US08033311B2
Tire having a crown, a crown reinforcement, sidewalls and beads, a carcass reinforcement passing into the sidewalls and anchored in the beads. The anchoring is accomplished, in at least one bead, by a circumferential alignment of an anchoring reinforcing member oriented circumferentially and cooperating with a rubber composition. The anchoring reinforcing member is a metal cable having a construction M+N with an inner layer C1 of M wires of diameter d1 wound together in a helix at a pitch p1 , this layer C1 being surrounded by an outer layer C2 of N wires of diameter d2 wound together in a helix at a pitch p2. This anchoring cable satisfies (d1, d2, p1 and p2 being expressed in mm): 2≦M≦4, M+3≦N ≦M+7, 0.25
US08033307B2
A routing machine comprises a base unit and a motor unit releasably connected to the base unit. The base unit includes a handle and a first electrical connector. The motor unit includes an electric motor, motor control circuitry configured to energize or de-energize the electric motor, and a second electrical connector connected to the motor control circuitry. The second electrical connector is configured to engage the first electrical connector when the motor unit is properly seated on the base unit. An electric switch is positioned on the base unit. The motor control circuitry is configured to deliver electric power to the electric motor when the switch is in an on position. The motor control circuitry is configured to not provide electric power to the electric motor when the switch is in an off position.
US08033305B2
In order to create a simply designed actuating device with a reliable handling for a rapid coupling (10) for transferring gaseous and/or liquid fluids, comprising a tubular housing (11) and a slide (41), which is mounted in a manner that enables it to be displaced relative to the housing and which is coupled to a lever mechanism (42), the invention provides that the lever mechanism (42) has at least one pivoting lever (43) laterally mounted inside said housing (11).
US08033296B2
A control module for a multi-nozzle shower has a body, a control panel and a controlling assembly. The body is mounted securely in the shower and defines at least one chamber having valve seats, at least one inlet and multiple outlets respectively communicating with the nozzles. The control panel is mounted securely on the body and seals the at least one chamber. The controlling assembly is mounted in the control panel and has multiple valve disks and buttons. The valve disks selectively block the valve seats to stop water flow. The buttons connected to the valve disks and are arranged on the control panel and selectively actuate the valve disks to block the valve seats. Thereby, people can conveniently control water discharged from different nozzles or showerheads of the shower.
US08033292B2
A heated humidifier including an autofeed mechanism disposed within a humidifier chamber. The autofeed mechanism includes a housing, a float, a stem, and a sealing body. The housing defines an inlet, an outlet, a first chamber connected to the inlet, and a second chamber connected to the outlet and the first chamber by a channel. The float moves within the second chamber with the stem projecting therefrom and through the channel. The sealing body is within the first chamber and cooperates with the stem. In an open state, the sealing body is displaced from the channel to permit filling of the humidifier chamber. In a closed state, the sealing body seals the channel to prevent liquid flow to the outlet. A location of the sealing body relative to the channel is controlled by the float as a function of a humidifier chamber liquid level.
US08033284B2
A method for treating selected tissue, including exposing the selected bone or tissue to laser light having a wavelength between approximately 600 and 1400 nm, and maintaining such exposure of the selected tissue or bone to the laser light for a period of time sufficient to deliver a laser light dosage of at least 7 Joules/cm2 per treatment and maintaining such exposure for a period of time sufficient to deliver a laser light dosage of at least 1500 Joules per treatment within a 24 hour period of time. The method also includes upcollimating the laser light such that the laser delivers to the selected tissue a substantially coherent beam of laser light having a cross-sectional area of at least 2 cm2, and, further, delivering the laser light to a depth of at least 5 mm in the selected tissue.
US08033282B2
In one embodiment, an oral appliance includes a first arch adapted to receive at least some of a user's teeth and a second arch adapted to receive at least some of the user's teeth. The first arch includes an anterior substantially planar region. The second arch includes an anterior bearing point that contacts the anterior substantially planar region of the first arch when the user bites down with the oral appliance inserted in the user's mouth and the user's temporomandibular joint in its proper natural position. In a more particular embodiment, the oral appliance may be used to help maintain stability of one or more aspects of the user's masticatory system, including at least helping to maintain proper positioning of the user's temporomandibular joint.
US08033280B2
Inhalation anaesthesia delivery system and a leak detecting method, whereby the system comprises a fresh gas feeding arrangement connected to a breathing circuit, a monitor device, The monitor device is configured to monitor gas concentrations in the breathing circuit by using a sampling line. The monitor device is configured to measure at least two gas components' concentrations and identify changes, which are simultaneous towards the known ambient air concentration values of the two gas components' concentrations measured.
US08033275B2
A crossbow may include a main beam: (a) a bow assembly including a bow and a bow string adapted to propel an arrow; (b) a trigger mechanism mounted to the main beam; (c) and a bow assembly mounting apparatus for use in selectively mounting the bow assembly at a first location on the main beam to provide a first draw weight and for use in selectively mounting the bow assembly to a second location on the main beam to provide a second draw weight that is substantially different from the first draw weight.
US08033263B2
A cylinder head gasket is installed in an open-deck engine. The cylinder head gasket includes a first metal plate, a second metal plate having an inner portion disposed on a folded portion of the first metal plate and an outer portion outside the folded portion, an annular bead plate, and an intermediate plate provided between the outer portion of the second metal plate and a base portion of the first metal plate and having a half bead extending from an inner periphery of the inner end portion toward the base portion of the first metal plate. A cylindrical portion of the open-deck engine has a thickness partly changing between inner and outer peripheries thereof. The inner periphery of the intermediate plate is located on the cylinder portion along the outer periphery, a distance of the outer periphery from the inner periphery changing according to the thickness of the cylindrical portion.
US08033252B2
An aquarium which includes a tank having a pump and an under gravel filter disposed in the tank below the pump and a sediment removal system for collecting and removing sediment which passes through the under gravel filter. The under gravel filter includes a hollow bubble dispersing base plate having a perforated top surface and an overlying substrate. An air conduit is provided for introducing air into the pump. The pump is connected to the plate such as to pump water and air into the interior of the plate to thereby cause oxygenated water and bubbles to exit upwardly through the perforated top surface of the plate and into and through the substrate. The pump includes a free floating magnetic impeller. A rotational torque generating unit is provided to rotate the impeller. The rotational torque generating unit includes a magnetic drive disk and a motor for rotating the magnetic drive disk. The pump and rotational torque generating unit are aligned with each other such that a magnetic field is established between the magnetic drive disk and the magnetic impeller, the magnetic field rotating upon rotation of the magnetic drive disk to thereby rotate the impeller.
US08033249B1
A mat intended to be placed in proximity to a litter box so that a pet exiting the litter box will walk over the mat with the result that particles of litter temporarily adhering to the feet of the pet will be dislodged through interaction with the structure of the mat, the dislodged litter particles being collectible in medially disposed channels formed in the mat which facilitate pouring of the particles back into the litter box. The litter mat is structurally configured and formed of a material that facilitates cleaning of the mat.
US08033239B2
A mark retaining structure of a micro-differential pressure gauge includes a mark member attached to the edge of the micro-differential pressure gauge for indicating the critical value. The mark member includes an engaging portion, an extension board and a hook to engage with a recess and a circular flange of the micro-differential pressure gauge. The present invention provides a positioning function.
US08033238B2
Provided is an indicator display device displaying information by using an indicator, and more particularly, provided is an indicator display device having a simplified configuration and including a small module. The indicator display device includes a stepping motor; an indicator which is connected to the stepping motor and rotates by a driving force provided by the stepping motor; and an indicator position detector which detects a relative position of the indicator with regard to the stepping motor.
US08033235B2
A water craft (10) includes a hull (12) defining two cavities (18). An inflatable chamber (22) is arranged in each cavity (18), for displacing water from hull (12), in use, to increase the buoyancy of the craft (10). As the chamber (22) is inflated, it expands to reduce the free space available for water in the cavity (18), so as to directly expel water from the cavity (18). The chamber (22) can be deflated, in order to flood the cavity and thereby sink the craft (10). The craft (10) is intended to be operated in a normal buoyant mode and in a submarine mode, and includes propeller means (34). The craft may be in the form of a catamaran-type vessel, a jet-ski, or a submersible tank.
US08033233B2
An automatically and remotely operable retractable mooring cleat. The retractable cleat is mountable in a surface, such as the deck, of a marine vessel. A source of motive energy forms part of an actuation mechanism energisable by a user to extend or retract cleat members from the surface. The cleat members each travel along diverging paths as they extend and travel along the same respective paths as they are retracted. The cleat is thereby able to extricate itself from an attached mooring line as it retracts. Multiple retractable cleats may be positioned about a marine vessel, each of which is operable remotely to extend or retract. Single-handed launching of a moored vessel is therefore possible.
US08033231B2
Panel quilting machines having an in-line splicing tool capable of splicing a new supply of fabric into a web of material being provided to a panel quilting machine while allowing for continuous operation of the panel quilting machine. The systems and methods described herein include, in certain embodiments, an in-line accumulator for creating a temporary in-line supply of material for use by the panel quilting machine while an exhausted supply of material is replaced with a new supply of material.
US08033226B2
A pallet includes a platform and a plurality of support assemblies located at multiple positions on the platform. One support assembly is associated with each location of the component to be supported. Each support assembly has a linkage assembly to support and enable movement of a support element. The support assemblies also each include multiple bases secured to the platform, to position the support element in a desired location for each version of a component. A locking mechanism on each support element allows for selectively preventing vertical movement of the support element relative to the pallet.
US08033210B2
A motor having two series of distribution ducts each having two groups of ducts. The displacement selector is able to occupy a large displacement position in which the first groups of distribution ducts of the first series are connected to a main duct while the second groups are connected to the other main duct, and a small displacement configuration in which the first group of distribution ducts of the first series is connected to a main duct, the second group of distribution ducts of the first series is connected to the other main duct and a bypass connection exists between the first and the second group of distribution ducts of the second series. The device has a restriction in order, in the small displacement configuration, to restrict this bypass connection.
US08033209B2
A lifting mechanism has a continuously variable lifting mechanism valve, with a multi-position valve, by way of which a lifting cylinder can be made to communicate with a pump or a tank. In the flow path of the pressure fluid from the multi-position valve to a pressure chamber, effective in the “carrying” direction, of the lifting cylinder, there is a relief pressure limiting valve, by way of which a relief pressure can be proportionally set. During relief pressure regulation, a metering aperture, which is predetermined by the proportionally variable multi-position valve, is opened, so that the volumetric flow of pressure fluid to the tank is minimized via the pressure limiting valve.
US08033205B2
A roof shingle peeler device which comprises a saw blade, a motor to operate the saw blade, a horizontal arm and skiis to regulate the depth of the saw blade, a wedge to remove the nails and shingles from the roof deck and enable the saw blade to cut the shingles into a predefined section, and a frame to facilitate the transportation of the predefined section of shingles for being received and collected into a bag for disposal. A hoist and return hoist are used to pull the roof shingle peeler device up and down the roof deck from the base to the crest while removing shingles.
US08033199B1
Nail set hammer with a hand held hammer, a nail set tool, a cover panel, a compression spring and a magnet. The hammer handle has a recessed portion capable of storing the nail set tool. The recess portion is enclosed by the cover panel which is flush with the outside surface of the hammer handle. The cover panel includes a downwardly disposed magnet that holds the nail set tool in place within the recess. The cover is attached to the handle by a hinge pin so that when a person presses on the end of the cover panel, the nail set tool is lifted from within the recess so that it can be removed by the user. The nail set tool can be easily removed and replaced from the recess by the user without undue interruption of the nailing or nail setting operations being performed by the user.
US08033195B2
Provided is a screw device capable of reducing noise generated therefrom.The screw device has a screw shaft 5 having a rolling-element rolling groove 5a spirally formed on an outer peripheral surface of the screw shaft; a nut 6 having a loaded rolling-element rolling groove 6a spirally formed on an inner peripheral surface of the nut and facing the rolling-element rolling groove 5a of the screw shaft 5 and a rolling-element return path connecting an end of the loaded rolling-element rolling groove 6a with an other end thereof; and a plurality of rolling elements 7 arranged in a rolling-element circulation path. A low-noise plate 12 is mounted on a flange 9 provided at an axial end of the nut 6 so that the low-noise plate 12 covers at least a part of an end surface of the flange 9.
US08033190B2
A measuring device incorporating a substrate with sensors that measure the processing conditions that a wafer may undergo during manufacturing. The substrate can be inserted into a processing chamber by a robot head and the measuring device can transmit the conditions in real time or store the conditions for subsequent analysis. Sensitive electronic components of the device can be distanced or isolated from the most deleterious processing conditions in order increase the accuracy, operating range, and reliability of the device. Isolation may be provided by vacuum or suitable material and phase change material may be located adjacent to electronics to maintain a low temperature.
US08033181B2
A system is provided for both reading an optical identification mark, such as a bar code, on a fastener and for making ultrasonic load measurements in the fastener using a single probe for use during fastener installation with assembly tools and for the inspection of load in preinstalled fasteners. The probe includes both a fiber optic imaging cable and at least one electrical conductor. The fiber optic imaging cable is optically coupled to an imaging device such as a bar code reader allowing the bar code reader to be located remote from the fastener. The electrical conductor provides an electrical connection from the ultrasonic transducer on the fastener to load measurement instrumentation. The probe is further capable of providing illumination of the bar code to facilitate reading of the bar code.
US08033179B2
A dry, front-flush, pressure measuring transducer, which enables reliable measurements over a large temperature range. The transducer includes: a process connection made of a stainless steel and serving for securing the pressure measuring transducer to a measuring site; and a pressure sensor module, including a holder of stainless steel, into which a metal separating diaphragm is set front-flushly by means of a purely metal connection. A pressure to be measured acts on the separating diaphragm during measurement operation. The holder is set front-flushly by means of a purely metal connection into the process connection. The pressure sensor module further includes a titanium disk which is carried by the holder. A sapphire carrier with integrated silicon sensors is secured to the titanium disk. The titanium disk forms the separating diaphragm or it is physically connected with the separating diaphragm in such a manner that a deflection of the separating diaphragm effects a corresponding deflection of the titanium disk.
US08033173B2
Ultrasonic waveguides having improved velocity gain are disclosed for use in ultrasonic medical devices. Specifically, the ultrasonic waveguides comprises a first material having a higher acoustic impedance and a second material having a lower acoustic impedance.
US08033171B2
A detection apparatus is provided which includes a cantilever vibration gyro including a piezoelectric element having a first side provided with a drive electrode and a pair of detection electrodes sandwiching the drive electrode with predetermined gaps therebetween and a second side opposed to the first side and provided with a common electrode, which vibrates by a drive signal input between the drive electrode and the common electrode and generates a pair of detected signals corresponding to Coriolis force from the detection electrodes. The detection apparatus also includes a bias applying section for applying a bias voltage to the detection electrodes, an adding section adding the pair of detected signals, a first phase delay section delaying a phase of the detected signal obtained by the addition by a range larger than 45° and smaller than 90°, and an amplitude control section controlling the delayed detected signal to a predetermined voltage amplitude to output as the drive signal.
US08033169B2
The present invention relates to a measuring chamber (6) for an ultrasonic bath (1) or for a container which is equipped with a low-frequency ultrasonic source (2) for cavitation generation, this measuring chamber being suitable for determining the cavitation energy via the increase in volume in a measuring liquid (10) contained in the measuring chamber, and the measuring chamber having in addition a container (7) with a sound-permeable window region (8) and a sensor (9) for measuring the increase in volume of the measuring liquid (10).In addition, a method for operating this measuring chamber is presented.With the measuring chamber according to the invention or the corresponding method (independent of a prescribed ultrasonic bath), reliable determination of the introduced ultrasonic power or a conclusion about the cleaning power is possible.
US08033167B2
A system for providing a catalyst to a first flow of gas. The first flow of gas has an operating pressure. A pipe carries the first flow of gas from a compressor of a turbocharger to a combustion chamber. The operating pressure of the first flow of gas varies in accordance with an operation of the compressor. The system includes an enclosure, a pump, and an atomizer. The enclosure receives a portion of the first flow of gas at the operating pressure. The pump is positioned in the enclosure. The pump receives from within the enclosure the portion of the first flow of gas. The pump provides the portion of the first flow of gas at a second pressure. Any gas that exits the enclosure is provided by the pump at the second pressure. The atomizer receives a solution having the catalyst and provides a vapor having the catalyst. The portion of the first flow of gas at the second pressure carries the vapor out of the system and into the first flow of gas for delivery to the combustion chamber. A magnitude of the second pressure comprises a magnitude of the operating pressure plus a magnitude of a pressure increase provided by the pump.
US08033166B2
A spark plug sensor antenna including an external housing; and a printed circuit board disposed within the exterior housing, the printed circuit board having a first side and a second side and a first plurality of serpentine traces disposed on one of the first side and second side for receiving radio frequency signals generated by the spark of a spark plug.
US08033163B2
The present invention includes a device and method for more particularly evaluating the compaction of soil by automating the use of a prior art dynamic cone penetrometer such that user error and error caused by field conditions are eliminated. Recordation of penetrometer data previously not recorded is made more precise by the present invention such that standardized measurement results. The device further includes means for facilitating the determination of compaction of soils through keyhole openings and a means for automating the collection and processing of the generated compaction data.
US08033161B2
An apparatus for determining the integrity of an antenna system, including a controller, at least one valve operationally connected to the controller, a source of pressurized gas, at least one microwave antenna and a pressure sensor. The at least one microwave antenna is fluidly connected to the pressurized gas by way of the at least one valve. The pressure sensor is in communication with the controller. The pressure sensor senses the pressure of the pressurized gas. The controller is configured to check for a gas leak in the at least one microwave antenna by checking for a change in the pressure with the at least one valve being alternatively opened and closed.
US08033155B2
The present invention relates to a press die set for forming a flange that bends an edge of a part, such as a door panel and a hood panel, at a right angle in a press-forming direction and bends an edge adjacent to the edge at a negative angle, and a flange forming method. The press die set for forming a flange according to the present invention can accomplish the flange formation described above in one step, has a simple structure, and is easy to maintain.
US08033150B2
A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a cylinder body with a longitudinal axis. A plug assembly is disposed in the cylinder body and is rotatable between a first position and a second position, the plug assembly having a lock face with a tool receiving aperture. A plurality of key followers and a corresponding plurality of racks are disposed in the plug assembly. The plurality of racks is selectively engageable with the plurality of key followers. A first member is coupled to the plurality of racks. The first member is moveable in response to application of a force against the first member by a tool received through the tool receiving aperture. The first member is configured to simultaneously disengage all of the plurality of racks from the plurality of key followers in response to the movement of the first member.
US08033144B2
In a foreign materials filtering apparatus and a washing machine having the same, a filter cover is installed at a washing water circulating duct disposed inside a washing tub, and a net filter is installed at an inner side of the filter cover. Accordingly, the net filter is prevented from directly contacting laundry, thereby preventing the not filter and the laundry from being damaged. Furthermore, since the net filter is covered by the filter cover, the entire appearance is enhanced. Additionally, when the net filter is mounted at the filter cover, the filter unit becomes modularized to be facilitate a detachable mounting.
US08033140B1
Magnesium silicate mineral wools having a relatively high liquidus temperature of at least about 1400° C. and to methods for the production thereof are provided. The methods of the present invention comprise melting a magnesium silicate feedstock (e.g., comprising a serpentine or olivine ore) having a liquidus temperature of at least about 1400° C. to form a molten magnesium silicate, and subsequently fiberizing the molten magnesium silicate to produce a magnesium silicate mineral wool. In one embodiment, the magnesium silicate feedstock contains iron oxide (e.g., up to about 12% by weight). Preferably, the melting is performed in the presence of a reducing agent to produce an iron alloy, which can be separated from the molten ore. Useful magnesium silicate feedstocks include, without limitation, serpentine and olivine ores. Optionally, silicon dioxide can be added to the feedstock to lower the liquidus temperature thereof.
US08033133B2
A refrigerator includes a refrigerator housing, a fresh food compartment disposed within the refrigerator housing, a door for providing access to the fresh food compartment, and an ice bin at the door, the ice bin having a window for viewing an ice level within the ice bin. An ice storage bin includes an ice storage bin body having an insulated front, a back, a bottom, opposite sides, and an open top, and a first window pane and a second window pane positioned at the front of the ice storage bin to allow for viewing the ice level within the ice storage bin. There may be an air gap between the first window pane and the second window pane.
US08033130B2
A refrigerator having a body defined with a plurality of cooling compartments, a plate arranged to partition the cooling compartments, and a cold air supplier arranged at one wall of the plate, to supply a cold air to at least one of the cooling compartments.
US08033126B2
A flow controlling assembly configured to permit air flow between a first chamber and a second chamber. A frame member includes a damper contacting surface at least partially surrounding a frame opening configured to permit the air flow therethrough. A damper plate includes a frame contacting surface configured to contact the damper contacting surface when the damper plate is in a closed position. A hinge assembly is disposed between the frame member and the damper plate. The hinge assembly is configured to permit the damper plate to rotate on a rotational axis relative to the frame member and to permit the rotational axis to translate relative to the frame member.
US08033120B2
The use of pentafluoropropene (HFO-1225) and tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234) in refrigeration equipment is disclosed. These materials are generally useful as refrigerants for heating and cooling, as blowing agents, as aerosol propellants, as solvent composition, and as fire extinguishing and suppressing agents.
US08033113B2
A fuel injection system comprises a fuel conveying member and a nozzle tip assembly threadably engaged thereto. A pair of sealing elements is engaged in a fuel passage between the fuel conveying member and the nozzle tip for sealing the junction therebetween. The pair of sealing elements includes a first and a second sealing element located proximate each other and having different cross-sectional shape.
US08033101B2
An exhaust-gas system has an exhaust-gas pipe for guiding an exhaust-gas flow and an injection nozzle mounted to the exhaust-gas pipe for injecting reducing agent into the exhaust-gas flow. Downstream of the injection nozzle, the exhaust-gas pipe branches into at least two exhaust-gas lines. A fluid divider, formed with a front face that faces upstream into the gas flow, is disposed between the injection nozzle and the branching. The front face is oriented with respect to the cross section of the exhaust-gas pipe and the injection nozzle, such that the exhaust-gas flow and the medium are divided among the exhaust-gas lines in a predefined dividing ratio.
US08033097B2
An exhaust control device for an internal combustion engine, comprises: a NOx purifying catalyst disposed in an exhaust system; and a rich control means for calculating a fuel injection amount based on a difference between a target exhaust air fuel ratio and an actual exhaust air fuel ratio to feedback-control the actual exhaust air fuel ratio so that a reducing atmosphere is created in the exhaust system to thereby reduce NOx trapped by the NOx purifying catalyst, wherein the rich control means includes a learning means for calculating and updating a control correction value of the fuel injection amount based on an actual control value of the fuel injection amount during the feedback control, and wherein the fuel injection amount is calculated during the feedback control by using the control correction value.
US08033094B2
A tip turbine engine (10) according to the present invention includes an engine support structure (12) for cantilevering a load bearing shaft from an engine support plane (P). An engine support structure (12) defines the engine support plane (P), which is perpendicular to an engine centerline (A). The shaft (60) is rotationally fixed, coaxial with the engine centerline (A), and structurally supported by the engine support structure (12) such that a load borne by the shaft (60) is transferred along the engine support plane.
US08033093B2
A gas turbine apparatus is used in, for example, a power generation apparatus. The gas turbine apparatus according to the present invention includes a turbine, an air compressor rotatable integrally with the turbine, a recuperator for performing heat exchange between air compressed by the air compressor and an exhaust gas discharged from the turbine, a combustor for combusting a fuel mixed with the compressed air heated by the recuperator so as to produce a combustion gas, and an outer tube, an intermediate tube, and an inner tube which are coaxially arranged. An outer passage is formed between the outer tube and the intermediate tube, an intermediate passage is formed between the intermediate tube and the inner tube, and an inner passage is formed in the inner tube.
US08033078B2
A method of mounting elements inside a wind generator tower which is made from various different sections of metal. Elements such as ladders, platforms, and electric cables are fixed to auxiliary supports such as beams or rings which are in turn fixed to the above-mentioned sections so as not to reduce the fatigue strength thereof.
US08033071B2
A partition panel for dividing a room in an office comprises a pair of decoration panels each having a plurality of engagement holes, a rectangular frame between the pair of decoration panels, and an engagement member having a plurality of hooks. The hooks engage in the engagement holes of the decoration panel. The engagement member is fixed to the frame.Another partition panel comprises a rectangular frame having a vertical rod, a plurality of panels on the rectangular frame, and an engagement member having a plurality of hooks and screw holes. The engagement member is fixed to the vertical rod of the frame with screws.The partition panel can be assembled easily.
US08033063B2
A stair system including an upper tread having a substantially planar body portion, a stair nose portion located at one side of the planar body portion, and a dado located behind the stair nose portion, at least one lower tread, the lower tread having a substantially planar body portion, a stair nose portion located at one side of the planar body portion, a dado located behind the stair nose portion, and a groove located at a side opposite the stair nose portion, and at least two risers, each riser having a substantially planar body portion. In the stair system, one of the at least two risers is receivable between the dado of the upper tread and the groove of the lower tread and the other of the at least two risers is receivable in the dado of the lower tread.
US08033057B2
The invention relates to a sealing arrangement for sealing and guiding a powered window pane (40), particularly of a motor vehicle. Said sealing arrangement is provided with a seal (20) produced as a single part from an elastically deformable material. The inventive sealing arrangement is also provided with a sash (10) which frames the window pane (40) and to which the seal (20) can be fixed. Said sash (10) comprises an inner flange (11) and an outer flange (12). The seal (20) comprises an inner side section (21) that can be fixed to the inner flange (11), an outer side section (22) that can be fixed to the outer flange (12), and a base portion (23) located outside the cavity portion (13). The aim of the invention is to achieve a universal embodiment of the seal (20). To this end, an inner sealing element (25) arranged on the inner leg portion (21), and an outer sealing element (26) arranged on the outer leg portion (22), are respectively embodied as a hollow chamber and provided with a contact surface area (29, 30) that can be applied to a side surface (41, 42) of the window pane (40). Said contact surface areas (29, 30) are embodied in two directions (x, y) extending perpendicularly in relation to each other, in such a way that the window pane (40) can be reversibly displaced between the inner sealing element (25) an the outer sealing element (26).
US08033054B2
Variable liquid crystal devices for controlling the propagation of light through a liquid crystal layer use a frequency dependent material to dynamically reconfigure effective electrode structures in the device. The frequency of a drive signal that generates an electric field in the device may be varied, and the frequency dependent material has different charge mobilities for the different frequencies. At a low charge mobility, the frequency dependent material has little effect on the existing electrode structures. However, at a high charge mobility, the frequency dependent material appears as an extension of the fixed electrodes, and may be used to change the effective electrode structure and, thereby, the spatial profile of the electric field. This, in turn, changes the optical properties of the liquid crystal, thus allowing the optical device to be frequency controllable.
US08033036B1
The present snowplow wheel kit converts a standard snowplow for use on unimproved surfaces. The snowplow wheel kit is designed to support the weight of the snowplow blade on swiveling wheel assemblies which are mounted to the rear of the snowplow blade and have the ability to turn in all directions. The tires ride on top of the unimproved surface, allowing the edge of the snowplow blade to travel just above the ground surface, thus removing the snow without the blade coming in direct contact with the soft underlying surface. The swivel feature of the wheel assemblies allows the blade to travel over the surface smoothly while maintaining the desired height of the blade edge from the surface. In addition, this feature allows for the plow blade to be fully functional when “back-plowing”, using the rear of the plow blade to drag snow while the vehicle is moving rearward.
US08033035B2
A slip-on, slip-off stabilizing support accessory for a stiletto heel. The device is a unitary molding of semi-rigid, resilient plastic material formed with a generally hourglass configuration, with outwardly concave, resiliently flexible side walls for frictionally engaging opposite sides of a stiletto heel. An outwardly flared top opening facilitates application of the device to the heel, while an outwardly flaring bottom configuration provides a greatly enlarged ground contact area. Front and back edges of the side walls are of outwardly concave shape. Front and back wall structures, formed by relatively narrow, spaced-apart elements, enable the side walls to be flexed for easy application to heels of various sizes, while firmly gripping heels of the smallest size.
US08033034B2
A shoe manufactured from a moldable foam material having a heel strap formed of a flexible and elastic material. The heel strap has a first end which is fixedly attached to an interior outer side of an upper portion of shoe. The heel strap also has a second end which is removeably attachable to an exterior outer side of the upper portion of the shoe though use of a Velcro loop arrangement and a cooperating Velcro hook arrangement which are attached each to one of the exterior outer side of the upper portion of the shoe and the second end of the heel strap.
US08033033B2
A new and improved tape rule that increases stiffness and standout length over standard tape rules is disclosed. The tape rule includes a primary rule and a secondary rule, the secondary rule providing increased strength. This invention can provide a variety of benefits, including increased blade flexibility while performing short extension related tasks, increased standout and reduced sag while performing tasks requiring longer extensions, reduced size and weight for tasks requiring the longest extensions and adds the ability to utilize alternate measurement methods or units and built in computational references.
US08033031B2
A rotation angle sensor has a moveable sleeve (1) coupled with a rotating shaft, and a box (3) connected with the movable sleeve (1) rotatablely. An upper part of the moveable sleeve is equipped with a threaded ring (5). An inner side of the threaded ring (5) is equipped with a locking mechanism (6) which is matched with the rotating shaft tightly. The periphery of the threaded ring (5) is screwed with a fixed ring (7). The movable sleeve (1), the threaded ring (5) and the fixed ring (7) are all coaxial detachable ring structure comprising two or more arc modules. Teeth are distributed on an outer edge of the movable sleeve (1) along the circumferential direction. A reduction gear, which is engaged with the teeth and provided with multiple gears sets, is installed in the box (3). The reduction gear is fixed on a circuit board module, and a sensor module is fixed on the periphery of the reduction gear.
US08033025B2
The invention concerns a shearing or gripping tool which comprises a body with a proximal end and a distal end and defining an internal chamber for a drive piston for actuating the shearing or gripping tool which move between an idle and active position in answer to the movements of the piston between the retracted and forward positions. Sensitive elements to detect at least the forward position of the piston in its respective chamber and in the same way the active position of the shearing or gripping tools in order to signal the effective fulfilment of their action, are associated with the proximal part of the body.
US08033007B2
Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of making a rotor of an electric brushless motor configured to be light weight and prevent vibrations generated during an operation of the motor to be transferred to the shaft of the rotor. The method includes providing a shaft elongated in a rotational axis, providing a single body magnet comprising alternately magnetized portions, and providing a vibration absorption portion interposed between the shaft and single body magnet. The vibration absorption portion absorbs vibrations generated during the operation of the motor and may include an elastic or a non-elastic material. The method further includes providing a non-elastic portion configured to inhibit the expansion of the vibration absorption portion when the vibration portion is elastic.
US08033002B2
An end-of-arm tool having a workpiece interface tool is attachable to an articulable robotic arm. The end-of-arm tool can be configured by engaging an adjustable modular unit including a swing arm, a cylinder, and a workpiece interface tool to a rail element of the end-of-arm tool. The adjustable modular unit machine-slides in the rail element to a preferred x-axis position, machine-pivots to a preferred angular orientation, and machine-extends along a longitudinal axis of the cylinder to a preferred z-axis position, and machine-rotates to a preferred rotational angle about the z-axis.
US08033000B2
A screwed connection has a threaded bolt; a nut; a washer arranged between the nut and a surface of a component to be clamped; a screwing device with a housing, a holding tool connected to the housing, and a tightening tool that engages positively the nut; a measuring element arranged in the washer for measuring a compressive force generated by tightening the screwed connection. The washer has an anti-rotation device oriented toward the surface of the component. The outer periphery of the washer is positive-lockingly engaged by the holding tool. The washer has no positive or frictional connection to the threaded bolt, and the holding tool has no torque supporting action on the threaded bolt or on any other part so that a reaction moment, generated when tightening the nut, is introduced from the housing of the screwing device through the washer into the component to be clamped.
US08032994B2
A fastening device and a method of using same is provided. The fastening device includes a male member having a projection on a first side and a securing means on a second opposing side. A female member configured to receive the projection detachably secures the female member onto the male member. The female member and the male member comprises a ratchet system to removeably secure the female member onto the male member. The securing means on the second opposing side of the male member is configured to mate with a corresponding securing member mounted on an object. By securing a material such as a shade screen or a tarp on the male member by mating the male member with the female member, the shade screen or tarp may be detachably fastened onto an object.
US08032989B2
A hinge for casement windows is disclosed. The said hinge includes a track and a shoe that is adapted to travel along the track. There is a sash arm that is pivotally connected and extending from the shoe and a support arm. The support arm has a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally connected to the sash arm and said second end of the support arm is pivotally connected to the track. The support arm has an orifice for receiving a pin extending from the track. The support arm has a clip for securing the support arm to the track. The clip has a grip extending therefrom to assist in moving the clip from a first position to a second position.
US08032987B2
One end portion of a connecting member 31 is connected to a first housing 1 such that the connecting member 31 is rotatable about a first rotation axis L1 fixed in position with respect to the first housing 1. The other end portion of the connecting member 31 is connected to a second housing 2 such that the connecting member 31 is rotatable about a second rotation axis L2 fixed in position with respect to the second housing 2 and extending parallel to the first rotation axis L1. The first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are located in different locations in a direction of the first and the second rotation axes L1, L2 such that a top surface 1a of the first housing 1 and an undersurface 2b of the second housing 2 are located generally on a same plane.
US08032986B2
A self contained disposable bonded carry handle comprised of a layer of bonding material having a bottom side and a top side being coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive, said top side being coated with pressure sensitive adhesive about the periphery, at least one flexible handle having a first end and a second end affixed to the pressure sensitive adhesive on the top side of the bonding layer such that the center portion of the handle is movable and foldable, a protective layer affixed to the adhesive layer on the top side of the bonding layer, said protective layer having an opening to allow for access to the handle, and a surface layer having a centralized hole and a bottom layer substantially coated with pressure sensitive adhesive, said bottom layer affixed to the protective layer such that the handle passes through the centralized hole.
US08032985B2
A suction brush for a vacuum cleaner is provided. The suction brush a vacuum cleaner includes a brush main body connected to a cleaner main body and having a dust suction port provided on a bottom surface of the brush main body, first and second wheels rotatably engaged with both sides of the brush main body, and at least one hair removing unit, arranged in front of the suction port of the brush main body, for receiving rotation drive forces from the first and second wheels and raking up hair existing on a surface to be cleaned toward the dust suction port.
US08032981B2
A vacuum cleaner includes a brush assembly that travels along a cleaning surface and draws in dirt-entrained air therethrough, a cleaner body that is connected to the brush assembly and has a dust collector, a fixing unit that detachably mounts the cleaner body onto the brush assembly such that the vacuum cleaner is used as an upright type vacuum cleaner and dismounts the cleaner body from the brush assembly such that the vacuum cleaner is used as a canister type vacuum cleaner, and a regulation unit that restricts a horizontal rotation of the brush assembly if the cleaner body is mounted onto the brush assembly.
US08032978B2
A robotic cleaning device having a main body with a controllable drive device to move the device over a surface, a cleaning device to clean the surface, an obstacle detecting device, and a control device connected to the drive device and the obstacle detecting device. The main body has a left wall connecting a front end portion with a left rear end portion and a right wall connecting the front end portion with a right rear end portion. The control device receives information from the obstacle detecting device about a detected obstacle and controls the drive device to rotate the device around a main left-turn axis at the left rear end portion or a main right-turn axis at the right rear end portion, such that the device turns one around one of the axes. The side walls are configured such that the device clears the obstacle by the turning motion.
US08032976B2
A windshield wiper includes a scrubbing assembly attached to a wiper assembly. The wiper assembly includes a wiper blade attached to a wiper housing. The scrubbing assembly includes a scrubbing element having a central longitudinal axis and one or more turbines attached to the scrubbing element, the turbine(s) being configured to fluidly couple with a washer fluid line of a vehicle and to rotate the scrubbing element about the central longitudinal axis when wiper fluid flows through the turbine(s). The wiper fluid may be deposited on the scrubbing element after flowing through the turbine(s) and the scrubbing assembly can also include a shield. The scrubbing assembly can be rigidly secured to the wiper assembly or can be detachable therefrom.
US08032973B2
A coating applicator comprising a substrate removably mounted to a frame, where the frame includes an actuator repositionable between an engaging position and a disengaging position, where the engaging position is operative to maintain the substrate in mounting engagement with the frame, where the disengaging position is operative to discontinue the substrate in mounting engagement with the frame, and where the substrate includes a receptor for retaining a coating composition for application.
US08032970B2
A bolt brush includes a housing, a scraper and a ring plate. The housing has a holding space which is provided with an opening at an end and emplaces the scraper, an inner wall of the housing, close to that opening, is surrounded with a ring groove, and a side of the scraper is provided with plural brush hairs. The ring plate is locked in the ring groove, a side of the ring plate is an opening, and more than one pick-up member is formed close to that opening.
US08032968B2
Present invention relates to a slotted toothbrush body and neck. The toothbrush body has an elastomer part with a PP part and adhesion legs. The adhesion legs have surfaces in contact with a toothbrush holder/glass. There are PP bridges forming the toothbrush neck, and an elastomer section supports the bridges forming the toothbrush neck. Teeth are better cleaned, and gingival get less deteriorated by pivotal movement of the head in the front and back direction and right and left direction. Also, the toothbrush can be secured to the toothbrush holder/glass edge without contacting other toothbrushes.
US08032967B2
A powered toothbrush includes a handle having a neck. A head is mounted to the neck and has a first surface and an opposed second surface. A first tuft block is mounted to the head, with the tuft block having tooth cleaning elements extending outwardly from the first surface. A tissue cleanser is mounted to the head and has a plurality of tissue engaging elements extending outwardly from the second surface. A drive assembly configured to cause the first tuft block and the tissue cleanser to move with respect to the head.
US08032961B1
A sheet harness apparatus for retaining and supporting a person on top of a bed on their back, where the bed includes a head of the bed and a foot of the bed, a mattress, means for elevating the head of the bed relative to the foot of the bed and thereby positioning the mattress at an incline, and bed parts including a bed spring and a bed frame, the sheet harness apparatus including a sheet having a sheet head end and a sheet foot end and a sheet upper surface and a sheet lower surface, for fitting onto a mattress; a harness fastened to the sheet; and at least one sheet anchor strap with a strap connected end fastened to the sheet and a strap anchoring end having a strap anchoring fastener, for wrapping around a part of a bed at the head of the bed and fastening to itself, so that the strap anchoring end forms a loop around a part of the bed and thereby prevents the sheet from sliding toward the foot of the bed.
US08032956B2
The present invention provides a method of operating a flushing system for efficient waste removal from and cleaning of a toilet bowl. In the disclosed method, a flushing system is provided that includes a pumping means having each of a rim diverter means and a jet diverter means in fluid communication therewith; a sensor means; a control means; a switching means; and a spray means. Activation of the switching means initiates at least a single flush schedule that comprises the steps of initiating operation of the pumping means; opening the jet diverter means for delivery of water to a jet delivery means in fluid communication therewith; subsequently closing the jet diverter means and simultaneously opening the rim diverter means; and directing water from the rim diverter means to a toilet rim in fluid communication therewith for terminal delivery of the water through the spray means.
US08032952B2
Described herein is apparel that protects a wearer from an undesirable agent. The apparel employs a transition portal to assist doffing and to reduce the risk of cross-contamination during doffing. The transition portal attaches to the apparel proximate to one end of an aperture, which provides an exit for the protective apparel. When doffing, the transition portal extends away from the person, who exits the aperture. The transition portal is then pulled over the body along with any attached portions of the protective apparel. This turns the transition portal—and attached parts of the apparel—inside-out. After doffing, most portions of protective apparel are either a) inside-out, or b) contained within the inside-out transition portal and/or apparel. As a result, undesirable agents—that were initially on the outside of the apparel—are now inside the inside-out transition portal and apparel. In one embodiment, the transition portal is carried internal to the apparel so that surfaces of the portal are not exposed to the external environment and undesirable agent. After doffing, the transition portal may also be used as a large ‘garbage bag’ into which the apparel is placed for disposal.
US08032951B1
A system of removably securing pockets with garments, vehicles, walls, etc. The system includes a plurality of attachment units which are arranged in selected locations over a surface. Each attachment unit includes at least one tab. Each tab comprises a first end permanently secured with the surface and a second end extending outwardly from the first end. The second end is operable to pivot into a superimposed position over the first end and to a position parallel with the first end. The pocket includes a plurality of longitudinal edges and outer and inner sides. Fastener members are secured along the outer and inner sides and adjacent selected of the edges of the surface. In use, the first and second ends of the tabs are separated from the superimposed positions allowing the fastener members along the inner side of the pocket to be secured with the fastener members carried by the first end of the tab. The second ends of the tabs may then be folded over the edges of the pocket causing the fasteners carried by the second ends of the tab to engage with the fasteners carried by the outer side of the pocket. The system causes the fasteners on both sides of the pocket to be engaged with the garment.
US08032948B2
An upper-body garment has an invertable pocket in the garment's back, formed between an exterior layer and an interior lining layer of the back panel. A vertical pocket opening on one side of the back panel permits ready access to the pocket while wearing the garment. Shoulder straps and pockets are formed within the invertable pocket. The pocket linings and straps may be drawn out to invert the pocket into a backpack configuration. The remainder of the garment may be entirely placed in the backpack and carried therein.