US07857413B2
The present invention provides systems, methods, and apparatus for monitoring and controlling a slew rate of a voltage signal provided to a PZT capacitor of a print head. The system includes a digital driver circuit adapted to generate a signal indicating a nominal slew rate, a probe circuit for measuring a firing pulse voltage signal provided to the capacitor, a comparator coupled to the digital driver and the probe circuit comparing a measured slew rate with the nominal slew rate generating a signal indicating a difference between the measured slew rate and the nominal slew rate, an analog driver circuit coupled to the comparator adapted to adjust the slew rate of the voltage signal in response to the difference signal, and an analog/digital converter adapted to sample the voltage signal output from the probe circuit and to provide an output for diagnostic purposes. Numerous other features and aspects are disclosed.
US07857393B2
An adjustable armrest for a vehicle seat comprising an armrest housing pivoted on a seat back frame and a pair of locking elements in the housing, one of which is adjustable and the other being fixed. A seat back stop is engageable with the adjustable locking element. A seat occupant, using an armrest release mechanism, may adjust the relative positions of the locking elements to change a desired active position of the armrest. A memory feature permits return of the armrest to the desired active position from an upright stowed position.
US07857386B2
A child seat for transporting a child in a car includes a seat support with a support bottom and a support back which extends above the support bottom, a seat frame that has harness belts for holding the child against the seat frame, and slides between the seat support and the seat frame for coupling the seat frame in adjustable tilt positions to the seat support, which slides include an upper slide for connecting the upper or shoulder part of the seat frame to the support back and a lower slide for connecting the lower or bottom part of the seat frame to the support bottom. In accordance with the invention on both sides of the seat frame the seat support includes a diagonal bar for connecting the forward part of the support bottom to the support back above or at the height of the upper slide.
US07857380B2
A portable chair is configurable to serve various utilitarian needs. In one embodiment, the portable multifunctional chair includes a frame, a seat attached to the frame and an adjustable seat flap fixed to the seat. The seat has an inner edge that encloses a seat opening. The adjustable seat flap is approximately flush with the seat when the seat flap is secured to the seat in a closed position in which the seat flap covers the opening. The multifunctional chair has at least one transverse dimension that is less than 25% of the longitudinal length when the multifunctional chair is configured in a portable state.
US07857378B2
Various embodiments of a seating apparatus are set forth herein. In one embodiment, a seating apparatus includes a folding chair, bag, and blanket. The folding chair is movable between use and storage configurations. The bag has an internal area to receive the folding chair at the storage configuration. The bag has opposed ends and a length therebetween; an opening is at one end for passing the folding chair to and from the internal area. The blanket has a primary portion and at least one flap. An end of the primary portion is coupled to the bag and extends along at least a section of the bag length. The flap is sized to extend from the primary portion beyond a bag end and is not directly coupled to the bag. At least one fastener is configured to selectively couple the blanket to itself when the blanket is wrapped around the bag.
US07857373B2
An automotive vehicle employs a convertible roof system. The convertible roof system can include a roof cover and a top stack mechanism operable between raised and stowed positions. At least one roof bow can move between first and second positions relative to a forwardmost roof rail.
US07857363B2
The invention is a locking arrangement for securely sealing the doors of a freight container. The container comprises two locking rods, each of which is fixed to one of each of the doors. A handle is pivotably connected to the first locking rod. The handle comprises a first opening situated at a location along its longitudinal length. A seal clasp is joined to the first of the doors. The said seal clasp comprises a second opening aligned with the first opening. The locking arrangement comprises a sealing device comprising a bolt seal and a cable. The bolt seal comprises an insertion bolt comprising an elongated body, an enlarged base and a securing tip. The bolt seal further comprises a locking bush into which the securing tip is inserted. The cable comprises a first end and a second end joined to the bolt seal. When the cable is wrapped around the locking rods, and when the insertion bolt is disposed through the first and second openings, the doors are securely sealed.
US07857361B1
A coupler for connecting and disconnecting a first hydraulic connector and a second hydraulic connector. The coupler has a first end and a second end. The coupler first end has a threaded opening adapted to combine with a threaded connector. The coupler second end has an opening with several members movable relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupler. The movable members have a first position wherein they are moved outward to make the opening larger and a second position wherein they are moved inward to make the opening smaller. The opening in the coupler second end is adapted to receive a threaded connector when the movable members are in their first (larger) position. After a portion of the threaded connector is inserted into the opening, the members are moved to their second (smaller) position thereby securing the threaded connector to the coupler second end.
US07857353B2
A label assembly including a face sheet, a back sheet, and a layer of adhesive disposed between the face sheet and the back sheet. The adhesive adheres to the face sheet more than to the back sheet. A plurality of label shapes is cut within a remaining portion of the face sheet in a label column. A fold line extends across the label shapes in the label column. The fold line can be a printed line, a score line, a perforated line, and combinations thereof. The fold line divides each of the label shapes into a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion is larger than the second portion. The smaller second portion is folded back onto the first portion to form an index label for adhering to a separate page.
US07857352B2
Systems and methods for installing a vehicle-body accessory on a corresponding vehicle body include a vehicle-body accessory and an intermediate structural member configured to be positioned between the vehicle-body accessory and the corresponding vehicle body. The intermediate structural member includes one or more of a plurality of discrete projections and/or a plurality of discrete depressions for securing the structural member to the body and body accessory, such as with adhesive, spanning the projections and/or depressions. In some embodiments the structural member at least generally conforms to an internal recess, or channel, in the vehicle-body accessory. In some embodiments, the structural member includes at least one, optionally removable, alignment tab to facilitate proper installation of the intermediate structural member on a vehicle body.
US07857350B2
A seat apparatus for a vehicle includes a first seat, a second seat, and a seatbelt mechanism provided at the second seat. A first frame member for supporting the second seat and a first seat slide mechanism for slidably moving the second seat are arranged to be vertically coplanar with the shoulder belt guide member and the belt anchor of the seatbelt mechanism. A first lock member is provided at a second frame member disposed adjacently to the first seat for supporting the second seat. A second lock member is provided at a supporting member for supporting the first seat. The first and second lock members allow a movement of the second frame member in a forward and backward direction of the vehicle and engage with each other for locking the second frame member relative to the vehicle floor when an excess load is received from the seatbelt mechanism.
US07857348B2
A frame for a vehicle chassis includes C-cross section side rails and interconnecting cross members which extend through the vertical webs of the side rails and are attached with connecting brackets to the outside faces thereof. This construction provides the capability of utilizing extended length cross members to which other vehicle components, such as fuel tanks, suspension members, fenders and the like, may be attached.
US07857344B2
A trailer hitch having an adjustable hitch bar for coupling with a tow vehicle and a front member coupled with the adjustable hitch bar. A rear member couples with a trailer frame and a yoke couples between the rear member and the trailer frame. Converging links connect between the front member and the rear member, whereby the angular position between the front member and the rear member can be varied. The converging links effectively move the pivot point between the tow vehicle and trailer forward of the hitch assembly.
US07857343B2
A simple mechanical height adjustment device adjusts the ground clearance of a trailer. The trailer, having the height adjustment device can selectably and reversibly increase its ground clearance. The trailer, having an adjustable ground clearance, can minimize its load height when operating on improved roads in order to meet local and state height regulation, but can increase its ground clearance on uneven roads.
US07857332B2
A device for adjusting camber angle of a vehicle tire/wheel assembly, comprising a camber arm having first and second arms and a cage. The cage comprises a cavity, top and front walls, sidewalls, and a cut-out, the first and second arms connected to the sidewalls. The device further comprises a ball joint assembly adjustably engaged with the cage, and comprising a housing and a lower clamping plate. The device further comprises an upper clamping plate, the upper and lower clamping plates bolted to the cage top wall. The ball joint assembly moveable from a first position where an outward portion of the ball joint housing is disposed outside of the cage cavity, and a second position where the outward portion of the ball joint housing is disposed within the cage cavity.
US07857330B2
This children's carriage (1) comprises a frame (10) that supports a seat or the like for the child, equipped with a rear bar for pushing the carriage. The frame is equipped, at the front with a warning light controlled by means of a control switch provided on the push bar in order to limit the risks of collisions between the children's carriage and vehicles traveling in proximity thereto such as automobiles. In order to confer a good-looking aesthetic appearance to children's carriage, particularly at the warning light, the frame is equipped with a front wheel (18), which is supported on the ground and joined to the frame by a fork (22′) that is articulated with regard to the frame, an external housing (26) of the light (24) forming, at least in part, a decorative element in the area of the articulation of the fork with regard to the frame.
US07857325B2
A system for adjusting the height or spacing between the frame and axle of a vehicle. The system may operate by manipulating a suspension system connecting the frame to the axle and comprising shock assemblies. The system may include hydraulic spacers selectively changing in length in unison, thereby manipulating the equilibrium positions of the shock assemblies and changing the distance between the frame and axle. Between changes in length, the hydraulic spacers may act as a substantially rigid bodies.
US07857318B1
An arcade type crane game includes a crane that moves in a two dimensional random motion over the playing field of the prizes without control from the player. After a period of the random motion, a pick up device stops its random motion and lowers in the location where it stops and attempts to pick up a prize below. In the case of a vacuum pick up device, the vacuum is lowered and acquires (or attempts to acquire) the nearest object below the vacuum. In the case of a claw type crane, the claws actuate after being lowered to the level of the prizes to acquire (or attempt to acquire) a prize below. By removing the controls from the player, various elements of skill have been removed from the game and replaced by chance.
US07857308B2
According to an embodiment, an idler roller has an insertion through-hole through which a rotation shaft is inserted. Collar-shaped stopper portions are formed on the rotation shaft and are located on both left and right sides of the idler roller when the rotation shaft is inserted and provided at a normal position. Coil springs are attached between the stopper portions and base surfaces of concave groove portions of the idler roller. The idler roller is held at the normal position by biasing force of both the coil springs when paper is not seized. When paper is seized, the idler roller is moved in a lateral direction by elastic restoring force caused by a torsion phenomenon occurring in the paper. The idler roller returns to the normal position due to biasing force of both the coil springs after the paper has passed through the idler roller.
US07857302B2
A vacuum friction feeder including at least one vacuum friction belt provided with a plurality of holes, a pair of rollers, a table top provided with at least one suction port, an exposure table having a substantially horizontal top surface and a separator. The at least one vacuum friction belt is adapted to rotate around the table top while supported by the rollers such that a suction pressure can be drawn through the plurality of holes provided in the at least one vacuum friction belt as the plurality of holes pass over the suction port. The exposure table is operatively associated with the table top and is adapted to be movable relative to the table top in a plane defined by the substantially horizontal top surface to adjust the portion of the bottommost product in the stack of products exposed to the at least one vacuum friction belt.
US07857300B2
An apparatus (100) and method (1200) that disk stacks and compiles media sheets. The apparatus can include a media sheet transport (120) configured to transport media sheets and a stacker (130) configured to stack the media sheets (110). The apparatus can include a rotatable disk (140) coupled to the media transport, the rotatable disk configured to receive a leading edge (112) of a media sheet and configured to transport the media sheet to the stacker. The apparatus can include a compiler (150) configured to compile a set of a plurality of the media sheets and an ejector (160) configured to eject the set of a plurality of the media sheets from the compiler onto the stacker. One of the rotatable disk and at least a portion of the compiler can be movable (171) relative to each other to switch between the rotatable disk providing media sheets to the stacker and the rotatable disk providing media sheets to the compiler.
US07857287B2
A lifting device includes a jack having a first portion and a second portion movable relative to the first portion. A coupling is fixedly attached to the second portion for movement relative to the first portion, the coupling extending away from the second portion and having a configuration for selective attachment to a receiver hitch. The second portion may be moved relative to the first portion with a handle. The lifting device includes a sleeve coupled to the coupling for movement with the sleeve. Support tubing may extend through the sleeve for contact with the ground. This tubing may be locked into place relative to the sleeve. With the tubing, sleeve, and coupling locked into place, a vehicle will be upheld if the jack portions fail. The lifting device may also include a bumper attachment for raising a vehicle that does not have a receiver hitch.
US07857286B1
A faucet includes a faucet body, a sleeve, a control valve, and a mounting seat. The control valve includes a control shaft, a stop gasket, a retaining member, a leakproof gasket, a sealing gasket, a first leakproof cap, a second leakproof cap, a control knob, and a restoring member. Thus, the sealing gasket, the leakproof gasket, the first leakproof cap and the second leakproof cap of the control valve are tightly and closely located between the control shaft and the through hole of the faucet body to seal the through hole so as to prevent the water from leaking from the through hole and to stabilize the water pressure in the faucet body.
US07857282B2
A solenoid valve has a valve closure member (5) which is positioned in a self-centering manner about a center of rotation (D) between the valve tappet (4) and the valve seat (14).
US07857276B2
A cooler pad for supporting a notebook computer on a user's lap is disclosed to include a soft pad having an accommodation space, a cooling fan mounted in the accommodation space, two slotted cover plates attached to the top and bottom sides of the accommodation space and fastened together to hold down the cooling fan in the accommodation space for enabling the power cord of the cooling fan to be extended to the outside of the soft pad for connection to the notebook computer to obtain the necessary working voltage for the cooling fan during operation of the notebook computer.
US07857274B1
A bracket for releaseably supporting a pet feeding or watering bowl in a cage. The bracket is composed of two portions which are hingedly connected whereby the bracket portion to which the bowl is releasably connected, when in an horizontal position, may be pivoted to a vertical position with the bowl removed so as to permit folding or collapsing of the cage for storage or shipping.
US07857271B2
A surgical tool holder that includes a holding member with a clamping jaw, which is movable between open and clamping positions. A gripping member is configured to supportingly grip a surgical tool and is selectively placed in a rotatable or fixed association with the holding member. Engagement portions of the holding member and gripping member are engagable to block rotation therebetween to obtain the fixed association.
US07857269B2
A mounting system is provided for supporting equipment such as solar module arrays on a rooftop or other underlying surface. The mounting system includes a pipe, and a grasp section. These couple to a base that is extended into or otherwise integrated with the underlying surface. The pipe may be coupled so as to extend a height from the underlying surface. The grasp section is coupled to a top section of the pipe and is structured to secure to a section of the solar module array when the solar module array is installed on the underlying surface.
US07857261B2
An automatically aligned docking system, comprises a multi-point kinematic rigidization system that provides precise, repeatable rotational alignment at the spacecraft-docking interface without over-constraining the interface.
US07857259B2
A modular seat system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle, in particular an aircraft, with at least one seat which includes a seat unit with a seating element and a seat back, a seat frame with at least one pair of essentially vertical support elements, at whose upper end a bearing structure is arranged on which the seat unit rests, and a fixing structure in the floor of the passenger compartment with at least two longitudinal rails, which have a predetermined spacing from one another, for accommodating the lower ends of the support elements.In order to ensure a cost-effective and flexible fixing of standardized installation modules—in particular passenger seats—with different spacing of the mounting rails, there is provided a spacing device, which defines the spacing between the two support elements at their upper and/or lower end, so that the spacing of the support elements from one another is variable independently of the width of the seat unit.
US07857256B2
There have been past proposals for air vehicles employing the Coanda effect. In these proposals, a jet of fluid, usually air, is made to flow radially outwardly over 5 a dome-shaped canopy to create lift. A cross-section through the canopy is curved to follow a segment of a circle or it may have a radius of curvature that increases in the direction of flow. In the invention, the radius (r) of the canopy curve decreases towards the downstream direction (x) in a way that is related to the decrease in the width of 10 the jet as it flows over the surface. This means that the radius of curvature decreases (instead of increasing) towards the downstream direction with the rate of decrease being progressively less rapid towards the downstream direction.
US07857253B2
A vehicle including a fuselage having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, two Ducted Fan lift-producing propellers carried by the fuselage on each side of the transverse axis, a pilot's compartment formed in the fuselage between the lift-producing propellers and substantially aligned with one side of the fuselage, a payload bay formed in the fuselage between the lift-producing propellers and opposite the pilot's compartment, and two pusher fans located at the rear of the vehicle. Many variations are described enabling the vehicle to be used not only as a VTOL vehicle, but also as a multi-function utility vehicle for performing many diverse functions including hovercraft and ATV functions. Also described is an Unmanned version of the vehicle. Also described are unique features applicable in any single or multiple ducted fans and VTOL vehicles.
US07857234B2
A remote shower actuator and temperature sensing unit installs in a shower having a shower head in a water line that is downstream of hot and cold water mixing for the shower. The shower actuator includes a battery powered wireless actuated blocking valve, a digital temperature sensor mechanism, a temperature indicating mechanism and generally two independent one wireless controllers. The valve may move between a closed position, an open position and a trickle flow position. The trickle flow position is a significantly reduced flow in response to a potentially hazardous temperature reading. The temperature indicating mechanism may be a visible display on the controllers that constantly displays the measured temperatures, or may be a visible or audible indicator on the controllers that identifies that the flowing water temperature has reached an acceptable steady state temperature, or a combination of the two.
US07857228B2
A TV card with power-switching function is provided. The TV card comprises a TV card chip module, a power-switching module and a connecting interface. The power switching module is connected to the TV card chip module to transfer or block a power to the TV card chip module; the connecting interface is connected to the power-switching module and a host, wherein the host provides the power to the power-switching module through the connecting interface; the connecting interface further comprises a reserved pin to receive and transfer a switching signal to the power-switching module through the connecting interface to enable the power-switching module to transfer or block the power to the TV card chip module.
US07857227B2
A non-contact IC tag includes; a plurality of antennas corresponding to a plurality of frequency bands, and a peel-off sticker. The peel-off sticker is applied to at least one of the plurality of antennas and can be peeled off to disable the at least one antenna to which the peel-off sticker is applied.
US07857224B2
Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a system, which can comprise a barcode reader adapted to obtain an image of a barcode. The barcode reader can comprise a camera. The camera can define a camera axis. The barcode reader can comprise a lighting module that comprises set of lighting elements that emit light. The barcode reader can be adapted to automatically obtain and/or decode a sequential set of images.
US07857219B2
A method and apparatus for reading a target object with an image reader that includes an illumination source that illuminates an area corresponding to an indicia area when the imager is acting within an operating range of the indicia, a two-dimensional array sensor capable of collecting data from a captured image corresponding to an image reflected from the indicia area by the illumination source when the imager is acting within the operating range of the indicia, a starting coordinate located substantially about the center of the captured image, and a processing source including a search routine originating at the starting coordinate capable of analyzing the captured image by employing a plurality of scan paths associated to an algebraic equation.
US07857206B2
A financial transactions processing system includes a cradle to receive dispensed notes for dispensing cash to customers and/or tellers. The cradle may be rotatable for use with more than one user. The cradle may have end walls to provide security and privacy to each user. A rotatable shield may provide additional security and privacy. A lock may prevent the cradle and/or shield from rotating to prevent unauthorized access to cash in the cradle.
US07857201B2
The present invention provides a method of copying, using a substrate, object data to a clipboard of a graphical user interface operating system, the substrate having a graphical representation of the object data disposed therein or thereon, the substrate also having coded data disposed therein or thereon, the coded data identifying a plurality of locations on the substrate, the coded data also identifying a layout of the graphical representation of the object data, the method including the steps of: receiving, from a sensing device and in a computer system, indicating data, the indicating data describing movement of the sensing device relative to the substrate, the indicating data also identifying the layout of the graphical representation of the object data, the sensing device, when moved relative to the substrate, adapted to read at least some of the coded data and generate, from the at least some coded data, the indicating data; retrieving, in the computer system and using the indicating data, the object data; and copying the object data to the clipboard.
US07857199B2
An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interfitting elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges. The interfitting elements of the hinge extrusions also permit the doors to be installed on their surrounding door frames quickly and easily, and permit one or both of the master loading doors to be quickly and easily removed for service or replacement when necessary.
US07857190B2
A wire bonding apparatus including a bonding control section provided with an electrical non-bonding detector, an optical non-bonding detector, and an optical shape detector, which are for detecting non-bonding between a first bonding point and a bonding wire; and when non-bonding is detected by the electrical non-bonding detector and non-bonding is also detected by the optical non-bonding detector, then the tip end of the bonding wire is reformed by, based on the shape of the tip end of the bonding wire detected by the optical shape detector, a ball formation device into a ball of a prescribed shape, and rebonding is performed at the first bonding point.
US07857180B2
A bicycle carrier includes a base holder mountable to a vehicle and a support holder for holding a bicycle. The holders both include front and rear frames which extend transversely to a longitudinal vehicle direction. The support holder is movable in the longitudinal direction between a neutral position in which the holders extend over one another and an operating position in which the holders extend out from one another. The front frames meet when the support holder is in the neutral position and the rear frames meet when the support holder is in the operating position. A switch has a pair of switching components respectively located on one of the pair of front frames or the pair of rear frames. The switching components contact one another to activate the switch when the pair of frames meet and the switch actuates an indicator device upon being activated.
US07857173B2
A new and improved hot melt adhesive dispensing system comprises a new and improved solenoid control valve assembly and a new and improved adhesive control module assembly. The solenoid control valve assembly is mounted directly upon the adhesive control module assembly by quick-connect fittings, and control air flow paths are defined within the solenoid control valve assembly and within the adhesive control module assembly so as to effectively comprise substantially short, linear fluid flow paths which will thereby minimize the lengths of the control air flow paths and therefore, in turn, minimize the cycling response time of the nozzle dispensing valve member of the adhesive control module assembly.
US07857170B2
A universal wall plate which can be secured to a wall and to which a variety of dispensers can readily be secured and removed with minimal effort, without the need to remove the wall panel and without causing damage to the wall.
US07857167B1
The invention relates to the field of portable compressed gas cartridge dispensers comprising the ability to predictably permeate the pressurized gas contained within a compressed gas cartridge. An object of the invention is to predict leak rate thus dispensing life and to provide a substantially constant leak rate for the cartridge usable life until the compressed gas cartridge is substantially spent. Another object of the invention is to harness the permeated gas for various applications.
US07857158B2
The invention relates to a plastic container provided with at least one suction cup. Said container comprises a holding recess (15) arranged in a container wall (12) for the holding projection (16) of the suction cup, and also comprises a flat receiving trough (18) arranged around the holding recess. The suction cup can be elastically flattened with the suction cover thereof (19) in the receiving trough such that the suction cup is arranged in an essentially expanded manner in the receiving trough and establishes a flush seal with the external contour (34) of the container wall (12).
US07857150B2
A lightweight carrier for golf clubs adapted for substantially upright positioning on the ground when not being carried, including a hollow tubular support that duals as a golf ball holder, a handle affixed near the top of the tubular support or at some point along the tubular support, a club holder top affixed near the top of the tubular support or at some point along the tubular support, a club holder base affixed at or near the bottom of the tubular support, one or more pins extending substantially axially from the base adapted to penetrate into the ground and support the carrier in an upright position when not being carried, and a pin cover to cover the pins while the carrier is being carried.
US07857136B2
A flat foldable tray preferably manufactured from recycled paper content and having sets of fold lines formed therein along which the tray can be bent to create different geometric shapes for packaging a variety of baked goods, or the like. By way of a preferred embodiment, the foldable tray is a square having four sides of identical length. The sides of the tray and the sets of fold lines are aligned with one another to form the sides of one square, one octagon, and three rectangles, each of which having an identical center and lying inside the perimeter of the square tray. Adjacent fold lines which form the sides of each of the inside square, octagon and rectangles intersect one another at the four sides of the square tray. A pair of dividers may be coupled to one another and attached to the foldable tray at upturned corners thereof to create independent storage compartments in which to carry individual baked goods.
US07857129B2
The invention relates to a container (100) which has a carrier (1) for the storage and presentation of surgical auxiliary material (80), in particular screws, such as bone screws, in the holding or mounting position, and at least one removable cover (48) for preventing the loss of the auxiliary material, the surgical auxiliary material (80) being presentable in isolated form. According to the invention, it is envisaged that at least two containers (100) be separably connected to one another via the cover (48) and/or the carrier (1).
US07857128B2
A laminate including a flavorant useful for packaging cigarettes or other products such as food products. The laminate includes crosslinked polymer coatings adhered to at least two metal foils, and a volatile flavor component such as menthol is applied to one of the polymer-coated surfaces. The laminate minimizes loss of volatile and/or heat sensitive flavor components from the package during extended periods at elevated temperature which are often associated with long term storage and/or shipping.
US07857125B2
An apparatus for carrying a plurality of vertically hanging trays includes a vertical rotating members comprising a first pair of rotating chains carrying the plurality of trays at respective top bars thereof and a second pair of rotating chains coupled to each top bar through linking bars, the first and second pairs of rotating chains being operatively coupled. The apparatus may be used in a furnace, a cleaning apparatus and a combined furnace cleaning apparatus as well as in medical and other applications.
US07857117B2
A conveyor for transporting bottles from a sterilization machine or rinsing machine to a filling machine, in which the container mount, which is configured to move around and/or all along at least one axis on the transport element, is moved to invert a container to allow that container to drain or empty before being filled with a liquid beverage material at a filling station in a beverage bottling plant.
US07857116B2
A sortation conveyor has a plurality of pairs of slats which are generally aligned with each other and which define a portion of an upper conveying surface. A gap is defined between the slats of the pair which extends laterally. The gap may have an offset portion.
US07857115B2
A device (42) useful for working on an escalator (20) provides a tread surface (50) that is obliquely oriented relative to an incline (I) of the escalator (20) during a maintenance or repair procedure. A disclosed example is useful for spanning at least a portion of an escalator (20) where the normal operating steps (22) have been removed for purposes of working on the escalator (20). A disclosed example includes a tread surface (50), a riser portion (52) that is at least partially generally perpendicular to the tread surface (50), a first axle hook (54) and a second axle hook (56). The axle hooks rest upon spaced axles (46) associated with the escalator for positioning a temporary step (44) as desired for facilitating working on the escalator.
US07857113B2
The invention relates to a system for the hydraulic control (10) of a clutch (12), e.g. a motor vehicle clutch, comprising an upstream master cylinder (14) which is connected to a down-stream slave cylinder (18) by means of a conduit (16). The invention is characterized in that the system comprises a servo cylinder (30) which is disposed in the conduit (16) between the master cylinder (14) and the slave cylinder (18), said servo cylinder comprising at least one servo piston which can be subjected to an assist force produced by a servo device.
US07857110B2
A disc brake with a rotatable and axially displaceable shaft for actuation, and with an actuating element. Further, a sealing means with a sealing portion is provided, which acts elastically on an associated sealing surface, with the sealing portion closing a slot between the sealing surface and the housing for sealing purposes and abutting on a stop. The stop, the sealing surface and the actuating element are designed integrally. This measure allows significantly reducing the production costs because the complexity of components is decreased and the assembly is thus simplified.
US07857101B2
An improved wick-holder for mounting a felt lubricating wick of a lubricating system for lubricating the axle journal surface supported in a support bearing of a traction motor used in a locomotive is provided with a plurality of oil-reservoir louver pockets or splash-cups molded or pressed into the wick holder which store oil from the time that the oil reservoir was full or near its maximum height and which store splashed oil during normal operational use, and delay the run off of the oil to increase the oil saturation of the wick housed within the wick holder. The oil reservoir pockets are located above the minimum serviceable oil level, and are designed to improve and increase oil saturation of the wick. As a result of the increased oil saturation, the wick are, therefore, capable of delivering increased amounts of oil to the axle journal area. The increased amount of oil saturation and reduced wicking height provide increased protection against traction motor support bearing failure if a locomotive is used with axle journal oil levels near the recommended minimum oil levels. Each reservoir pocket or splash cup is preferably louver-shaped, whereby during normal locomotive operating service, the splashing of oil in the bearing housing oil reservoir is collected and delivered to the lubricating wick. In a second embodiment, the reservoir pockets or splash cups are provided on a separate splash sleeve telescopingly mounted over, and to, the lower, free end of the central lubricating wick.
US07857083B2
An objective of the present invention is to provide a counterweight of a power shovel interchangeable with that of a superordinate model without affecting a rear end radius of the shovel at the time of rotation. In the power shovel 50 in which the counterweight is formed at the rear part of a vehicle body frame 11 extended from a front end to a rear end of a lower part of a rotation upper body 10, and an engine 14 is mounted on the rear part of the vehicle body frame 11, an additional weight 12 is placed in a space between the rear part of the vehicle body frame 11 and the engine 14.
US07857079B2
A vehicle comprises a steering operation device, a pair of running-driving wheels, which differentially drive when the steering operation device is manipulated, a pair of steerable running wheels interlocking with the steering operation device, and a steering mechanism interposed between the steering operation device and the pair of running-driving wheels. The steering mechanism includes a pair of drive gears interlocking with the steering operation device and a pair of follower gears interlocking with the respective steerable running wheels. The drive gears mesh with the respective follower gears so as to control lateral turning of the respective steerable running wheels. A gear radius of the drive gear may be greater than that of the follower gear meshing with it. A gear ratio between the mutually meshing drive and follower gears may be variable. The lateral turning centers of both the steerable running wheels may coincide with each other, and further coincide with a lateral turning center of the vehicle body caused by differential rotation of the running-driving wheels.
US07857067B2
A backpressure valve. The backpressure valve may be configured to maintain a substantially controlled pressure in bottom hole assembly while simultaneously being compatible with a pressure pulse tool downhole thereof. The backpressure valve includes pressure generating capacity below its internal valve assembly so as to avoid the tendency of the assembly to throttle open and closed. Furthermore, the pressure generation is achieved in a manner avoiding cavitation. As a result, once the backpressure valve is opened, the pressure pulse tool is able to reliably communicate with surface equipment at the oilfield.
US07857062B2
A configurable wellhead system is used to efficiently accomplish well completion, re-completion or workover. The configurable wellhead system includes a permanent fracturing spool that is mounted to a casing head of the well and provides a high pressure seal around a top of a casing of the well. The permanent fracturing spool provides full-bore direct access to the casing without the use of a pressure isolation mandrel. A tubing head is mounted to a top of the permanent fracturing spool to complete the configurable wellhead system. A fracturing spool plug secured in a seal bore of the permanent fracturing spool permits equipment mounted above the permanent fracturing spool to be removed without killing the well or inserting a wireline casing plug.
US07857061B2
A system for installation in a well bore includes a flow control device and a control unit coupled to the flow control device. The flow control device is changeable from a first state to a second state. The first state corresponds to a first mode of fluid communication between an interior of a tubular conduit of a completion string and an annulus between the tubular conduit and a wall of the well bore. The second state corresponds to a second, different mode of fluid communication between the interior of the tubular conduit and the annulus. The control unit is coupled to the flow control device to change the flow control device between the first and second states. The control unit is actuated to change the flow control device in response to pressure in the well bore.
US07857055B2
A treatment fluid for treating a subterranean formation is formed from an aqueous solution of a polysaccharide, a polyacrylamide, a crosslinking agent, which may be a Group 4 transition metal crosslinking agent, and less than 0.1% by weight of any clay component. In certain embodiments, the polyacrylamide may have an average molecular weight of from greater than 0.5 million to about 20 million and may be present in the fluid in an amount of from about 0.01% to 1% by weight of the fluid. A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore may be carried out by introducing the treatment fluid into the formation through the wellbore. In certain embodiments, the treatment fluid may be introduced into a portion of the formation having a temperature of 120° C. or higher.
US07857052B2
Apparatus and methods are provided for a cementing operation for use with a drilling with casing application. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided for stage cementing using a full opening stage tool. In another embodiment, an apparatus is provided for reverse cementing of the casing.
US07857051B2
A composition and method for improving the fluid efficiency of many oilfield treatments is given. The composition is a solid additive, in a viscosified fluid, in a size range small enough that it enters formation pores; it optionally bridges there to form an internal filter cake, and then decomposes to provide a breaker for the viscosifying system for the fluid. Examples of suitable additives include waxes, polyesters, polycarbonates, polyacetals, polymelamines, polyvinyl chlorides, and polyvinyl acetates. Degradation of the additive may be accelerated or delayed.
US07857047B2
A method associated with the production of hydrocarbons. In one embodiment, method for drilling a well is described. The method includes performing drilling operations at one or more wells to a subsurface location in a field to provide fluid flow paths for hydrocarbons to a production facility. The drilling is performed by (i) obtaining mechanical specific energy (MSE) data and other measured data during the drilling operations; (ii) using the obtained MSE data and other measured data to determine the existence of at least one limiter; (iii) obtaining and examining lithology data for the well; (iv) identifying a primary limiter of the at least one limiter based on the lithology data; and (v) adjusting drilling operations to mitigate at least one of the at least limiter.
US07857043B2
A polished rod rotator uses a new method and mechanism to rotate a string of sucker rods relative to a string of oil well tubing to high degrees of rotational angle and achieve large rotator torque. The activation and resulting rotation torque is achieved through axial impact directly by the weight of the sucker rod string at the end of the downward movement of the pumping equipment. The rotator is a two-part assembly, one part is attached to a well-head stuffing box and the other is attached to a polished rod, having a hollow body with spiral slots with rollers. With the downward movement of a beam, the two parts dock through their docking surfaces, while the weight of sucker rods forces the rotator to move down using rollers in spiral slots rotating the polished rod along with the sucker rods until the beam's movement is complete. With the upward movement of the beam, the parts undock rod rotator is static waiting for the completion of pumping cycle.
US07857041B2
A rotary door for a vehicle air conditioner includes a rotation shaft, a door surface that is spaced from an axial line of the rotation shaft radially outside and is rotated integrally with the rotation shaft, and a seal portion provided at a peripheral end portion of the door surface. The door surface has a first door face at a center portion, and a second door face positioned at left and right sides of the first door face. The second door face has a radial dimension from the axial line, that is smaller than that of the first door face so as to form a door outer peripheral space between the seal portion of the second door face and a seal rib of an air conditioning case. Furthermore, the second door face is provided with an air guide plate extending radial outside for guiding air.
US07857039B2
In a heat exchanger used for an EGR cooler or the like, in order to provide a heat exchanger that has a small number of parts, is assembled easily, can flow cooling water evenly at each part, and does not cause partial boiling, a strip-shaped metal plate is turned up and bent in a fanfold manner, flat first flow channels 3 and second flow channels 4 are formed alternately, both the ends of the first flow channels 3 are closed with slit blocks 6, projecting stripes 3a are bent and formed at the positions of ports 11 for the cooling water 10 in proximity to the slit blocks 6, and gaps 3c are formed between respective paired projecting stripes 3a.
US07857038B2
The present invention relates to a heat exchanger which has approximately U-shaped ribs formed on both sides of a body of a side support, thereby preventing a deterioration of heat exchange capacity by reinforcing strength and securing bonding areas of sealing members and stably supporting radiation fins since the ribs press edges of the radiation fins.
US07857036B2
A method and device, for a heat exchanger which is provided with gaskets, for assessing and detecting the risk of fluid leakage in the heat exchanger due to worn-out gaskets. In the heat exchanger, a heat transfer plate (5) with gasket (6) is provided with a pressure sensor (15) which monitors the pressure between the plate (5) and the gasket (6). A further sensor is adapted to the heat exchanger for monitoring the pressure of the fluid entering the heat exchanger.
US07857031B2
The guide assembly comprises corner brackets for mounting to the upper corners of a door jamb. Each corner bracket supports an elongated curvilinear track section and an elongated cam track. The curvilinear track section and the cam track each have a central concave portion. The guide assembly further comprises a support bracket which is pivotally mounted to an upper corner of the top panel of the sectional door. The pivoting support bracket has a cam follower which engages and follows the cam track, so that pivoting of the support bracket is responsive to the shaping of the cam track. The assembly is designed to steer the upper edge of the top panel away from the cable drum of a lifting assembly when passing thereby, all with the objective of reducing headroom.
US07857027B2
The present invention relates to a single faced corrugated pasteboard manufacturing apparatus. To considerably reduce running costs and insufficient bonding of a single faced corrugated pasteboard sheet and occurrence of wrinkles due to an enlargement in machine width, there is provided a single faced corrugated pasteboard manufacturing apparatus for corrugating a medium 1 between a pair of corrugated rolls 4 and 5, supporting the corrugated medium 1 on a surface of the corrugated roll 4, and bonding a liner board 2 on the medium 1 being supported to manufacture a single faced corrugated pasteboard sheet 3. The apparatus includes a pair of facing rolls 21 and 22 provided to face the corrugated roll 4 and rotatable in the same direction as the corrugated roll 4; and a plurality of endless members 23, wound around the pair of facing rolls 21 and 22 in an axial direction of the facing rolls, for pressing the liner board 2 against the medium 1 being supported on the surface of the corrugated roll 4.
US07857025B2
A pneumatic tire has two belt layers, each having a plurality of strip pieces formed by pulling together and rubberizing a plurality of steel cords. Strip piece width, strip piece thickness, belt layer cord angle with respect to a tire circumferential direction, numbers of the strip pieces of inner and outer belt layers, and circumferential lengths of the inner and outer belt layers are respectively denoted by A, G, θ, N1, N2, L1 and L2. N2 is equal to N1, and N1 is an integer satisfying L1=N1×A/sin θ. The inner belt layer is formed by joining the N1 strip pieces so each side of each strip piece is butted with one side of another strip piece. The outer belt layer is formed by aligning the N2 strip pieces on the inner belt layer in the tire circumferential direction with spaces of width 2πG/N2 disposed between adjacent strip pieces.
US07857017B2
A deforestation apparatus includes a tractor having a power source, a torque converter connected to said power source and driving a power take-off shaft, a cutting implement operably coupled to said power take-off shaft, wherein said torque converter amplifies torque to the power take-off when the cutting implement decreases in angular velocity relative to the power source.
US07857011B2
A drive system for a weaving loom includes a switching wheel (5) which can be driven by of a main drive motor (7) and can be axially displaced between at least two switching positions, which, in a first switching position, is in drive connection with two groups of elements to be driven (9, 10, 11; 12, 13, 14) and, in a second switching position, is disengaged from one of the groups of elements to be driven (12, 13, 14). A device (15) is provided which becomes active as the drive connection with one group is disengaged and which has a tooth element (22) which engages with a gear wheel (12) of the group of elements to be driven (12, 13, 14) and disengaged from the switching wheel (5).
US07857006B2
A pressure accumulator, especially a pulsation damper, includes an accumulator housing (10) and a piston element (28) disposed in it. A bellows-type separative element (30) is supported on the piston part (28) with its one end (32) and with its other end (34) on the accumulator housing (10). The separative element (30) separates two working chambers (26, 40) within the accumulator housing (10) from each other, especially a gas chamber (26) from a fluid chamber (40), in a fluid-tight, especially gas-tight manner. To one working chamber (26), in addition to a defined volumetric proportion of a working gas, is filled with a fluid. In this manner, the working gas allows for a compression to a certain degree and for a dampening and smoothening of the pulsations of the fluid medium migrating to and occurring on the fluid side of the accumulator.
US07857005B2
A pulsation attenuator for a fluidic system with a fluidic pump. The pulsation attenuator includes a fluidic channel, a first fluidic device adapted to attenuate pulsations, and a second fluidic device adapted to attenuate pulsations. Preferably, the first fluidic device includes a first fluidic resistor and a first fluidic capacitor, and the second fluidic device includes a second fluidic resistor and a second fluidic capacitor. Preferably, the first fluidic resistor and second fluidic resistor are resistive channels. Preferably, the first fluidic capacitor and second fluidic capacitor include a membrane that expands and accumulates fluid and then contracts and reintroduces the accumulated fluid into the fluidic channel.
US07857002B2
A fluid isolation valve having a valve body with a first fluid flow port, a second fluid flow port and a fluid drain port with a valve in the fluid drain port. The valve body also defines a fluid flow channel, a drain flow channel and a valve portion, wherein the valve portion is disposed in the valve body to be communicated with the first fluid flow port, the second fluid flow port and the fluid drain port. A flow diversion device is also provided and is disposed within the valve portion. The flow diversion device is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration, such that when the flow diversion device is in the first configuration the first fluid flow port is communicated with the second fluid flow port. Consequently, when the flow diversion device is in the second configuration the first fluid flow port is communicated with the fluid drain port. The fluid flow can be decrease or stop by use of the valve within the fluid drain port.
US07856996B2
A light support system is provided for a structure for supporting a light device thereon. The system can comprise a deployable member and a retention mechanism. The deployable member can have an exterior surface onto which the light device can be mounted. The deployable member can be selectively movable from a stowed position to an extended position in which the member can support the lighting device. The member can be engaged in order to retain or lock the member in at least one of the stowed and extended positions.
US07856994B2
Provided is a disk-type mascara brush, used to makeup eyelash with mascara solution applied thereto, having a brush portion which is formed whole at the end of the wand and in a such a shape that elliptic disks are piled consecutively at a constant angle around a point In a disk-type mascara brush where the brush portion is formed in such a shape that disks are piled at the end of the wand 2, the mascara brush has a brush portion which is formed whole and in such a shape that disk-type plate-tooth are piled consecutively at an constant angle around a point.
US07856981B2
The present invention is related a nasal positive airway pressure device. The nasal device utilizes an engagement means located about nasal cannulae to engage and secure the cannulae within the nares of a patient. The engagement means is a nasal scaling flap. The flap in its natural bias is tapered, the wide-open end of which is shaped to conform to the facial contours of a patient's nose around the outside of the nose. Thus in a closed form, the flap provides a cup-like device that is fitted around the patient's nose and prevent the nasal device from falling from the patients nose. In the open form, which allows for placement and fitting of the nasal device, the flap is intended to be in a bent back position to aid insertion of the nasal cannulae into the patient's nares.
US07856967B2
A method of controlling a motor vehicle is disclosed. The method can be used to determine an ambient pressure value without the use of an ambient pressure sensor. The ambient pressure value can be used for controlling a set of fuel injectors. The method can include provisions for adjusting the ambient pressure value to correct for errors introduced by engine wear and other factors.
US07856965B2
A system and method are provided for detecting a leak in an automotive fuel system. The functions of vacuum sensing, vacuum relief (high vacuum relief level) and pressure relief (high pressure relief level) are all performed by a single self-actuated diaphragm-seal valve mechanism.
US07856960B2
A control method of a direct injection system of the common-rail type provided with a shut-off valve for controlling the flow rate of a high-pressure fuel pump; the control method contemplates the steps of: feeding the pressurized fuel to a common rail by means of a high-pressure pump which receives the fuel through a shut-off valve; cyclically controlling the opening and closing of the shut-off valve for choking the flow rate of fuel taken in by the high-pressure pump; adjusting the flow rate of fuel taken in by the high-pressure pump by varying the ratio between the duration of the opening time and the duration of the closing time of the shut-off valve; determining a lower limit value of the opening time of the shut-off valve; and adjusting the driving frequency of the shut-off valve so that the real opening time of the shut-off valve is always over the lower limit value.
US07856959B2
An apparatus and method to detect combustion conditions using ion signals for use in a feedback control of a reciprocation engine is presented. The ion signals are used as a feedback signal to control EGR and diesel injection timing. The apparatus is an ignition system with a spark plug type of sensor. The ignition system is used to provide a cold start mechanism for diesel engines and start of combustion for spark ignition engines. The ignition is combined with ion sensing feedback that can control the engine.
US07856958B2
A piston top surface (23) has a depression. A center region (28A) is formed at the center of the depression to secure the diameter of a center tumble flow to be large. A side region (28B) is formed on both sides of the piston top surface to generate a side tumble flow that is not influenced by a cylinder bore inner wall and has a flow line generally parallel to that of the center tumble flow.
US07856957B2
An intake manifold with a swirl system for an internal combustion engine provided with a number of cylinders; the intake manifold has, for each cylinder, an intake pipe, which is adapted to connect the intake manifold to the cylinder and has, in turn, two reciprocally parallel channels; the swirl system is provided with: for each intake pipe, a choking valve, which is arranged inside a channel of the intake pipe and is adapted to vary the air introduction section through the channel; and a single actuator device, which simultaneously and synchronically displaces all the choking valves and is provided with a motor and a mechanical transmission system which transmits the motion from the motor to all the choking valves.
US07856952B2
An apparatus for providing two features that improve fuel economy of four stroke internal combustion engines. The first is the provision of a compression ratio which is higher than normal when the engine is operating at light load; and which varies from very high at idling, down to normal at full power. This is effected by a movable piston associated with the inlet valve and connected to the throttle. The second is the provision of variable timing as well as a variable amount of opening of the inlet valve, such that at idle, the valve opens at top center of the main piston, opens only a fraction of its full lift, and closes about 70° crankshaft past top center. As the throttle is opened, the inlet valve opens farther at each open excursion to create as little flow resistance as possible to the inlet draw. At the middle of its open excursion during each valve actuation it moves in the same direction as the crankshaft enough that as the open duration becomes greater, the valve always begins to open as the main piston starts its inlet stroke, but closes later. Finally, at full power, the inlet valve begins to open slightly before the main piston comes to top center, opens fully, and closes somewhat after the main piston has reached bottom center and has started the compression stroke.
US07856943B2
A feeder for livestock, the feeder comprises a lower portion including a sidewall having a top portion and a bottom portion, at least a portion of the sidewall forming a feed-receiving enclosure. A plurality of spaced-apart first bars, each the first bar extend inwardly from the top portion of the sidewall and are spaced sufficiently apart to allow an animal to place its head therebetween during feeding. An upper portion includes a top member and an intermediate member having a substantially smaller perimeter than a perimeter of the top portion of the sidewall. At least some of the first bars extend between the sidewall and the intermediate member. A plurality of spaced-apart second bars are also provided, each the second bar extending between the intermediate member and the top member spaced close enough to prevent feeding from the top portion.
US07856942B2
A milking device includes at least a teat-receiving flexible sleeve, adapted to be positioned on/over a teat. A first portion thereof includes a material, selected from the group consisting of thermo-plastic elastomers (TPE), as defined in ISO 18064, and a second portion thereof includes a material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastics. The method of making a milking device, in particular a teat cup liner, is a molding process carried out in two or more steps. In the first step, a thermoplastic, preferably polypropylene (PP) or polyamide (PA), is injected in a mold defining only those portions of the device that are to exhibit a higher stiffness or rigidity, such as couplings. The stiffer parts, are demolded from the mold, and placed in a second mold, into which, as a second molding step, a suitable TPE is injected. Further steps can be performed if required by the design.
US07856905B2
A pedal for a bicycle includes pedal body, and at least one locking hook unit detachably mounted on the pedal body. The locking hook unit includes a fixing hook and a movable hook. Thus, the locking hook unit is locked onto the pedal body by a plurality of locking bolts to assemble the pedal, so that the pedal is assembled and disassembled easily and quickly, thereby facilitating a user assembling and disassembling the pedal. In addition, the locking hook unit has a hollow inside so that after the locking hook unit is attached to the pedal body, the spindle of the pedal body will not be obstructed by the locking hook unit to prevent the mud from being choked between the locking hook unit and the spindle of the pedal body.
US07856904B2
A multi-function pedal includes a body, wherein a pivot hole is disposed in the center for connection to the crank of a bicycle; a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is sloping at a predetermined gradient while the second surface is approximately parallel to the body. The first surface includes a first pedal set for a road-racing purpose and the second surface includes a second pedal set for a cross-racing purpose.
US07856901B2
An actuating device for a motor vehicle transmission having multiple transmission steps, having a threaded spindle which is mounted so it is rotationally movable and axially fixed and a spindle nut which is positioned on this threaded spindle and may be driven thereby, and also having a first component, which is positioned so it is axially fixed and rotatable to select gears of the motor vehicle transmission, which may be coupled and/or is coupled via a rotational carrier unit to the spindle nut, so that the first component may be driven to rotate by the threaded spindle via the spindle nut to select gears, a braking unit being provided to reduce and/or avoid axial position changes of the spindle nut caused by mass inertia as a result a braking procedures of the threaded spindle from a movement rotationally driving the first component; as well as a motor vehicle transmission unit, a motor vehicle drivetrain, and a method for reducing or avoiding control errors caused by mass inertia in the control of gear changing actions in a motor vehicle transmission.
US07856892B2
A measurable flow-rate range is increased to enhance usability. A flow-rate measuring method for measuring the flow rate of a fluid inside a tube is provided. This method uses a thermal-marker generator that heats the fluid flowing through the tube from the outside thereof to generate a thermal marker in the fluid inside the tube and a thermal-marker detector disposed downstream of the thermal-marker generator and configured to detect the thermal marker in the fluid inside the tube generated by the thermal-marker generator, so as to measure the flow rate on the basis of the distance between the thermal-marker generator and the thermal-marker detector, a time period between a point at which the thermal marker in the fluid inside the tube is generated by the thermal-marker generator and a point at which the thermal marker is detected by the thermal-marker detector, and the cross-sectional area of the tube. In this method, the thermal-marker generator heats the fluid by a microwave heating technique, and microwaves are applied to the fluid by using a microstrip line.
US07856886B2
A pressure sensor includes: a diaphragm having a pressure-receiving portion receiving a pressure and a thick portion adjacent to the pressure-receiving portion; and a pressure sensitive element having a first and a second ends facing each other. The pressure sensitive element extends in a direction intersecting the thick portion and the first end of the pressure sensitive element is bonded to a pressure-receiving surface of the pressure-receiving portion, and a central portion of a portion at which the pressure-receiving portion and the first end are bonded is positioned at a side closer to the second end of the pressure sensitive element than a center of the pressure-receiving portion.
US07856877B2
The present invention is based on imparting of oscillatory motion to a rotor and to a coaxial balanced body relative to a fixed point selected at the common axis of the rotor. To eliminate an interference of imbalance datum planes on the parameters to be measured, at one stage of measurements the fixed point is used as the crossing point of the rotor axis with one of the imbalance datum planes, whereas at the next stage the rotor is along its axis by a fixed distance to a second position. The measured parameters are used to determine imbalance parameters in two imbalance datum planes.
US07856870B2
Provided is a method which is free from falling into a state impossible for detecting inner pressure lowering of tires even when GPS signals cannot be received and capable of precisely detecting inner pressure lowering of tires. A method for alarming inner pressure lowering of tires comprising a step of receiving satellite electric wave utilized for GPS and then detecting inner pressure lowering of tires utilizing the information of the satellite electric wave, and a step of detecting inner pressure lowering of tires utilizing wheel speed information, wherein said method comprises a step of judging whether the judgment result of inner pressure lowering of tires detected in the respective steps is adopted or not.
US07856868B2
This technology provides methods and systems for catalyst feasibility analysis and the optimal determination of automotive catalyst specifications utilizing, but not limited to, light-off performance, air-to-fuel ratio tolerance, and steady state emissions performance catalyst criteria. This technology additionally provides a catalyst feasibility index algorithm that includes various catalyst criteria inputs and provides for weighting factors to independently value each catalyst input. The technology further provides for the optimal determination of automotive catalyst specifications in order to reduce vehicle toxic exhaust emissions such as hydrocarbons (HC) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx).
US07856866B2
In a tapping mode Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) system, a probe is excited at an excitation frequency other than the probe's first natural frequency to produce a response signal manifesting a grazing bifurcation between “non-collision” and “collision” states of the AFM system, so that an additional characteristic frequency component is generated in the “collision” state. The magnitude of the additional characteristic frequency component is monitored in real time, and the probe-sample separation is adjusted to maintain the monitored magnitude at an optimal value to operate the AFM system at near-grazing conditions.
US07856864B2
A method and system for deriving fluid leak information are described. A plurality of sealing elements are introduced into the pipeline at a location upstream of the leak, and at least some of the sealing elements are drawn towards the leak to cause a sealing event which reduces fluid seepage. A pressure change caused by the sealing event is detected, and associated time data is used to derive information about the leak. In one embodiment, leak location information is derived. In an alternative embodiment, pressure transient information is used to derive leak size information.
US07856863B2
A hollow container defining a sample chamber is formed of at least two parts which fit together and have apertures therein. One of the parts is displaceable relative to the other part between a first relative disposition of the parts in which the apertures are open so as to provide a clear path for air to pass through the container and a second relative disposition of the parts in which the apertures are closed so that there is no path for air to pass through and a volume of air is trapped in the chamber. In one embodiment part is axially moveable relative to the other part. In another embodiment where the parts are tubular, one of the parts is rotatable relative to the other.
US07856861B2
A swage or crimp press has a housing with a peripheral side wall and a front wall integrally formed with the side wall, the front wall defining an access opening providing access to a press zone arranged within the peripheral side wall, the housing having an open rear face and a rear wall secured by fastening means to the peripheral side wall to at least partially enclose the rear face of the housing, and a hydraulically operated press mechanism located within the housing at least partially surrounding the press zone.
US07856851B2
A glazing element-bending process including first to fourth stages. The first stage bends the glazing element through gravitational depression on a first support providing it with a first central depression. The second stage continues the bending of the glazing element through gravitational depression on a second support, providing it with a second central depression more pronounced than the first and until such time as the whole periphery of the glazing element enters into contact with the second support, the glazing element being at a sufficiently high temperature to enable its central part to continue to sag following contact of the whole of the periphery. The third stage continues the bending of the glazing element through gravitational depression, providing it with a third central depression more pronounced than the second, the periphery being always in contact with the second support. The fourth stage halts the depression of the glazing element by cooling and gives it the desired final shape.
US07856846B2
A multi-functional air conditioner has a casing, a compressor, a cooler, an evaporator, at least two fans and at least one gate controller. The casing is stored with the compressor, the cooler and the evaporator that connected by multiple pipes, has two inlets, an outlet, a first gate, a second gate, a third gate and a fourth gate. The third and fourth gates are corresponding to the cooler. The first and second gates are corresponding to the evaporator. The fans are mounted respectively on the cooler and the evaporator to generate air flow. The gate controller selectively close the first gate, the second gate, the third gate and the fourth gate to change the route of the air flow according to the function that the multi-function air conditioner intends to provide. With such an air flow route change, air flow with different condition is discharged from the casing to provide air cooling, air warming, air exhausting, air recycling and air exsiccating function.
US07856840B2
The present invention relates to a dehumidifier having high dehumidifying efficiency, low noise and vibration. The dehumidifier includes a case, inlets passed through the case for introduction of air from an outside of the case to an inside of the case, an outlet formed to pass through a top of the case for discharging air dehumidified in the case to the outside of the case, a desiccant assembly for absorbing moisture from air drawn into the case, a blower assembly for drawing air through the inlets and blowing the air to the outlet, a regenerator assembly for blowing hot air to the desiccant assembly for drying the desiccant assembly, a heat exchanger for condensing high temperature, humid air blown by the regenerator assembly through the desiccant assembly, to separate the moisture from the air, and a water collecting assembly for collecting water condensed and separated from the air at the heat exchanger.
US07856827B2
A turbine engine trailing edge box for an afterburner has corrugations formed to guide and support a spraybar. The trailing edge box is formed of sheet metal to create corrugations in the walls. The spraybar is supported and guided by the corrugations. The corrugations are shaped and sized to hold the spraybar, but to prevent shifting of the spraybar during engine operation. In addition, the corrugations reinforce the walls of the trailing edge box to provide structural support.
US07856824B2
Cooling systems for an aircraft are provided. In an embodiment, a system includes an engine nacelle, an engine, a bypass duct, and a heat exchanger. The engine nacelle includes an airflow inlet. The engine is housed in the engine nacelle in flow communication with the airflow inlet. The bypass duct extends between the engine nacelle and the engine is in flow communication with the airflow inlet. The bypass duct includes an outer wall and an opening formed therein. The heat exchanger is integrated with the engine and is disposed over the opening of the bypass duct outer wall between the bypass duct outer wall and the engine nacelle.
US07856823B2
A pre-heater arrangement in a heat regenerative engine for pre-heating water in its delivery path from a condenser sump to a combustion chamber. The engine includes a steam generator, including the combustion chamber, for producing pressurized steam. The engine further includes at least one piston and cylinder arrangement for receiving the pressurized steam in order to drive the piston within the cylinder, and a condenser for condensing steam to liquid. A conduit formed of a heat transferring material provides the delivery path from the condenser sump to the combustion chamber. The pre-heater arrangement includes at least one exhaust port associated with the cylinder for releasing steam from within the cylinder after driving the piston, and a tubular coil connected to the steam delivery conduit and wound about the cylinder, adjacent to the exhaust port, for transferring heat from the exhausted steam to the water traveling through the coil, thereby heating the water on its delivery path to the steam generator. In giving up heat to the pre-heater coil, the exhausted steam begins the process of cooling on its path from the cylinder exhaust port to the condenser where the steam is condensed to a liquid and returned to the sump.
US07856819B2
The invention relates to a hydraulic circuit (20) for public works vehicles. The circuit comprises: a pump (21) which is driven by a heat engine (22) using a load sensing technique; a hydraulic motor (10) which is used to move one part of the vehicle (8) and a set of hydraulic actuators (12-14); at least one distributor (29) which supplies the hydraulic actuators (12-13) in a controlled manner; and a device (45) for cooling the fluid circulating through the circuit. The inventive circuit is characterised in that it comprises: a pressure-reducing device (33) which is connected to the outlet of the pump (21) and which delivers a first pressure level, said device (33) being connected to the feed port (34) of the hydraulic motor (10); and an assembly which connects a check valve (40) and a calibrated orifice (41) in parallel, said assembly being connected downstream of the feed port (34) of the hydraulic motor and the return line (36) of the distributor (29) and upstream of the cooling device (45).
US07856816B2
A hydraulic drive system for storing and releasing hydraulic fluid includes a high pressure storage device, a low pressure storage device, a pump operating at a range of pump speeds for converting between mechanical energy and hydraulic energy, and a motor operating at a range of motor speeds for converting between hydraulic energy and mechanical energy. The pump and motor are both fluidly connected to the high and low pressure storage devices. The hydraulic drive system further includes a control valve fluidly connected to the high pressure storage device, the pump and the motor, the control valve being operable to selectively distribute high pressure fluid between the pump, motor and high pressure storage device.
US07856810B2
An exhaust cooling system of an amphibious vehicle operable in land and marine modes comprises an exhaust system to be cooled, at least one air-liquid heat exchanger, and coolant liquid in thermal communication with the exhaust system to be cooled and the air-liquid heat exchanger(s) and heated by the exhaust system. When the amphibious vehicle is operated, the coolant liquid is cooled by the air-liquid heat exchanger(s). Optionally, at least one liquid-liquid heat exchanger may be provided and the coolant liquid cooled by the liquid-liquid heat exchanger(s). The vehicle may plane, and have retractable road wheels. The air-liquid heat exchanger(s) may be mounted at the front or rear of the vehicle, or elsewhere.
US07856807B2
An apparatus is disclosed for increasing the residency time of a reducing agent in an exhaust gas cleaning system. The apparatus includes a first double-walled element in communication with a flow of exhaust having a first inner wall and a first outer wall. A second double-walled element is included having a second inner wall and a second outer wall. The second double-walled element is arranged in relation to the first double-walled element such that the second inner wall is positioned between the first inner wall and the first outer wall and the first outer wall is positioned between the second inner wall and the second outer wall. This arrangement defines a plurality of flow paths that reverses the flow of exhaust back on itself and then reverses the flow of exhaust once again.
US07856804B2
A MEMS device comprising a flexible membrane that is free to move in response to pressure differences generated by sound waves. A first electrode mechanically coupled to the flexible membrane, and together form a first capacitive plate. A second electrode mechanically coupled to a generally rigid structural layer or back-plate, which together form a second capacitive plate. A back-volume is provided below the membrane. A first cavity located directly below the membrane. Interposed between the first and second electrodes is a second cavity. A plurality of bleed holes connected the first cavity and the second cavity. Acoustic holes are arranged in the back-plate so as to allow free movement of air molecules, such that the sound waves can enter the second cavity. The first and second cavities in association with the back-volume allow the membrane to move in response to the sound waves entering via the acoustic holes in the back-plate.
US07856802B2
A golf ball retriever having a retractable sand rake integrated at one end thereof wherein the rake assembly is unfold from a collapsed position to an extended position.
US07856798B2
A packaging apparatus for real-time alignment of packaging surfaces can include two or more sensors for detecting the positioning of carton surfaces and a servo system. The servo system can include a servo motor and a controller. The servo system records the positioning of the carton surfaces and calculates a difference in position. The controller compares the calculated value with a predetermined value and if necessary, the servo motor turns a correction wheel to align the carton surfaces.
US07856797B2
A collector device includes a collector connected to a positioner, such as a robot arm. The positioner can automatically move the collector in multiple dimensions to collect objects into the collector according to a specified collection pattern. By moving the collector in multiple dimensions, the positioner provides for objects to be arranged in the collector according to a specified pattern. The positioner can also move the collector so that the collected objects are transferred to a second collector for shipping, storage, and the like.
US07856794B2
A device for the individual packaging of pharmaceutical tablets comprising a charging template (1) with recesses (5) for receiving tablets (11) of dosage at given times, the recesses (5) have recess bases (6) for openable by a displaceable arranged control template (2) to pass on the tablet (11), a tablet container (3), physically arranged below the charging template (1) such as to be displaced relative to the charging template (1) and having compartments for transfer of the tablets (11), and a weighing scale positioned beneath the charging template (1) and above the tablet container (3) for checking the weight of the tablets (11) assigned to the charging template (1).
US07856787B2
A joint fitting 1 between members comprising a single bolt 4 having a length enabling it to be arranged vertically oriented bridging an upper floor vertical frame member and a lower floor vertical frame member at intervals along the axial direction. Joint hardware 7 is fastened to vertical frame members of the floors arranged at the upper floor side and lower floor side. Side opening grooves in the joint hardware 7 detachable receive the bolt. The attached joint hardware 7 is able to be fastened positioned along the longitudinal direction of the bolt 4. The joint hardware 7 is arranged at the upper and lower floors with the joint hardware being butted against vertical side surfaces of the vertical frame members 11 of the floors and fastened by drill screws 24 or other fasteners.
US07856785B2
A thin rectangular laminate floor panel with one pair of long edges and one pair of short edges, the floor panel having an upper decorative wear layer; a core layer arranged beneath the upper decorative wear layer, the core layer being made of a material that is not as hard as the upper decorative wear layer; the floor panel having a substantially planar upper top side and a substantially planar lower underside and which is substantially parallel to the upper side. Also, having a long-side tongue, a short-side tongue, a long-side strip integrally formed with the floor panel, a short-side strip integrally formed with the floor panel, a long-side locking groove, and a short-side locking groove.
US07856772B1
A modular assembly system comprising a plurality of structural members. Each of the structural members has at least one slot along a lengthwise side of the member. Each of the structural members is also defined by a unique spaced relationship between the predetermined slot-to-side distance and the slot-to-slot distance. The slot-to-slot distance is a whole-number multiple of the predetermined slot-to-side distance. Each of the at least one along a lengthwise side of each of the plurality of structural members is adapted to be detachably and selectively connected slot-to-slot to one of all of the slots along one of the lengthwise sides of each of the other structural members. In the preferred embodiments, the system also includes a circular support structure and an arcuate support structure.
US07856769B2
A rack assembly is provided for mounting solar modules over an underlying body. The rack assembly may include a plurality of rail structures that are arrangeable over the underlying body to form an overall perimeter for the rack assembly. One or more retention structures may be provided with the plurality of rail structures, where each retention structure is configured to support one or more solar modules at a given height above the underlying body. At least some of the plurality of rail structures are adapted to enable individual rail structures o be sealed over the underlying body so as to constrain air flow underneath the solar modules. Additionally, at least one of (i) one or more of the rail structures, or (ii) the one or more retention structures are adjustable so as to adapt the rack assembly to accommodate solar modules of varying forms or dimensions.
US07856764B2
A vent baffle assembly provides air ventilation in a cathedral ceiling having rafter beams and roof sheathing. The vent baffle assembly includes a first vent sheet and a second vent sheet. The first vent sheet has first and second ends, first and second longitudinal ribs and a first lateral stiffener extending generally perpendicularly to the ribs. The second vent sheet includes third and fourth ends, third and fourth longitudinal ribs, and a second lateral stiffener extending perpendicularly to the ribs. The first vent sheet is positioned between adjacent rafters with the ribs oriented parallel to the rafters. The second vent sheet overlaps the first vent sheet with respective ribs interengaged to limit lateral movement of the first vent sheet relative to the second vent sheet. The first lateral stiffener engages the second lateral stiffener to limit longitudinal movement of the first vent sheet relative to the second vent sheet.
US07856763B2
A truss hold-down connector for attaching metal trusses to a bearing member. One embodiment of the truss hold-down connector has a vertical connector web that has a bottom attachment leg protruding therefrom for attachment to a bearing member and first and second attachment tab portions for attachment to the flanges of a vertically extending truss web. Stiffeners may be embossed into the vertical connector web to provide the connector with additional strength. The first and second attachment tabs may be configured to enable pairs of identical connectors to be attached to vertically extending truss webs that have one or more diagonally extending truss webs attached thereto.
US07856761B2
A protective shelter that can be used to provide protection within a war zone, and which can be readily assembled in a quick, secure and reliable manner. The shelter is formed of opposite outer walls and a roof structure extending therebetween, wherein the roof structure comprises a plurality of tray members supported by beam supports and in which the plurality of tray members is arranged to receive earth, sand or aggregate material so as to provide a first layer of protection via the roof structure. The tray members can be supported by beams serving to define a shallow arch across the shelter such that the internal height of the shelter centrally, and away from the opposite walls, which is greater than the height of the said walls.
US07856758B2
The invention concerns an electromechanical drive for a door or the like, with a motor and a transmission, which are connected with each other, wherein a drive gear in the form of a gear wheel or the like is present on a drive shaft of the transmission and cooperates with means for moving the door or the like, preferably in or on a guide rail. The drive has a modular design, and it has a compact power unit that can be used with different types of mounting units for different doors. In this regard, the power unit is equipped with a standard mounting bracket. In addition, different housings can be used for different areas of application.
US07856754B2
A plant tie and a chain of plant ties are disclosed. The plant tie can include an expandable portion, such as a length of tape, and two twistable portions, such as two lengths of wire. The expandable portion can span a gap between the twistable portions. The plant tie can be wrapped around a portion of a plant and secured in place by twisting the twistable portions. Once in place, the plant tie can expand to accommodate movement and/or growth of the plant to which it is attached. The disclosed chain of plant ties can include multiple individual plant ties linked in series for ease of manufacture and use.
US07856708B2
A process for forming a portion of a package or envelope bearing printed indicia, a label bearing printed indicia or a sheet bearing printed indicia includes providing a substrate which constitutes a portion of the package, label or sheet to a printing apparatus, and utilizing the printing apparatus or an adjunct to the printing apparatus to form at least one electrically conductive component of an EAS and/or RFID tag on the substrate substantially contemporaneously with the printing of the indicia on the substrate. The forming of the electrically conductive component on the substrate is accomplished slightly prior to the printing of the indicia on the substrate, slightly after the printing of the indicia on the substrate and at the same time as the printing of the indicia on the substrate.
US07856705B2
A process for mechanical assembly and electrical interconnection of the functional components of an active implantable medical device. A first step involves preparing an interconnection flex circuit (20) that is able to be electrically and mechanically linked to an electronic circuit module (14), a supply battery (12) and a series of feedthrough terminals (16) of the device, prior to being placed in a common case. The flex circuit has a series of pads (34) for linking to homologous metallizations (46) of the substrate. The mechanical assembling and electrical linking of these pads (34) to the metallizations (46) is performed without either the use of any activation flux or introduction of fusible brazing, and rather by applying an intermediate anisotropic conductive material (38) placed between the pads (34) and metallizations (46), followed by polymerizing this material. The applying and polymerizing are performed under controlled conditions of pressure, temperature and duration.
US07856697B2
Ornate buttons with replaceable button faces are described as being applicable for clothing and other purposes using buttons as closures or decorations. In a preferred form, the button includes an anchor and a housing that cooperate to secure the button to a section of fabric or other material. A removable button face is received within the housing and can be replaced with other button faces having different aesthetic appearances.
US07856696B2
A moveable boom hinge apparatus is provided. The moveable boom hinge apparatus provides a mechanism offsetting the tip portion of a boom hinge from the base portion of a boom hinge when the tip and base portions are folded parallel to each other and securely position the tip portion of the boom when extended. Additionally, this moveable boom hinge apparatus provides a uniquely u-shaped link element and complementary u-shaped catch element that couple together in a way that sufficiently locks the tip portion into place with respect to the base portion and keeps structural loads of a boom hinge aligned with structural members of a boom hinge during its boom hinge's transition from the operational position to the non-operational position. This alignment significantly reduces bending moments that weaken structural materials over time. Therefore, this moveable boom hinge apparatus can be made with lighter, less-costly materials as opposed to the heavy, more costly materials that are currently used for boom hinge devices.
US07856684B2
A fitted bed sheet is disclosed. The bed sheet comprises a generally rectangular middle portion having a first fold line on a first edge and a second fold line on a second opposing edge. The bed sheet further comprises a first side portion having a generally concave shape. The first side portion is folded along the first fold line. The bed sheet further comprises a second side portion having a generally concave shape. The second side portion is folded along the second fold line such that the second side portion contacts the first side portion. The first side portion, the middle portion and the second side portion are coupled along opposing ends generally perpendicular to the first fold line and the second fold line.
US07856682B2
A patient transfer device has four casters and two counter-rotating steering wheels. The steering wheels provide a turning path whose center of curvature lies along a transverse centerline of the device. A foot pedal selectively lifts the steering wheels off the floor or brakes them. Another foot pedal at a back end of the device can lock the casters at the front end in a straight direction. The transfer table of the device may be inclined either longitudinally or transversely, and has an upper table whose edge rollers retract to introduce slack in the upper belt so that an air mattress can be inflated. The upper belt selectively disengages from the lower belt using movable, pneumatically-actuated pinch rollers. The outer surface of the upper belt is rough while the outer surface of the lower belt is smooth. The belts are constructed of a material which includes an antimicrobial agent.
