US08057493B2
The invention provides devices, systems and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The devices, systems and methods of the invention will find use in a variety of therapeutic procedures, including endovascular, minimally-invasive, and open surgical procedures, and can be used in various anatomical regions, including the abdomen, thorax, cardiovascular system, heart, intestinal tract, stomach, urinary tract, bladder, lung, and other organs, vessels, and tissues. The invention is particularly useful in those procedures requiring minimally-invasive or endovascular access to remote tissue locations, where the instruments utilized must negotiate long, narrow, and tortuous pathways to the treatment site. In addition, many of the devices and systems of the invention are adapted to be reversible and removable from the patient at any point without interference with or trauma to internal tissues.
US08057485B2
The present invention provides a surgical specimen retrieval device that allows one-handed use by incorporating a geared spool to amplify take up of a flexible line to close the mouth of the specimen bag after the surgical specimen is deposited in the bag. The retrieval device includes a spool with an attached gear that is rotated by movement of a deployment rod with serrated teeth. A flexible line has a proximal end attached to the spool and the distal end attached to the mouth of the bag. When the deployment reel is moved from an extended position to an inserted position, the spool rotates and pays out flexible line to allow the mouth of the deployed bag to open. Once a specimen is taken and deposited in the bag, the deployment rod is moved from the inserted position toward the extended position. This rod movement rotates the spool to take up the line and close the mouth of the bag. When the rod is moved to a fully retracted position, the teeth on the rod disengage from the gear, which allows the spool to rotate freely. The device is then removed from the trocar and the line is used to pull the bagged specimen from the body cavity.
US08057483B2
An instrument for implanting tissue in an eye or other body member is disclosed. The instrument includes an elongated mandrel and a tubular nozzle arranged over the mandrel. The instrument also includes a piston engaging an end of the nozzle and a vacuum passage arranged in the piston. The instrument also includes a body having a portion of the piston arranged therein with one end of the mandrel being secured to the body. The instrument also includes an actuator integrated with the body wherein the actuator interacts with the piston to control movement of the nozzle relative to the mandrel.
US08057482B2
A device for detecting and measuring a change in angular position with respect to a reference plane is useful in surgical procedures for orienting various instruments, prosthesis, and implants with respect to anatomical landmarks. One embodiment of the device uses three orthogonal rate sensors, along with integrators and averagers, to determine angular position changes using rate of change information. A display provides position changes from a reference position. Various alignment guides are useful with surgical instruments to obtain a reference plane.
US08057475B2
The present invention is directed to a variety of interbody spinal fusion implants having at least a partially frusto-conical configuration. An external thread is employed to increase implant stability and implant surface area, and for the purpose of advancing the spinal fusion implant into the fusion site. The spinal fusion implants of the present invention may be relatively solid or hollow and may have surface roughenings to promote bone ingrowth and stability. The spinal fusion implants of the present invention may have wells extending into the material of the implant from the surface for the purpose of holding fusion promoting materials and to provide for areas of bone ingrowth fixation.
US08057466B2
A method and device are described to form a sensor using a cardiomyocyte by advancing a catheter into the tissue of interest, cardiac in the preferred embodiment, and using the catheter to ablate a cone- or a dome-shaped region to form an electrically isolated section of tissue. An electrode is later fixed to the region encompassed by the dome-shaped area of tissue and used to detect the electrophysiological activity of this electrically independent cluster of cells. These cells combined with the electrode and a detection circuitry will form a cell-based sensor to monitor the effects of the anti-arrhythmic drugs in the circulation. The inventive device includes an ablation catheter and a sensing lead. Catheter is a hollow conductor which used to carry RF power from the external generator to the myocardium and to form a cone-shaped ablation zone to electrically isolate a part of myocardium from the rest. Sensing lead is a conductor that carries electrical signals from the isolated myocardium back to the implanted monitoring device. Implantable device is the main unit for processing the signals coming back from the sensing lead.
US08057460B2
A multiple tube catheter, such as a hemo-dialysis catheter, has first and second tubes which are attached to each other over a zone by one or more longitudinally extending wires which joins the two tubes over that zone. When a catheter is implanted in the patient, the attached zone is within the patient so that the catheter cannot be removed or advanced. When the catheter is to be removed, the longitudinally extending wire or wires are pulled proximally out of the tubes involved so that the two tubes can be separated and individually removed. A flexible separating prong within the patient and proximal of the zone holds the tubes apart to further assure that the catheter cannot be moved.
US08057441B2
This invention relates to a cap for drug delivery devices, in particular of the injector-type comprising a needle and a needle cover, wherein said cap is suitable as a needle safety tool, by comprising a needle cover retaining portion. In particular, the present invention relates to such devices, which are handled by the patients themselves.
US08057435B2
A compact fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments, such as analgesics and like medicinal agents from the device reservoir which is provided in the form of a novel bellows-type assembly. The fluid dispenser includes a unique stored energy mechanism that provides the force necessary to continuously and substantially uniformly expel fluid from the device reservoir. The device also includes a novel adjustable flow rate control assembly that is disposed intermediate the fluid reservoir outlet and the outlet port of the device for precisely controlling the rate of fluid flow from the outlet port toward the patient.
US08057426B2
Devices and methods for injecting or otherwise delivering multiple-component therapies to human or animal subjects. Devices having injectors (e.g., syringes) attached to biaxial or coaxial injection cannula(s) are used to deliver multiple components of a particular therapy such that those components become combined shortly before or upon exiting the injection cannula(s). In some embodiments, the injector devices of the present invention may include a first set of finger grips at a first location and a second set of finger grips at a second location. Also, in some embodiments, the injector devices of the present invention may include depth slops for controlling the depth within tissue at which the therapeutic substance is delivered. Also, in some embodiments, the injector devices of the present invention may include refill manifolds with attached syringes or other reservoirs containing the component substances to facilitate refilling of the injectors.
US08057422B2
An improvement for a programmable valve system of the type implanted in a patient and used to divert cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from an intraventricular space to a terminus such as the peritoneal cavity. Such system includes means for establishing a flow path for the CSF to the terminus, which flow path includes a normally closed valve and means for adjusting the opening pressure of the valve in order to regulate the quantity of CSF diverted. The improvement enables an operator to be apprised of the actual opening pressure setting of the valve. A sensor is implantable at the patient and responds to the actual opening pressure setting, by generating an NIR telemetry signal indicative of the actual setting. This signal is transcutaneously transmitted through the skin of the patient to an external point. The telemetry signal is processed to produce observer intelligible data indicating the opening pressure setting of the valve.
US08057420B2
A gastrointestinal implant device includes a flexible, floppy sleeve, open at both ends, that extends into the duodenum. The device further includes a collapsible anchor coupled to the proximal portion of the sleeve. The device further includes a drawstring that is threaded through a proximal end of the anchor, and barbs that extend from the exterior surface of the anchor. The collapsible anchor can be a wave anchor. The drawstring can be used to collapse at least a proximal portion of the implant device. This is useful in removing or repositioning the implant device.
US08057410B2
The lower extremity exoskeleton comprises two leg supports connectable to person's lower limbs and configured to rest on the ground during their stance phase. Each leg support comprises a thigh link and a shank link; a knee joint configured to allow flexion and extension between the shank link and the thigh link. The lower extremity exoskeleton further comprises an exoskeleton trunk connectable to the person'supper body. The exoskeleton trunk is connectable to the thigh links of the leg supports allowing for the flexion and extension between the leg supports and the exoskeleton trunk. Two torque generators are coupled to each of the knee joints. A power unit, capable of providing power, is coupled to the torque generators. In operation when a leg support is in a stance phase and climbing a slope or stairs, the power unit injects power into the respective torque generator thereby extending the respective knee angle. When a leg support is in stance phase and not climbing a slope or stairs, the power unit does not inject any power to the respective torque generator, but without dissipating any stored power in said power unit, it forces the torque generator to resist flexion of the respective knee joint. When a leg support is in a swing phase, the power unit does not inject any power to the respective torque generator, but without dissipating any stored power in said power unit, it forces the torque generator to minimize its resistance to knee flexion and extension.
US08057406B2
One embodiment provides an extravasation detection device having an enclosure, an attachment coupled to the enclosure to be removably connected to a patient, and a detection assembly enclosed within the enclosure, in this embodiment, the detection assembly includes a housing and a transducer coupled to the housing to generate a signal representative of a force or pressure applied to the detection device caused by extravasation of medical fluid from the patient. This embodiment of a detection device may be attached to the patient's hand or other injection site. When extravasation occurs, and a swelling or blister presses against the transducer, an alarm can be triggered to warn a clinician, or the device can cause a powered injection system to automatically shut down or halt the injection process.
US08057405B2
The present invention is directed to an intracorporeal device, preferably a guidewire, and method for making the device. The guidewire of the present invention is formed, at least in part, of a composite elongate core formed, at least in part, of precipitation hardened material. The elongate core members of the present invention will have an ultimate tensile strength and modulus of elasticity greater than the same for an identically dimensioned elongate member formed from superelastic NITINOL alone.
US08057402B2
A biopsy device may include a needle, a cutter, and a handpiece. A vacuum pump in the handpiece may provide a vacuum to the needle and/or to the cutter. A pressure pump in the handpiece may also provide pressurized air to the needle and/or to the cutter. A motor in the handpiece may drive the vacuum pump, the pressure pump, and/or the cutter. A vacuum sensor may sense a vacuum level within the biopsy device, and cause initiation of operational cycles in response to sensed vacuum levels. Portions of a valving mechanism and a clutching mechanism may be integrally formed. A clutching and valving mechanism may be driven by a first battery-powered motor; and a cutter, pressure pump, and vacuum pump by a second battery-powered motor. A biopsy device may thus provide vacuum, pressurized air, and power from within a handpiece, such that the biopsy device is tetherless.
US08057393B2
A method and device for transmission of wide beam in ultrasonic diagnostic systems is disclosed. The method comprises: dividing an aperture of an ultrasonic probe into N sub-apertures; laterally dividing a focus into N sub-focuses, wherein the N sub-apertures correspond to the N sub-focuses respectively, each sub-aperture has M array elements which all focus on a sub-focus corresponding to said sub-aperture; and N and M are integers larger than 2; exciting the N sub-apertures by a pulse generator, so as to obtain a laterally stretched transmit acoustic filed, wherein the transmit acoustic fields of the N sub-apertures focus on the corresponding sub-focuses respectively; and accumulating the acoustic fields of the sub-apertures to form an acoustic field of a wide beam covering acoustic fields of all receive lines. The present invention makes it possible for the system to transmit wide beams covering all receive lines, by dividing the aperture of the probe into a plurality of sub-apertures and accumulating the acoustic fields of the sub-apertures.
US08057390B2
A current source density mapping system includes an ultrasound transducer emitting an ultrasound wave traveling along an ultrasound beam directed at a mapping field in a region of living tissue and an ultrasound pulser delivering a transmit pulse to said ultrasound transducer. The system includes a timing device producing controlled excitation of the transmit pulse; a plurality of recording electrodes positioned in contact with the living tissue detecting an acoustoelectric voltage signal generated at a bioelectric current source and within a focal zone of said ultrasound beam. An amplifier operatively connected to the recording electrodes amplifying the acoustoelectric voltage signal at a predetermined gain; and an analyzing component comprising a digitizer, a sampling device, a signal processor and a display unit operatively connected to the amplifier determining the location of the bioelectric current source by analyzing the acoustoelectric voltage signal detected by the recording electrodes in response to an interaction between the ultrasound wave and the presence of a current source in the mapping field.
US08057385B2
Two surgical instruments are inserted through a guide tube. The surgical instruments exit at an intermediate position of the guide tube and are oriented to be substantially parallel to the guide tube's longitudinal axis as they exit. A stereoscopic image capture component is on the guide tube between the intermediate position and the guide tube's distal end. The image capture component's field of view is generally perpendicular to the guide tube's longitudinal axis. The surgical instruments and the guide tube are telemanipulatively controlled.
US08057381B2
Methods and implant materials are provided for treating urinary incontinence. The methods may include providing a composition that includes at least one pharmaceutically active formulation capable of retropubic fat dissolution; and introducing the composition into the retropubic space, preferably via a minimally invasive procedure, to contact adjacent tissue and promote dissolution of retropubic fat therein and consequent induction of adhesions. The implant material for treating urinary incontinence may include at least one pharmaceutically active detergent for promoting retropubic fat dissolution; and a biodegradable carrier material, wherein the implant material is sized and shaped for placement within a patient's retropubic space. The implant material may further include an auxiliary adhesion-promoting material.
US08057375B2
An interfolding apparatus and method, utilize, first and second sheet-cutting-and-overlapping arrangements and an interfolding arrangement simultaneously mounted and operatively interconnected in a common frame, for alternatively selectively forming a first or a second interfolded pattern having a given folded width, without replacement of components of the interfolding apparatus. The first interfolded pattern is formed from a first stream of overlapped sheets of a first length cut from a web of sheet material fed along a first path extending through the first sheet-cutting-and-overlapping arrangement to the interfolding arrangement. The second interfolded pattern is formed from a stream of overlapped sheets of a second length cut from the web of sheet material fed along a second path extending through the second sheet-cutting-and-overlapping arrangement to the interfolding arrangement.
US08057374B2
An ergonomic tool lifting machine and method particularly useful for manipulating a machine tool or another heavy object. In one embodiment of the invention, the machine tool is a large milling cutter. The ergonomic tool lifting machine generally includes an articulating arm attached at a fixed end to a vertical lift mechanism, and at a free end to a grasping device or tool holder adapted for gripping and retaining an object of interest. When the object is a milling cutter, the ergonomic tool lifting machine may be used to transfer the cutter between a stored position and an installed position in a milling machine. Consequently, the tool holder of this embodiment is preferably able to rotate between a pick-up/drop-off position and an installation/removal position associated with the cutter. In general, the ergonomic tool lift machine allows heavy loads to be accurately moved with very little effort required on the part of an operator.
US08057368B1
A multipurpose exercise machine requiring only three points of adjustment centrally located. It has a one point height adjustment and two adjustments for the rotating arm assemblies. Dip and chin up bars are attached to the arm assemblies. The machine contains an integrated swingable workout bench. Through the use of a pulley system and counter balance assembly, the cable system maintains tension and provides a constant length of cable.
US08057365B1
A method for recording and displaying achievements on a martial arts belt is provided with a base member, which is removably or permanently coupled with the martial arts belt. A plurality of achievement indicators are provided to releasably engage the base member and display indicia relating to particular achievements. Indicia may be disposed along the base member and read using an electronic scanner that is coupled with a computer to track individual student attendance. Software may be provided for storing and organizing data relating to the achievements and attendance of each student.
US08057364B2
A novel stationary exercise bicycle and method for exercising on that bicycle is disclosed. The novel bicycle, comprising a frame having front and rear sockets, a seat mounted into the rear socket, and a handlebar mounted in the front socket, can advantageously be adjusted so that a rider can adopt different riding positions to simulate outdoor bicycle riding conditions.
US08057363B2
An exercise device comprising: a foot support arranged on a frame for supporting a user standing upright on the foot support, the foot support being movable on the frame back and forth between a rearward position and a forward position along an arcuate path; the foot support being supported in a cantilevered arrangement on a rear linkage that is pivotally mounted on the frame for back and forth movement.
US08057359B2
A twin clutch type speed change control system changes over the gear position by switching between a pair of clutches, to reduce the collision sound generated between a free gear and a slide member at the time of changeover of the gear position. In the twin clutch type speed change control system designed to perform gear position changeovers between odd-ordinal gear positions and even-ordinal gear positions through a process in which an engaged clutch is disengaged whereas a disengaged clutch is engaged, the formerly disengaged clutch is supplied with a minute oil pressure P1 toward the clutch engaging side and is thereby preliminarily moved by a minute amount toward the clutch engaging side, at the time of changeover of the gear position.
US08057358B2
A control system and method for an electromagnetic clutch brake, including an electromagnetic clutch brake actuator coil surrounding a power input shaft for a multiple-ratio transmission in a vehicle powertrain. A protective circuit of the control system normally monitors data inputs from a databus that may indicate conditions that are not favorable for clutch brake actuation. The protective circuit prevents actuation of the clutch brake under such conditions. In the event the data inputs are not available from the databus, the protective circuit permits operation in a fall-back mode in which a brake ON timer is checked prior to clutch brake actuation. A primary counter is incremented with each normal clutch brake actuation and a secondary counter is incremented with each fall-back clutch brake actuation.
US08057356B2
A method is described for controlling a clutch which is located between a drive motor and an automated manual transmission of a drive train. In this method, vibrations during load alternations are reduced by controlling the clutch so that a free-wheeling function is implemented during an engine braking mode.
US08057354B2
Systems and methods for efficiently and effectively controlling the rate of change of ratio, not simply the ratio, in a CVT. By controlling the rate of change of ratio, the acceleration or deceleration of a vehicle can be controlled in an efficient manner. Furthermore, the rate of change of ratio can be controlled by controlling the clamping pressure of the pulleys and/or differential pressure between the pulleys with minimal slip by using a servo control mechanism adapted for control by a system controller based on equilibrium mapping and other control parameters.
US08057352B2
A differential apparatus for a vehicle comprises a pair of output gears 3, 4, first and second pinion gear 5, 6 intermeshing with the output pinion gears, and a differential case 2 accommodating the output gears and pinion gears. The second pinion gear 6 has large and small gear portions 6A, 6B whose pitch diameters are different and whose which tooth numbers is same respectively, and a tooth crest 60 and a tooth recess 61 formed to be shared by the large and the small gear portions 6A, 6B continuously from the large gear portion 6B to the small gear portion 6A.
US08057349B2
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices are clutches and brakes.
US08057348B2
The differential for vehicles comprises a rotatable carcass (1) inside which are housed a pair of planetary gears (2) rotatably integral with the axle shafts of two of the wheels of the vehicle, and at least a pair of satellite gears (5) linked to each other and movable to each other, each of said satellite gears (5) being rotatably integral with one of said planetary gears (2), and it is characterized in that said satellite gears (5) are linked to each other by threaded cylinders (3) with inverted threads with the same pitch and diameter. It permits always the differentiation of rotation between the wheels.
US08057340B2
A chain has a resin member integrally molded on an inner circumferential surface of a bushing with a strong joining force between the resin member and an inner circumferential surface of the bushing. The chain has an inner link in which both end portions of a pair of front and rear bushings are press-fitted into bushing holes of a pair of right and left inner plates, and an outer link in which both end portions of a pair of front and rear pins are press-fitted into pin holes of a pair of right and left outer plates. The inner and outer links are alternately connected to each other in a longitudinal direction of the chain. The inner circumferential edge portions 112a of both end portions of the bushing 112 are chamfered, and the bushing is lined with the resin member 115 insert-molded on an inner circumferential surface of the bushing 112 to produce flared ends, and a central portion of the lined bushing 112 between the ends thereof becomes thicker.
US08057334B2
An accessory drive tensioner assembly may include a bracket assembly, a fastener and a tensioner hub. The bracket assembly may include first and second bearings axially spaced from one another. The fastener may extend through the first and second bearings to rotationally couple the bracket assembly to an engine structure and may define a rotational axis for the bracket assembly. The tensioner hub may be coupled to the bracket assembly and may be located axially between the first and second bearings.
US08057326B2
The golf ball marker has a top side contoured and textured to represent a portion of an actual golf course and a flat bottom side. The flat bottom side has an indicia-receiving surface portion. The top bottom sides are separated by a perimeter that is shaped to enclose representations of the terrains of the portion of the actual golf course. The contoured top side may bear a name of the portion of the actual golf course in lettering, with or without a panel. The lettering is preferably proximate to the perimeter and arranged conformally to the shape thereof. The lettering may be cut in relief. A coupling, which does not extend below the bottom side, is optional. A decoration in or representing the golf hole on the green may be provided. The golf ball marker may be manufactured based on digital data either provided by or selected by the customer.
US08057325B2
The present invention is directed to golf balls consisting of a dual-layer core and a cover. The core consists of an inner core layer formed from a relatively hard HNP composition and an outer core layer formed from a relatively soft HNP composition. The outer core layer has an outer surface hardness less than the outer surface hardness of the inner core layer.
US08057324B2
The present invention is directed to golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover. The multi-layer core consists of a center and an outer core layer that are both soft relative to a hard intermediate core layer. The outer core layer is preferably thin relative to the center and the outer core layer. The multi-layer core includes at least one layer formed from a low modulus HNP composition and at least one layer formed from a high modulus HNP composition.
US08057323B2
A weight adjusting structure of a golf club head comprises a 360-degree rotatable rotary table installed in a body of a golf club head, wherein the rotary table is combined with an incomplete annular weight block at a peripheral portion on an arbitrary side thereof, so that the rotary table and the weight block form a rotary table assembly whose weight orientation can be adjusted. The weighted rotary table assembly installed in the body of the golf club head can be used to adjust a distribution of different weights around 360 degrees, whereby a preferred location of the club head's gravity center can be set according to a golfer's swing posture and a location of the club head's gravity center the golfer is used to.
US08057320B2
Disclosed herein is a golf club including a shaft, a club head and several devices for releasably connecting the shaft to the club head.
US08057314B2
A joint assembly has a pair of constant velocity universal joints and a connecting drive shaft. A cover unit protects the constant velocity universal joints and prevents hanging down of the joints under their own weight. The unit cover is arranged to cover the outer circumferential surfaces of the pair of constant velocity universal joints and boots. The unit cover is formed from elastomer material by injection molding. The cover unit inner circumferential surface has a configuration corresponding to the outline configurations of the pair of constant velocity universal joints and the boots.
US08057305B2
A system for dynamically changing the graphical content on mechanical slot machine reels is disclosed herein. The system includes mechanical slot reels, flexible display panels, and data transmission techniques which provide for dynamically updating or changing the graphics on the spinning mechanical reels in a slot machine. In one system for dynamically changing graphical reel content, new image content is placed on the reels at any time, even while the reels are spinning. The system may even be used to give the appearance of rotation to a stationary reel.
US08057299B2
A gaming machine according to the present invention includes: a gaming portion where a plurality of main dice roll and stop; a station having an input device with which a player can place a normal BET and a side BET different from the normal BET, based on a prediction of the outcomes of dice, and an image display capable of displaying an image; and a controller programmed to execute the processing of (C) rolling and stopping the plurality of the main dice in the gaming portion, (D) determining the outcome of an N-sided (N being an integer of seven or more) sub die to be displayed to the image display provided in the station, and (E) displaying at least an image showing the state of stopping of the sub die with the outcome determined in the processing (D), to the image display provided in the station where the side BET has been input.
US08057295B2
A method of conducting a wagering game comprises receiving a wager from a player, and displaying a plurality of selectable elements arranged in an array, each of the selectable elements associated with a respective outcome. The method further comprises receiving a plurality of selections of the selectable elements, and after receiving the plurality of selections, revealing the outcomes associated with the selected elements. For each outcome which comprises an award, the award is provided to the player. For each outcome which comprises an expander element, outcomes associated with all selectable elements in a direction of expansion associated with the expander element are revealed, and if any such revealed outcomes comprise an award, the award is provided to the player.
US08057294B2
A gaming system for playing a wagering game and a community-event includes a plurality of gaming machines configured to participate in a community-event game. A controller is configured to determine eligibility of each of the plurality of gaming machines to play a community-event. At least one of the plurality of gaming machines is configured to determine a randomly selected community-event outcome for a community-event and to transmit a signal related to the community-event outcome to an eligible gaming machine.
US08057286B2
A sanding block and a kit for sanding curved surfaces are provided. The sanding block includes an elongated body which has a first sanding surface; and a sandpaper removably affixed to the first sanding surfaces wherein the body is elastically deformable such that the block can conform against a curved surface to be sanded.
US08057285B2
The present invention is an abrasive or abrading tool assembly comprising an abrasive or abrading tool having a housing, an air inlet port, and an exhaust outlet with a support for a wrist and forearm attached to the tool. In one embodiment including a pneumatically powered tool, the support extends toward and over the air inlet port and dust bag outlet. The abrading tool may be a rotary tool. The present invention also includes a wrist/forearm support for an abrading tool including a substantially flat body, two forks projecting from the body wherein each fork defines an orifice, and in which the orifices are positioned substantially opposite from each other, and possessing a support member that extends from the bottom of the body in the direction of the tool.
US08057273B2
A method for producing an airtight container includes preparing an assembly having a first substrate and a frame member, the first substrate having an electron-emitting element formed on a first surface thereof, the frame member mounted on the first surface outside an area where the electron-emitting element is formed; forming a temporary assembly having the assembly and a second substrate by bringing the second substrate into contact with the frame member via a joining member such that an inner space is formed; melting the joining member by irradiating the joining member with a laser beam transmitted through the second substrate; and solidifying the melted joining member. The laser beam is applied such that an incident direction at an irradiation position on the joining member does not include components toward the interior of the frame member while the laser beam moves relative to the temporary assembly.
US08057266B1
Power connector including a connector housing having a mating side configured to engage an electrical connector. The connector housing also has a mounting side configured to interface with a circuit board. The connector housing includes a housing cavity that opens to the mating side. The power connector also includes a power contact that is held within the housing cavity. The power contact includes a body panel that extends along a contact plane and has board terminals and a contact terminal that extend from the body panel. The board terminals extend away from the body panel in a mounting direction to engage the circuit board. The contact terminal extends in a different direction that is one of parallel to the circuit board or away from the circuit board. The power contact is configured to transmit electrical power through the board terminals and through the contact terminal.
US08057261B1
An insulator adapted to receive a flag terminal. The insulator has a housing and a rear cover. The housing has an L shape with a base and a riser. The housing has a rectangular terminal opening at the base and a cavity that receives the flag terminal through the terminal opening. The flat is shaped to fit within the terminal opening and is secured by a securing mechanism that includes tabs on the cover that fit into apertures in the housing. The cover is installed by pushing it into the terminal opening. The housing flexes so that the tabs to snap into the corresponding apertures, thereby securing the cover in the terminal opening.
US08057252B2
A Registered Jack-45 connector matching a connector with two light emitting diodes, includes a main body engaged with the connector, and a light guide member fitting about the main body. The light guide member includes two light guide posts. Each light guide post includes a front end aligning with and facing a corresponding light emitting diode, and a rear end opposite to the first end. The light guide posts transmit light emitted by the light emitting diodes from the front ends to the rear ends of the light guide posts.
US08057246B2
A multiport test jack that supports the testing of a number of individual telephone lines in an interface device, such as a network interface device or an optical line terminal, has a physical structure that is smaller in size than the size of a corresponding number of individual test jacks.
US08057241B2
A connector includes a movable conductive element and an elastic body. The connector electrically conducts between opposed external electrodes disposed vertically. The movable conductive element has a pair of rigid contact. And the elastic body deforms elastically to receive the load caused by the movement of the movable conductive element.
US08057239B2
A power module assembly of the type suitable for deployment in a vehicular power inverter, wherein the power inverter has a grounded chassis, is provided. The power module assembly comprises a conductive base layer electrically coupled to the chassis, an insulating layer disposed on the conductive base layer, a first conductive node disposed on the insulating layer, a second conductive node disposed on the insulating layer, wherein the first and second conductive nodes are electrically isolated from each other. The power module assembly also comprises a first capacitor having a first electrode electrically connected to the conductive base layer, and a second electrode electrically connected to the first conductive node, and further comprises a second capacitor having a first electrode electrically connected to the conductive base layer, and a second electrode electrically connected to the second conductive node.
US08057234B2
The increasing globalization of the world necessitates further strengthening of foreign language learning policies. The brain's foreign language recognition activity is enhanced and effective foreign language learning is enabled by extracting signals of prescribed bands from a speech signal in a foreign language using a first bandpass filter section having two or more bandpass filters, extracting the envelopes of each frequency band signal using envelope extraction sections having envelope extractors, applying a noise source signal to a second bandpass filter section having two or more bandpass filters and extracting noise signals corresponding to the prescribed bands, multiplying the outputs of the first bandpass filter section and the second bandpass filter section in multiplication sections, summing up the outputs of the multiplication sections in an addition section to produce a Noise-Vocoded Speech Sound signal, and presenting the Noise-Vocoded Speech Sound signals for listening.
US08057231B2
A direct resin veneer (2) for creating a veneer on a tooth surface comprising a thin planar expanse of an uncured restorative material, or direct resin veneer (4). The veneer (4) has a generally tooth configuration that is generously sized to permit adequate coverage for any tooth. Adhered to at least one side of the restorative material is a flexible pliant non-sticky planar sheath (6). The sheath (6) material has a curved gingival arch contour (10) for gum line alignment and various tab-like protrusions that permit placement upon a tooth. An inferior peeling tab (12) allows for sheath to be separated from the resin veneer (4) subsequent to tooth surface placement. And the lateral grasping tabs (16) permit delivery to a tooth's surface.
US08057226B2
A customized orthodontic bracket system is provided. The system can include a bracket having a customized bracket bonding pad for bonding the bracket to a tooth of a patient and a bracket slot adapted to receive a customized archwire. The customized archwire is adapted to be positioned in the bracket slot to form a precise bracket slot-archwire interface. The bracket slot and the archwire when positioned in the bracket slot can be positioned substantially adjacent the tooth surface to reduce induced vertical error when the tooth is in a finished position and substantially parallel to the directly adjacent portion of the tooth surface to reduce bracket thickness. The bracket slot can also be configured to have a bracket slot width substantially matching a dimension of a cross-section of the archwire to reduce torque rotation around an axis of the archwire when positioned therein to further enhance end-of-treatment tooth positioning and reduce overall treatment time.
US08057222B2
A direct flame impingement burner including a metal block with a fuel inlet and an oxidant inlet and at least two outlet nozzles having a set of identical nozzle outlet openings. The oxidant inlet is connected with an oxidant chamber within the block that is connected with at least one oxidant outlet opening in the set of nozzle outlet openings by passageways of identical length and cross-sectional area. The fuel inlet is connected with a fuel chamber within the block that is connected with at least one fuel outlet opening in the set of nozzle outlet openings by passageways of identical length and cross-sectional area. The fuel gas pressure is equal over all corresponding fuel outlet openings in the set of openings in each nozzle, and the oxidant gas pressure is equal over all corresponding oxidant outlet openings in the set of openings in each nozzle.
US08057218B2
A method for burning liquid fuels, wherein an amount of total combustion air required for burning is introduced into the liquid fuel in the form of small air bubbles to provide a highly variable overall heat output, particularly at least within a range of one to fifty times the amount of heat output in a similar system, where the liquid fuel/air mixture produced is at least 10 bar. The combustion air is intermittently fed to an injection nozzle protruding into a combustion chamber and is atomized there to produce an explosion at a constant injection pressure. The duration of each of the liquid fuel/air mixtures introduced with each fuel injection pulse is kept constant at a desired value and the total amount of the liquid fuel/air mixture injected per time unit is adjusted between constant fuel injection pulses by varying the duration. The remaining amount of the combustion air is introduced in the combustion chamber through an air nozzle annularly surrounding the port of the injection nozzle.
US08057207B2
An apparatus for preparing frozen comestibles including a container having an interior portion holding a refrigerant solution, and a mold insert attached to the container. The mold insert includes a base, molding cavities extending therefrom, and a heat exchanger in communication with the molding cavities. The mold insert is received within the container such that the molding cavities are housed within the interior portion of the container and the heat exchangers are submerged within the refrigerant solution. The molding cavities include exposed openings that receive fluids to be frozen. When the refrigerant solution is at a sufficiently cool temperature, the fluids freeze into a shaped frozen comestible.
US08057200B2
The present invention discloses a linear compressor in which a piston is linearly reciprocated inside a cylinder, for sicking a refrigerant into a compression space between the piston and the cylinder, and compressing and discharging the refrigerant, and especially, a structure of discharging the refrigerant for the linear compressor which can reduce a pulsation of a high pressure discharged refrigerant, by making the refrigerant compressed in the compression space flow from a sub-discharge space with a relatively small volume to a sub-discharge space with a relatively large volume in a discharge chamber. As a result, the structure of discharging the refrigerant for the linear compressor can efficiently reduce noise and vibration.
US08057196B2
A compressor assembly includes a compressor coupled to a motor via a belt drive. The belt drive provides a speed reduction between the motor and compressor and causes the compressor shaft to rotate in the direction opposite that of the motor shaft. The relative values of the mass moments of inertia about the axes of rotation of the rotating motor and compressor shafts are engineered to be inversely proportional to the relative shaft speeds, allowing the mass moments of inertia to be balanced to at least substantially eliminate torsional vibration.
US08057194B2
A muffler that is externally mounted to a housing shell of a compressor. To externally mount the muffler to the housing shell and prevent unnecessary vibration of the muffler during compressor operation, an attachment device connects an essentially central portion of the muffler to the housing shell. The attachment device may also be adapted to house a pressure- or temperature-related sensor device.
US08057188B2
A compressor component having an airfoil with a profile in accordance with Table 1 is disclosed. The compressor component, such as a compressor blade, has an increased thickness over a portion of the airfoil span in order to increase stiffness. Furthermore, the airfoil has been restacked so as to induce a compressive stress in the blade root/attachment area. The increased stiffness and restacked airfoil combine to improve high-cycle fatigue capability of the compressor component.
US08057180B1
A film cooling hole for a turbine airfoil used in a gas turbine engine, where the film cooling hole includes a metering inlet section of constant diameter cross section and a diffusion section having side walls with multiple expansion. The two side walls have an expansion of around 10 degrees and also slant inwards or toward the downstream side wall of from 10 to 45 degrees to provide the addition expansion. The downstream wall also expands at around 10 degrees. For a compound shaped film hole, the multiple expansions are 10 degrees in the downstream direction and 0 to 5 degrees in the radial outward direction. The side wall in the radial expansion direction will at a convergent angle of 10 to 45 degrees. In the radial inward direction, the expansion angle is from 10 to 20 degrees with a convergent side wall angle of from 10 to 45 degrees.
US08057165B1
A hydrocarbon presence sensor used to detect for the presence of a fuel in a buffer cavity of an inter-propellant seal. A sensor is formed on a rotor shaft in the buffer cavity and an optical imaging device is used to view a change in appearance of the sensor when a hydrocarbon forms on the surface. In one embodiment, the sensor is a coating of porous silicon. In other embodiments, the sensor can be a mirrored or frosted surface on the shaft. A white light source or a laser is reflected off of the sensor and an optical imaging device reads the reflected light to detect for a change in color or intensity of the light to indicate if a hydrocarbon is present on the sensor surface.
US08057163B2
Fuel (12) supplied to a rotary fluid trap (42) is centrifugally accelerated within a first cavity (46) adjacent a first side (48) of a rotor (24), and is then directed though a plurality of first passages (66) extending through the rotor (24) between and proximate to the blades (26), and shaped so as to at least partially conform to the shape of the blades (26). Second passages (100) extend within the blades (26) from the first passages (66) and terminate within associated cavities (110) proximate to the tips (112) of the blades (26). Relatively cooler fuel (12.2) in the first passages (66) is thermosiphon exchanged for relatively hotter fuel (12.3) in the second passages (100) so as to cool the blades (26). The heated fuel (12.3) flows into a second cavity (74) adjacent to a second side (72) of the rotor (24) and is discharged from the rotating frame of reference directly into the combustion chamber (16) through a second rotary fluid trap (96). A separate fuel distribution circuit (130) is used for starting and warm-up.
US08057157B2
System for delivering air from a multi-stage compressor to a turbine portion of a gas turbine engine
A system for providing air from a multi-stage to a turbine includes a turbine having a high pressure input port and a low pressure input port. The system also includes a compressor having at least one high pressure extraction air output and at least one low pressure extraction air output. A valve is fluidly connected to the at least one high pressure extraction air output, at least one low pressure extraction air output and low pressure input port of the turbine. The valve is selectively operated to fluidly connect the at least one low pressure extraction air output with the low pressure input port during normal operating conditions and fluidly connect the at least one high pressure extraction air output and the low pressure input port during a turn down condition or below design temperature operation to enhance turbine engine performance.
US08057153B2
To correct any positional misalignment of a substrate manifesting along the horizontal direction by utilizing a substrate transfer device alone without engaging a transfer arm in operation. A substrate transfer device comprises a plurality of support pins disposed at positions set apart from one another around a support shaft of a stage, which support a substrate, e.g., a wafer W, on the bottom surface thereof, a base at which the support pins are mounted, a vertical drive means (Z-direction drive means) for raising/lowering the substrate by driving the support pins up/down via the base and a horizontal drive means (X-direction drive means, Y-direction drive means) for adjusting the position of the substrate along the horizontal direction (X and Y directions) by horizontally driving the support pins via the base.
US08057142B1
The tie down bracket apparatus is provided for attachment to any given surface. The apparatus is especially useful on vehicles that often carry loads. The elongated slot is long enough to accommodate both narrow and wide straps. The ears are sufficiently large to provide good surface contact with a given mounting surface. The downturned extensions importantly prevent abrasion of straps that are passed through the slot. The steps provide platform elevation that enables easy strap insertion.
US08057139B2
Devices for restraining tubular segments and methods for storing and accessing tubular segments may include a frame arrangement that has a plurality of parallel cradles for holding tubular segments and movable restraining handles for securing the tubular segments. A spring retention assembly may also be provided that has a spring force to hold the restraining handles against the tubular segments. A vehicle can be equipped to have a device for storing and accessing tubular segments, wherein the device is movable between a storage position and an access position.
US08057119B2
A cosmetic applying device includes a soft tube with an end member connected to the open end of the soft tube in which fluid cosmetic material is received. The end member has two through holes in the closed end and an engaging portion extending from an inner end of the closed end. A core piece has an end inserted into the end member and an applying head extends through a passage in the core piece. A cap is threadedly connected to the soft tube to protect the applying head. When the cap is connected to the soft tube, the passage of the core piece is sealed by the engaging portion to prevent air and cosmetic material from entering the soft tube. When the cap is removed from the soft tube, the core piece is moved and the engaging portion is disengaged from the passage.
US08057115B2
A system having a disc carrier determines a location of the disc carrier based upon first and second specular signals from an optical sensing element, the first specular signal occurring when the incident light is not received within the opening and impinges a first portion of the optical sensing element and the second specular signal occurring when the incident light is received within the opening and impinges a second portion of the optical sensing element.
US08057113B2
A blade drive device includes a shutter unit. The shutter unit includes: a blade swingably supported; and a plurality of boards defining a blade chamber, each having an opening opened and closed by the blade, and an actuator serving as a drive force of the blade and including a rotor having a rotary shaft. The rotary shaft penetrates to the blade chamber. An elastic member is housed in the blade chamber, and urges the rotary shaft in a thrust direction.
US08057109B2
Transceiver modules with dual printed circuit boards. In one example embodiment, a transceiver module includes first and second printed circuit boards (PCBs), a transmitter, a receiver, and a flexible circuit. The first PCB is positioned in a first plane and the second PCB is positioned in a second plane. The transmitter and the receiver are both positioned in a third plane that is offset from the first and second planes. The flexible circuit includes conductive traces that allow electrical data signals to pass between the transmitter and the receiver and the first and second PCBs.
US08057100B2
A roller holder includes a number of couplers disposed between two longitudinal rods for coupling the rods together and for forming a number of compartments to receive rolling members, and two retaining devices disposed in each compartment of the roller holder and attached to the rods for retaining the rolling members in the compartments and between the rods and the couplers of the roller holder, and for preventing the retaining devices from being impacted by the rolling members, the retaining devices each include a projected portion located above the rods and a protruded portion located below the rods and the couplers for engaging with the rolling members.
US08057091B2
Circulation systems for ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water using a flotation platform, dish, and impeller. One embodiment has a connecting arrangement between the drive motor and the impeller that permits the two to be easily and quickly coupled and uncoupled. The connecting arrangement also is designed to accommodate slight misalignments between the shafts. An arrangement to adjust and calibrate the depth of the inlet to the draft tube is disclosed. The system further includes solar panels that can be pivotally swung outwardly to open positions, angularly adjusted about a horizontal axis, and mounted to face toward the central axis of the flotation platform rather than away from it. Arrangements are further provided to monitor and control the components of the system including remotely from shore.
US08057089B2
An inverter cover shield device includes a receiving portion for receiving an inverter; a wire guiding portion for guiding at least one internal wire extending from the inverter, the wire guiding portion including a contact portion and a non contact portion, the contact portion supporting the at least one internal wire, and the contact portion being positioned between the non-contact portion and the receiving portion.
US08057084B2
A side-view type light emitting device includes a package body, first and second lead frames, a light emitting diode chip, a resin covering portion, and at least one spacer portion. The package body has a first surface provided as a mounting surface, a second surface located opposite to the first surface, side surfaces located between the first surface and the second surface, and a concave portion formed at one of the side surfaces corresponding to the light emitting surface.
US08057075B2
A lamp device includes a housing having first and second ends spaced in an axial direction. The housing further includes an air inlet portion and an air outlet portion. A circuit board is mounted in the housing and electrically connected to an electrical connection portion on the first end of the housing. The circuit board includes a substrate having first and second sides spaced in the axial direction and respectively facing the second and first ends of the housing. The circuit board further includes electronic elements. One of the electronic elements having the largest height in the axial direction is mounted on the first side. A heat dissipating module is mounted in the housing and between the air inlet portion and the air outlet portion. A lighting element is coupled to the heat dissipating module and electrically connected to the circuit board.
US08057054B2
A lighting system for a vending machine is provided. The lighting system includes an LED light source extending along a first inner surface of the vending machine and a reflective surface extending along a second inner surface of the vending machine. The reflective surface is capable of reflecting light emitted by the light source in one direction in order to provide light to the interior of the vending machine from multiple directions.
US08057045B2
A projection apparatus for generating a moving star field and a cloud-like effect comprises a means for generating a cloud-like effect using at least one non-coherent light source, a means for generating a moving star field using at least one coherent light source and a means for regulating and supplying electric power. The means for generating cloud-like effect using at least one non-coherent light source comprises at least one pair of condenser lenses and an interferential filter wheel rotated by a motor, disposed between at least one pair of condenser lenses. The means for generating the moving star field using a coherent light source comprises a grating wheel rotated by a motor and a diffractive optical element disposed between the at least one coherent light source and the grating wheel.
US08057042B2
A stereo projection optical system includes an image assimilator and a transmission-type light modulator positioned to receive the emergent light of the image assimilator. The image assimilator is configured for superimposing spatial information on the incident light beam and emitting one of a first polarized light component and a second polarized light component. The transmission-type light modulator alternates between a dark state and a bright state. The stereo projection optical systems provide viewers three-dimensional images formed by two alternative polarized lights whose polarizations are perpendicular relative to each other utilizing the transmission-type light modulators.
US08057039B2
A fundus imaging apparatus comprises: an irradiation optical system comprising a light source which emits a laser beam and a scanner which two-dimensionally scans the laser beam on a fundus of an examinee's eye, the irradiation optical system being adapted to focus the laser beam emitted from the light source on the fundus to form a confocal region; an imaging optical system comprising a photo-receiving element which receives reflection light of the laser beam reflected from the fundus, the imaging optical system being adapted to focus the reflection light from the fundus and receive the reflection light by the photo-receiving element; and a beam restriction member placed in an optical path of the imaging optical system, the beam restriction member comprising: one of an opening through which part of the reflection light from the fundus outside the confocal region is allowed to pass toward the photo-receiving element and a mirror part which reflects the part of the reflection light from the fundus outside the confocal region toward the photo-receiving element; and a light shielding part which shields the reflection light from the fundus in the confocal region and the part of the reflection light from the fundus outside the confocal region. The light shielding part includes a first light shielding part placed in a conjugate position with a focus point of the laser beam on the fundus and a second light shielding part placed in a nearly conjugate position with the fundus and adapted to shield part of an optical path of the reflection light, the second light shielding part is formed around the first light shielding part.
US08057035B2
The invention is directed to a contact lens design and methods of manufacturing, fitting and using such lenses. The contact lens may be designed for use in a corneal refractive therapy (CRT) program. The lens provides a design which allows proper fitting of a patient, whether for corrective contact lenses or for a CRT program. Due to the rational design of the lenses according to the present invention, a minimal number of lens parameter increments can be identified to cover the range of common corneas. It is therefore possible to provide pre-formed lens buttons or blanks which are easily formed into a final design, thereby simplifying and speeding up the treatment process. Further, any adjustment of the lens design which may be required based upon trial fitting or the like, is easily envisioned and implemented by the fitter.
US08057031B2
A method of creating an image on a recording medium including a support having thereon a porous fusible layer, using an ink composition that is solid at room temperature and liquid at elevated temperature including the steps of generating droplets of the ink composition with an ink jet print head, transferring the droplets of the ink composition to the surface of the fusible layer, thermally treating the recording medium such that the ink transferred to fusible layer passes into the medium away from the surface of the fusible layer while the fusible layer remains substantially unfused, and when the ink has passed into the medium, treating the recording medium to fuse the fusible layer to become a protective overcoat. The present invention also pertains to a system for creating an image on a recording medium.
US08057025B2
An inkjet head may include a main-body block, which may include a reservoir configured to store ink, an ink supply port configured to supply the ink to the reservoir, and a plurality of nozzles in fluid communication with the reservoir via an ink flow path. The inkjet head may include a supply valve mechanism attached to the main-body block and configured to selectively set the ink supply port in one of a sealed state and an open state. The inkjet head may further include an attachment unit configured to be removably attached to the main-body block. The attachment unit may include a supply channel configured to supply the ink to the ink supply port. The supply valve mechanism may set the ink supply port in the sealed state when the attachment unit is detached from the main-body block, and set the ink supply port in the open state when the attachment unit is attached to the main-body block.
US08057022B2
An ink jet printer includes an image forming unit. The image forming unit includes a main tank configured to receive ink via a supply port and to store the ink therein, a subtank configured to receive the ink from the main tank and to store the ink therein, and a recording head configured receive the ink from the subtank and to dispense the ink onto a recording medium to form an image thereon. The printer also includes an image reading unit positioned above the image forming unit. The image reading unit is configured selectively move between a first position in which the image reading unit covers the supply port, and a second position in which the image reading unit is separated from the supply port.
US08057021B2
A bubble-bursting box for bursting bubbles of a liquid entering the box. The box comprising has one or more bubble-bursting chambers; each chamber has a respective chamber inlet for connection to a liquid conduit. The chamber inlets are defined in a base of each chamber. The box also has a common air chamber in fluid communication with each bubble-bursting chamber, the air chamber having an air outlet defined in the base. A cover for the bubble-bursting chambers and the air chamber; the cover forms a roof of the box. The cover has one or more air channels that provide in fluid communication between a respective bubble-bursting chamber and the common air chamber.
US08057018B2
A method of manufacturing a liquid jet head includes depositing a lower electrode film on a passage forming substrate and patterning the lower electrode film into a predetermined pattern, forming a piezoelectric layer on the passage forming substrate, forming an intermediate film made of a conductive material on the piezoelectric layer, forming a protective film on the intermediate film and, using the protective film as a mask, patterning by etching the piezoelectric layer together with the intermediate film into a predetermined pattern, peeling off the protective film, and depositing an upper electrode film on the passage forming substrate and patterning the upper electrode film into a predetermined pattern.
US08057015B2
A liquid ejecting head unit including a plurality of liquid ejecting heads is disclosed. A platform on which the plurality of the liquid ejecting heads are mounted in a staggered arrangement in the first direction, each liquid ejecting head being partially adjacent to each in a second direction, which is orthogonal to first direction. A common trunk passage communicates with the liquid passage ports. A plurality of branch passages communicates with the trunk passage. A plurality of branch circuit wiring sections connects to connectors of the liquid ejecting heads. The plurality of liquid ejecting heads are mounted such that liquid passage ports of each partially adjacent liquid ejecting head are not adjacent to each other in a second direction, and such that the connectors of each partially adjacent liquid ejecting head are not adjacent to each other in the second direction.
US08057009B2
Multiple alignment patterns, each composed of first and second alignment pattern elements printed by forward and backward movements of a print head, respectively, are formed while the relative printing positions of the two elements are shifted. From optical characteristics data thereof, whether the data is influenced by a disturbance is determined. When the data is determined to be less influenced by the disturbance and therefore to be reliable, an adjusting value for aligning positions in printing in reciprocal movements is calculated by use of: data with the smallest relative printing position misalignment between the first and second alignment pattern elements; and data of optical characteristics close to the data. When the data is largely influence by the disturbance, a range of shifting of relative position is widened than that of the data less influenced by the disturbance so that more data pieces are used to obtain the adjusting value.
US08057008B2
A method of operating an imaging device comprises measuring an ink conductivity of an ink volume in an ink reservoir of an imaging device. The imaging device is operated in a conductivity fault tolerant mode in response to the measured ink conductivity being outside of a predetermined ink conductivity operational range. In the conductive fault tolerant mode, at least one parameter of a melt duty cycle for the ink reservoir is set to a corresponding conductivity fault tolerant (CFT) level.
US08057007B2
An image recording apparatus includes: a recording head which has a plurality of recording elements; a characteristics information acquisition device which acquires information that indicates recording characteristics of the plurality of recording elements; a correction object determination device which selects from the plurality of recording elements a correction object recording element to be corrected; a correction range setting device which selects from the plurality of recording elements N correction recording elements to be used for correcting an output density, N being an integer not less than 2; a virtual dot setting device which sets a virtual dot to be arranged between dots recorded by the selected correction recording elements; a correction coefficient determination device which determines density correction coefficients for the N correction recording elements in accordance with correction conditions that reduce a low-frequency component of a power spectrum representing spatial frequency characteristics of the density non-uniformity; a correction processing device which performs calculation for correcting the output density by using the density correction coefficients; and a drive control device which controls the plurality of recording elements in accordance with the corrected output density.
US08057004B2
A printhead assembly is provided having a plurality of print nozzle integrated circuits, an electrical connector for connecting electrical signals to the print nozzle integrated circuits, and drive electronics having electrical contacts for electrical connection to the electrical connector, input contacts for receiving print data, and a plurality of controllers for processing the print data. Each controller is connected to a predetermined number of the print nozzle integrated circuits via the electrical contacts and being interconnected to the other controllers. The drive electronics are selected from a range of drive electronics, each having a different number of the interconnected controllers configured to each process the print data applicable to a selected number of the print nozzle integrated circuits such that the ratio of controllers to print nozzle integrated circuits can be varied to change the print speed of the printhead assembly.
US08057003B2
In one embodiment, a method for driving a droplet ejection device having an actuator includes applying a low power multi-pulse waveform having at least two drive pulses and at least one intermediate portion to the actuator. The method further includes alternately expanding and contracting a pumping chamber coupled to the actuator in response to the at least two drive pulses and the at least one intermediate portion. The method further includes causing the droplet ejection device to eject one or more droplets of a fluid in response to the pulses of the low power multi-pulse waveform. In some embodiments, at least one intermediate portion has a voltage level greater than zero and less than or equal to a threshold voltage level in order to reduce the power needed to operate the droplet ejection device.
US08057001B2
An imaging apparatus is provided that includes a liquid discharge head configured to discharge recording liquid as one or more recording liquid droplets; a drive waveform generating unit configured to generate a drive waveform including at least two drive signals within one printing period; a drive unit configured to input tone data, select a relevant drive signal from the drive waveform via a switch that switches on/off according to the tone data, and apply the selected drive signal to the liquid discharge head; and a transmitting unit configured to transmit the tone data to the drive unit plural times within one printing period, the tone data being configured at a plurality of bits per channel.
US08057000B2
This invention relates to an element substrate capable of confirming an electrical connection status before a printhead malfunctions. The element substrate is a substrate for a printhead, which is detachable from a printing apparatus and includes a plurality of printing elements, a logical circuit for controlling the printing elements, and a voltage application terminal for applying a driving voltage to drive the printing elements. The logical circuit is driven at a voltage lower than the driving voltage. The element substrate includes a connection status output circuit which outputs a signal reflecting the electrical connection status between the printhead and the printing apparatus on the basis of the driving voltage.
US08056997B2
A reserving apparatus of a refrigerator having a door and a case that forms a main reserving chamber therein, comprises: a supplementary reserving frame that forms a supplementary reserving chamber at the door separately from the main reserving chamber; a partition member coupled to the supplementary reserving frame, for partitioning the supplementary reserving chamber; and a connecting portion for connecting the partition member to the supplementary reserving frame so that a partitioned space inside the supplementary reserving chamber can be variable. Storage items having various sizes and forms, such as a storage items having a relatively large size and a storage items having a relatively small size, can be effectively reserved at a suitably-adjusted space inside the supplementary reserving chamber. Accordingly, the supplementary reserving chamber can have enhanced spatial utilization degree.
US08056996B2
An appliance includes a cabinet having a plurality of cabinet walls defining a compartment, a storage member configured to support an item for storage in the compartment, and a support assembly slidably mounted within the compartment. The support assembly includes a fixed rail mounted to one of the cabinet walls, and a movable rail slidably coupled to the fixed rail and movable along a sliding direction between a retracted position and an extended position. A bracket is slidably mounted to the movable rail and is movable along a sliding direction between a retracted position and an extended position. The sliding direction of the bracket is substantially parallel to the sliding direction of the movable rail. The storage member is fixedly connected to the bracket and movable with the bracket.
US08056992B2
A coupling is provided for detachably connecting a mobile part of a piece of furniture to a drive. The coupling includes a coupling element that can be moved between the mobile part of the piece of furniture and the drive in a limited manner in at least one direction, in order to compensate for position tolerances in relation to the at least one direction.
US08056986B2
The present disclosure relates to a wheel for a vehicle, in which burrs that are created in forming vent holes do not contact with the inner circumference of rim when disc is combined with rim, such that it is possible to prevent damage to the inside of rim due to burrs. Further, a hub cap is formed for covering a hub hole and separably combined with a cylindrical protrusion of disc, such that it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost and the weight, and improve the fuel efficiency. Furthermore, a plurality of water discharge holes is formed along the joint of rim and disc, such that the water discharge holes make it possible to prevent water from collecting again at the joint of rim and disc after a process of removing water.
US08056983B2
A furniture member mechanism includes upper and lower housing structures, the lower housing structure including first and second side frames. A mechanism is disposed within both the upper and lower housing structures, including first and second lever arms having an upper end, a body extending into both the upper and lower housing structures, and a lower end positioned in the lower housing structure and rotatably connected to the first and second side frames. A bracket is connected to the first and second side frames. First and second biasing members are connected to the first and second lever arms and the bracket. The first or second biasing member extends when the first or second lever arm is rotated from an initial position in a lever forward direction. A biasing force of the first or second biasing member biases the first or second lever arm toward the initial position.
US08056974B2
A foldable seat for a bleacher seating arrangement includes a seat or seat structure fixedly disposed at a deck portion and a seat back pivotally disposed at a rear portion of the seat portion. The seat back is pivotable between an upright position, where a person may sit at the seat structure and may lean back against the seat back, and a folded down position, where the seat back may lay generally on top of or at least partially over the seat structure. The seat back may be pivotally mounted relative to the deck portion and may be substantially freely pivotable between the upright and folded down positions. The bleacher seating arrangement may include a plurality of deck portions that may be retracted to a nested position when the seat backs are in their folded down position.
US08056969B2
Collapsible articles of furniture are provided which have at least one leg assembly which includes a first leg and a second leg. The first leg has a first upper leg segment and a first lower leg segment coupled to the upper leg segment by a first link and the second leg has a movable second upper leg segment and a fixed second lower leg segment coupled to the upper leg segment by a second link. The two links are pivotally connected to each other for movement between an open position wherein the first and second legs cross each other to form a generally X-shaped configuration and a closed position wherein the upper and lower leg segments are aligned with each other and the upper leg section of the first leg is received within the lower leg section of the second leg and is aligned with and telescopically received within the lower leg section of the first leg. The pair of control links pivotally supported in a space between the link plates move in response to movement of the plates prevent telescopic connection between the upper and lower leg segments and prevent the upper leg segments from being telescopically received within the lower leg segments until a predetermined condition of alignment between the upper and lower leg segments has been attained.
US08056966B2
A gutter system for a vehicle storage compartment includes a bed floor for supporting cargo in a vehicle and a storage compartment having an opening defined in the bed floor. A gutter at least partially surrounds the opening. The gutter includes a main gutter channel disposed adjacent and along an inward side of the opening and lateral gutter channels disposed adjacent and along lateral sides of the opening. At least one discharge channel fluidly connects to the main gutter channel and extends laterally outwardly therefrom to facilitate drainage from the main gutter channel.
US08056963B2
A vehicle roof assembly is coupled to a windshield. The roof assembly includes an outer roof member and an inner roof member which form a duct for conducting conditioned air therethrough. A body panel includes a front panel and a bottom panel which are integrally joined together at a corner. The corner has a plurality of apertures formed therein. An adhesive strip attaches an upper edge of the windshield to the front panel. The apertures receive conditioned air from the duct and form an airflow boundary layer which flows over an inner surface of the windshield. This assembly forms a windshield defogging system.
US08056960B2
A sidewall assembly for a trailer or van having a plurality of composite panels interconnected along the length of the trailer. The composite panels have a polyurethane core sandwiched between inner and outer metal panels in bonded relationship. The composite panels are affixed to a respective hat-shaped inner side post between adjacent vertical ends of the composite panels. A plurality of vertically arranged rivets affixes the composite panel to inner post and to an outer sidepost.
US08056958B2
A protection structure is formed from a platform and a forward pair and a rearward pair of load bearing members, where each load bearing member is attached at a lower end to the platform. A first and second pair of side beams are attached to the outer side of one of each of the pair of load bearing members, respectively. A pair of upper corner beams are attached to an upper end of each of the load bearing members and attached to an end of each of a forward pair and a rearward pair of transverse members, where a beam is attached to the opposite end of each of the pair of transverse members. Body panels may be attached to the protection structure to define and enclose the occupant compartment.
US08056955B1
A trailer tarp cover system comprising a main arm, a rectangular joint, a gas spring, and a motor located on the distal end of the main arm. In a first embodiment, the rectangular joint is comprised of the bottom portion of the main arm, two axle support members, two first support members, and two second support members. In a second embodiment, the rectangular joint is comprised of the bottom portion of the main arm, two axle support members, one first support member, and one second support member. In an alternate embodiment, torsion springs are used in lieu of the gas spring.
US08056933B2
A mounting plate connects a first air channeling apparatus and a second air channeling apparatus. The first air channeling apparatus includes an air outlet and a flange projecting outward from the air outlet. The mounting plate is mounted to the second air channeling apparatus and comprises an opening, a first rail, alignment tabs, and a clamp member. The first rail on the mounting plate projects toward the first air channeling apparatus. The alignment tabs project toward the first air channeling apparatus and are configured to align with the air outlet. The clamp member has a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally connected to the mounting plate and the clamp member includes a second rail. The flange of the first air channeling apparatus is secured between the first rail and the second rail as the clamp member is secured to the mounting plate.
US08056930B2
A bottle-cap identification system includes a double or, alternatively, single layer coating applied to top and sides of a twist-top bottle cap and its appendant stationary connection ring. The double layer coating consists of an inner colored painting with stripe pattern and an outer opaque black layer. The single layer coating includes only the opaque substance and is applied directly to a cap and ring, whereby the cap and ring is either of solid color or features the genuine brand design. The black layer is composed of a polymer with weaker cohesive than adhesive bonds, which prevents the color of cap and ring from being seen through and enables its removal by scratching. Such scratching results in a marking randomly exposing the inner layer or, respectively, the cap and ring itself. The marking and its alignment on cap and ring serve as criterion for recognition and identification of the bottle.
US08056927B2
A pet travel safety device is provided for use with a vehicle seatbelt system to controllably restrain movement of a pet in a vehicle during a collision or sudden deceleration of the vehicle. In one embodiment, a safety restrainer may secure a pet in a vehicle having a seat belt with a first prong configured to latch into a first buckle of a shoulder/lap belt combination system. The safety restrainer may comprise a restraint assembly including a restraint strap having a first strap end and a second strap end which are configured to releasably couple to each other. The safety restrainer may further comprise a harness configured to couple to the restraint assembly. The harness may include a first harness end and a second harness end. The first harness end comprises a first connector to releasably couple to the first prong and the second harness end comprises a second connector to releasably couple to the first buckle. The harness may include first and second harness portions. The first harness portion includes an intermediate point which is fixedly affixed to the second harness portion that is in turn coupled between the intermediate point of the first harness portion and an intermediate point of the restraint strap between the first strap end and the second strap end such that the second harness portion is fixedly affixed to the restraint strap.
US08056926B2
Overlapping section (81) is constructed by positioning an inner side wall portion (78) of an outer impact absorbing section (63) closer to a longitudinal centerline (48) of a vehicle body than an outer side wall (33, 103) of a front side frame (11, 12; 91), so that a collision impact load can be transmitted to the outer side wall portion by way of the overlapping section. Inner impact absorbing section (62) projects forward by a greater length than an outer impact absorbing section (63). Thus, an airbag-deploying acceleration threshold value Gs is set within a range between an acceleration level when the inner impact absorbing section (62) alone is deformed by impact energy and an acceleration level when the inner and outer impact absorbing sections (62, 63) are deformed.
US08056921B2
A stroller has a frame structure with two laterally spaced apart sides and a frame extension on each side. Each frame extension projects rearward and terminates at a free end. The frame structure is collapsible laterally from a side-to-side in-use spacing between the frame extensions to a side-to-side compact spacing less than the in-use spacing between the frame extensions. A push handle is on the free end of each frame extension. A cross-brace extends between and interconnects the frame extensions. The cross-brace has a central section and a pair of flanking sections pivotally connected to one another. The cross brace is selectively reconfigurable from a stiff condition to a loose condition with the frame extensions in the in-use spacing. The stiff condition maintains the in-use spacing between the frame extensions and the loose condition permits the frame extensions to collapse to the compact spacing.
US08056917B2
A bicycle is provided on which a person can efficiently ride in a comfortable posture along a slope and effectively utilize the strength of the legs while pedaling along a level road. This bicycle includes: a stem fixing a handle on an upper-end part thereof and including a front wheel-shaft supporting member in a lower part thereof; a front wheel attached pivotally via a front wheel shaft to a lower-end part of the front wheel-shaft supporting member; a front frame supporting a middle part of the stem in such a way that a front-end part thereof makes a handling turn freely, and extending rearward; a rear frame fixing a saddle on an upper-end part thereof, including a rear wheel-shaft supporting member in a lower part thereof, and attached pivotally at a lower-end part of the rear wheel-shaft supporting member via joint members to a rear-end part of the front frame in such a way that the rear frame sways back and forth freely; and a rear wheel disposed via a rear wheel shaft a predetermined height above the joint members at the rear wheel-shaft supporting member in such a way that the rear wheel rotates freely, and rotated by a pedal-attached crank on each side.
US08056915B2
A stepping scooter includes a scooter body for supporting a rider, a moving system, a driving system and a steering lever. The moving system includes a driving wheel rotatably connected with the scooter body, a driven wheel coaxially aligned with the driving wheel and rotatably connected with the scooter body. The driving system includes a driving arrangement pivotally connected to the scooter body, and a transmission and speeding up arrangement engaged with the driving arrangement to convert a human power applied on the driving arrangement into a rotation power to drive the moving system. When the human power is applied on the driving arrangement, the driving wheel is rotated so as to drive the driven wheel to move forward. On the other hand, the transmission and speeding up arrangement is capable of increasing a transmission velocity twice to save a physical force for the rider at the same time.
US08056913B2
A step assembly is provided for a bumper of a motor vehicle. The step assembly includes a mounting bracket fixedly secured to the bumper. A step is operatively coupled to the mounting bracket and is movable between a retracted position disposed adjacent the bumper and a deployed position extending away from the bumper. A pivot arm is pivotally interconnected between the mounting bracket and the step. A spring is secured between the mounting bracket and the pivot arm for biasing the pivot arm. The spring creates a tensile force. A lock arm is pivotally interconnected between the mounting bracket and the step. The lock arm defines a lock surface engaging the pivot arm while the tensile force of the spring locks the step in order to retain the step in one of the retracted and deployed positions.
US08056905B1
A toolholder tightening fixture for selectively engaging a V-flange toolholder is provided. The fixture comprises a ball lock collar movably coupled relative to a housing and includes an inner surface having a recess formed therein. A lock housing is fixedly coupled with the fixture and is positioned within the ball lock collar. The lock housing includes at least one radial bore and is configured for receiving the toolholder. A lock ball is positioned within the radial bore of the lock housing. The ball lock collar is moved to an unlocked position when the lock ball is positioned in the recess in the ball lock collar to allow the toolholder to be inserted and removed from the lock housing. The ball lock collar is moved to a locked position when the lock ball is removed from the recess and placed in engagement with the toolholder.
US08056900B2
A method and associated system for hosting a lottery game includes designating a plurality of game player positions on a predetermined grid presented to the player on a play slip, the game player positions defining a pathway on the grid. The pathway includes the player positions is continuous from a start grid position to a finish grid position. A lottery ticket is issued to the player that indicates the player's pathway on the grid. The lottery authority randomly selects at least one position on the grid. A winning outcome is determined based on a value of the player positions in the pathway from the start grid position to the finish grid position prior to intersection of the pathway by the randomly selected lottery position on the grid.
US08056892B2
Different printed products (10) are fed by feeding units (7) and collated in compartments (2), wherein the compartments (2) are conveyed substantially continuously past the feeding outlets (6) arranged successively in a line, and a printed product (10) is added through each feeding outlet (6). The compartments (2) have a compartment base (3) and a transverse wall (4), wherein the compartment base (3) is inclined at least in a feeding region (5) of a circuit (1) of the compartments (2) in a conveying direction and the transverse wall (4) is upstream or downstream depending on the direction of inclination of the compartments. The compartments (2) are coupled to a conveying means such that they are rotatable around a substantially horizontal and/or substantially vertical axis. Thus, it becomes possible to maintain the inclination angle of the compartments which they have in the feeding region, in a region (12) for conveying further, an extraction region (15) with inclining or declining gradients.
US08056891B2
A device for use on palletized loads of containers for maintaining tension in vertical strapping comprises a rectangle (20) having outer dimensions commensurate with the dimensions of a pallet or dolly on which. containers are to be stacked in layers, each side of the rectangle comprising upper and lower leaves (21L, 22L) diverging from hinge means at the inner edge of the side, the lower leaves (22L) of all four sides being disposed in a common plane, and spring means (23) urging the outer edges of the upper and lower leaves apart. In one form of the device (20) the sides of a pair of rectangular frames (21, 22) constitute the upper and lower leaves (21L, 22L) and conical coil compression springs (23) are provided between the frames to urge them apart, tethering means (25, 27) adjacent the inner edges of the frames being such as to form the hinge means between the leaves, while tethering means (24, 26) adjacent the outer edges of the frames limit the extent to which the leaves (21L, 22L) are caused to diverge. In other forms the spring means is integral with the hinge means.
US08056888B2
A hydraulic bearing with biaxial damping with an axial and radial damping characteristics essentially independent of one another. The hydraulic bearing including a housing and an axially and radially operating elastomeric damping arrangement received therein. Several chambers are adapted to receive a hydraulic damping device and formed, with respect to the axial and radial orientation of the bearing, in pairs, with each chamber pair interconnected by at least one channel. The upper housing section is constructed as a support body including an inner core, and the outer wall of the upper housing section radially separated from the inner core, and a spring connected with the inner core and the outer wall by vulcanization. The hydraulic bearing is modular, wherein the chambers affecting the radial damping are part of a bush bearing which is inserted in the support body as a separate component and non-positively and/or positively connected thereto.
US08056877B2
A support mechanism includes a bracket, two sliding members, a first arm, a second arm, and an elastic member. The sliding members are slidably connected to the bracket. Each sliding member includes a resisting portion. An end of the first arm is pivotally connected to the bracket. An end of the second arm is pivotally connected to the first arm and the bracket. The elastic member is positioned between the first, second arms and the bracket. An elastic force of the elastic member acts on the first arm and the second arm to make the resisting portions of the sliding members resist the first arm and the second arm.
US08056876B2
A support structure for supporting a display panel includes a support and a clamp. The support is rotatably coupled to the display panel. The clamp includes two clamping arms rotatably coupled to the support, a bolt and an adjusting nut. A slot is defined in each clamping arm. The bolt is extended through each slot and engaged with the adjusting nut. Therefore a distance between two distal ends of two clamping arms can be adjusted by screwing and unscrewing the adjusting nut along the bolt. A display device using the support structure is also provided.
US08056871B2
An adjustable stand raises the height of a computer display to eye level, for greater viewing comfort and better ergonomics. A unique design allows the stand to collapse down to two thin plates. When disassembled, the stand is approximately the size of a magazine, making it ideal for carrying in a laptop bag together with the laptop itself. Smaller versions for smaller devices (e.g., smartphones, video players, etc.) are possible. Other applications are also possible (e.g., holding photos, artwork, books, etc.).
US08056865B2
An apparatus comprises a structure having a first side, a second side substantially opposite to the first side, a flexible skin, and a plurality of deformable assemblies. The flexible skin is attached to the first side and the second side of the structure. The plurality of deformable assemblies is moveably connected to the structure, in which each deformable assembly in the plurality of deformable assemblies has a vertex and a base. The each deformable assembly in the plurality of deformable assemblies has a height that is capable of changing to change a shape of the structure and a shape of the flexible skin.
US08056857B2
An aircraft passenger seat that includes a frame with a seat bottom mounted for translating fore and aft movement, and a seat back linked to the seat bottom and mounted for generally vertical movement between a lowered and upright position. A stationary seat back shell assembly is provided within which the seat back is mounted for movement. A seat back position indicator is carried by the shell proximate a top end thereof and cooperates with the seat back. The seat back position indicator has a first condition indicating that the seat back is in the lowered position within the shell and a second condition indicating that the seat back is in the upright position within the shell.
US08056855B2
The invention describes and claims an apparatus and method of missile interception. The missile interceptor comprises a net body with a plurality of sections and at least one missile trajectory effector. In the preferred variant, the missile trajectory effector is embodied as an exploding ring. A missile, passing through the net body, picks up a ring, which explodes once the missile passes a sufficient distance away from the missile interceptor. Preferred embodiments of the missile interceptor further comprise one or more vertically-positioned poles. Claimed method involves the use of such interceptor and positioning the interceptor on the likely trajectory of incoming missiles.
US08056851B2
A blade for an antitorque tail rotor of a helicopter, having a leading edge and a trailing edge opposite each other and elongated along a longitudinal axis of the blade; the trailing edge, in use, interacts with the air current after the leading edge; the blade also has two opposite surfaces extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge, and a root portion extending from a radially inner first end, with respect to a rotation axis of the blade, towards a second end opposite the first end; and the root portion, when sectioned in a plane perpendicular to the leading edge and trailing edge, has a profile asymmetrical with respect to a chord joining the leading edge and trailing edge.
US08056848B1
A blade assembly of a blender consists of a first and a second blade. The first blade has an elongated and slightly elevated body with two vertical tips, and the second blade with the body bent downwardly. The unique design of said first and second blades can create a turbulent flow, allowing the content in the container cycling between the blades to achieve finer particle and efficient processing time.
US08056845B2
In a combination coffee grinder and coffee storage device, a housing has a grinding chamber and a storage container located with the housing. The storage container has a removable airtight closure and the grinding chamber has grinding blades. A motor is located in the housing for driving the grinding blades. A pump, located in the housing, has an air connection to the storage container for evacuating air from the storage container. The pump is operated by the motor for evacuating air from the storage container while the motor is simultaneously driving the grinding blades
US08056838B2
A control mechanism for a lawn spreader controls output flow of granular material out of the spreader hopper by adjusting the position of a control cable anchor point. The control mechanism includes a clamping portion for clamping to a tubular handle of the spreader. A top surface of the clamp portion, adjacent to the handle, provides a slide for a slideable cable anchor shuttle, which internally provides the anchor point for a control cable. The shuttle may be made from a plastic material. A dial housed within a dial housing, adjacent to the slide portion of the clamp, may be rotated to various indicated positions which in turn controls the position of the shuttle on the metal slide portion of the clamp, thereby adjusting the position of the control cable anchor point. The control cable extends from the end of the shuttle anchor mechanism to a hopper spring-loaded aperture cover.
US08056830B1
A shower head designed to produce a consistent, wide diameter spray of water under both high and low water pressure conditions. The shower head includes a spinner tube mounted inside a cylindrical-shaped nozzle body. The upper segment of the spinner tube is held in a central location inside the nozzle body by a fixed cassette assembly. The middle and lower segments of the spinner tube extend below the cassette assembly and are bent outward and axially offset from the upper segment and from each other so that the spinner tube is able to spin freely inside the nozzle body. Mounted inside and over the upper end opening of the nozzle tube is an adapter with a longitudinally aligned threaded cavity formed on one end. The adapter includes a water orifice that delivers water from the shower head fixture tube to to the spinner tube. Disposed between the adapter and the upper end of the spinner tube is a flat washer with a narrow water orifice that delivers a narrow, high velocity stream of water to the spinner tube.
US08056826B2
A rail-mounting assembly has a base frame formed unitarily with a pair of side members and a pair of end members generally bridging ends of the side members and having inwardly directed generally vertical inner end faces. At least one web extending horizontally between the members has a horizontal upper face and defines with the members a vertically throughgoing aperture. A top plate spaced above the base frame has a lower face having a portion spacedly vertically confronting the upper face of the web and a pair of outwardly directed outer end faces longitudinally horizontally confronting the inner end faces of the end members. An elastomeric body is bonded to each of the outer end faces and the respective confronting inner end face and to the upper face of the web and the portion of the lower face confronting the upper face.
US08056823B2
A constant temperature and balanced pressure valve core with single handle comprises a valve cover, and a temperature adjusting assembly, a thermo-sensitive element, a put-off spring, an adjuster, combined in the chamber of the valve cover from top to bottom; and the valve cover is provided with a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet and an water outlet; wherein the valve core also comprises a water division mechanism and an compacting sealing part; the water division mechanism matches with the cold water inlet and the hot water inlet, forming the cold water passage and hot water passage, and provides a cold water control port and a hot water control port that respectively match with the cold water passage and the hot water passage; the compacting sealing part forms seal with the inner wall of the valve cover, and holds the water division mechanism in the valve cover; the adjuster matches with the thermo-sensitive element and the put-off spring, and on the action of the thermo-sensitive element and the put-off spring, the adjuster can float between the cold water control port and the hot water control port.
US08056813B2
The chip card holder includes a body member, a card receiving space formed on the body member and a releasing piece. The card receiving space has an opening to insert a chip card along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the card receiving space. The releasing piece is slidably mounted on the body member along the longitudinal direction and is configured for either exposing the opening to insert the chip card or locking the chip card in the card receiving space.
US08056811B2
An anti-misinsertion mechanism for a card connector defining a correct card connector thickness, the mechanism including: a body; a first link generally extending along the body, the first link including an actuator for actuating the first link to be rotated from a normal position toward an operating position upon detecting existence of the correct thickness of a partially-inserted card; and a second link provided with a stopper for selectively preventing full insertion of the card, the second link being pivoted to the body and operatively connected to the first link, thereby being rotatable between a normal position and an operating position relative to the normal and operating positions of the first link.
US08056808B2
An arrangement for, and a method of, reducing image blur in response to motion of an imaging reader for imaging symbols to be read, employs an illuminating light assembly supported by the reader for illuminating a symbol with illumination light having an intensity level over an illumination time period, a solid-state imager supported by the reader and having an array of image sensors for capturing return light from the symbol over a field of view over an exposure time period, a motion sensor, such as a gyroscope or an accelerometer, supported by the reader for detecting the motion of the reader, and for generating a motion signal in response to the detected motion of the reader, and a controller operatively connected to the motion sensor, for dynamically controlling at least one of the time periods and the intensity level in real time in response to the motion signal to optimally image the symbol.
US08056805B2
An optical text scanning device compatible with a small handheld computer such as a personal digital assistant (PDA). The scanning device allows for a clear view of the text that is scanned simultaneous to the scanning process so that the operator can continuously align the device to the text. The scanned images of the text are converted in real-time to standard byte or word characters for subsequent display on the computer's viewing screen. The operator can quickly verify the accuracy of the conversion by comparing the displayed character with the actual character of text on the surface that is being scanned. Scanned text characters are stored in standard digital text files for ease of manipulation.
US08056797B2
A mandrel that provides a counter-force to the pressure exerted on the outside of a pipe or other arcuate surface by a friction stir welding tool, wherein the mandrel is expandable through the use of a wedge, and wherein the mandrel enables multiple friction stir welding heads to simultaneously perform welding on the arcuate surface.
US08056792B2
An ergonomic horn for use in an ultrasonic welder having a base structure defining a first longitudinal axis, where the base structuring is connectable to the ultrasonic welder, and a tip mounting head defining a second longitudinal axis. The second longitudinal axis is angled relative to the first longitudinal axis to permit an ergonomic positioning of the item to be welded. The tip mounting head is operable to support a removable ultrasonic welding tip member. The ergonomic horn further having a reduced thickness neck portion interconnecting the base structure and the tip mounting head, such that the base structure, tip mounting head, and reduced thickness neck portion together transmit ultrasonic energy in the range of approximately 10 kHz to approximately 60 kHz for ultrasonic welding.
US08056782B2
Disclosed herein is a cross bar of a roof carrier for vehicles, provided between side bars of a roof so as to load cargo, and having no wire, thus reducing a manufacturing cost. The cross bar includes first and second brackets provided on opposite ends of a cross-bar body. A first locking pin is provided on one end of the cross-bar body in such a way as to be retracted into and ejected from the first bracket. A second locking pin is connected to the other end of the cross-bar body via a power transmission unit, and moves in a direction opposite the moving direction of the cross-bar body to be retracted into and ejected out from the second bracket. A lever is provided on the first bracket. A body elastic part is provided between the cross-bar body and the second bracket, and provides restoring force to the cross-bar body.
US08056781B1
A system for efficient manual towing of a wheeled golf trolley using a flexible tether and harness mountable to the torso of a user.
US08056780B1
Apparatus for securing a compact portable device which includes a viewing screen to a wearer. A base is attachable to a belt and configured to serve as a belt buckle. A panel has a decorative side and a device side, and an attachment for securing the compact portable device to the device side of the panel, with the viewing screen exposed. A swivel joint connects the panel to the base in a manner such that the panel can selectively be oriented, with reference to the base, with the panel and the base generally parallel and the decorative side of the panel visible, with the panel and the base generally parallel and the viewing screen visible, or with the panel extending outwardly and turned for viewing the viewing screen.
US08056778B1
A long gun support for maintaining the stock end of a long gun against the chest of a user. A strap assembly worn by the user includes a pad for attaching to a pliable gun butt sleeve in the chest region where the stock of a long gun stock is conventionally placed for firing.
US08056775B2
An appliance has a casing and a dispenser. The dispenser includes a dispensing member for dispensing a fluid and is movable between a first position in which at least a part of the dispensing member is located within the casing and a second position in which the dispensing member projects from the casing. The dispensing member is slideable between the first and second positions along a linear path. By providing such an arrangement, the dispenser is able to move along the shortest path between the first and second positions, reducing the space necessary in the appliance to allow the dispenser to move and allowing the drive mechanisms to be correspondingly smaller.
US08056774B2
A fluid dispensing system includes a container, a pump assembly and a bleed valve. The pump assembly is connected to the container selectively pressurizing the container and includes an outlet port. The outlet port has a check valve precluding flow from the container through the outlet port. The bleed valve is in communication with an aperture formed through the container. The bleed valve relieves excess pressure in the container.
US08056772B2
A piston pump in which the piston carries a valve and a control mechanism to change a characteristic of the valve, preferably, its tendency to open. The valve may preferably comprise a disc which extends radially outwardly from the piston to resiliently engage the wall of piston chamber. The control mechanism preferably provides an access port communicating axially through the piston and axially out an opening of the piston chamber. In a preferred embodiment, the control mechanism comprises a bladder with a flexible side wall which can be moved from an inherent uncollapsed position to a different position and which bladder is inherently biased to return to its uncollapsed position.
US08056768B2
A foam pump assembly for dispensing foam comprises a dual piston pump engine having an air cylinder and fluid cylinder each with pistons, a mixing chamber in communication with the liquid cylinder for receiving liquid, and in communication with the air cylinder for receiving air, an outlet chamber providing a flow path with turns, whereby when air and fluid is fed into said mixing chamber foam is created which passes into the outlet chamber, through the flow path and out of the pump outlet.
US08056767B2
This discharge container is a discharge container provided with a container main body, a discharge pump and a fixing cap, in which the discharge pump is provided with a cylinder member made of a large-diameter cylinder and a small-diameter cylinder, a piston member mounted on the cylinder member and a nozzle head. The piston member is provided with a piston, a poppet valve, a piston guide, an air piston, an air piston valve and a stem. The air piston is provided with an inner tube portion engaged with the outer circumference of the piston guide, an upper wall portion having an air hole, and a sliding tube portion engaged with the large-diameter cylinder internally so as to slide freely. The stem is provided with a lower tube portion engaged with the upper part of the piston guide to form a gas-liquid mixing chamber including a ball valve internally at the upper part of the piston guide and also engaged with the upper inner tube of the inner tube portion so as to slide freely and a mesh ring mounted on the upper inner circumference of the air piston. The nozzle head is mounted on the outer circumference of the stem.
US08056763B2
A substance container may be used for containing substances such as liquids or powders. The container assembly includes a body. A top panel of the body includes a flap that folds into the back panel of the body. A first aperture is located on the front panel to accommodate a dispensing assembly. A second aperture is also located on the top panel to accommodate a filling assembly. The filling assembly does not protrude past an uppermost plane represented by a top surface of the body.
US08056757B2
A hot beverage cup and sleeve bring together two modes of heat transfer, conduction and radiation. The sleeve has an inner face with a plurality of high reflectivity surfaces for radiating heat back to the cup. The sleeve also has a plurality of insulating members for containing insulating air. Each of the insulating members is positioned to space the high reflectivity surfaces away from the cup. A low emissivity film can be adhered to the cup without touching the insulating members. The film can also be attached to the sleeve facing but spaced from the high reflectivity surfaces. This cup and sleeve arrangements minimize thermal contact and reduce heat transfer. Thus, the hot beverage cup and sleeve protect a person's hand as well as extend the time of keeping the beverage hot.
US08056756B2
The present invention provides a communication member for a medical container capable of allowing communication between the inside and the outside of a container body containing a liquid in a state of being fixed to the container body. The communication member includes: a valve 2 having an insertion hole 2a; a tubular body 3 supporting the valve 2; and a closing film 4 for closing a bore of the tubular body 3 in the bore and in the vicinity of the valve 2. The tubular body 3 and the closing film 4 are molded integrally. A groove 4a that passes through the center of the closing film 4 is formed on either a surface of the closing film 4 on the valve 2 side or a surface opposite to the valve side. A pair of ribs 4b are formed on a surface opposite to a surface of the closing film 4 on which the groove is formed, and one of the pair of ribs is formed on one of the two areas that are divided by a straight line whose longitudinal direction is the same as that of the groove and that passes through the center of the closing film, and the other rib is formed on the other area.
US08056751B2
Base and cover elements (12, 14) of a food container (10) can be rapidly closed at a plant and can be easily opened and closed by a customer. The cover has a lower rim wall (44) with a plurality of radially inward cover projections (50) spaced about the container axis (20), and the base has a base rim wall (32) with a plurality of recesses (52) with undercut grooves (60) that each receives a cover projection to hold the cover closed on the base. The bottom surface (86) of the cover projections and the top surface (80) of the base rim wall are beveled, so the cover can be installed by forcefully pushing it down, at any rotational position of the cover on the base. The cover then can be easily removed by turning it, with the cover projections moving along undercut base grooves (60), until the cover projections reach vertical passages (54) through which the projections can be easily lifted. The base has a handle (90) to prevent the base from turning, comprising a sheet-like tab that projects radially outward under the cover and that forms upstanding shoulders (94, 96).
US08056748B2
A safe device for a squeezable container includes a protective cover, a body, and a bottom cap. The protective cover includes an idle cap, an inner cap, and a mouthpiece. The idle cap is rotatably mounted around the inner cap. The body includes a compartment for receiving a squeezable container. A plurality of non-return blocks are formed on an outer periphery defining an upper opening of the body and meshable with non-return blocks on the mouthpiece to prevent the mouthpiece from disengaging from the container. The bottom cap is engaged in and seals a lower opening of the body. A rotational force applied to the idle cap can only be transmitted to the inner cap when a force greater than a predetermined magnitude is applied to move the idle cap downward to tightly engage with the outer periphery of the inner cap.
US08056746B2
There is provided a synthetic resin bottle in which an amorphous carbon film having good appearance without forming the brown mottled pattern on the surface thereof is deposited.The present invention provides a bottle having a mouth portion, a shoulder portion, a body portion and a bottom portion in which an amorphous carbon film is deposited on the inner surfaces of the mouth portion, the shoulder portion, the body portion and the bottom portion by supplying C2H2 gas. When the height position of the shoulder portion in the direction toward the mouth portion along the bottle axis from the position at which the inner diameter of the shoulder portion is maximal is within the area whose height is not more than 70% the total height of the shoulder portion along the bottle axis, the amorphous carbon film on the shoulder portion within the above range of height position is formed so that the thickness thereof is not less than 0.9 times but not more than 1.1 times the thickness at the shoulder portion having maximum inner diameter.
US08056742B2
A child-resistant closure includes a plastic inner shell having a base wall with a peripheral skirt, at least one internal thread segment on the peripheral skirt and a plurality of internal lugs on the base wall adjacent to the skirt. A plastic outer shell has a base wall with a peripheral skirt and a plurality of internal L-shaped lugs at a juncture of the base wall and the peripheral skirt. Each of the L-shaped lugs includes a first portion extending radially inwardly along an undersurface of the base wall of the outer shell for engaging the external lugs on the inner shell, and a second portion extending axially along an inner surface of the peripheral skirt of the outer shell for slidably engaging the inner shell and aligning the inner shell within the outer shell. The second portions of the L-shaped lugs preferably have rounded radially inwardly facing surfaces for reduced sliding friction with the skirt of the inner shell.
US08056735B2
An apparatus main body of a frame structure and an apparatus main body of a wall structure are formed separately, tray units 200 are attached to the frame main body and the wall main body, and magazine units 100 which are held by the tray unit 200 hold cigarette packs T. Since the two types of main bodies use the tray units 200 and the magazine units 100, the cigarette packs T can be displayed in various ways without decreasing productivity. In this way, the present invention provides a cigarette display system 1000 having a structure which can display the cigarette packs T in various ways without decreasing productivity.
US08056727B1
Systems and methods related to an expanding pallet skirt (EPS) are shown and described. In one example, an EPS includes a side including a stabilizer flap (SF), a display flap (DF), and a convertible shelf (CS) positioned between the SF and the DF. The SF has a ship-orientation and a display-orientation. The DF has a ship-orientation and a display-orientation. The CS converts from a shipper-rest-orientation to an expansion-spacer-orientation. Some systems may optionally include a removable shipper-cover configured to interface with the EPS when the DF is in its ship-orientation.
US08056721B2
The invention provides a package assembly(100) including a base including a bottom portion (112) and a plurality of vertically oriented display cards (130)arranged on the base. Each display card includes a top edge (138), a bottom edge (140),a display portion (134) and a first support portion (136) attached to the display portion along a vertical fold (150). The display portion of each card is preferably disposed in a different plane and at a first angle with respect to the first support portion, wherein the bottom edge ofeach card is disposed on the base. The display cards are configured and adapted to withstand a vertical load applied to the package assembly. In accordance with another aspect, the invention can further include a shipping cover (160)disposed over the display cards, the shipping cover configured and adapted to protect the display cards during shipment.
US08056718B2
Disclosed is a storage apparatus for storing a plurality of baby bottles. Each of the plurality of baby bottles includes a bottle body and a set of components. The storage apparatus includes a first assembly. The first assembly includes a first compartment, and at least one tray removably configured within the first compartment. The at least one tray includes a plurality of receptacles capable of receiving and retaining the bottle body of the each of the plurality of baby bottles. Further, the storage apparatus includes a second assembly. The second assembly includes a support frame detachably configured to the first assembly, and a removable second compartment slidably coupled to the support frame. The removable second compartment is capable of storing the set of components of the each of the plurality of baby bottles.
US08056710B2
This invention relates to a kit and methods adapted for use in a vehicle glove compartment box, which provides assistance in various vehicular scenarios related to traffic tickets, DWIs, car wrecks, avoiding repossessions, and using lemon laws. The kit includes a container, camera, and booklet and is small enough to fit conveniently inside a vehicle glove box. The booklet contains sequential step-by-step instructions to assist the user with the vehicular scenarios and is written in a simple and easy-to-read format that does not require a legal dictionary to decipher. In simpler terms, the present invention provides common sense tips to help protect one's legal rights.
US08056709B2
Packages are formed for holding containers that extend through a bottom panel of the package. Braces are provided for at least partially securing the containers in the package.
US08056705B2
The invention relates to a device (10) and a method for processing objects (100, 110) with a plurality of tools (20), as well as with a tool drive arrangement (30). The tools (20) in each case comprise at least one lever (21) as well as an acting element (22) which may cooperate with the object (100, 110). The levers (21) are pivotably attached on tool drive arrangement (30) on bearing points (23) and may be driven along a closed revolving path by way of the movement of the tool drive arrangement (30). The acting elements (22) are distanced to the bearing point (23). The pivot position of the levers (231) relative to the tool drive arrangement (30) may be set in dependence on their position along the revolving path with a guide mechanism. According to the invention, the guide mechanism (40) is adjustable, wherein different distances (d, d′) of adjacent acting elements may be realized in a predefined reference region by way of the adjustment.
US08056695B2
An adaptive soft start system for mower blade clutch engagement includes an engine speed sensor providing engine speed inputs to a microcontroller that provides electrical power to an electromagnetic clutch for engaging an engine to at least one mower blade. The microcontroller repeatedly computes the rate of change of engine speed during mower blade clutch engagement and modulates the electrical power to the electromagnetic clutch each time the rate of change of engine speed is outside minimum or maximum thresholds.
US08056693B2
A two-wheel drive motorcycle having a drive train that supplies power to the front wheel and includes a series of rigid shafts or other internalized drive systems. The front wheel drive consists of components located on the axis of steering within the head tube and positioned symmetrically in a counterbalancing fashion within the front fork in order to counteract the torque reactions from the rotating front wheel drive while providing a full range of steering. The front wheel drive lengthens and shortens in parallel with the shock-absorbing front fork. An engagement clutch, a one-way hub, and torque limiting clutch operatively engaged with the front wheel drive are also disclosed.
US08056692B2
A sealing system with at least one sealing device for a pressurizing-agent-operable actuating device, for sealing off a pressure chamber assigned to the latter from the surroundings. The individual sealing element being placed in a groove formed by the actuating device and a thin sheet metal element connected to the actuating device, where at least two contact surfaces that describe the groove are formed on the actuating device for the sealing element.
US08056687B2
An apparatus is provided having an active material forming a surface thereof in contact with a rheological fluid. The active material is controllable to vary a surface geometry thereof between a rough or nonsmooth surface geometry to increase drag, and achieve an increase in stress transmitted through the fluid, when a field is applied, while allowing a smooth surface geometry and an associated reduction in stress transmitted through the fluid when the field is removed. A method of enhancing performance of an apparatus that includes a rheological fluid is also provided.
US08056686B2
A torque converter includes a turbine, a lockup clutch including a piston, and a damper having at least one cover plate, the cover plate being attached directly to piston. A method for assembling the torque converter includes passing a section of the piston through a hole in the cover plate and attaching the piston to the cover plate at the hole.
US08056681B2
A mast includes two support columns each having nonuniform strength in a height direction. Both of upper and lower end portions of the mast have the highest strength, intermediate portions of the mast have the intermediate strength, and shoulder portions of the mast, between the central portion and both of the upper and the lower end portions, have the lowest strength.
US08056675B2
An improved safety harness and method of using same that allows for self-rescue and suspension trauma relief from either a vertical or horizontal anchor, such as a tree or an overhead beam, the safety harness having an adjustable front tie-in assembly whereby the distance between the waist strap and the thigh straps can be adjusted. The wearer is able to change from rear suspension to front suspension after a fall without the necessity of completely detaching from a safety line.
US08056674B2
A tower boom path is controlled in a boom lift vehicle such that the tower boom nose pin follows a predetermined path. The boom lift vehicle includes a telescoping lift tower boom pivotally coupled at one end to a vehicle base. A main boom is pivotally coupled to the tower boom nose pin at an opposite end of the tower boom. Raising and lowering of the tower boom between a fully retracted position and a raised position is effected by pivoting the tower boom relative to the vehicle base and telescoping the tower boom. The raised position is defined according to any position up to a maximum angle of the tower boom relative to the vehicle base and a maximum boom length. In order to reduce vehicle weight and expedite the tower boom lift function, pivoting of the tower boom relative to the vehicle base and telescoping of the tower boom are performed simultaneously so that the tower boom nose pin follows the predetermined path. With this arrangement, positions of the tower and main booms conventionally generating large turning moments on the vehicle can be avoided, and consequently, a counterweight of lower mass can be used.
US08056671B2
An exhaust-gas purification device disposition structure of a vehicle, comprises a fuel tank with a fuel supply port which is disposed so as to be open to an outside of a vehicle compartment, and a urea tank to accommodate urea water solution as deoxidizer to purify exhaust gas. The urea tank is disposed outside the vehicle compartment, and a pouring port of the urea tank is provided inside the vehicle compartment. Accordingly, the urea water solution can be surely prevented from entering into the vehicle compartment even in case of the breakage of the urea tank, and the mistake of supplying the wrong liquid into the wrong supply (pouring) port tank which may be made by confusing the ports can be avoided.
US08056661B2
A motor vehicle with a system for conditioning power take-off enablement has a powerplant, including an internal combustion engine, for propelling the vehicle. The powerplant is disposed within a compartment. A hood is positionable relative to the compartment to selectively allow and disallow access to the compartment. A power take-off unit comprises an input mechanically coupled to the powerplant and selectively enabled by a controller for coupling an output of the power take-off unit to the input of the power take-off unit when enabled by the controller and uncoupling the output of the power take-off unit from the input of the power take-off unit when not enabled by the controller. A device whose status distinguishes between the hood allowing access to the compartment and the hood disallowing access to the compartment causes the controller not to enable the power take-off unit when the device discloses that the hood is allowing access to the compartment.
US08056660B2
A vehicle can ensure an engine torque the driver desires even though the load torque of a generator with respect to the engine varies, and in particular can restrain occurrence of such a risk that an engine stall occurs when a load to the engine is large upon, for example, engagement of a clutch. A controller predicts a load torque of the generator with respect to the engine in future several hundred milliseconds at maximum from the present time, in view of a magnetic field voltage and a speed of the generator at the present time, and controls the engine in accordance with the predicted load torque in order to prevent the output torque of the engine from being insufficient.
US08056644B2
Agricultural mechanized system for pulling-off and chopping stubs of cotton plants and similar agricultures, especially of a agricultural mechanized system coupled to a tractor, to plow and pull off the stubs preferably from the cotton agricultures and similar cultures firmly buried, which comprises a set of plows (10) provided with a pair of cutting wheels (14) and a pair of adjustable plowing blades (16 and 16′) between a first position above the ground and a final position of penetration in the ground which is longer than the radicular portion depth of the referred stubs, a chopper set (12) with blades (96) which chop the referred stubs into a particulate material into smaller fragments forming a layer of inert organic matter with at least a stub pulling-off set (11) arranged between the referred plowing set (10) and chopper set (12) mounted upon a support frame (2) on wheels (7 and 8).
US08056643B2
A tool that is usable in a well and may include an operator, a switch, a resilient device and an indexer. The switch may be configured to selectively communicate a first force to the operator, thereby actuating the tool. The resilient device may exert a second force. The indexer may cycle through a sequence of positions in response to alternating between the second force and a third force. The sequence includes a predetermined position configured to actuate the switch, thereby communicating the first force to the operator to actuate the tool.
US08056629B2
A system is disclosed for supplying water to a desalination plant from a subsurface feedwater supply using one or more slant wells. A method is disclosed for constructing a slant well feedwater supply system for supplying water from a subsurface feedwater supply. A system of angled wells (slant wells) is constructed. The slant wells obtain a desalination feedwater supply from permeable aquifer systems near and/or beneath a saline water source (i.e., an ocean, sea, or salty inland lake). The slant wells induce recharge of the aquifer system through the floor of the ocean, sea, or inland lake due to the hydraulic head difference between the slant well pumping level and the level of the ocean, sea, or lake. As the supply source is relatively constant, the water supply to such a slant well system generally provides a long-term, sustainable water source for a desalination plant.
US08056626B2
Generally, devices and methods of redistribution of fluids produced in well bore environments. Specifically, well bore fluid redistribution apparatuses which can isolate and redistribute fluids produced in well bores between geologic sections to reduce surface discharge of fluids.
US08056623B2
A subsurface formation monitoring system and method is described. The system includes a conductive piping structure positionable within a borehole extending into a subsurface formation. The conductive piping structure is electrically decoupled from a production tubing by an insulating packer. The system also includes a downhole installed conductive casing sub that has one or more sensors. The conductive casing sub is electrically coupled to the conductive piping structure. The system further includes a surface installed power and communication module that has an alternate current generator. The power and communication module is electrically coupled to the conductive piping structure via a downhole intermediate module. The alternate current generator can inject a current signal that flows downhole to the conductive casing sub and then returns with sensor measurements to the surface power and communication module via a grounded return electrode that is coupled to the subsurface formation.
US08056621B2
A master ball valve with an integrated main hanger below the valve which may be used to hang jointed tubing, coil tubing, or electrified coil tubing for connection with an electric submersible pump.
US08056620B2
A system which may be used to replace workover rigs and metallic pipes for the production of hydrocarbon from wellbores uses a non-metallic, substantially continuous, flexible tube comprising a flexible, non-metallic, e.g. resin-based, substantially continuous production tube that can be wellbore deployed and retrieved without the need of onsite rigs. The system's components can be placed inside existing pipes for work in old wells where removal of the existing tube is not economical. The tubes may also be spoolable, thereby increasing installation rates and flexibility. Connectors for the tube may be dimensioned and configured to allow for providing and/or sealing downhole tools to the production tube. In certain embodiments, an onsite power generator will provide a clean alternative to existing diesel burning generators and will typically use a furnace, boiler, steam engine and electrical power generator.
US08056612B2
A discharge device discharges liquid steel into a roller crystallizer for the continuous casting of thin strip. The discharge device reduces turbulence at the meniscus to a minimum so as to eliminate the relative defects on the cast strip by passing the steel between two crystallizer rollers. A relative casting process provides expedients for improving the steel feeding from a tundish to the crystallizer. Advantageously, the feeding of guided steel jet streams inside the nozzle, or delivery nozzle, eliminates the disturbance at the meniscus caused by the air bubbles which can form when free-falling jet streams come into contact with the air.
US08056609B2
A core for casting a container includes a casting surface, where the core is divided into at least two core segments. The casting surface of each core segment adjoins a division surface, and the division surface of each core segment is spaced apart from the division surface of a neighboring core segment by a gap. The gap is spanned by a frangible collapsible member such that substantially all of the casting surface is free of the collapsible member.
US08056607B2
A method of casting metal articles includes providing a plurality of interconnected support sections. Article mold sections are positioned on the support sections. After article mold cavities, have been filled with a molten metal which is at a first temperature, the support sections and a body of a second molten metal are moved relative to each other while the body of a second molten metal is at a temperature which is less than the first temperature. Space extending between side surfaces of the support sections and between side portions of the article mold sections is filled with the second molten metal during movement between the support sections and the body of a second molten metal. A layer of insulating material may be provided above the body of a second molten metal. A baffle may be provided between a container holding the body of a second molten metal and a furnace assembly.
US08056605B2
A flaskless molding method, wherein a match plate (5) is held between an upper flask (2) and a lower flask (3) and squeeze plates (6) and (7) are inserted into the openings of the upper flask (2) and the lower flask (3) to form an upper manufacturing space and a lower manufacturing space with initial volumes. A foundry sand is filled in the upper and lower manufacturing spaces with the initial volumes through the supply ports of the flask (2) and (3) (first filling). Next, the squeeze plates (6) and (7) are retreated to expand the upper and lower manufacturing spaces more than the initial volumes. The foundry sand is filled again in the expanded upper and lower manufacturing spaces through the supply ports (second filling). After the second filling is completed, the squeeze plates (6) and (7) are advanced to compress the foundry sand in the upper and lower manufacturing spaces so as to manufacture the upper and the lower flasks stacked on each other.
US08056601B2
A self-contained tensioned roller shade system that can be easily installed in an opening, such as a window or a skylight. The roller shade system comprises a free-standing frame, a roller tube rotatably mounted between first and second side channels of the frame adjacent a first end of the frame, and a shade fabric is windingly received around the roller tube. A tensioning cord is operatively coupled between the roller tube and a second fabric end opposite the first fabric end, and is windingly received about the roller tube. A pulley is operatively coupled to the frame adjacent the second frame end and windingly receives the tensioning cord. The tensioning cord is adapted to bias the second fabric end toward the second frame end, the second fabric end of the shade fabric adapted to move between the first and second frame ends as the roller tube is rotated.
US08056597B2
A scroll shaping drum useful in the construction of tires and including an internal air cylinder having an inner sleeve member and a roller member positioned about the inner sleeve member includes a plurality of cam follower assemblies anchored within the inner sleeve member. Each cam follower assembly includes a hub and a cam follower member positioned about the hub, and the cam follower member of each assembly is accepted by an appropriately-shaped slot defined in the roller member. The inner sleeve member defines an internally-threaded opening for accepting the hub of each assembly, and each hub includes a mounting portion positioned within a corresponding internally-threaded opening of the inner sleeve member. In addition, an externally-threaded insert member having a length which is larger than the thickness of the wall of the inner sleeve member is threadably accepted by the internally-threaded opening of the inner sleeve member and has a central through-opening within which the mounting portion of the hub is force-fitted.
US08056595B2
A low permeability rubber laminate capable of preventing blisters formed when fabricating a pneumatic tire having a low permeability resin composition (A) layer having a air permeation coefficient, determined according to JIS K7126, of 0.5×10−12 cc·cm/cm2·sec·cmHg or less at 30° C., an average thickness d of 0.05 μm
US08056591B2
A pneumatic tire is mounted onto a rim with maximum loading, and with an air pressure corresponding to maximum loading, such that the ground contact shape has a gradually decreasing circumferential direction length from the tire width direction center to the portion corresponding towards the tire width direction outermost circumferential groove, followed by the ground contact shape having a gradually increasing circumferential direction length towards the tire width direction outside. In the ground contact shape, the relationships 0.02≦(A−B)/L≦0.1, and 0.02≦(C−B)/L≦0.1 are satisfied, in which A is the maximum length in the circumferential direction of the tire width direction outermost rib, L is the circumferential direction length of the tire width direction center, and B and C are distances in a tire circumferential direction which depend on the width of the tire width direction outermost rib and the width of the second rib from the outside in the tire width direction.
US08056577B2
An example cascade system includes a manifold having a fluid outlet port to dispense fluid and a fluid valve engaged to the manifold. First and second fluid storage containers are coupled to the manifold. The fluid valve is configured to control a first fluid flow path between the second fluid storage container and the fluid outlet port.
US08056574B2
A valve assembly is disclosed for mounting through a wall having a first face and a second face defining a thickness there between. The valve assembly includes a valve body housing having an axially-extending inner bore. A valve body is telescopically received in the inner bore of the valve body housing, such that the valve body is axially movable with respect to the valve body housing. A valve is nested in a recess of the valve body. A locking element selectively engages the valve body housing and the valve body to lock a position of the valve body relative to the valve body housing.
US08056570B2
A bobby pin includes a body composed of bending members, a decorative member, a clamping member and a clamping holed member. The decorative member is provided with plural decoration recesses for placing plural decorations therein, the clamping member is connected to one side of the decorative member, and the clamping holed member is connected to the other side of the decorative member. The clamping member is provided with plural teeth and the clamping holed member is provided with a hole and a clamping rim around the hole. When the bobby pin is to clamp hair, the clamping member is made to bend by means of the bending members and inserted in the hole of the clamping holed member and clamp with the clamping rim with one of the teeth of the clamping member to let the bobby pin form a tubular shape for clamping hair stably.
US08056569B2
The applicator tip comprises: a) an application means comprising a rigid core and a plurality of flexible projections, b) an axial handle member having an axial direction and comprising an upper end adapted to be fixedly connected to a rod, and operatively associated with the rigid core through its lower end, and characterized in that: 1) the applicator tip has, along the axial direction, a length L0 ranging from 10 mm to 30 mm, application means having a length L1 which ranges from 6 mm to 15 mm, wherein L0=L1+L2, 2) the application means having a transverse width T, taken in a transverse plane, which is variable as a function of the axial distance L which varies from 0 to L1, the function T=f(L) having a maximum value of T1 for the transverse width when L is between 0.3.L1 and 0.7.L1.
US08056567B2
Assembly for perforating rod-shaped elements, particularly cigarettes, which comprises a driving shaft along which a number of rotary perforating cutters are arranged and the cutters are separated by distance rings, wherein each rotary cutter is positioned between two pushing elements and it protrudes from between those pushing elements.
US08056565B2
Surgical clip appliers are provided including a clip carrier disposed within a channel assembly and defining a channel and a plurality of windows therein; a plurality of clips slidably disposed within the channel of the clip carrier; a wedge plate reciprocally disposed within the channel assembly, the wedge plate including a plurality of apertures formed along a length thereof; and a clip follower slidably disposed within the channel of the clip carrier and disposed proximally of the plurality of clips, the clip follower being configured and adapted for selective engagement with the windows of the clip carrier and the apertures of the wedge plate. The clip follower is configured and adapted to urge the plurality of clips, in a distal direction relative to the clip carrier, upon reciprocal movement of the wedge plate. The clip applier may be adapted to different size clips by the method of replacing modular components.
US08056561B2
A full-face cushion (30B) comprises a substantially triangularly shaped frame (32) from which extends a membrane (34). The frame (32) has a scalloped edge (36) by which the cushion (30B) is affixed to a mask body (46) to form a full-face mask (60B). The membrane (34) has an aperture (38) into which the wearer's nose is received. The member (34) is spaced away from the rim (40) of the frame (32), and its outer surface (41) is of substantially the same shape as the rim (40). Respective notches (42, 44) receive the bridge of the wearer's nose. The wearer's nose and lips are received through the aperture (38) into the chamber within the mask body (46). The seal forming portion (45) thus contacts both the surface of the wearer's nose and a portion of the wearer's face in the region between the bottom lip and the chin, and around the sides and over the bridge of the nose. The shape of the seal forming portion (45) is particularly suited to effectively seal the difficult region of the facial contour that is the crease between the sides of the nose and the face.
US08056557B2
The present invention provides a drug delivery device that uses an aerosol generator to nebulize a drug solution. The drug delivery device includes differently sized guide tubes and separator walls to provide substantially consistent particles that can be varied in size by using different guide tubes. The drug delivery device also includes a barrier that separates a fluid contained in the device from the drug solution at least a portion of the barrier is formed from Polyetheretherketone. The present invention also has a drug detection device that can detect the volume of drug in the device or whether the barrier has been compromised.
US08056556B2
A medication dispenser includes a thermal drop generator ejector head. Medication is maintained in a pressurized container connected to a valve under the control of control electronics and to a compliant chamber. Fluid flows from the container to the chamber and to the ejector head. In a first mode the dispenser is operable to dispense aerosolized medication. In a second mode the ejector head is purged with fluid from the container to maintain the ejector head.
US08056555B2
This invention is a trough solar collector that uses inexpensive aluminized plastic films as the reflecting surface. The films are held in proper shape by stretching them between rigid ribs that are spaced apart along the length of the collector. The structure of the trough is held rigid by a unique sun-tracking system that not only guides a whole of array of troughs on a field to point them toward the sun, but also maintains the whole length of each trough in rigid configuration. It is not necessary to extend rigid metal beams along the trough to maintain the rigidity of the trough. Small-diameter cables are wrapped around rotatable pipes that extend along the east and west sides of the field. The cables extend over the field of the troughs and are attached to connecting points above the troughs in such a way that when the rotatable pipes rotate, the cables move, the troughs move with them, and the cables provide the rigidity of the troughs. The troughs are supported by support posts that are driven into the ground. Since the support posts do not have to supply torque to rotate the troughs, no concrete foundations are necessary.
US08056550B2
Block-cutting gangsaw with vertical frame for cutting granite or other hard materials, comprising a blade-holding frame (19) that is supported with the possibility of reciprocating movement on an independent oscillating frame (40) which imparts the oscillating movement to it, so that each blade (20) of blade-holding frame (19) is always in contact with workpiece (18), and the contact area moves along a convex, curved trajectory.
US08056541B1
The invention presents new and useful improvements in the mechanical design of control elements of a reciprocating piston engine. The camshaft is replaced by electric magnetic solenoids that operate a single poppet valve for each cylinder. The invention also includes an air injector combined with a fuel injector, mounted through the engine block and into the cylinder. The injectors are located in the lower ⅓ of the piston stroke area of said cylinder. The ability of the air injector to force air into the cylinder while the poppet valve is open will clean the cylinder of all exhaust gases. With the poppet valve closed the air and fuel injectors can inject any amount of air fuel mixture that is desired into the cylinder, resulting in the possibility of a power boost equal to that of a supercharged engine.
US08056539B2
Fuel supply equipment for a vehicle includes a fuel filter cover for covering a fuel filter that is disposed outside of a fuel tank. A fuel pressure regulator for keeping fuel supplied to a fuel injection system under predetermined pressure is arranged so that the fuel pressure regulator is located inside the fuel filter cover and is overlapped with the fuel filter cover when a vehicle is viewed from the side. The fuel pressure regulator is connected to an outflow side of the fuel filter via a fuel hose for keeping fuel supplied to a fuel injection system under predetermined pressure. A holder for supporting the fuel pressure regulator is attached to the fuel filter cover before it is attached to a body frame. The resulting configuration enhances the ability to install and maintain a fuel filter provided outside the fuel tank.
US08056533B2
In a gas exchange valve actuating device for transmitting a drive movement to at least one gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine which includes a braking unit having at least one actuator, the gas exchange valve actuating device is provided with a locking unit for locking the actuator counter to an opposing force when the actuator has reached a specific position.
US08056520B2
A valve drive of an internal combustion engine, which has a reciprocating poppet valve and a spring element which impinges the closed reciprocating poppet valve with force against the action of a valve seat. The force characteristics are substantially independent of the lift characteristics of the reciprocating poppet valve. The spring element is part of a snap-in locking device, which is stationarily mounted in the engine and surrounds the valve stem of the reciprocating poppet valve. The snap-in locking device has snap-in elements arranged in the power flux between the spring element and reciprocating poppet valve. The snap-in elements are supported in the direction of closure of the reciprocating poppet valve on a snap-in surface of the valve stem when the reciprocating poppet valve is closed and on a snap-in surface of the snap-in locking device when the reciprocating poppet valve is open.
US08056515B2
A device for the operation of a valve (5) to the combustion chamber (6) of a combustion engine, wherein the combustion engine comprises a cylinder, a piston (3) displacably arranged in the cylinder (2), and a combustion chamber (6) delimited by the cylinder (2) and the piston (3), and said valve (5), and wherein the device comprises a valve actuator (7) that comprises an actuator chamber (8), an actuator piston (9) displacably arranged in the latter and arranged to drive the valve (5), and a communication channel (11) through which a pressure fluid is conducted into the combustion chamber (8) for the driving of the actuator piston (9) and, thereby, the valve (5) in a direction in which the valve (5) is opened. The communication channel (11) extends from the combustion chamber (6) to the actuator chamber (8), and said pressure fluid comprises fluid pressurized by the pressure in the combustion chamber (6).
US08056512B2
A gate for a pet enclosure having limited visibility from inside the enclosure of events taking place outside the enclosure. In one embodiment, the gate of the present invention is formed from a plurality of removable panels which define an outer facial surface of the gate. At least one portal is provided in the gate for limited protrusion of a pet's face into the portal only to the extent of the nose and eyes of the pet. The portal is provided about its perimeter with an artistic which enhances the outer appearance of the gate itself, and when associated with a pet animal's partial exposure within the portal, provides a striking and enjoyable, sometimes comical, visual alteration of the facial surface of the gate. In various embodiments, the artistic associated with a given portal in the gate may be changed employing plural artistics which are arrayed on a moveable mount which positions selected artistics in register with selected ones of a plurality of portals defined in the gate. Differently sized and spaced apart portals in the gate provide opportunities for differently sized pets to simultaneously or individually enjoy peeking at events taking place outside the enclosure.
US08056510B2
An animal water supply system includes disposable containers such as plastic bags that can be supplied in bulk in sterile form and filled under a change hood or other sanitary environment using a filling machine located in the sanitary environment. The containers preferably comprise plastic bags configured to be suspended from a hanger of a bag filling machine. The machine's hanger is preferably configured to support a plastic bag during both bag filling and the subsequent insertion of a watering valve into the bag. The bag is further configured to permit its placement in or on a conventional cage while protecting the tearable material of the bag from the animal. If desired, a liner can be provided to further protect and support the bag or other container on a wire bar lid.
US08056502B2
The present invention provides film forming equipment that can reduce the space necessary for coating. The film forming equipment has an object conveyor for moving an object (50); a spray gun conveyor (41) for moving a spray gun (30) that sprays a coating material; and a controller for controlling operations of the object conveyor (41), the spray gun (30), and the spray gun conveyor, wherein the controller moves the object (50) in a specific direction while spraying a coating material from the spray gun (30) and reciprocates the object (50) so that partial layer coating can be sequentially conducted, and while coating the object (50), the controller shifts the object (50) and the spray gun (30) while keeping the relative positions of the object and the spray gun to each other constant.
US08056501B2
The problem regarding volatileness of a solvent in an EL forming material, which occurs in adopting printing, are solved. An EL layer is formed in a pixel portion of a light emitting device by printing. Upon formation of the EL layer, a printing chamber is pressurized to reach a pressure equal to or higher than the atmospheric pressure, and the printing chamber is filled with inert gas or set to a solvent atmosphere. Thus the difficulty in forming an EL layer by printing is eliminated.
US08056500B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus and method for improving gas distribution during thermal processing. One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for processing a substrate comprising a chamber body defining a processing volume, a substrate support disposed in the processing volume, wherein the substrate support is configured to support and rotate the substrate, a gas inlet assembly coupled to an inlet of the chamber body and configured to provide a first gas flow to the processing volume, and an exhaust assembly coupled to an outlet of the chamber body, wherein the gas inlet assembly and the exhaust assembly are disposed on opposite sides of the chamber body, and the exhaust assembly defines an exhaust volume configured to extend the processing volume.
US08056499B2
A gas wiping apparatus for use in coating a molten metal onto a steel strip. In the apparatus, a chamber, to which a high pressure gas is supplied, defines a multistage uniform pressure space. A lip support unit is associated with a front of the chamber to allow the high pressure gas to flow therethrough, the lip support unit supporting the apparatus against load. Upper and lower lips are associated with a front of the lip support unit to cooperatively define an outlet. The upper lip adjusts a gap of a gas outlet cooperatively with the lower lip, and can be easily installed in a lip support unit while adjusting the gap of the gas outlet stably. Also, edge over coating (EOC) of the steel strip can be prevented without an additional auxiliary nozzle.
US08056496B1
A floating deck apparatus (20) includes a plank (40), a pair of tracks (54), a ladder (60), and a pair of handles (64). Each track (54) is coupled to the underside of a boat platform. The pair of tracks rollingly supports the plank (1) in a storage position, (2) in a deck position, and (3) in a ramp position. A proximal stop (88) across the proximal ends (62) of the tracks (54) stops the plank (40) in the ramp position. A distal stop bar (89) across the distal ends (66) of the tracks (54) stops the plank (40) in the storage position. The ladder (64) is movably coupled to the bottom (105) of the plank (40) and pivots from (1) a swimming position to (2) a storage position. The pair of handles (64) is mounted to the plank top (42) or to the plank proximal end (48).
US08056493B2
The present invention provides an underwater vehicle for spearfishing, comprises a carrier unit, at least one actuator unit connected to the carrier unit and having a motor and a propeller driven by the motor to rotate, at least one image acquiring unit connected to the carrier unit for acquiring images, and at least one spearing unit connected to the carrier unit and including an air cylinder, a spear shaft driven by the air cylinder to move forwards and backwards, and a spear tip connected to a front end of the spear shaft for catching targeted animals. The underwater vehicle of the present invention provides necessary assistance to a user to carry out underwater activities and spearfishing in an easy and safe manner without the need of being accompanied by a professional instructor.
US08056492B2
A vessel (2) for handling subsea equipment comprising a subsea equipment hoist system including a winch and a hoist cable (3) for lowering and retrieving subsea equipment (5) in a hoist area of the vessel, a subsea equipment motion restraining and guidance system for restraining subsea equipment motion relative to the vessel in the hoist area. The subsea equipment motion restraining and guidance system includes a main trolley (7), an auxiliary trolley (8) and a vertical trolley guide structure (9) mounted on the hull of the vessel that allows for vertical travel of the trolleys and further a top end engagement member (10), which is movably supported by said main trolley and which is adapted to engage on a top end of the subsea equipment, and one or more rail engaging members (3a) mounted on said auxiliary trolley, each adapted to engage on a vertical rail (11) mounted on said subsea equipment as said subsea equipment passes vertically by said auxiliary trolley.
US08056485B2
A rail car door closer is shown for hopper type rail cars used to carry bulk commodities or materials. Cylinders provide horizontal motion to rotate an axle on which cam closers are attached thereto. The cam closers operate between a relaxed position (down position) and a raised position (up position). During rotation of the cam closers from the relaxed position to the raised position, the cam closers push hopper doors under the rail car up to a latched position. Individual hopper doors can be closed, or multiple doors can be simultaneously closed, depending on the preference of the operator. The cylinders are protected from falling bulk commodities by an elongated tent frame structure.
US08056481B2
The present invention provides a controlled deceleration projectile, in particular, a projectile having a nose-mounted fuze thereon, which initiates an ignition/expulsion charge via an ignition shaft in the interior portion of the projectile body at a preset distance from target impact, resulting in inflation of the projectile body with propellant gases to a level sufficient to either expand same, rupturing of a rupture ring, or sliding of the hollow projectile body rearwards relative to the ignition shaft, so as to create an annular opening between the projectile body side wall and projectile body forward end. The payload, which is preferably non-lethal, is then ejected from this annular opening, the resulting forward velocity of the expelled payload and propellant gases producing a rearward thrust on the projectile, and a concomitant deceleration thereof. Additional mechanisms for creating reverse thrust are also provided, involving the expulsion of rear ballast or rocket thrust from rear chamber ports disposed within the projectile.
US08056478B2
A method for initiating a low-sensitivity explosive charge includes initiating a booster explosive charge within an explosive charge cavity in a booster housing, and generating a planar detonation wave. Generating the planar detonation wave includes directing a detonation wave through the booster housing along a first waveshaper surface of a detonation waveshaper. The detonation wave is directed around the first waveshaper surface toward a second tapered waveshaper surface. After progressing around the first waveshaper surface, the detonation wave is directed along the second tapered waveshaper surface. The detonation wave changes into a planar detonation wave as the detonation wave moves along the second tapered waveshaper surface, the planar detonation wave includes a planar wave front. The planar detonation wave strikes a flyer plate coupled over the explosive charge cavity of the booster housing, and the planar wave front makes planar contact along an inner face of the flyer plate.
US08056472B2
A twine arm assembly is provided with a guide member controlling the movement of a twine arm during a tying cycle. In order to facilitate the insertion of new twine into the twine arm, said guide member is made of two parts which can be locked to each other or which can move with respect to each other in order to bring the twine arm into a position, in which twine can be inserted easily.
US08056468B2
The apparatus for producing a coffee beverage comprises an automatic coffee machine and a receptacle that can be docked with the beverage spigot of the machine in filling position, the receptacle having a mechanism that is detectable by a sensor mechanism in the machine when the receptacle attains the filling position, the sensor mechanism being in communication with the control unit of the coffee machine in such a way that, when it detects the detectable mechanism, it automatically sends the control unit a signal to switch the coffee machine to an operating mode that consecutively executes one or more operating cycles for filling of the receptacle.
US08056464B2
The invention relates to firing brake assembly for weapons of the type incorporating an actual firing brake and means to modulate the function of said firing brake wherein the modulating means are in the form of a chamber equipped with a piston delimiting an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber, the upstream chamber communicating with the gun barrel by means of an upstream circuit ensuring that part of the combustion gases are taken up and a downstream chamber filled with a fluid and communicating with the firing brake by means of a downstream circuit.
US08056460B2
A kit for modifying a bolt carrier group actuating apparatus of a firearm manufacturer-configured with a gas-driven bolt carrier comprises a gas expansion assembly, an operating rod driven bolt carrier and an operating rod. The gas expansion assembly is configured for receiving combustion gases from an as-manufactured OEM gas block of the firearm and for facilitating expansion of said gases for generating a bolt carrier driving force. The operating rod driven bolt carrier includes an operating rod engaging lug. The operating rod driven bolt carrier is configured for being operably engaged within an as-manufactured OEM receiver body of the firearm with the operating rod engaging lug located in a gas tube lug receiving portion of the as-manufactured OEM receiver body. The operating rod is engagable between the gas expansion assembly and the operating rod engaging lug.
US08056459B2
Anti-lock device and dynamic brake control in a machine automatically distributing cut wiping cloths
A lever, in its gooseneck-shaped top part, has a non-circular, curvilinear internal configuration with a wide gap toward the outside and a perpendicular anchoring ridge in the widest part oriented toward the inside to work together with a span ring made of an elastomer material arranged on an end piece of the receiving end of the mandrel of a spool of material, and a counterweight device, comprising a counterweight cam that works together with the lever with each turn of a drum.
US08056455B2
A method and apparatus for producing shaped articles from a web material is disclosed. The apparatus generally includes a rotary cutting roller, preferably including indicia on an end surface, and an anvil roller operating in cooperating rotational movement with the rotary cutting roller. The apparatus die cuts web material into predetermined shapes. The apparatus further includes at least one sensor for detecting rotational movement of the rotary cutting die by way of the indicia on the end surface of the rotary cutting roller. The information from the at least one sensor and an encoder is processed and translated to drive means to thereby corrects variation in web alignment relative to the rotary cutting roller. The adjustment of the rotary cutting roller of the present invention allows the rotary cutting roller to cut within a high degree of accuracy and precision.
US08056446B1
The invention is a ratcheting open ended wrench comprising a main body having an elongate primary handle portion and an upper stationary jaw element, a secondary handle opposed to the primary handle portion and having a binding surface at the top being pivotally attached to the main body, a tertiary handle pivotally attached to the main body having a gear element cooperating with a geared end of a connecting rod, the opposing end pivotally and slidably fixed to a lower movable jaw assembly, the lower movable jaw assembly being spring biased against the upper stationary jaw and positioned within a main body guide slot so that the secondary handle binding surface contacts the lower jaw assembly and activation of the secondary handle clamps the lower movable jaw assembly relative to the upper stationary jaw. Activation of the tertiary handle counteracts the lower movable jaw spring bias to open the jaws.
US08056434B2
An advancing means for a multi-coordinate measurement table including a drive unit having a friction rod and a motor for each coordinate axis (x, y). The motor contacts one side of the friction rod with its motor shaft and at least one press roller contacts the other side of the friction rod. At least one pressing means is provided biasing the press roller, the friction rod and the motor shaft against each other with a pressing force, whereby the motor shaft frictionally engages the friction rod and converts the rotational movement of the motor into a linear movement of the friction rod. A method for controlling such an advancing means is disclosed as well.
US08056429B2
A transmission is provided having a dual clutch to achieve torque flow through a dual countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets having gears that are selectively connectable to a first countershaft and a second countershaft. A transfer gear set transfers torque from the countershafts to an output shaft.
US08056400B2
A method and system for particle entrained fluid sampling, capable of sampling a high pressure and/or high flow rate fluid flow system using a pressure intensifier for applying pressure or suction to the fluid sample in the fluid sampling system operatively connected to a sample extractor and a sample analysis device. The pressure intensifier for applying pressure or suction is adjustable to provide control over the sample flow in the fluid sampling system. The fluid sampling system of the present invention may be particularly applicable to monitoring the condition of hydraulic and lubrication systems.
US08056393B2
The present invention provides, as one aspect, a signal processor for a gas sensor that is disposed in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine and senses concentration of a specific component in exhaust gas. The signal processor includes a calculation unit that performs moderation operation at every instant for a sensor output of the gas sensor, an evaluation unit that evaluates a degree of pressure variation impact on the sensor output caused in the exhaust passage, and a change unit that changes a mode of the moderation operation according to a result of the evaluation by the evaluation unit.
US08056390B2
Partial Stroke Testing (PST) equipment and methodologies provide PST data for one or more valves by withholding or applying power to the one or more valves for periodic time periods that increase by an incremental amount until the one or more valves partially stroke or a maximum test period expires.
US08056380B2
A cylinder lock unit is disclosed, with an elongate housing portion (2′) extending outside and along a cylindrical bore, and the elongate housing being dimensioned for being accommodated in a structural part (S) to form a lock device, with a fixed external longitudinal configuration (L) fitting into the structural part. The elongate housing portion has a linear row of cylindrical holes (22′), registering with cylindrical chambers in a key plug having a key slot. The cylindrical holes are closely packed with mutual distances dimensioned in accordance with prescribed minimum standards, and at least one of the cylindrical holes (22′), located adjacent to one longitudinal end of the elongate housing portion (2′), has an inclined cylinder axis, so that, as compared to a lock unit with only mutually parallel cylinder hole axes in the linear row in the elongate housing portion, an extra cylindrical hole is accommodated in the linear row.
US08056377B2
A portable safe (10) includes a safe body (15) and cover (20) that are selectively coupled with a locking mechanism (32). The safe cover (20) is permanently affixed to a tether (27) having a loop (29) at one end that is sized to allow the safe cover (20) to pass through but does not admit the safe body (15). Thus, the safe cover (20) can be installed on a fixed object by looping the tether (27) around the object, passing the safe cover (20) through the loop (29), and cinching the cover (20) to the fixed object. The safe body (15) can then be locked to the safe cover (20).
US08056375B2
A drum is fixed to a mounting star, on which a shaft for drive of the drum is fixed. The fixing is achieved by means of arrangement of several openings in the mounting star with different entry and exit diameters, whereby a tip corresponding to each opening is arranged on the drum, which is introduced through the smallest hole in the opening. The tip is subsequently deformed such that the outer surface thereof is pressed against at least the walls of the opening, whereupon the fixing is generated.
US08056373B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a light-transmitting sheet material capable of transmitting sufficient amount of light and providing high blinding effect. A sheet material (1) includes a front fabric (2), a back fabric (3), and light-shielding layers (4), and is shaped such that the front fabric (2) and the back fabric (3) are held with a predetermined distance therebetween by fixing entire constituent yarns by resin treatment. The front fabric (2) and the back fabric (3) are formed into a planar shape by arranging stitch rows of chain stitches, knitted in a warp direction, in a weft direction at a predetermined interval and by knitting an insertion yarn alternately in adjoining stitch rows by a predetermined length. The light-shielding layers (4) are formed into sheet-like structures in the warp direction by knitting a connecting yarn alternately between the stitch rows of the front fabric (2) and the back fabric (3), and the plurality of light-shielding layers (4) are arranged in parallel in the weft direction.
US08056372B2
A knitting head (11) for a circular knitting machine (1), with the knitting head comprising the complete main bearing (29) of the cylinder and being provided, on its lower end, with a standardized interface (34) for accommodation with a carrier ring (35) located on the side of the machine frame. The carrier ring (35) supports the head ring (30) along the entire circumference of said head ring, preferably by means of a continuous seating surface (36) extending around the entire circumference.
US08056368B2
An apparatus and method for tapering an optical fiber segment having an initial radial profile to substantially conform to a pre-specifiable desired radial profile for controlling mutually coordinated elongation and softening of different axial portions of the segment according to control parameters derivable based on a normalized axial coordinate reference by which points of the initial profile map to corresponding points of the desired profile. The softening and/or elongation may progress substantially in either a step-wise, time-discrete manner or time-continuously. The invention is useful for forming tapered fused couplers as well as for tapering individual fibers.
US08056366B2
Heat in a stream of combustion products obtained from a glassmelting furnace heated by oxy-fuel combustion is passed to incoming glassmaking materials in a heat exchanger without requiring reduction of the temperature of the stream yet without causing softening of the glassmaking material.
US08056358B1
A method and apparatus for providing sanitized water in a cabinet and spigot type bottled water dispenser features an ozone generating system to generate ozone for sanitizing the water. Ozone is generated and collected within an ozone generator housing. A blower transmits air to the ozone generator housing. The air carries the ozone that is generated through a flow line to an air diffuser that is positioned upstream of the spigot (or spigots) used to dispense water. In one embodiment, a valve that is activated on the spigot to dispense water also activates the blower and ozone generator. In other embodiments, a flow sensor activates the ozone generator and blower. Various spigot and flow sensor arrangements are disclosed as a part of the overall apparatus and method.
US08056357B2
A method and a device for better utilizing latent cold in a cold producing material used for producing and upholding a pre-determined temperature inside a transport container or the like, where dry ice or a similar first phase change material having very low sublimation temperature is utilized. Inside the transport container is arranged a receptacle for such low sublimation temperature phase converting material, the said receptacle being provided with an enclosure having cavities for a second phase change material having a considerably higher melting point, the said cavities of the receptacle at least partially enclosing the inside of the receptacle, in which the converting material having the essentially lower melting point is received.
US08056354B2
An air conditioning system using for a dehumidifying cooling device has developed that comprising a heating source for producing hot water, a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the hot water to circulating water, a circulation pump for circulating the resulting hot water heated in the heat exchanger, a heating pipeline connected to the circulation pump for conveying the hot water to a heat supply target area, a user heat exchanger connected to the heating pipeline for conveying hot water to the heat supply target area, a dehumidifying cooling device connected to a hot water pipe of users heat exchanger and installed in each household within the heat supply target area, the dehumidifying cooling device removing moisture from the air by using hot water supplied from the hot water pipe to deal with latent heat load and to lower the temperature of the dehumidified air via evaporation of water contained in the air.
US08056351B2
An air conditioning system for a nautical vehicle includes a main body including an assembly, and a blower including an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being in air communication with the main body, the blower further including blades rotating therewithin about a first axis, the assembly for adjusting the blower with respect to the main body about a second axis so as to alter an orientation of the outlet. The assembly includes a guiding cover and a cylindrical duct element for maintaining the main body and the blower in air communication with one another. The duct element has a first base and a second base, and is coupled to the blower at the second base. The first base of the duct element is dimensioned to correspondingly fit the guiding cover, and the duct element is rotatably adjustable around the guiding cover about the second axis at the first base.
US08056349B2
A refrigeration apparatus includes an air chiller, a storage enclosure defining a compartment, a duct system, and a valve system. The air chiller blows chilled air into the duct system. The compartment has a first and a second opening, each of which is coupled to the duct system. The valve system has valves that can be moved to route the chilled air so that it enters into the first opening and exits the second opening, or vice versa. In one implementation, the first opening is at the top of the compartment and the second opening is at the bottom of the compartment, and the valve system is controlled by a control circuit that periodically switches the valves (via an actuator) to change the direction of the chilled air. This effectively maintains a relatively uniform temperature throughout the compartment.
US08056341B2
A method of and an apparatus for storing heat energy in a body of graphite at an elevated temperature are disclosed. The method comprises heating an inner region of a body of graphite when it is required to store the heat energy and recovering the heat by way of a heat exchanger, when the energy is required to be used. The apparatus is suitable for the storage of renewable energy and electric energy obtainable from off peak periods of supply.
US08056340B2
An EGR mixer comprises an upstream conduit section having a contracting flow area in a direction of air flow through the mixer, a downstream conduit section having an expanding flow area in the direction of air flow through the mixer, a slot formed in the downstream conduit section for admitting exhaust to the air flow, and an abrupt flow-expanding ridge disposed between the upstream and downstream conduit sections. With the EGR mixer configured in this manner, recirculated exhaust may be effectively homogenized into an intake air flow with reduced drag.
US08056330B2
A torque converter includes a plurality of blades and a core ring supporting the plurality of blades. The core ring includes at least two segments, each segment having two circumferential ends. A core ring and method are also provided.
US08056325B2
An object of the present invention is to prevent, in connection with an exhaust gas purification apparatus regeneration system of an internal combustion engine, the possible travel distance of a vehicle after warning by a warning apparatus for warning excessive smallness of the fuel quantity is started from being unduly shortened even if regeneration control is executed while the warning is given by a warning apparatus. The system according to the invention has a warning apparatus that gives warning when the remaining fuel quantity is equal to or smaller than a first specified fuel quantity. When it is predicted that the regeneration control in which fuel is supplied to the exhaust gas purification apparatus will be executed when the remaining fuel quantity is equal to or smaller than the first specified remaining quantity, warning by the warning apparatus is started before the remaining fuel quantity becomes equal to the first specified remaining quantity (S104, S105).
US08056324B2
An regeneration system for use in a power system is disclosed. The regeneration system may include a source of intake air, an engine brake configured to reduce the speed of an engine by compression and release of the intake air, and a valve configured to divert a portion of the intake air to an auxiliary device. The regeneration system may further include a controller in communication with the engine brake and the valve. The controller may be configured to move the valve to reduce the portion of intake air diverted to the auxiliary device when the engine brake is active.
US08056321B2
An exhaust gas purification system provided with an exhaust gas purification device, such as a NOx occlusion-reduction catalyst, in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine for purifying exhaust gas when the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas is in a lean state, and recovering purification ability when in a rich state. The system prevents highly dense, uncombusted fuel from acting as a binder that causes soot, together with the uncombusted fuel, to clog an EGR cooler in an EGR passage. An uncombusted fuel adsorption device for adsorbing uncombusted fuel is provided upstream of the EGR cooler for adsorbing uncombusted fuel passing through the EGR passage during a rich control.
US08056316B2
The invention relates to a process for producing power, heat and steam employing: a cogeneration unit comprising: a gas turbine producing power and combustion gases and a heat recovery unit fed with water and heating said water by recovering the heat from the combustion gases from the gas turbine; and a steam production unit heating water by combustion of a fuel with air, and in which the air for the steam production unit is preheated at least partly by heat exchange with the water that feeds the heat recovery unit of the cogeneration unit.
US08056310B2
A conditioner roll tread pattern comprising a plurality of equally circumferentially spaced ribs separated by grooves extending across the axial length of the conditioner roll. The ribs are angled relative to the axial centerline, either with a fixed positive/negative angle or a continuously varying angle alternating between positive and negative extremes. The conditioner roll is configured to work in conjunction with a paralley disposed roll of similar tread pattern configuration, reversed end-for-end so that the ribs of one roll intermesh with the grooves of the adjacent roll. The location of the transition points at which the angle reverses along the axial length are coordinated with the transverse locations of converging and diverging crop flows being discharged from a forwardly disposed rotary disc cutterbar in a manner that results in a crop mat having more uniform thickness being discharged from the conditioner.
US08056307B2
A gear-driven modular disc cutter assembly that may be used singly or in combination on a header of an agricultural harvester to form a modular disc cutterbar. The modules feature a low profile to minimize disruption of incoming crop flow and are coordinated such that any two adjacent cutters are either converging or diverging the crop flow (e.g. any two adjacent cutters rotate in opposite directions). Additionally, the modules are suitable for mounting on a movable frame which allows the cutterbar to be folded in a horizontal plane to reduce the transverse width of the cutterbar to facilitate transport of the harvester between fields.
US08056305B1
A cash recycler or other currency handling device includes modules for automatically strapping a plurality of bills together and bagging the strapped bills for transport. A user may determine a number of bills to be bundled in a stack or unit. Once the predetermined threshold is met, the bills will be automatically transferred to a strapping area where the bills will be strapped together for storage or transport. Additionally or alternatively, the bills may be strapped together as they enter a cartridge, such as an overflow cartridge. The strapped bills may be transferred to a bagging module where the stacks of bills will be automatically bagged, each bag including a predetermined number of stacks of bills. The bags will then be transferred to storage for transport.
US08056301B2
A shear wall structure is formed on a building wall or section thereof designed to accommodate anticipated wind or seismic shear loads by initially securing one or more subsurface shear panels on the interior or exterior sides of the wood or steel framing studs. Each shear panel consists of a thin steel sheet (0.015″ to 0.060″ thick) laminated to a thin rigid sheet material such as medium density fiberboard ( 1/16″ to ¼″ thick). Subsequently, the shear panels are covered with a conventional interior (e.g., drywall panels) or exterior (e.g., plaster) finishing materials.
US08056300B2
A method for installation of a raised access floor panel with a raised access floor is provides which includes providing a pedestal support system having a plurality of vertically extending pedestal supports each having an upper end connected to a pedestal support head and a lower end connected to a pedestal support base. The pedestal support heads are each connected in a matrix orientation with a plurality of horizontal stringers. A floor panel plate is provided having four corner portions, four lateral edge portions, an upper load bearing surface, a lower plenum surface, and a clear hole positioned adjacent to each of the corner portions. A threaded collar is vertically connected to the lower plenum surface and positioned in axial alignment with the clear hole. A single handed set screw has an upper tool receiving end and a lower foot end. The set screw engages the threaded collar so that the tool receiving end extends through the clear hole. The upper load bearing surface adjusts to a predetermined level in relation to the pedestal head by rotating the set screw.
US08056297B2
A method for stiffening a wind turbine tower employing fingerplate assemblies on flangeless joints between adjacent tubular tower sections. The method includes limiting the intercan gap between adjacent end surfaces of the tower sections at the flangeless joints and selecting a number of fingerplates to fasten each flangeless joints to limit distortion. Establishing dimensions for the fingerplates may further minimize localized tower distortion. Selecting a material for the fingerplate with a lower Young's modulus than a material for the tubular section also results in reduced localized tower distortion. Attaching a coverplate to a top tubular section limits tip displacement for the tower.
US08056294B2
A suspended ceiling system comprising metal grid members and rectangular composite acoustical panels, the panels having edges at their peripheries, the grid members having a cross section generally like an inverted T such that they provide oppositely extending flanges adapted to support the panels at their edges, a resilient element at a juncture between a support on the grid member flanges and at least one edge of each panel, the resilient element being arranged to temporarily deflect to permit a panel to be raised from below the grid member into an installed position and to extend itself to hold such panel in position on the grid.
US08056290B2
The invention includes an end cover (32) for disposition over an end of a mantel (20). The end cover (32) presents a front corner (38) extending between an upper wall (34) and a lower wall (36) and is symmetrical rearwardly to a pair of side edges (42) from the front corner (38) whereby the end cover (32) may be disposed over either end of the mantel (20). The upper wall (34) of the end cover (32) extends between the front walls (44) and the side edges (42) and the lower wall (36) extends between the front walls (44) and the side edges (42). The upper wall (34) and the lower wall (36) each has the shape of a square with equal sides. The front walls (44) define interior surfaces complementary to the irregular pattern of the decorative face (24) of the mantel (20) and the end cover (32) overlies the mantel (20) the thickness of each front wall (44).
US08056288B2
A step for modular staircases, preferably produced by molding using a thermoplastic technopolymer, comprises at least a main body (11) and a spacer (12). The main body (11) comprises at least a tread surface (Ha) and a hollow portion (lib) extending vertically with an internal thread (111), while the spacer (12) has an external thread (121) matching that of the hollow portion (lib) of the main body (11), allowing the spacer (12) and the hollow portion (lib) to be screwed together. The hollow portion (lib) and the spacer (12) also have ends (112,122) which do not interact, shaped to match one another, to allow vertical stacking of two or more steps (10), thus obtaining a modular staircase (1), complete with a landing (20) produced in a similar way to the step (10).
US08056283B2
An apparatus and method is provided for forming a flower pot cover with at least one indented portion to retain the flower pot cover on the flower pot. The apparatus includes a male and female die. The female die has a plurality of fingers movable radially into an opening of the female die. The male die has a recess formed between the lower end and the upper end and adapted to receive the fingers of the female die to form the at least one indented portion of the flower pot cover when the sheet of material is pressed between the female die and the male die.
US08056277B2
A weapon grip assembly for attachment to a forward portion of a weapon is provided. The invention includes a base assembly supported for operative engagement by a handle. The base assembly includes clamps adapted to be secured to a forward portion of the weapon and further includes a post having a clamp end adapted to retain the clamps for pivot motion with respect thereto. The post of the base assembly is received within a bore of the handle, a mandrel being interposed between the handle and the clamps of the base assembly. As the base assembly is drawn into the handle, by rotation of the handle about the post of the base assembly, the mandrel receives the clamp end of the post, with an upper free surface thereof engaging the clamps for pivoted closure about a portion of the weapon in furtherance of securing the weapon grip assembly thereto.
US08056267B2
An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly includes a sole plate having a lower surface, and a plurality of cleats extending downwardly from the lower surface. Each cleat has a central recess formed therein, a core formed of a first material, and an outer layer on the core and formed of a second material that is softer than the first material.
US08056266B1
Improved foot-receiving apparatuses that may include: a housing somewhat defining an interior (16) for receiving a foot, and having an external periphery; and at least one Pant-Leg-Cover (XX1) disposed substantially outside of the external periphery of the housing, where the Pant-Leg-Cover (XX1) extends upward from a fixable lower portion (A1) joined to the housing to a free upper portion (D1) movable relative to the housing, where a pant leg (99) can be at least accommodated, secured, and utilized between the housing and the Pant-Leg-Cover. The consumer may have the option to freely join or un-join the Pant-Leg-Cover with the housing to at least change the aesthetic appearance of the apparatus, e.g. depending on personal preference. This specification describes numerous embodiments that will create a sustainable competitive advantage for a select corporation.
US08056252B2
A sheathing layer spans a supporting surface from which moisture is to be removed. In one exemplary system, ventilation channels extend between opposed ends of the substrate layer, communicating with an outlet opening at one end and with a duct at the opposing end which in turn communicates with an inlet opening at the same end of the substrate layer as the outlet opening. A fan is arranged to circulate air through channels from the inlet opening to the outlet opening to replace humid air in the channels with drier replacement air. In another example, a substrate layer includes ventilation channels communicating only between the supporting surface and an outlet opening. The outlet opening connects to a fan which maintains the channels at a vacuum pressure to withdraw moisture therefrom.
US08056244B2
In an electric saw includes a circular saw blade, a guard cover is arranged to surround an upper portion of the circular saw blade and a dust collecting case is arranged at the rear of the guard cover for collecting chips generated during a cutting operation performed by the circular saw blade. An openable lid unit is arranged in a position along a passage through which the chips pass. The guard cover is formed into a curved shape along the circular saw blade and the passage is defined by the guard cover to extend along a peripheral edge of the circular saw blade. The lid unit includes an opening portion formed in the passage and a lid member for closing the opening portion. The lid unit is opened toward the front of the guard cover as the lid member is rotated along a rotating plane of the circular saw blade.
US08056240B2
The scrubbing razor includes a handle, an elongated head with a blade mounting portion, and one or more forward straight blades and one or more rearward straight blades mounted to and extending from the underside of the blade mounting portion. The one or more rearward straight blades are mounted in opposing relation to the one or more forward straight blades, so that the scrubbing razor is bidirectional. The cutting edges of the one or more forward straight blades and the opposing cutting edges of the one or more rearward straight blades define a single plane.
US08056239B2
The scrubbing razor includes a housing and one or more cutting blades with a rounded cutting edge. The housing includes a top cover, a tubular outer safety ring mounted to the top cover, and one or more tubular anchor rings disposed within the tubular outer safety ring and mounted to the top cover. The one or more cutting blades are mounted to the one or more tubular anchor rings.
US08056236B2
Method for manufacturing floor panels, of the type, which comprises a top layer (4) on the basis of synthetic material (5) and which, at least at two opposite sides (7A-8A; 7B-8B), has profiled edge areas (9) that comprise at least coupling parts (10), whereby, for manufacturing the floor panels (1), one starts from a board-shaped material (6), characterized in that the floor panels (1) are formed at least partially by means of a laser treatment (11) of said board-shaped material (6).
US08056235B1
A modular rail and post fence system which may be fabricated, assembled, and installed without fasteners, adhesives or welding. The fence system includes a plurality of rail assemblies with each rail assembly formed from a pair of panels. Each panel has a pair of sidewalls joined together at an angle to form an angled edge wherein the pair of panels are joined together to form a rail assembly. A plurality of elongated posts are also provided. Each elongated post has at least one longitudinal recess. At least one pair of notches in the pair of longitudinal recesses is provided whereby the angled edges of each rail assembly are received in one pair of notches of the elongated posts.
US08056232B2
A floating collar is metal injected moulded with an excess portion intended to be separated, such as by shearing, from the reminder of the moulded floating collar to leave a chamfer thereon and/or remove injection marks.
US08056228B2
The invention relates to a method for roughening the surface of a metal sheet used as electrode support in industrial electrochemical applications, and an electrode made by such method. Mechanical roughening is imparted by skin-passing the sheet between two rollers of a rolling mill, at least one of which is patterned according to a predetermined profile to be transferred by compression to the surface of the metal sheet.
US08056226B2
A dual interface separable insulated connector comprising a faraday cage molded over a bus bar for use in an electric power system and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The faraday cage can be disposed within a semi-conductive shell. The configuration of the separable insulated connector can provide for easier bonding between the faraday cage and insulating material. Additionally, the configuration can eliminate or reduce the need to coat the bus bar with an adhesive agent and to smooth the metal bus bar to remove burrs, other irregularities, and sharp corners from the bar. Manufacturing the dual interface separable insulated connector can include molding a semi-conductive rubber faraday cage over a conductive bus bar, inserting the faraday cage into a shell, and injecting insulating material between the faraday cage and shell.
US08056225B2
The present invention is a method for manufacturing an electrical connector comprising an insulative housing with a base side and an opposed side and lateral sides interposed between said base side and said opposed side and at least one conductive contact including a first leg that extends from the base side of the insulative housing, the at least one conductive contact further including a second leg extending laterally adjacent the top side of the housing. In this method there is provided a mold comprising a first die and an opposed second die all defining an interior cavity and an exterior area. A molding compound input port extends between the exterior area and the interior cavity. The conductive contact is then positioned in the interior cavity such that the second leg extends adjacent the second die along an entirety of a length of the second die between first and second bent ends. The interior cavity of the mold is then filled with a polymeric molding compound, and during at least a portion of the filling step, the second die is maintained in contact with the second leg along the entirety of the length.
US08056219B2
The present invention involves a plug unlocking tool which comprises a housing and a probe connected to housing wherein the probe extends in a direction away from the housing. The tool further includes a first and second latch release fingers associated with the housing wherein the first and second latch release fingers are movable relative to the housing and an actuator positioned within and moveable along a slot defined in the housing wherein the actuator is associated with the first and second latch release fingers to impart movement of at least one of the first and second latch release fingers with movement of the actuator along the slot. In addition, the present invention includes a method for unlocking a plug from an electrical connection with the plug positioned within a plug cassette assembly and for unlocking the plug from the plug cassette assembly utilizing the plug unlocking tool.
US08056217B2
An apparatus (10) for either securing twist-locks (400) to shipping containers (402) or releasing them therefrom or both, comprises a cradle (11) adapted to receive at least one shipping container and at least one manipulation device (14) operative to secure a twist-lock to the shipping container or release it therefrom, the manipulation device comprising an engagement device (27) operative to engage and rotate at least a portion of the twist-lock so as to secure the twist-lock in the shipping container or to release it therefrom. The manipulation device may form part of a twist-lock handling assembly (12) which includes a storage system for twist-locks (16) and a guide assembly (15) for feeding twist-locks into and out of register with the manipulation device (14).
US08056207B2
A method for making a deflectable catheter includes positioning a flexible element along a catheter liner. A flexible element distal portion extends along at least a portion of a deflectable distal end portion of the catheter liner. At least one anchor is engaged to the flexible element distal portion. The anchor extends at least part way around the flexible element distal portion. An encapsulant is positioned around at least the flexible element distal portion and the deflectable distal end portion. The method further includes squeezing the encapsulant around the flexible element distal portion and the anchor, wherein the encapsulant forms at least a portion of a sidewall of the deflectable distal end portion and at least the anchor is within the sidewall, and the encapsulant is adapted to transmit pushing and pulling forces from the at least one anchor to the deflectable distal end portion, and the tension strength and compression strength of the flexible element and the at least one anchor are at least as strong as the encapsulant tension strength and compression strength.
US08056201B1
A device for inserting a pin into an apertured shaft having an apertured guard which includes a mission plate and an adjacent press fixture mounted to a mounting plate. The press fixture is adapted to receive and hold the apertured shaft and apertured guard. An alignment pin extends from the press fixture for insertion into the apertured shaft and apertured guard once the apertures in the shaft and guard have been vertically aligned. A press head is affixed atop the press fixture and adapted to insert a pin into the vertically aligned apertures of the apertured shaft and apertured guard.
US08056199B2
A method of producing a multilayer capacitor has steps of preparing a plurality of first and second ceramic green sheets, a step of laminating the plurality of first and second ceramic green sheets, and a step of cutting a ceramic green sheet laminate body along predetermined intended cutting lines to obtain laminate chips of individual multilayer capacitor units. When preparing the first ceramic green sheets, first and second internal electrode patterns are formed so that the first and second internal electrode patterns are alternately arranged in a perpendicular configuration, with the first and second internal electrode patterns being continuous across intended cutting lines.
US08056192B1
An improved clamp constricting objects to be held in place including hoses wires tubes. One embodiment having some or all plastic molded parts one of which is a support base (10) to one side is attached a partially grooved or fully flexible grooved band strap (13) where as the other end is free to enter a band strap entrance port (26) thereby contact is made with a matching grooved rotating cylinder (12) held by two bearings. The band strap (13) advances encircling objects to be held. The support base top (11) is closed and locked by the rapid release hold down top lock (20) confining the grooved molded rotating cylinder (12) engaging a flexible paw (17) allowing advancing rotation only, preventing the grooved molded band strap (13) from retracting. Six sided wrench or tool is inserted into the cylinder cavity (15) forcefully rotating the grooved rotating cylinder (12) advancing the flexible grooved band strap (13) through exit port (27) being held down by band strap retainers (18). A rapid release finger grip (19) releases a rapid release hold down top lock (20) lifting the molded support base top (11) disengaging the flexible paw (17) from the grooved molded rotating cylinder (12) allowing counter rotation of the grooved molded rotating cylinder (12) retracting the flexible grooved band strap (13) freeing the constricted objects.
US08056189B2
A protective element for textile lashing or fixing devices for lifting, fixing or lashing objects, comprises a protective layer which is intended for arrangement between the lashing or fixing device and the respective object. The protective element allows the advantages of known protective elements to be used, but at the same time ensures improved force transmission. The intention is also to provide a lashing or fixing device which can apply the forces required for lifting, fixing or lashing an object with more uniform loading across its length. This is achieved in that the protective layer is formed from a textile backing fabric which carries a textile material at least on its surface associated with the lashing or fixing device, the textile material, owing to its shaping, its arrangement and/or its material properties, in the state abutting the lashing or fixing device having different sliding properties to the backing fabric.
US08056186B2
A hinge assembly (100) includes a cam (13), a follower (14), a first spring (12), a control member (18) and a second spring (16). The cam has a cam surface. The follower has a latching cam surface engaging with the cam surface. The first spring provides an elastic force causing the cam surface of the cam and the latching cam surface of the follower to resist each other. The control member slidably resists the follower. The second spring provides an elastic force to return the control member. The control member is movable to push the follower to rotate to realize the cam surface of the cam to rotate relative to the latching cam surface of the follower.
US08056178B2
Some aspects of the present invention are related to a mop and/or mop head that allows larger debris to pass over at least a portion of the mop head and into a receptacle of the mop head. In some embodiments, the mop head and the receptacle are integrally formed. The mop has debris collecting material coupled to the mop head to collect dust, dirt, and other relatively small debris as the mop moves over a floor. In one particular embodiment, the debris collecting material is a non-woven material. The debris collecting material of the mop can be connected to the mop many different ways. However, in some embodiments, the material is connected via several projections extending from a top surface of the mop head. The projections pass through apertures in the dust collecting material.
US08056169B2
A composite mattress with or without a pillow made of flexible or compressible filling material covered by a pliable transparent polymeric cover material with a visual clarity to allow one to detect, locate, and identify contraband items hidden under the cover material.
US08056167B2
The invention discloses differing embodiments of pillow speaker systems and methods. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed of directing sound energy emitted from a speaker substantially into a cavity of a gas pillow. In other embodiments, pillow speaker systems are disclosed which direct sound energy emitted from the speakers substantially into the gas pillow cavity.
US08056158B2
Devices and methods are presented for elevating seat devices. The device allows a vertical and forward motion of a seat from a first position to a second position. Such motion more resembles a natural body motion during the standing motion. A similar but converse motion is also possible with movement from a standing position to a sitting position.
US08056156B2
A vacuum relief unit and method for venting air into a pool pumping system when a pressure level within the system drops below a first pressure level limit. The unit includes a closed air chamber, a device for venting chamber air from the air chamber into the pool pumping system when the pressure level in the pool pumping system drops below the first pressure level limit, a device for venting atmospheric air into the air chamber when the pressure level within the air chamber drops below a second pressure level limit that is lower than the first pressure level limit, and a device for delaying operation of the atmospheric air venting device when the pressure within the air chamber is no longer below the second pressure level limit.
US08056145B2
A food tray is disclosed that prevents direct contact of the food items with the hands of a consumer and prevents the food to spill on the consumer clothes. In some embodiments, the food tray includes a back panel, two side panels, four flaps, and a midsection. During the consumption of the food item, the two side panels and the midsection form an apron which is placed under the chin of the consumer to prevent the food from spilling on the consumer cloths. In some embodiments, the midsection includes a chin curve that facilitates placing the apron under the chin of the consumer.
