US08015941B2
The present invention relates to a system (10) for automatic adjustment of at least one interior dimension of a milking location (12) for an animal. The milking location (12) comprises an enclosure formed by e.g. four confining means (121, . . . , 124), whereby at least one of the confining means (121, . . . , 124) is movable. The system (10) comprises a first sensor means (14) operable to detect the presence of an animal In the milking location (12). The system (10) also comprises a control means (18) connected to the first sensor means (14), When an animal is detected in the milking location (12), the control means (18) is operable to move the at least one movable confining means (121, . . . , 124) stepwise, in order to adjust the at least one interior dimension of the milking location (12) to the animal.
US08015934B2
A thread cutting device of a sewing machine is provided. The thread cutting device cuts a thread extending between a horizontal shuttle and a throat plate of the sewing machine. The thread cutting device includes a fixed blade, a first thread catcher, a second thread catcher, a driving assembly which moves the first and second thread catchers such that the first thread catcher catches the thread before the second thread catcher catches the thread and pulls the thread toward the fixed blade to cut the thread, and a guide member disposed between the first thread catcher and the driving assembly. The guide member guides the first thread catcher from an advanced position to a thread catching position to catch the thread, and further guides the first thread catcher from the thread catching position to a standby position to turn the first thread catcher toward the fixed blade.
US08015933B2
A planting unit for depositing fertilizer and seed in a single pass, double shoot manner includes a rotating disc that cuts a furrow in a planting surface and a trailing seed boot, having a cutting edge, that cuts a vertically and horizontally offset trench in the furrow to form a seed bed in the planting surface. The disc has a mounting frame for mounting the disc to a linkage assembly that is, in turn, coupled to a toolbar mount. The seed boot is also attached to the mounting frame. This common attachment provides a relatively short and compact device without sacrificing fertilizer and seed stratification.
US08015932B2
A fuel flexible furnace, including a main combustion zone, a reburn zone downstream from the main combustion zone, and a delivery system operably coupled to supplies of biomass and coal and configured to deliver the biomass and the coal as ingredients of first and reburn fuels to the main combustion zone and the reburn zone, with each fuel including flexible quantities of the biomass and/or the coal. The flexible quantities are variable with the furnace in an operating condition.
US08015931B2
A shelving unit includes a support frame and a plurality of support boards each mounted on the support frame. The support frame includes a front support bracket, a back board located opposite to the front support bracket, four first connecting tubes each having a first end connected with the respective corner of the front support bracket, and four second connecting tubes each having a first end connected with a second end of the respective first connecting tube and a second end connected with the respective corner of the back board. Thus, the shelving unit can be assembled and disassembled without using tools, thereby facilitating assembling the shelving unit. In addition, the shelving unit can be folded into a smaller overall volume to reduce the cost of packaging, transportation and storage of the shelving unit.
US08015914B2
A pneumatic lift apparatus has a main body including a body tube, with a cross-section of the body tube being neither a perfect circle nor a polygon. A restricting device is slidably mounted on the body tube of the main body, with the body tube restricted not to rotate relative to the restricting device. The restricting device is coupled to an end of a housing, with the main body inserted through the restricting device and received in the housing, with the main body fixed in the housing opposite to the restricting device.
US08015912B2
A diaphragm pump for a pumped shower waste, comprises a diaphragm housing (12), a diaphragm (34) removably held in the diaphragm housing (12), an openable cover (16) on the diaphragm housing (12) for accessing the diaphragm (34), an electric motor (14), a connecting member (40) positioned in the diaphragm housing (12) and movable by the electric motor (14), and a non-screw-threaded twist and lock fastener (62) which releasably engages the diaphragm (34) with the connecting member (40). The diaphragm (34) can thus be disengaged and removed from the connecting member (40) without the use of a screwdriver.
US08015909B2
A composite armor plate with a layer of pellets in a binder matrix, the pellets having domed front and planar back end and a reduced weight. A method of producing the plate comprises providing front and back layers, applying binder material to the pellets and the layers, and heating the binder material to form the matrix and bind the front and back layers thereto. Each pellet may be coated with a primer adapted to facilitate the binding.
US08015901B2
A clamping mechanism includes a pair of contact portions facing each other which is capable of directly contacting a tie rod hexagonal portion, and an open-close drive mechanism that causes the both contact portions to move away from and approach the tie rod hexagonal portion. By appropriately changing the distance between surfaces of the mutually facing pair of contact portions, the tie rod hexagonal portion will be securely clamped by the pair of contact portions, regardless of the size of the diameter of the tie rod. Then, the tie rod hexagonal portion is rotated to adjust the toe angle, by rotating the clamping mechanism via the rotation drive mechanism.
US08015898B2
An air breather structure for an automatic transmission. The structure includes a transmission case housing a power train accommodating a plurality of friction engagement devices, and an extension case housing a rotational member. The extension case and the transmission case are united with each other to constitute an automatic transmission housing. A breather chamber is located upside the automatic transmission housing in a state where the automatic transmission is mounted in a vehicle, and formed with an air vent for communication with outside air. An end wall is provided for partitioning the transmission case and the extension case therebetween to define a transmission case-side space and an extension case-side space. In this structure, the automatic transmission housing is formed with a transmission case-side communication passage through which the breather chamber communicates with the transmission case-side space, and an extension case-side communication passage through which the breather chamber communicates with the transmission case-side space.
US08015897B2
A damper for shafts includes an elastomeric ring having a plurality of holes therethrough and an inertia ring having two portions such that the portions encapsulate the elastomeric ring and secure the elastomeric ring in a position. The inertia ring includes openings corresponding to the plurality of holes in the elastomeric ring. A first housing portion configured to receive first fasteners through a first set of openings in the elastomeric ring and the inertia ring to secure the first housing portion to a second housing portion. The first and second housing portions form a surface to receive an inner portion of the elastomeric ring such that the inertia ring floats on the elastomeric ring without the inertia ring contacting the first and second housing portions.
US08015895B2
This gear shift device is used in a transmission of an engine, and is provided with: a shift drum that changes a speed change stage of the transmission according to a rotational position about an axis; an actuator having a driving shaft substantially orthogonal to the shift drum; a worm shaped barrel cam that is arranged parallel to the driving shaft of the actuator and that has a plurality of cam grooves on an outer circumference thereof; and a wheel gear that is coaxially fixed on the shift drum and that has a plurality of pins on an outer circumference thereof. At least a pair of each pin of the wheel gear and each cam groove of the barrel cam are engaged with each other, and the shift drum is rotated by the actuator via the barrel cam and the wheel gear, to thereby change the speed change stage of the transmission. The gear shift device is further with a detection device that detects a rotational position of the barrel cam.
US08015893B2
A motor vehicle transmission includes a housing, a parking gear and a retainer. The housing has a support wall. The parking gear is pivotally coupled to the support wall of the housing by a pivot pin. The pivot pin has an end that protrudes outwardly from the support wall. The retainer has a proximal end fixedly secured to the support wall and a distal end contacting the end of the pivot pin to retain the pivot pin in the support wall. The retainer is elastically deformed upon securing the proximal end to the support wall and continuously axially biasing the pivot pin toward the housing. Additionally, the distal end is shaped to retain the end of the pivot pin, thereby axially constraining the pivot pin relative to the housing and, at the same time, preventing rotation of the retainer about the fastener.
US08015892B2
A bicycle clutch comprises a transmission shaft, at least two gears, at least two slide blocks, at least two clutch blocks, at least two guiding blocks, a switch shaft and a stationary shaft. The gears and the slide blocks are coaxially disposed on the transmission shaft. The sliding blocks, switch shaft and stationary shaft are coaxially assembled. The clutch blocks are disposed on the transmission shaft, the gears and the slide blocks. The guiding blocks are disposed on the switch shaft and the slide blocks. Through angle deflection, the clutch can selectively make one of the gears engage with the driven assembly to change the rotation speed.
US08015891B2
To lower the center of gravity of the entire engine including a speed-change actuator for realization of the lowered center of gravity of a vehicle in which the engine is mounted and to suppress the effect on an arrangement space for components above the engine. In an engine including a transmission which is provided in a power transmission pathway to a drive wheel, a counter shaft which is an output shaft of the transmission, an engine case in which a crankshaft and the transmission are accommodated, and a speed-change actuator which is attached to the engine case, the speed-change actuator is arranged below relative to the counter shaft.
US08015885B2
A torque detector (16) is provided with first and second units (38, 39). The first unit (38) includes a first synthetic resin (40) formed by molding a pair of magnetic flux collector rings (34A, 34B). The second unit (39) includes a second synthetic resin (41) fixed to a magnetic shield plate (37B) containing a metal; an insertion protruding part (44) arranged on the synthetic resin (41); and magnetic sensors (35A, 35B) held by the insertion protruding part (44). The first synthetic resin (40) includes a receiving plate (38a) whereupon a base (38e) for receiving the magnetic shield plate (37B) is formed. In a status where the receiving plate (38a) exists between the magnetic shield plate (37B) and an object (30) to be attached, both the magnetic shield plate (37B) and the receiving plate (38a) are fastened to the object (30) by a pair of fixing screws (32).
US08015875B2
The sensor device includes a dead-weight portion, a frame portion disposed so as to surround the dead-weight portion, a supporting portion provided at the frame portion via a first insulating layer, a mass portion provided at the dead-weight portion via a second insulating layer, a beam portion connecting the supporting and mass portions, a first concave portion, and a second concave portion, wherein a depth of the first or second concave portion is from 3.3% or more to 5.0% or less of the width of the frame portion.
US08015870B2
Provided is a flowmeter with a flow tube through which fluid flows; a cooling apparatus adapted to cool a part of the flow tube; a first temperature detecting section for detecting the temperature of the flow tube cooled by the cooling apparatus; a second temperature detecting section for detecting the temperature of the cooling apparatus; a third temperature detecting section for detecting the temperature of a non-cooling area upstream of a cooling area in the flow tube; and an information processing section, which controls the cooling apparatus make a difference between the temperature detected by the second temperature detecting section and the temperature detected by the third temperature detecting section to be a prescribed value, and calculates the flow rate of the fluid flowing in the flow tube.
US08015869B2
Example methods and apparatus to perform pressure testing of geological formations are disclosed. A disclosed example method comprises positioning a testing tool in a wellbore formed in the geological formation, sealing a sample interval around the testing tool, sealing a first guard interval around the testing tool and adjacent to the sample interval, reducing a first pressure in the sample interval, reducing a second pressure in the first guard interval, maintaining a volume of a first chamber fluidly coupled to the sample interval during a time interval, and measuring a plurality of pressure data for a fluid captured in the first chamber during the time interval.
US08015858B2
The present invention a portable universal electric radiator cap pressure tester, having a multiple of common radiator cap filler necks fixed on a dash board. The fixed filler necks simulate the filler neck openings on a vehicle's radiator or overflow reservoir. This allows the user the ability to quickly install a common radiator cap on the face of the tool and pressurize the radiator cap to its maximum recommended pressure. This gives the user the knowledge if a used radiator cap will hold its recommend pressure and provide a water tight seal during operation on a vehicle when the engine cooling system is under operating pressure.
US08015856B2
A gas chromatograph controlled by a pair of microprocessors to have improved thermal maintenance and process operation. The microprocessors are operable to run independently of each other, with one microprocessor controlling heaters and other control devices and the other microprocessor running a graphical user interface. The two microprocessors are separated by a gas chromatograph assembly that includes one or more separation columns.
US08015853B2
By constructing clamping jaws, which are employed for applying the desired force to the rings to be crimped, and mounting the clamping jaws in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the handle members are positioned or constructing the clamping jaws for arcuate movement relative to the handle members, an easily employed, force generating, crimping tool assembly is achieved wherein the clamping jaws cooperatively associated with the handle members are positioned at a fixed angle relative to the handle members, or are constructed for being arcuately pivotable relative to the handle members. The crimping tool assembly is able to provide the desired crimping forces to rings mounted in areas in which access is virtually impossible to achieve using prior art tool assemblies. Alternatively, if desired, the clamping jaws may be mounted to the handle members at any desired fixed angle.
US08015849B2
Electromagnetic forming can lead to better formability along with additional benefits. The spatial distribution of forming pressure in electromagnetic forming can be controlled by the configuration of the actuator. A type of actuator is discussed which gives a uniform pressure distribution in forming. It also provides a mechanically robust design and has a high efficiency for flat sheet forming.
US08015848B2
An acoustic panel for reducing the transmission of noise therethrough is provided. The acoustic panel may include a sound-absorbing surface with a plurality of convex and concave structures. The convex and concave structures may be organized in a regular array and may be spatially arranged to be alternating with one another. A dishwasher may use such an acoustic panel including a panel of sound absorbing material by placing such a panel inside the door, in or around the walls of the tub of a dishwasher, or the panel can also be used to reduce the transmission of noise with other products. A method of inserting a panel of sound-absorbing material into the door of a dishwasher is also provided. The panel may include protrusions extending from one of its surfaces in order to engage a supporting surface of the product to which it is attached.
US08015847B2
An optical fiber apparatus and manufacturing method thereof includes: forming a bare optical fiber by melting and deforming an optical fiber preform; cooling the bare optical fiber after the bare optical fiber forming step by passing it through a flow channel of a cooling unit through which cooling gas flows; and forming a protective coating layer by supplying a molten resin to a periphery of the bare optical fiber after the cooling step thereby forming an optical fiber. The cooling gas flowing toward a vertically lower end of the flow channel is blocked by the molten resin used to form the protective coating layer, and carbon dioxide gas is supplied toward the flow channel from a position which is vertically below the supply position of the cooling gas and vertically above the blocking position of the molten resin.
US08015842B2
A method for making a float glass convertible into a glass ceramic, by which a largely crystal fault-free glass can be produced. In this method the glass is cooled from a temperature (TKGmax), at which a crystal growth rate is at a maximum value (KGmax), to another temperature (TUEG), at which practically no more crystal growth occurs, with a cooling rate, KR, in ° C. min−1 according to: KR UEG KG max ≥ Δ T UEG KG max 100 · KG max , wherein ΔT=TKGmax−TUEG, and KGmax=maximum crystal growth rate in μm min−1. The float glass has a thickness below an equilibrium thickness, a net width of at least 1 m and has no more than 50 crystals with a size of more than 50 μm, especially no crystals with a size of more than 10 μm, per kilogram of glass within the net width.
US08015824B2
A method and system for regulating a cooling fluid within a turbomachine in real time. The system may an external flow conditioning system for adjusting at least one property of the cooling fluid, wherein the external flow conditioning system comprises an inlet portion and an outlet portion. The system may also include at least one heat exchanger; at least one control valve; at least one bypass orifice; at least one stop valve; and a control system.
US08015820B2
A gas turbine exhaust component, such as an exhaust nozzle, is provided that includes circumferential ribs arranged along a longitudinal axis. Longitudinal strakes are supported by the circumferential ribs and arranged about the longitudinal axis. Fastening elements are used to secure the longitudinal strakes to one another to provide a desired exhaust component contour. In one example, fastening elements are used to secure the longitudinal strakes to the circumferential ribs using a bracket. The longitudinal strakes are preformed into the desired exhaust component contour, using low cost forming methods. The longitudinal strakes are formed to fit the circumferential ribs and provide the desired exhaust component contour. The longitudinal strakes are secured to one another to maintain the desired exhaust component contour. The longitudinal strakes may be provided by a low cost steel, in one example.
US08015807B1
A sphere circulating apparatus capable of extracting a falling motion energy of a plurality of spheres circulating with repeatedly falling and rising within the apparatus, in which each sphere falls in a falling chamber, dives into liquid at a second liquid surface formed at a lower end of the falling chamber and rises in a rising chamber by the buoyancy force while pushing upward-opening check valves open one after another; each sphere then rises up to a first liquid surface formed at an upper end aperture of the rising chamber and pushes another sphere at the upper end aperture out from the first liquid surface; each sphere pushed out further shifts to an upper end aperture of the falling chamber and falls in the falling chamber toward the second liquid surface.
US08015804B2
An ECU executes (300) a program including a step (S202) of opening an electromagnetic ASV (232) while a vacuum pressure ASV (1) and a vacuum pressure ASV (2) are controlled so as to be closed, and an air pump (200) is controlled so as to be stopped in a case where an air amount GA that is an amount of air introduced into an engine (100) is equal to or larger than a predetermined air amount GA (0), and a coolant temperature TW at the starting time of the engine is equal to or higher than a predetermined coolant temperature TW (0) (“YES” in step S200); a step (S204) of detecting a pressure; a step (S206) of closing the electromagnetic ASV; and a step (S402) of determining that failure has occurred in at least one of the vacuum pressure ASV (1) and the vacuum pressure ASV (2), that is, one of the vacuum pressure ASV (1) and the vacuum pressure ASV (2) remains in an opened state and cannot be closed when there is a pulsation of the pressure that is detected while the electromagnetic ASV is opened (“YES” in step S400).
US08015798B2
A gas turbine engine includes a gear system driven by a first and second counter rotating low pressure shaft and a fan driven by the gear system.
US08015797B2
The thrust reverser comprises a first reverser door and a second reverser door asymmetrically pivotable between a stowed position and a deployed position, one having a pivot axis closer to the central axis than the other.
US08015794B2
A variable area flow duct and method. In one embodiment the flow duct includes a plurality of helical vanes arranged around an interior surface wall of the flow duct. The vanes cause secondary flow vortices to be developed in the vicinity of each of the vanes that effectively reduce the interior cross-sectional area of the duct that a primary flow sees as it flows through the duct. In various embodiments fluidic injection is employed to suppress the formation of the secondary flow vortices during certain phases of operation, for example, during an afterburn phase of operation of a jet aircraft engine which the flow duct is being used with. In another embodiment, an ablative coating is used over the vanes to suppress the formation of the secondary flow vortices. The ablative material is removed by the hot fluid flow during an afterburn phase of operation, thus exposing the vanes and enabling the subsequent formation of secondary flow vortices to narrow the cross-sectional area of the throat.
US08015791B2
A fuel controller for a combustion system in a gas turbine having a combustion system, a fuel supply, a pressure control valve proximate the combustion system and a first pressure sensor proximate the pressure control valve, the fuel controller including: a proportional-integrated (PI) logic unit generating a control command for the pressure control valve and receiving input signals representing a desired fuel pressure at the pressure control valve and an input signal from the first pressure sensor representing an actual fuel pressure at the pressure control valve, and a plurality of control gains stored in electronic memory of the controller, wherein each control gain is applicable to a predefined operating condition of the gas turbine, and wherein the controller determines which set of control gains is to be applied by the PI logic unit based on an actual operating condition of the gas turbine.
US08015788B2
A heat transfer system is provided for a turbine engine of the type including an annular inlet cowling. The heat transfer system includes at least one heat pipe disposed in contact with an interior of the casing. The heat pipe is thermally coupled to a heat source, such that heat from the heat source can be transferred through the heat pipe and into the inlet cowling.
US08015782B2
Cigarette cartons are boxed by a case packer comprising a frame mounted on a base, a feed unit supplying collapsed box blanks, a station at which the boxes are packed, a feed unit by which the cartons are directed along a path running perpendicular to a feed path followed by the blanks, also first and second folding and closing assemblies by which the top end face and the bottom end face of the erected box are formed. The machine base affords a plurality of mounting points arranged symmetrically on either side of a vertical median plane, passing longitudinally through the base, so that the position of the feed unit can be reversed in mirror image relative to the median plane, as also can the positions of the first folding and closing assembly and the second folding and closing assembly.
US08015777B2
A plurality of flat tablets are held in containing holes (211) by pinching the circumferential edge of the flat tablet (t) at the lowermost position at the lower end of the containing hole, and then pinching state of the tablet (t) at the lowermost position is released thus dropping the plurality of flat tablets (t) under a flat state into a capsule body (m) arranged below. The capsule body can be surely filled with a predetermined number of flat tablets under a flat state by preventing occurrence of flat tablets under a standing state effectively.
US08015773B2
A fastener with a head having a stepped configuration in assist in drawing down a composite material about a fastener to reduce flagging.
US08015767B2
A connector arrangement for a wall panel system is provided which includes connector blocks that join serially-adjacent wall panel frames together in proper alignment with each other. These corner blocks also are matable with a system of spacer strips, light block strips, single-side trim covers and multi-side trim covers which enclose the connector blocks and connector structure. A corner spline arrangement is also provided between adjacent trim covers which spline extends vertically and defines a closed corner, right-angled corner between the interconnected trim covers.
US08015765B2
A decorative structure is provided that is suspended within a space and includes a flexible panel maintained in a flexed configuration. The decorative structure includes a cable that supports the flexible panel and that is connected to a biasing member. The biasing member cooperates with a portion of the flexible panel to maintain the panel in a flexed configuration. A method of configuring a decorative structure with a flexed panel is also provided.
US08015759B1
A structural support for supporting equipment on a rooftop, which is connected to a frame and to equipment to be supported, comprises a mechanism connecting a base cap and a base connector of the structural support. One of the base cap and the base connector includes at least one plate and the other of the base cap and the base connector includes a pair of plates that receives the at least one plate allowing for pivoting adjustments of the base connector about the base cap when the at least one plate is received within an opening between the pair of plates to achieve desired positioning of the base connector. In one example, a pair of base cap plates is received by a pair of inwardly biased base connector plates. Once a desired position is achieved, a fastening assembly secures the position of the base connector. The structural mounting may also include, for example, a base support, a base flashing, and a rubber base gasket.
US08015748B2
A collapsible trap (10) particularly suitable as a crab pot for trapping crabs. The collapsible trap (10) comprises a frame structure (13) having a central axis and pliant material such as netting (15) attached to the frame structure (13). A haul line (11) is connected to the frame structure (13). The frame structure (13) comprises a plurality of elongate frame elements (31). The frame structure (13) is moveable between a retracted condition in which the frame elements (31) extend generally parallel to central axis and an extended condition in which the frame elements (31) extend outwardly of the central axis giving form and shape to the netting (15) to provide an enclosure (17) defining an entrapment zone (19). When the frame structure (13) is in the retracted condition, the netting (15) can be wrapped about the frame structure (13) to assume a compact condition for storage and transportation. In one arrangement, the enclosure (17) is configured as a cage having several entry openings (27) through which crabs can enter the enclosure (17), and an access way (81) incorporating an opening (83) for retrieval of crabs trapped within the enclosure (17).
US08015744B1
A folding rear sight includes a base member and a spring-loaded sight housing that deploys into an operational position with a simple release lever. The sight includes two separate dual-purpose aiming elements, one fixed, and one that rotates between an inactive position and an active position in front of the fixed element. The top aiming end of the fixed aiming element includes a large diameter close quarter battle (CQB) aperture and an vertically extending sighting notch configured and arranged above the large CQB aperture. The top aiming end of the rotatable aiming element includes a smaller, long-range sighting aperture and an elongated vertically extending sighting notch configured and arranged above the smaller sighting aperture. The dual-purpose aiming elements provide standard aperture sights for situations where the soldier has reasonable time to aim the weapon. The notched sights above the apertures provide a larger, open sighting window, which is easier to align in stressful close combat situations, as well as long range sighting.
US08015742B2
A firearm includes a receiver, a lower receiver, a magazine supported by a magazine catch, a grip, a bolt and a bolt-slide, and a slide catch lever. The bolt and bolt-slide are moveable during the firing procedure of a shot. The slide catch lever automatically blocks the bolt-slide when the magazine is empty. The firearm also includes a moveable ergonomic control group that includes a control button to eject the magazine and activate the slide catch lever. The moveable ergonomic control group also includes a vertical rod, which extends above from the button as far as the slide catch lever. The moveable ergonomic control group is manually activated by the user with the same hand holding the grip.
US08015740B2
A construction for a firearm comprises an action, including a barrel, and a stock. The action is seated to the stock on a three-point bearing system comprising three bearings arranged in a triangular array. This provides for firm seating for the action and results in a more accurate firearm.
US08015737B2
A post cover with advertising for use with a substantially semi-circular guard post of the type commonly found surrounding fuel pumps at gasoline stations. The post cover has a substantially semi-circular shape with an interior cavity dimensioned to receive a generally semi-circular guard post in slip fit engagement. The cover is generally molded of a resilient, durable, low maintenance and exposure resistant structural plastic that can be treated during the molding process with coloring agents and chemical additives to enhance its esthetic and resiliency character respectively.
US08015730B2
An article of footwear with an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper may include one or more fluid systems with a pump chamber and a pressure chamber located adjacent to and below the pump chamber. In one configuration, at least a portion of a fluid within the pump chamber is separated from a fluid within the pressure chamber by a single layer of a polymer material. The fluid system may also include a fluid path extending between the pump chamber and the pressure chamber, and substantially all of the fluid path may be located between the pump chamber and the pressure chamber. In another configuration, at least one-half of a volume of the pump chamber may be located above a highest point of the pressure chamber.
US08015729B2
A draining insole for shoes that dislodges foreign objects therein is disclosed; the insole has a plurality of bridges projecting from the insole and with an upper surface on top of which the foot rests; the bridges extending wide-wise of the insole and separately distributed from each other alongside thereof. The insole also includes a plurality of channels, each one of the same separating a bridge from the other; each channel having a pair of open ends and a bottom with a gabled surface. In turn, these bridges are joined at areas where the foot might get hurt; each end of the channel is in fluid communication with one draining hole included in the shoe in order to dislodge foreign matter located at the insole.
US08015728B2
A shoe insert to be used for heating or cooling the foot. They are to be manufactured and sold as pairs of left and right shoe inserts. The insert has a number of components forming a sandwich within a sandwich. The outer sandwich has the shape of a shoe, and is partly adjustable in size to fit a range of shoe sizes. So, the inserts may be sold in sizes, for example, small, medium, and large, and these sizes may then be fine tuned to fit a sub-range of shoe sizes. The inner sandwich is smaller than the outer sandwich. The inner sandwich is a pouch positioned at the instep which ruptures when pressure is applied. This pouch contains a liquid that can then flow into a cushioned region. The cushioned region contains a chemical, which when combined with the liquid from the pouch, emits heat (exothermic reaction) or absorbs heat (endothermic reaction). An exothermic reaction would heat the foot while an endothermic reaction would cool the foot. The bottom component of the cushioned layer has round dimples into which a dry chemical can be placed. Alternatively the cushioned layer can have a liquid different from that in the pouch. Heating can be accomplished, for example, by precipitating a supersaturated solution of sodium acetate in water. Cooling can be accomplished, for example, by combining ammonium nitrate with water.
US08015723B2
A height measuring device and method of measuring height are disclosed. The device includes a first rod having a first opening through a first end of the first rod. The device also includes a second rod having a first opening through a first end of the second rod. The device further includes a first fastener positioned in the first opening of the first rod and the first opening of the second rod. The first fastener engages the first rod and the second rod. In one embodiment each rod includes a shrinkwrap sleeve having measurement markings thereon.
US08015715B2
A chain saw arrangement for cutting flat sides or kerfs on a round log or timber. The arrangement includes a chain saw housing at a first end of the chain saw. An elongated chain/blade supporting frame extends from the chain saw housing. A multi-tooth chain/blade is movably supported from the elongated frame. A support bracket is secured to one side of the elongated frame for providing restricted support of the chain/blade on a log or timber during cutting of a transverse kerf thereon.
US08015713B2
A portable handheld work apparatus has a housing (2) which has at least one intake opening (20). A drive motor (4) is mounted in the housing (2) and this drive motor drives a fan wheel (9). The fan wheel (9) inducts a cooling airflow (26) into the housing (2) through the intake opening (20). The cooling airflow (26) is moved to the drive motor (4) by the fan wheel (9). A driven drive element rotating about the rotational axis (35) is provided. To prevent a wrapping of long-fibrous material onto the rotating drive element, it is provided that the drive element is surrounded at least partially by a wrap protector (19, 39) fixed to the housing. The wrap protector has a radially outwardly directed flange (28) referred to the rotational axis (35). The flange (28) is at a distance (a) to an adjacent, rotatably driven component.
US08015712B2
A safety scalpel that incorporates a reusable metal scalpel handle similar in shape and feel to the conventional metal handle preferred by most surgeons, and a disposable blade cartridge that covers the blade before, during and after use, and is easily mounted and released from the scalpel handle. The blade cartridge includes a blade with similar cutting profiles as standard surgical blades, a blade holder that is permanently fixed to the blade, and a blade guard that covers the blade and within which the blade holder is able to slide. The scalpel handle is reusable, while the blade cartridge is disposable. The blade cartridge is attachable and detachable from the scalpel handle.
US08015708B2
A method and apparatus for manufacturing a tonewheel for vehicles. The method includes machining a material into a tonewheel shape, manufacturing a semi-finished tonewheel product having a sensing part in which a plurality of sensing holes is formed at regular intervals in a circumferential direction of the sensing part, by machining the tonewheel shape manufactured at the forming step, and manufacturing a finished tonewheel product having a sensing part of which deformation is recovered, by processing the sensing part of the semi-finished tonewheel product, which is deformed to be curved at the sensing-hole machining step, through a restrike mold. The apparatus is capable of performing the method.
US08015707B2
A welded assembly of combustion chamber elements is disclosed. Two subassemblies of the combustion chamber are fabricated by butt-welding, and a first subassembly has an intermediate connection ring welded thereto suitable for performing final welding with the second subassembly.
US08015703B2
A method of manufacturing a wired circuit board including a metal supporting board. An insulating layer is formed on the metal supporting board in a pattern in which concave portions are formed. A conductive pattern in a pattern having terminals for connecting with external terminals via a molten metal is formed on the metal supporting board and the insulating layer. The terminals include shoulder portions corresponding to the concave portions and are concaved downward from an upper surface. First through holes penetrate the terminals in a thickness direction thereof Second through holes are formed communicating with the first through holes in portions of the insulating layer corresponding to the terminals by removing the concave portions to expose a lower surface of the terminals such that the second through holes penetrate the insulating layer in a thickness direction thereof and have a diameter larger than that of the first through holes.
US08015694B2
Method for making a scissoring-type current-perpendicular-to-the-plane (CPP) magnetoresistive sensor
A “scissoring-type” current-perpendicular-to-the-plane (CPP) magnetoresistive sensor with dual ferromagnetic sensing or free layers separated by a nonmagnetic spacer layer has improved stability as a result of etch-induced uniaxial magnetic anisotropy in each of the free layers. Each of the two ferromagnetic free layers has an etch-induced uniaxial magnetic anisotropy and an in-plane magnetic moment substantially parallel to its uniaxial anisotropy in the quiescent state, i.e., the absence of an applied magnetic field. The etch-induced uniaxial anisotropy of each of the free layers is achieved either by direct ion etching of each of the free layers, and/or by ion etching of the layer on which each of the free layers is deposited. A strong magnetic anisotropy is induced in the free layers by the etching, which favors generally orthogonal orientation of the two free layers in the quiescent state.
US08015693B2
A method of forming a thin-film magnetic head comprises a lower magnetic pole layer forming step of forming a lower magnetic pole layer; a lower magnetic pole projection forming step of forming the lower magnetic pole layer with a lower magnetic pole projection; a gap layer forming step of laminating a nonmagnetic gap layer on the lower magnetic pole projection; and an upper magnetic pole forming step of forming an upper magnetic pole on the nonmagnetic gap layer. The lower magnetic pole projection forming step forms the lower magnetic pole projection by simultaneously etching an area including parts adjacent to a part to become the lower magnetic pole projection on both sides in a track width direction and a part adjacent to the part to become the lower magnetic pole projection on the side opposite from a medium-opposing surface in a surface of the lower magnetic pole layer.
US08015692B1
A method for providing a perpendicular magnetic recording head includes providing a metal underlayer and forming a trench in the metal underlayer. The trench has a bottom and a top wider than the bottom. The method also includes providing a PMR pole. At least a portion of the PMR pole resides in the trench. The method also includes providing a write gap on the PMR pole and providing a top shield on at least the write gap.
US08015686B2
In a method of supplying connecting elements to a processing unit, in which the connecting elements are placed in readiness by a supply unit and conveyed individually by a passage to a loading device arranged on the processing unit, the conveyance of the connecting elements takes place in two separate steps, a first step in which the connecting elements are individually conveyed by the supply unit into a intermediate reservoir arranged near the loading device, and a second step in which a single connecting element at a time is conveyed from the intermediate reservoir into the loading device of the processing unit. Specifically, at least two different connecting elements are picked up by the intermediate reservoir, and of the several connecting elements accommodated in the intermediate reservoir an arbitrary one determined by the processing operation is selected for the second step and conveyed to the loading device. A device for practicing the method includes an intermediate reservoir preceding the loading device comprising two storage chambers to accommodate two different connecting elements supplied by the passage, the storage chambers having an entrance opening and an exit opening alternately connectable to the associated segment of the passage.
US08015683B2
A pulley removal system used to remove a pulley attached to an internal combustion engine includes a plurality of puller jaw members adapted to be detachably and radially connected to a hub member. Each jaw member comprises an elongated body having a top surface, an underside surface, and first and second opposed ends. The first end is adapted to be attached to the hub member, and the second end has hooked tip free to grasp a flange of a pulley. The hooked tip has a terminal edge with predetermined dimensions that enable it to fit within different sized recesses in the flange of the different pulleys and an underside arcuate surface extending from the terminal edge and merging with the underside surface to form a bite that receives the flange when the terminal end fits within the recess in the flange. The thickness of the elongated body gradually decreases between the first and second opposed ends so the underside surface inclines towards the hooked tip and the thickness of the body is greater near the first end than near the second end.
US08015682B1
A breaching device (100) includes an elongated main body (4) that forms an outer surface (2) and has a front end (24). The elongated main body (4) divides along a length and forms substantially equal upper (20) and lower (22) portions. A first curved handle (6) is attached to the outer surface (2) and extends a first height (21) over a portion of the upper portion (20). A partition (10) is attached to the outer surface (2) between the first curved handle (6) and the front end (24), and extends a second height (15) over the upper portion (20) and generally transverse to the length of the elongated main body (4). The second height (15) is greater than the first height (21).
US08015677B2
An embalming fluid together with methods and kits for use in preparing the present embalming fluid, are provided, in which the fluid includes a pseudoplasticizing vegetable based, water-soluble polymer and a non-toxic disinfectant and which is essentially free from aldehyde. The preferred disinfectant is an iodine-based disinfectant, polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine being particularly preferred.
US08015676B1
A snap hook that includes gate that includes and aperture that accepts a male portion that protrudes from the nose portion of the hook is disclosed. The coupling of the nose portion and the gate prevents the unwanted opening of the gate while the hook is under extreme loads. Still further, the use of a slide bar that is moved through translation and rotation when opening the gate of the hook is also disclosed. The translation and rotation motion provides improved cooperation of the components and improves the resistance of undesired movement of the slide bar by forces against a protrusion on the slide bar, and thus provides greater resistance to unwanted opening of the gate.
US08015675B2
A clamp adapted to clamp a bar, particularly supporting components such as guides of conveyors of articles. The clamp includes: a clamp body, adapted to accommodate the support bar for supporting the components, with the possibility of adjusting the relative position of the bar with respect to the clamp by longitudinally sliding the bar; positioning means arranged to have a first working position in which the positioning means are elastically urged in abutment against the bar to engage at least positioning notch, provided on the bar, upon reaching a predetermined position, so as to essentially prevent a further longitudinal sliding of the bar once said predetermined position is reached. The clamp further includes tightening means, distinct from said positioning means and adapted in use to hold the bar in position against displacements with respect to the clamp body.
US08015671B2
A plastic strap particularly useful for automated strapping machines is formed with an integrated, longitudinally disposed rib for enhancing the stiffness of the strap. The strap is formed with at least one rib extending longitudinally from a first end of the strap to a second end of the strap. The rib preferably extends upwardly from the top surface of the strap and comprises, preferably, a slight arcuate profile. The profile of the rib, the number of ribs, and the location of the ribs on the strap may vary depending upon the desired longitudinal stiffness of the strap and the desired width and thickness of the strap. The ribs may be centered across the width the strap or offset. The strap further comprises side panels that are parallel to the longitudinal plane of the strap and outer edges that are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal plane of the strap. The geometry of the strap prevents the strap from twisting and permits overlapping sections of the strap to interlock and self-align during sealing. The rib is formed by passing the heated strap through a rolling mechanism configured to form the desired rib profile in the strap while exerting compressive forces on the side panels of the strap.
US08015668B2
A hinge assembly includes a pivotal shaft, a connecting member, a supporting member, a stationary member having an engaging surface, a rotating member having a receiving surface, and a locking member. A first end of the pivotal shaft is fixed to the connecting member. A second of the pivotal shaft is passed through the supporting member, the stationary member, the rotating member, and the locking member. The stationary member is fixed on the supporting member and is rotatable relative to the pivotal shaft. The rotating member is non-rotatable relative to the pivotal shaft. The engaging surface forms two first positioning protrusions and two second positioning protrusions. The receiving surface defines two first positioning grooves to receive the first positioning protrusions and two second positioning grooves to receive the second positioning protrusions. A height of each second positioning protrusion is larger than a height of each first positioning protrusion.
US08015665B2
A spring hinge comprises a frame leaf, door leaf, upper and lower tube sections to fixedly connect with frame leaf, and middle tube section to fixedly connect with door leaf, wherein middle tube section is internally made with a hydraulic damping speed reducing device; lower tube section is internally installed with a torsion spring device, wherein torsion spring being completely sleeved on the exterior of spindle rod is affixed to the spring seat at the lower end thereof, and an upper and lower clutching device is installed between middle tube section and torsion spring device thereby allowing middle tube section and torsion spring device to be separated or combinedly moved, wherein torsion spring and hydraulic damping speed reducing device are packagely used to close door slowly while releasing spring energy after closing to set angle to precisely close the door.
US08015663B2
A three component swiveling and rolling glide device, of which two components comprise the mounting assembly and one is an exchangeable base. The mounting assembly is designed to accept multiple fasteners such as screws, bolts, pins or nails. The glide base is removable by finger pressure only without the need for tools enabling the easy interchangeability of the glide base and the fastener as desired. This glide also has a tandem swiveling and rolling capability and will adapt to a singular rolling function in deep carpets or whenever the glide is at maximum tilt. The hard base has a unique base design to encourage the swiveling and rolling action of the glide. The soft base can accept different materials for the specific need, such as, felt to protect hardwood or tile flooring or rubber for a non-skid function. This glide is designed to combine all the above functions, allowing it to adapt to multiple furniture and flooring styles.
US08015662B2
A cleaning device is provided. The cleaning device may include a handle, an activation mechanism moveable between a first position and a second position by a user of the device, a hollow member having a suction opening at an end of the hollow member, an electrically powered motor configured to produce suction at the suction opening, and a bristle support member pivotable relative to the hollow member. The bristle support member may include a plurality of bristles attached thereto. The bristle support member may be operatively coupled to the activation mechanism. When the activation mechanism is in the first position, the bristle support member may be in a closed position adjacent to the suction opening of the hollow member and the plurality of bristles may be positioned to perform a sweeping function. When the activation mechanism is moved to the second position, the bristle support member may be pivoted away from the suction opening of the hollow member to an open position to provide access to the suction opening.
US08015659B2
A vacuum cleaner is provided having improved pressure loss characteristics. A fluid supply conduit in flow communication with an inlet to a cyclone is integrally formed as part of a cyclone bin. The present invention may be adapted for use with cyclonic separation devices of all types, including single- and multi-stage cyclonic separators.
US08015654B2
An apparatus for washing hands and/or fingernails includes a brush assembly attached to a water faucet. The brush assembly includes a backplane with two opposed brushes attached to the backplane such that the bristles on each brush face outward from the backplane. A clamping mechanism removable attaches the brush assembly to the faucet. The clamping mechanism is pivotable on the faucet so the user can move the brush assembly into the water stream to use the brushes and out of the water stream for rinsing.
US08015653B2
An applicator device for applying a substance to an area of the body that is difficult to reach includes a collapsible handle and a head portion rotatably mounted on one end. The head portion includes an attachment means, which can comprise either a field of hooks or a field of loops. The attachment means receives a two-sided pad engagement member that preferably has fields of loops or hooks on one side to engage the respective hooks or loops of the attachment member, and a field of hooks on its opposite side. The hooks of the pad engagement member can securely retain a pad that carries the substance to be applied to the body.
US08015649B2
An interdental treatment device, such as a toothbrush, includes a handle configured to accommodate an electric power source, a head carrying an interdental treatment tool, and a neck between the handle and the head. The head or neck includes a mechanical motorized vibratory device, including a drive which causes the head to vibrate. Electrical connections are operably connected to the mechanical vibratory device and the electric power source to power the mechanical vibratory device via the electrical connections. In various embodiments, a switch may be operably connected to at least one of the electrical connections to interrupt power from the power source to the mechanical motorized vibratory device. In various embodiments, a vibration-damping structure dampens vibration transmission from the head to the handle.
US08015645B2
A method for controlling a washing machine is provided. The method includes setting a washing pattern in a present operation of the washing machine in consideration of a hardness of water calculated in a previous operation of the washing machine, operating the washing machine based on the set washing pattern, and calculating and storing a hardness of the water in the present operation of the washing machine to set a next washing pattern in the next operation of the washing machine, thereby having the optimum washing or rinsing capacity of the washing machine in consideration of different characteristics of water by regional groups.
US08015644B2
A method for controlling a washing machine is disclosed. The method for controlling a washing machine having a steam generator includes a step of automatically discharging water of the steam generator outside of the steam generator during the operation of the washing machine. Therefore, according to the present invention, foreign substances may be efficiently prevented from precipitating in the steam generator.
US08015638B2
An X-linked lift mechanism having first links (3) and second links (4) constituting an X-linked mechanism between a base frame (1) and a lift frame (2). A drive member (11) is pivotally rotatably installed between the other lateral side portions of the second links and is connected with boost arms (12) and a drive arm (13). Guide members (15) are provided for guiding the moving members (14) installed at the ends of the boost arms. The guide members are installed on the other lateral side portions of the first links in the length direction. Also, a linear actuator is provided so as to extend between the other lateral side of the first links and the drive arm.
US08015637B2
The patchwork baby blanket is especially adapted for use by infants and toddlers. The blanket incorporates patches or sections that are detachably connected to create the blanket. The sections are fabricated from soft, pliable, washable material. The sections are decorated with colors and designs that are pleasing to infants and toddlers. Fasteners are provided around the perimeter of each section so that the sections can be easily interlocked.
US08015633B2
A shower curtain rod assembly including a shower curtain rod, a mount for mounting the shower curtain road on a first end thereof, and a moveable mount for mounting the shower curtain rod on a second end thereof. The shower curtain is moveable from a first position to a second position to increase the volume of space enclosed by the shower curtain.
US08015632B2
A wall mounting for a shower is mounted such as to pivot about a horizontal axis at the end thereof against the wall (1). The arm (5) has a fork at the separation from the fixing end. A clamp holder is provided in the region of the front end thereof in which a shower head (8) can be introduced. The fixing between the shower head (8) and the mounting is made by a friction connection, whereby the housing of the shower head is embodied such that it cannot be recognized from the form thereof that said housing serves for fixing.
US08015630B2
A valve mechanism for controlling release of pressurized fluid includes a fluid chamber. A plunger is received in an aperture in the fluid chamber, and is movable between a fluid retention position in which fluid is substantially trapped in the fluid chamber and a fluid release position in which fluid can escape from the fluid chamber through passages in the plunger. The plunger is biased into the fluid retention position. A driver drives a plunger actuator, and the plunger actuator is guided into engagement with the plunger to cause the plunger and the plunger actuator to move in unison and move the plunger into the fluid release position during a first portion of a stroke of the driver towards the fluid chamber, and the plunger actuator is further guided to permit the plunger to return to the fluid retention position during a second portion of the stroke.
US08015629B2
A device useful for the delivery of a treatment composition, and a fragrancing effect to a sanitary appliance, especially a toilet bowl.
US08015624B2
A helmet system that employs an outer shell and a unitary inner shell formed with compatible grooves and ridges respectively. The outer shell is formed with a switch. The outer shell and inner shell are further secured together via magnetic force or a system of springs and levers in conjunction with the switch that allows for a user of the helmet system to seamlessly remove the outer shell through either a set amount of breakaway force or by using the switch.
US08015623B2
A belt extender for installation on a belt with a removable buckle comprising a main body with a first end and a second end, a metal tab fixedly attached to and extending from a first end of the main body of the belt extender, and a longitudinal slot roughly centrally disposed on the main body of the belt extender. The main body folds over itself at a fold line that extends through the center of the longitudinal slot and is secured in place with snap fasteners to create a folded end. A belt buckle comprising a tongue and a frame is installed on the folded end of the belt extender by sliding the frame of the belt buckle over the second end of the belt extender and inserting the tongue through the longitudinal slot prior to folding. The metal tab is inserted into a longitudinal slot on the buckle end of the belt strap and rotated so that the main body of the belt extender is aligned with the belt strap on the buckle end of the belt.
US08015622B1
A sterile glove that includes a hand and finger portion, a cuff having an inside surface and an outside surface, and a cuff rim. The cuff is adapted to be folded over at a fold when the glove is packaged, and a portion of the inside surface of the cuff becomes an outer facing surface when it is folded over. The glove further includes a detachable tab that is coupled to the inside surface and includes a free end and a non-free end. The glove further includes a detachable shield covering at least a portion of the outer facing surface when the cuff is folded over at the fold.
US08015620B2
Vapor permeable retroreflective material for use on protective garments. The material may be formed in a non-continuous pattern that provides a high-level of retroreflective brightness, yet also provides adequate permeability to prevent exposure to trapped thermal energy and heated moisture. The non continuous retroreflective pattern may include retroreflective regions and non retroreflective regions arranged such that thermal decay through the protective garment is not substantially decreased in the regions corresponding to the retroreflective material. Rather, vapor permeation and thermal decay through the garment may be substantially the same as if the retroreflective material was not present.
