US08272614B1
A device for supporting and suspending objects from a balance point on a surface. The device includes a balance contact, a retainer region, a display body, and a display surface. The display surface of the device may be configured into a design representing a particular figure or logo, or may simply be aesthetically pleasing. By using a balance contact on the surface without a counterbalance, the device provides a visually striking, unique way of holding objects.
US08272607B2
A support system for a bird feeder including a pole member for support of the bird feeder, a clamp member for positioning about the pole member and including upper and lower jaws, and a support block supported by the lower jaw. The lower jaw has an open chamber for receiving the support block and a screw member is provided for tightening the support block toward the upper jaw to tighten the clamp member about a support rail.
US08272598B2
A load disconnection lock having a locking device which is secured against unlocking by means of a safety device as long as the tensile load is not less than a predefined minimum value, and which unlocks automatically when the tensile load is less than the predefined minimum value. A second safety device is provided for the locking device and has a fluid-filled housing in which a piston is guided. The piston has a tensile load applied to it and has a hole as a flow channel for the fluid, such that the fluid can be exchanged between two housing subareas on both sides of the piston. The piston is connected to an activation slide which releases the locking device as soon as the piston has moved through a predetermined distance.
US08272596B2
Embodiments of the present invention include an aircraft with at least one fuselage, a wing, a power plant coupled to the at least one fuselage, a shroud surrounding a propeller of the power plant, and at least two floats coupled to the wing. In some embodiments, each float may further comprise a step positioned forward of a line that is at least 5 degrees rearward of a vertical line passing through a most aft empty weight center of gravity. In some embodiments, each float comprises a forward portion that is positioned forward of the step, wherein a ski surface is coupled to the forward portion, and an aft portion that is located aft of the step, wherein the aft portion of each float is configured to be wetted at taxiing speed. A rudder may be coupled to the aft portion. Each float may also include a retractable wheel and landing gear, wherein the wheel is preferably positioned on the line that is at least 5 degrees rearward of a vertical line passing through a most aft empty weight center of gravity.
US08272588B2
A rotary mandolin assembly for processing food comprises a container, a lid, and an operating handle. The container has a base and a sidewall that connects to and protrudes upwardly from the base. The sidewall terminates at a flange. The lid contacts the flange of the sidewall of the container. The lid has a cover, a retractable door, and a blade carrier. The cover has an opening formed therein. The retractable door is disposed above the opening of the cover. The retractable door is adapted to be positioned in one of a first position and a second position. The blade carrier has a plurality of blades attached thereto. The blade carrier is disposed beneath both the cover and the retractable door. The operating handle removably connects to the blade carrier.
US08272586B2
A method for detecting an amount of grains within a container of a rotating grinding member is described, said method comprising the steps of: supplying (FORP1) a first driving torque to the rotating grinding member during a first interval (T1) of a grinding cycle (CM); —having (CTM1OO) a first value indicative of a period of rotation of said member at the first driving torque; supplying (RP2) the rotating grinding member, during a second interval (T2) of said cycle, with a second driving torque lower than the first driving torque; —measuring (CTM50) a second value indicative of the relative period of rotation of said member at the second driving torque, processing (CDTR, CNFR) the first and second values in order to generate information (ALR) indicative of the amount of grains being within the container.
US08272583B2
A variable arc sprinkler head or nozzle may be set to numerous positions to adjust the arcuate span of the sprinkler. The sprinkler head includes an arc adjustment valve having two portions that helically engage each other to define an opening that may be adjusted at the top of the sprinkler to a desired arcuate length. The arcuate length may be adjusted by pressing down and rotating a deflector to directly actuate the valve without the need for a hand tool. A method of irrigation is also provided involving moving the deflector between an arc adjustment position and an operational, irrigation position. The sprinkler head may also include a flow rate adjustment valve that may be adjusted by actuation or rotation of an outer wall portion of the sprinkler. Rotation of the outer wall portion causes a flow control member to move axially to or away from an inlet.
US08272578B1
A sprinkler includes a stream nozzle with a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially extending stream forming ports. A non-rotating arc adjustment sleeve is mounted for axial movement relative to the stream nozzle to selectively block the stream forming ports to vary an arc of coverage of a plurality of streams of water ejected from the stream forming ports.
US08272573B2
A portable data carrier (1) comprising a contact pad (2) according to ISO 7816-2 as a physical interface for communication has a contactless interface device (7) for communication with an end device according to a contactless communication protocol via a preset activated contact assignment of the contact pad (2), and at least one contact interface device (4, 5, 6) for communication according to a contact-type communication protocol via a further activated contact assignment of the contact pad (2). In an initialization phase of the data carrier (1) a control device (3) activates a second contact interface device (4, 5, 6), besides an already activated contact interface device (4, 5, 6), only when the former does not use a contact assignment of the contact pad (2) that collides with the contact assignment of the contactless interface device (7). The contactless interface device (7) is activated as a second interface device if the preset contact assignment of the contactless communication protocol does not collide with the contact assignment of the already activated contact interface device (4, 5, 6).
US08272572B2
The invention relates to an insert for a multilayer chip card, including an intermediate sheet and, on either side of the intermediate sheet, at least one outer sheet having a face in close contact with the corresponding face of the intermediate sheet, the intermediate sheet including at least one recess prior to the lamination of the insert. The insert having at least one of the outer sheets is made from a fluent material, such that, when the intermediate sheet is being laminated with the outer sheets, part of the material of the outer sheets moves into the recess in the intermediate sheet, thereby forming a visual and/or tactile defect on the surface of the insert, indicating whether of not the insert and/or the chip card is authentic.
US08272568B2
A method for registering an electronic device includes receiving from a point-of-sale interface a transaction code and purchaser information associated with a purchase of an electronic device. While the transaction code is associated with the purchase of the electronic device, it does not uniquely identify the electronic device purchased. The method also includes receiving from the electronic device the transaction code and a device identifier that uniquely identifies the electronic device. The purchaser information and the device identifier are associated via the transaction code for registering the electronic device.
US08272561B2
A digital broadcasting system and a method for processing data in the same are disclosed. A method for controlling a digital television (DTV) located in one independent space among a plurality of independent spaces physically separated from one another is disclosed. The method includes receiving guest information recorded in a storage area of a compact wireless device and a wired equivalent privacy (WEP) key value of the AP card, receiving the WEP key value corresponding to the AP card of the DTV from a management server, comparing the WEP key value received from the compact wireless device with the WEP key value received from the management server, generating at least one recommendation service information dependent on the guest information, if the two WEP key values are identical to each other, and displaying the generated recommendation service information.
US08272557B1
A torch shield includes a receptacle having a geometric shape with a central opening. A plurality of chains are disposed on the receptacle, such that the chains hang below the receptacle. A collar is connected to the receptacle for securing the receptacle to a shaft.
US08272555B2
The head of a stapler for mucosectomy comprises an external goblet-shaped body (1) wherein an internal goblet-shaped body (2) is concentrically and slidingly located, at the edge of which a circular blade (3) is fixed. The internal goblet-shaped body (2) is provided with a central hole (5) wherein a rod (6) is slidingly inserted, at the end (7) of which an anvil (8; 8′) is fixed. One or more annular grooves (11), which are parallel and suitably spaced one from the other, are formed on the lateral surface of the rod (6) perpendicularly to the axis thereof. Said grooves (11) are intended to receive a portion of mucosa (9a) which is included in a purse string suture as the mucosa is tied around the rod (6). By retracting the rod (6) in the central hole (5) of the stem (2a) of the internal goblet-shaped body (2) the mucosa to be removed is carried into the internal goblet-shaped body (2). The anvil (8; 8′) and the circular blade (3) are moved closer one to the other, by suitable means, in order to cut the tissues when the stapler is in a closed position.
US08272554B2
A surgical device is provided, the surgical device including a first driver for performing a first movement function; a second driver for performing a second movement function; a first rotatable drive shaft configured, upon actuation, to cause selective engagement of one of the first and second drivers with a second rotatable drive shaft, wherein the second rotatable drive shaft is configured to drive the selectively engaged one of the first and second drivers. Third and fourth drivers may also be included. The drivers may function to rotate a shaft portion of the surgical device relative to, and about the longitudinal axis of, a handle; move a jaw portion relative to the shaft portion; move a first jaw relative to a second jaw; and/or move a surgical member within the second jaw.
US08272544B2
An exposure apparatus forms an immersion area by supplying a liquid onto a part of a substrate, and forms a prescribed pattern on the substrate through the liquid. A spare immersion area, which is capable of holding part of the liquid on the substrate, is formed at the outer circumference of the immersion area. It is possible to prevent the separation of the liquid, which is disposed between a lower surface of a projection optical system and a substrate surface, from the lower surface of the projection optical system in accordance with the relative movement of the projection optical system and the substrate.
US08272543B2
Present invention provides a combination of one-piece full flow cap valve and improved neck finish of a fluid bottle. The one-piece full flow cap valve is constructed of a single injection molded piece, capable of discharging fluid at full flow capacity.
US08272540B2
A piston pump having a piston element slidable in a piston-chamber forming member with an outer end of a hollow stem of the piston element extending outwardly from the piston-chamber forming member. By relative reciprocal sliding of the piston element relative the piston-chamber forming member fluid is discharged out the outer end of the stem of the piston element. The piston element includes resiliently deformable fingers carried on the stem extending radially outwardly from the stem to distal ends which provide a radially remote portion which is resiliently deformable between an unbiased position and deflected portions. The remote end portion extends circumferentially about the stem to provide in the unbiased position an outer radial extent of a constant radius about the stem.
US08272537B2
An apparatus includes a valveless cartridge assembly that has a housing with an opening at a proximal end and an outlet port for dispensing the liquid at a distal end, with the opening being configured to accept a cartridge of the liquid therethrough and communicating with an interior space of the housing. A metered dispensing device is coupled to the valveless cartridge assembly and includes a positive displacement pump in fluid communication with the interior space and the outlet port for selectively dispensing the liquid through the outlet port. The apparatus may be such that at least a portion of the metered dispensing device is disposed within the housing or it may alternatively be coupled to an exterior of the housing. The positive displacement pump may be a gear pump.
US08272525B1
A lip-openable lid is provided for use in connection with a container or container cap having a valve seat and an opening for egress of container contents. A lip-openable container is also provided that employs the lip-openable lid. The lid is comprised of a gasket with a lip-engageable annular wall, a central portion radially inward of the wall, and a peripheral flange that is engageable with the valve seat. The lid includes a rigid support that has liquid flow openings, supports the central portion of the gasket and positions the gasket against the valve seat. The lid can also include means for securing the gasket to the support. The central portion of the gasket is comprised of a flexible elastomer and is capable of flexing and stretching to displace the flange from the valve seat when downward pressure is applied against the gasket. When downward pressure is applied, the central portion of the gasket contacts the rigid support and flexes and stretches downward from and/or over the rigid support. The annular wall and the flange can be comprised of flexible elastomeric material. The flange can include a rigidifying material.
US08272522B2
A closure for a container, the closure including a spout having a dispensing nozzle and a tip attached to the spout at a break-away junction. The break-away junction is recessed from the nozzle such that a user is protected from rough or jagged edges that may be created when the tip is broken away from the spout. The spout also has an orifice that is smaller than the dispensing nozzle for controlling the rate or amount of product dispensed from the container, the orifice remaining intact when the tip is broken away from the spout. The tip is sufficiently flexible to absorb an impact, such as from the container being dropped, but is sufficiently stiff that a user can fracture the break-away junction by applying sideways force to the tip. The closure may be attached to the container by a cap body or may be formed integrally with the container.
US08272521B1
The present invention is a crane operating system and method which monitors the crane moment load in order to keep the crane within the safe operating envelope. In determining the current crane moment load the system considers boom raising cylinder pressure, boom angle, chassis incline, as well as hydraulic pressure.
US08272513B1
Non-specific greeting cards having a graphic design blank area and a plurality of occasion-specific rubber stamps with their impression graphic displayed on the top of the stamp handle in a package that permits the graphic design of the cards and the stamp impression graphics to be viewed directly without opening the package.
US08272502B2
Scrap metal pieces are conveyed from a mechanical press by a shaker conveyor having horizontal and parallel spaced elongated trays supported for reciprocating movement by an elongated carriage positioned above a compact drive unit attached to and supported by the press. The drive unit includes an electric motor connected to rotate an elliptical input gear on an eccentric axis and in continuous mesh with an elliptical output gear eccentrically connected to an output shaft. A rocker arm and link assembly is eccentrically connected to the output shaft and oscillates a shaft connected to the carriage by one or more rocker arm and link assemblies for reciprocating the trays with rapid acceleration and rapid deceleration. The elliptical input and output gears are identical in size and have the same odd number of teeth, and in one embodiment, the drive unit is located between a set of rocker arm and link assemblies.
US08272497B2
An apparatus (1) for conveying packages (10), comprising a first conveying device (4) which conveys the packages (10) in a predefined conveying direction (r), and a rotating device (6) which rotates at least some of the packages (10) by a predefined angle of rotation with respect to a predefined axis of rotation, wherein the rotating device (6) comprises at least one gripping device (12) which grips the packages (10) for the rotation process. According to the invention, the conveying speed of the first conveying device (4) is synchronised with a movement speed of the gripping device (12).
US08272496B2
A transfer device is configured by a conveying part and a lifting part both fixed to a casing. The conveying part forms a latticework by two groups of rollers aligned in a first direction and a second direction in matrix and includes chains for rotating the group of rollers aligned in the first direction and the group of rollers aligned in the second direction per group and driving devices for conveyance. The lifting part includes a driving device for lifting, rectilinearly-movable members for performing a rectilinear motion, and converting members for converting the rectilinear motion of the rectilinearly-movable member to a rotational motion and further to a lifting motion so as to transmit the lifting motion to the rollers. The converting members are arranged at the respective lattice points to lift up and down either group of rollers concurrently, which form a flat surface to convey articles.
US08272493B1
A swing auger drive attachment system for remotely moving a swing auger in a circular arc. The auxiliary drive attachment generally includes one or more mounting brackets each having a plurality of openings, the openings adapted to align with preexisting wheel mounting holes of a swing hopper to vertically adjustably attach the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket also being horizontally angularly offset so an attached wheel is aligned with a curved directional path of the swing hopper. Connected to the mounting bracket is a drive motor having a drive shaft and a wheel connected, the wheel having a coupler assembly to rotationally connect and disconnect the wheel from the drive shaft to provide motor-driven power to the wheel or allow free-rotation of the wheel. A control unit in communication with the drive motor may be connected to a remote controller or an onboard manual controller.
US08272492B1
A wall-mountable support bracket for supporting a vending machine on a vertical wall includes a load-bearing main member and a top member coupled to the main member to be movable between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the top of the vending machine. The main member is in the form of a one-piece unitary metal plate bent into a substantially fixed angular shape in which the main member is capable of supporting the vending machine on the vertical wall. First apertures in a back portion of the main member receive first fasteners to fixedly attach the main member to the vertical wall. Second apertures in the back portion and a bottom portion of the main member and holes in a bottom and side of a base of the vending machine receive second fasteners to fixedly attached the vending machine to the main member.
US08272486B2
A control section determines a driving state of a vehicle and controls first and second solenoid valves on the basis of the determined driving state. An oil passage length of a second oil discharge passage is shorter than that of a first oil discharge passage and a discharge end of the second oil discharge passage is opened at a lower position than that of the first oil discharge passage. The control section derives hydraulic oil, discharged from an oil chamber via a first shift valve, to the first oil discharge passage by means of a second shift valve when it is determined that the driving state is one during normal driving. The control section derives the hydraulic oil to the second oil discharge passage by means of the second shift valve when it is determined that the driving state is one required for rapid lock-up off.
US08272485B2
A hydraulic control unit provided with oil pumps includes a first oil discharging outlet and a second oil discharging outlet, a high pressure route connected with the first oil discharging outlet, a medium pressure route with an oil pressure therein being lower than that in the high pressure route, a low pressure route with an oil pressure therein being lower than that in the medium pressure route, and a connection mode switching mechanism for selectively connecting a second oil discharging outlet with the high pressure route, the medium pressure route or the low pressure route. The connection mode switching mechanism includes a changeover valve selectively connecting the second oil discharging outlet with the medium pressure route or the low pressure route; and a changeover valve controlling device connecting the second oil discharging outlet with any of the medium pressure route and the low pressure route. The hydraulic control unit can minimize drive loss of an oil pump.
US08272484B1
A hydraulic caliper brake including a housing having a first half and a second half and a bridge connecting the housing halves. Each half of the housing includes a bore having a fluid chamber and a piston therein. The caliper brake also includes a fluid network having an inlet port and a bleed port in the first half of the housing, a first channel extending through the bridge and in fluid communication with the inlet port and the fluid chamber in the second half of the housing, and a second channel extending through the bridge and in fluid communication with the fluid chamber in the second half of the housing and the bleed port. A dual-flow passage is provided and is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber in the first half of the housing and the second channel. The fluid chamber in the first half is not in fluid communication with the first channel.
US08272482B2
An elevator apparatus performing proper braking control of a car according to a detected content of a failure, and including: a semiconductor switch connected in series to a brake coil, for varying current flowing through the brake coil; an interruption switch connected in series to the brake coil and the semiconductor switch and capable of interrupting current flowing through the brake coil; a braking force control processing mechanism controlling an amount of current flowing through the semiconductor switch according to deceleration of the car when the car stops; a failure detection section detecting failure in the braking force control processing mechanism; a critical event detection mechanism detecting a critical event requiring an urgent stop of the car based on a state detection signal; and a brake power supply interrupting mechanism turning the interruption switch OFF to apply braking when the failure and the critical event is detected.
US08272475B2
A sound attenuator for low frequencies in an air-conditioning duct of paper mills includes a sound attenuator frame insertable in the air-conditioning duct. At least one attenuator member operating according to the plate resonator principle has a first resonator plate, a framework, whereto the first resonator plate is attached by its inner surface, and a second plate, which is essentially parallel to the first resonator plate. The second plate is attached to the framework by its inner surface, whereby the second plate, the framework and the first resonator plate delimit at least one attenuator unit. The first resonator plate, attached to the framework, is a steel plate and is attached to the framework by laser welding and the framework comprises a pressure balancing opening.
US08272469B2
The invention provides a trunnion bearing assembly for the drive system of a snow blower, mower, tractor, or other self-propelled utility vehicle. In certain embodiments, the trunnion assembly comprises a bearing having ball bearings, roller bearings, or another type of bearing set. This can provide free relative rotation of several components of the bearing assembly relative to a trunnion housing of the bearing assembly. This rotation is imparted when a friction disk of the assembly engages a spinning motor flywheel of the drive system.
US08272462B2
A vehicle drive system includes a battery, motor generators driving the vehicle using electric power from the battery or driven by the vehicle, a PCU integrated with the motor generators, having inverters and controlling the motor generator, cooling water cooling inverters, and oil cooling motor generators. The PCU includes a smoothing capacitor and a filter capacitor provided electrically closer to the battery than the smoothing capacitor. Here, the smoothing capacitor is cooled by the cooing water, while the filter capacitor is cooled by the oil.
US08272446B2
A method for removing a downhole tool from a well bore comprises consuming at least a portion of the downhole tool within the well bore via exposure of the tool to heat and a source of oxygen. Another method of removing a downhole tool from a well bore comprises exposing the downhole tool to heat and a source of oxygen in situ within the well bore to desirably consume at least a portion of the tool within the well bore.
US08272444B2
The method of providing flotation modules on subsea drilling riser joints comprising providing flotation modules as a full circle, installing said flotation modules sequentially onto the end of the central pipe of said drilling riser joints in a desired orientation, providing passageways through said flotation modules which extend from one end of said subsea drilling riser joints to the other end of said drilling riser joints.
US08272441B2
A system for positioning a downhole tool along a pipe string, the system having a series of seating subs inserted along the length of the pipe string wherein each seating sub has a seating aperture disposed around its internal periphery so as to form a bore plug seat of smaller diameter than the diameter of the pipe. The seating apertures are given distinctive diameters that are consecutively arranged along the pipe string length so that the aperture diameters decrease with increasing depth. A drop assembly having an aperture plugging diameter selected to pressure seal a selected aperture includes a bore pressure activated by-pass valve and firing head.
US08272439B2
An apparatus for use in deployment of downhole tools is disclosed. Preferably, the apparatus includes at least an in-ground well casing, a housing providing a hermetically sealed electronics compartment, a tool attachment portion, and a first flow through core. The housing is preferably configured for sliding communication with the well casing. The hermetically sealed electronics compartment secures a processor and a location sensing system, which communicates with the processor while interacting exclusively with features of the well casing to determine the location of the housing within the well casing. A preferred embodiment further includes a well plug affixed to the tool attachment portion, the well plug includes a second flow through core capped with a core plug with a core plug release mechanism, which upon activation provides separation between the second flow through core and the core plug, allowing material to flow through said first and second flow through cores.
US08272433B2
A wellhead assembly is provided including a casing and a tubular member mounted over the casing. A flange extends from the tubular member. A generally elongated annular member is provided in the tubular member. The generally elongated annular member has a first end portion above the tubular member and second end portion below the first end portion. A hanger may be suspended within the tubular member. In such case, a seal may be formed between the elongate annular member and the hanger.
US08272430B2
In a plate laminate type heat exchanger a plurality of groove-like protrusions is formed on one side of each of flat core plates, and the protrusions extend substantially in parallel to one another from one end side in the longitudinal direction of the plate toward the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the plate, form a U-turn region in an area on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the plate, and return to the one end side in the longitudinal direction of the plate. The plate is curved in such a way that ridges and valleys are formed on part of the plate, the area in which the protrusions are formed but the U-turn region is not formed, in the direction in which the plate is laminated and the ridges and valleys are repeated along the longitudinal direction. Both ends of each of the protrusions converge into an inlet port for high temperature fluid and an outlet port for high temperature fluid, respectively.
US08272429B2
A heat exchanger includes a vertical pressure vessel having a air-tight structure, one and another sets of fluid inlet/outlet ports provided to upper and lower portion of the vertical pressure vessel, respectively, and a heat exchanging module disposed in the pressure vessel to a portion between both sets of the fluid inlet/outlet ports, the heat exchanging module being formed by stacking a number of heat exchanging elements. At least one set of the fluid inlet/outlet ports are configured to provide a header composed of a pipe structural member having a bottom portion closed and a heat insulating material attached to an inner surface of the pipe structural member, and end portions of fluid flowing pipes communicating with the heat exchanging module are opened at the closed fluid inlet/outlet ports in the header.
US08272426B2
An apparatus for casting near-net-shape, rectangular metal strands includes a horizontally circulating metal conveyor belt (7) with a cooled bottom a melt feeder (3′) for casting the metal onto the conveyor belt(7), and an arrangement for feeding the solidified pre-strip under mechanical tension to a driver (16). A cooled pressure device (11, 12, 13) is arranged above the cast product (4) in a region of the deflection roller (8) of the metal conveyor belt (7) which is located downstream in a casting direction, for applying an adjustable pressure from above to the cast product (4) solidifying into the pre-strip (5); and immediately behind the metal conveyor belt (7) a cooling device (17, 19, 19′)for cooling the bottom of the pre-strip (5) over its entire width.
US08272411B2
A lyophilization device configured for use in a lyophilization process has a body defining a chamber for receiving a liquid to be lyophilized, and a stopper creating a liquid-tight seal between the chamber and ambient atmosphere to form a sealed, empty sterile chamber. The stopper is adapted so that the chamber may be sterile filled with the substance through the stopper. A fluid passageway is formed through the stopper, through which the chamber is evacuated. The substance is lyophilized, the fluid passageway is closed, and the lyophilized substance is hermetically sealed within the chamber.
US08272409B2
Empty, flat folded storage bags which may be valve bags are prepared for filling with a flowable material, by seating and stacking a plurality of the bags on a fixed elevation base within a chamber of a bag holding magazine assembly, the resulting stack defining an initial stack rising from a lowermost one the bags on the base to an uppermost one of the bags. In a first cycle of operation, all but the lowermost bag is raised away from the base, the raised bags defining a depleted stack of bags. Then, while the depleted stack remains raised, the lowermost bag is removed from the chamber through a chamber outlet opening. Then, the depleted stack is lowered to seat a new lowermost bag on the base to complete first cycle. The cycle is repeated for each lowermost bag. When each bag is removed from the magazine chamber the bag may be conveyed to a bag pick-up position located away from the magazine assembly and, from there, automatically picked with a carrying tool located at the end of a robotic arm and transported to a bag filling station for filling with the flowable material. In the case of valve bags, the valve may be opened by the carrying tool at the time of pick-up.
US08272401B2
A pressure balanced rotary valve can be made more compact if the ports on the stator within can be located on a port pitch circle of smaller diameter. In certain circumstances for rotary valves used in pressure swing adsorption devices, it is acceptable for the spacing between the ports to be made smaller than the ports themselves. In a rotary valve comprising variable loading means (e.g. pistons) and fixed loading means (e.g. springs), this can involve reducing the piston size and increasing the load provided by the springs.
US08272400B2
A gas valve control device, including at least: a timing controller, and a valve, including at least a rotating button, a contact plate, an electromagnetic valve, a pressing spring, a valve cover, a valve pole, a fixing pin, a plug bar, and a valve body having a cavity. Advantages of the gas valve control device include: integration of a timing controller and a control valve; timing control can be implemented mechanically or electrically; compact structure and good appearance; easy operation; safe and reliable; and accurate timing.
US08272384B2
The present invention relates to the field of radiation therapy and radiation surgery. In particular, the invention relates to devices and methods for stereotactic medical procedures and it provides for repeated accurate positioning (fixation) of a patient, or a part of a patient, for carrying out medical procedures which are done at different times such as fractionated radiation therapy. Specifically, a patient fixation device for fixating a head of a patient relatively a treatment unit as a preparation for treatment or during treatment of the head is provided. The patient fixation device being is adapted to be attached to a stereotactic frame structure connected to the treatment unit. The attachment means is adapted to be releasably attached to corresponding attachment plates attached to teeth of the upper jaw or maxilla of the patient, each attachment plate being fixated to at least one tooth by means of an adhesive, wherein the attachment means allows removal from the attachment plates of the patient and re-attachment to the corresponding attachment plates of the patient with an identical orientation relatively the frame structure and the teeth of the patient.
US08272381B2
A closed circuit rebreather including a breathing hose assembly, head assembly and internal counterlung assembly having axial and radial gas flow passageways therethrough, wherein the assembly is housed within a tank and includes a scrubber substantially enclosed along its longitudinal length within a water impervious counterlung bladder, the scrubber including foraminous inner and outer tubes having a carbon dioxide absorbent material filling the space therebetween.
US08272378B2
Training the inspiratory muscles using a training device includes evaluating the endurance of the inspiratory muscles of the patient, including the time to the onset of exhaustion, setting parameters of the training device, directing an monitoring endurance training sessions using the training device, providing feedback to the patient during the training and repeating the testing, setting, directing and providing steps as periodically.
US08272374B2
A noise reducing bowstring suppression device consisting of an individual length of pliable material supported between dual support members mounted on a bow, a bowstring on the bow contacting the pliable material when the bow is shot.
US08272371B2
Disclosed is a device and a method for neutralizing an acidic condensate in an internal combustion engine with exhaust gas recirculation system, wherein the exhaust gas recirculation system has an exhaust gas recirculation cooler for cooling a hot exhaust gas stream, a metering system is provided that meters an alkaline substance into the exhaust gas stream and is arranged upstream of the exhaust gas recirculation cooler.
US08272360B2
A diagnostic device for the starter of a combustion engine is provided. The electrical system of a motor vehicle includes a battery in whose connecting line a battery disconnect switch is provided, and the electrical system of the motor vehicle is monitored by a vehicle electrical system state detection device which includes starter diagnostic functionality.
US08272353B2
Embodiments are shown wherein ammonia is used for powering, heating and cooling of various applications including: vehicles (terrestrial, naval, aero-spatial or other engine-driven equipment), residential and commercial buildings, remote generators, refrigerated transport. An ammonia-fuelled internal combustion engine comprising; a thermally insulated fuel tank adapted to store ammonia; a heat exchangers operably connected to the fuel tank, wherein the heat exchanger is adapted to heat the ammonia; a decomposition and separation unit operably connected to the heat exchangers and having a hydrogen conduit and a nitrogen conduit, wherein the decomposition and separation unit is adapted to separate the heated ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen and stream them into the hydrogen and nitrogen conduits respectively; and an internal combustion engine operably connected to the hydrogen conduit.
US08272349B2
A bird feeding apparatus for providing nutritious feed material to birds includes a first member and a second member pivotally coupled with the first member. The second member includes a base member and a lip member. The lip member extends upwardly from a first set of edges of the base member. The lip member is circumscribingly received around the first member, when the first member and the second member align with each other.
US08272348B2
In a film-forming process with a capacitively-coupled plasma (CCP) chemical vapor deposition (CVD) device, pulse control is performed on a low-frequency radio-frequency power source. During the pulse control, an ON time and an OFF time form one period. Furthermore, in the pulse control, a time interval between a time period from the moment that the electric power supply is stopped till the electron density decreases to a residual plasma threshold capable of causing an arc discharge and a time period from the moment that the electric power supply is stopped till the density of high-temperature electrons decreases to a specific plasma state serves as the OFF time; a saturation time during the rising process of the density of the high-temperature electrons in the plasma after the electric power supply is started serves as an upper limit of the ON time; and electric power is intermittently supplied under the above conditions.
US08272344B2
An exemplary wet coating system includes a coating chamber, an annealing chamber, an unloading chamber, and a mechanical arm. The coating chamber is configured for allowing a substrate being wet coated therein. The unloading chamber is configured for allowing the substrate being unloaded therein. The annealing chamber is interposed between and communicated with the coating chamber and the unloading chamber and is configured for allowing the substrate being annealed therein. The communicated coating chamber, annealing chamber, and unloading chamber are vacuumized. The mechanical arm is configured for holding the substrate and moving the substrate across the coating chamber, the annealing chamber, and the unloading chamber.
US08272339B2
A planting unit for depositing fertilizer and seed in a single pass, double shoot manner includes a rotating disc that cuts a furrow in a planting surface and a trailing seed boot, having a cutting edge, that cuts a vertically and horizontally offset trench in the furrow to form a seed bed in the planting surface. The disc has a mounting frame for mounting the disc to a linkage assembly that is, in turn, coupled to a toolbar mount. The seed boot is also attached to the mounting frame. This common attachment provides a relatively short and compact device without sacrificing fertilizer and seed stratification.
US08272333B2
A rail road freight car truck has a truck bolster and a pair of side frames, the truck bolster being mounted transversely relative to the side frames. The mounting interface between the ends of the axles and the sideframe pedestals allows lateral rocking motion of the sideframes in the manner of a swing motion truck. The lateral swinging motion is combined with a longitudinal self steering capability. The self steering capability may be obtained by use of a longitudinally oriented rocker that may tend to permit resistance to deflection that is proportional to the weight carried across the interface. The truck may have auxiliary centering elements mounted in the pedestal seats, and those auxiliary centering elements may be made of resilient elastomeric material. The truck may also have friction dampers that have a disinclination to stick-slip behavior. The friction dampers may be provided with brake linings, or similar features, on the face engaging the sideframe columns, on the slope face, or both. The friction dampers may operate to yield upward and downward friction forces that are not overly unequal. The friction dampers may be mounted in a four-cornered arrangement at each end of the truck bolster. The spring groups may include sub-groups of springs of different heights.
US08272327B2
A system for firing multiple projectiles in a parallel or diverging manner is provided. The system can comprise tail-end portions of projectiles that add structure to a cartridge, provide for efficient combustion, allow projectiles to transition from a straight configuration in the cartridge to a splayed configuration in a chamber, and ensure complete evacuation of the chamber. The system can include a tail-end portion of a particular projectile with openings that distribute energy from combustion of an ignition charge, facilitating firing of multiple projectiles. A tail-end portion of a projectile can include a ball joint upon which the body portion of the projectile moves causing an angle between the body portion and the tail-end portion. A space can exist in the body portion adjacent to the ball joint to allow off-center shifting of the body portion with respect to the ball joint.
US08272326B2
A high impulse fuze booster includes a booster explosive charge positioned within an explosive charge cavity of a booster housing. A substantially planar flyer plate is coupled with the booster housing, and a detonation waveshaper is positioned within the booster explosive charge. A low-sensitivity explosive charge is opposed to the substantially planar flyer plate. The booster explosive charge is configured to generate a detonation wave and the detonation waveshaper shapes the detonation wave into a planar detonation wave, the planar detonation wave is parallel to the substantially planar flyer plate. The planar detonation wave interacts with the substantially planar flyer plate in two or more stages including a planar striking stage and a planar contact stage where the planar detonation wave carries the substantially planar flyer plate into planar contact with a plurality of surfaces of the low-sensitivity explosive charge to initiate the low-sensitivity explosive charge.
US08272325B2
A detonator free blasting system, which comprises: a bulk explosive; a confined explosive; a fiber optic adapted to deliver laser light to the confined explosive, wherein the confined explosive is provided relative to the bulk explosive such that detonation of the confined explosive causes initiation of the bulk explosive.
US08272323B2
An adjustable stamp for stamping characters on a workpiece, including a base plate with a platen, a plurality of stamps each having a raised character on one side, a stamp holder, and a support securing the stamps to the holder in an array while allowing limited free motion of the stamps relative to each other in the stamping and retract directions. The support is mounted to the base plate for movement in a plane substantially perpendicular to the stamping direction to selectively position one of the stamps over the platen. The base plate and the workpiece may be pressed together, whereby the raised character of the one stamp is stamped into the workpiece by the platen pressing against the opposite side of the one stamp, with the free motion of the other stamps preventing their raised characters from being stamped into the workpiece.
US08272322B2
An apparatus for separating objects, such as cherries, that are joined together by removable links, includes a collecting vessel having a water inlet and into which the objects are conveyed by means separate from the water inlet. One or more conduits extend downstream from the collecting vessel and have respective inflow mouths situated downstream of the collecting vessel. Water pumps within the conduits cause liquid to whirl about with the products taken in therewith, and pump them into the respective outflow mouths so as to eject them. The collecting vessel is a tank whose wall facing the inflow mouths has an upper edge adapted to perform as a horizontal spillway. The upper edge is situated higher than the inflow mouths, and a chute between the upper edge and the inflow mouths causes the liquid and the objects to converge towards the inflow mouths. Preferably, water ejected from the conduits is recovered and recycled.
US08272310B2
A two-wheeled vehicle bullet resistant shield and storage compartment, comprising a two-wheeled vehicle, having a front wheel and a rear wheel. The rear wheel including a removable first compartment and second compartment. The removable first compartment and second compartment being mounted to said rear wheel and the rear wheel including an interconnected first inside panel, second inside panel, third outside panel and fourth outside panel.
US08272307B1
A breech-loaded weapon may include a carrier at its breech end. The carrier may include a breech block support. A screw block may be rotatable on the breech block support of the carrier. The carrier may include a supporting protuberance and the screw block may include a supporting projection having an undercut portion. A spring-loaded plunger may be disposed on the carrier and a plunger recess may be defined in the screw block. In a retained position of the screw block, the undercut portion of the supporting projection may engage the supporting protuberance of the carrier and the spring-loaded plunger may engage the plunger recess.
US08272303B2
A miter saw with a cutting alignment device includes a base with a work surface provided thereon. A bevel support is pivotable with respect to the base and a cutting blade is supported by the bevel support. A dust chute is adjustably secured to the bevel support and pivots with respect to the base when the bevel support pivots. The dust chute includes mounts that allow lateral adjustment of the dust chute with respect to the bevel support. A laser alignment device is positioned on the dust chute and configured to emit a beam of light toward the work surface. The dust chute includes a receptacle designed and dimensioned to releasably hold the laser alignment device. Because the laser alignment device is retained on the dust chute, adjustment of the dust chute also results in adjustment of a beam of light emitted from the laser alignment device.
US08272300B2
A hand tool articulating apparatus has a pair of elongate members coupled for articulation about a pivot axis. Each elongate member has a clamping jaw on one side of the pivot axis and an arm extending to a handle on the other side of the pivot axis. One of the arms extends from the pivot axis along a first axis over a first distance to a first loop extending outwardly from the first axis and away from the other of the arms. The other of the arms has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion extends along a second axis from the pivot axis a shorter distance than the one arm. The second portion extends inclined to the second axis along a third axis away from the one arm to a second loop. The second loop extends outwardly from the third axis away from the pivot axis.
US08272297B1
A ratchet wrench includes a handle including a head including a circular pocket, an internal arcuate recess communicating with the pocket, a circular flange on a lower portion of the pocket, and a C-shaped groove on an upper portion of the pocket, the groove having both ends terminating at the recess; a detent including an arcuate block including an arcuate wing plate extending from one end, and a spring loaded pawl movably seated on the wing plate and besides the arcuate block, the pawl including pawl teeth facing the pocket; a hollow, cylindrical socket rotatably seated on the flange and including external drive teeth on an outer surface, the drive teeth being disengaged from the detent, a toothed drive surface on an inner surface, and a central opening defined by the drive surface; and a split ring mounted on the groove to retain the socket in place.
US08272296B2
A screw fastener with simple configuration is provided, which automatically moves a rotary tool such as a nut runner to fastening positions to fasten screws, and the automation is achieved at low thrust. A screw fastener includes: X, Y, and Z-axis linear motion robots that move a nut runner along the directions of X, Y, and Z-axes, respectively, the axes being orthogonal to one another; a reaction force supporting member that supports a main body of the nut runner in a movable manner along each of the directions of the X, Y, and Z-axes and restricts the rotation of the main body around the rotary shaft; and positioning means that positions a body, and thus the screw fastener with simple configuration can automatically move the nut runner to positions to fasten screws, and achieves the automation at low thrust.
US08272293B2
A bicycle shift operating device basically comprises a bracket, a shift lever and a shift operating unit. The bracket includes a grip section having a lateral side with a shift cable guide portion. The lateral side faces towards a bicycle longitudinal center plane when the shift operating device is in an installed position. The shift lever is pivotally mounted to the bracket. The shift operating unit is mounted on the bracket. The shift operating unit includes a spool. The spool is rotated in a rotational plane in accordance with movement of the shift lever to wind a shift cable extending from the spool to the lateral side. The shift cable guide portion is arranged at the lateral side of the bracket such that the shift cable guide portion guides the shift cable along a guiding direction that is non-parallel to the rotational plane of the spool.
US08272292B2
A control device (1) for providing at least one electrical-electronic command to at least one bicycle component is provided, with a support body (2) carrying at least one switch (46), a respective actuation element (24) and a respective manual actuation member (10), with a transmission mechanism (13, 20) arranged between the manual actuation member (10) and the actuation element (24). Through the provision of the transmission mechanism for transmitting the movement of the manual actuation member (10) to the actuation element (24) of the at least one switch (46), the at least one switch (46) can be displaced in an area (2a) further inside the control device (2), less exposed to the external environment.
US08272291B2
A steering column locking device. More specifically, a steering column locking device for golf carts, and the like.
US08272289B2
A roller screw is provided having a structure suitable for circulating rollers. The roller screw has a screw shaft 5 with a spiral roller rolling groove 5a formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof; a nut 6 with a spiral roller rolling groove 6a opposed to the roller rolling groove of the screw shaft and formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof; and a plurality of rollers 7 arranged in a load roller rolling path 9 between the roller rolling groove 5a of the screw shaft 5 and the roller rolling groove 6a of the nut 6. Inside the nut 6 is provided a roller return path 11 extending linearly in parallel with an axis line of the nut 6. To opposite end faces in an axis line direction of the nut 6 are attached direction change path forming members 13 in which direction change paths 10 to connect the load roller rolling path 9 and the roller return path 11 are formed. The roller return path 11 is twisted to rotate an attitude of each of the rollers 7 while the rollers 7 move in the roller return path 11.
US08272285B2
An actuator comprises an actuator shaft mounted for rotation by a drive shaft, releasable lock means operable to restrict axial movement of the actuator shaft relative to the drive shaft, and an output member co-operating with the actuator shaft such that rotation of the actuator shaft drives the output member for translating movement relative to the actuator shaft.
US08272281B2
Remotely readable valve position indicators and related methods are described. An example valve position indicator includes a wireless identifier device coupled to a valve stem or shaft to move with the valve stem or shaft. The wireless identifier device is to convey information indicative of the position of the valve stem or shaft to a remote wireless electronic reader. The example valve position indicator also includes a shielding body to prevent the wireless identifier device from conveying the information to the remote wireless electronic reader when the valve stem or shaft is in a first position and to permit the wireless identifier device to convey the information to the remote wireless electronic reader when the valve stem or shaft is in a second position.
US08272273B2
A strain measurement device includes a strain gauge, a holding device, a transverse strain recorder, and a data processing device. The strain gauge includes at least one first and at least one second layers of carbon nanotube films, each layer of carbon nanotube films having a plurality of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes in at least one first layer of carbon nanotube film align along a first direction. The carbon nanotubes in at least one second layer of carbon nanotube film align along a second direction. The holding device is used to fasten a specimen and the strain gauge. The transverse strain recorder is used to record a transverse strain of the strain gauge. The data processing device is used to calculate an axial strain of the strain gauge.
US08272272B2
A pressure measuring module for recording an absolute pressure or a relative pressure. Pressure measuring module includes a housing produced preferably as a premold, in which a pressure measuring chip is accommodated. The latter is contacted electrically either to a lead frame or to at least one printed circuit trace, at least one electronic component being provided, which is connected to a section of the lead frame or of the at least one printed circuit trace, exiting laterally from the housing that is produced as a premold, and is covered by a partition of a cover.
US08272271B2
A device for determining or monitoring one or more physical and/or chemical, process variables and having a vibration sensor comprising, a plug-in element and a socket element, which are releasably connected by a pluggable connection and which communicate with one another via an interface, wherein, in the plug-in element or the socket element, a transducer is provided for determining or monitoring a process variable, and wherein the element not having the transducer has the vibration sensor, and the element having the vibration sensor is connectable with a superordinated unit.
US08272259B2
Provided is a compact wind tunnel instrument. The compact wind tunnel instrument includes a blowing unit configured by a plurality of blowing devices provided in the same plane, and a control unit for controlling them, thereby easily providing a variety of wind environments.
US08272257B2
The invention aims at providing an engine control experimenting apparatus which enables to easily carry out a confirmation test of an operation in all operation states with regard to the performance of various engine control parts constituting an engine system. In this engine control experimenting apparatus, various engine control parts, which are actually mounted on an engine and are required for engine control, are constructed in a state where electrical transmission and fuel supply are enabled in a manner similar to a case where the engine control parts are mounted on a real engine, and a model-based control is performed on the same conditions as those of the actual engine, on the basis of experimental data of the real engine written in an electronic control unit constituting each of the engine control parts.
US08272256B2
A pressure sensor has a Si device having a first main surface that has a bonded area, a second main surface parallel to the first main surface, a pressure-sensitive resistor formed on the first main surface, and a joining assist pattern formed on the first main surface, and a pressing member bonded to the bonded area on the first main surface and compressing the Si device in a thickness direction. The pressure-sensitive resistor has a first bonded section which is placed within the bonded area of the first main surface and is bonded to the pressing member. The joining assist pattern has a second bonded section which is made of the same material as the first bonded section of the pressure-sensitive resistor and is placed within the bonded area of the first main surface and is bonded to the pressing member.
US08272255B2
A system and method for preparing samples for analyte testing. The sample preparation system can include a freestanding receptacle. The method can include providing a liquid composition comprising a source and a diluent, and positioning the liquid composition in a reservoir defined by the freestanding receptacle. The method can further include filtering the liquid composition to form a filtrate comprising an analyte of interest, removing at least a portion of the filtrate from the sample preparation system to form a sample, and analyzing the sample for the analyte of interest.
US08272239B2
An anti-theft locking device for a vehicle steering wheel includes, specially an anti-theft locking device locking the steering column (10) so that it cannot rotate when it is arranged on the rotation shaft (15) of the steering column (10). The anti-theft locking device includes a limit unit (30) and a locking unit (40). The locking unit (40) may be actuated by a driving unit (50). After affirming the signal is correct through electrical detection, the driving unit (50) makes the locking unit (40) be selectively locked or disengaged relative to the limit unit (30).
US08272231B2
A direct expansion evaporator for making a frozen product from raw material includes a feeding channel, a heat exchange channel thermally communicating with the feeding channel, and a refrigerant flowing within the heat exchange channel for exchanging heat between the raw material within the feeding channel and the refrigerant within the heat exchange channel in an expanded evaporation manner. Therefore, the refrigerant releases the thermal energy via the phase changing from liquid to gaseous state of the refrigerant. The heat exchange channel has a pre-cooling portion for pre-cooling the raw material at a predetermined temperature and a freezing portion for freezing the raw material to a final predetermined temperature of the frozen product in two-stage evaporation manner. Thus, the direction expansion evaporator provides a relatively more efficient way for making the frozen product, so as to increase the quality of the frozen product.
US08272224B2
A combustion liner cap assembly includes a cylindrical outer sleeve. The cylindrical outer sleeve includes a center fuel nozzle opening and a plurality of outer fuel nozzle openings spaced around the center fuel nozzle. A mounting flange assembly concentrically surrounds the cylindrical outer sleeve. A plurality of struts on an outer surface of the cylindrical outer sleeve support the mounting flange assembly. A plurality of flanges are on the outer surface of the cylindrical outer sleeve; and a plurality of support rods having first ends are adjustably supported by respective flanges. A combustor for a gas turbine includes a combustion liner cap assembly, a plurality of outer fuel nozzles supported in the plurality of outer fuel nozzle openings, and a center fuel nozzle supported in the center fuel nozzle opening. Second ends of the plurality of support rods adjustably contact the center fuel nozzle.
US08272222B2
An inlet bleed heat system in a gas turbine includes a compressor discharge extraction manifold that extracts compressor discharge air, an inlet bleed heat manifold receiving the compressor discharge air, and a plurality of acoustic dispersion nozzles disposed at an output end of the inlet bleed heat manifold that reduce a velocity of the compressor discharge air in the inlet bleed heat manifold. Noise is generated from the shearing action between the surrounding atmosphere and air jets from orifices. When the air jet velocity is slowed using, for example, a multi-stage ejector/mixer, noise can be abated.
US08272221B2
The hydrogen gas generator for jet engines includes a device that utilizes photons and a catalyst to disassociate hydrogen gas from water. The generated hydrogen gas is directed to the combustion chamber of a jet engine and combined with air therein for burning and powering the jet engine. The device is connected to a source of electric energy and pressurized water. The electric energy is supplied to an anode and a surrounding cathode. The cathode is designed to glow white-hot and emit photons and heat when an electric current is supplied thereto. The anode is fabricated from a catalytic material and is designed to become red-hot when supplied with electric energy. Water is supplied through a conduit and is converted to superheated steam, which is thermolytically decomposed to form hydrogen and oxygen.
US08272217B2
In accordance with the invention, to reduce the complexity of a cycle process, a liquid working medium flow (13) is brought up to an increased pressure and through part condensation of an expanded working medium flow (12) a first partly vaporized working medium flow (15) is created. Through further vaporization of the first partly vaporized working medium flow (15) with heat which is transferred from an external heat source (20), a second at least partly vaporized working medium flow (18) is created. In this second at least partly vaporized working medium flow (18) the vapor phase (10) is separated from the liquid phase (10), subsequently the energy of the vapor phase (10) is converted into a usable form and an expanded vapor phase (11) created. The expanded vapor phase (11) is mixed with the liquid phase (19) and the expanded working medium flow (12) is formed. Through complete condensation of the partly condensed, expanded working medium flow (12a) the liquid working medium flow (13) is obtained in its turn.
US08272215B2
A method for responding to an existing or incipient surge condition of a turbocharger coupled to an engine of a motor vehicle is provided. The method comprises receiving a signal responsive to an operating condition of the turbocharger and adjusting one or more operating parameters of the motor vehicle when a power of the signal, integrated over a pre-selected range of non-zero frequencies, exceeds a pre-selected threshold. Other embodiments provide related systems for responding to an existing or incipient surge condition of a turbocharger.
US08272211B2
An ocean tide energy conversion system is disclosed which uses incoming and outgoing tidal flows into a flume with a power wheel and power increaser to furnish power to a turbine pump to lift ocean water into an elevated holding reservoir. Electrical energy is produced when the water in the reservoir flows through a penstock to operate a generator before it is returned to the ocean. This system is completely operated by tidal flows.
US08272210B2
An exhaust cooling device (10) is provided for an exhaust pipe (12) of a combustion process. The cooling device (10) includes a tubular housing (20) having an upstream portion (16) and a downstream portion (18), with the upstream portion (16) having a necked-down section (24) tapered in an upstream direction, and a plurality of openings (30) formed in the necked-down section (24) to allow an ambient air flow from an exterior of the tubular housing (20) to an interior of the tubular housing (20). The cooling device (10) further includes a nozzle element (22) fixed in the necked-down section (24) to direct an exhaust gas flow into the tubular housing (20).
US08272208B1
An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine includes an air injection port in a designated region of an exhaust conduit having a converging-then-diverging nozzle providing increased exhaust gas flow velocity and decreased exhaust gas pressure. In another embodiment, an injection air conduit is connected between an alternator blower and the engine exhaust conduit to supply injection air to the latter.
US08272202B2
A turbofan engine (10) includes a fan variable area nozzle (FVAN) (50) which effectively changes the physical area and geometry within a fan bypass flow path (40) to manipulate the pressure ratio of the bypass flow. The FVAN generally includes a multitude of aerodynamically shaped inserts (52) circumferentially located about the core nacelle (12). The FVAN at a fully stowed position (takeoff/landing) takes up a minimum of area within the fan bypass flow path to effectively maximize the fan nozzle exit area (44) while in the fully deployed position (cruise) takes up a maximum of area within the bypass flow path to effectively minimize the fan nozzle exit area. By separately adjusting each of the multiple of inserts relative the other inserts the FVAN provides an asymmetrical fan nozzle exit area to selectively vector the fan bypass flow.
US08272200B1
A method and apparatus for harvesting lettuce provides one or more harvesting heads that move between harvesting and discharge positions of the harvester. Each harvesting head separates a head of lettuce from its stem and core. Each harvesting head has specially configured fingers that secure the head during harvesting. The fingers move between open and closed positions.
US08272194B2
The present disclosure is directed to processes for manufacturing internally pierced shaped articles for unit-dose packaging with at least one formed recess (e.g., a blister), in particular for unit-dose packaging of pharmaceutical dosage forms. In certain embodiments, the first step of the process is directed to drawing the film material (e.g., metal-plastic foil) with one or more plungers to form a primary contour, the contour having a depth of at least 100% and up to 150% of the depth of the formed recess. The second stage involves shaping the primary contour with one or more plunger(s) to the desired formed recess, with a depth that is less than the depth of the primary contour, while substantially maintaining the surface area of the primary contour formed in the first stage. The formed recess may be formed using warm-forming or cold-forming techniques. The third stage involves the automatic placing of an internal piercing device stably into the shaped article.
US08272193B2
A method is described for manufacturing and/or packaging of multiple items simultaneously, in particular the handling and placement for packaging of the items on an assembly line. In particular, the method is for use in changing the center spacing of the simultaneously manufactured items between two locations on the assembly line.
US08272175B1
The secure modular shelter apparatus can be used to shelter those at bus stops, on campuses, using ATM's, waiting for trains, making calls, smoking, and for a host of other uses. Importantly, the apparatus is self-contained and can be placed as chosen, by a forklift for example, and either connected to existing power as an alternative energy source or used as is while providing its own power. Security may be guaranteed by entry only allowed by card or other secure personal identification means known in the art. Radiant assisted heating and cooling are provided. Information readout is provided by a lighted panel that may also feature scrolling schedule lights. A panic button and receiver/transmitter are also provided so that emergency communication with professionals is possible when needed. Audio and auxiliary lighting are provided for those with sight and hearing hardships. Automatic interior climate controls provide for thermostatically controlled comfort.
US08272172B2
A mounting device is fastened over various types of standing seams of a roof. The mounting device includes a mounting body, a wedge-like core and two bolts. The mounting body includes a slot extending therethrough with a trapezoidal cross-section, a first tapped hole and a second tapped hole, wherein the slot has an opening at a relatively short side of a pair of parallel sides of the trapezoidal cross-section. The wedge-like core is sandwiched between a pair of nonparallel sides of the slot. A first bolt is screwed into the first tapped hole and has an end in contact with the wedge-like core for securing a standing seam. A second bolt is screwed into the second tapped hole for securing a desired object on the roof.
US08272171B2
A system and method for resisting catastrophic wind damage to a structure is provided. At least a pair of anchoring devices are fixed to a foundation of the structure at opposite positions adjacent to sidewalls of the structure. A first cable and a second cable are attached to the anchoring devices, respectively. A tensioning member is provided under a roof of the structure and between the sidewalls of the structure. The tensioning member, such as a turnbuckle, is further attached to both the first and second cables for applying a tension force to the cables. Cable guides can be further provided to route the cables along the roof and sidewalls of the structure.
US08272167B2
A sliding assistance mechanism for helping a switching operation of a moving body on a main body side, includes a case attached to the main body side; first and second moving members slidably placed in the case, respectively; a pair of latches pivotally supported at each moving member, respectively, and releasably locked to corresponding parts of a case side; an urging device provided between both moving members; and a guide groove provided in the case for moving the latches along the same; and first and second operational members spaced apart from each other and provided in the moving body. When the moving members are at a halfway position, an engagement of one of the latches with the second operational member provided in the second moving member is released, and the moving body is pulled by the urging device to the second position.
US08272166B2
A catcher 2 includes a catcher stopper 21, a holder 22 for a striker 1, and a biasing member 23 for the catcher stopper and the holder. When the catcher stopper 21 is projected by the biasing member 23, the holder 22 is set in a forward position and in a non-holding state, and when the holder 22 is set in a backward position and in a holding state, the catcher stopper 21 is withdrawn. The recess Mb has an engageable hole 402 formed therein for engagement with the catcher stopper 21, and a force is stored in the biasing member 3 when the catcher 2 is set in a reference position where the catcher stopper 21 is brought into engagement with the engageable hole 402. The sticker 1 enters the holder 22 of the catcher 2 when the catcher is set in the reference position since the movable member M is moved forward to a self-propelled movement start position.
US08272165B2
A catcher member is provided to be movable between a standby position and a retracted position, and at the standby position, while being urged by an urging device, the catcher member is positioned in the standby position by a holding device. When a movable body is moved forward a predetermined movement position, a striker member is caught and engaged with the catcher member positioned in the standby position, and subsequently, holding by the holding device is released, and the catcher member is moved or relatively moved up to the retracted position by being urged by the urging device, so that the urging force is applied to the movable body up to position where the movement ends. An operation device is provided so as to be able to operate to move the catcher member which was moved to the retracted position without catching the striker member, toward the standby position.
US08272164B2
A combination tilt/sash lock for mounting to a window sash rail, the combination including a sash lock and tilt lock being mounted in linear relationship to each other; the tilt lock having a latch element latching to a window frame that is manually movable within a tilt lock housing between a latched position and an unlatched position; the sash lock having a rotatable cam movable by rotating a locking lever between a locked position and an unlocked position; the sash lock locking lever being located in a superimposed linear relationship to and blocking manual movement of the tilt lock in the locked position and allowing movement of the latch element in the unlatched position; and the tilt lock mechanism being movable from a latched position to a disengaged position.
US08272162B2
The present invention relates to a method for preparing raw pollen which is suitable for being used for the preparation of allergen extracts. The method involves instantaneously freezing the pollen immediately after harvesting, optionally followed by drying the frozen pollen by sublimation.
US08272161B1
A root watering system for a tree or a shrub includes an outer container of a water-permeable, flexible material. A perforated, hollow inner support structure maintains the flexible material in an elongated shape between first and second ends. The outer container is positioned in the ground with the elongated shape proximate to the roots of the tree or shrub and with the first end proximate to the surface of the ground and with the second end near a lower end extending generally downward toward the lower portion of the root system of the tree or shrub. Water applied to the ground proximate the upper end of the outer container enters the first end and fills the outer container including the hollow inner support structure. Water within the outer container is released through the porous, flexible material to provide water to the root system of the tree or shrub.
US08272160B1
A vine supporting device for manipulating the growth, direction, and distribution of vines and other creeping plants is provided. The vine supporting device comprises a base having a top and a bottom. A support pole is mounted in a substantially vertical direction to the top of the base. A plurality of wire mount slots is formed in the top of the base and around a perimeter of the base. A plurality of wire frames are provided with each wire frame having a first end and a second end and the first end releasably securable in one of the wire mount slots. A top cap is positionable on top of the support poles with the second ends of the wire mounts positionable and releasably secured under the top cap. Upon positioning the vine upon the top of the base, the support pole and wire frames control and direct growth of the vine.
US08272159B2
Particular aspects provide novel strike indicators attachable to fishing lines, that are reversibly disengagable therefrom and thereafter slidably along the line. Particular embodiments comprise: a buoyant main body having an axial channel with corresponding end surface openings; an retention member seat (e.g., groove, ridge, etc.) running around the main body surface; and at least one line retention member receivable and retainable by the seat, and operative with the seat to retain a line passing therebetween at two points. The retention member is displaceable from the seat by sufficient line tension, thereby disengaging the slidable strike indicator. Particular embodiments comprise two strike indicator stop members attachable at user-selectable line positions, and operative to delimit a slidable range of a disengaged slidable strike indicator. Novel methods for fishing, with a slidable reversibly detachable indicator, at a depth greater than the length of a fishing rod are presented.
US08272153B2
A wall-mounted, self-storing ironing board includes an elongated ironing platform connected to a turntable by a pivot pin located approximately at a center point of the platform, thereby providing a full 360° rotation of the platform when the ironing board is in the horizontal use position. Rotation of the platform 90° clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the turntable allows the user to stand directly opposite either end of the platform and to use either end in ironing an article of clothing. In another embodiment, the pivot pin is located forward of a linkage that connects the turntable to a wall-mounted casing and allows for the turntable to move between a vertical stored position and the horizontal use position.
US08272141B2
An exemplary probe apparatus includes a fixture, a first probe assembly, a motor, a lead screw, two guide members, a second probe, and a reduction gear unit. The first probe assembly is fixedly attached to the fixture and includes a first probe. The motor has a drive shaft attached to the fixture. The lead screw is coupled to the fixture. The two guide members are attached to the fixture and parallel to the lead screw. The second probe assembly is moveably attached to the lead screw and the at least one guide member, and includes a second probe. The reduction gear unit is coupled to the drive shaft and the lead screw to transmit power from the motor to the second probe assembly through the lead screw. The second probe assembly is configured for moving the second probe towards or away from the first probe along the two guide members.
US08272137B2
An archery sight device for selectively illuminating fiber optic range markers calibrated to a specific distance, a selector switch and a range indicator display for accurately aiming and releasing an arrow at a designated target. The sight device comprises a housing that attaches between the upper and lower limb of an archery bow, and provides a sight window with a plurality of fiber optic pins with illuminating tips. A selective pin or set of pins is illuminated at a time, corresponding to a distance indicated by a digital display for the user to reference. A selector switch extending from the device and attached to the bow allows the user to cycle through pre-calibrated distances for a specific bow, while a range finder device may be incorporated to accurately measure the distance to a target and adjust the display and chosen illuminated pin as required. The device provides a means to accurately determine range and aim at a target, along with a sight window that reduces excess information and sighting problems associated with current fiber optic sights.
US08272124B2
A technique for anchoring carbon nanotube columns to a substrate can include use of a filler material placed onto the surface of the substrate into area between the columns and surrounding a base portion of each of the columns.
US08272113B1
A grommet and/or plug installation device and associated installation method. The device includes a head portion that is adapted to releasably retain a grommet and/or plug. The head is preferably connected to a handle that is grasped by a user during the grommet/plug installation process. The grommet or plug is retained on the head with less of a retention force than will be exhibited between the grommet or plug and an associated opening to which the grommet or plug is inserted. As such, a grommet or plug will remain in an associated opening after insertion thereto, and the device of the present invention used to install the grommet or plug may be withdrawn.
US08272108B2
An adjustable link assembly for use with a flat cross-section shock cord or other strap formed of elastomeric material. The adjustable link attaches the cord to a load-bearing member, such as a hook or other fitting, which may be formed integrally therewith. The link assembly includes a body member having an entrance/exit passage for the strap, and a sliding crossbar over which the free end of the strap is routed. When the main leg of the strap is tensioned, the crossbar is drawn against a stationary bridge piece of the body member, the crossbar and bridge piece having cooperating sloped surfaces that are angled in a reverse direction from a straight line path from the top of the crossbar to the opening of the entrance/exit passage. The cooperating faces thus force the strap into a reverse bend or kink, which locks the strap in position so long as the main leg of the strap is subjected to tension. When the tension is relieved, the elastomeric material of the strap pushes the crossbar back away from the stationary bridge piece, straightening the kink and releasing the strap so that its length can be adjusted, without the user having to manipulate the link assembly itself.
US08272099B2
An anti-pinch device for a drawer comprises: a flexible anti-pinch body, an elastic deformable portion, a sliding portion, and a stop portion; wherein a lower horizontal section is a fixing end which is to be fixed to an inner bottom surface of the drawer, a longitudinal section of the anti-pinch body opposite the fixing end is an extending section on which is formed the elastic deformable portion, and the sliding portion is located above the extending section, one surface of the sliding portion opposite to the extending section is the stop portion, a distance between the sliding portion and the stop portion is larger than a diameter of user's finger, whereby, when the drawer is pulled open, the sliding portion and the stop portion spring up and extend out of the drawer, so as to prevent the user's finger from getting pinched if the drawer is closed accidently.
US08272094B2
A floor care disk for a floor care machine such as a floor polishing machine includes a floor care pad mounted on a drive plate. The drive plate includes a stiff disk element and tongue-like tabs connected flexibly to a radially outer portion or rim of the disk element, and extending radially inwardly toward a radially inner portion or hub of the disk element. The radially inner free ends of the tongue-like tabs are free to flexibly deflect away from the plane of the disk element. The pad is mounted on the tabs and on the radially outer portion of the disk element. During rotational operation of the floor care disk, due to the arising centrifugal force acting on the center of mass of the rotating pad and tongue-like tabs, the pad and the tongue-like tabs are flexibly deflected away from the disk element and toward the floor surface, thereby deflecting the pad into osculating contact with the floor surface.
US08272092B2
An autonomous coverage robot includes a chassis having forward and rearward portions and a drive system carried by the chassis. The forward portion of the chassis defines a substantially rectangular shape. The robot includes a cleaning assembly mounted on the forward portion of the chassis and a bin disposed adjacent the cleaning assembly and configured to receive debris agitated by the cleaning assembly. A bin cover is pivotally attached to a lower portion of the chassis and configured to rotate between a first, closed position providing closure of an opening defined by the bin and a second, open position providing access to the bin opening. The robot includes a body attached to the chassis and a handle disposed on an upper portion of the body. A bin cover release is actuatable from substantially near the handle.
US08272091B2
An electric toothbrush is disclosed. The electric toothbrush according to some example embodiments includes a bristle-vibrating unit that vibrates toothbrush bristles to clean a side of teeth in contact with the toothbrush bristles, a bristle direction-sensing unit detecting a direction to which the toothbrush bristles are directed in an oral cavity and a control unit automatically controlling the bristle-vibrating unit in response to the detected direction such that the vibration intensity of the toothbrush bristles when an occlusal side is brushed is weaker than the vibration intensity when a buccal side or a lingual side is brushed.
US08272085B2
The present invention includes apparatus and methods for installing a hammock upon a boat. A method of installing a hammock comprises the steps of: installing first and second hammock end mounting means upon the boat, the first and second mounting means each comprising one of a vertical mounting member and a suspending anchor to suspend ends of a hammock, where each vertical mounting member is affixed to a surface of the boat, the vertical member including a longitudinally extending member having a first end and a second end, the first end affixed to a surface of the boat, the second end being elevated above the first end, and where each suspending anchor is affixed to an elevated structure of the boat, the anchor having one or more mounting surfaces engaging the elevated structure and one or more ratchets each receiving a strap extending about the elevated structure.
US08272084B2
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a patient lift apparatus is provided that includes a hanger bar attachment bumper that comprises a soft material so as to provide a soft impact surface on the patient lift apparatus, the hanger bar attachment comprising a first and second housing adapted to be selectively connected to one another. According to another embodiment of the present invention a patient lift apparatus is provided that includes a hanger bar attachment bumper that comprises a soft material so as to provide a soft impact surface on the patient lift apparatus, the hanger bar attachment bumper comprising a first and second housing adapted to be selectively connected to one another, wherein the hanger bar attachment bumper comprises a surface area and wherein the first housing makes up a larger portion of the surface area of the hanger bar attachment bumper than the second housing.
US08272074B1
A restraint device for controlling the head of a driver during a high-performance vehicle collision. The device includes a support member having a back portion and shoulder portions that extend at least partially over the shoulders of the driver; a tether for attaching the support member to the driver's helmet; and at least one anchor strap attached at one end to the support member and at the other end to the vehicle's seat belt assembly, driver's truck, and/or driver's legs, which serves to anchor the device and oppose forward and rearward movement of the driver's head during a collision event, reducing the likelihood of injury. The shoulder portions are configured to engage the vehicle's shoulder belts, which improves the restraint device's ability to resist forward movement and downward rotation of the driver's head that is caused by a collision event.
US08272071B2
An eye cover for use in an aquatic environment is provided. In certain embodiments, the eye cover comprises an elastic headband configured to be worn around a wearer's head and configured in use to cover or surround the wearer's eyes. The elastic headband can be configured to provide an at least water-resistant seal around the wearer's eyes. At least one eye chamber disposed on a surface of the headband that in use faces the wearer's eyes can further be provided. The at least one eye chamber permit the wearer's eyes to remain open when the headband covers the wearer's eyes. The at least one eye chamber comprises a flange extending from the headband, wherein the flange is configured to provide at least a water-resistant seal around the wearer's eye.
