ability of the upper cup support to passively tilt to engage the work piece.
US08181946B2 Liquid enclosing type vibration isolating apparatus
To provide a liquid enclosing type vibration isolating apparatus capable of achieving two resonance characteristics by one orifice path, in a liquid enclosing type vibration isolating apparatus including a main liquid chamber a portion of a chamber wall of which is constituted by a vibration isolating base member, an auxiliary liquid chamber a portion of a chamber wall of which is constituted by a first diaphragm 18, and an orifice path for communicating the main liquid chamber and the auxiliary liquid chamber, an orifice member forming the orifice path is provided with a partition wall for partitioning the orifice path and the auxiliary liquid chamber, and a portion of the partition wall is constituted by a second diaphragm constituted by a flexible rubber-like elastic film facing the auxiliary liquid chamber.
US08181945B2 Cylindrical vibration isolating device
A cylindrical vibration isolating device that prevents damage to a vibration isolating rubber and cracks in a welded portion of a sub-frame. The sub-frame mount comprises an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder connected by the vibration isolating rubber. Small and large diameter portions are provided on a lateral wall of a barrel portion of the outer cylinder. Between the small and large diameter portions is formed a step-like boundary portion. The height in the axial direction of the boundary portion changes in the circumferential direction and has a substantially mountain-like shape with a top projecting in the press fitting direction. A contact area of the large diameter portion contacting a mounting hole of the sub-frame is increased in accordance with an amount of the press fitting. Therefore, when the sub-frame mount is press-fitted into the mounting hole of the sub-frame, the press fitting load is gradually increased.
US08181939B2 Continuous drain-type dehumidifier
A dehumidifier for continuously draining water generated by dehumidification to an external side is provided. The continuous drain-type dehumidifier includes a case having an air inlet and outlet, a dehumidifying unit that remove moisture from air introduced through the air inlet and discharges the air through the air outlet, a middle part member having a bottom portion on which water generated by the dehumidifying unit is dropped and provided with a water outlet, and a water leakage preventing unit that is provided on the water outlet to prevent the water from leaking. The water leakage preventing unit includes a drain nipple cap inserted into the water outlet, a drain nipple snap-fitted to the drain nipple cap, and a ring compressed between the drain nipple cap and the drain nipple and close-contacting an outer circumference of the water outlet.
US08181936B2 Universal jack stand
A jack stand for a vehicle includes a plurality of walls joined together to form a body, the body being hollow. A base is formed by lower edges of the walls and a top surface joins top edges of the walls. One of the walls includes a wall opening and the top includes a top opening, the wall opening and the top opening extending towards one another, meeting proximate the top edge of one of the walls, thereby forming a single, continuous opening extending from the top into one of the walls.
US08181933B2 Pipe joint
The present invention concerns a pipe joint, which includes a socket, and a plug arranged in confronting relation to the socket. A holder is disposed on one end of the socket. Further, a packing is retained between the socket and the holder. In addition, the packing is constructed from a body sealing portion disposed on an outer circumferential side thereof, a plug sealing portion disposed on an inner circumferential side thereof that abuts against an outer circumferential surface of the plug, and a valve sealing portion provided with a seating surface upon which a valve, which is disposed displaceably inside of the socket, can be seated.
US08181929B2 Display stand including means for dispensing and collecting helical cable
A display stand for displaying an article of merchandise includes a base defining an outer periphery and means for dispensing and collecting a helical cable attached to the article of merchandise. The means for dispensing and collecting supports and guides the helical cable along the outer periphery of the base between a retracted length and an extracted length. The dispensing and collecting means may include at least one wheel disposed on the outer periphery of the base. The dispensing and collecting means may include at least one roller disposed on the outer periphery of the base. The dispensing and collecting means may include a low-friction surface disposed on the outer periphery of the base. The dispensing and collecting means may include a scalloped surface disposed on the outer periphery of the base. The display stand may further include a collection tube for delivering the helical cable to the article.
US08181928B2 Device for fixing rod-like apparatus
The present invention discloses a device for fixing a rod-like apparatus in the field of mechanics. The existing problems of the device for fixing the rod-like apparatus, such as infirm fixation and low reliability, are addressed by using the device of the invention. The fixing device of the invention includes a body having a cavity in the interior. One or more notches having recessions are provided on the body. The notches have one or more holding pawls which could be opened and closed at the ends thereof. One or more positioning mechanisms are further provided in the body which could lock the holding pawls, in particular, lock the holding pawls when the notches of the body are closed by the holding pawls. The device of the invention could provide the benefits such as firm fixation, high reliability, an orderly and aesthetic appearance and relatively high practical value.
US08181927B2 Providing constant counterbalance throughout predetermined range of motion
An apparatus includes a lever arm that couples to a pivot point on one end and a display on the other end. The lever arm rotates around the pivot point through a lever arm range of motion, and the weight of the display produces a display torque around the pivot point that varies as the lever arm rotates through the lever arm range of motion. The apparatus also includes a spring that couples to the lever arm using a cable. The spring produces, through the lever arm, a spring torque around the pivot point that is equally opposite of the display torque throughout the lever arm range of motion.
US08181925B1 Ladder mounting paint can holding assembly
A ladder mountable paint can holding assembly includes a panel that has a front side, a back side, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A pair of support engagement members is attached to the panel. One of the support engagement members is positioned adjacent to the first lateral edge and one of the support engagement members is positioned adjacent to second lateral edge. Each of the support engagement members is configured to releasably engage one of the supports of the ladder. A receiving wall for supporting a paint can is attached to and extends outwardly from the front side. The receiving wall has an upper surface orientated perpendicular to the front side. The support engagement members are configured to engage a pair of supports of a ladder at an angle to retain the receiving wall in an approximately horizontal orientation.
US08181919B1 Film bag holder
The apparatus holds open the mouth of a plastic film bag, while holding it upright for filling. It is readily applied and removed after the filling has been done. It is easily cleaned. The holder has a convenient footprint for storage beneath the bag package when in a storage mode. The holder has arms that engage a surface of the bag proximate the bag opening and leg members that engage the other surface of the bag. The arms are removably attached to the leg members with the bag film sandwiched in between them by magnetic force. The combination of spaced-apart arms and spaced-apart leg members together hold the bag open and upright for filling.
US08181904B1 Apparatus for facilitating tire valve stem access in self propelled aircraft undercarriage
A self-propelled aircraft undercarriage is disclosed, comprising: an axle; a strut supporting said axle; at least one wheel rotatably mounted on said axle; a pneumatic tire mounted on said wheel; a valve stem connected to said tire for enabling measurement of the pressure of said tire; and drive means for driving said at least one wheel, mounted externally to said wheel; characterized in that the shape of said drive means accommodates said valve stem. Said undercarriage may be any aircraft undercarriage and specifically may be a nosewheel or main landing gear of an aircraft.
US08181895B2 Wobble stroke adjustment of a cone crusher
A crusher comprising at least a main shaft having an axial line and being mounted on the inner frame of the crusher, an eccentric comprising at least a first eccentric bushing and a second eccentric bushing, a first crushing blade, and a second crushing blade. The first crushing blade is fitted to move along an eccentric path, which path can be adjusted by changing the mutual position of the first eccentric bushing and the second eccentric bushing of the eccentric. The second eccentric bushing comprises a gear transmission for rotating the eccentric, and the crusher comprises adjusting means for changing the mutual position of the gear transmission of the first eccentric bushing and the gear transmission of the second eccentric bushing.
US08181894B2 Device for grinding coffee or other alimentary substances
A device for the grinding of coffee, for instance in (semi)automatic machines for the preparation and the dispensing of drinks, comprising a housing (11), inside which are positioned at least two milling heads (19, 25) of which at least one (19) is revolving, means (2) of driving said at least one revolving milling head (19), an inlet (32) for feeding the coffee between the milling heads (19, 25) and an exit (35) for the ground coffee. Advantageously, the housing (11) and the milling heads (19, 25) internal to it are coupled to the means of driving (2) through an insert-and-lock joint (12, 13, 18, 218, 20, 120) that allows their rapid removal and reassembly without the aid of tools. Preferably the device includes means of regulating the relative distance between the milling heads and at least one sensor (S) for the measurement of such distance and/or a sensor (S1) of the speed of rotation of the drive shaft.
US08181885B2 Method of imaging a coding pattern having an orientation identified via a plurality of direction components
A method of imaging a coding pattern disposed on a surface of a substrate. The method comprises the steps of: (a) capturing an image of a portion of the coding pattern; (b) sampling and decoding a plurality of registration symbols contained in the imaged portion; (c) determining an orientation from the decoded registration symbols; and (d) using the determined orientation to sample and decode tag data.
US08181878B2 Method and apparatus for providing a focus indication for optical imaging of visual codes
A method and apparatus for indicating an in-focus or an out-of-focus condition for an imaging device (1, 2) in an optical reading and decoding apparatus (20) for receiving a coded image from a target area (29) on an article or package. In the method of the invention, two beams of light (27, 28) are generated to provide two illuminated aiming marks (32, 33) on the target. An in-focus condition is indicated when the two aiming marks are in a pre-defined spatial relationship relative to each other on the target. The in-focus condition or an out-of-focus condition can be signaled by controlling attributes of aiming marks (32, 33) or by controlling attributes of status indicator LEDs (12) on the apparatus (20) or by controlling an audible sound.
US08181877B2 Aiming device
An aiming device for an image acquisition apparatus includes light emitting means and a light guide arranged for receiving a luminous radiation generated by the light emitting means and for providing reference image means in an aiming zone, the light guide including consecutive portions of light guide defining preferential directions of passage for the luminous radiation, each portion of light guide being inclined with respect to an adjacent portion of light guide.
US08181874B1 Methods and apparatus for facilitating capture of magnetic credit card data on a hand held device
A computer implemented method for processing data stored on a magnetic stripe of a user medium performed by a hand-held computer system includes displaying an alignment GUI on a display of the computer system, wherein the GUI includes a visual alignment mark on the display at a first offset relative to a MEMS magnetic field sensor in the computer system, wherein when a user aligns the user medium to the alignment mark GUI, a portion of a first track of the magnetic stripe is disposed above the MEMS magnetic field sensor, sensing, by the MEMS magnetic field sensor, magnetic data stored on the first track when the user aligns the user medium to the visual alignment mark, and moves the user medium along the visual alignment mark, and determining user data stored on the first track from the magnetic data stored on the first track.
US08181868B2 System, method, apparatus, and computer program product for monitoring the transfer of cargo to and from a transporter
Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for monitoring the transfer of cargo, such as a shipping container, to and from a transporter, such as a truck. Identification codes are provided on the cargo and the transporter to aid in the identification of the cargo and the transporter. One or more identification code receiving devices, such as a camera, may be associated with a cargo moving apparatus, such as a crane, and configured to automatically capture the transporter identification code and the cargo identification code as the cargo is being transferred to or from the transporter. The transporter identification code and the cargo identification code can be associated with each other along with other information about the transfer in order to monitor the transfer. In this regard, identification information may be communicated to a shipping terminal's operating system to provide real-time information about one or more transfers occurring within a shipping terminal.
US08181859B1 Method of authorizing automated banking machine use responsive to user data read from data bearing records
An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records, such as user cards, to cause machine user authorization and financial transfers. Account data read from a user card is associated in a data store with instructions for displaying a customer interface uniquely associated with the particular bank where the user holds the account. The customer interface includes user-selectable financial transaction options. The arrangement enables the customer interface of the user's home bank, with which the user is familiar, to also be automatically displayed when the user operates automated banking machines of other banks.
US08181858B2 Information banking
A method for conducting a financial transaction can be used by a person using a mobile device to conduct the transaction. The mobile device receives information related to the person that can be used for authentication purposes, such as a PIN or biometric data. The mobile device then authenticates the person by verifying the information received. If the person is authenticated, the transaction is completed using the mobile device, and if the person is not authenticated, the transaction is prevented.
US08181855B2 Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records
An automated banking machine operates using data read from user cards. The machine is operative to transfer funds in account. The machine includes a fascia adapted to be held by a lock adjacent an opening of a housing supported atop a chest. The fascia is in operatively supported connection with the housing and operatively supported by the housing through two horizontally-disposed members. The machine includes at least one serviceable component supported within the housing or by the fascia. The fascia is moved away from the housing while operatively supported by the housing through the two horizontally-disposed members and a servicer may stand between the two horizontally-disposed members while servicing at least one component of the machine. The housing may alternatively or additionally include a rear panel similarly mounted with two horizontally-disposed members for servicing of machine components.
US08181853B2 System controlled by data bearing records including check accepting and cash dispensing automated banking machine
A banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records includes an automated banking machine which includes a deposit accepting device. Data read from a user card through operation of a card reader in the machine is used to determine if the data on the card corresponds to an account of an authorized machine user. The deposit accepting device is operative to receive a stack of sheets and to separate each sheet from the stack through operation of a picker. Each sheet is aligned with the sheet path and analyzed by analysis devices including at least one magnetic read head, an imager and/or a validation device. Sheets determined not to have at least one property of a genuine sheet are returned to a user of the machine. Sheets determined to have at least one property of genuine sheets are processed and stored in the machine. The machine operates to identify malfunctions of the deposit accepting device.
US08181847B1 Shipping container provided with external locking clip
A shipping container including a container body having at least one open end and at least one mounting opening formed therein adjacent to the open end, an end cap having a sidewall provided with a projection that extends away from the sidewall and a slot; and an external locking clip comprising an elongate member having a first end provided with a protruding portion and a second end provided with a receiving portion for receiving an end portion of the protruding portion. The end cap is received in the open end of the container body such that the container body surrounds the sidewall, the projection extends into the mounting opening, and the mounting opening is aligned with the slot in the sidewall. The protruding portion extends through the mounting opening and the aligned slot, and end portion of the protruding portion is received within the receiving portion.
US08181843B1 Friction stir welding method and its device
In a friction stir welding method, a tool is moved being rotated along portions to be joined of a work piece, where the portions include a corner with a smaller curvature that connect two portions with larger curvatures. The method includes the steps of setting the work piece on a supporting member, rotating the tool around a center axis thereof, moving the tool toward the work piece to penetrate a portion of the tool into the work piece at the portions to be joined, and moving and turning the tool along the portions to be joined. A rotation speed of the tool around the center axis thereof is decreased to be smaller at the corner with the smaller curvature than the rotation speed of the tool around the center axis thereof at the portions with the larger curvatures.
US08181831B2 Container and associated dispenser for liquid materials
A container and associated dispenser for liquid is configured to dispense residual liquid from the container after the bulk of liquid has been dispensed from the container. This is accomplished by having a conical projection on the bottom of the container which causes residual liquid to flow into a gutter defined by the wall of the container and the surface of the conical projection. A dip-tube is connected to the dispenser and is rotatable in order to revolve the open free end of the dip-tube to access any circumferential location in the gutter in order to pick up residual liquid.
US08181826B2 Scent sprayer
The scent sprayer is a device for attracting animals. The device incorporates a scent spray dispenser. The dispenser includes an optionally camouflaged housing with a wind vane for rotating the sprayer in the direction of the wind. A radio frequency (RF) receiver is enclosed in the housing. The receiver is connected to a circuit that operates an electromechanical coupler to release a scent from the scent spray dispenser that attracts game. The scent sprayer also includes an RF transmitter that transmits a control signal on the same frequency as the RF receiver to trigger release of the scent. The scent contained in the scent spray dispenser may be urine, blood, pheromones, or any other scent suited to the game being hunted.
US08181823B2 Pouch and method of producing pouch container with spout
A pouch and a production method for a spout pouch container are provided, which suppress curling of an opened spout attachment edge portion and offset of a filling port defining edge portion adjacent to the spout attachment edge portion when a spout is heat-sealed to the spout attachment edge portion. The pouch (10) is of a bottom gusset type, which includes a pair of front and rear exterior sheets (11, 12) and a gusset sheet (13) folded inward from lower portions of the exterior sheets (11, 12) to define a bottom gusset portion. When a spout (20) is attached to the pouch (10), a spout attachment edge portion (10A) and a filling port defining edge portion (10B) disposed adjacent the spout attachment edge portion (10A) and defining a filling port through which a liquid product is filled as content in the pouch are unsealed, but a spot-seal portion (PS) formed by partly heat-sealing the pouch is disposed in a region around a boundary between the spout attachment edge portion (10A) and the filling port defining edge portion (10B).
US08181821B2 Dispenser assembly
A dispenser (10) for items (26), such as cans (28) or bottles (30), including a main body (16) including one or more openings (32,34) for item dispensing therethrough; a storage means such as a holder (24) included in the main body to store the items substantially within the main body; and a rotation device (54,66) to rotate substantially within the main body, wherein items are presented by the rotation device to one or more of the openings for dispensing.
US08181802B2 Closure device with biasing means
A closure device includes a base (1) and a top (23). The base (1) has an aperture (13) and the top (23) has an aperture (27). The top (23) is movable laterally relative to the base (1) between a first position in which the aperture (13) of the base and the aperture (27) of the top are not in alignment and a second position in which the apertures are in alignment. Biasing spring (22, 43) is provided with in the top so as to extend laterally between the base and the top with a free end of the biasing spring urging the top towards the first position in which the apertures (13, 27) are not in alignment.
US08181801B2 Reagent closure
The present invention concerns a closure for mounting on a reagent vessel, the closure including a main body, a top wall attached by its edges to the top edges of the main body, at least one incision dividing the top wall into at least two parts, a flange attached to and extending outwards from the top edge of the top wall, and a hinge area connecting the top edge of the main body to the flange and the top wall.
US08181798B2 Mobile or stationary working apparatus with telescopic extension arm elements whose position in relation to one another is detected by RFID technology
Mobile or stationary working apparatus, in particular a working vehicle, with at least one telescopic extension arm (3) which has two or more extension arm elements (31, 32, 33) which can be moved in relation to one another, with detection means being provided on the extension arm elements (31, 32, 33) and also on a base station, in particular a rotatable trailer of the working vehicle, for detecting the position of the extension arm elements (31, 32, 33) in relation to one another and with respect to the base station, with provision being made, according to the invention, for the detection means to be in the form of radio detection means, with a radio base unit (8) being arranged on the base station and further transponder units (10, 12) being arranged on the extension arm elements (32, 33).
US08181796B2 Rack assembly for shipping glass panels
A rack assembly for shipping glass panels includes a base assembly, a deck assembly operatively carried by the base assembly, at least four end insert members operatively carried by the base assembly, at least four vertical assemblies operatively carried by the four end insert members, and at least two brace members. A first one of the brace members is operatively carried by a first pair of the vertically adjustable assemblies, and a second one of the brace members is operatively carried by a second pair of the vertically adjustable assemblies. The vertical assemblies are vertically adjustable relative to the end insert members so as to operatively adjust a height of the rack assembly to a preselected height. The deck assembly and the two brace members are selected from a group consisting of at least two different sizes of the deck assemblies and at least two different sizes of the brace members to be used so as to operatively adjust a width of the rack assembly to a preselected width.
US08181794B2 Forward osmosis membranes
Forward osmosis membranes include an active layer and a thin support layer. A bilayer substrate including a removable backing layer may allow forward osmosis membranes with reduced supporting layer thickness to be processed on existing manufacturing lines.
US08181793B2 Depth filter sheet material and method for manufacturing same
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a depth filter sheet material, the method comprising preparing a flowable aqueous pulp composition comprising a fibrous material and a binding agent; dispensing the flowable aqueous pulp composition onto a water permeable support in a predetermined amount per unit area; at least partially draining the water content of the aqueous pulp composition through said water permeable support; drying the at least partially drained pulp composition at an elevated temperature to form a depth filter sheet raw material comprising a first and a second surface section forming an upper and a lower surface of the sheet raw material, respectively, and an intermediate section positioned in between and integrally formed with the first and the second surface sections, the intermediate section having a permeability greater than the permeability of the first and second surface sections; and removing or displacing at least portions of one of the first or second surface section of the raw material. Depth filter sheet materials obtained by the method are also disclosed.
US08181792B2 Process of forming multilayered structures
The present invention provides for a method of producing an integral multilayered porous membrane by simultaneously co-casting a plurality of polymer solutions onto a support to form a multilayered liquid sheet and immersing the sheet into a liquid coagulation bath to effect phase separation and form a porous membrane. The support can be a temporary support or form an integrated support for the membrane. The plurality of layers may be of the same polymer or different, same concentration or viscosity or different and may be subjected to the same processing conditions or different ones to form unique structures.
US08181791B2 Rotor element and a rotor for a screening apparatus
The present invention relates to a rotor element for use with a rotor and a rotor featuring said elements. The rotor is used in a screening apparatus of the pulp and paper industry. The rotor element (10) has two longitudinal edges, a first, so-called leading edge (12) and a second, so-called trailing edge (14); two opposite ends, a first end and a second end; and a surface (18) arranged between said first edge (12) and said second edge (14), said surface (18) being divided by means of a borderline (20) into a first, so called leading surface (22) having its origin at said first edge (12), and a second, so called trailing surface (24) having its origin at said second edge (14), where a distance (W1) between said borderline (20) and said first edge (12) is smaller at said first end of said rotor element (10) than at the second end of said rotor element (10).
US08181774B2 Package
There is provided a package of which package objective article is transferred to an up-and-down lift easily even if the package objective article is heavy.A package includes a base portion. The base portion includes a top face opening type of an outer box and a top face opening type of an inner box housed in the outer box. A beam is provided under the outer box. Four columns are arranged on four corners in the inner box. Two columns are arranged in the inner box. The base portion has a top board. The top board is supported by the columns, and is set in the inner box. A buffer member is set on the upper face of the top board. The buffer member acts as an article mounting portion. And, an upper face of the buffer member acts as an article mounting face. The article mounting face is positioned higher than a table face of an up-and-down lift.
US08181772B2 Dispenser with corner latches
A dispenser having a storage compartment may hold a blister package or other object. The blister package may be slid in and out of the dispenser through an opening. Corner latches pivotally attached to the dispenser on either side of the opening move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, a portion of the corner latches extend into the opening thereby preventing the object from being removed from the dispenser. The corner latches are moved to the second position such that the corner latches no longer block the opening to the dispenser so that the blister package may be removed.
US08181771B2 Positive-drive spiral conveyor
A spiral conveyor for positively driving a conveyor belt along a helical path. The spiral conveyor includes a rotating cylindrical tower with parallel drive members extending from the bottom to the top of the tower on its periphery. Each drive member includes an outwardly protruding ridge that varies in height from the bottom to the top of the tower. The variations in height facilitate the belt's entry onto and exit from the tower and robust, positive driving engagement with the inside edge of the belt along the majority of its path along the tower.
US08181767B2 Product inverting mechanism
The invention is directed to an inverting device which takes one or more articles from a first device, inverts the article(s), and discharges the article(s) onto a second device that may be at essentially the same relative height as the first device. The inverting device has a rotating device with two opposed surfaces that are spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the height of the article. Once the article(s) has been moved into position in the rotating device, the rotating device rotates 180 degrees about a transverse axis, resulting in the inversion of the article. The new orientation of the article may facilitate further processing in a manufacturing environment, such as cleaning, filling, labeling, stacking or any other activity that relies on a specific product disposition.
US08181752B2 Brake overstroke indication system
A vehicle brake assembly provides an indicator system in which the operating shaft assembly rotates about a pivot axis to rotate a cam member attached thereto against a cam surface which extends from an indicator adjustment shaft. The cam member drives the cam surface and attached indicator adjustment shaft to overcome a biasing member, actuate an overstroke sensor, and simultaneously retract an indicator post to provide a visual indication. Another indicator system includes an overstroke sensor located within the brake housing in an angular position relative the pivot axis adjacent a path of the operating shaft assembly. Another indicator system includes a mechanical overstroke member that buckles in response to contact with the operating shaft to provide overstroke identification from outside the brake housing.
US08181750B2 Floating-disk type brake system
A floating-disk type brake system that includes floating disk assemblies placed in spaces between a rotating member, such as a wheel of a transportation machine or a rotating shaft of a machine tool, and a stationary member to reduce differences in the rotating speed of adjacent sliding surfaces of the floating disk assemblies in frictional sliding engagement. The floating-disk type brake system includes a first floating disk assembly and a first disk assembly that are arranged between the ring gear and the planet carrier of a planetary gear built in a transmission or the like, and the first floating disk assembly and the first disk assembly are pressed together into frictional engagement to brake a rotating shaft.
US08181748B2 Lifting device for the assembly of a wind turbine
Lifting device for the assembly of a wind turbine of which the top part of the tower (21) is fixed to the supporting structure (32) located above the upper platform (31) of the lifting device (3). The sections (221) of the lower part (22) of the tower are then installed, in such a way that the lifting device (3) is embedded in the anchoring beams (225) of the lower part (22). 10.In order to lift the upper part (21) of the tower, the upper platform (31) is separated from the lower platform (33) using cylinders (34) between said platforms, the upper platform (31) is fixed to the anchoring beams (225), the lower platform (33) is freed from the anchoring beams (225), the platforms (31, 33) are brought closer together and the lower platform (33) is anchored to said beams (225). Continuing successively until the flanges (211, 222) of the parts (21, 22) of the tower make contact.
US08181745B1 Oil filter relocation kit apparatus and method
An oil filter relocation kit for a motorcycle, comprising an oil block to attach to the oil transfer fitting of the engine. The oil block has an input port and an output port configured to fluidly communicate with the oil transfer fitting. A bracket is configured to mount on the frame of the motorcycle. A filter interface is attachable to the bracket to support the filter interface on the frame. The filter interface has an oil inlet port and an oil outlet port. A plurality of fluid conduits are configured to couple the input port and the output port of the oil block to the oil inlet port and the oil outlet port of the filter interface to place the filter interface in fluid communication with the oil block and the oil filter in fluid communication with the engine.
US08181742B1 Safety jack plate
A safety jack plate, which is a plate assembly that can be used in conjunction with standard pump jacks with standard scaffolding is used by contractors. Each safety jack plate includes a flat plate, a pair of end pieces attached to the flat plate, a pair of cutouts on each end piece so that each end piece can be mounted over the rails of a jack, and ridged surface on the flat plate and each of the end pieces.
US08181729B2 Motorcycle
To concentrate mass, to lower the center of gravity, to efficiently and optimally arrange an intake part for making a compact vehicle body. A cylinder inclined to the rear is arranged under a fuel tank and a body of an intake box is housed between a radiator arranged in front of the cylinder and the cylinder. An upper part of the body of the intake box is fixed to a body frame at the bottom of the fuel tank and air taken in is supplied to an intake port through an intake funnel and a throttle body respectively built-in. A lid of an intake duct can be extractably inserted into a window hole provided to the front of the body, a duct part integrated with the lid is arranged over the radiator, and an air intake guide port takes a flow of air in front of the radiator.
US08181722B2 Stabilizer assemblies with bearing pad locking structures and tools incorporating same
Stabilizer assemblies and tools incorporating same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a stabilizer assembly comprises a body having at least one bearing pad receptacle therein, and a bearing pad disposed in the receptacle. The bearing pad includes at least a portion of a bore extending therethrough, the bore being aligned with body bores in the body on opposite sides of the bearing pad receptacle. A lock rod extends through the bore and into the associated body bore.
US08181720B2 Sealing system and bi-directional thrust bearing arrangement for a downhole motor
A bearing assembly for a downhole motor comprises a housing having an upper end, a lower end, a radially inner surface, and a radially outer surface. In addition, the bearing assembly comprises a mandrel rotatably disposed within the housing. Further, the bearing assembly comprises an upper seal assembly, a lower seal assembly, and a thrust bearing assembly, each radially positioned between the housing and the mandrel. The bearing assembly also comprises a lubricating fluid radially disposed between the housing and the mandrel. The lower end of the housing comprises a first check valve radially positioned between the radially inner surface and the radially outer surface of the housing. The check valve is in fluid communication with the lubricating fluid and is adapted to allow at least a portion of the lubricant to exit the bearing assembly at a predetermined pressure differential.
US08181716B2 Breaking machine shock absorbing system
A breaking apparatus (1) which includes; a housing (3); a striker pin (4) having a driven end and an impact end, locatable in said housing (3) in at least one retaining location to protrude said impact end through the housing (3); a moveable mass (2) for impacting on the driven end of the striker pin (4), and a shock-absorber (7a, b) coupled to the retaining locations. The shock-absorber (1) also includes at least two elastic (12) and at least one inelastic (13) layer in a first shock-absorbing assembly (7a) located internally within the housing about the striker pin (2) between the retaining location and the striker pin impact end. The shock-absorbing assembly (7a) is configured to allow movement of the shock absorber parallel to, or co-axial with the striker pin longitudinal axis during use.
US08181712B2 Nose piece for inserting fixing elements into predefined seats
A nose piece for inserting fixing elements into predefined seats in a work piece includes a drive channel for receiving a lower end of a drive rod. The drive rod is movable from an initial upper position, through a first intermediate position, to a lower position when acted on from above on by a drive force. A lower face of the nose piece is adapted to receive a first fixing element. At least one finger is biased toward a side wall of the nose piece. When the drive rod exerts a force on an actuator, the actuator moves the finger from a closed position, in which a lower portion of the finger is disposed under an outer portion of the flange of the first fixing element, to an open position, in which the lower portion of the finger is disposed away from under the outer portion of the flange of the first fixing element.
US08181709B2 Mounting structure for sprinkler head
A mounting structure for a sprinkler head. The mounting structure includes a joint unit, a locking unit, an actuating unit, a head and a coupling unit. The joint unit includes a fitting part provided on the outer surface of the upper portion of the joint unit so that an airtight ring is fitted over the fitting part, a cylindrical part provided under the fitting part, a threaded part provided under the cylindrical part, and a through hole formed in the central portion of the joint unit. The locking unit has on its upper portion a plurality of locking pieces which are inserted into the fitting part. The actuating unit is fitted over the lower portion of the locking unit in such a way as to move up and down. The head has a threaded hole which corresponds to the threaded part. The coupling unit has an insertion hole into which the fitting part is inserted.
US08181705B2 Fluid injection device
The present invention regards a device designed for injection of fluids in a well bore, typically an offshore well bore for petroleum production and gas injection/gas lift system for fluid injection. The device comprises a outer hollow housing (1) with an internal body (2) moveable within the outer housing (1) with an internal bore (3) which in a first closed position is closed with a metal to metal seal system between the outer housing (1) and the internal body (2), which internal body (2) is operated by pressure differential across the internal body (2), where the internal body (2) is designed with slots (4) forming outlets of the internal bore (3) which in an open position of the device leads to the outside of the outer housing (1).
US08181702B2 Application of degradable fibers in invert emulsion fluids for fluid loss control
A method of treating a subterranean formation including emplacing in a wellbore a fluid, comprising an oleaginous continuous phase, a non-oleaginous discontinuous phase, an emulsifier, at least one degradable material, and at least one bridging material, and contacting the formation with the fluid. A method and apparatus related to an invert emulsion fluid loss pill including an oleaginous continuous phase, a non-oleaginous discontinuous phase, an emulsifier, at least one degradable material, wherein the degradable material hydrolyzes to release an organic acid, and at least one bridging material.
US08181699B2 Auxiliary conduit cutting apparatus
A cutting assembly for external conduits on a tubing string features a breakaway in the string that can be severed with a tensile force. Preferably each external conduit is run through a cutter housing. Upon severing of the string and applying a pickup force, a tension is applied to each external conduit since the severing of the string happens above all the cutter housings. Each housing cuts at least one conduit and the upper portion of the string brings with it the upper portion of the external conduit while the lower portions of each cut external conduit are retained in the cutter housings that remain downhole below the breakaway. In that manner there are no loose external conduit ends to interfere with and/or disturb subsequent fishing or other wellbore operations.
US08181693B2 Self-cleaning heat exchanger using system for supplying solid particle and water
A self-cleaning, shell and tube type heat exchanger using a solid particle-water supply system. The heat exchanger includes solid particle supplying means for storing and supplying solid particles to be used in cleaning the heat exchanger tubes, and water supply means for fluidizing the solid particles stored in the solid particle supplying means so as to supply the solid particles into a mixed fluid discharging means, or for directly supplying water to the mixed fluid discharging means. The mixed fluid discharging means sucks the supplied solid particles and water, and sprays the supplied solid particles and water as a mixed fluid from above the vertical heat transfer tube arrangement such that inside surface of the heat transfer tubes can be cleaned. Separating means separates the mixed fluid used in cleaning the heat transfer tubes into solid particles and water, using a gravitational separation method.
US08181681B2 Golf club head cover and method of use
A golf club head cover comprises a pair of complementary cover sections connected to pivot about a manually actuated spring-biased clip member normally biases the cover sections into a closed condition. The clip member includes a pair of handle elements to be gripped between the thumb and one or more fingers by a user and depressed towards each other to move the cover sections so they pivot and spread apart into an open condition. When the head of a golf club is between the spread apart cover sections in the open condition, or is withdrawn, the user releases the grip on the handle elements so the cover sections come together automatically into the closed condition.
US08181677B2 Automated dispenser for radiopharmaceuticals
An automated dispenser for radiopharmaceuticals is mainly for a platform to have a moving mechanism being able to move three-dimensionally back and forth, a syringe holder and a bottle holder. The syringe holder is for holding a plural number of syringes. The bottle holder has a reverse drug bottle. The moving mechanism has a syringe clamp rotatable around a horizontal axis and a syringe driving mechanism. The syringe clamp is activated to hold a syringe and move it to where the syringe needle is inserted to the drug bottle. The syringe driving mechanism and the syringe clamp are simultaneously associated with the syringe for drug-withdrawing action.
US08181676B2 Temporary mobility kit with inadvertant flow prevention techniques
The present disclosure relates to temporary mobility kits that repair punctured tires. Some embodiments of the kit include an air compressor; a sealant assembly selectively connected to the pump; a sealant hose in the sealant assembly, configured to connect the air compressor to a tire valve; and a first circuit configured to assess a connection condition.
US08181674B2 Wire bundle twister and comber
A wire harness bundle twister and comber employs a comber plate having a plurality of apertures receiving a plurality of wire bundles in sliding engagement with handles extending from the comber plate for rotation of the plate to twist the wire bundles into a consolidated wire harness. To allow removal of the wire bundles from the bundle twister and comber without withdrawing the wire bundles to an end the comber plate incorporates an upper outer plate element and a lower outer plate element concentric with and separable from a first inner or center element to separate the apertures into segments for removal of the wire bundles.
US08181668B2 Pressure reducing valve for gas
A pressure reducing valve for gas is provided in which a valve mechanism having opening in a central part a valve hole that communicates with a low pressure passage and a low pressure chamber and including a valve body that is capable of being seated on a valve seat facing a valve chamber communicating with a high pressure passage is housed within a body such that the valve body is connected to a pressure receiving member operating in response to pressure of the low pressure passage and the low pressure chamber, wherein the body (16) is formed by joining a plurality of body members (18, 19) having different strengths, the entirety of the high pressure passage (30, 64) being formed, among the plurality of body members (18, 19), within the body member (18) that has a high strength, and at least part of the low pressure passage (85, 86, 94, 119) and the low pressure chamber (83, 84, 116) being formed, among the plurality of body members (18, 19), within the body member (19) that has a low strength. This enables the cost to be reduced.
US08181667B2 GTank-C90 auxiliary fuel transfer system
The GTank-C90 Auxiliary Fuel Transfer System consists of an auxiliary fuel transfer cell 1 that connects to and becomes an integral part of the increased fuel capacity of the motorcycle extending its usable riding range. The GTank-C90 Auxiliary Fuel Transfer System enables fuel transfer from the auxiliary fuel transfer cell 1, to the stock fuel tank 17 by activation of the momentary toggle switch 21, activating the Fuel Transfer Pump Timed Electrical circuit, transferring fuel for a predetermined time to allow for complete transfer of fuel. This fuel transfer is designed for use during normal operation of the motorcycle without disruption of use or adversely affecting the operation.
US08181666B2 Switch valve
A switch valve having a long span of life is provided. The switch valve 70 of the present invention has a low-melting-point metal 76 having a surface on which a blocking member contacts, with the low-melting-point metal 76 melted, thereby a closed state appears in which an inner space of the switch valve 70 is split up into an inner space and an outer space of the blocking member 72. When the inner space and the outer space of the blocking member 72 are connected in the inner space of the switch valve 70, outside devices are blocked from each other in the closed state. The outside devices are connected to each other in an opened state in which the lower end of the blocking member 72 is spaced away from the low-melting-point metal 76.
US08181663B2 Pressure relief device having support member with recessed areas
An apertured rupture disc support member (32, 90) is provided for use in a rupture disc assembly (70). A rupture disc (30, 30a) comprising one or more embossed segments (80) that are complemental with the support member apertures (56) is also disclosed. The pressure relief assembly (12) is particularly suited for use in sanitary pressure relief applications.
US08181653B2 Intrauterine fallopian tube occlusion device
An intrauterine device for occluding orifices of fallopian tubes includes a resilient body having an elongated member with a first end and a second end. The elongated member further includes a first leg ending with the first end of the elongated member, a second leg ending with the second end of the elongated member and a connection member positioned therebetween. A first orifice plug is secured at the first end of the elongated member and a second orifice plug is secured at the second end of the elongated member. The first and second orifice plugs are shaped and dimensioned to seat at the orifices of the fallopian tubes or within the fallopian tubes as the elongated member spreads outwardly with the first end and second end moving apart.
US08181651B2 Hand powered suction device with mucus trap and suction catheter for tracheostomy tubes
A device and method for suctioning mucus and secretions from a patient's tracheostomy tube is described. The device utilizes a reusable squeezable bulb with check valves to regulate air flow in and out of the squeezable bulb and a disposable mucus trap and suction catheter to suction a tracheostomy tube effectively and discretely without using an electrically powered suction machine.
US08181645B2 Dispensing device
A device for dispensing individual doses of powder from respective pockets of a disc-shaped carrier by outwardly rupturing a lidding foil by means of pressure on an opposite side surface, the device providing individual respective deaggregation flow paths for each pocket, split airstreams allowing improved entrainment of powder, a cam mechanism for outwardly rupturing the pockets, an indexing mechanism linked to the cam mechanism and a dose counter.
US08181644B2 Inhalation device
The present invention relates to a device for providing an aerosol flow, an air flow or both with at least a compressor for providing an air flow, a nebulization device for generating an aerosol flow and a mixing means for optionally mixing the aerosol flow with the air flow to provide a total flow, wherein the total flow is composed of the aerosol flow, the air flow or both. Further, the device comprises at least a first air channel between the compressor and the nebulization device, at least a second air channel between the compressor and the mixing means and an amplification means for increasing the air flow provided by the compressor.
US08181634B2 Engine including positive crankcase ventilation
An engine assembly may include an engine structure, an intake assembly and a cylinder head cover assembly. The engine structure may define a combustion chamber and a crankcase in communication with a fresh air supply. The intake assembly may be in communication with the combustion chamber. The cylinder head cover assembly may be fixed to the engine structure and may include a cover member defining a positive crankcase ventilation chamber and a separator coupled to the cover member. The separator may define an inlet providing communication between the crankcase and the positive crankcase ventilation chamber. The cylinder head cover assembly may include a first outlet flow path in communication with the intake assembly and a second outlet flow path in communication with the intake assembly. A first valve may be located in the first outlet flow path.
US08181630B2 Induction regulator block
The invention provides a manifold block for improving the efficiency of an internal combustion engine. The manifold block is arranged to be located between an inlet manifold and a cylinder head of the engine, and comprises a block of material having at least one manifold channel there through. The manifold channel has an input end and an output end, wherein the input end is connected to the inlet manifold, and the output end is connected to the cylinder. The manifold channel includes at least one injector head channel located towards its input end and adapted to receive a fuel injector. The manifold block may also incorporate one or more induction regulators for improving the efficiency of fuel/air mixing in the manifold channels.
US08181625B2 Method for operating an internal combustion engine
In an internal combustion engine, fuel is directly injected into at least one combustion chamber at least during a compression stroke in such a way that a stratified mixture is present in the combustion chamber. This mixture is then externally ignited. The fuel is introduced during the compression stroke by at least one main injection and an ignition injection, the ignition injection taking place immediately before an ignition and producing at least essentially no torque.
US08181622B2 Engine and piston
There is provided an engine in which sliding surfaces of a cylinder and a piston do not tend to seize and the ratio of a lubricating oil to a composite fuel can be reduced. There is also provided a piston that allows the lubricating oil to be intentionally supplied to the surface of the piston that slides along the cylinder or a cylinder liner. In an aspect of the present invention, an engine in which an air-fuel mixture containing a lubricating oil is supplied into a combustion chamber includes supply means for supplying the air-fuel mixture to the interface between an inner wall of a cylinder or a cylinder liner and a tubular portion of a piston (portion between piston rings and/or piston ring portion). The supply means is, for example, through holes passing through the tubular portion of the piston and groove portions.
US08181613B2 Variable valve system for internal combustion engine
A variable valve system for an internal combustion engine includes a drive shaft, a drive cam provided on the drive shaft, a link arm fitted on the outer periphery of the drive cam such as to rotate relative to the drive cam, a crank-shaped control shaft including a main shaft and an eccentric cam, an oscillating arm rotatably attached to the eccentric cam and oscillated by the link arm, and an oscillating cam connected to the oscillating arm via a link rod so as to actuate a valve. Lubricant is communicated from a main lubricant flow path in the drive shaft through three lubricant paths to sliding contact areas between the drive cam and the link arm, between the pin of the oscillating arm and the link arm, and between the eccentric cam and the oscillating arm.
US08181606B1 Cat toy
A cat toy with a rigid outer tube member, a rigid inner tube member, an elastic cord member, a pull knob and a toy element. The inner tube member slidably and telescopingly engaged within the outer tube member. The elastic cord member is slidably engaged within the inner tube member. The toy element and the stop plate are fixedly attached to the end of the elastic cord. The pull knob is attached to one end of the inner tube member and to one end of the elastic cord member so that when a user pulls back on the pull knob, the elastic cord member stretches, causing the toy element to be drawn to the end of the outer tube member. When the pull knob is released by the user, the inner tube and the elastic cord and the toy element shoot outward for engaging a cat in play.
US08181605B2 Centerline animal weave training device connector
An apparatus for demonstrating animal agility. In one embodiment, the weave apparatus includes a rail with a set of releasably removable legs. The apparatus has a plurality of joints that each secure a leg to the rail. The joint includes an axle that the leg pivots about relative to the rail. The joint in various embodiments includes a toolless releasable latching mechanism and/or a locking mechanism. In an embodiment used for training, the legs are grooved or slotted for engaging by a slider. Each slider engages one of the legs and includes a vertical projection that engages a pole. With the slider fully engaging the leg, the projection and pole are directly above the rail centerline. In a competition style embodiment, the legs provide support for the rail and the peg for the weave poles is attached to the rail.
US08181598B2 Method and arrangement for controlling the milking by a milking machine
A method and arrangement for controlling milking by a milking machine includes a teat cup having a flexible teat receiving liner arranged inside a teat cup shell. During milking, a vacuum is applied to a lower part of the interior of the teat receiving liner to draw milk from a teat therein while the flexible teat receiving liner is periodically opened and collapsed by application of a pulsating massage vacuum between the flexible teat receiving liner and the teat cup shell. A pressure sensor repeatedly measures a vacuum level in an upper part of the interior of the teat receiving line, and depending on the repeatedly measured vacuum level, the periodic opening and collapsing of the flexible teat receiving liner is interrupted by keeping the flexible teat receiving liner collapsed for a specific period of time.
US08181597B2 Plasma generating apparatus having antenna with impedance controller
Provided is a plasma generating apparatus. The apparatus includes a vacuum chamber, an ElectroStatic Chuck (ESC), an antenna holder. The vacuum chamber has a hollow interior and is sealed at its top by a vacuum plate that has a through-hole at its center. The ESC is disposed at an internal center of the vacuum chamber. The antenna unit is disposed within the vacuum chamber under the vacuum plate. The antenna cover covers and is coupled to a top of the antenna unit and receives and forwards an external source RF to the antenna unit. The cover holder is caught by an upper surface of the vacuum plate and suspends and holds the antenna unit.
US08181589B2 Gravity anchor
A gravity anchor that includes one or more anchor units. The units are designed to be rotationally linked together so that multiple units can be used to provide the required weight. The units are designed for ease of handling on the vessel and to control the rotation of the units relative to each other to insure proper orientation on the seafloor. The units are designed to help them dig into the sea bed and enhance the drag and holding power.
US08181587B2 Method of producing reinforced, formed fabrics
The invention relates to a method of producing reinforced, formed fabrics, consisting in producing a continuous fabric alternated with a membrane (34) containing embedded reinforcing elements, which is prepared in overlapping portions on a conveyor belt (29) which passes over a preparation table (25). The membrane (34) and the reinforcing elements are then positioned under a press consisting of an upper air-filled chamber (1), the lower part thereof comprising a flexible element (4), and a lower water-filled chamber (14), the upper part thereof comprising a flexible element (17). According to the invention, a forming bar (10) is adjustably mounted in the upper chamber (1). When the aforementioned forming bar (10) is adjusted to adopt a particular shape, the different flexible elements can deform at the forming bar and the membrane and the reinforcing elements are hot pressed with a portion corresponding to the forming bar having a three dimensional shape, thereby defining the form of the fabric produced.
US08181580B2 Composite structural material and method of making the same
A composite structural material suitable, for example, as a replacement for wooden boards, sheets, or posts, is disclosed. It comprises a dimensionally stable core material substantially surrounded by a dimensionally stable, laminar covering that is adherent to the core material. The laminar covering is comprised of at least one band of substantially parallel reinforcing cords bonded to at least one layer of a dimensionally stable web material selected from the group consisting of rigidified paper and rigidified cloth. Preferably the band of reinforcing cords is sandwiched between two layers of rigidified paper or cloth. The core material can be, for example, a foamed synthetic resin with or without filler. A continuous process for manufacturing the material is disclosed.
US08181577B2 Rail train
A rail train for supporting multiple sticks of ribbon rail comprises a plurality of rail support cars having a single, centrally positioned rail support stand wherein adjacent rail support cars are supported on shared trucks. End cars include a tunnel for supporting the rails near their ends and one or more rail support arms pivotal at a first end about two axis and supporting a rail guide assembly at a second end for supporting a rail as it is pulled of the rail train. A rail tie-down car utilizes spring-loaded, hydraulically actuated clamp assemblies to clamp individual rails to the tie-down car. Each clamp assembly incorporates at least two clamp members which act opposite one another to prevent the rail secured in place by the clamps from sliding in either longitudinal direction.
US08181576B1 Projectile for standoff destruction of explosive devices
A projectile for safe standoff destruction of explosive devices. The projectile's casing encloses a chamber containing combustible material located opposite a roughened surface on the chamber. The combustible material is mounted so upon the projectile impacting the explosive device, the combustible material flies onto the roughened surface, heating the material by shear forces and igniting the material. This creates pressure bursting the chamber, injecting combustion gases into the explosive fill within the device, thereby igniting the fill locally at the impact, and along cracks in the fill. This arrangement prevents a coherent detonation wavefront from forming within the fill, and a slower burn of the fill, whereby a rifleman has little chance of receiving a concussive shock, or shrapnel, from the device.
US08181568B1 Bulk bag conditioning system
A Bulk Bag Material Conditioning System that includes a main conditioner frame and a plurality of bulk bag conditioner assemblies engaged to the upper portion of the main conditioner frame where the bulk bag conditioner assemblies travel a non-linear path, typically on an arcuous path from a bulk bag disengaged position to a bulk bag engaging position.
US08181563B1 Gas tappet system for a rifle
A gas tappet system for use in an M16, M4, or AR-15 type rifle having a detachable piston eccentrically connected to an operating rod. A piston having a plenum therein and a releasably attached operating rod uses combustion or propellant gasses to move the piston in a long stroke, preventing damaging impulses to the bolt carrier and cycling rounds for automatic or semi-automatic fire. The operating rod, piston, cylinder, and mounting clamp permit easy installation on the rifle without any modification and can easily be removed for reinstallation of the original direct gas impingement system.
US08181561B2 Explosive decompression propulsion system
A projectile propulsion system includes a launch tube, multiphase material, and a membrane. The launch tube has an interior cavity, the multiphase material disposed therein. The launch tube also has an opening to receive the multiphase material. The membrane seals the opening while the multiphase material is disposed in the interior cavity of the launch tube so as to allow the launch tube to be pressurized. When the membrane is broken, a supersonic wave thrusts the contents of the interior cavity, such as a projectile, outwards with a high velocity and force.
US08181558B2 Shaping device
An elongate element, in particular a catheter, has a curved shape imparted to its end by a device comprising razor blades which are mounted on a pivotal linkage mechanism. Upon pressing actuator members against the restoring force of spring elements, the razor blades are constrained by the pivotal linkage mechanism to follow a desired curved path.
US08181555B2 Machine for boring, turning, and face grooving
Embodiments of the present invention provide a machining tool including two spaced apart flange members adapted to be coupled with a turbine rotor while the rotor is in a first portion of a turbine casing. A carousel may be coupled to the flange members and adapted to rotate relative to the flange members, and adapted to couple with a cutting tool to complete a machining operation. Position of the cutting tool may be sensed and information on the position may be transmitted wirelessly to an operator readable display.
US08181547B2 Speed change device for traveling vehicle
A speed change device for a traveling vehicle comprising: a thrust shaft connected to an engine; a speed change mechanism for changing between a high and a low speed provided to the thrust shaft; a counter shaft for transmitting an output from the speed change mechanism for changing between a high and a low speed; a mechanism for switching between advancing and retracting provided to the counter shaft, the mechanism having a forward-rotation idler gear rotatably supported on the thrust shaft; a speed change shaft for transmitting reverse-rotation power from the counter shaft as forward-rotation power via the forward-rotation idler gear; a driven shaft provided as an extension to the thrust shaft; and a main speed-change mechanism having a driving gear group provided to the speed change shaft and a driven gear group provided to the driven shaft.
US08181540B2 Measurement of sliding friction-induced vibrations for biomimetic tactile sensing
Tactile sensors are disclosed that mimic the human fingertip and its touch receptors. The mechanical components are similar to a fingertip, with a rigid core surrounded by a weakly conductive fluid contained within an elastomeric skin. The deformable properties of the finger pad can be used as part of a transduction process. Multiple electrodes can be mounted on the surface of the rigid core and connected to impedance measuring circuitry within the core. External forces deform the fluid path around the electrodes, resulting in a distributed pattern of impedance changes containing information about those forces and the objects that applied them. Strategies are described for extracting features related to the mechanical inputs and using this information for reflexive grip control. Controlling grip force in a prosthetic having sensory feedback information is described. Pressure transducers can provide sensory feedback by measuring micro-vibrations due to sliding friction.
US08181512B2 Timing device having a flow control function
A timing device includes a timer and a flow meter mounted on the timer. The timer has a water inlet port and a water outlet port. The flow meter includes a first guide pipe mounted on the water outlet port and provided with a mounting chamber, a detector mounted on the first guide pipe, a rotation ring rotatably mounted in the mounting chamber, a magnetic member mounted on the rotation ring and movable to pass the detector, and a second guide pipe mounted on the first guide pipe. Thus, the water flow rate in the flow meter is calculated according to the times of the magnetic member passing the detector so that when the flow rate of the water passing through the flow meter reaches a preset value, the timer stops operating so as to control the water flow exactly.
US08181509B2 Apparatus for determining an abnormality of a control valve of an internal combustion engine
The present invention is applied to an internal combustion engine comprising a first supercharger 61, a second supercharger 62, a first control valve 66 for controlling a supply of an exhaust gas to the first supercharger, and a second control valve 64 for controlling a supply of an air to the first supercharger, and provides to an apparatus for determining an abnormality of a control valve which can determine abnormality of the first control valve and the second control valve. The apparatus for determining an abnormality of a control valve determines abnormality of a control valve when a supercharging pressure is smaller than a predetermined referential supercharging pressure by a predetermined value or more. The apparatus for determining an abnormality of a control valve determines that the first control valve is abnormal and the second control valve is normal if a pressure of an air at a downstream side of a compressor of the first supercharger is larger than a pressure of an air at an upstream side of the compressor by a predetermined value or more. In the meantime, the apparatus for determining an abnormality of a control valve determines that either one of the first control valve and the second control valve is abnormal if the pressure of the air at a downstream side of the compressor of the first supercharger is not larger than the pressure of the air at an upstream side of the compressor by a predetermined value or more.
US08181502B2 Method of calibrating measurement systems
There is provided a method of calibrating a measurement system for measuring a position (h) of a meniscus of a liquid fuel included within a marine fuel tank and therefrom generating a corresponding content signal indicative of a proportion of the tank filled with fuel. The method includes steps of: (a) from a first time instance when the tank is substantially empty, filling during a calibration phase the tank with the fuel at a substantially constant rate whilst simultaneously recording corresponding values (h(t)) of a meniscus position indicative signal generated by the measurement system; (b) at a second time instance after said first time instance, terminating filling of the tank with fuel when the position indicative signal corresponds to the tank being substantially filled with fuel; and (c) subsequently, after the calibration phase, applying signal processing to the position indicative signal to generate the content signal indicative of the proportion of the tank filled with fuel, the signal processing accounting for the tank during the calibration phase being filled at the substantially constant rate.
US08181501B2 Tool for rammer die-cutting
A tool for rammer die-cutting an annular part is disclosed. The tool includes a lower insert holder with a lower die cooperating with an upper insert holder and an upper die. Both dies include a die-cutting annular recess. The tool further includes a guiding device for guiding the part, restricting side shifts of the part while the part is lifted from the lower die. More particularly, the guiding device includes a column projecting from the lower die. The tool enables one to control the rebounding of a part and prevents it from turning upside down.
US08181488B2 Method for overcladding an optical fiber preform
Method for overcladding an optical fiber preform with a given target diameter (D0) of the final preform includes providing a primary preform to be overcladded, and successively depositing first overcladding layers by projecting and vitrifying silica particles on the primary preform moving in relative translation with a plasma torch. Each first overcladding layer has a given uniform thickness (d) and is deposited at a given, constant silica particle flow rate and at a given, constant translation speed. The method also includes the detection of a preform diameter (D1) greater than a given threshold (S) and the deposition of a final overcladding layer having the remaining required thickness (D0−D1) at a constant silica particle flow rate and at a reduced translation speed. The inventive method enables a preform to be overcladded efficiently with improved yield and high quality.
US08181476B2 Composite doors for transport refrigeration unit
The front cover of a transport refrigeration unit includes a plurality of hinged access doors, with each door being formed of a pair of spaced thermoplastic olefin sheets with their edges being bonded along the entire periphery of the door to form a hollow space between the sheets without a need for foam. The edges are bonded by a thermoforming process which provides strength and rigidity to the door. Additional thermoforming bonds are made at locations other than the periphery to provide further strength and rigidity. A ribbing structure is formed in one of the sheets and extends around the periphery thereof. Further ribbing may extend transversely across the sheet in non-peripheral positions.
US08181474B2 Solar-powered air conditioner using a mixture of glycerin, alcohol and water to store energy
A solar-powered air conditioning system including an energy-storage medium made of a mixture of 5%-20% glycerin, 2.5%-10% alcohol and water in a thermally insulated container is disclosed. While frozen, the said energy storage medium becomes slurry of thin sheets of ice dispersed in liquid, which will not damage the container and the heat-exchange pipes. The system uses a solar photovoltaic panel to directly drive a vapor-compression refrigeration unit to freeze the said energy storage medium. A ventilation system forces air through a heat-exchange coil in the said energy-storage medium, to generate chilled air to cool the space. In the absence of sunlight, the energy-storage medium can keep frozen for days. With or without sunlight, the flowing air chilled by the frozen energy-storage medium continues to cool the room or the entire building.
US08181471B2 Ice-making machine
An ice maker comprises a tray (1), which has at least one compartment (4) for molding a piece of ice, a frame (15), in which the tray is mounted to be pivotable about an axis (14), and a motor (22) for driving the pivot movement of the tray, which motor is mounted at the frame (15) to be adjacent to the tray (1) and transversely offset relative to the axis.
US08181464B2 Swirler with concentric fuel and air tubes for a gas turbine engine
A swirler passage is provided for mixing fuel and compressor air with at least two side walls; at least first and second conduits arranged inside at least one of the at least two side walls, the first conduit forming a fuel gas conduit and the second conduit forming an air conduit, the fuel gas conduit connected to a gas fuel supply and the air conduit connected to an air supply; a tube connected to the fuel gas conduit and entirely traversing the air conduit inside the side wall; a fluid passage connected to the air conduit and surrounding the tube; at least one fuel outlet opening of the tube arranged on the side wall; and at least one air outlet opening of the fluid passage arranged on the side wall and surrounding the fuel outlet opening.
US08181455B2 Power generating apparatus of renewable energy type and method for installing hydraulic pump
It is intended to provide a power generating apparatus of renewable energy type that has a fixation structure of the hydraulic pump that can transmit large torque and can be processed with ease and at low cost even when the main shaft has a large diameter, as well as a method of installing such hydraulic pump. In the power generating apparatus, a connecting member 20 is provided on the outer periphery of a main shaft 4 to engage with a cylindrical member 10 provided on the outer periphery of the main shaft 4. The connecting member 20 includes a fixing part 21, a first spline part 22 and first pins 23. The fixing part 21 is fixed to the outer periphery of the main shaft 4 by means of the first pins 23 disposed along a circumferential direction of the main shaft 4. The first spline part 22 extending at other end of the fixing part 21 on a rear-end side, has a clearance S between the outer periphery of the main shaft 4 and the first spline part 22 and first spline teeth 24 formed on an inner periphery facing the clearance S. The clearance S opens at the end of the fixing part 21 on the rear-end side.
US08181438B2 Composite fishing line
Braided or twisted lines made from a) gel spun polyolefin yarns and b) at least one other yarn or monofilament are stretched to increase line tenacity. If desired, stretching conditions can also be chosen to significantly reduce the denier of the line.
US08181436B1 Adjustable multi-purpose yard tool
An adjustable multi-purpose yard tool for providing a single tool that has an adjustable handle and performs multiple functions including raking and hoeing includes a pole, a tool head coupled to the pole, and a handle assembly coupled to the pole. The handle assembly is adjustable to a desired position along a length of the pole. The tool head has a connection portion and a tool portion. The tool portion has a hoe portion and a rake portion.
US08181431B2 Sterile de-molding apparatus and method
Apparatus for molding and filling a device having a body defining an opening in communication with an interior chamber for receiving a substance therein, and a closure including a penetrable and resealable portion for sealing the opening and substance received in the device. A mold includes within the aseptic chamber plural mold cavities shaped to form the closure and body, and substantially sterile surfaces extending about and contiguous to the peripheries of the mold cavities. An assembly device including end-of-arm tooling having an engaging portion engageable with each of the body and closure is movable relative to the mold to engage and de-mold the substantially sterile closures and bodies from the mold cavities. Flexible barriers are coupled to the mold and the tool to substantially prevent the passage of contaminants from the molding machine and tool therethrough.
US08181424B2 Inserter control apparatus
An inserter apparatus for inserting an item into a holder. The inserter apparatus includes a deck, a mover, an opening system, and a controller. The deck can slidably support the holder from a first location to an item loading location. The mover can move the holder along the deck, wherein the mover includes a drive motor, a conveyor connected to the drive motor, and a gripper connected to the conveyor. The drive motor is a servo motor. The opening system is at the item loading location for opening the holder and inserting the item into the holder. The controller is connected to the servo motor. The controller is adapted to vary speed of the servo motor to thereby vary speed of the conveyor and the holder along the deck.
US08181420B2 Levelling device for the placing of pieces for covering floors and similar
The device has a first lower substantially flat body, which has in its upper part a flexible post with a narrowed or weakened portion and a second upper body with the passage for receiving and securing said post. The flexible post, which has a rectangular cross section, has in its main surfaces respective mutually opposed toothings, which teeth are offset in the lengthwise direction and the passage of the second body has two latching pawls mutually opposed, so that in the operative position of the devices, the teeth of the flexible post engage in an alternate form with said latching pawls. The second body has a bell like hollow form with a lower widened contact mouth or border.
US08181419B1 Connector for connecting building members
A connector assembly for accurately projecting fasteners for connecting two building members together while permitting limited relative motion between the members. The assembly includes a plate having one or more longitudinal slots. The plate is secured to or a part of one of the building members. The plate is connected to the other building member by fasteners projected through breakaway washers formed in the slots. The breakaway washers each have an opening for guiding the fastener and centering the fastener on the slot. Centering the fastener on the slot prevents inadvertent clamping of the plate and the other building member together so that limited relative motion is permitted.
US08181407B2 Flooring system having sub-panels
Laminated flooring planks include decorative motifs, mechanically embossed-in-registration surface textures, recessed perimeters, and locking mechanisms. Adjacent planks substantially aligned allow embossed-in-registration patterns to be substantially continuous across adjacent flooring panels. The recessed perimeter prevents the edges of the flooring panel from prematurely wearing. Individual planks within the flooring system may comprise at least one partial sub-panel having a decorative motif and/or embossed surface texture (i.e., pattern) that is complementary with a pattern of a neighboring partial sub-panel or plank. Each plank may include edge patterns adjacent a portion of an edge of the plank and at least one bulk pattern adjacent the edge patterns. Edge patterns within a plank and of planks within a flooring system are substantially identical to each other. Bulk patterns form a substantially continuous pattern within an individual plank when adjacent a plank.
US08181401B2 Loading dock truck and trailer seals and associated systems and methods
Apparatuses for forming at least a partial seal between an open end of a truck, trailer, or other vehicle and an opening in a building are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus for forming at least a partial seal includes a first side pad configured to extend vertically adjacent to a first side portion of an opening, a second side pad configured to extend vertically adjacent to a second side portion of the opening, and a head pad assembly configured to extend horizontally adjacent to a top portion of the opening between the first and second side pads. The head pad assembly can include replaceable corner pads positioned on either end of a center pad. The corner pads can be independently attached to the wall of the building and separately removed if replacement is needed.
US08181372B2 System and method for mounting a badge on a vehicle
A system and method for mounting a badge to a component of a vehicle is provided. The system comprises a mounting base including first and second fastening apertures defined therein, and a trim ring coupled with the mounting base having an opening defined therein. The badge is adapted to be securely mounted between the trim ring and the mounting base so that the badge is positioned within the opening in the trim ring. The system further includes a flexible fastening member that is configured to be positioned within the first and second fastening apertures, positioned around at least a portion of the component of the vehicle, and between the mounting base and the badge to fasten the badge to the vehicle.
US08181371B2 Label sleeve for medication dosage reminder and confirmation systems
A medication dosage reminder sleeve apparatus for use in connection with a medicine container, comprising: a sleeve material comprising a transparent surface thereof, comprising a closed surface with a circumference substantially equal to a circumference of the medicine container with which the apparatus is to be used, wherein the sleeve material will conform to a shape of, and fit snugly upon the medicine container, when placed over at least part of the medicine container; and affixed to the sleeve material, at least one dosage reminder system; wherein: the sleeve material omits any adhesive on a surface thereof which contacts the medicine container when placed thereover; the sleeve material in combination with the dosage reminder system can, at will, be attached to, removed from, and slidably adjusted upon the medicine container; and the transparency of the sleeve material enables information printed on the medicine container to be seen through the transparent sleeve material while the transparent sleeve material is placed over at least part of the medicine container.
US08181365B2 Article of footwear including improved heel structure
An article of footwear is provided and includes an upper structure having a heel portion and a forefoot portion and a plate attached to a bottom surface of the upper structure. A sole structure is attached to the plate and includes a first portion associated with the heel portion and a second portion associated with the forefoot portion. The first portion includes a wall formation having a continuous structure with a series of peaks disposed proximate to and in contact with the plate and a series of valleys cooperating with the peaks to define a plurality of pockets formed through the wall formation.
US08181359B2 Laundry machine
A laundry machine is disclosed. The disclosed laundry machine includes a drum rotatably provided in a cabinet; a substance supply device generating water based substance and supplying the water based substance to the drum; a water supply device that is movably provided in the cabinet and supplies water to the substance supply device; and a first stopper confining a position of the water supply device when the water supply device is pulled out from the cabinet.
US08181356B2 Substrate processing method
A substrate processing method is arranged to perform a heat process on a substrate with a coating film formed thereon to bake and cure the coating film. At first, the substrate, with the coating film formed thereon, is held at a preparatory temperature lower than a lower limit of temperature for baking and curing the coating film, to adjust distribution of a predetermined component in the coating film. Then, the substrate, with distribution of the predetermined component thus adjusted, is subjected to a heat process at a temperature not lower than the lower limit of temperature.
US08181355B2 Laundry drum
A laundry drum for a laundry treatment machine mounted within a housing for rotation about a non-vertical axis, the laundry drum including a drum casing having a plurality of stamped recesses formed therein in a manner such that at least one sectional plane of the laundry drum lying at right angles to the axis of rotation has an at least approximately circular shape, the laundry drum including a drum casing having the curved stamped recesses formed therein in a manner wherein in the alignment of a surface contour lying in the drum casing is formed a surface having a plurality of arcuate edges which merge continuously into one another with a single axis of symmetry extending at least approximately in the circumferential direction of the drum casing.
US08181352B1 Scalpel with removable blade assembly
A surgical blade device similar to a disposable scalpel wherein the blade assembly is easily replaceable is provided. The surgical blade device allows the user to replace a blade assembly during surgery or, after sterilization of the handle and replacement of the blade assembly, reuse the surgical blade device. The surgical blade device disclosed herein further provides for an inexpensive blade assembly replacement device which is simple to operate. That is, the blade replacement device has a limited number of components.
US08181350B1 Precision cutting system
A precision cutting system for efficiently cutting through an external member (i.e. conduit, etc.) without damaging internal components (i.e. wires, cables, etc.). The precision cutting system generally includes a first support structure including a first inner end and a first outer end, a second support structure including a second inner end, a second outer end and an opening extending between thereof, wherein the second support structure attaches to the first support structure and a guide structure extending from the second support structure opposite the first support structure. The first support structure attaches to a cutting tool, wherein the blade of the cutting tool extends between the first inner end and the first outer end of the first support structure, through the opening of the second support structure and adjacent the guide structure.
US08181346B2 System for forming a labyrinth seal on a turbine blade
A system for forming a labyrinth seal on a turbine blade has a fixture with a plurality of nozzles for distributing a coolant, a first jaw set for clamping and holding a root portion of the turbine blade in a first orientation, which first jaw set is attached to the fixture and has two members for mating with said root portion of said turbine blade, each of the jaw set members respectively have ridges; and a plurality of grinding wheels for forming the labyrinth seal.
US08181345B2 Method for optimizing the mass of a composite panel
A method for optimizing the mass of a composite panel composed of a plurality of uniform thickness zones, each zone defined by a vertical arrangement of plies, each arrangement having a different number of piles, and different orientation angles, where a positioning order of the plies has a given orientation angle with respect to the others in the vertical arrangement, and the proportion of plies has a given orientation angle with respect to all the plies composing the vertical arrangement. The optimization includes defining a lay-up table, and defining a vertical arrangement of plies for each uniform thickness zone, and starting from the lay-up table, building a function describing the physical properties of each zone as a function of the total thickness of each zone, where the total thickness for each zone is adjusted using a discrete variables iteration process, until the mass of the panel is a minimum.
US08181340B2 External electrode forming method
A method of forming an external electrode of an electronic component involving: a paste preparation step, a removal step, an element preparation step, a contact step, and a formation step. A jig with a groove into which an element forming the electronic component can be inserted is prepared. A conductive paste is filled in the groove, and then removed, so as to leave the conductive paste along a first wall surface of the groove and remove the rest. Then, element immediately above the groove is located, and inserted into the groove and moved toward the first wall surface. Finally, the element is moved along the first wall surface and toward the aperture in a state in which the ridgeline of the element is kept in contact with the first wall surface, and moved away from the first wall surface so as to separate the ridgeline from the first wall surface.
US08181335B2 Apparatus for assembling a core for receiving wound sheet material
Apparatus for assembling a core for wound sheet material, comprising a tube, a first end member, and a second end member; the apparatus comprising a base, a first chuck for insertion in the first end member, a second chuck for insertion in the second end member, a ram for applying axial pressure such that the first end member is forced into the first end of the tube and the second end member is forced into a second end of the tube, drill devices for drilling fixing apertures, and a monitor device for sensing ambient temperature and enabling the length of the core to be measured at the time of the assembly of the core in the ambient temperature so that the length of the core falls in temperature and length parameters set for subsequent winding of the sheet material on the core.
US08181329B2 Method for anchoring a fastening element to a steel member
A method for anchoring a fastening element to a flat steel member, in which the fastening element is driven into a blind hole previously drilled in the steel member is disclosed. Initially, in a first step of the method, a metal disk is adhesively bonded to the steel member. In a subsequent second step, a blind hole is drilled into the stack formed by the metal disk and the steel member and, in a subsequent third step, the fastening element is driven into the pre-drilled blind hole in the stack using a hand-held drive-in tool.
US08181320B2 Lace adjuster
A lace adjuster (10) that selectively adjusts and secures a shoelace (770) of a shoe (772) includes an inner frame (12), an outer frame (14), a resilient member (16), and a bracket (18). The outer frame (14) receives at least a portion of the inner frame (12). The resilient member (16) is secured to the inner frame (12) and the outer frame (14), and allows the inner frame (12) and the outer frame (14) to move relative to each other between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. The bracket (18) is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The bracket (18) is adapted to receive a portion of the shoelace (770) when the bracket (18) is in the open configuration, and the bracket (18) is adapted to retain a portion of the shoelace (770) when the bracket is in the closed configuration.
US08181310B2 Caster brake assembly
A caster brake assembly is disclosed which comprises a yoke having a stem, a wheel rotatably supported by the yoke the wheel having a pair of interior rims with the rims having teeth, and a lock lever installed on the yoke having gears that are adapted to engage the teeth to prevent movement of the wheel.
US08181307B2 Wiper blade
The invention is based on a wiper blade (10) having a wiper strip (32) and a support element (30) at whose ends endcaps (12) are guided, said endcaps (12) at their end sides (28) facing the ends of the wiper blade (10) extending as far as a wiper lip (34) via the support element (30), wherein at least one endcap (12) has a lid (14) which is connected to the endcap (12) so as to be capable of pivoting about an articulation axis (18) transversely with respect to the wiper blade (10) and has a gudgeon (22) on its side facing the head strip (38), which gudgeon (22) penetrates the head strip (38) when the lid (14) is closed. It is proposed that the tip of the gudgeon (22) be secured by parts of the endcap (12) or of the lid (14) against contact both in the opened state of the lid (14) and in the closed state.
US08181306B2 Windshield wiping device and method for the operation thereof
Disclosed is a windshield wiping device for a motor vehicle. A wiper arm is connected to a wiper bearing pin, the wiper arm being driven via the wiper bearing pin. The inventive windshield wiping device is characterized in that the wiper bearing pin is geometrically oriented in such a way that the lifting angle of the wiper arm changes in substantially one direction when the wiper arm performs a wiping movement across a windshield.
US08181305B2 Windshield wiper device
The invention relates to a windshield wiper device, particularly for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one wiper shaft (10). Prior art windshield wiper devices having predetermined breaking points exist in order to meet the high demands of pedestrian impact protection. However, the risk of these predetermined breaking points rupturing during the operation of the wiper exists in this type of windshield wiper device. In addition it cannot be guaranteed that the predetermined breaking point ruptures in the event of a pedestrian impact. Therefore, in the inventive windshield wiper device, the at least one wiper shaft (10) can be displaced under the action of a force.
US08181298B2 Method for controlling of washer
A novel washing method that is capable of smoothly washing laundry with low washing water consumption and low power consumption is disclosed. The control method is applied to a washing machine having a steam generation unit. The control method comprising a step of discharging water out of the steam generation unit when a rinsing operation of the washing machine is carried out.
US08181296B2 Foam spring mattress with replaceable foam springs
An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.
US08181293B2 Mattress with removable top
A mattress is constructed from a mattress body having an upper and a lower deck, which is preferably pervious to moisture and air. A removable panel, which includes a top layer of breathable fabric, a bottom layer of a fabric that forms a moisture barrier, and a batting layer, is placed on at least the upper deck of the mattress body. The removable panel is removably attached along the perimeter of the deck or decks by a fastener, such as a zipper. The panel can be removed from the deck for cleaning and folded and secured by the fastener in an inverted configuration, with the top layer facing outward.
US08181289B2 Sink with pre-plumbed and co-located components
A lavatory system has a cabinet including a base, a basin and a head extending above the basin. A water outlet/sensor is mounted in the head. A water supply line is connected to the water outlet. A solenoid valve in the water supply line controls the flow of water through the water supply line. A circuit board sends electrical signals to the solenoid valve for opening and closing the valve upon receipt of indications from a sensor as to whether a user hands is present or not. The solenoid valve, shut off valve, circuit board and sensor are mounted in the head with a sloped surface towards the basin. A manual shutoff valve mounted in the head is included in the supply line.
US08181287B2 Shower tray
A shower tray (10) comprising a trimmable edge (26) for trimming a dimension of the tray to fit a given area, a waste water gully (28) which extends from the trimmable edge (26) and which includes a gully fall (32) in a direction away from the trimmable edge (26), and a waste water surface (30) which extends with the gully (28) from the trimmable edge (26). The waste water surface (30) has a waste water surface fall (34) which is parallel or substantially parallel to the trimmable edge (26) and which leads into the gully (28). As a result of the waste water surface fall (34) and the gully fall (32), a two stage water runoff arrangement is provided.
US08181285B1 Shower/bath seat assembly
A seat assembly includes primary and secondary sections. Each section has a primary face and a secondary face. Each face has a peripheral side wall, interior and exterior edges, and front and rear edges. A hinge couples the side walls of the sections at the interior edges. In this manner movement between deployed and collapsed orientations is allowed. Four primary legs are pivotally secured to the primary face between its peripheral side wall. Two secondary legs are pivotally secured to the secondary face adjacent to its exterior edge between its peripheral side wall. The legs are pivotable between the collapsed and deployed orientations perpendicular to the primary and exterior faces. Holes are provided in the peripheral side walls adjacent to the exterior edges. A handle has legs reciprocally received within the holes. The handle has a grip. The grip couples the legs for carrying purposes.
US08181279B2 Multi-layered multi-purpose belt pack
A multi-layered, multi-purpose belt pack, wherein each layer performs particular storage functions and acts in complementary fashion to provide a particularly effective belt pack. The multi-layered main member is secured about the waist of the user by a belt member to provide multi-functional storage utility. This unitary belt pack provides compact, organized, and efficient personal storage of essential items in an easily accessible manner.