US07980298B2
A wedge device for clamping of pipes and tools during petroleum production, this wedge device comprising an annular mounting element arranged for connection to a deck or a rotary table, where a plurality of man wedges, with associated clamps and displaceable with respect to the annular mounting element, encircle the vertical central axis of the wedge device, and where the clamp is located on an auxiliary wedge displaceably or rotatably coupled to the main wedge.
US07980295B2
An evaporator includes a hermetically sealed vessel 1A having an inlet 17 and an outlet 16, a refrigerant supply portion 14, in which liquid refrigerant is stored, a heat transfer portion 12, to which the liquid refrigerant stored in the refrigerant supply portion 14 is supplied, heat transfer fins 12A having a heat transfer surface provided in the heat transfer portion 12, a wick 13A provided on the heat transfer surface of the heat transfer fins 12A to transfer the liquid refrigerant supplied to the heat transfer portion 12 towards the outlet 16 by means of capillarity, and a heat radiation fins 15, which is provided on the outer surface of the refrigerant supply portion 14 to prevent the temperature of the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant supply portion from rising.
US07980294B2
For providing a liquid cooling system for an electronic apparatus having a heat-generating element within a housing thereof, enabling small-sizes thereof and being effective for lowering noises when the apparatus is operated, equipped with a new type of a driving means for a liquid coolant therein, comprises a heat-receiving jacket 100 for transferring heat generated from the heat-generating element to a liquid coolant, to evaporate it, within an inside thereof; a radiator 200 for guiding the evaporated coolant supplied from the heat-receiving jacket into an inside thereof, so as to cool it to be liquefied; and a driving means 300 for applying driving force for circulating the liquid coolant, through repetition of heating and cooling upon a portion of the liquefied liquid coolant supplied from the radiator, while restricting a flow direction of the liquid coolant within an inside thereof into one direction, whereby circulating said liquid coolant within a circulation loop including the heat-receiving jacket, the radiator, and the driving means.
US07980293B2
A two fluid thermal storage device that may allow for independent heating and cooling includes a plurality of plate members with a set of dividers brazed between two of them. The set of dividers, which may define a series of passageways therein, may include a first sub-series of alternate passageways filled with a phase change material, and a second sub-series of remaining passageways that transports a fluid, the remaining passageways alternating between transporting a cooling fluid through a first fluid circuit and transporting a heating fluid through a second and independent fluid circuit. The remaining passageways that transport the cooling fluid through the first fluid circuit are defined by a first subset of dividers and the remaining passageways that transport the heating fluid through the second fluid circuit are defined by a second subset of dividers.
US07980292B2
Provided is a crystalliser holding device for billets, blooms and slabs production plants that has a high constructive simplicity, a significantly reduced overall weight and that reduces substantially to zero the need for maintenance. The crystalliser holding device of the invention, in addition to efficaciously guaranteeing the transfer toward the exterior of the heat of the liquid steel introduced into the tubular crystalliser contained therein, also provides a separate circuit for cooling the continuous ingot exiting the crystalliser and the rollers at the foot. It also permits an easy and rapid replacement in the oscillating table in which it is housed.
US07980289B2
An endoluminal stent composed of a plurality of circumferential expansion elements arrayed to form the circumference of the stent and extending along the longitudinal axis of the stent, and a plurality of interconnecting members that interconnect adjacent pairs of circumferential expansion elements, the interconnecting members joining struts of adjacent pairs of interconnecting members at approximate mid-points of the struts.
US07980283B2
The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for manufacturing a treated web. The subject methods and apparatus involve the control of numerous variables, including, without limitation, web tension (both overall web tension as well as the web tension immediately before and after each individual blade), angle of entry of web into each blade, blade angle in relation to horizontal reference point, blade pressure against moving web, angle of exit of web from each blade, web speed, number of blades, the pressure of the leading nip rolls, the pressure of the trailing nip rolls, static control, thickness of each blade, bevel on each blade, oven cure temperature, oven cure dwell time, blade temperature and blade surfaces and edge conditions and blade finish.
US07980282B2
A tire system that includes a cylindrical metal rim with an outer surface and a plurality of solid tire segments, each of the tire segments having at least one track that is connected to a mounting plate, the mounting plates being circumferentially positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the rim. The tire system may be employed on an off-highway earthmoving machine such as a towed or other scraping device.
US07980279B2
A heavy duty tire is vulcanized in a segmented mold having a tread molding surface defined by circumferentially arranged segments. The tread portion is molded by the tread molding surface during vulcanization of the tire, wherein the stretch of the belt layer in the tire radial direction during vulcanization is in a range of from 3.2 to 5.2%. the tread portion is provided with an axially outermost circumferential groove at an axial distance from the tire equator which distance is in a range of from 50% to 68% of one half of the tread width. The footprint shape satisfies the following conditions: (1) 1.05=
US07980277B2
The invention discloses a powder filling device and method which is capable of making stable powder flow rate, preventing powder from being leaked or dispersed during filling operation, and filling the powder in a short time in a new powder filling system filling the powder from a measuring tank to a powder filling container. The powder filling device comprises a measuring tank having a powder discharge port and a filling amount control unit disposed near the powder discharge port, and an auxiliary container having an opening disposed on the underside of the powder discharge port of the measuring tank which faces downward. The powder filling device is characterized in that a powder externally delivered into the measuring tank is discharged from the powder discharge port into the powder filling container disposed on the underside of the auxiliary container while a filling amount of the powder is controlled by the filling amount control unit, and the powder is temporarily dropped to the auxiliary container, and further dropped to the powder filling container so that the powder filling container is filled up with the powder.
US07980269B2
A control valve assembly for a load carrying vehicle that includes a storage space and a dumping mechanism that is movable between an open position that allows access to the storage space and a closed position that inhibits access to the storage space. The control valve assembly includes a housing and a valve that is positioned within the housing and is movable between a first position, wherein the dumping mechanism is moved toward the open position, and a second position, wherein the dumping mechanism is moved toward the closed position. First, second, and third actuation systems are in communication with the valve and are operable to actuate the valve between the first position and the second position.
US07980267B2
The present invention is a fluid supply device having a bellows shaped pipe 21 midway in fluid supply piping, comprising: first filter means 19a that traps foreign matter in the fluid on the upstream side of the bellows shaped pipe 21; and second filter means 22 that traps foreign matter in the fluid discharged from the pipe 21 on the downstream side of the bellows shaped pipe 21.
US07980265B2
A valve for downhole use has the ability to throttle between fully open and closed and is fully variable in positions in between. The valve is preferably responsive to flowing fluid viscosity and uses a three dimensional flow through restrictor in combination with a relatively movable cover. At a given flow, a higher viscosity fluid will create a greater relative movement and make it possible for flowing fluid to bypass more of the flow through member. In a particular application involving production from a zone, an array of such valves can allow more production where the viscosity is higher and less production where the viscosity drops due to, for example, water production.
US07980264B2
A system for feeding a slurry catalyst composition including: a primary slurry feed system comprising a primary slurry flow meter and a primary catalyst injection device, wherein the primary slurry flow meter measures a primary slurry catalyst composition flow rate to the primary catalyst injection device; and a secondary slurry feed system comprising a secondary slurry flow meter, a secondary carrier liquid, a secondary carrier liquid control device, and a secondary catalyst injection device, wherein the secondary slurry flow meter measures a secondary slurry catalyst composition flow rate to the secondary catalyst injection device, wherein the secondary carrier liquid control device controls a process parameter of the secondary slurry feed system based a ratio of the primary slurry catalyst composition flow rate to the secondary slurry catalyst composition flow rate.
US07980259B2
A glass sheet washing machine with a broken glass removal system includes a support, a liquid container or reservoir, a pump, a liquid applicator, and a liquid permeable member. The support supports a glass sheet being washed. The liquid reservoir is positioned below the support. The pump is coupled to the liquid reservoir. The liquid applicator is coupled to the pump. The liquid applicator applies the liquid from the liquid reservoir to wash the glass sheet. Excess liquid falls into the reservoir. The liquid permeable member is positioned between the support and the liquid reservoir to catch pieces of glass to inhibit the pieces of broken glass from falling into the liquid reservoir and is moved to remove the pieces from the glass washing machine.
US07980254B2
A hair fastening and hair volume enhancing device is described which includes a thin flat strip, of bendable, lightweight flexible material having bristles on top and bottom sides thereof. A wire is positioned between sheaths of material forming the thin flat strip. The flat strip has a surface finish of a color and shine similar to a wearer's hair color and shine so that the device is imperceptible when worn by the wearer. A hair fastening and hair volume enhancing method using the device involves placing the hair device in hair, moving and/or bending the hair device in any direction, and attaching the hair to the device by means of the bristles on the surfaces of the hair device such that the hair device holds hair in place while also providing hair enhancement by holding the hair in a suspended position away from the scalp, thereby enhancing hair volume appearance while also holding hair in place.
US07980253B2
In an applicator for mascara, hair colorants or similar cosmetic products including a main body of a relatively hard material, such as metal or hard plastic, the main body being connectable to a rod and having a plurality of circumferential grooves, provision is made, in order to improve the combing action and transfer properties, for the grooves to extend parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
US07980248B2
Methods and tools are disclosed for inserting an implant device that treats snoring and apnea of a patient by altering the position of a soft palate. Methods and tools can make an incision in patient's soft and hard palate to create a cavity that can house the implant. The tools can have visually observable markings that can be aligned with the incision, thus controlling the depth of the cavity. A needle having an incision edge can be used to make an incision in patient's soft palate. The needle can be bent into a suitable longitudinal shape to allow easier access and visualization of the process. A blade that makes the cavity in the tissue can be housed inside a channel in the needle. The tools may have stoppers to prevent excessive extension and retraction of the blade thus preventing an excessive cavity depth. Some tools may also house the implant device, which may be implanted after the cavity is formed.
US07980244B2
An emergency pulmonary resuscitation device is described. The device of the present invention provides emergency breathing for use in techniques such as CPR, and is preferably capable of interaction with an automatic external defibrillator. The device is easy to operate and provides feedback so that it may be used by persons without medical training. The device also works through a simple action, making it possible for it to be inexpensively manufactured and widely disseminated.
US07980241B1
An apparatus to assist in cooking over a campfire is herein disclosed, comprising a generally “Y”-shaped support that rests over an open fire by means of three (3) legs. An adjustable steel cable, controlled by a mechanically-operated winch, is provided at the center of the “Y”-shaped support, which depends downward and connects centrally to four (4) chains, each of which connects to a corner of a rectangular grilling surface. The grilling surface comprises a heat-resistant material and can be made in varying dimensions. The grilling surface is height-adjustable to accommodate cooking needs and fire output permits. Once cooled, the apparatus can be disassembled and transported in a supplied pouch or hard case.
US07980237B1
A pivoting arrow rest is positioned in a support position for contacting and supporting an arrow shaft in a “ready” position and is rotated by a biasing spring into a recess provided in a riser shelf in response to a triggering event. The biasing spring is contained within the riser.
US07980234B2
The present invention provides a blow-by gas reducing device capable of adopting an exhaust pump with a small discharge rate and capable of suppressing oil degradation by reducing the mixing of bubbles in oil. The device includes: an oil pan of an engine; an oil tank; a first communication passage (an oil passage) connecting the oil tank and an oil holding portion of the oil pan; an oil pump (an exhaust pump) being provided in the first communication passage and pressure-feeding oil in the oil holding portion to the oil tank; a second communication passage (a gas passage) connecting the oil tank and a blow-by gas residing portion of the engine; and a gas sending device (a gas mechanism) utilizing a flow force of the oil inside the first communication passage to send blow-by gas in the blow-by gas residing portion to the oil tank via the second communication passage.
US07980233B2
A separation assembly is generally described that can chemically treat condensate material in a fluid stream. One particular example of a separation assembly is a crankcase filtration assembly used in engine oil filtration and that includes an additive material disposed within the crankcase filtration assembly. The additive material chemically treats condensate material of blow-by fluids received by the crankcase filtration assembly when a condition is present in the condensate material. For example, the crankcase filtration assembly provides a unique structure with a chemically treated component that can reduce an acidic condition in condensate material received by the crankcase filtration assembly, and even more generally may extend engine oil life.
US07980230B2
A fuel vaporizer for an internal combustion engine having a closed pressure chamber defining a volume, to be heated, and a liquid fuel supply system disposed to emit a liquid fuel spray. The closed pressure chamber may be constructed and arranged relative to the heat-transfer surface to establish between the at least one outlet and the heat-transfer surface a mixing domain in which the fuel spray, as it progresses through the volume from the outlet, is substantially heated and vaporized by mixing with re-circulated, heated fuel vapor that previously has moved over and received heat from the heat transfer surface. The fuel vaporizer may be associated with a vapor outflow passage through which pressurized vapor exits the closed pressure chamber for supply to said at least one combustion region. The heat-transfer surface may be arranged to be heated by engine coolant circulating around the exterior of the closed pressure chamber.
US07980227B2
A feed unit for feeding fuel has a housing formed integrally with the casing of a swirl pot, the housing comprising a fine filter. The fine filter is configured open toward one side and is closed by a cover. The cover is formed integrally with a base plate sealing the casing of the swirl pot. As a result, the feed unit has a particularly low number of components to be assembled and can be produced in a particularly cost-effective way.
US07980226B2
A fuel delivery system for a direct injection internal combustion engine which reduces mechanical stress on the fuel system components. The system includes a first and a second fuel rail mounted to the engine block for the internal combustion engine. A device is attached to the fuel rails which reduces movement of the fuel rails relative to the engine block and mechanical stress that would otherwise result from such movement.
US07980218B2
In a pump driving device in an engine, driving a pump shaft of a pump mounted to an engine body by a valve-operating cam shaft supported by the engine body, a bolt is threadedly engaged with one end of the cam shaft, the bolt having a head portion in which a polygonal hole is formed, and a polygonal shaft portion is formed at one end of the pump shaft so as to be fitted into the polygonal hole. The pump shaft is driven by the cam shaft via the polygonal hole and the polygonal shaft portion. Thus, a large driving torque can be transmitted from the cam shaft to the pump shaft without reducing any effective support surface of a journal portion of the cam shaft.
US07980216B2
An engine assembly may include an engine structure, a rocker arm assembly supported by the engine structure, and a camshaft. The rocker arm assembly may include a lever body, a support member coupled to the lever body, and a first roller member supported for rotation on the support member. The first roller member may include an annular body having first and second axial ends and an inner bore. The inner bore may receive the support member and include a groove extending from the first axial end to the second axial end. The groove may include a first portion at the first axial end rotationally offset relative to a second portion at the second axial end of the annular body. The first roller member may be rotated by rotation of the camshaft and the groove may be adapted to pump oil along the bore when the first roller member is rotated.
US07980210B2
A valve drive device for an engine include a valve for opening or closing an opening of a port to a combustion chamber, a valve drive member for opening or closing the valve and a drive shaft for driving the valve drive member. The device also includes a variable valve timing mechanism for continuously changing a working angle of the valve corresponding to an operation state of the engine by changing a state of drive force transmission from the drive shaft to the valve drive member. A variable valve clearance mechanism is configured such that a valve clearance that is defined as a gap between the valve and the valve drive member can be set at a first value during a first condition in which the working angle of the valve is large to a second different value during a second condition in which the working angle of the valve is small.
US07980203B1
A pet strap formed of a transparent material, such as plastic or synthetic rubber, with photoluminescent or phosphorescent colored pigment homogeneously dispersed within and incorporated into the elastometric material. The preferred photoluminescent is strontium oxide aluminate or strontium barium aluminate, which emit a yellow-green light. The strap may be disposed to encircle the neck of the pet as a conventional collar with a buckle and strap end retainers. The strap may also be made in various dimensions suitable for pets of all sizes, and may be configured to be trimmed to the desired size. Another embodiment of the pet strap includes a light reversion strip and an underlying or encased fabric reinforcing strip encased within the elastomeric strap adjacent the bottom side of the strap that contacts the pet. The light reversion strip will allow available light to charge the luminescents more proficiently for better performance.
US07980201B2
A pet restraint system includes a collar having first and second ends and having a first lock configured to restrict separation of the first and second ends. The system includes an elongate leash having a clip at a first end for removable attachment to the collar and having a second lock to restrict removal of the clip from the collar. The system includes a handle coupled to a second end of the leash and having a protrusion movable between release and hold positions. The handle includes a third lock for restricting movement of the protrusion from the hold position. The handle further includes a retracting mechanism coupled to the leash to selectively retract the leash to a plurality of retraction positions.
US07980200B2
An ectoparasite diagnostic apparatus comprising a vacuum motor, a microscope, a display, a non-flexible pivoting door and a containment chamber, wherein the microscope is in electrical communication with the display. The ectoparasite diagnostic apparatus provides a method of capturing live ectoparasites for observation removing live ectoparasites from a subject animal, disposing the live ectoparasites in the containment chamber, opening the non-flexible pivoting door and inserting a flea control compound, closing the non-flexible pivoting door and observing the effects of the flea control compound on the live ectoparasites via the microscope and the display.
US07980193B1
A marine horn has a horn path with a pressure lock chamber blocking water which has ingressed the horn outlet mouth from reaching the sound source along the horn path.
US07980186B2
In an embodiment, an agricultural implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, where the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The agricultural implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a depth of a valley opened in a soil region by the ground engaging tool and is configured to pack the soil region as the implement is towed through a field and a soil shaping assembly disposed between the ground engaging tool and the packer wheel, wherein the soil shaping assembly is configured to close the valley prior to packing by the packer wheel.
US07980182B2
A rail transportation system particularly suited for transporting roofing materials upon an uncompleted roof. Sections of tubes form rails, allowing several rail cars carrying various roofing materials to transport those roofing materials from the edge of the roof to the point of installation. These tubes may be attached to one another, allowing tradespersons to further extend the range of the rails as the installation progresses.
US07980180B2
A jacketed projectile having one-piece steel core provides good performance regarding chamber pressure, barrel wear and accuracy by separating the jacket from a central tapered portion of the core by providing an encircling air gap that facilitates engraving of the jacket during firing.
US07980172B2
A waste compaction system which includes a body defining a waste-receiving receptacle having a perimeter defining an open top end. A bottom wall of the receptacle is vertically movable by a driving system to produce an upwardly directed compaction force within the receptacle. An iris-type closure mechanism extends over the open top end and is displaceable between a first, open position where the closure mechanism surrounds the open top end and a second, closed position where the opening is at least partially closed by the closure mechanism. In the second position of the closure mechanism, the driving system displaces the bottom wall upwards thereby compacting the waste contained within the receptacle against the closure mechanism.
US07980162B2
A rotary punch includes an upper die plate, a lower die plate, and a support frame having a drive assembly that moves the upper die plate horizontally and vertically along a generally circular pathway. The lower die plate is connected to the support frame for movement in a linear horizontal direction only. The upper die plate is vertically slidably connected to the lower die plate by way of one or more vertical rods attached to the upper die plate that extend down through bushings provided in the lower die plate. In operation, the lower die plate horizontally follows the upper die plate as the latter is moved along its circular pathway. Concurrently, the upper plate moves towards and away from the lower plate. This maintains a substantially constant alignment between the die plates for carrying out a periodic machining operation on a moving web of material passing there between.
US07980159B1
An electric screwdriver assembly includes a body portion, a screwdriver and a vacuum assembly. The body portion defines a screw conduit therethrough which has a distal end and at least one opening spaced apart from the distal end. The screwdriver is disposed within the body portion and includes a free end facing the distal end of the screw conduit that defines a screwdriver bit. The screwdriver bit is moveable through the screw conduit between a position proximal from the opening and a position distal from the opening. The vacuum coupling assembly is configured to couple a vacuum generator to the body portion in order to generate a partial vacuum within the screw conduit through the opening.
US07980151B2
A door drive for garage, garden, hall or factory doors, comprising a motor unit which comprises a drive motor and a motor output shaft, an output transmission, which on the input end can be connected with the motor output shaft and on the output end includes a transmission output shaft for driving a door moving element, in particular a door shaft, a release clutch for releasing the motor output shaft with respect to the door moving element as well as at least one damping element for damping drive shocks. The door drive is characterized in that the output transmission includes a transmission housing formed separate from the motor unit and together with the release clutch and the damping element forms a separate, modular drive attachment, which can be connected on the one hand to the motor unit and on the other hand to the door moving element.
US07980150B2
A starter includes a motor, a pinion, a pinion carrier carrying the pinion, a ring member provided on the pinion carrier, a shifting member, and a lubricant blocking member. The ring member is rotatable relative to the pinion carrier and restricted in axial movement toward the pinion. The shifting member has a ring portion that is arranged on the pinion carrier with the ring member interposed between the ring portion and the pinion. The ring portion has an axial end face that has a recess for receiving lubricant and is covered by the ring member. The shifting member is configured to shift, by pushing the ring member with the ring portion, the pinion in the axial direction, thereby bringing the pinion into mesh with a ring gear of an engine. The lubricant blocking member blocks the lubricant from being scattered due to rotation of the pinion carrier with the pinion.
US07980146B2
An embodiment of the present invention provides an air sampling system for measuring corrosives within an airstream flowing within an inlet system. This air sampling system may include an air sampling unit with a plurality of sampling coupons secured within. Parts of the air sampling system may be externally mounted to the inlet system, allowing for an operator to access the sampling coupons, while the inlet system operates. In operation, an embodiment of the present invention has a sampling line connected to the air sampling system; the airstream flowing within the sampling line passes over the sampling coupons and then returns to the inlet system.
US07980141B2
A wearable system of one or more body position or motion sensors can include a flexible sensing element to be coupled to or worn on a body. When straight, the flexible sensing element defines a longitudinal axis. It includes a lumen carrying a flowable substance, such as a liquid, gas, or gel. A measurable parameter of the flowable substance, such as pressure, volume, or flow, provides an indication of a longitudinal axial bending, twisting, or elongation, such as due to movement of at least one body part to which the sensing element is coupled. The lumen is coupled to a transducer by at least one conduit for the flowable substance. The transducer converts the measurable parameter of the flowable substance into a transducer output signal indicative of the longitudinal axial bending, twisting, or elongation of the sensing element, from which body part position or movement information can be derived.
US07980136B2
The leak and contamination detection micro-submarine includes an “electronic ear” and an “electronic nose” for detecting both leaks and chemicals within a pipe which may be leaking. The submarine includes an on-board electric motor which is radio remote controlled and may operate, or swim, in a manner similar to a fish using piezoelectric micro-motors and the like. Contamination, leak and other related data is stored in on-board memory and summary reports may be transmitted via RF signals.
US07980131B2
A bottomless measuring cup system having a tubular container with a hollow interior and opposite open ends and a plunger having a base adapted to slidingly fit within the hollow interior of the container.
US07980111B2
It is difficult to bend materials for forming beyond 180° in terms of bend angle due to the entrant nature of prior press forming arrangements including a press tool with a press recess of a static nature. By providing a press recess which is formed from actuators allowed to dynamically shift about a deflection member it is possible as a press tool engages and forces a material to be formed into the press recess to envelope the press tool and therefore achieve greater than 180° bending angles. The actuators are formed in a stack with alternate left right presentation of shaped receiving apertures which include an actuator surface 34 engaged by the material to be formed in order to cause the necessary deflections during the pressing process.
US07980109B2
A method for inspecting a strip in a reversible rolling plant comprising at least one cage arranged between two winding/unwinding devices each having a mandrel. The rolling is performed in several passes until the requested thickness is obtained over the whole length of a useful part ranging between two service lengths maintained wound on each of the mandrels.According to the invention, at the end of the last pass between a winder/unwinder placed upstream of the cage in the rolling direction and acting as an uncoiler, and a downstream winder/unwinder acting as a coiler, the upstream service length is unwound completely from the uncoiler, then subjected to a roll pass; the strip is then cut in the vicinity of the end of its useful part to release, at its rear end in the direction of the last pass, an inspection length whereof at least one part corresponds to said upstream service length rolled once.
US07980106B2
A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body and a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body. The plug assembly comprises a plug body, a plurality of pin assemblies and a guide bar. The plug body has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a tool-receiving hole. Each of the pin assemblies is movably disposed in the plug body and comprises a first rack component and a second rack component selectively engaging with the first rack component. The guide bar is coupled to the plug body and has a plurality of pin runners for engaging with the first rack components and a tool-receiving portion exposed by the tool-receiving hole. The guide bar is capable of moving along transverse axis-direction of the plug body to disengage the first rack components from the second rack components.
US07980095B1
A method and system providing for customizable jewelry is disclosed. The customizable jewelry system comprises a plurality of jewelry strands with releasable clasps at each end and multi-connector findings. The multi-connector findings are connectors with multiple loops capable of being a connecting joint to the jewelry strands. The multi-connector findings are especially suitable for multiple layer necklaces and belts. The opposing ends of each jewelry strand can be releasably secured to one another and to multi-connector findings to form various structures suitable for use as necklace, bracelet, chain belt, or other component jewelry accessory. Each strand can be repeatedly utilized in multiple jewelry item combinations. Each strand within a jewelry structure can also be removed or substituted with another strand to achieve any configuration that is desirable for a particular outfit and setting.
US07980092B2
Disclosed, amongst other things, is a compressor, a heat recovery device, and a plant, configured to practice heat recovery from a compressible media for performing useful work in driving a heat-driven chiller.
US07980087B2
A refrigerant system for cooling a comfort zone is selectively operable in a cooling-only mode and a reheat mode. The system operates in the cooling mode to meet sensible and latent cooling demands of a room or area in a building when the room temperature is appreciably above a target temperature. The reheat mode is for addressing the latent cooling or dehumidifying demand when the room temperature is near or below the target temperature. In some embodiments, a generally inactive condenser stores excess refrigerant during the reheat mode, thereby avoiding the need for a separate liquid refrigerant receiver. To maintain a desired level of subcooling in the reheat coil, refrigerant can be transferred accordingly between the inactive condenser and the reheat coil. In some embodiments, the system's evaporator and reheat coil can be connected in a series or parallel flow relationship.
US07980086B2
An air conditioner is provided that is capable of allowing an operator to know, during a refrigerant charging operation using a cylinder, that the refrigerant cylinder is emptied without using a scale or the like. An air conditioner in which the refrigerant is charged using a cylinder containing the refrigerant includes a refrigerant circuit, a charge port, a downstream temperature sensor, an outdoor side controller, and a display unit. The refrigerant circuit is configured by the interconnection of a compressor, an outdoor side heat exchanger, an indoor side expansion valve, and an indoor side heat exchanger. The charge port is a port for charging the refrigerant into the refrigerant circuit from the cylinder. The downstream temperature sensor is provided in the vicinity of the charge port of the refrigerant circuit. The outdoor side controller judges whether or not the cylinder is emptied based on a change in at least one of a temperature detected by the downstream temperature sensor or a superheating degree. The display unit performs output when it is judged by the outdoor side controller that the cylinder is emptied.
US07980081B2
Contemplated configurations and methods use first and second precoolers, preferably in alternating operation, to provide a combustion turbine with air at a temperature of 50° F., and more typically less than 32° F. and most typically less than 0° F. In such configurations and methods it is generally preferred that a heat transfer fluid circuit provides both, heated and cooled heat transfer fluid to thereby allow cooling and deicing of the precoolers. Most preferably, refrigeration is provided from an LNG regasification unit to form the cooled heat transfer fluid while heat from a power cycle (e.g., from surface condenser) is used to form the heated heat transfer fluid.
US07980079B2
Power generation systems and methods are disclosed for use with medium to high temperature heat source stream, gaseous or liquid, where the systems and methods permit efficient energy extraction for medium and small scale power plants.
US07980076B2
A condensate extractor assembly is provided for collecting and evacuating condensate from inside a charge air cooler in an internal combustion engine assembly. The condensate extractor assembly includes a sump that is attached to or formed in the charge air cooler. The sump is adapted to drain and collect condensate from the charge air cooler. A hose is fluidly coupled at one end to the sump, and fluidly coupled at a second end to the intake manifold. The hose is configured to evacuate condensate from the sump and distribute it directly to the intake manifold in response to the pressure gradient generated by the engine assembly when in an on-state. The hose defines an orifice that restricts the flow of air and condensate through the hose. A filter is fluidly coupled to the hose, fluidly intermediate the orifice and the sump member.
US07980071B2
A generally horizontal distensible tube (1) in the sea containing fluid and oriented in the direction of wave travel, the distensibility being chosen so that the propagation velocity of pressure waves inside the tube (bulge waves) is the same as the velocity of propagation of the waves in the sea. Energy is then transferred from the ocean waves to the bulge wave. Energy extraction means (84, 85) at the stern and/or bow convert the bulge power to useful energy. Said energy extraction means may comprise pistons actuating pumps or linear or rotating generators, or one-way valves allowing the bulge wave to pump fluid via hydraulic accumulators through a turbine. The walls of the distensible tube (1) may be comprised partly of elastomer (86) and partly of inelastic flexible polymer coated fabric (87).
US07980061B2
An engine system includes an engine, an intake fluid system, and an exhaust fluid system. Furthermore, the engine system includes a turbocharger device including a compressor member in operative communication with the intake fluid stream and an energy supply member in operative communication with the exhaust stream to be actuated thereby. The energy supply member transfers energy to the compressor member, and the compressor member supplies a compressed fluid stream to the engine. Moreover, the engine system includes an aftertreatment device in operative communication with the exhaust stream to treat the exhaust stream. The engine system additionally includes a bypass fluid system that bypasses the internal combustion engine. The bypass fluid system supplies the portion of the compressed fluid stream to the aftertreatment device.
US07980053B2
A turbine starting controller includes: an optimum starting control unit for predicting, while taking as a variable a turbine acceleration rate/load increase rate as a directly manipulated variable, thermal stress generated in a turbine rotor over a prediction period from a current time to the future, calculating for each control cycle a manipulated variable optimum transition pattern in the prediction period which makes a turbine starting time shortest while keeping the predicted thermal stress equal to or lower than a prescribed value, and determining as an actual optimum manipulated value a value at the current time in the manipulated variable optimum transition pattern; and an rpm/load control unit to which the optimum manipulated variable from the optimum starting control unit is input, for controlling the drive of control valves.
US07980041B2
Floor panels with a flexible tongue in an insertion groove, the flexible tongue is designed to cooperate, in a connected state with a tongue groove of another panel, the panels are adapted to be locked together by vertical folding, the flexible tongue has a projection portion which, in a connected state projects outside the insertion groove and cooperates with the tongue groove, said projecting portion has a bevelled and/or rounded sliding surface and the panels have a sliding surface adapted to cooperate therewith during vertical folding, the flexible tongue during the vertical folding is displaced twice in the horizontal direction, a first displacement is effected by the vertical folding of the fold panel whereby at least a part of the flexible tongue is bent, a second displacement of the flexible tongue towards its initial position is accomplished substantially by a spring effect caused by said bending of said flexible tongue.
US07980038B2
A system for attaching a siding panel to a wall uses tubular fastener guide pins supported in spaced relationship by a fastener guide strip. The guide pins extend from the guide strip and through elongate slots in the securement flange of the siding panel. The spacing of the guide pins corresponds to the spacing of centers of elongate slots in the siding panel such that fasteners driven through the tubular guide pins are evenly spaced and allow the panel to slide relative to the guide pins. A layer of insulating foam may be positioned behind the siding panel and with pins sized to extend through the siding panel and foam.
US07980037B2
A roof or wall covering comprising a plurality of horizontal courses of molded plastic panels each formed with a single row of simulated shake shingles. The panels have a continuous upper interlock flange that facilitates inner-engagement of the panels of overlying courses without cumbersome handling of numerous small interlock fingers which can be missed during installation. Cooperating detents are provided between the overlying lower and upper marginal edge regions which facilitate proper positioning of the panels and which support the weight of the panel during securement to a wall surface. A bottom interlock flange is supported transversely across a rear side of the panel by vertically-spaced support plates which facilitate both liquid drainage and air circulation through the installed wall covering. In the preferred embodiment, the panels in alternate courses are identically formed with different shake patterns for enhancing the natural appearance of the wall covering.
US07980033B1
Reinforcing system for retrofitting wall to increase the ductility and resistance to shear forces of a gypsum board wall to a level comparable to plywood-sheathed wall. Fiber-reinforced polymer panel is attached to substantially cover surface of gypsum board to protect it against rupture in earthquake. Reinforcement is enhanced by fiber anchors installed along base of wall and door frames. Optional connector strips tie together door and window frames to prevent separation from wall.
US07980026B2
An apparatus for supporting the calyx of a flower of a plant having a lockable stem clip from which extend projections for supporting the calyx of the flower.
US07980025B1
A display and a method for making the same, comprising a transparent container, a mixture of fluid and superabsorbent polymer, and ornamental items suspended in the mixture such that they are visible from outside the transparent container.
US07980012B2
An identification badge for placement within a pocket of a garment. The identification badge includes a first portion shaped to be received within the pocket, the first portion having a coupling member in the form of a magnet. The identification badge also includes a second portion coupled to the first portion by a flexible member, the second member having indicia printed thereon. The second portion is moveable with respect to the first portion between an open position and a closed position and in some embodiments is ferro-magnetic such that the magnetic coupling member secures the second portion in the closed position.
US07980005B1
The invention is an improved cushion for use with the web joint of a thong-type sandal. The invention is a cylinder comprising an inner layer consisting of a viscoelastic gel, and an outer layer of memory foam. The exterior of the outer layer may be outfitted with a design. The interior of the cylinder has a layer of adhesive. A split is provided for installation of the invention.
US07980003B2
A heat processing apparatus includes a heating plate configured to heat the substrate; a cover configured to surround a space above the heating plate; an exhaust gas flow forming mechanism configured to exhaust gas inside the cover to form exhaust gas flows within the space above the heating plate; a downflow forming mechanism configured to form downflows uniformly supplied onto an upper surface of the substrate placed on the heating plate; and a control mechanism configured to execute mode switching control between a mode arranged to heat the substrate while forming the downflows by the downflow forming mechanism and a mode arranged to heat the substrate while forming the exhaust gas flows by the exhaust gas flow forming mechanism.
US07980002B2
The invention relates to a rotary drum in which the hygienic status of pourable solids separated from liquid cattle manure is modified by aerobic heating in such a manner that said solids can be reused as bedding in cattle sheds. The object of the invention is to obtain a high loading factor amounting to 60-70% filling of the drum which is located horizontally for installation in an insulated container. In accordance with the invention, the loaded solid is kept in a chamber and is only transferred to the drum when there is no solid surrounding the chamber. The crucial element is a flap of the chamber which only opens and closes in this area. If there is any solid resting on the outside of the flap then opening of the flap is prevented.
US07979993B2
A method of laying out a grid of points across an area comprises designating a starting reference point; projecting with the laser beam a first reference line intersecting the first reference point and extending in a first direction relative to the area; designating the set of first line reference points along the first reference line; projecting with a laser beam a second reference line from each of the set of first reference line points in a direction at least partially across the area; designating a set of second line reference points at or near the area along each of the second reference lines, so that a grid of points across the area correlated to at least one laser beam projection is created. In this manner, the laser provides a quick and accurate straight line for referencing points in the grid. The method could be used to just lay out a grid of lines. An apparatus according to one aspect of the invention comprises a portable base, a laser on the base adapted to project a laser beam in a plane, and a means to identify measured points from the base. The measured points can be relative to the projected plane from the laser. The portable base can be moved to different reference points relative to the area to quickly set up a grid of accurate lines or points in the area.
US07979989B2
A handheld power tool includes a housing (12) and a foot plate (14) for guidance on a surface of a workpiece. A pump unit (16), preferably located in the foot plate (14), drives a coolant and/or lubricant flow (18) for cooling and/or lubricating at least one heavy-duty component (20).
US07979981B2
An automated method of building construction utilizes a horizontal force to extrude a structural member formed from a plurality of elongate joists, upper panels, and lower panels. An apparatus for automating building construction includes an upper panel bay and feeder, a joist array and feeder, and a lower panel bay and feeder. The machine positions each joist and upper and lower panels into an installation position where fastening means forms the structural member, which is advanced out of the apparatus.
US07979977B2
A transformer to isolate a primary winding from a signal winding include a primary substrate (which may comprise a printed circuit board (PCB)) and a secondary substrate. The primary and secondary substrates may each have three openings to allow first and second E-E core halves to be joined therebetween. A first insulator may be disposed between the primary and secondary substrates to isolate the primary substrate from the secondary substrate. A second insulator may secure the primary and secondary substrates in place and insulate the secondary substrate from the core. The primary and secondary substrates may each include a Faraday shield its outer layers. A shield slit to prevent shorting between the legs of the E-E core may be formed by cutting a channel in the shield between the opening of the primary and secondary substrates. A retaining clip may be used to clamp together the primary substrate, first and second core E-E core halves, secondary substrate and second insulator. A primary winding and sense winding may be disposed within the primary substrate and a signal winding may be disposed within the secondary substrate. The primary, sense, and signal windings may be positioned so that the magnetic flux produced by the primary winding passes through the signal and sense windings in substantially equal proportions. The primary and signal winding may enter the E-E core from opposite directions to choke any common mode current therebetween.
US07979976B2
A method for arranging a superconductor cable including the step of laying the superconductive cable core into a cryostat with an overlength in comparison to the axial length of said cryostat. After laying the superconductive cable core, it is cooled to its operating temperature thereby shortening the superconductive cable core relative to the cryostat. After cooling the superconductive cable core, the shortened superconductive cable core is mechanically fixed at its two ends to the ends of the cryostat. After fixing the shortened superconductive cable core, terminations are mounted on the ends of the cable core, such that if the superconductive cable core heats up, the core deforms into a wave or helix inside the cryostat, with the length change that acts on components of the superconductor cable being negligible.
US07979956B2
A vacuum bag (10) attachment device and method. One embodiment provides a device for attaching a vacuum bag to a suction port of a vacuum cleaner (11), wherein the vacuum cleaner has a fixation projection (22) positioned adjacent the suction port (17). The attachment device comprises a holding plate (12) having a first aperture (15) configured and adapted to be received on the suction port of the vacuum. The holding plate also has a hinged portion (18) with a second aperture (21) positioned within the hinged portion. The hinged portion is moveable between a first position in which the hinged portion does not secure the holding plate to the vacuum and a second position in which the hinged portion secures the holding plate to the vacuum. The second aperture is configured and dimensioned to be received on the projection (22) adjacent the suction port of the vacuum cleaner when the hinged portion is in the second position.
US07979953B2
A vacuum cleaner that is convertible between an upright mode and a canister mode by use of a hose is provided. The vacuum cleaner includes a hose clamping unit capable of protruding outside the cleaner body or retreating back to the cleaner body according to a mode change of the vacuum cleaner.
US07979952B2
A cleaning device with an elongated housing having a grip at one end and a cleaning head at another end, a dirt collection device and a vacuum source. The cleaning head has a rotary agitator, a first inlet opening having a first cross-sectional area, and a second inlet opening having a second cross-sectional area. The second cross-sectional area may be substantially less than the first cross-sectional area. The second inlet opening may be above the first inlet opening. There also may be a fluid supply tank and an associated pump, and the pump and agitator may be driven by the same motor.
US07979951B2
A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a recovery tank. The surface cleaning apparatus can further include a base, and the recovery tank can have side rails to facilitate alignment of the recovery tank with the base. The recovery tank can include a float assembly with a pivotable closure member. The recovery tank can have a lid with a handle and latch to secure the lid to the recovery tank. Further, the recovery tank can comprise a lid with a working air conduit mounted to the lid and removable from the recovery tank with the lid.
US07979948B2
A soft wiper includes a pivotal connector, a pair of wiper strips, a pair of first resilient pieces, a pair of second resilient pieces, a pair of protecting covers, and a pair of end caps. The pivotal connector is pivotally connected to a wiper arm. The pivotal connector is configured to connect with the first resilient pieces, thereby forming a passage between the first resilient pieces for slidably receiving the wiper strips and the second resilient pieces therein. Each of the first and second resilient pieces is extended individually and independently. Accordingly, this provides the soft wiper with an appropriate softness, resiliency, and strength for support the wiper strips and lowering the jerk problem while the soft wiper wiping on a car windscreen.
US07979931B2
A vehicle for use in hospitals, and the like, giving better mobility, steering, braking and passenger handling while providing comfort to the passengers from the time they lay down until they are standing on the side through the rotation and tilting ability of the frame.
