US07997842B2
An improved threaded connection, in which a first part having a female thread is threadably engageable with a second part having a male thread. The first and second parts have different strengths in at least the area of the thread turns, and the thread turns have cross-sectional areas that differs from the cross-sectional areas of gaps between the thread turns.
US07997839B1
A tie-down attachment device and system for use in pickup trucks featuring a plurality of clamps that slide along the upper edge of the pickup truck bed rail used to hold bed caps in place without having to drill into the pickup truck bed is herein disclosed. The device comprises a clamping means that is secured by tightening a bolt with a strong grip or by wrench or pliers. The device further comprises a large eye bolt to which a strap, a rope, or other securing means can be connected and thus securing a load. The clamping device can be left in place on the bed rail or removed and stored when not in use.
US07997834B2
A radius end mill includes an end mill body, peripheral cutting edges, bottom cutting edges and corner cutting edges. Each of the corner cutting edge is formed so as to curve toward the terminal end of the end mill body after the corner cutting edge has reached the distal end of the end mill body. A rake surface of the corner cutting edge is formed so as to be flush with the rake surface of the bottom cutting edge. When an external diameter of the end mill body is D, a value of a radius of curvature R of the corner cutting edge is greater than or equal to 0.1×D and is less than or equal to 0.3×D.
US07997831B2
A microfabricated sheath flow structure for producing a sheath flow includes a primary sheath flow channel for conveying a sheath fluid, a sample inlet for injecting a sample into the sheath fluid in the primary sheath flow channel, a primary focusing region for focusing the sample within the sheath fluid and a secondary focusing region for providing additional focusing of the sample within the sheath fluid. The secondary focusing region may be formed by a flow channel intersecting the primary sheath flow channel to inject additional sheath fluid into the primary sheath flow channel from a selected direction. A sheath flow system may comprise a plurality of sheath flow structures operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip.
US07997824B2
Contention system for lateral impacts from vehicles, of the kind formed from a mixed metal and wooden horizontal continuous rail, comprising two or more wooden logs of equal cross-section, preferably rectangular, fitted with the same metal profile of cross-section preferably in the form of a “sigma” and longitudinally connected together by means of a metal plate, with the rail being supported at regular intervals by metal uprights inserted or secured into the ground, externally faced with a wooden cover consisting of three or more flat wooden strips, the rail being fixed to the posts by means of a metal distancer spacer by way of support, formed from a main piece in the form of an “omega” lying on its side which joins consecutive rails together via their ends and an interior U-piece which incorporates the star-shaped hole for the breakaway attachment between the support and the post, with a metal support plate between the front part of the wooden cover for the post and the central part of the metal support.
US07997823B2
A parking bumper shell that can be easily filled with a heavy form-filling material (such as concrete) to form a parking bumper is provided. The parking bumper shell may be injection molded from durable, brightly-colored, UV- and weather-resistant plastic. Undercuts, such as in the form of a plurality of undercut wings or z-puller pins, may be disposed on the interior of the parking bumper shell's top and side walls to aid in holding the parking bumper shell and the heavy filling material together. The parking bumper shell may also include internally projecting hollow extensions that are adapted to receive anchoring posts. While the parking bumper shell is being filled, it may be placed in a rigid frame which helps the shell to keep its shape during filling. The parking bumper shells are light-weight, nestable, and do not require internal steel rebar reinforcement, thereby greatly reducing transportation costs.
US07997812B2
A camera module is provided with a lens part including a lens and a lens barrel, a holder coupled with the lens part and formed with a first conductive layer, and a printed circuit board electrically connected to the first conductive layer while supporting the holder.
US07997807B2
A power transmission mechanism includes a cam-incorporated gear including a constant-radius cam-portion and a small-radius relief cam-portion connected via a non-constant-radius cam-portion; and first and second swingable members each including a follower which comes in contact with the constant-radius cam-portion and is positioned in an immediate vicinity of the relief cam-portion at respective first and second swing limits. The cam-incorporated gear includes two neutral positions in which one and the other of the swingable members is held at cam-axis separated and vicinity positions, respectively, wherein upon rotating the swingable members from one to the other of the neutral positions, the commencement and termination of rotation of the swingable member that moves from the cam-axis separated to vicinity positions respectively occurs at earlier and later timings. The non-constant-radius cam-portion makes a load torque greater than a surplus torque which act on the cam-incorporated gear when it rotates.
US07997804B2
A rolling bearing apparatus includes inner and outer rings in which a preload applying unit applies a preload to the outer ring. If a fluid pressure in a fluid supply passage is higher than a first set pressure, then fluid is supplied to a pressure chamber via a check valve, and if a pressure becomes lower than the first set pressure, then fluid is supplied from a hydraulic pump to the pressure chamber via the check valve. If the pressure becomes higher than a second set pressure, then the fluid is discharged from the pressure chamber via a relief valve, and if the pressure within the pressure chamber becomes higher than a third set pressure, which is higher than the first set pressure but is lower than the second set pressure, then the supply of fluid is stopped. Thus, the pressure within the pressure chamber is maintained between the first and second set pressures.
US07997799B2
A mobile dual-energy X-ray imaging system is presented. The mobile dual-energy X-ray imaging system is a digital X-ray system that is designed both to acquire original image data and to process the image data to produce an image for viewing. The system has an X-ray source and a portable flat-panel digital X-ray detector. The system is operable to produce a high energy image and low energy image, which may be decomposed to produce a soft tissue image and a bone image for further analysis of the desired anatomy. The system is disposed on a carrier to facilitate transport. The imaging system has an alignment system for facilitating alignment of the flat-panel digital detector with the X-ray source. The imaging system also comprises an anti-scatter grid and an anti-scatter grid registration system for removing artifacts of the anti-scatter grid from images.
US07997798B2
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations a docking detector receptacle includes apparatus to cool a portable digital X-ray detector. In addition, systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations communication authorization is established between a portable digital X-ray detector and a docking detector receptacle, and communication is performed between the portable digital X-ray detector and the docking detector receptacle using the authorization. In addition, systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations a portable digital X-ray detector includes a panel, isolation at least three isolation foam layers, a motherboard and a carbon fiber layer.
US07997797B2
A computed tomography apparatus according to the invention ha a rotor that is produced at least in segments from a composite material with metal matrix reinforced with particles. Composite materials with a polymer matrix reinforced with particles have high specific strength properties and rigidity properties with simultaneously low material usage, such that high rotation speeds of the rotor can be achieved without negatively affecting the image quality in generated tomographical images.
US07997792B2
The present invention relates to an optical fiber temperature sensor capable of reducing an error in a temperature measurement. The sensor comprises an optical fiber, an optical frequency difference adjusting section, a light source system, a spectrum measuring section, a temperature calculating section, and a correcting section. The light source system outputs, into different ends of the optical fiber, probe light and pumping light of which each center frequency is set corresponding to an instruction from the optical frequency difference indicating section respectively. The temperature calculating section calculates a temperature of an object based on BGS in a first domain measured by the spectrum measuring section. On the other hand, the correcting section outputs a correction instruction to the light source system so that BGS center frequency of a second domain may be in agreement with a reference value thereof.
US07997786B2
A heating and cooling cup includes a cup body, a stirring device, a heating and cooling chip, and a heat sink module. A heat conductive block is disposed under the cup body, the heat conductive block abuts against the heating and cooling chip, the stirring device has a stirring rod disposed in the cup body, and a bottom surface of the heating and cooling chip abuts against a heat conductive block of the heat sink module. A temperature of the cup body is changed through the heating and cooling chip, for cooling or heating liquid food in the cup body, and the liquid food is forced to generate convection through the stirring rod for accelerating a temperature variation process.
US07997783B2
The front light unit includes a light source and a light guide plate that guides light emitted from the light source. The light guide plate includes a rear surface through which the guided light is emitted and a front surface facing the rear surface, and a plurality of prism shape structures which are provided in one unit with the light guide plate and emits light totally reflected from the front surface of the light guide plate. The light guide plate and the prism shape structures are formed of a transparent elastic material.
US07997774B2
A lighting element (1) comprises at least one light (3), means (13) for delivering electricity to the or each light, a pair of spaced apart plates (2,2′), at least one magnet (4,4′) located between the said plates and biasing means (8) for biasing the said plates apart, wherein a magnet (4) is attached to one of the pair of plates. In use the lighting element forms part of a lighting system in which the element is located between spaced apart transparent sheets (10), e.g. panes of glass.
US07997769B2
An LED reflector lamp has a control circuit, at least two LED light sources controlled by the control circuit, at least two light source panels coupled to respective at least two LED light sources, and at least one heat-conducting plate thermally connected to the at last two light source panels. The LED lamp reflector has a reflective cup having a reflective inner surface, a reflective opening formed by an edge of the reflective inner surface, and a slot formed on a bottom of the reflective cup, wherein the at least one heat-conductive plate is inserted through the slot into an interior of the reflective cup such that the LED light sources are parallel to a centrally vertical axis of the reflective cup. A heat sink is described that has a cavity in its interior, the cavity being dimensioned and shaped to be coupled to the reflective cup and plate.
US07997764B1
Flashing light module for a traffic safety cone has multiple stacked arrays of LED lights providing 360-degree visibility around the cone. The LED arrays are mounted onto a battery container, and a transparent or translucent housing covers the arrays and mounts onto the battery container to provide a water-tight seal for the enclosed electronics. The battery container fits into the upper opening in a truncated traffic safety cone. The LED light arrays have a variable flash rate. Optionally, an ambient light sensor is used to control the intensity of the light produced by the LED lights.
US07997762B2
An LED lamp includes a base, an LED module having a plurality of LEDs mounted on a top of the base, and a light-guiding module fixed on the LED module. The light-guiding module includes a plurality of mounted plates and a plurality of inserted plates intersecting and engaging the mounted plates. The mounted plates and the inserted plates cooperatively define a plurality of cavities to receive corresponding LEDs therein for guiding and reflecting light generated by the corresponding LED in a predetermined manner.
US07997760B2
An enamel substrate for mounting light emitting elements includes a core metal, an enamel layer that is covering on a surface of the core metal, and one or more through holes. In this enamel substrate for mounting light emitting elements, the core metal is exposed at inner surfaces of the through holes.
US07997758B2
An LED light source includes an LED module and a light-guiding module fixed on the LED module. The LED module includes a printed circuit board and a plurality of LEDs. The light-guiding module includes a frame placed on the LED module and a plurality of light guiding units engaging with the frame. The frame defines an opening in a lower portion thereof to receive the LEDs of the LED module therein and a recess in an upper portion thereof and in communication with the opening. Each of the light guiding units has a base with two flanges respectively fittingly received in two cutouts of the recess of the frame so that the light guiding unit is movable along the recess until it faces a corresponding LED.
US07997730B2
A system for determining a three-dimensional location and orientation of an eye within a camera frame of reference includes a camera, an illuminator, and a processor. The camera captures an image of the eye. The illuminator generates a reflection off of a corneal surface of the eye. The processor computes a first two-dimensional location of a pupil reflection image and a corneal reflection image from the image of the eye. The processor predicts a second two-dimensional location of a pupil reflection image and the corneal reflection image as a function of a set of three-dimensional position and orientation parameters of the eye within the camera frame of reference. The processor iteratively adjusts the set until the first two-dimensional location is substantially the same as the second two-dimensional location. The set is the three-dimensional location and orientation of an eye.
US07997719B2
A liquid droplet ejecting head designed to be mounted in a liquid ejecting instrument that includes ejection nozzles through which droplets are to be ejected from the head, and actuating chambers, each actuating chamber having at least one inlet to be in fluidic connection with a liquid reservoir for providing liquid to the actuating chamber. The ejecting head also includes at least one actuating unit suitable for creating a pulse wave in the liquid contained when activated by energy received from a control device and at least one outlet portion in fluidic connection with at least one ejection nozzle.
US07997717B2
The invention allows an image printing on a wide range of print media regardless of how much ink the print media absorb, without sacrificing a high printing flexibility of an ink jet printing system. To this end, the image forming method of this invention includes: a process of modifying a surface of an intermediate transfer body by applying energy to the surface; a process of ejecting ink onto the surface-modified intermediate transfer body by using an ink jet printing device; and a process of transferring ink from the intermediate transfer body to a print medium. With this invention, therefore, an ink image can be formed on the intermediate transfer body having a surface layer, without causing bleeding or beading, and then transferred onto the print medium in good condition.
US07997715B2
An image forming apparatus is provided which includes a printing device, an image orientation identification device, a medium orientation identification device, a conversion device, and a prohibition device. The printing device prints an image represented by image data onto a recording medium. The image orientation identification device identifies orientation of an image represented by the image data. The medium orientation identification device identifies orientation of the recording medium for use in printing by the printing device. The conversion device converts the image data, when there is inconsistency between the orientation of the image identified by the image orientation identification device and the orientation of the recording medium identified by the medium orientation identification device, such that the orientations of the image and the recording medium are consistent with each other. The prohibition device prohibits operation of the conversion device under a predetermined condition.
US07997710B2
Inks are supplied from ink inflow flow passages to ink storage chambers in a subtank. The inks are further supplied from the ink storage chambers via ink outflow flow passages to a head. The ink storage chambers are stacked in the vertical direction, with upper surfaces or lower surfaces thereof being defined by damper films respectively. Parts of upper surfaces of the ink inflow flow passages and parts of upper surfaces of the ink outflow flow passages are defined by gas-permeating films. The gas, which is contained in the liquids in the ink inflow flow passages and the ink outflow flow passages, is discharged via the gas-permeating film to a gas discharge passage. The gas is prevented from the outflow together with the liquids from the liquid supply apparatus.
US07997707B2
A liquid cartridge is removably mountable to a liquid ejection device of one aspect of the invention. The liquid cartridge includes a sub tank having: a liquid inflow port; a liquid outlet port; a liquid inflow chamber configured to communicate with the outside of a main unit through the liquid inlet port, the liquid inflow chamber allowing the liquid to be supplied from the liquid cartridge through the liquid inflow port; a second liquid storage chamber configured to communicate with the liquid inflow chamber through a second communicating port, the liquid stored in the second liquid storage chamber being allowed to flow out to a liquid ejection head through the liquid outflow port; and an atmosphere opening port. The second communicating port and the liquid outflow port are positioned lower than the liquid supply port.
US07997696B2
A liquid ejecting head includes a flow passage forming substrate that includes a plurality of pressure generating chambers juxtaposed to each other and each in communication with a nozzle for ejecting droplets, and piezoelectric elements disposed on the flow passage forming substrate with a diaphragm interposed therebetween. The piezoelectric elements include a lower electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and an upper electrode. The piezoelectric layer tapers downward at its ends. The lower electrode has a width smaller than the width of each of the pressure generating chambers. The piezoelectric layer has a larger width than the lower electrode to cover end faces of the lower electrode. The diaphragm has a top layer formed of a titanium oxide (TiOx) insulator film. The lower electrode has a top layer formed of a lanthanum nickel oxide (LaNiyOx) orientation control layer. The orientation control layer and at least part of the piezoelectric layer disposed on the orientation control layer are formed of perovskite crystals having a (001) preferred orientation.
US07997694B2
An inkjet recording apparatus includes: an ink holding chamber having a through hole to jet ink, and holding the ink; and a head unit jetting the ink held in the ink holding chamber from the through hole. The head unit includes an ultrasonic wave generation member, an ultrasonic wave focusing member focusing the ultrasonic waves generated at the ultrasonic wave generation member in a vicinity of the through hole, an ultrasonic wave propagation portion propagateting the ultrasonic waves leaving the ultrasonic wave focusing member, and a container portion containing the ultrasonic wave generation member, the ultrasonic wave focusing member, and the ultrasonic wave propagation portion.
US07997692B2
A process for producing a perovskite oxide having a composition expressed by the compositional formulas A(B, C)O3, and determined so as to satisfy the conditions (1), (2), and (3), 0.98
US07997685B2
Provided is a nozzle arrangement for an ink jet printer. The arrangement includes a wafer substrate with a layer of drive circuitry, said substrate defining an ink supply channel through the substrate leading to an ink chamber with a roof defining an ink ejection port. The arrangement also includes an ink ejection arrangement for ejecting ink from the ink chamber via the port, said ink ejection arrangement having four symmetrically arranged thermal bend actuators each connected to a respective side to ensure that the roof is operatively displaced in a rectilinear manner during ink ejection.
US07997680B2
Printing systems are disclosed that produce homogenous, smooth edged printed patterns (such as integrated circuit (IC) patterns) by separating pattern layouts into discrete design layers having only parallel layout features, and by printing each design layer using individual print solution droplets deposited onto the substrate. A printhead alignment operation includes positioning the printhead and printing a spot onto the substrate from each ejector, determining a vertical offset between an expected location of each spot along a vertical axis and the actual location of the spot along the vertical axis, calculating a linear fit line for the vertical offset of each spot plotted against an expected location of the spot along a horizontal axis, calculating the slope of the linear fit line, and rotating the printhead relative to the substrate according to an angle defined by the slope of the linear fit line.
US07997673B2
A printhead IC is provided having an ejection nozzle, drive circuitry for generating drive signals for driving the ejection nozzle, and a temperature sensor connected to the drive circuitry. The drive circuitry adjusts the drive signals in response to output of the temperature sensor so as to generate the drive signals as print signals and de-clog signals. The de-clog signals have a longer duration than the print signals.
US07997657B2
An assembly to attach a belt buckle (12) to a vehicle, especially to a vehicle body part (16), has an attachment fitting (14) which is fixed in place directly at the belt buckle (12), is made in one piece, and is movable together with the belt buckle (12), the attachment fitting (14) being adapted to assume an initial position, an attachment member (22) and a spring member (28) which urges the attachment fitting (14) that is movable relative to the vehicle into the initial position. The attachment member (22) fixes the attachment fitting (14) in place directly at the vehicle body part (16).
US07997655B2
A seat driving apparatus includes: a gear transmission mechanism, preventing a backlash by means of the wedge member applied with a biasing force of a biasing member and transmitting a torque; an actuator, operating a seatback of a seat; and a control unit, controlling driving of the actuator. The control unit includes a seat operation mode in which the actuator is driven to operate the seatback at a predetermined speed and a creep mode in which the actuator is driven at a slower speed than a speed in the seat operation mode. The actuator is driven in the creep mode until a load for releasing the holding of the gear transmission mechanism is applied to the wedge member and subsequently the actuator is driven in the seat operation mode when the seatback is operated in an opposite direction from the previous operational direction thereof.
US07997641B2
A truck with a front mounting of a driver's cab on the truck frame, has a stabilizer rocker coupled by bearing brackets of a supporting arrangement which comprises an energy absorbing device for absorbing impact energy as a consequence of a head on collision of the truck in the region of the driver's cab. The energy absorbing device of the supporting arrangement may be assigned at least one supporting element by which a stabilizer tube of the stabilizer rocker can be supported on the vehicle frame.
US07997640B1
The presented application is a system to improve the aerodynamic shape of a moving vehicle by covering and closing the wheel well openings. The covers described open and close as necessary to accommodate steering wheel movements. The improved aerodynamics reduces turbulence and improves vehicle-operating efficiency.
US07997632B2
A morphable vehicle member utilizing at least one active material to change at least one attribute in response to an activation signal. The change in at least one attribute is a change in a shape dimension, a shape orientation, an expansion, a contraction, a morphing, a yield strength property, a flexural modulus or a combination. Preferably, the change in at least one attribute in the morphable vehicle member is reversible. Also disclosed herein are methods for the morphable vehicle member utilizing at least one active material to change at least one attribute on demand in response to an activation signal.
US07997624B2
A non-motorized Riding Vehicle for transport of a rider on a surface. The Riding Vehicle includes a shoe body or platform for supporting at least one foot of the rider during the transport and at least one Riding Element under the shoe body or platform that rotates on an axle to facilitate the transport while supporting the rider. The at least one Riding Element includes stimulating elements for creating a periodic vibration during the transport that makes the transport on the surface less smooth than the transport would be if the at least one Riding Element did not include the stimulating elements. Also, a kit and method for converting the Riding Vehicle to a Riding Vehicle with a more or less (intense) vibratory ride.
US07997616B1
The invention relates to a rollover protection system for automobiles, comprising an extensible rollover body (1) held in an initial position by means of a holding device and secured against retraction, in a functional position by means of a locking device, and comprising an extension drive and an actuator (2) for releasing the holding device. Separate holding and locking devices are usually provided in such rollover protection systems, which is expensive both from a technological and an economic point of view. For simplification it is suggested according to the present invention that the holding device and the locking device be combined in one assembly (3). The assembly is arranged on the side adjacent to the rollover body (1) in a housing (16). The rollover protection system can be attached to the vehicle body by means of mounting elements (14 and 15), and the assembly (3) can be mounted in a position fixed on the vehicle. Upon extension of the rollover body (1), an engagement element of the assembly (3) engages the locking recess (6) of the rollover body (1).
US07997604B2
A footboard assembly configured to be coupled to a motorcycle supported in a vertically upright position. The footboard assembly includes a footboard and a footpeg arm. The footboard is configured to couple to the motorcycle and to support a foot of a rider. A top surface of the footboard defines a foot support plane. The footpeg arm includes an attachment portion pivotally coupled to the footboard about a pivot axis that is not parallel to the foot support plane. The footpeg arm includes a footpeg portion spaced from the attachment portion. The footpeg arm pivots about the pivot axis between a stowed position, in which the footpeg portion defines a first height and a deployed position, in which the footpeg portion defines a second height higher than the first height.
US07997597B2
An orthopedic mobility scooter for persons with a compromised leg or foot comprising a frame for supporting the weight of an occupant in a sitting position and a leg rest for supporting the compromised leg. The healthy leg is used to propel the scooter with an unobstructed stride. Wheels are located at the front and rear of the frame. Handles attached to a steering column and connected to a front wheel control the direction of travel. A padded seat is positioned near the center of the frame. A horizontal rod extending perpendicular to the frame is used to connect a leg rest and a stabilizing front wheel. The front horizontal rod and rear axle can both be positioned to either side of the frame to accommodate either a left or right compromised leg or foot. The scooter has enough clearance and stability to surmount obstacles such as street curbs.
US07997593B2
In various exemplary embodiments, a cart for holding and transporting a portable blower includes one or more of the following: a rotary member configured to receive a housing of a portable blower; a cylindrical base member for supporting the rotary member; a tubular member attached at a lower end thereof to the rotary member and the base member in such a way as to permit the rotary member to be rotatable while supported on the base member; a handle attached to an upper end of the tubular member; and at least one wheel attached to the cart for guiding the cart over a surface. The cart may also include a tube locking member for adjusting the height of the tubular member, a cord retention system for securing the cord of the blower in place, a stand for holding the cart upright, and a tool storage member.
US07997589B2
The present invention relates to skating shoes that are capable of walking and skating, and more particularly, to skating shoes that are possible of self-driving skating and free conversion between walking and skating without a particular operation.
US07997588B2
There is provided with a cylinder apparatus comprising: a cylinder; a piston; a piston rod, one end of which is connected to the piston and the other end of which is extended outside; an external cylinder provided at an outer periphery of the cylinder so as to form a reservoir in which to seal the hydraulic liquid and gas therebetween; a base valve dividing the second chamber and the reservoir; a first check valve provided with the piston so as to allow flow of the hydraulic liquid only from the second chamber side to the first chamber side; a second check valve provided with the base valve so as to allow flow of the hydraulic liquid only from the reservoir side to the second chamber side; a flow passage connecting the first chamber with the reservoir; and an opening and closing valve opening and closing the flow passage.
US07997587B2
A chuck with a generally cylindrical body having a tail section configured to receive a drive shaft of a driver and a nose section having an axial bore formed therein. A plurality of jaws is movably disposed with respect to the body. A nut is rotatably mounted about the body and operatively engages the jaws. A sleeve is non-rotatably coupled to the nut. A shield cap is rotatably secured about the nose section of the body. The chuck also includes a first ring and a second ring that rotates relative to the nut over a limited arc. One of the first ring and the second ring defines a ratchet and the other defines at least one deflectable tab that is biased toward and engages the ratchet.
US07997572B2
A sheet finisher of the invention includes a saddle stitch unit configured to stitch a center of a sheet bundle, in which printed sheets are bundled, with a staple, a fold unit configured to fold the center stitched by the saddle stitch unit and to form a fold line, and a fold reinforcing unit configured to reinforce the fold line formed by the fold unit, the fold reinforcing unit includes a roller unit that includes a reinforce roller and moves along a direction of the fold line while applying pressure by the reinforce roller to the fold line of the sheet bundle transported from the fold unit, a drive unit configured to move the roller unit along the direction of the fold line, and a control unit configured to control a movement speed of the roller unit, and the control unit causes the roller unit to move at a first speed in an outside of a specified range including the edge of the staple, and causes the roller unit to move at a second speed not higher than the first speed in the specified range including the edge of the staple.
US07997568B2
An adjustable clamping device to secure a tube to a track system.
US07997560B2
A fence covering system includes a frame configured and dimensioned to cover a portion of an existing fence. A panel is connected to the frame to provide a visual effect. A connector secures the frame on a portion of the fence, the connector providing an attachment position for the frame.
US07997557B2
A valve shaft 8 and a drive shaft 11 of an EGR valve 1 are butted to each other; protrusions 26a, 26b, 27a, and 27b formed on the inner sides of cotter members 24, 25 of a cotter 23 are engaged with grooves 21, 22 respectively formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the ends of the shafts 8, 11; the urging force of a spring 28 for exerting an urging force in the closing direction of valve disks 6, 7 on the cotter 23 is applied to the cotter 23 through a spring holder 30 to press the protrusions 26a, 26b, 27a, and 27b to the grooves 21, 22.
US07997554B2
The disclosure describes a device that effectively mounts and secures objects to nonplanar surfaces, and in particular effectively mounts and secures objects in a quick and efficient manner to complex contours of different automotive vehicle dashboard and other interior vehicle surfaces having differing coverings of differing textures. By example and without limitation, this novel adaptive mounting device includes a substantially flexible container forming a vacuum chamber containing and substantially filled with a substantially granular substance. A mounting structure having a frame supporting a presentation structure is joined to the bladder with at least a coupler or other presentation structure external of the bladder. A substantially air impermeable seal is formed between the bladder and a portion of the frame, and at least a partial vacuum is formed within the bladder.The disclosure also describes a method for manufacturing the device described herein.
US07997551B2
A mounting apparatus includes a support member, a latch member, an operating member and a positioning member. The latch member is slidable on the support member between a locked position, where the latch member is capable of securing an electronic device on the support member, and an open position, where the latch member is capable of disengaging from the electronic device. The operating member is slidable on the support member between a first position, where the operating member slides the latch member to the open position, and a second position, where the operating member slides the latch member to the locked position. The positioning member is engageable with the operating member and capable of retaining the operating member in the first position or the second position.
US07997548B2
A shifter mounting bracket assembly is disclosed which can include an L-shaped flange body and an extension body extending from the L-shaped flange body. The extension body can include a first opening defined by at least one C-shaped extension portion and a second opening defined by the at least one C-shaped extension portion. The openings and C-shaped extension portions can be configured to provide a stress zone that is deformable when impact forces are applied to the shifter assembly. The extension body can have an L-shape and can be connected to the shifter assembly, while the L-shaped flange body is connected to the interior of the vehicle to hold the shifter assembly in place in the vehicle.
US07997541B2
Systems and methods for supporting a pipe are provided. An insulated pipe system can include a pipe, a first isolator disposed about at least a portion of the pipe, wherein the first isolator comprises aerogel, and a second isolator disposed about at least a portion of the first isolator; at least one clamp adapted to support the pipe and the isolators; at least one support base; and at least one support member, wherein the support member connects the clamp to the support base.
US07997537B2
A conformal airlock assembly for ingress and egress through a door from a high pressure environment to a low pressure environment. The airlock assembly includes a flexible, gas impermeable membrane that cooperates with a support wall in an airtight manner to form an interior pocket over the door on one side of the wall. A gas displacement system, in flow communication with the interior pocket, is selectively operable to flow air out of the interior pocket, collapsing the membrane toward a collapsed condition. An actuation system coupled to the flexible membrane is operable to displace the flexible membrane, in the collapsed condition, away from the one side of the support wall. Such displacement of the airtight membrane creates a low pressure space in the pocket that is selected to be sufficiently proximate that of the low pressure environment. Hence, the door may be opened to permit ingress and egress therethrough without a large pressure differential.
US07997535B2
A life parachute for ultra-lightweight aircrafts or for lightweight aircrafts includes a canopy of the parachute fitted with a pole opening and at least some wedge-shaped section of the canopy at the top half of its height is fitted with a discharge valve of air from the inside space of the canopy and a slider is installed at suspension parachute cords. The slider is formed in a ring fitted with a central opening surrounded with netting having, at least in peripheral edges, a local stiffener. Through openings are formed for the suspension parachute cords. The discharge valves are in the width of the single wedge-shaped sections, overlapped with parachute material, with a bottom open end. The discharge valves of the air are formed either with loose vents or at the open end of the parachute material. The slider is, advantageously, in the form of a regular polygon composed of single tetrahedral parts of the netting which are connected to one another through the local stiffeners. The through openings are for the suspension parachute cords.
US07997534B2
The present invention relates to a connecting structure for an aircraft or spacecraft, with a structural component and a stringer. The stringer is connected to the structural component by means of connecting regions. In order to reduce stress peaks that result for example from impact in the structural component, a high impact material is introduced into at least one of the connecting regions to provide a local increase in the energy absorbing capacity of the at least one connecting region.
US07997530B2
An airplane fairing panel adjustable fitting assembly allows for installation and removal of a fairing panel from outside the fairing. Blind retention features are provided and a pivoting link structure is facilitated to accommodate flexing of an aircraft structure in use. Kits and methods of attaching fairing panels are also disclosed.
US07997529B2
A pressurized bulkhead or panel for an aircraft includes an energy absorbing skin that deforms in response to an object strike that imparts at least a threshold amount of impact energy to the skin. The skin may be configured as a dome or a lofted panel that is essentially free of rigid stiffeners and non-deformable reinforcement members that would otherwise hinder the flexible characteristics of the skin. The skin may be formed from a monolithic one-piece material, such as metal of composites, and may include various integrally formed reinforcing features.
US07997528B2
Runway length requirement for take-off and landing of an aircraft is reduced by taking advantage of dynamic lift overshoot, and in some cases, dynamic stall. In take-off and landing, the angle of attack is rapidly increased so that the lift coefficient exceeds the maximum predicted by the steady flow lift curve. By increasing the angle of attack at an appropriate rate, the increased lift coefficient can be maintained, without loss of control, until the aircraft touches down in the case of a landing, or until the aircraft can begin a normal climb, in the case of take-off. A low aspect ratio lifting body is preferred because of its more gradual stall behavior, and the potential to use dynamic stall for further deceleration before touchdown. Vortex fences can be oscillated to delay the onset of stall, and, in cruise, to energize the boundary-layer and reduce drag and/or control roll and/or yaw.
US07997527B2
An assembly for an aircraft including a wing element, a suspension pylon, a mechanism of attaching the pylon onto the element, including two forward half-attachments, each including a shackle and configured to resist forces applied along a vertical direction. The shackle is mounted firstly articulated onto a first fitting fixed to a forward spar of the element extending along the direction of the width, and is secondly mounted articulated onto a second fitting fixed to the rigid structure of the pylon. The two shackles are arranged in the same plane parallel to the direction of the width.
US07997525B2
A retractable hose guide includes a shell assembly that is structured to be embedded into the ground. The shell assembly defines an enclosed space that is open at the top. A guide rod assembly is movably disposed within the shell assembly and structured to move between a first, retracted position, wherein the guide rod assembly is substantially disposed within the shell assembly enclosed space, and a second, extended position, wherein the guide rod assembly extends substantially above the shell assembly enclosed space. A pop-up device includes components on both the shell assembly and the guide rod assembly that act in concert to lock the guide rod assembly in either the first or second position. The pop-up device preferably includes a biasing device structured to bias the guide rod assembly toward the second, extended position. The pop-up device is structured to be actuated by a generally linear movement of the guide rod assembly.
US07997522B2
A center-pull dispenser for dispensing paper towels from a continuous roll, wherein each individual towel is separated from an adjoining towel by a plurality of perforations. The dispenser comprises a housing having a housing back and a detachable front cover hingedly connected thereto at the lower periphery of said housing back and front cover for opening and closing the housing, a paper support tray removably connected to a lower portion of the housing back and having a centrally located dispensing nozzle, an opening in the lower periphery of the housing through which the towels are dispensed, a detachable wall-mounting member for removably mounting the housing back to a wall, and a locking member for releasably locking the front cover to the housing back and the housing back to the wall-mounting member. In one embodiment, the housing cannot be removed from the wall-mounting member without first unlocking the locking member, and the housing and the housing back are removable from the wall without removing the wall-mounting member from the wall. In another embodiment, the paper support tray comprises locking arms for releasably locking first hinge elements on the lower periphery of said front cover against second hinge elements on the lower periphery of said housing back.
US07997516B2
A multiple roll crusher is provided for crushing of mineral material, more particularly of coal or oil sand. The multiple roll crusher includes at least three crusher rolls (1, 2, 5 1′, 2′), the rotation axes (R) of which lie in parallel to each other and horizontal or roughly horizontal. All directly neighboring crusher rolls (1, 2, 1′, 2′) have opposite directions of rotation. A connecting line (V) of the rotation axes (R) has at least one kink.
US07997513B2
The present invention provides an oscillating faucet structure of a dual-outlet system to improve the shortcomings of a typical faucet of a dual-outlet system. The faucet structure includes a main body, seat post and combined footstock. A hollow groove is assembled within the seat post at top of the main body and used to accommodate the first and second water regulators. The main body has first and oscillating outlet heads, which can freely oscillate for flexible regulation. The combined footstock is assembled on top of the seat post of main body for mounting the second oscillating outlet head, thus enabling easy removal, repair or replacement of defective components with improved applicability.
US07997511B2
This invention is related to a portable texture-spraying apparatus for uniformly dispersing a viscous material. This apparatus broadly includes a tank assembly having a body with an inner wall that defines a sealed cavity, and a piston assembly slidably disposed within the sealed cavity. The piston assembly divides the sealed cavity into an air-side chamber and a material-side chamber by providing an airtight seal therebetween. Additionally an air-control assembly is provided that broadly includes a pressure-control mechanism configured for receiving compressed air and routing a controlled pneumatic pressure to a directional valve configured for adjusting between a dispensing mode and a loading mode. In dispensing mode, the directional valve routes the controlled pneumatic pressure to the air-side chamber biasing the piston assembly toward the material-side chamber. In loading mode, the directional valve releases the air-side chamber to the atmosphere allowing for filling the material-side chamber with viscous material.
US07997499B2
An object of the present invention is to achieve a wireless chip with high reliability, a small chip area, and low power consumption, where voltage that is generated inside is prevented from excessively increasing also in a strong magnetic field such as in the case of approaching an antenna. A resonant circuit including a MOS capacitor element that has a predetermined threshold voltage is used to achieve a wireless chip. This allows a parameter of the resonant circuit to be prevented from changing in the case where the voltage amplitude exceeds a predetermined value in a strong magnetic field so that the wireless chip can be kept far away from the resonant condition. Accordingly, generation of excessive voltage is allowed to be prevented without the use of a limiter circuit or a constant voltage generation circuit.
US07997496B2
A laminated multi-layer card that can be imprinted with personal information, the card containing an entrapped security element; the security element containing a pressure sensitive adhesive layer.
US07997490B2
A swipe scanner for scanning a graphic image printed on a surface. The surface has a position-coding pattern imposed with the graphic image. The swipe scanner comprises: (a) a first image sensor positioned for imaging portions of the surface during a swipe of the surface, each imaged portion containing part of the position-coding pattern; (b) a second image sensor for capturing, during the swipe, portions of the graphic image; and (c) a processor. The processor is configured for: determining absolute positions of the swipe scanner using the parts of the position-coding pattern; and (d) using the absolute positions to assemble the captured portions of the graphic image into a scanned graphic image.
US07997487B2
A system and method for distribution of product price and/or sales data in a retail establishment. Product price and/or sales data is stored locally, either in a central computer or master electronic cash register (ECR) or remotely at a master computer. The product price data is stored in the form of a price look-up (PLU) table. The price data can be pushed from the master ECR, local or master computers to and ECR emulation hub to an ECR emulation hub. Similarly, the ECR emulation hub can request product price data from the master ECR, local or master computers. Once the product price data arrives at the ECR emulation hub, it can be processed and sent to a display, which will be located near the appropriate product. The ECR emulation hub can also record and/or transmit prices actually charged for products over time to allow for automatic auditing of promotional pricing offers such as those made by manufacturers of the product. The ECR emulation hub acts like an ECR, thereby requiring no special software or hardware modifications to existing pricing display systems that already support ECRs.
US07997485B2
Architecture is provided that facilitates user-controlled access to user profile information. A user is allowed to selectively expose (or mask) portions of his/her profile to third parties. Additionally, advertisers and/or content providers can offer incentives or enticement in response to the acceptance of which a user exposes larger portions of their profile. The architecture comprises a system that facilitates profile management utilizing a profile component that facilitates creation and storage of an electronic profile of a user, and a control component under control of the user for controlling access to the profile. Machine learning and reasoning is provided to make inferences and automate aspects thereof.
US07997475B2
The subject invention relates to systems and methods that provide electronic data (e.g., Electronic Product Code (EPC) data) obtained from Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags by RFID readers and/or from servers to one or more industrial components (e.g., controllers, programmable logic controllers, modules, etc.). The systems and methods employ component that processes, if desired, and stores received electronic data as records within a table. Processing includes filtering for data of interest and/or formatting the data in a suitable structure. Storage can include delineating related electronic data across rows the table and types of data across columns of a row. Upon receiving a subscription and/or request for electronic data from the one or more industrial components, the data can be retrieved and conveyed to the subscribing and/or requesting components.
US07997466B2
A backpack with a self stabilizing shoulder strap system is disclosed. The backpack includes two shoulder straps, an intermediate member, and a bag. The bag is configured to pivot about a first connector associated with the intermediate member. The shoulder straps are configured to pivot about connectors associated with the intermediate member. The configuration of the shoulder strap system allows for the bag to remain substantially vertical during motions as the shoulders are raised and lowered.
US07997460B2
A reusable continuously sealing one-way valve assembly and delivery system flows a sterile flowable substance from a source to an outlet orifice and prevents any backflow of contaminants through the continuously sealing one way valve assembly when the flowable substance ceases to flow. The valve assembly includes an elastomeric membrane which aids in preventing any backflow of contaminants when dispensing of the flowable substance is stopped. Multiple dosing of preservative-free flowable substance is provided.
US07997455B2
The invention relates to a fluid dispensing device with an elastic return or a biasing component that is outside the pumping chamber. When the trigger to the pump is activated the elastic return twists forming a torsion return force. The arrangement improves reliability of the pump device significantly.
US07997449B2
A trigger operated fluid delivery system for dispensing two different fluids is disclosed. The fluid delivery system includes a first container having a first primary fluid, a fluid inlet conduit in fluid communication with the first container, and a pump for drawing the first fluid through the fluid inlet conduit and into a pump chamber. A fluid discharge conduit is located downstream of the pump chamber. The fluid discharge conduit is in fluid communication with the pump chamber and a discharge orifice. The pump discharges the first fluid from the pump chamber into the fluid discharge conduit. The fluid delivery system also includes a second container having a second fluid, that delivers the second fluid into the fluid discharge conduit. The second fluid mixes with the first fluid when the first fluid is discharged into the fluid discharge conduit such that a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid is discharged through the discharge orifice.
US07997447B2
A device for storing and dispensing a substance includes a storage chamber for the substance. The container includes a passageway in fluid communication with the storage chamber. The container includes a pierceable wall located on an opposite side of the passageway relative to the storage chamber. The device includes a one-way valve assembly including a piercing portion. At least one of the piercing portion and the pierceable wall is movable relative to the other between a first position wherein the pierceable portion is not piercing the pierceable wall, and a second position wherein the pierceable portion is piercing the pierceable wall allowing the flow of substance from the storage chamber. A removable member is disposed intermediate the valve and the container that prevents movement of at least one of the piercing portion and pierceable wall to the second position until the removable member is removed.
US07997442B2
An insulated container is provided with a lid having a push-button trigger mechanism that operates both a shutter for a drinking orifice and a vent seal for a vent opening. The trigger has an actuation stroke. The vent seal is initially actuated during a first portion of the actuation stroke of the trigger to transition the vent seal from the closed position to the open position, and the shutter is initially actuated during a second portion of the actuation stroke of the trigger to transition the shutter from the closed position to the open position. Further, the shutter remains in the closed position during the initiation of the first portion of the actuation stroke of the trigger.
US07997421B2
A filtering apparatus includes a pot-type filter housing (10), a filter element (28) accommodated in the housing, a holding mechanism (38) disposed in the filter housing (10) to removably fix the filter element along its longitudinal axis, and a sealing device (60) that seals between a lid (20) of the filter housing (10) and the filter element (28). The holding mechanism (38) is provided with cooperating holding elements embodied on the interior face of the filter housing (10) as well as on the filter element (28). The filtering apparatus dispenses with the need for O-seals that are known in prior art and extend in a radial direction between the filter element and the filter head as a housing lid because the sealing device (60) encompasses at least one sealing edge (62) or sealing surface placed parallel to the longitudinal axis in a radial direction and seals under the effect of the pressure applied it by the holding mechanism (38). The invention further relates to a filter element that is to be used in such filtering apparatus.
US07997411B2
The present invention is a novel child-resistant senior-friendly blister card packaging that is cheap and easy to manufacture. The packaging requires a push-peel-push method for opening, which is cognitively and physically challenging for children and mentally impaired adults. Yet, competent adults can easily open the package, especially after reading instructions. More specifically, opening the package requires the user to: 1) Push through a aperture to create a pull tab; 2) Pull on the pull tab to remove a panel; and 3) Push the blister to force the contents through the blister's seal. Advantageously, the present invention is designed such that information such as instructions and product information can be easily printed directly on the packaging. Moreover, users may also record information directly on the packaging. Thus, the present invention not only provides child-resistant and senior-friendly features, but also provides convenience for viewing and recording information.
US07997402B2
The invention relates to a link chain for scraper chain conveyors with vertical chain links which are interlinked in an articulated manner and horizontal chain links, wherein vertical chain links have around the full circumference a constant cross-sectional profile provided on the outside with a flat section and on the inside with a circular arc and horizontal chain links have front sections which have a straight front zone, wherein longitudinal limbs, which connect front sections, of horizontal chain links are provided on their outer faces with a recess. In order to improve the running characteristics of link chain in the event of low surface pressures between chain wheel and horizontal chain links, horizontal chain links have, on both sides in recesses, entrainment means for positive-locking entrainment of scrapers which can be connected to horizontal chain links and/or cross-sectional profile of the vertical chain links is in each case provided with a bevel at the transition of the flat section into the circular arc. The invention also relates to a chain wheel which is suitable for this chain.
US07997399B2
A clutch includes a driving member and a driven member. The driving member includes a rotatable shaft and four breaking blocks radially fixed to the rotatable shaft. Each breaking block includes a thermally deformable main body including an engaging surface, and a heating element and an engaging block formed on the engaging surface. The driven member includes a mounting surface and defines four engagement-receiving portions and a through hole in the mounting surface. The four engagement-receiving portions are positioned and shaped so as when the driving member is assembled to the driven member the four engaging blocks are correspondingly engaged with the four engagement-receiving portions. The rotatable shaft is rotatably inserted through the through hole. The heating element is configured for heating the breaking block to force it to bend the engaging blocks away from the engagement-receiving portions to disengage the clutch.
US07997386B2
An apparatus (60) for applying a dry film lubricant comprises a tool (62) and a pad (64). The tool (62) includes a handle (66), a cranked member (68) and a supporting member (70). The pad (64) is removably locatable on the supporting member (70). The supporting member (70) is oval in cross-section and the pad (64) includes an oval cross-section hollow member removably locatable on the supporting member (70). The supporting member (70) comprises locking means (78) to lock the pad (64) on the supporting member (70). The supporting member (70) comprises positioning means (80) to position the pad (64) on the supporting member (70). The tool (62) also has a shielding member (72) spaced from and arranged parallel to the supporting member (70). The handle (66) is arranged in a plane (A) substantially parallel to a plane (B) containing the supporting member (70) and to a plane (C) containing the shielding member (72). The pad (64) is substantially dovetail shape in cross-section to correspond to a rotor slot (40).
US07997381B2
A pivoting panel-mount speaker assembly comprises a speaker housing. The speaker housing has a perimeter flange portion, an exterior housing wall extending rearwardly from the perimeter flange portion, and an interior curved track extending rearwardly from the perimeter flange portion. The interior curved track has an outward facing convex surface and an inward facing concave surface. The speaker assembly further comprises a speaker unit having a transducer element and a speaker frame supporting the transducer element. The speaker frame has an outward facing surface configured to slidably engage the inward facing concave surface of the housing interior curved track. The speaker assembly further comprises a speaker support member attached to the speaker unit. The speaker support member also has an inward facing surface configured to slidably engage the outward facing convex surface of the housing interior curved track. The speaker assembly further comprises a circuit panel having speaker control circuitry mounted thereon. The circuit panel is mounted to the exterior housing wall at one or more circuit panel attachment points. The speaker unit and the speaker support member are pivotable around a pivot point that is forward of the transducer element.
US07997380B2
An attenuation apparatus, system, and method are disclosed. The attenuator is attached to a pipe and includes a housing that includes an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. The attenuator includes one or more masses, to resonate when exposed to waves including acoustic frequency components.
US07997379B2
The invention concerns a hydraulic steering (1) with a steering valve (7) located between a supply connection arrangement (P, T) and a steering motor (2). It is endeavored to improve the safety of such a steering. For this purpose, the steering valve (7) has a hydraulic drive (9, 10) with a pilot valve arrangement (11) supplied by a pressure control valve (5), a stop valve (16) being located between the pressure control valve (5) and the pilot valve arrangement (11).
US07997371B2
A power installation is proposed for conversion of airflow energy into compressed air energy used by a pneumo-motor or/and by an electro-generator associated with a control system. An embodiment of the installation comprises a number of turbine units arranged in box-sections serving as the walls and roof of a truck. The turbine unit includes X-shaped members supporting a shaft with a turbine driven by a resistance airflow appearing during movements of the truck. The rotation of the turbines is conveyed to a pump, charging a tank with compressed air, used for driving the truck. In embodiments the turbines' blades may comprise a load and may revolve in mutually opposite directions. The installation may include an additional compressor, or may include a first muff connecting the pneumatic motor to a power train, an additional fueled engine, and a second muff connecting the fueled engine to the power train.
US07997362B2
A device for coupling a universal joint shaft to a power take-off shaft (1) of a tractor has a first coupling mechanism (48) that is non-rotatably arranged on the universal joint shaft. A second coupling mechanism (17) is non-rotatably arranged on the power take-off shaft (1) of the tractor. The first and second coupling mechanisms can be non-rotatably coupled to transmit torque. A coupling shield (7) is provided to couple the coupling mechanism (17, 48). The first coupling mechanism (48) is at least indirectly rotationally supported on the coupling shield (7). A locking mechanism (58, 58′) projects from the coupling shield (7). A bracket (2) is attachable on the rear of the tractor. The bracket (2) has at least one locking device (5, 5′) that is displaceable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The locking device (5, 5′) is displaced from the unlocked position into the locked position. The locking device (5, 5′) interacts with the locking members (58, 58′) of the coupling shield (7) to pull it towards the bracket (2). The first coupling mechanism (48) is transferred into a coupling position to couple it the second coupling mechanism (17).
US07997357B2
A system for damping vibration in a drill string can include a valve assembly having a supply of a fluid, a first member, and a second member capable of moving in relation to first member in response to vibration of the drill bit. The first and second members define a first and a second chamber for holding the fluid. Fluid can flow between the first and second chambers in response to the movement of the second member in relation to the first member. The valve assembly can also include a coil or a valve for varying a resistance of the fluid to flow between the first and second chambers.
US07997355B2
An injection system and method is described. In several exemplary embodiments, the injection system and method may be a part of, and/or used with, a system and method for excavating a subterranean formation. In at least one example, an apparatus is provided that includes a source of impactors comprising at least some ferritic material capable of influence by magnetic fields. An injector is coupled to the source and includes a screw extruder, a screw positioned within a barrel, and at least one magnetic circuit is positioned outside of the barrel.
US07997348B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a foam proportioning system. The foam proportioning system can include a foam pump, at least one foam line, a divert, and at least one controller. The divert can direct a portion of a flow of a liquid foam concentrate downstream of the foam pump back through the foam pump. The controller, which can be in communication with the foam pump and the divert, can be configured to automatically maintain a minimum flow rate of the liquid foam concentrate through the foam pump.
US07997343B2
A scale removal tool with adjustably positionable fluid dispensing arms. The scale removal tool may be configured for delivery to within a hydrocarbon well via coiled tubing. Thus, fluid may be driven through the coiled tubing and through the tool at the fluid dispensing arms. The fluid may thereby be jetted at high pressure toward scale at the wall of the well in order to achieve its removal. In the case of a well having scale of varying thicknesses, the fluid dispensing arms may be dynamically positioned and repositioned while downhole in the well, depending on scale thickness.
US07997342B2
Among many things, in some embodiments, improved viscoelastic surfactant gels that comprise non-aqueous tackifying agents, and their associated methods of use, are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a non-aqueous tackifying agent, and a viscoelastic surfactant; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation.
US07997339B2
The completion assembly includes a conveyance device to bypass regions within a wellbore that may disrupt the desired distribution of gravel in a gravel pack. A packer is attached to an upper tubular, and generally run into wellbore until properly positioned and set near the lower end of upper section. Packer has an extension/crossover to which other lower completion equipment such as a conveyance device and a screen can attach. Conveyance device 22 may include an inner tubular within an outer tubular forming an annular flow path between the inner and outer tubulars. Conveyance device may include one or more discreet flow tubes placed around a lower tubular.
US07997330B2
An oil cooler, in particular for hydraulic oil, which is composed of spaced-apart cooling plates which are in the form of a parallelepiped-shaped package (1), said plates separating coolant channels and oil channels from each other. Connections (3, 4) for supplying and removing the oil and the coolant are provided on the front side (2) of the plate package, and filter plates (4) are arranged upstream from the plate package on the other side (5) of the plate package. The measurements of the filter plates essentially correspond to the measurements of the cooling plates. The filter plates are detachably connected to the plate package via a closing face plate (1′). The filter plates are transversed by oil openings, which are connected to the oil inlet opening (2′) in the closing face plate and to an oil inlet opening (2″) in the plate package.
US07997324B2
A support assembly for a barrier movable between open and closed positions over an opening comprises a track. The track is attached to the wall for guiding movement of the barrier between substantially vertical closed position and a substantially horizontal open position. A jack shaft assembly is attached to the track and to the barrier for movement thereof. A mounting assembly is attached to the track for receiving a drive unit comprising a motor for supplying power to the jack shaft assembly to move the barrier and for limiting rotational movement of the drive unit.
US07997323B2
A quick connection device for removably connecting a headrail and a covering portion of a window covering assembly is disclosed. The quick connection device may include a male portion connected to the headrail and a female portion connected to the covering portion. Preferably, operation of the quick connection device by a user should allow of for the easy removal of the covering portion from the headrail.
US07997319B2
A labeling device includes a conveyor belt for taking up a row of labels, and two label dispensers, each for dispensing labels from a dispensing sheet over a dispensing edge onto the conveyor belt. The label dispensers are disposed one behind the other, the dispensing edge of a rear one of the dispensers being shifted, so that the dispensing edges of the two label dispensers are one above the other. The conveyor belt is guided over a belt deflector for changing the course of the belt between two positions as to the dispensing edges, the belt deflector including a tilting lever, over which the conveyor belt is deflected and which can be swiveled between two positions. The conveyor belt is in a first position for taking up labels at the first dispensing edge and in a second position, for taking up labels at the second dispensing edge.
US07997310B2
A combination planer/moulder having means to raise, lower and lock a cutting member at a desired position is provided. The device includes a platform onto which a table for holding materials and an adjustment system are attached. The adjustment system includes at least one column having a rectilinear wall. A cutterhead is provided, having cooperative openings and a locking means, such that it may move along the at least one column of the adjustment system and locked in place. The rectilinear wall of the column cooperates with a similarly shaped opening in the cutterhead, such that by pressing the rectilinear shaped side of the opening against the rectilinear wall of the column the cutterhead may be fixed in desirable positions to permit work on materials and released for adjustment. The device includes a window such that the placement of the cutting knives on the materials can be viewed and debris can be seen and removed therefrom.
US07997306B2
In an inner structure of a filler neck of a fuel filler tube, a nozzle support section for supporting a nozzle of a fuel filling gun at a gas station includes a pipe member having an inner diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the nozzle, and the nozzle is inserted in the pipe member when fueling. Fuel emitted from the nozzle is directed through the pipe member to an outlet end (distal end) of the nozzle support section, at which it starts flowing along an intermediate bent section of the filler tube. Thus, even when the fuel filling gun is not sufficiently inserted in the filler neck, i.e. inserted short of a standard inserted amount, the fuel is allowed to properly jet out in the bent section just as when the fuel filling gun is sufficiently inserted in the filler neck up to the standard inserted amount.
US07997293B2
According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of valve apparatus and combination filter valve assemblies. One exemplary embodiment provides a combination filter valve apparatus suitable for filtering objectionable particulate matter from a fluid and for selectively occluding a fluid flow opening. In this exemplary embodiment, the apparatus generally includes an outer member, a sealing member, and filtration media disposed generally between the outer member and the sealing member. The filtration media may be configured to generally support the sealing member for resilient movement relative to a fluid flow opening between open and closed positions. In the open position, the sealing member may be spaced apart from the fluid flow opening. In the closed position, the sealing member may be in sealing engagement with and substantially blocking the fluid flow opening, thereby inhibiting the ingress of fluid into or egress of fluid out of the fluid flow opening.
US07997290B2
The invention relates to a parasol provided with an actuator assembly comprising a spindle having a spindle longitudinal axis and an external screw thread, and a guide for the spindle comprising a holder which extends along a portion of the spindle and which is provided with at least a first and second set of bodies of revolution which are held in the holder body so as to be able to rotate about their axis of rotation and enter into contact with the spindle, where they engage with at least one screw thread part, the second set of bodies of revolution being set apart from the first set of bodies of revolution along the spindle longitudinal axis.
US07997283B2
A preformed artificial nail assembly comprising an artificial nail sized to correspond to at least a portion of said natural nail, and an application tab extending from the distal end of the artificial nail, the application tab having a neck portion and a body portion, said neck portion being disposed between the body portion and the distal end of the artificial nail, the body portion being disposed at an angle to the artificial nail such that the body may be readily grasped by the user to facilitate placement of the artificial nail on the natural nail. An embodiment includes an application tab that twists from its connection to the nail to the tab body.
US07997281B2
Smoking article components, cigarettes, methods for making cigarettes and methods for smoking cigarettes are provided that use nitrided transition metal oxide nanoscale particles and/or nitrided transition metal oxide clusters capable of catalyzing and/or oxidizing carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and/or adsorbing carbon monoxide and catalyzing and/or reducing nitric oxide to nitrogen and/or adsorbing nitric oxide. Cut filler compositions, cigarette paper and cigarette filter material can comprise nitrided transition metal oxide nanoscale particles and/or nitrided transition metal oxide clusters.
US07997280B2
The present invention relates to a hand-operated and portable vaporizing device that, through the application of heat, successfully volatilizes one or more constituents of various vaporizable substances, such as medicines, cigarettes, and plant materials, for the purpose of inhaling these volatilized constituents.
US07997272B2
A method of operating a ventilator assembly having inhalation and exhalation passages communicating with one another, and a respiration assembly that can perform repetitive respiratory cycles. The method includes (a) connecting the conduit with an open end of an endotracheal tube positioned within the trachea so that the open end leads into the airway below the vocal cords, (b) repetitively cycling the respiration assembly so that during the inhalation phase, gas in the inhalation passage flows through the endotracheal tube and into the airway, and during the exhalation phase, an exhalation valve is maintained relatively closed and the exhaled gases flow pass the vocal cords and out of the mouth thereby facilitating the patient's ability to speak, and (c) monitoring ring the pressure within at least one of the passages during both phases for determining the pressure within the patient for use in operating the ventilator assembly.
US07997265B2
A conventional respiratory nebulizer has an emergency medication dose storage system delivering the stored medication dose directly to the nebulizing chamber with a single impulse of manual force to a simple mechanical delivery system, thereby making the nebulizer useable in two steps: (a) opening the medication capsule with a simple opening action; and (b) inhaling the nebulized medication. The nebulizer can be operated without disassembling the nebulizer housing so as to expose the nebulizing chamber and without manually opening the liquid medication container and, without spillage and without manual pouring of the liquid medication directly into the nebulizing chamber, and without reassembling the nebulizer housing before positioning the inhaler mouthpiece in the mouth so as to inhale the nebulized medication. The delivery system includes a pressure burstable seal at one end of the capsule, which is burst by the application of force against the opposite end of the capsule.
US07997259B2
A compound archery bow includes a handle having projecting limbs, and first and second pulleys mounted on the limbs for rotation around respective axes. At least a first of the pulleys includes a flat base with a bowstring let-out groove on the base and a bowstring anchor adjacent to the bowstring let-out groove. A draw module is disposed on the base, a cable groove extends along the draw module, and first and second cable anchors are disposed on the base adjacent to respective ends of the cable groove. The cable groove on the draw module is continuous in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the first pulley. A bow cable arrangement includes a bowstring cable extending from the bowstring anchor on the first pulley around the bowstring let-out groove and then toward the second pulley. A first cable extends from the first anchor on the first pulley through a portion of the cable groove on the module and then toward the second pulley. A second cable extends from the second anchor toward the second pulley. Draw of the bowstring cable away from the bow handle lets out bowstring cable from the bowstring cable groove on the first pulley and rotates the first pulley around its axis, lets out the first cable from the groove on the module and takes up the second cable into the groove on the module including a portion of such groove previously occupied by the first cable.
US07997254B2
Described herein is a control system for controlling the emissions of fuel vapors from a vehicle comprising a first adsorption system and a second adsorption system. The first adsorption system is formed by a canister preferably filled with activated carbons having a grain size greater than 4 mm. The second adsorption system is made up of a tubular housing, which has a ratio between the equivalent diameter D and the axial height H of between 1:2.5 and 1:4.5 and is filled with activated carbons having a grain size greater than 4 mm.
US07997246B2
A method, device, and system for controlling a flow of a fluid moving through a pipe are presented. The device includes a truncated cone having a first diameter at an inlet and a second diameter at an outlet and a bracket attached to the truncated cone. The first diameter of the truncated cone is larger than the second diameter. The bracket is a curved sheet positioned around at least a part of the truncated cone and having an adjustable bracket diameter. The bracket diameter is measured from a center axis extending through a center of the truncated cone. Attaching the device to a fluid flow pipe reduces turbulence in the flow through the pipe, allowing a more streamlined fluid exit from the pipe. When used with an air intake pipe for an internal combustion engine, the device allows more horsepower and mileage to be extracted from the engine.
US07997237B2
An example engine method utilizes a first intake valve actuated by a first camshaft once every four piston strokes and a second intake valve actuated by a second camshaft once every four piston strokes, but out of phase with the first intake valve actuation, to provide two-stroke operation. Transitions between two and four stroke operation are provided by deactivation and activation of the second intake valve. In this way, the engine may be selectively operated in a two stroke cycle or a four stroke cycle by activating or deactivating one of the intake valves while another of the intake valves continues to operate.
US07997228B2
In a milking facility (1) provided with on-site measuring equipment (9) capable of measuring a quality and/or quantity of milk produced, wherein the milk produced is stored in a milk tank (5) and is then collected (79) by a dairy plant, there is provided a method comprising the steps of: (i) receiving (61) a measured value indicative of the quality and/or quantity of milk produced in the milking facility from the on-site measuring equipment; (ii) receiving (99) from the dairy plant a corresponding measured value indicative of the quality and/or quantity of milk collected and transported, wherein the dairy plant is provided with high-quality measuring equipment (41); (iii) comparing (93) the measured values from the on-site measuring equipment of the milking facility and from the dairy plant; and (iv) calibrating or verifying (95) the on-site measuring equipment of the milking facility depending on the result of the comparison.
US07997226B2
A machine and process useful for processing a delicate workpiece, e.g., an implantable medical device, includes a carrier having a mandrel and wheels. The workpiece is positioned on the mandrel, which is free to roll by gravity on rails which cooperate with the wheels to self-align the travel of the carrier. The carrier can move the workpieces through a series of processing steps by gravity feed and without human intervention. A laterally movable carriage receives the rolling carriers and moves the carrier for processing, and returns the carrier to the rails to again roll by gravity to another processing substation for additional processing. An elevator, which can including processing units itself, is positioned along the rails to receive carriers and raise them so they can continue to roll for further processing.
US07997224B2
A payload deployment system for a vessel, such as a submarine, which includes a cable extending between a piston in a piston tube and an ejection element in an ejection tube, wherein the ejection tube is suitable for holding the payload, such as a torpedo. The system is arranged such that movement of the piston in the piston tube causes movement of the cable which, in turn, exerts a force on the ejection element to move it in the ejection tube to eject the payload from the ejection tube.
US07997211B2
A workstation support assembly comprises a support assembly, a post assembly rotationally supported by the support assembly and including a post member, a computer monitor support assembly operably coupled for rotation with a first end of the post member, and a keyboard support assembly operably coupled for rotation with a second end of the post member, wherein rotation of the keyboard support assembly forces rotation of the post member and the monitor support assembly, and wherein rotation of the monitor support assembly does not force the rotation of the keyboard support assembly. Other aspects of the workstation comprise a four-bar linkage support arm that includes a cable management member extending therethrough for receiving and guiding wires within an interior passage of the support arm, a lockable pneumatic cylinder located within the support arm and adapted to lock the support arm at a given vertical position, a housing assembly that spans the distance between vertical studs within commercial wall structures, thereby eliminating the requirement for additional mounting structures, and a keyboard support assembly that includes a cam assembly for locking an adjustable keyboard in a storage position, and a storage compartment for slidably receiving a computer mouse therein when the keyboard support is in the storage position.
US07997208B2
A lateral transfer apparatus for an overhead conveyor comprises generally horizontally extending, side-by-side load tracks for receiving load-bearing trolleys for movement along a first track, and for movement along a second track. A transfer shuttle unit has a normal position aligned with the first track and provides a continuation thereof, and a transfer position aligned with the second track to provide a continuation of the second track. An actuator connected with the shuttle unit shifts it between the normal and transfer positions thereof at an acute angle to the tracks, thereby transferring trolleys to a position aligned with the receiving track for movement therealong.
US07997207B2
A joint connector for the lower flanges of adjoining running rails is assembled from two abutment pieces that each is seated in a lower flange of a respective rail that forms the joint. By use of centering devices, the correctly aligned positioning of the two abutment pieces is assured, wherein the abutment pieces transfer their aligned positioning to the lower flanges that meet each other without offset at the joint and the positioning cannot be negatively affected by transverse forces. The connection also provides a positive-fit in a transverse direction of the rails. Another joint connector arrangement connects the two running rails in the region of the top side. Abutment pieces in this case are seated as riders on a support rib and are connected to each other by tension rods.
US07997206B2
Disclosed is a bullet shell for hunting guns, preferably those having barrels with “rifled choke” rifling. The shell comprises a bullet made of a solid material and a thin-wall plastic envelope. On its surface, the bullet has a trapezoidal groove delimiting nose and heel portions of the bullet. The envelope enclosing the bullet is made of identical longitudinal halves having a cylindrical outer surface and an inner surface matching with the surface of the bullet. A peripheral flat collar of a width of b and a height of b1=0.5b is provided at the bullet nose portion end surface. The collar passes into a taper boring with an apex angle α=120±5°, and the envelope protrudes by b2=b1 beyond the plane of the bullet collar. The bullet shell offers improved longitudinal stability when shooting through minor obstacles (bushes, grass) and improved grouping of up to 60 mm at 100 m.
US07997201B2
A method of labeling bottles and a machine therefor in which indicia on the bottles is monitored to determine where to produce indicia on at least one predetermined portion substantially transverse to a longitudinal container axis of each container, such as the top of a bottle cap. The indicia is aligned with the orientation of at least one indicium, such as a side label, on at least one portion of the same container in a predetermined spatial relationship.
US07997192B2
A printing machine includes a conveyor for at least one item to be printed, a print station and a transfer device including at least one bucket for conveying the item and an element for driving the conveyor bucket, which element is capable of displacing the conveyor bucket between a position for taking up or depositing the item on the conveyor and a position for taking up or depositing the item at the print station. The transfer device further includes an element for adjusting the path of displacement of the conveyor bucket, which element is capable of controlling the drive element in order to displace the position for taking up or depositing the item at the print station without displacing the position for taking up or depositing the item on the conveyor.
US07997187B2
A beverage maker including a housing, a roll top lid, a brew chamber, a removable fresh water reservoir, and a reversible, storable stand is provided. The roll top lid rotates selectively permit access to the brew chamber, which is enclosed by the housing. In the open position, the roll top lid is substantially concealed within the housing. The fresh water reservoir is located beneath the brew chamber, and the reservoir includes an optional, selectively removable lid with an integrated water level gauge. The stand is stored within the housing beneath the fresh water reservoir. The stand supports a brewed beverage receptacle on a step. In use, the beverage maker dispenses coffee to a brewed beverage receptacle, such as a travel mug, coffee cup or the like.
US07997183B2
The invention comprises an improved recoil control device comprising a bolt head and an inertia block or slider for use in a variety of firearms. In one embodiment, the bolt head and inertia block are articulated so that the displacement of the bolt head results in a force component outside the firing axis of the barrel of the firearm. The device can be incorporated into firearms of a variety of sizes and configurations to produce recoil reduction and/or weight reduction advantages.
US07997167B2
A system for clamping and breaking threaded tubular members includes a clamping device configured to grip a threaded tubular member. The clamping device further includes a housing and a base mount associated with the housing. A breaking device can be provided to grip and rotate a threaded tubular member, the breaking device further including a housing and a base mount associated with the housing in which the base mount of clamping device and the base mount of the breaking device are configured to be mounted independently to at least one support structure.
US07997166B2
A joint tool includes a first wrench assembly configured to be placed in gripping contact with a rod, a second wrench assembly including jaws configured to grip and rotate a rod when the second wrench assembly is rotated in a first direction and to rotate relative to the rod when moved in a second direction, the second direction being opposite the first direction, and a drive assembly mounted to the first wrench assembly and coupled to the second wrench assembly, the drive assembly being configured to rotate the rod in the first direction and the second direction.
US07997161B2
The invention relates to a device which is used to move and orient an object in space and to the use thereof in rapid machining. The inventive device (1) comprises an object support which is borne by an intermediary mobile support (13) which is connected to a fixed frame (2) using articulated connecting means (7a, 7b, 7c). The invention also comprises means for moving the aforementioned intermediary mobile support (13) in relation to the fixed frame (2), which maintain the orientation of said intermediary mobile support (13) in relation to the fixed frame (2). The invention further comprises a mechanism (14) which is used to orient the object support in relation to the intermediary mobile support (13). The above-mentioned means for moving the intermediary mobile support (13) comprise actuators (5a, 5b, 5c) which are used to move an end part of each of the articulated connecting means (7a, 7b, 7c) borne by the fixed frame (2) translationally.
US07997157B2
A control moment gyroscope (CMG) is provided for deployment on a spacecraft. The CMG includes an inner gimbal assembly (IGA), which, in turn, includes an IGA housing, a rotor rotatably coupled to the IGA housing, and a spin motor coupled to the IGA housing and configured to rotate the rotor about a spin axis. The CMG further comprises a stator assembly, which includes: (i) a stator assembly housing rotatably coupled to the IGA housing, and (ii) a torque module assembly coupled to the stator assembly housing and configured to rotate the IGA about a gimbal axis. A gimbal bearing is disposed between the IGA housing and the stator assembly housing. The gimbal bearing resides between the spin axis and the torque module assembly such that the distance between the gimbal bearing and the spin axis is less than the distance between the gimbal bearing and the torque module assembly.
US07997151B2
Automated apparatus and method to determine physical properties of materials as they are moved relative to each other while in contact are disclosed. Physical properties between materials of interest (e.g., galling resistance, coefficient of friction, and wear rate) are derived under a variety of conditions including dry unlubricated condition, at ambient and at extreme high and low temperatures, lubricated, or when submerged.
US07997150B2
A metering system for measuring a flow of petroleum and LPG. In embodiments of the invention, a magnetic drive is used to couple a measuring chamber, such as a known oscillating piston system, to a register or indicator, avoiding leakage and excessive wear due to passing a shaft through the wall of the chamber.
US07997146B2
A device for determining the quality and solidness of the vascular wall is provided for testing tissue samples and includes opposed first and second fixation plates. The fixation plates are connectable to an air pump or other source of vacuum for fixing the tissue sample in position. The device is connectable to a detector such as a meter, gauge, or printing device capable of displaying or producing an image or display corresponding to the value of a force required to disrupt or break the internal links between individual layers of the vascular wall. The fixation plates are movable relative to one another and may be abducted by abductors connecting the plates or by rotational movement of one fixation plate relative to the other by a shaft or other rotational mechanism.
US07997143B2
There is disclosed an internally switched multiple range transducer. The transducer employs a plurality of individual pressure sensors or Wheatstone bridges fabricated from semiconductor materials and utilizing piezoresistors. Each sensor is designed to accommodate accurately a given pressure range, therefore, each sensor is selected to provide an output when an applied pressure is within its accommodated range. As soon as the pressure exceeds the range, then another sensor is employed to produce an output. Each of the sensors, or each separate transducer, is coupled to a switch or other device to enable the selection of one of the plurality of sensors to operate within its given pressure range when the applied pressure is in that range. In this manner one obtains pressure measurements with a high degree of accuracy across a relatively large pressure range.
US07997140B2
There is provided a method for troubleshooting noise/vibration issues of rotating components, the method comprising: receiving an audio signal of the rotating components in operation; generating a frequency spectrum corresponding to the audio signal; selecting a frequency νm in the frequency spectrum corresponding to a maximum amplitude; and comparing the frequency νm to a set of predetermined rotational speeds of the rotating components to find a match; thereby identifying a potentially defective component.
US07997138B2
A method for predicting the performance of tubular goods includes using a computer readable three-dimensional representation of tubular good which includes computer readable measurements of discrete segments of the wall of said tubular acquired by ultrasonic detection means, along with associated data representing the position of discrete segment and optionally ovality data to predict the effect of stress conditions, including tensile, bending, collapse, burst and aging forces upon said tubular and optionally analyzing sequential inspection of the same tubular good over a period of time predict when failure is likely to occur, and to avoid failure while maximizing the use of the tubular good.
US07997134B2
A gyroscopic system is disclosed comprising at least a vibrating gyroscope, as a first mechanism of angle measurement, designed to provide a first measurement of angle values according to a measurement axis; and a second mechanism of angle measurement, designed to provide a second measurement of angle values according to said measurement axis. First angle values through the first angle measurement mechanism vibrating in a current vibration position and second angle values through the second angle measurement mechanism are provided simultaneously; and from these second angle values corrected on the basis of a comparison of the first and second angle values are deduced. Then the vibration position of the first angle measurement mechanism is changed from the current position to another vibration position. First angle values through the first angle measurement mechanism and second angle values through the second angle measurement mechanism are then provided simultaneously; and from these first angle values corrected on the basis of a comparison of the first and second angle values are deduced.
US07997128B2
A device for counting the rotations of a tire on a vehicle using the deformations that the tire undergoes on each rotation of the wheel, comprising a casing, a sensor intended to generate an electrical signal on each rotation of the wheel, and connection means intended to mechanically connect the casing and the sensor to the surface of the tire. The sensor is in the form of a passive sensor in one piece with the casing, whereof the signals emitted are in proportion with the variations over time in a magnetic flux through the said passive sensor, and a magnetic field generator is arranged opposite the passive sensor. The connection means mechanically connect the casing to a first surface A and the magnetic field generator to a second surface B, the two surfaces A and B being substantially coplanar and offset from one another in a direction D by a given distance L. The electrical signal is produced by the relative displacements of the said passive sensor and the said magnetic field generator.
US07997116B2
The invention relates to a link for a crimping tool (2) comprising at least two crimping dies (12,14,16,18) and two tool handles (6,8), where the movable link (23) is arranged between the tool handles (6,8), the link (23) having an opening (72) arranged to engage a guide element (70) on a first handle (6) and being pivotally fixed to a second handle (8), where the guide element (70) is arranged to move from engagement with a first edge (71) of the opening (72) into engagement with a second opposite edge (73) of the opening (72) when the handles (6,8) are brought together to a position where the workpiece (19) is engaged by the crimping dies (12,14,16,18), the link (23) thus enabling the person using the crimping tool (2) to utilize the optimum gripping range of the hand that is about to exert a large force on the handles (6,8) in order to bring them further together for the crimping of the workpiece (19), this regardless of the dimension of the workpiece (19) to be crimped.
US07997114B2
A method includes providing a sheet having layers characterized by different softnesses, providing a die component having a leading surface that is generally concave, and causing the leading surface to puncture the sheet thereby to cut a part from the sheet. The method provides improved flatness of parts cut from sheets having layers of varying softness and prevents soft material from exiting the sheet because the peripheral edge of the leading surface applies maximum pressure to the sheet during the puncturing step.
US07997107B2
An ignition key switch mechanism for a vehicle having an automatic or semi-automatic gearbox comprises two solenoids and arranged at right angles to each other between which a slider or lever is disposed. The mechanism locks to prevent turning of the ignition key to the off position and removal of the key. Locking is effected by activating one solenoid to pull the shaft of that solenoid inside the armature of the solenoid. That in turn pulls the slider towards the solenoid and enables a locking pin on the slider to lock the mechanism. As the slider moves toward the solenoid a notch in the slider is brought into line with the shaft of the second solenoid. This shaft enters the notch under spring force to hold the mechanism in the locked position. Unlocking is effected by activating the second solenoid to withdraw the shaft from the notch allowing the first solenoid and the locking pin to return to unlocked positions which in turn permits the key to be turned to the off position and removed.
US07997086B2
This trash cooling unit system includes a Thermoelectric cooling system (TEC) which requires no harmful Freon or refrigerant liquids. It has a temperature controller to maintain a constant temperature. This system will operate on DC 24V at 12 Amps and move up to 40 watts of heat. Also, it has an AC adapter. The capacity of the trash unit is: width: approx. 10½,″ Depth: approx. 9½,″ Height: approx. 22″. The interior enclosure has a temperature of about 45° F. in a 80° F., 80% relative humidity ambient. This corresponds to approximately 17 watts of passive heat load from air convection and conduction through 2″ of Polystyrene which prevents any condensation.
US07997073B2
A hydraulic control system for controlling preferably at least two consumers, has a pump supplying the consumers with a pressure medium and having an adjustable pump capacity, an adjustable metering orifice assigned to each of the consumers, a power-beyond connection to which at least one power-beyond consumer is attachable, an inlet pressure scale connected downstream of the pump and provided in a pressure medium flow path between the pump and at least one of the two consumers, wherein the power-beyond connection branches off in the pressure medium flow path between the pump and the inlet pressure scale, a spring with a force acting upon the inlet pressure scale in a closing direction, an inlet having a pressure acting upon the inlet pressure scale in an opening direction, wherein the inlet pressure scale is configured so that it is actable upon in the closing direction selectively by either a highest load pressure or by a pressure that is greater than the highest load pressure.
US07997069B2
A control system for reducing ash comprises a temperature estimator module that estimates a temperature of an electrically heated particulate matter (PM) filter. A temperature and position estimator module estimates a position and temperature of an oxidation wave within the electrically heated PM filter. An ash reduction control module adjusts at least one of exhaust flow, fuel and oxygen levels in the electrically heated PM filter to adjust a position of the oxidation wave within the electrically heated PM filter based on the oxidation wave temperature and position.
US07997068B2
In a control device for an internal combustion engine provided with a NOx catalytic converter in an exhaust passage thereof, the progress of an undesired substance removal process is computed from the consumption of the reducing agent contained in the exhaust gas in the NOx catalytic converter. The undesired substance may include sulfur contents and NOx captured in the NOx catalytic converter. This computation may be based on the air fuel ratio of the exhaust gas upstream of the NOx catalytic converter and the estimated consumption of the reducing agent contained in the exhaust gas or on the difference between the air fuel ratios of the exhaust gas upstream and downstream of the NOx catalytic converter. In either case, the accuracy can be improved by taking into account the space velocity of the exhaust gas.
US07997067B2
An exhaust emission control device for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of accurately estimating the amount of NOx trapped by a NOx catalyst even when a catalyst is provided on an upstream side of the NOx catalyst. A catalyst having the function of purifying NOx and a NOx catalyst for trapping NOx under an oxidizing atmosphere are disposed in an exhaust system. The amount of NOx contained in exhaust gases is estimated. A NOx purification performance of the catalyst is calculated. The NOx emission amount is corrected based on the purification performance. An amount of NOx trapped in the NOx catalyst is calculated based on the corrected NOx emission amount. A reducing agent is supplied to an upstream side of the catalyst based on the trapped NOx amount, thereby causing the NOx catalyst to carry out a NOx reducing operation.
US07997064B2
An exhaust gas catalytic converter is laden with oxygen until it is saturated at least upstream of an exhaust gas probe. A predefined first rich air/fuel ration is set in a combustion chamber of a cylinder. A first oxygen storage capacity value is determined as a function of the measurement signal of an exhaust gas probe and the predefined first rich air/fuel ratio. The exhaust gas catalytic converter is laden with oxygen until it is saturated. A predefined second rich air/fuel ration is set in the combustion chamber of the cylinder. A second oxygen storage capacity value is determined as a function of the measurement signal of the exhaust gas probe and the predefined second rich air/fuel ration. A corrected oxygen storage capacity value is determined as a function of the first and second oxygen storage capacity values.
US07997060B2
An expander heat exchanger cycle system provides a fuel or oxidizer routed through a heat exchanger to cool and condense a coolant/turbine drive fluid.
US07997057B1
A small gas turbine engine where the compressor and turbine are supported on a rotary shaft, and a main bearing is supported on the rotary shaft, the main bearing being located in a hot zone of the combustor. The main bearing includes cooling air passages within the races to provide cooling for the bearing. A cooling air is diverted from the compressor and passed through the bearing cooling passages for cooling the bearing, and then the cooling air is directed into the combustor. The cooling air is also passed through a guide nozzle before being passed through the bearing to cool both the guide nozzle and the bearing. A swirl cup injector is used to deliver the compressed air from the compressor and the cooling air from the bearing into the combustor, the swirl cup injector also acting to draw the cooling air through the bearing.
US07997055B2
Method for thermal treatment of a running yarn (14) on a multi-workstation twisting machine, each station having a device (1) for thermal treatment of the yarn, and a delivery system (2, 3) preceding or following such device (1). The yarn (14) passes through the device (1) substantially without tension, and after passing the downstream delivery system (3), is wound. The yarn (14) is loaded with a defined force by position-variable means (24, 25, 27). Position changes of such means caused by a change in the yarn tension under disruptive influences during the thermal treatment of the yarn (14) are used as a control variable for controlling at least one of the delivery systems (2, 3).
US07997049B2
A process and apparatus for making a gastro-retentive device (10). The method includes the steps of providing a pouch assembly having an ingredient section within a membrane; folding the membrane to form a folded pouch assembly; inserting the folded pouch assembly into a first capsule section (20a) to form a pouch/first capsule assembly, and inserting the pouch/first capsule assembly into a second capsule section (20b). Also provided is an apparatus (38) for carrying out the above method which includes a tooling block (44) having a passageway (62) configured for slidable movement of the pouch assembly (18) therein, and a tooling pocket (60) extending from a top surface of the tooling block to the passageway and which receives the pouch assembly. A ram (86) is provided for pushing the pouch assembly through the tooling pocket into the passageway, wherein the pouch assembly is folded and encapsulated.
US07997046B2
A machine for sealing containers by applying a covering film or a lid, which is located downstream of an infeed system for feeding containers to be sealed, the infeed system including an accumulation unit driven by motor and located downstream relative to a feeder unit driven by motor the feeder unit feeding containers to the accumulation unit.
US07997045B2
A packing wrapper filling device includes a filling machine (1) having at least one pivotable filling tube (11) on rotary plate (10). A gathered packing wrapper (14) is fitted onto the filling tube. The invention includes a closing mechanism (2) and store (3) for gathered packing wrappers. The closing mechanism (2) closes both sides of filled wrapper sections. Control device (22) interconnects filling machine (1), closing mechanism (2), store (3), and rocking arms (16). The lateral wall(s) of store (3) include a longitudinal flap (16) in the lower section, pivotable by rotary articulation (20) via rocking arms (15). The control device (22) controls individual envelope (14) removal from store (3). Transport devices (5, 6, 7, and 8) and deflection rollers (9) arranged along feed belt (4) transport envelope (14) along the feed belt (4) from store (3) to filling tube (11 or 12).
US07997042B2
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a force-resisting device for transmitting forces and dissipating and absorbing energy across a discontinuous structural element of a structure. The device includes at least one active element, the active element having defined force versus deflection properties and able to transmit force and dissipate and absorb energy, one end of the active element configured to be connected to a structure, and at least one frame element disposed about a discontinuous structural element, wherein the frame is configured to be connected to a second end of the active element, wherein the active element and the frame element configured to resist forces applied to the structure by transmitting forces across the discontinuous structural element.
US07997033B2
Pultruded fiberglass sign panels having overall and cross-section designs useful for replacing aluminum alloy highway signs are disclosed. The construction materials of the pultruded fiberglass sign panels consist of a glass roving; glass reinforcement matt; and a resin matrix. The glass content of the sign panels contain recycled or virgin glass, preferably about 16% by weight or 35% by volume of recycled or virgin glass. The resin matrix comprises thermoset isophthalic polyester that is about 42% to about 44% by weight or about 60% to about 62% by volume. The glass reinforcement matt used in the pultruded fiberglass sign panel comprises a hybrid E/A glass reinforcement matt and the pultruded fiberglass sign panel has a panel width of about 6 inches to about 36 inches, and a length of about 1 foot to about 50 feet. Two or more sign panels can be fastened together to produce a multi-panel system for making highway sign blanks. A first sign panel is fastened substantially adjacent to the second sign panel along the first or second edge forming a substantially flat sign surface on one side of the multi-panel system and a mounting surface on the opposite side of the substantially flat sign surface. The first sign panel is fastened substantially adjacent to the second sign panel using a fastener.
US07997030B2
A flange engaging strip is provided for engaging a vehicle flange, wherein the flange has a varying thickness along a longitudinal dimension. The flange engaging strip has a closed end and projecting limbs and can include a carrier having a corresponding base and projecting legs that define a constant combined cross sectional length, wherein the cross sectional length of the closed end varies corresponding to the thickness of the flange along a longitudinal dimension of the flange engaging strip.
US07997029B2
A sub-arm assembly of a window regulator may include a sub-arm which is pivotally coupled to a main arm of a window regulator in a letter X shape, wherein upper ends of the sub arm and the main arm are configured to support a lower end of glass and a lower end of the sub-arm is configured to be slidable on a base panel; a sliding bar pivotally coupled the lower end of the sub-arm; and a guide rail integrally formed with the base panel so as to extend from the base panel and having a space to slidably receive the sliding bar.
US07997024B2
A fishing lure holder apparatus adapted for attachment to a fishing boat includes an elongated frame with first and second flanges. The fishing lure holder also includes spaced-apart magnetic holders positioned in the first and second flanges, some for magnetically retaining hooks of fishing lures with a remainder of the first fishing lures hanging downward, some also generating a magnetic field thereabove for magnetically retaining fishing hooks above the flange. One set of magnetic holders also generates a magnetic field for magnetically retaining a fishing pliers tool. The apparatus also includes holes indicating a position of the magnetic holders, and for marking a position of the embedded magnets, which can't otherwise be seen.
US07997023B2
A sighting device is mountable to a gun. The device includes a light source (preferably a laser), a power source connectable to the light source and a mount attachable to the gun so that the laser is juxtaposed either the top surface of the gun or a side surface of the gun. In one embodiment, the sighting device includes a bottom rail mountable in a slot on the gun, wherein the slot is preferably positioned on the top surface of the gun. The sighting device may also include a mechanical sight that functions as the rear mechanical sight on the gun and/or a secondary light source.
US07997015B2
A universal front and rear equipment mount for an ATV includes a telescoping central frame member with telescoping front and rear mounting arms extending therefrom for connection to independent axle structures of the ATV, front and rear angled hitch brackets, each with upturned tabs having aligned holes to receive a hitch pin, and front and rear angled pulley brackets having pulleys mounted thereon for routing a winch cable of a winch mounted either on the front or rear of the vehicle or on the front or rear pulley brackets. An implement can be hitched either to the front or rear hitch bracket, and the implement can be raised or lowered by use of the winch, which has its cable routed over selected pulleys and connected to a hitch tongue or other part of the implement.
US07997009B2
Articles of footwear having an enclosed articulated toe portion, including a molded midsole with an integrally-molded toe cap shaped to receive a foot therein and to enclose the toes of the foot. The toe cap terminates at a position adjacent to the base of the toes of the foot. The articles additionally include an outsole affixed to the bottom of the midsole and an upper which in some embodiments is co-molded with the midsole and toe cap.
US07997001B1
The telescopic ball bar gauge provides a pair of movable test measuring points that are spaced apart a known distance so that the points may be contacted by a machine probe of a coordinate measuring machine or the like to generate test data. This allows varying inaccuracies within the machine to be detected and accounted for during normal operation of the machine. The telescopic ball bar gauge includes a plurality of telescoping segments forming at least one linear variable differential transformer. The at least one linear variable differential transformer is used to measure the linear distance between two balls mounted on opposed ends of the ball bar gauge. A transmitter in communication with the at least one linear variable differential transformer transmits a measurement signal representing the linear distance between the two balls.
US07997000B2
An arrangement and a method are provided for positioning the alignment plumb lines of the guide rails of an elevator, more particularly when installing an elevator during the construction phase of a building. The solution includes at least actuators fixed above the guide rails for moving at least the parts of the alignment plumb lines above the guide rails for positioning the alignment plumb lines.
US07996998B2
An optical device capable of measuring a condition such as deflection of a cylindrical body such as utility pole or cylindrical column precisely and rapidly is provided. The optical device has a telescope with a projection plate. The projection plate has a reference scale made of a plurality of full or substantially full circles arranged concentrically about a central axis of the telescope or a plurality of circular arcs arranged symmetrically about the central axis.
US07996996B2
The present invention provides a technique for achieving weight reduction of the counter weight while reducing vibration in a reciprocating power tool. A tool bit performs a predetermined operation by reciprocating. A slider reciprocates to drive the tool bit. A motion converting mechanism converts a rotating output of the motor into a reciprocating movement of the slider. A counter weight reciprocates in a direction opposite to the reciprocating direction of the slider to reduce vibration caused by the reciprocating movement of the slider. A component part includes component of motion in a direction parallel to the reciprocating movement of the slider to cooperate with the counter weight in reducing vibration caused within the power tool. Thus, the weight of the counter weight can be decreased.
US07996989B2
Embodiments of the invention includes a heat dissipating device. The heat dissipating device includes a main body having a surface, wherein the surface is plated or coated with at least two different metals to form a design effective for bonding to solder and for adhering to polymer in a polymer solder hybrid. The heat dissipating device also includes surface perturbations.
US07996986B2
An apparatus includes: a first layer having a near field transducer positioned in a waveguide cladding; a second layer having a magnetic pole piece; a third layer including a solid immersion mirror; a first lapping guide positioned in the first layer; a second lapping guide positioned in the second layer; and a third lapping guide positioned in the third layer.
US07996981B2
A method for connecting pipe elements together end to end. The method includes providing a coupling having a plurality of segments with at least one camming surface, the segments being joined end to end by a plurality of adjustably tightenable fasteners, positioning a first and a second of the pipe elements in end to end relation, positioning the segments surrounding the ends of the pipe elements, engaging the camming surfaces on the segments with grooves on the pipe elements and tightening the fasteners so as to draw the segments toward one another. The camming surfaces slide into the grooves and move the first and second pipe elements away from one another.
US07996980B2
A portable sign stand with wheels or rollers, an adjustable weighted base member, and a sign display member. The base member has one or more compartments so that liquid or solid ballast can be added to stabilize the sign stand in windy conditions. The upper and lower wall members of the otherwise hollow base member are joined together at one or more locations where the sign display member is connected to the base member. The base member can be made by blow molding techniques. Wheels are provided on one edge of the base member in order to allow the sign stand to be rolled and easily moved to different positions. Axle members secure the wheels to the base member. One or more resilient members can be used to connect the sign display member to the base member.
US07996977B2
A stack arrangement has a first plate-shaped workpiece (12), at least one another plate-shaped workpiece, and an eyelet (14; 34) that connects the first workpiece (12) and the at least one another workpiece (13), with material of the first workpiece (12) being drawn through a through-opening (15) in the at least one another workpiece (13), and with a rim (17) of the through-opening (15) of the at least one another workpiece (13) conically narrowing in a direction of the first workpiece (12).
US07996974B2
The present invention pertains to a miniature flexible thrombectomy catheter having one or more flexible miniature noncollapsing tubular portions including pushable and torqueable structure for introduction into the smaller vessels in neurovascular regions. A jet body having an arcuate fluid jet emanator is incorporated in order to minimize size at the distal portion of a minimally sized catheter tube.
US07996972B2
A puller driving structure is connected to a fixing module and a propping module for installing or removing a bearing, and the structure connects a hydraulic driving device with a connecting module, and the connecting module is connected to a plurality of slide rods and a plurality of resilient elements of a position resuming module, such that an actuating element is actuated on each slide rod, and the hydraulic driving device presses and moves the actuating element, and each resilient element presses and props the actuating element in an opposite direction to resume its original position, so as to achieve a better balance during the use of the puller driving structure provides a better concentricity for the bearing and the spindle.
US07996971B2
One embodiment of a seal removal tool may include a handle, a seal grasping member, and a biasing member. The handle may have an end with a curved surface to roll back a seal. The seal grasping member may be adapted to move from an open extended position into a closed position in order to grasp and secure a seal. The biasing member may bias the seal grasping member towards the closed position.
US07996963B2
A clip system for use with tarps and other flexible sheet material. The system includes first and second parts that are rotatably mounted so as to be free to twist independently of one another, in response to wind or other forces. The first part may be a clip body having jaws for gripping a tarp or other flexible sheet material, and the second part may be an attachment fitting for engaging an article separate from the tarp. There may be a series of different attachment fittings that are interchangeably mountable to the clip body, such as a hook, a screw-on fitting for attachment to a bottle that forms a weight, or a fitting for attachment of a strap or shock cord, for example. The two pieces may be joined by a male coupler and a female receptacle that receives the coupler in locking engagement. The male coupler may have a plurality of resiliently flexible legs with beveled end surfaces that flex inwardly to pass through the opening of the female receptacle. The legs then snap back outwardly so that undercut surfaces on the ends of the legs engage the receptacle to prevent separation of the pieces. The coupler and receptacle may further include cooperating annular surfaces that form a bearing interface for rotation of the parts.
US07996962B2
An adjustable length rope clip for tethering an animal or other object on a lead rope providing a predetermined length of rope to be released when pressure is applied. The rope clip for attachment to a lead rope, the clip having a arm element for positioning a lead rope, or the like on the clip, providing means for retaining a predetermined length of rope, permitting the rope to be easily manually adjusted in length about the rope clip and permitting the a predetermined length of rope to be selectively released in a controlled manner upon application of pressure by the animal. The clip system providing means for re-positioning an attached animal, or the like, without the addition of other devices and without un-tethering the animal, even momentarily.
US07996953B2
A wiper blade (10) comprising a rubber elastic wiper strip (12) in which a resilient rail (18, 20) is inserted into a lateral longitudinal groove on each side of side of said wiper blade as a support element and laterally protrudes from the longitudinal groove, wherein the resilient rails (18, 20) support terminal caps (26, 60, 81) while being held together at their ends and being fixed relative to the wiper strip (12) in the longitudinal direction by a bridge (22), which is joined in a fixed manner to the resilient rails (18, 20) at the lateral parts of said bridge and forms a free space for a top strip (16) of the wiper strip (12) in the central area of the bridge. It is proposed that the terminal caps (26, 60, 81) have detachable fixing means (52) that engage in the top strip (16) of the wiper strip (12), wherein the axial movability of the resilient rails (18, 20) relative to the wiper strip (12) is limited by the terminal caps (26, 60, 81).
US07996952B2
A wiper arm assembly and method of assembly thereof includes a mounting head and a wiper arm configured for relative rotation during assembly from a disassembled position to a shipping position, wherein the wiper arm and mounting head are locked against rotation toward the disassembled position once in the shipping position. The mounting head and wiper arm have locking surfaces configured for locked engagement with one another while in the shipping position. The locking surfaces are brought into engagement with one another by a force imparted by a spring while rotating the mounting head relative to the wiper arm from the disassembled position toward the shipping position. When in the shipping position, the locking surfaces confront each other and prevent the mounting head and the wiper arm from rotating back toward the disassembled position from the shipping position.
US07996950B2
A multi-surface sponge product includes a foraminous portion adhered to an abrasive portion to form a unitary product, each portion and the resulting product having a pair of sidewalls and in cross-section or side elevation having the form of a parallelogram. The sidewalls form gripping areas and the angled forward and reward end opposite ends of the parallelogram shaped body form wedges. The multi-surface body is low profile and various edges and corners thereof enable the foraminous and abrasive portions to be selectively used to engage corners of many differently configured surfaces to be cleaned, to either scrub the surface or simply clean or absorb fluid, depending on which portion of the product is emplaced in the edge or in a corner.
US07996946B1
An exiting cleaning projectile verification system for a tube cleaning system includes a tube cleaning system having a control system for controlling the cleaning system, a projectile launcher, a projectile, a tube, and a containment system, the cleaning projectile being launched through the tube and cleaning the interior of the tube, the projectile exiting the tube and entering the containment system and a sensor that detects the projectile exiting the tube. The sensor is in communication with the containment system. The sensor may include an electric eye that detects the presence of the projectile entering the containment system. The sensor may also include a feedback line connected to the control system that automatically shuts off the control system when a problem is detected. The sensor may also emit an audible signal. One or more counters count the number of projectiles launched and the number entering the containment system. A difference in the count is an indication of a problem.
US07996940B1
A seat cushion employing the benefit of a foam cushion and alternating pressure air cushion. An air bladder reservoir with vertically extending fingers is located beneath a foam core with vertical holes. The vertically extending fingers are aligned with the vertical holes of the foam core. The air bladder reservoir and vertically extending fingers are inflated and deflated by a compressor system which provides alternating timed pressure. When inflated, the fingers protrude through the holes in the foam core beyond the top surface of the foam core. A method for fabricating the vertically extending fingers includes a cloth material coated in silicon.
US07996935B1
A light and credible foldable hanging bed having a frame and a fabric attached thereto. The frame has seats and successive supporting arms linked thereto. Linking poles are provided to move the supporting arms and sponge sleeves may be used for holding by hands of a user. With the successive first and second supporting arms, the joint and check element are saved and the risk of break of the joint is diminished and a weight will be able to be lowered.
US07996929B2
A toilet system includes a toilet and a pump assembly. The toilet has a bowl and a base. The base has a hopper for receiving waste from the bowl. The pump assembly is operative for pumping a source of flush water to the bowl and for pumping the waste from the hopper. A first flexible conduit interconnects the pump assembly and the bowl. A second flexible conduit interconnects the pump assembly and the hopper. The pump assembly is flexibly interconnected to the toilet for independent positioning relative to the toilet.
US07996925B2
Swimming goggles include a frame unit, lenses assembled on the frame unit, and a strap unit. The strap unit comprises a head strap with two free ends, and buckles for securing and adjusting the head strap. Each buckle includes a base and a control portion. The base has a first reception portion defining a first slot, and a second reception portion defining a second slot. The control portion is provided between the first reception portion and the second reception portion, and includes at least a biasing arm neighboring the first slot or the second slot. The biasing arm includes a biasing portion for abutting against the head strap, and an operating portion. When the operating portions are operated to release the biasing portion, the head strap is allowed to be adjusted. Therefore the length of the head strap can be adjusted conveniently.
US07996924B2
Articles of apparel include: (a) a garment structure having one or more fabric elements structured and arranged to provide a close fit to at least one predetermined portion of a body (e.g., area(s) of the body for which enhanced position sensing and/or feedback are desired, such as the lower back, the arch of the foot, etc.); and (b) a body position feedback system engaged with or integrally formed as part of the garment structure. The body position feedback system may apply higher tensile or constricting (compressive) forces to selected portions of the wearer's body, which can help stimulate or interact with nerves and deep tissue receptors located in various portions of the body. The increased forces at selected locations of the body give the wearer sensory feedback regarding the position or orientation of these parts of the body and can improve or accelerate development of “muscle memory.”
