US07730888B2
A method includes advancing a distal end of a tubular nasopharyngeal airway device through a nostril opening and into a nasal passageway of a patient, the nasopharyngeal airway device having a proximal end that is larger than the nostril opening. At least a terminal tip of a resiliently flexible elongated locking protrusion that projects from the proximal end of the nasopharyngeal airway device is inserted into the same nostril opening in which the nasopharyngeal airway device is disposed so that the locking protrusion biases against the lining of the nasal passageway, thereby securing the nasopharyngeal airway device within the nasal passageway.
US07730885B2
A device for mixing anesthetic vapor with anesthetic gas has a pressure limitation feature achieved in a simple manner. The device has a valve device (11), with which the evaporator is switched on and off. The valve device (11) is equipped with an overpressure release device (22).
US07730881B1
A portable motor driven air gun powered by a power source includes a motor that is coupled to a linear motion converter which drives a piston. The piston compresses air in a chamber against a forward air compression valve producing high-pressure air. When sufficient energy is stored within the air stream by the piston, the compression valve opens which releases the compressed air to push a projectile through a barrel. The engagement and disengagement of the linear motion converter and the connected piston to the motor can be controlled using sensors. The linear motion converter further is coupled to a bolt thru a lost motion device to facilitate positioning of the projectile for firing. The direction speed and operative modes of the gun may be controlled with an electric circuit. The power source is preferably rechargeable, allowing the air gun to be operated independent from either a wall outlet or a compressed air supply.
US07730879B2
A voltage transformer circuit for supplying ignition power to a spark plug includes a transformer, a primary circuit, and a secondary circuit. The primary circuit is coupled with the secondary circuit via the transformer in order that, when a transistor switch is closed, power is transmitted from the primary circuit into the secondary circuit. The primary circuit includes a discharge path, for demagnetizing the transformer when the transistor switch is open and via which power can be retransmitted from the secondary circuit for shortening the duration of an arc discharge, and the discharge path forms a demagnetizing current with a primary side of the transformer.
US07730873B2
In an engine having at least one cylinder with a reciprocating piston and a connecting rod for driving rotation of a crank disk and a crankshaft, a cam sleeve is moved along the crankshaft in response to a change in engine speed. The cam sleeve is coupled to a cam ring that moves with the cam sleeve and in a spiraling motion about the longitudinal axis of the crankshaft. A follower engages an outer face of the cam ring and is movable against a pushrod that opens an injector valve. The follower is structured and disposed to move in response to contact with a lobe on the outer face of the cam ring to urge the pushrod against the injector valve. The pushrod passes through a throttle control ring that rotates in an arc. Rotation of the throttle ring, with the use of a control lever, shifts the position of the pushrod on the follower relative to a fulcrum of the follower to control the distance the pushrod is driven by the follower and, thus, the amount the injector valve is opened.
US07730872B2
A system for an engine, comprising of a cylinder located in the engine, a first injector configured to inject gasoline fuel into said cylinder, and a second injector configured to inject a fluid into said cylinder, said fluid containing at least some water.
US07730871B2
A direct injection spark ignition internal combustion engine including a controller that controls a fuel injector to perform a plurality of fuel injections to inject a necessary amount of fuel during an intake stroke, or from an intake stroke to a first half of a compression stroke, when homogeneous combustion is to be performed. The fuel injection control sets an injection prohibition period, in which injection of the fuel is prohibited, to a middle of the intake stroke. The injection prohibition period is decreased as the engine speed and as the intake air pressure increase. In addition, the amount of fuel injected before the injection prohibition period is reduced, and the amount of fuel injected after the injection prohibition period is increased, as the engine speed decreases.
US07730868B2
A gas powered internal combustion engine in which the gas is provided from pressurized liquid gas in an LPG container and in which the LPG container is rigidly mounted adjacent to the internal combustion engine at a preselected angle to be in conductive heat transfer relationship to the internal combustion engine and in vibration receiving relationship to the internal combustion engine whereby the liquified gas in the LPG container is heated and the effective surface area thereof is increased.
US07730867B2
An engine bracket assembly may include a first mounting portion, a second mounting portion, and a support member. The first mounting portion may fix a first end of the bracket assembly to the engine and the second mounting portion may fix a second end of the bracket assembly to the engine. The support member may support an engine component and may be disposed between and coupled to the first and second mounting portions. The coupling between the first and second mounting portions and the support member may provide relative displacement between the first mounting portion and the support member in a longitudinal direction extending from one of the first and second mounting portions toward the other of the first and second mounting portions during thermal expansion of the bracket assembly.
US07730866B2
This device is designed for a piston which is designed to move in alternating linear movement parallel to the axis of a chamber divided by the piston into a high pressure volume and a low pressure volume, and is of the type comprising: a circular cylindrical sliding surface bounding the chamber, an annular groove provided in the piston which is coaxial with the sliding surface and open towards the sliding surface, and a closed resilient sealing ring housed in a leak tight manner in the groove and intended to make sealing contact with the sliding surface. According to one aspect of the invention the ring is designed to determine the size of a lubricating oil film between the ring and the sliding surface to a limit lubricating thickness preferably from 0.1 μm to 1 μm when it moves from the high pressure volume to the low pressure volume.
US07730851B2
An animal feeder device comprises a trough to receive water and a feed shelf to support particulate feed thereon supported spaced above the trough for accommodating access to a head of one of the animals to the trough. A feed hopper directs feed onto the shelf through a plurality of discharge chutes corresponding to respective feeding stations along the trough. Water is supplied to the trough by a level control arranged to maintain water level in relation to the trough at a set point level.
US07730843B1
A line retrieve-release system is provided for mounting on the hull of a boat. First and second jaw mechanisms coupled to the hull face substantially forward and aft, respectively, relative to the boat's bow. Each jaw mechanism is capable of movement between a partially open position and a fully open position. First and second latches are coupled to the first and second jaw mechanisms, respectively. Each latch is biased to cooperate with its respective jaw mechanism in the partially open position thereof to thereby define a corresponding enclosed region. Each latch permits one-way entry to its associated enclosed region when a force is applied thereto from outside of the enclosed region. Each jaw mechanisms' partially open position defines a “ready-to-retrieve” and “line capture” position of the system, while each jaw mechanisms' fully open position defines a “line release” position of the system. Additional mechanism(s) are provide to (i) move each of the jaw mechanisms to their respective fully open position to thereby open the associated enclosed regions to facilitate the release of a captured line, and (ii) reset the retrieve-release system to its “ready-to-retrieve” and “line capture” position.
US07730841B2
A sling table is disclosed having a transparent top and a decorative fabric sling visible through the transparent table top. A frame defines an inner opening of a desired shape. The transparent table top is mounted to the frame in a substantially horizontal orientation. The fabric sling is mounted to the frame within the inner opening via sling rods. The fabric of the sling may match or complement fabric of other pieces of furniture, and may be replaced without having to replace the table top.
US07730838B1
Embodiments of a buoyancy dissipater and method for deterring a vessel are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a volume of gas is generated from a propellant and diffused below a waterline of a vessel. The resulting gas bubble dissipates the buoyancy of the vessel providing a non-lethal deterring effect.
US07730827B2
To provide an attachment structure of a swash plate support, that is, an attachment structure which suppresses an unstably fixed state of the swash plate support and realizes easy attachment and detachment of the swash plate support to and from a casing. A casing of a piston pump and a swash plate support which is attachable to the casing include a displacement preventing device and a rotation preventing device. In the swash plate support and the casing, since an engaging pawl portion of the displacement preventing device engages with an engaging portion, relative displacements in a first direction and a second direction along the rotational axis are prevented, and since a pin member of the rotation preventing device fits in the pin fit hole, relative rotations around the rotational axis are prevented.
US07730825B2
A vehicular hydraulic system having a pump, flow-splitting valve, first application and second application arranged in series. The flow-splitting valve diverts a portion of the primary fluid flow to the second application when the pressure exceeds a threshold value. A valve member disposed in the flow-splitting valve defines a pressure-reducing orifice that communicates fluid across the valve member. A one-way relief valve prevents fluid flow through the pressure-reducing orifice when the pressure in the valve is below the threshold value. When the pressure exceeds the threshold value, fluid flows through relief valve and the pressure reducing orifice resulting in the movement of the valve member and exposure of a bypass port to thereby divert a portion of the primary fluid flow to the second application. The relief valve may be selectively variable to thereby provide for the adjustment of the threshold value.
US07730821B2
In an exemplary electromagnetic launcher, a housing with breech and muzzle is slidably supported in a carriage supported on a trunnion. First and second electrical contacts are mounted in the carriage toward an axis of the trunnion. The first and second contacts are electrically connectable to receive electrical power from an electrical power supply. First and second augmentation conductors are disposed aft of the trunnion and are electrically connected to the first and second electrical contacts. First and second main conductors extend from the breech toward the muzzle. A current cross-over connection is disposed toward the breech and electrically connects the first and second augmentation conductors with the first and second main conductors, respectively. The first and second electrical contacts and the first and second augmentation conductors may be engaged in slidable electrical contact over a portion of the first and second augmentation conductors, thereby accommodating recoil motion.
US07730818B1
A food slicing system for slicing a food article into a plurality of pieces of equal thickness includes a base having a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of end walls extending between the front and rear walls. A catch aperture is defined by the front wall, the rear wall and the end walls. The front wall, the rear wall and the end walls extend upwardly from a bottom face. A cutting assembly is hingedly coupled to the base. The cutting assembly is pivoted towards the base to slice food articles on the base into a plurality of slices.
US07730816B2
A press apparatus includes an inputting device, that enables a user of the press apparatus to input working pattern data representing the workpiece, and a display device, that displays a working pattern of the workpiece based on the inputted working pattern data. A tool selecting device selects a plurality of tools required for working the workpiece in accordance with the working pattern data. A calculator calculates a transferring pitch of the workpiece in order for parts of the workpiece to be sequentially arranged in predetermined positions in a feeding direction of the press apparatus with respect to the plurality of tools selected by the tool selecting device. In this regard, the calculator also determines which tool is to be operated in association with the transferring pitch. The press includes a controller that controls the transferring pitch calculated by the calculator.
US07730814B2
A video image processing system, which determines a type of a video image scene and processes the video image based on a processing method corresponding to the type of the video image scene, is provided. A landmark feature variable obtaining section calculates the landmark feature variable on the basis of the photographing direction, the photographing position, and the landmark information. A moving feature variable obtaining section calculates a moving feature variable on the basis of the photographing position, the moving speed and route information. A video image type determining section determines a type of the video image scene on the basis of the landmark feature variable and the moving feature variable. A video image processing section determines a processing method of the video image on the basis of the type of the video image scene and a usage purpose, and processes the video image on the basis of the determined processing method. A display section displays the processed video image.
US07730813B2
A variable tuned holder for machine tools that attaches to a machine tool to act in a manner similar to a dynamic absorber while the machine tool is used during machining. The natural frequency of the holder may be matched to the natural frequency of the machine tool as the tool is in use to reduce the amplitude of vibration at the cutting end of tool with a workpiece. The present invention is designed to provide an impedance match between the machine tool and the holder such that the cutting energy may escape and/or be dissipated. The flexible holder may be used as one part of an overall system. The system may be designed to be used with tools of different shapes and/or lengths. As the shape and/or length of the machine tool changes, the system may be easily modified to change the natural frequency of the flexible holder to enable the dynamic absorber effect of the flexible holder to occur. The flexible holder may be included in a kit that may be used with a wide range of lengths and/or shapes of machine tools.
US07730810B1
A push-button locking pliers has a plurality of macro jaw width stations for grasping a wide variety of objects. A positioning mechanism is connected to a movable jaw member and cooperates with a jaw adjustment slot in the main handle. The positioning mechanism is released by pushing on a push button allowing, it to move along the slot. The user places the positioning mechanism at the jaw positioning station that creates a macro spacing between the fixed and movable jaws that best fits the object to be grasped. An adjustment screw adjusts the micro spacing between the jaws to cause the pliers to lock on the object using an over-center mechanism when the handles are squeezed.
US07730807B2
A transmission for a tractor has a forward/reverse transmission unit for selectively changing a rotational direction of power of a first shaft connected with an engine and transmitting the power to a second shaft connected with an axle shaft, a main transmission unit installed between the second shaft and the axle shaft and having a plurality of gears to speed-change the power transmitted from the second shaft in four-speed, and a sub-transmission unit installed between the main transmission unit and the axle shaft and having a plurality of gears to speed-change again the power transmitted from the main transmission unit in four-speed. The transmission realizes forward/reverse 16-speed while having a compact structure.
US07730801B2
The control system including four actuating forks, each associated to one or two gears and having a first engagement member, and a first hydraulically-operated actuator for controlling engagement of all gears. The first hydraulically-operated actuator includes: a shaft provided with four second engagement members for engagement each with a respective first engagement member of the actuating forks and arranged to turn about and translate along its axis; a cylinder coaxial to the shaft and arranged only to translate in the direction of its axis; and a pin drivingly connected either to the shaft or the cylinder and engaging in an S-shape groove provided either in the cylinder or shaft, respectively, so as to link the rotational and translational movements of the shaft with the translational movement of the cylinder. A second hydraulically-operated actuator is arranged to lock or release selectively the translational movement of the cylinder.
US07730800B2
A small center distance is provided between a crankshaft and a gearshift shaft disposed in parallel. A power unit is built compactly in a direction of arrangement of the crankshaft and the gearshift shaft for supporting reliably the gearshift shaft on which heavy, first and second gearshift clutches are supported. A transmission includes a main shaft, disposed in parallel with a crankshaft and rotatably supported in a crankcase, and first and second gearshift clutches. The first and second gearshift clutches change a gearshift position in a first gearshift portion and a gearshift position in a second gearshift portion, respectively. The main shaft includes an outer shaft portion that extends from the crankcase and supports the first and second gearshift clutches. The outer shaft portion is supported by a bearing portion disposed in a front cover on a side opposite to the crankcase across the first and second gearshift clutches.
US07730794B2
A method for classifying passengers comprises the steps of providing a plurality of load sensors disposed in a passenger seat of an automobile for measuring a load applied to the passenger seat; obtaining a sum by summing respective values obtained by multiplying respective load values measured from the plurality of load sensors by weighted load values of the respective load sensors; and comparing the sum with a reference value to classify a passenger on the passenger seat.
US07730784B2
Embodiments of techniques to verify the interference fit of fasteners are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes aligning a probe proximate a fastener, the fastener being disposed within a material. A dynamic stress signal is generated from the probe using a low frequency transducer, and the dynamic stress signal is interrogated after it passes between the fastener and the material. An interference fit is then determined based on the interrogated dynamic stress signal.
US07730783B2
An acceleration sensor includes a seismic mass which is suspended on springs above a substrate and is deflectable in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the substrate. In order to reduce deflections of the seismic mass along the surface of the substrate because of interference accelerations, which lead to a falsification of the measurements of the deflection of the seismic mass perpendicular to the surface of the substrate, the springs include two bending bars which are interconnected via crosspieces.
US07730773B2
An apparatus for detecting a continuous wave (CW) signal including a demodulator demodulating a received CW signal and providing a demodulated signal, an edge detector for detecting an edge of the demodulated signal and thereby, detecting the CW signal and a switchable short-circuit of the demodulator, edges being formed in the demodulated signal when the demodulator is temporarily short-circuited during receipt of the CW signal.
US07730772B2
A wireless and batteryless pressure sensor apparatus comprises of a SAW sensor and an antenna mounted on a printed circuit board. Optionally, and RFID tag in used in combination with the SAW sensor. A sensor antenna and a RFID antenna can be located on the printed circuit board such that the antennas communicate electrically with the sensor and the RFID device. The sensor can be interrogated utilizing a radio frequency, which is used to excite a SAW crystal inside the sensor. The interrogation signal causes the SAW to resonate wherein a resonant frequency changes with the pressure and temperature that is applied to the sensor. An interrogator can receive a return (echo) signal representing a change in SAW sensor properties (e.g., diaphragm change). A printed circuit board can be mounted on a stainless steel port and overpackaged with standard processes for hermetically sealing the sensor, or sensor and RFID device with at least one antenna.
US07730771B2
A device for detecting the combustion-chamber pressure in an internal combustion engine is configured in such a way that the combustion-chamber pressure is able to be detected in a reliable and reproducible manner. To this end, a heating pin exposed to the combustion-chamber pressure is fixed in place in a housing of the glow plug with the aid of a fixation member. A sensor is affixed in the housing of the glow plug via a fixation element set apart from this fixation member. This sensor detects the elastic longitudinal expansion of the housing caused by the combustion-chamber pressure between the end of the fixation member facing the sensor and the fixation point of the fixation element on the housing. This device is preferably utilized in the automotive industry.
US07730769B1
The present disclosure describes a viscometer for measurements of both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. In one embodiment, the viscometer comprises (i) a storage reservoir to store a test fluid, (ii) at least one drain tube assembly comprising a capillary drain tube, (iii) a collector for collecting said test fluid, and (iv) a detector. In addition, its novel viscosity equations suitable for the described viscometers are provided and illustrated for the application to Newtonian fluids and non-Newtonian fluids.
US07730768B2
A system for detecting leaks in vehicles comprises memory, a plurality of transducers, at least one sensor, an input device, and logic. The memory stores a plurality of transmit profiles. The transducers are disposed in a vehicle and configured to emit acoustic energy. The sensor is disposed outside of a vehicle and configured to sense the acoustic energy emitted by the transducers, and the input device is configured to receive a vehicle identifier identifying the vehicle. The logic is configured to select one of the transmit profiles for the transducers based on the vehicle identifier and to cause the transducers to emit the acoustic energy according to the selected transmit profile. The logic is further configured to detect at least one leak in the vehicle based on sample values indicative of the acoustic energy sensed by the at least one sensor and to provide an indication of the detected leak.
US07730767B2
The invention discloses a micro-sensor for sensing a chemical substance. The micro-sensor according to the invention includes a substrate, a micro-cantilever, an electrode structure, and a measuring device. The micro-cantilever is formed on the substrate and has a capturing surface for capturing chemical substances. The electrode structure is for supplying an electrical field. The electrical field is disposed so as to assist the capturing surface in capturing chemical substances. The measuring device, coupled to the micro-cantilever, is for measuring a variation on a mechanical property of the micro-cantilever induced by the captured chemical substance and interpreting the variation on the mechanical property of the micro-cantilever into information relative to the chemical substance.
US07730760B2
A method for checking proper functioning of a fill-level measuring device working according to the travel time principle. For this purpose, in predetermined or selectable time intervals (ta), a current measured value curve at a current fill level (hactual) is ascertained; on the basis of the current measured value curve, a current wanted echo signal is determined. Subsequently, on the basis of the current wanted echo signal, an expected value (E) for quality of a wanted echo signal at least one predetermined fill level (hdesired) is ascertained. The ascertained expected value (E) for quality of the wanted echo signal at the predetermined fill level (hdesired) is compared with a predetermined critical value for quality, and an error condition is diagnosed, when the ascertained expected value falls below the critical value for quality.
US07730759B2
For calibrating a humidity sensor, the latter is used to measure the relative humidity (U1, U2) at each of two known gas pressure values (P1, P2), likewise to be measured if necessary. At the same time, other ambient conditions are kept constant. A correction value for correction of the measured values of the humidity sensor to be subtracted from the latter is then obtained from the formula: k=((P1/P2)*U2−U1)/(P1/P2−1). The humidity sensor is thus capable of calibration without measurement of the actual humidity value.
US07730756B2
A system and method for reconfiguring an airfoil of a turbine vane segment. In at least one embodiment, the system may be used to straighten an airfoil of a turbine vane segment to remove lean, twist, or racking, or any combination thereof. The airfoil may be straightened by applying a load to an inner shroud in a direction that is generally tangential to an outer shroud of the turbine vane segment. Orifices may be cut into the airfoil suction side, inboard of the outer shroud, to facilitate the straightening process. The orifices may be sealed upon completion of the process.
US07730755B2
The present invention relates to a process of producing a permanent magnet, which includes extruding a preform to form a plate-shaped permanent magnet, in which the preform is extruded in such a way that a dimension of a cross section of the preform is reduced in an X-direction and enlarged in a Y-direction perpendicular to the X-direction. The present invention also relates to a plate-shaped permanent magnet formed by extruding a preform, in which the preform is extruded in such a way that a dimension of a cross section of the preform is reduced in an X-direction and enlarged in a Y-direction perpendicular to the X-direction, whereby the permanent magnet has a strain ratio ε2/ε1 with respect to the preform in a range of 0.2 to 3.5, in which ε1 is a strain in the direction of the extrusion of the preform and ε2 is a strain in the Y-direction.
US07730736B2
A refrigerant circuit (40) is provided with two adsorption heat exchangers (56, 57) in addition to an outdoor heat exchanger (54) and an indoor heat exchanger (55). The indoor heat exchanger (55) and the two adsorption heat exchangers (56, 57) are disposed in an indoor unit (11), while the outdoor heat exchanger (54) is disposed in an outdoor unit (12). In the adsorption heat exchanger (56, 57) serving as an evaporator, moisture in the air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. In the adsorption heat exchanger (56, 57) serving as a condenser, moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent and then applied to the air. Then, the air dehumidified or humidified by the adsorption heat exchanger (56, 57) is supplied to a room to cope with latent heat load in the room. On the other hand, in the indoor heat exchanger (55), air is cooled or heated. Then, the air cooled or heated by the indoor heat exchanger (55) is supplied to the room to cope with sensible heat load in the room.
US07730735B2
The refrigerant service port valve for air conditioners has a valve body defining a main fluid conduit adapted for insertion into a coolant line using compression fittings at opposite ends of the conduit. A pedestal is mounted on the exterior conduit wall. The pedestal has a bore therethrough forming a lower service passage that enters the main fluid conduit, and an internally threaded blind bore parallel to the lower service passage. A slider is mounted on the pedestal, the slider having a male quick connect fitting defining an upper service passage. The upper service passage may be aligned with the lower service passage in an open position to service the system, or the slider may be moved to align the upper service passage with the blind bore to access a setscrew, which is raised partially into the upper service passage to lock the valve in a closed position.
US07730731B1
A refrigeration system for controlling airflow around an air-cooled heat generating device includes a variable speed compressor. The refrigeration system also includes evaporators positioned along a refrigerant line in a serial configuration with respect to each other and are positioned directly in at least one of the path of airflow supplied into the heat generating components and the path of airflow exhausted from the heat generated components. The refrigeration system further includes a controller and at least one temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is configured to transmit signals related to the detected temperature to the controller, and the controller is configured to vary the speed of the variable speed compressor based upon the signals received from the temperature sensor.
US07730730B2
A control method of a multi-air conditioner in which a plurality of indoor units is connected to one outdoor unit and refrigerant flow amount is adjusted by electronic expansion valves comprises a share step in which a plurality of indoor units exchanges their operation information, a comparison and judgment step in which each above indoor unit compares and judges its operation status based on the exchanged operation information, and an adjustment step in which each above indoor unit adjusts refrigerant flow amount supplied to each indoor unit based on the compared and judged operation status.
US07730727B2
Apparatuses and methods for cogeneration ducting applications in which at least a desired effective flow stream control is maintained for stable combustion. A flow stream is directed through a flow control system to achieve the desired effective uniform flow rate and composition.
US07730725B2
A splash plate dome assembly for a combustion liner of a turbine engine is disclosed. The splash plate may include an outer periphery having a plurality of corners and an inner periphery defining an aperture and an annular flange. The splash plate may include a plurality of first flow guides extending from the outer periphery to the inner periphery. The splash plate may further include a plurality of second flow guides extending from the outer periphery to a location intermediate the inner periphery and the outer periphery. The splash plate, annular flange, first flow guides, and second flow guides may be integrally formed by casting. The splash plate may be mounted to a combustion dome having a plurality of distributed through holes for forming impingement jets on an upstream face of the splash plate.
US07730724B2
A method for controlling engine operation, the engine having a turbocharger coupled between an intake and exhaust manifold of the engine via a turbocharger shaft, the method comprising dynamically determining turbocharger shaft speed based at least on intake and exhaust manifold conditions using a torque balance across the turbocharger; and adjusting turbocharger boosting to adjust turbocharger shaft speed in response to said dynamically determined turbocharger shaft speed.
US07730721B2
The exhaust gas purification device of an internal combustion engine of the present invention comprises an exhaust passage for guiding an exhaust gas exhausted from an engine to outside, a catalyst provided in the exhaust passage, an injection path connected on an upstream side of the catalyst in the exhaust passage, an additive injection valve installed in the injection path for supplying an additive to the catalyst through the injection path, and an inflow portion provided in a merging portion where the exhaust passage and the injection path merge for having a part of the exhaust gas flowing in the exhaust passage flow into the injection path.
US07730717B2
In a control system for a compression-ignition engine whose operation is switchable between a compression-ignition operation in which an air-fuel mixture supplied to a combustion chamber auto-ignites to burn owing to compression and a spark-ignition operation in which the air-fuel mixture is ignited to burn by a spark of a spark plug, it is determined whether a predetermined permissible condition to permit switching from the spark-ignition to the compression-ignition operation is satisfied, and switching from the spark-ignition operation to the compression-ignition operation is permitted when the predetermined permissible condition is satisfied, thereby enabling to expand the compression-ignition operation utilization region so long as permissible in light of the engine operating condition.
US07730716B2
A HC adsorbing material whose deterioration can be judged with high accuracy and reliability. The HC adsorbing material contains a zeolite having cation adsorption sites (Al sites) to which are bonded ions of an element (Ce+) that exhibits oxygen storage capacity (OSC) in a nonionic state (when present as an oxide).
US07730701B1
A hydraulic driver for powering the conditioner mechanism on an agricultural mower-conditioner, the hydraulic driver being powered by the same hydraulic power circuit that powers the cutting mechanism, but which includes controls for varying the speed and/or direction of rotation of the conditioner mechanism independent from the speed of the cutting mechanism.
US07730694B1
An improved sliding clip for a standing seam roof, the clip having a clip base supporting a clip tab adapted to connect to a standing seam, the clip tab slidably supported by the clip base along a slide track on the clip base, the clip tab permitted to travel a selected range along substantially the full length of the clip base so that the length of the travel path can exceed or be less than the length of the clip base. Stop members on the clip base and clip tab are positioned to abut when the clip tab is moved in either direction along the slide track. Alternate tab stops can be provided to selectively determine the extent of travel of the clip tab along the travel path.
US07730690B2
A compression post assembly for a soffit, canopy or like structure utilizing a suspended grid of inverted tees to support the soffit surface forming panels comprising a main strut and a saddle coupling, the main strut having a hollow cross-section along substantially its full length between its upper and lower ends, the saddle coupling being adapted to connect the lower end of the strut to a grid tee by receiving separate self-tapping screws, one in each of the main strut and grid tee, the saddle coupling having a pair of spaced depending legs, the legs being spread apart by a distance sufficient to straddle the bulb of a conventional grid tee and having a length sufficient to engage the upper surfaces of the lower flange of the grid tee and thereby stabilize the grid tee against pivotal motion about a horizontal axis.
US07730687B2
The invention relates to a multi-layer decoupling system, in particular for the laying of ceramic paving according to a thin-bed method. Said system comprises a layered construction containing, from the base upwards, an anchoring fleece made of non-woven material, an anchorage layer that is configured from a lattice-type structural element and that is used to hold a filler material, which is to be incorporated into the upper face of the decoupling system and which is plastic during processing and subsequently cures, in addition to a reinforcement layer, which is fixed, at least in some sections, to the anchorage layer. This improves the load-bearing capacity of the decoupling system and the bonding properties of ceramic paving that is laid in a conventional manner on the decoupling system.
US07730683B2
A corner defined where a wall panel and a ceiling panel meet is trimmed by a crown molding assembly comprising a wall platform, a ceiling platform, a crown molding member, a wall edge-trimming bead, and a ceiling edge-trimming bead. The wall platform is affixed to the wall panel, at or near the corner, and has an expansive surface spaced from the wall panel. The ceiling platform is affixed to the ceiling panel, at or near the corner, and has an expansive surface spaced from the ceiling panel. The crown molding member is affixed so as to bridge the expansive surfaces of the wall and ceiling platforms. The wall edge-trimming bead is affixed so as to cover an outer edge of expansive surface of the wall platform. The ceiling edge-trimming bead is affixed so as to cover an outer edge of expansive surface of the ceiling platform. Each platform may comprise a drywall layer or stacked drywall layers. If either platform defines a step, the crown molding assembly further comprises another edge-trimming bead, which is affixed so as to cover an outer edge of the step.
US07730678B2
A glass compound is provided with two or several glass plates 1, 2 spaced apart A by a spacer 4, wherein between adjacent glass plates 1, 2 at least one inherently rigid plate element 3 is inserted whose thickness D is dimensioned to be smaller than the distance A between adjacent glass plates 1, 2 of the glass compound.
US07730669B2
Elongate bases (10) for guiding a movable end (37) of a conductor path (30). Cross sections taken through the bases substantially normal to the elongation directions of the bases are substantially identical to one another and substantially constant along the elongation direction of the bases. Thus, the bases (10) can be obtained by cutting an elongated raw material to a specified length in conformity with a vehicle type, thereby enabling a cost reduction. Further, since the bases (10) are symmetrical with a moving path of the movable end (37) located therebetween, it is sufficient to prepare only one kind of elongated raw material. In this respect as well, costs can be reduced.
US07730668B2
A motor vehicle egress window comprises a circumferential outer frame forming an auxiliary egress opening for a motor vehicle passenger compartment and an inner frame unit. The outer frame has an outer frame member with an inner surface and at least a first striker pin. The inner frame unit is mounted to the outer frame for movement between closed and open positions has a circumferential inner frame, a glazing pane mounted to the inner frame, at least a first egress latch mounted to the inner frame, and a release mechanism. The egress latch is operative to latch to the striker pin to hold the inner frame unit in the closed position. The release mechanism includes a manually operative release handle, preferably mounted at an elevated position on a vertical side portion of the inner frame, and release linkage comprising at least a first link from the release handle to the first latch. In certain embodiments the inner and outer frames overlap radially for improved functionality.
US07730665B2
The present invention includes a reservoir on a base supported at an elevation by a support member above a plurality of plants to be watered. A mechanical fill assembly, containing a flush valve and a float connected to a water supply line, automatically keeps the reservoir filled with water for extended periods. The plants are watered by gravity through a plurality of main valves in the reservoir that provide a controlled amount of water to main lines extending to each group of plants. Branch lines extend from each main line that terminate at perforated plant lines at each plant to be watered. A plant valve controls the amount of water each plant will receive on a continuous basis. In a further embodiment of the invention, a bird porch is attached to the reservoir to automatically provided a bird waterer and to provide a bird feeder. Also, a removable fertilizer tray can be provided to fertilize the plants.
US07730660B2
A fishing device includes an elongated stake having a first end and an opposed second end, a ground engaging portion formed adjacent the first end thereof, a through aperture formed adjacent the opposed second end, and a planar surface portion terminating the second end and being disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the stake. A ring is movably received within the aperture and a first swivel is secured to the ring. A fishing line has one end thereof being secured to the first swivel while a second swivel is secured to a distal end of the fishing line. Fishing implements are attached to one of the distal end of the fishing line, the second swivel and a combination thereof. The user simply casts the fishing line into the water and drives the stake in the ground for unattended fishing.
US07730649B1
A bucket with a dust suppressing apparatus includes a bucket portion and a dust suppressing apparatus coupled to the bucket portion. The dust suppressing apparatus is adapted to operate during operation of the bucket. The dust suppressing apparatus functions to reduce dust emissions during use of the bucket in order to meet EPA requirements. Particular embodiments include an adjustable dust suppressing apparatus coupled directly to the bucket portion, wherein spray direction of the dust suppressing apparatus is adjusted in response to the adjustment of the dust suppressing apparatus.
US07730643B2
A snow plow includes a primary moldboard and auxiliary plow positioned behind the primary moldboard. The snow plow may be a one-way or reversible snow plow. In the later case, the primary moldboard and auxiliary plow are attached to a drive frame that is rotatable about a frame. The frame is secured to the front of a vehicle by a frame and bracket, and controlled by hydraulic mechanisms. The auxiliary plow is operated independently of the moldboard by a pair of hydraulic cylinders and includes tines or a resilient blade for clearing snow and ice that is not taken up by the primary moldboard. The device also includes a mechanism whereby the scraping edge of the secondary plow follows the same path as the scraping edge of moldboard by sliding movement of the secondary plow relative to the drive frame, and the blade of the auxiliary plow may be formed by tines or a resilient blade.
US07730634B2
A high-heeled dancer's shoe providing the structural integrity to prevent bowing and to execute energetic character dancing steps and simultaneously maintaining the flexibility necessary to execute jazz steps. The shoe comprises a hard plastic high heel, a partial metal shank extending from a back of the shoe and extending forward over the arch in a middle portion of the shoe, and an open shoe body including a flexible shoe upper shaped for receiving the dancer's foot, including left and right sides that have a flexible insert in an area of an arch, and a continuous layer of leather outer sole spanning a length and width of the shoe including a thinner middle section. In certain embodiments there is a front sole support originating from the front sole area and providing cushioning and support for the toe box.
US07730628B2
A depth stop device for use in connection with another device or apparatus (for example, a medical device) includes a stop member slidably positionable on the device, at least one abutment member in operative connection with the stop member to adjustably contact the device to lock the stop member in a desired position relative to the device or to free the stop member to slide relative to the device, and an adjustment member connected to the abutment member to control a position of the abutment member relative to the device. The force applicable by the abutment member to the device is limited to be less than a certain force.
US07730627B2
A method and device for measuring an amount of wear on a flank of a gear tooth is provided. The method includes positioning a template comprising a first template tooth adjacent a gear comprising a first gear tooth. The method also includes adjusting the position of the template in a rotational direction with respect to a known rotational reference point of the gear, adjusting the position of the template in an axial direction with respect to a known axial reference point of the gear, and adjusting the position of the template in a radial direction with respect to a known radial reference point of the gear. The method further includes measuring an extent of a gap between an edge of the first template tooth and an adjacent flank of the first gear tooth, wherein the gap corresponds to the amount of wear on the flank.
US07730617B2
A method for connecting a heat-dissipating body and a heat pipe and the structure thereof are used to improve the efficiency of heat conduction. The structure includes a heat-dissipating body and a heat pipe. The central position of the heat-dissipating body is provided with an accommodating trough for accommodating the heat pipe. A plurality of corresponding slots extends outwardly from the periphery of the trough. The other end of the slot is connected to a through hole. Tools are disposed in the slots to widen the slots and thus the periphery of the trough, so that the inner diameter of the trough is larger than the outer diameter of the heat pipe. After the heat pipe penetrates into the trough, the tools are removed, so that the inner wall surface of the trough abuts tightly against the outer circumferential surface of the heat pipe. Thus, the optimal efficiency of heat conduction between the heat pipe and the heat-dissipating body can be achieved.
US07730611B2
A method of accurately placing an object with a pick and place machine provides raw material. A desired surface topography is created in the raw material. The raw material is diced into parts using a bevel cut so that each of the parts has bevel surfaces. A fixture is provided that has a plurality of spaced cavities with each cavity having bevel surfaces constructed and arranged to mate with the bevel surfaces of an associated part. A pick and place machine picks and places each part into an associated cavity such that the bevel surfaces of the part mates with the bevel surfaces of the cavity.
US07730610B2
A mounting method comprising the steps of (A) disposing first liquid (2) on first region (11) provided on one principal surface of substrate (1); (B) bringing member-containing liquid (5) containing second liquid (3) and at least one member (4) into contact with the first liquid (2) disposed on the first region (11); and (C) removing the first liquid (2) and the second liquid (3) from the one principal surface to thereby dispose the member (4) on the first region (11). The first liquid (2) is substantially not dissolved in the second liquid (3). The wettability of the first liquid (2) with respect to the surface of the member (4) is higher than that of the second liquid (3).
US07730609B2
An apparatus for a circuit assembly, including two plates which are adapted to hold a circuit assembly, connected by a hinge, and including a hold-down adapted to interlock the circuit assembly to a plate, and a sliding lock adapted to secure the plates. Examples of the present subject matter include embodiments wherein the sliding lock secures the first plate and second plate in a first mode of operation, and releases the first plate in a second mode of operation, and wherein the hold-down interlocks the circuit assembly to the first plate in a first state of operation, and interlocks the circuit assembly to the second plate in a second state of operation. Further, the present subject matter includes a method for using a circuit carrier to hold a circuit assembly.
US07730604B2
A method for assembling a disk drive includes providing a head stack assembly (HSA), providing a shipping comb for assembling the disk drive, inserting a comb pin of the shipping comb into a locating holes in a HSA to assemble the shipping comb with the HSA together, positioning the HSA and shipping comb on a base cover of the disk drive, installing the HSA on the base cover via a bearing device thereof, rotating the assembled HSA and shipping comb to park the HSA on the ramp and aligning the comb pin with the securing hole, pushing the comb pin into a securing hole to lock the HSA in the base cover, assembling a latch device and a top voice coil magnet on the base cover, and rotating out the shipping comb to a position where the shipping comb is not interfered with the disk drive.
US07730600B2
In order to efficiently detach and collect an IC tag (1) from a paper sheet (2) to which the IC tag (1) is attached, the IC tag (1) is detached from the paper sheet (2) by applying external force to the adhesive surface between the paper sheet (2) and the IC tag (1) (detachment step). Next, the detached IC tag (1) is fractionated from other substances (fractionation step).
US07730598B2
A conduit disconnect tool is fabricated from a hollow tubular member having one end angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular member and formed with a fork configuration at that end. The opposite end of the tool is milled to provide a semi-cylindrical section. Either end may be impinged on a fitting release plate to effect and permit removal of conduit from the fitting.
US07730596B2
A method of manufacturing a surface acoustic wave device having a high electromechanical coefficient and reflection coefficient, and also having an improved frequency-temperature characteristic is achieved by forming a SiO2 film on an IDT so as to prevent cracking from occurring on a surface of the SiO2 film so that desired properties can be reliably obtained. The surface acoustic wave device includes at least one IDT, which is composed of a metal or an alloy having a density higher than that of Al and is formed on a 25° to 55° rotation-Y plate X propagation LiTaO3 substrate, and a SiO2 film disposed on the LiTaO3 substrate so as to cover the at least one IDT for improving the frequency-temperature characteristic.
US07730593B1
An improved binder clip is provided. The binder clip includes a clamping means, opposed gripping means attached to the clamping means, and a label holder that is attached to, or that is integral with, the clamping means. An identifying label is inserted into the label holder for easy identification of the material that is bound by the binder clip.
US07730574B1
An apparatus for the cleaning and washing of objects includes a flexible inner lining that extends over a hand and wrist or arm of a user so as to provide a gap intermediate the exterior of at least a portion of the hand and the interior of the inner lining. A preferred material for the inner lining is fabricated neoprene, rubber, or latex. An outer lining extends over at least a portion of the inner lining and is adapted for a cleaning, polishing, or dusting operation. A preferred material for the outer lining includes cotton fibers. The apparatus is available in either a “gloved” version with fingers or in a “mitt” version that accommodates a plurality of fingers. Both versions, preferably, include a thumb area as well. A first seal surrounds the apparatus around the wrist or arm of the user and is tightened to restrict the inflow of a fluid into the apparatus. A second seal is parallel to the first seal and further restricts the inflow of the fluid and prevents entry of a substantial quantity of the fluid into the gap.
US07730573B1
The dipstick fuel squeegee of the present invention includes an elongated, rigid but lightweight base with foot pegs on either end and is long enough to span the opening of most large tanks. The base has a midsection into which first a wiper member and then a securing member are releasably attached. There are openings in the midsection, the wiper member, and the securing member which are vertically aligned. The openings of the midsection and the securing member are approximately equal in size while the opening in the wiper element is smaller. The wiper element is made of a flexible, resilient material and substantially centered over the opening in the seat. During use, a dipstick is inserted through the three openings of the squeegee, the user secures the squeegee by standing on the foot pegs, and the wiper member dislodges any liquid adhering to the dipstick as the user raises it through the squeegee.
US07730571B2
A bracket assembly for use with cleaning implements such as push brooms has a handle connector for mounting a handle and a plate with a pair of depending flanges that are inserted into the broom head. The bracket assembly may be removably secured to the broom head with a fastener such as bolt and nut to provide an attachment mechanism having sufficient strength to withstand repeated sweeping motion. The removable bracket allows the arrangement of the handle and broom head to be reversed so that both faces of the broom head and bristles can be used interchangeably for sweeping. The removable bracket can be used with cleaning implements having heads of various dimensions and shapes.
US07730566B2
The present invention is directed to a gelastic cushion. The gelastic cushion is made from a conventional gelastic composition. The gelastic cushion has a structure having a first wall that defines an opening area and buckles when a force is applied to the first wall. When the first wall buckles a predetermined amount, a second wall, interconnected to the first wall, also buckles. The second wall decreases the chance that the first wall bottoms out. Bottoming out increases the pressure on the patient (a.k.a., the force) overlying the gelastic cushion. That increased pressure is undesirable.
US07730562B2
A patient support for supporting a patient is provided. The patient support includes a frame and a deck. The deck includes first and second ends and longitudinal sides extending therebetween. The deck also includes a first portion and a second portion that is configured to extend laterally from the deck to widen the deck. An actuator is coupled to the deck and configured to move the second portion relative to the first portion between an extended position and a retracted position.
US07730556B2
A swimming goggle structure includes two eye masks and a centrally located nose strap. Each eye mask has an outer edge forming a head strap buckle to which a head strap is connected and an inner edge forming a projecting joint section. The joint section forms a recessed slot and is jointed to an end of the nose strap by insert molding so that the end of the nose strap wraps and engages the joint section of each eye mask to form a tightly connected structure.
US07730551B2
An armpit sweat absorption system comprised of a disposable absorption pad that is placed inside a pocket located under the armpit of a conventional yet modified men and women's undershirt. The pocket, located at the arm pit location serves as an “under-pocket” to contain the disposable absorption pad. The under-pocket is a simple layer of undershirt material that reinforces the under arm and has room to hold the pad. The pad material is a composite of gauze-like cotton material suitable for absorbing moisture. The combined effort of under pocket and absorption pad is meant to absorb unsightly underarm perspiration and provide garment protection from clothes fading and discoloration due to sweating and deodorant stains that tend to drain through.
US07730550B2
A knee support has a body and two pressing strips. The body is a band having two ends, a central segment, a protecting portion, and a shockproof pad. The protecting portion is formed in the central segment of the body. The two pressing strips are formed on the outer surface of the body and each has a distal end and a connector being formed on the distal end. The distal end of the pressing strip mounted through the ring, folded back on itself and attached to the body using the connector. The body orientates and holds the knee support in position while the pressing strip presses tightly against and supports a patella of the knee. The knee support prevents discomfort associated with loss of blood and provides good shock-absorption for the knee.
