US07922105B2
An atomizer adapter for application of heavy viscous material from an airless paint sprayer. The adapter includes a housing that is coupled to the output of the sprayer through one housing port by an elongated tube that delivers viscous material and to the output of an air compressor through another housing port that delivers compressed air through a conduit. A nozzle within the housing directs pressurized air into an internal chamber where it is directed at and atomizes the flow of viscous material prior to output through an aperture in a tip fixed to the housing.
US07922104B2
An aromatic odor neutralizer includes a vaporization chamber containing a wick with an end part immersed in fluid in a storage cup that is gravity fed from an airtight vessel by the use of air pathways exposed when the liquid level in the cup is reduced. The vaporization chamber is located in a dispenser housing with an internal passage between end walls and communicating with vents in the sides for aerodynamic airflow to efficiently absorb vapors from a vaporizer chamber.
US07922090B2
A set of forms and information gathering system comprising a questionnaire check having a place to insert answers to questions that are sent to a person along with the check is provided. Once the answers to the question from the questionnaire have been inserted in the supplied area the person taking the survey can cash the check. Once the check is cashed and processed through an Automated Clearing House (ACH) the cancelled check with the answers to the questions. Once the cashed check is received by the sending party, the answers to the questionnaire by the endorsed party will also be received. The data can then be processed and reports generated for the client requesting the data.
US07922084B2
An information processing apparatus installed at a ticket gate for performing a ticket inspection process, includes an authentication unit for authenticating a communication terminal mounted on a passenger passing through the ticket gate by communicating the communication terminal, the communication terminal communicating using as a communication medium a dielectric material including the human body of the passenger, a ticket inspection unit for performing the ticket inspection process on the communication terminal, a registration unit for registering an identification of the communication terminal, an identification determination unit for determining whether the identification of the communication terminal acquired in communication with the communication terminal is registered by the registration unit, an information acquisition unit for acquiring subscription information of a content stored on the communication terminal, and a delivery unit for delivering the content to the communication terminal in accordance with the subscription information acquired by the information acquisition unit.
US07922072B2
A self-service checkout system which continues operation when cash transaction options are not available. The self-service checkout system includes a cash dispenser, a display for displaying payment options, an input device for recording selection of payment options, including cash and non-cash transaction options, and a processor for disabling the cash transaction options when an amount of cash in the cash dispenser falls below a predetermined limit, but for otherwise continuing operation by allowing the non-cash transaction options.
US07922070B2
A carton (130) for packaging cylindrical articles, the carton (130) including a plurality of primary panels (120, 122, 124, 125) for forming the walls of the carton (130), end flaps (118a, 118b, 126a, 126b, 128a, 128b, 119a, 119b) for forming end closure structures (132, 134) of the carton (130), and handle panels (160, 162) and handle end flaps (182a, 182b, 183a, 183b) for forming a handle structure (160/162). The handle structure (160/162) and a panel (125) define a pocket that can be engaged by a user's hand (H1) to carry the carton (130). The carton (130) further including features that facilitate flexing of the handle structure (160/162) including fold lines (178) and cut lines (C2, C3).
US07922066B2
The process that is the subject of this invention is a method of making a rotary sputtering target having the steps of providing a cylinder of sputtering target material having an adhesion-wetting layer on its inside surface; providing a stainless steel sputtering target backing tube having an outside diameter smaller than the sputtering target material inside diameter, the backing tube having an adhesion-wetting layer on its outside surface; welding an upper and lower stainless steel retaining ring to the backing tube adjacent to the sputtering target material so that the target material is in compression and the backing tube in tension; and introducing molten bonding material into the annulus between the backing tube and the sputtering target material.The apparatus that is the subject of the present invention is a rotary sputtering target apparatus having a cylinder of sputtering target material; a backing tube having a smaller outside diameter than the inside diameter of the sputtering target material; and bonding material disposed between the target material and backing tube, the bonding material bonding them together.
US07922064B2
Embodiments include a surgical device and a method. An embodiment of the surgical fastening device includes at least one grasping jaw, the at least one grasping jaw being adapted to deliver surgical fasteners by a force generated from a force generator mechanism that is contained within the at least one grasping jaw or is in a proximity to the at least one grasping jaw. Another embodiment includes at least one grasping jaw, at least one actuation mechanism adapted to deliver surgical fasteners, the actuation mechanism being located in a proximity to or contained within the at least one grasping jaw, the surgical fasteners containing at least one shape-transforming material, at least one sensor, at least one chemical tissue sealant and at least one cutter. A method includes: grasping a body tissue with at least one grasping jaw, adjusting a configuration of the grasping in response to a signal or a datum or an image, and releasing a surgical staple/fastener in response to the signal, datum or image.
US07922061B2
A surgical instrument, such as a surgical cutting and fastening instrument, with an automatically articulatable end effector. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector, a shaft, and an articulatable joint assembly connected between the end effector and the shaft. The joint assembly comprises at least one motor for articulating the end effector relative to the shaft. The joint assembly comprises at least one articulation sensor for sensing articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft. The instrument further comprises a control unit in communication with the articulation sensor and the motor. The control unit comprises at least one memory unit for storing articulation data from the at least one articulation sensor. When activated, the control unit sends control signals to the motor of the joint assembly to articulate automatically the end effector to a desired position based on the articulation data from the articulation sensor that is stored in the memory unit of the control unit.
US07922060B2
A staple leg cutting mechanism 5 is composed of a fixed cutter 6 interposed between staple legs S1 penetrated through binding sheets and a pair of movable cutters 7 disposed movable from the outside of the staple legs S1 to the inside thereof, and a clincher mechanism 10 is composed of a pair of movable clinchers 11 respectively disposed on the lower surface side of their associated movable cutters 7, whereby the staple legs S1 penetrated through the binding sheets are formed in an inwardly curved manner by the movable clinchers 11 and are then guided into and between the movable cutters 7 and fixed cutter 6, the movable cutters 7 are moved from the outside of the staple legs S1 to the inside thereof to thereby cut the leading end portions of the staple legs S1, and the staple legs S1 are bent along the binding sheets by the movable clinchers 11.
US07922051B2
A system and device therefor that provides a large vehicle the ability to house up to ten bicycles on the bumper of the vehicle wherein the device is retractable against the vehicle when not in use and that provides a fast and easy way to load and unload the bicycles. The device includes a main frame portion with two support arms on either side. Each support arm has variable height options. Attached to each support are one or more springed grips with one end of each springed grip having two crescent-shaped hooks for attachment around the handlebars of a bicycle and on the other end is a j-shaped hook for attachment around the seat post of a bicycle.
US07922049B2
An exemplary strap for a portable device includes a hollow ring portion, two elastic members, two connecting strings, two blocks, and a strap attachment coupled to the connecting strings. The ring portion includes at least one restraint with a through hole defined therein. The elastic members are fixed within the ring portion. The connecting strings are coupled to the elastic members respectively, pass through the through hole and stretch out of the ring portion. The blocks are positioned respectively at joints of the elastic members and the connecting strings, and restrained within the ring portion by the at least one restraint for preventing the elastic members from being excessively stretched.
US07922034B2
A paper dispenser includes a casing for housing a roll of paper, the casing having a front face, with a dispensing nozzle through which the paper is dispensed, wherein the front face has a hatch for access to the inside of the casing, through which a free end of the roll can be extracted.
US07922033B2
A universal lid closure for underground landscape and other utility access boxes uses flexible tongues depending from the underside of the lid and adapted to engage the interior of the access box, which box may have any one of various constructions. In one embodiment, the tongues have a plurality of diametrically opposed pairs of locking detents, each pair defining a different vertical position, to engage an annular locking shoulder on the interior of the box to secure the lid in the closed position.
US07922032B2
A reusable concentrate cartridge and associated cap and valve for combining a concentrated material and a diluent in a diluting and dispensing container. The concentrate cartridge is provided with a hollow cylindrical body and a hollow tube with a closure. The concentrate cartridge is caused to open by the rotating engagement of a valve member, which causes a depending sleeve to urge the hollow tube within the concentrate cartridge to disengage and release the concentrate material into the diluent container.
US07922023B2
An apparatus for receiving and storing a soiled item has a container and a cover, which can be rotated about spindles. The cover comprises a casing in which a movable body can move to and fro. The moveable body is placed inside a compartment at the closed end of a flexible holder. A soiled item can be put inside the casing and subsequently the cover can be rotated around spindles. The moveable body will fall downwards under the force of gravity, pushing the soiled item inside the container. The flexible holder is fixed inside the casing with a firm closed elastic band at the location of the rim of its open end.
US07922020B2
An apparatus for securing a line such as, for example, a cable or the like, thereto is described. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus is coupled to an electrical box into which the cable extends.
US07922016B1
A shelf system is shown and described. A post has an aperture. A pin is configured to extend through that aperture. The pin has a head having a first circumference and a body having a second circumference. A collar is configured to encircle the post and rest on the pin head and body. In operation the collar, and any associated shelf, is able to rotate smoothly and stably around the post.
US07922014B2
A rack for supporting containers includes a pair of opposed side supports defining open front and rear ends. A plurality of canted rails for supporting containers are mounted on each of the opposed side supports. At least one stop member is mounted adjacent the front end of at least one of the rails to prevent containers from sliding out of the rack.
US07922013B2
A tool device is disclosed to include a hollow upright pivot shaft, coupling rings rotatably mounted on the hollow upright pivot shaft at different elevations, and support arms respectively coupled to the coupling rings and turnable with the respective coupling rings about the hollow upright pivot shaft, each support arm having a plurality of open receiving chambers respectively vertically cut through the top and bottom walls thereof for holding hand tools, each open receiving chamber having a front opening, a top opening connected to the top open side of the front opening, and a bottom opening.
US07922008B2
A filter and filter material for providing or treating potable water is provided. The filter includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a filter material disposed within the housing, the filter material formed at least in part from a mixture of a plurality of mesoporous and microporous activated carbon particles. Preferably, at least some of the mesoporous activated carbon filter particles are coated with a cationic polymer, and even more preferably, at least some of the particles are coated with a cationic polymer and silver or a silver containing material. Kits comprising filters and information relating to the reduction, killing or removal of bacteria, viruses, microbials, and TTHM are also provided.
US07922005B2
An oil strainer assembly is used to filter oil in an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle. The oil strainer assembly includes a strainer element and a housing. The housing has a first shell and a second shell. The housing has an inlet formed in one of the first and second shells and an inlet formed in the other of the first and second shells. The strainer element is disposed between the first shell and the second shell for filtering debris from oil passing between the inlet and the outlet of the housing. Each of the first and second shells has an outer wall. The first shell having a first flange for retaining the outer wall of the second shell. The first shell further having an outwardly extending tab for retaining a portion of the outer wall of the second shell opposite the first flange. The tab being movable away from the outer wall of the second shell to allow removal of the outer wall of the second shell from the first flange of the first shell along a generally radial direction.
US07921999B1
A peelable pouch comprises a substantially flat enclosure formed by first and second opposing flexible plies. A seal extends along at least a portion of a perimeter of the opposing plies. A flat, flexible transdermal patch is disposed in the enclosure and includes a bioactive agent dissolved in a layer of adhesive. A release liner is removably attached over the layer of adhesive, with the patch and the release liner together being sufficiently resilient so as to generate a spring force when displaced out of the flat configuration. The first and the second plies each being separable along the seal and displaceable out of the flat configuration. The spring force generated by the patch and the release liner being sufficient to overcome an adhesive force created by the adhesive between the patch and one of the plies.
US07921995B2
The present invention discloses a golf bag structure. The main body of the structure includes a bag portion, a pulling portion and a receiving portion, wherein the pulling portion is provided on the side of the bag portion and the pulling portion includes a handle, a pulling lever and at least one wheel. The handle is assembled with the pulling lever. The wheel is provided at one end of the pulling lever and can be detached therefrom. Additionally, the receiving portion is provided at one end of the bag portion and can receive the detached wheel, thereby reducing the size of the main body.
US07921991B2
To minimize titanium materials and accurately and easily fix a dental implant fixture, a housing container includes a glass housing main body, a resin cap, and a resin implant fixture holding member, the cap includes a press part at an inner surface, the implant fixture holding member fits into the bottom side of the housing main body, the implant fixture holding member has, at an upper surface side, three or more groove parts formed radially from a center to an end side, and titanium plate-like guide parts which include, at the center side, projected portions slightly projecting from the upper surface, and include, at the radial end side, erected portions extending up to at least equal to or more than ⅓ of a height from a tip of the dental implant fixture to erect around an outer peripheral surface of the dental implant fixture are inserted in the groove parts.
US07921988B2
An oven drive system for use with commercial bakery ovens comprises a speed reducer and motor external to the bakery oven, a drive shaft extending from within the oven and operatively coupled to the speed reducer and the motor, and conveyor chain driving caterpillar located within the oven and operatively coupled to the draft shaft. The drive shaft is configured for minimal heat transfer to components external to the oven.
US07921986B2
Aspects of the invention provide a hoisting and lowering driving engagement multi-row chain in which the weight of the chain is balanced across the chain width direction so as to improve the load balance. This allows the weight of articles to be hoisted and lowered more stably hoisted and at higher positions, and results in an improvement of endurance of the chain, reduction of driving noise, miniaturization of the chain size, while the biasing or deflecting of intermediate tooth plates and inner tooth plates in the chain width direction is suppressed.
US07921985B2
A conveying method for an artificial stone process comprises placing stone on a trolley equipped with a catch basin, the trolley traveling along a track set to carry the stone to a processing region which has a top bracing unit, when the trolley carrying the stone to the processing region, the catch basin being braced upwardly and separated from the trolley, an engaging mechanism receiving the catch basin and delivering it to a processing station, thereby processing the stone on the catch basin.
US07921982B2
Apparatus (10) loads product in the form of bags into a carton held at a tilt angle. The leading ends of the bags on an adjustment conveyor (20) are abutted by a bumper (30) to reorient the bags 90° on the adjustment conveyor (20). The downstream roller (44) of a twist conveyor (40) is tilted to collate bags on a decline conveyor (70). The collated bags are moved on an orientation conveyor (74) to engage a product scoop (110) extending at an inclined position and moved to a vertical position to vertically orient the bags. The orientation conveyor (74) is moved to an offset position to allow the bags to drop onto a lowerator (92) of an accumulator (86) where they can be sandwiched between retainer plates (88, 90). A pusher plate (94) pushes the bags off the lowerator (92) into the carton and is tilted to correspond to the tilt angle of the carton.
US07921981B2
A method and apparatus for conveying and arranging bakery products such as hot dog buns or breadsticks. The products are delivered with their length dimensions at a variety of angular orientations and some products inverted. An aligning conveyor receives misaligned products on adjacent belts or other drive members which are driven at differential speeds to rotate the products to the proper orientation. Inverted products are conveyed against guide rails which are arranged to interact with the curved edges on the tops of the buns to roll the inverted products over. The products are conveyed in discrete lanes to properly organize them for packaging.
US07921974B2
An improvement to damping cylinders in which the damping fluid needs to be separated from a gas is disclosed. In particular, an annular bladder is used. An annular bladder allows for a control shaft to extends at least a portion of the length of the damping cylinder. This configuration effectively and simply reduces most issues that result from when an IFP is used for the same purpose.
US07921970B2
A sealing device for an elevator door includes a doorway member, doors, a movable member, a push-down mechanism and a sealing mechanism. The doorway member is provided for a gate. The doors open or close along the doorway member. The movable member is set horizontally and provided to be movable in a vertical direction in the doorway member, and it is urged upwards by an urging unit. The push-down mechanism pushes down the movable member against the force of the urging unit just before the doors are closed. The sealing mechanism is kept non-contact with the doors while they are moving, and seals the gap between the doors and the doorway member as it is brought into contact with upper section of the doors when the movable member is pushed down by the push-down mechanism.
US07921955B2
A stability system for a trike includes an articulating rear wheel assembly and a steering assembly. The articulating rear wheel assembly includes a swing arm and an articulating rear spindle.The articulating rear wheel assembly is connected with the steering assembly such that the wheel assembly rotates in a positive angle or in a negative angle in synchronous relationship with the front wheels of the trike.The steering assembly comprises a plurality of steering components. In some preferred embodiments the steering components may be bell cranks, tie rods, or push/pull rods.
US07921939B1
A method for using a top drive is disclosed herein. The method can include: actuating a motor to provide power to the top drive, thereby rotating a stem with a saver sub mounted to a top drive housing having a bearing disposed about the rotatable stem; grabbing, lifting, and positioning tubulars using an elevator; and suspending weight of the top drive to prevent damage to threads of the tubulars during threadable engagement and disengagement of the tubulars using an airbag of an airlift thread compensator. The method can further include: positioning a torque wrench assembly along the tubulars for connecting the tubulars using a hydraulic cylinder disposed inside a torque supporting telescoping tubes; and movably positioning a single hollow cylinder rod of the hydraulic cylinder to extend into a first and second protected area, thereby preventing axial movement of a flexible hose during operation of the torque wrench assembly.
US07921930B2
An apparatus and method of installing a shank onto a ripper assembly of a tractor or crawler. A rotating shank installer (RSI) is welded onto a front face of a ripper assembly of a tractor, e.g., on the outside surface of a pocket beam. A portion of the RSI is allowed to rotate with respect to the pocket beam. With the shank in a substantially horizontal position with respect to the ground, the shank is secured between two plates of the RSI using pins wherein the plates can rotate with respect to the pocket beam. The shank is locked in place by two pins placed through the plates and the shank's weight is unbalanced with respect to the RSI. The ripper assembly is elevated causing the shank to rotate within the RSI to a substantially vertical position. The crawler is moved forward while lowering the ripper assembly in order to rip a groove into the ground with the bottom portion of the shank where the shank lowers into the ground. The RSI is disconnected from the shank wherein the shank is held in place by the grove. The bottom of the pocket is positioned over the top of the lowered shank and the pocket is lowered so that the shank is installed within the pocket and secured therein.
US07921929B2
An improved apparatus for treating a fire in a multi-floored building where the fire is located on an upper floor vertically displaced from a lower floor from which the fire is treated, and where the upper and lower floors each have a selectively openable environmental access along an external wall of the multi-floored building. The improved apparatus includes a tubular structure having an inlet, an intermediate portion, and an outlet and a bracing system. The bracing system has a frame, a first pivot point, and a second pivot point. The frame provides support against a sturdy surface. The tubular structure is supported on the first pivot point and rotates thereon to elevate or hoist the outlet towards the upper floor environmental access. The tubular structure is further supported on a second pivot point and further rotates thereon to elevate the outlet.
US07921919B2
A system comprising a surface installation in position above a plurality of subsea wells disposed within the watch circle of the surface installation. A plurality of flowlines directly couple at least one of the plurality of subsea wells to the surface installation. A control station, a hydraulic power unit, and an injection unit are disposed on the surface installation. A distribution body is disposed on the seafloor and is coupled to each of the control station, hydraulic power unit, and the injection unit via one or more umbilicals. A first wellhead component is disposed on one of the subsea wells and is coupled to the distribution body via one or more flying leads that provide electrical, hydraulic, and fluid communication. A second wellhead component is disposed on another one of the subsea wells and coupled to the distribution body via one or more flying leads that provide electrical, hydraulic, and fluid communication. The control station is operable to provide control functions to the first and second wellhead components during drilling, workover, and production activities.
US07921899B2
A method for fabricating a magnesium-based composite material, the method includes the steps of: (a) providing a magnesium-based melt and a plurality of carbon nanotubes, mixing the carbon nanotubes with the magnesium-based melt to achieve a mixture; (b) injecting the mixture into at least one mold to achieve a preform; and (c) extruding the preform to achieve the magnesium-based carbon nanotube composite material.
US07921895B2
An adhesive chuck, and an apparatus and method for assembling substrates using the same are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a chamber, a first adhesive chuck inside the chamber and having a plurality of adhesive protrusions to adhere to a first substrate conveyed from an outside into the chamber via an intermolecular attractive force, and a driving unit to move the first substrate adhered to the first adhesive chuck and a second substrate toward each other to be compressed and assembled to each other. The apparatus can achieve adhesion and separation of a substrate with minimal power consumption, enhancing an operating efficiency. Additionally, the adhesive chuck can overcome a problem of spot generation on a display panel caused by remaining static electricity. Furthermore, since the adhesive chuck is almost free from a problem of electric instability, it can exhibit high stability and efficiency and can be fabricated at lower costs.
US07921894B2
A tire molding machine includes a pair of bead core supporting devices for holding respective bead cores, which are arranged on radially outer side of a carcass band, so that the bead core has a center axis with a controllable inclination angle. The bead core supporting device (4), which controls the inclination angle of the bead core center axis, includes an annular upright plate 32), a bead holder ring (13) secured to the annular upright plate, for holding the bead core (B) in parallel manner, and bead holder ring posture control means (14) for controlling the inclination angle of the center axis of the bead holder ring relative to the center axis of the annular upright plate, within an angular range including zero degree.
US07921885B2
A filling machine assembly having supports for supporting any suitable fixture. At least one of the supports includes a plurality of modules with each of the modules including at least one coupling member for interlocking adjoining modules to form a continuous uninterrupted support. The modules can include sides with at least one coupling member mounted to each side. The coupling members are preferably complementary in configuration with each other for interlocking the first and second modules.
US07921878B2
A control valve comprises a valve body having a fluid inlet and at least one work fluid outlet for supplying pressurized fluid to the fluid operated device. A valve member is movable in the valve body in a first direction from a null position to a full flow or open position for supplying flow of pressurized fluid from a feed passage to a work fluid outlet. The valve member has a load sense signal shaping device that provides for initial flow from the feed passage to the work fluid outlet through a metering orifice during movement of the valve member from the null position to the full flow open position so as to shape an initial boost pressure signal.
US07921871B2
Low-profile garden hose storage apparatus comprises a housing adapted for mounting onto an exterior wall of a building to store a garden hose having first and second ends and an outer diameter ‘d’. A reel, rotatable in the housing, has a central hub and a pair of plates spaced apart at a distance of 1, 2 or 3d. In the preferred embodiment the plates are spaced apart at a distance slightly greater than d such that a single layer of hose may be wound thereon in a ‘pancake’ configuration. A water inlet is coupled to the hub through a swivel fitting, enabling the reel to rotate as water is delivered. The first end of the garden hose is coupled to the hub of the reel between the plates, with the second end of the garden hose extending through an opening in the housing. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for automatically winding the garden hose onto the reel between the plates, thereby retracting the hose into the housing through the opening thereof. The outer surface of the housing may be configured to be less conspicuous. For example, the outer surface of the housing may be configured to appear as house siding, brick or cinder block.
US07921869B2
An on-board inert gas generating system includes a flow control valve modulated according to changes in ambient conditions to minimize changes to oxygen content within a fuel tank. The quality of the nitrogen-enriched air stream that is provided by the air separation module varies in response to flow. Higher flow rates through the air separation module removes less oxygen relative to lower flow rates. The amount of flow through the air separation module that produces the least amount of oxygen within the fuel tank is determined for an ambient pressure and provided by modulating the flow control valve.
US07921848B2
The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or a copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by a lumen-traversing region of the resilient structure which has a helical outer surface, together with a portion of the resilient structure which is biased to form a bent secondary shape, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. Optionally, permanent sterilization is effected by passing a current through the resilient structure to the tubal walls.
US07921845B2
Disclosed herein is a muffler of a linear compressor. In the present invention, a center of an entry pipe of the muffler is in line with that of an inhale port of a piston. Therefore, a flow loss occurred when fluid is inhaled into the inhale port from the entry pipe can be reduced, and inhale efficiency can be improved. Furthermore, the plurality of inhale ports is eccentrically disposed in a front of the piston, and each center of the plurality of entry pipes is formed to be in line with that of the inhale ports. Not only the center but also the number of the inhale port and the entry pipe are agreed, on this account, the flow loss can be decreased and the inhale volume can be increased.
US07921839B2
The pneumatic launching assembly includes a launching body with a front end and a rear end. A first chamber is positioned in the rear end of the launching body for isolating a gas supply. A bolt is positioned in the front end of the launching body for moving a projectile into a launching position. A second chamber is coaxially forward of the first chamber for isolating the gas supply until the bolt is in a fully forward position. A firing plunger is slidably mounted in the launching body and moveable within the bolt and first chamber for regulating gas flow. In operation, the bolt moves forwardly to position the projectile into a launching position, meanwhile, the firing plunger moves rearwardly to release an gas to propel the projectile. The bolt and firing plunger are coaxially moving in opposite directions to minimize any recoil of the pneumatic launching assembly.
US07921837B2
A paintball marker has an inline cylinder that includes a gas governor that reduces gas flow from a compressed gas source to a valve area when the bolt is in a firing position. This bolt operates independent of the valve pin, which increases cycle speed and enables the governor to open and close at an optimum time in the firing cycle. Further, when the bolt/piston is recocking, the gap between the valve pin and governor valve pin enables low pressure gas driving the piston to start pressurizing the cylinder and driving the piston rearwards without resistance from the high pressure gas. The marker also allows a user to remove the inline cylinder without the use of tools, and gives the user a convenient carrying handle for holding the paintball marker, which is commonly called a “snatch grip.”
US07921834B2
Paintballs are loaded into a paintball gun. The paintballs are stored within a drive tube of a paintball loader. The paintballs are loaded into the paintball gun from the drive tube of the paintball loader. A screw is rotated with respect to the drive tube so that the paintballs are constrained to travel along a helical groove of the screw and along one of multiple column grooves on an inner surface of the drive tube.
US07921833B2
A method of operation of an internal combustion engine including an intake valve coupled to a combustion chamber, and a port fuel injector positioned upstream of the intake valve in an intake manifold including a throttle, the port fuel injector fluidly coupled to a fuel rail included in a fuel delivery system housing a fuel at least partially composed of alcohol. The method including, during a start-up operation when the temperature of the engine is below a threshold value and fuel is actively being injected into the intake manifold, adjusting a cone angle of a fuel spray from the port fuel injector, via adjustment of the throttle and/or fuel delivery system, based on the position of the intake valve.
US07921828B2
A heat exchanger of motor vehicle processes a gas flow including combustion exhaust gas. Combustion by-product deposit build-up within the heat exchanger is reduced by maintaining a minimum gas flow velocity within the heat exchanger by reducing heat exchanger total gas flow cross section to locally increase a gas flow velocity.
US07921815B2
A tether restraint apparatus may include two folding members, pivotally connected, a tether attachment and two stakes, wherein each folding member may have one of the two stakes pivotally connected and stowable within, and where the stakes may be pivoted outside of the folding members for deployment. The two folding members are operable to be folded together with each folding member having one of the two stakes stowed within, and are further operable to be unfolded to deploy the two stakes by pivoting each of the two stakes outwardly from within the two folding members.
US07921804B2
The present invention provides a plasma generating system that includes: a microwave generator for generating microwave energy; a power supply connected to the microwave generator for providing power thereto; a microwave cavity; a waveguide operatively connected to the microwave cavity for transmitting microwave energy thereto; an isolator for dissipating microwave energy reflected from the microwave cavity; and at least one nozzle coupled to the microwave cavity. The nozzle includes: a housing having a generally cylindrical space formed therein, the space forming a gas flow passageway; a rod-shaped conductor disposed in the space and operative to transmit microwave energy along a surface thereof so that the microwave energy excites gas flowing through the space; and an impedance controlling structure which adjusts the impedance of the nozzle.
US07921802B2
An apparatus and corresponding method are disclosed that uses one or more optical fibers in a susceptor that monitor radiation emitted by the backside of the susceptor. The optical fibers are filtered and converted into an electrical signal. A control system is used to maintain a constant wafer temperature by keeping the electrical signal constant during the deposition cycle. This overcomes problems caused by varying wafer temperature during non-selective epitaxial and poly-silicon growth on patterned wafers at low temperatures and reduced pressure.
US07921800B2
A method for coating a fire-resistant substance onto a carrier veil and products containing fire-resistant substances are provided. The method includes delivering a pliable carrier veil in a traveling web, drawing the carrier veil web through a reservoir defined by a nip of two rollers and containing the fire-resistant substance, where the carrier veil is coated with the fire-resistant substance. The method also includes controlling the amount of fire-resistant substance on the carrier veil web by setting a nip dimension between the two rollers, passing the carrier veil through the nip of the two rollers and providing the fire-resistant substance as a slurry suitable to coat the veil exiting the nip with a layer effective to provide a selected fire resistance. Heat is applied to the carrier veil sufficient to accelerate a curing reaction in the fire-resistant substance. A fire-resistant product includes a glass-based web, and a magnesium oxychloride complex materially coupled to the web, where the complex includes: MgCl2.mMg(OH)2.nH2O; where m is between about 3 and about 7, and n is between about 6 and about 10.
US07921787B2
A bracket assembly for supporting seed planting appurtenances in substantial alignment with respect to a seed tube of an agricultural planter. The bracket assembly includes a shaft mount and a shank mount.
US07921781B2
A ride system is provided that allows selective relative positioning of vehicles in an amusement or theme park ride to simulate racing or other effects. The ride system includes a chassis that is adapted to be supported by and to travel on or along a length of track of a particular ride. A support is attached to the chassis and moves with the chassis during operation of the ride. The ride system includes first and second passenger vehicles that are spaced apart on and supported by the support. A drive assembly is linked to the support and configured to rotate the support about its central axis. During support rotation, the first and second vehicles are moved concurrently relative to the track to alter their relative positioning. The vehicles are each rotated about an axis that extends parallel to the rotation axis, and the rotation may be independent or concurrent.
US07921778B2
A single phase metal alloy usually for forming a shaped charge liner for a penetrating jet or explosively formed penetrator forming warhead consists essentially of from a trace to 90%, by weight, of cobalt, from 10% to 50% by weight, of tungsten, and the balance nickel and inevitable impurities. One preferred composition is, by weight, from 16% to 22%, cobalt, from 35% to 40% tungsten and the balance is nickel and inevitable impurities. The alloy is worked and recrystallized and then formed into a desired product. In addition to a shaped charge liner, other useful products include a fragmentation warhead, a warhead casing, ammunition, radiation shielding and weighting.
US07921775B1
A cost-effective solution is proposed to improve explosive transfer between booster and warhead that is compatible with the existing base of general purpose warheads and flexible to work with new warhead configurations. A booster lens is placed in the fuze well that concentrates the pressure wave to penetrate the fuze well with a peak pressure that exceeds the detonation threshold and detonate the warhead explosive. The booster lens can be configured to control the direction of the concentrated lobe to penetrate the fuze well where the barriers are low.
US07921766B2
A cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials. The cartridge comprises an inlet for the introduction of an aqueous medium into the cartridge, and an outlet for a beverage produced from the one or more beverage ingredients. The cartridge comprises means for producing a jet of the beverage having an aperture in a beverage flow path linking the inlet to the outlet, and one or more microscopic projections at or in the vicinity of the aperture for contacting the beverage flow path.
US07921765B2
To prevent effects of small amplitude oscillations caused by pressure fluctuation, eccentric attachment of a cancel plate and biased load application of a return spring, and to achieve a long service life of the inner peripheral seal portion, a BPS (1) with a piston member (20) moving in an axial direction inside a cylinder (10) and defining a compression chamber (M) together with the cylinder (10) and a cancel plate (30) opposing to a bottom portion (11) of the cylinder (10) beyond the piston member (20) is provided with an inner peripheral seal portion (50) with a seal lip (52) slidably contacting an inner peripheral tube portion (13) of the cylinder (10) and a fitting portion (53) fitted to the inner peripheral tube portion (13) in an inner peripheral end portion (35) of the cancel plate (30).
US07921762B1
A gimbaled weapon system (GWS) is disclosed having a sighting system, a control unit, a weapon cradle for receiving a weapon, and an operator interface for the GWS located remotely from the weapon cradle and the sighting system. The weapon cradle is elevated using a first elevation drive. The weapon cradle is co-located with the sighting system as a unit in the GWS. The sighting system includes a thermal video camera and a visible spectrum video camera, the thermal video camera and the visible spectrum video camera each producing a video output. The thermal and visible spectrum video outputs are provided to the operator interface for the GWS for display on a display included in the operator interface.
US07921758B2
A technique enables improved performance of oilfield service operations. A protective shield is formed with a portable stand and at least one lightweight impact panel. The one or more lightweight impact panels enable easy movement of the safety shield from one location to another at a given well site or between different well sites, thus affording protection with a minimum of labor and set up time. The safety shield can be used to provide protection during individual operations and/or to segregate and protect independent operations from each other during multiple, simultaneous operations.
US07921751B2
A ratchet wrench includes a body having a first compartment rotatably receiving a drive member and a second compartment slideably receiving two pawls. A positioning member extends into the second compartment. A switch is slideably mounted to the body and includes two legs extending into the second compartment for moving the pawls. A restraining member is slideably received in the compartment and coupled to the legs to move therewith. The restraining member includes at least two positioning sections selectively engaged with the positioning member corresponding to at least two positions of the switch.
US07921750B2
Apparatus for securing a joint between two lengths of tubular. The apparatus has a tong arrangement comprising a rotary tong and a back-up tong. The apparatus also includes a frame having a seat for supporting the tong arrangement from beneath, the tong arrangement resting upon the seat such that the tong arrangement can be oriented in use at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the frame. A support member is provided for securing the tong arrangement to the frame at a chosen orientation.
US07921747B2
A collapsible control lever suitable for use on a motorcycle includes a handlebar mount, an intermediate section and a lever section. The intermediate section and lever section are capable of rotation with respect to the handlebar mount between a relaxed position and an actuated position in order to provide control lever functions, such as disengaging a manual clutch. The lever section is capable of rotation with respect to the intermediate section between a normal position and a fully deflected position in order to avoid damage in the event of the motorcycle overturning. The lever section may be biased to its normal position.
US07921745B2
Noise can be effectively reduced without rotative power transmission accuracy being compromised.In a tooth 2 of a resin gear 1, a tooth face that is a predetermined area from a tooth crest 8 towards a tooth root 10 side serves as a tooth profile modification area 11. A tooth surface excluding the tooth profile modification area 11 serves as an involute profile area 12. The tooth profile modification area 11 includes a linear standard profile portion 14 formed by an involute curved line from the tooth crest 8 of the tooth towards the tooth root 10 side and a profile modification portion 16 in which a tooth thickness gradually and smoothly decreases from the standard profile portion 14 along a tooth width direction and the tooth thickness gradually and smoothly decreases from a tooth root end side 15 towards the tooth crest 8. In the tooth profile modification area 11, a contacting section becomes elastically deformed as a result of the resin gear coming into contact with a meshing mating gear. A tooth width direction length of the contact surface gradually increases from a minute, point-like width to a full tooth width from the tooth crest 8 side towards the tooth root 10 side.
US07921738B2
An apparatus (100) operative for purposes of detecting the presence of a coal rope within a coal delivery pipe (200) is provided. The apparatus (100) includes a rod (105) that is operative to flex when struck by a coal rope that is present inside the coal delivery pipe (200), a strain gauge (115) that is operative to produce an electrical signal based upon the amount of flexing that the rod (105) is subjected to when struck by a coal rope that is present in the coal delivery pipe (200), and a processor that is operative to determine based upon the electrical signal that is received thereby from the strain gauge (115) at least one of either the location of the coal rope within the coal delivery pipe (200) or the density of the coal rope within the coal delivery pipe (200).
US07921733B2
A magnetic flow meter includes a flowtube arranged to receive a flow of process fluid and a coil proximate the flowtube arranged to apply a magnetic field to the process fluid. A sense electrode is arranged to sense a voltage potential in the flowtube in response to the applied magnetic field. The sensed voltage is indicative of flow rate of process fluid through the flowtube. Diagnostic circuitry provides an output related to an electrical path between the coil and electrical ground.
US07921731B2
A micro sized multi-axis semiconductor skin friction/wall shear stress induced by fluid flow. The sensor design includes a shear/strain transduction gimble connected to a force collecting plate located at the flow boundary surface. The shear force collecting plate is interconnected by an arm to offset the tortional hinges from the fluid flow. The arm is connected to the shear force collecting plate through dual axis torsional hinges with piezoresistive torsional strain gauges. These gauges are disposed on the tortional hinges and provide a voltage output indicative of applied shear stress acting on the force collection plate proximate the flow boundary surface. Offsetting the torsional hinges creates a force concentration and resolution structure that enables the generation of a large stress on the strain gauge from small shear stress, or small displacement of the collecting plate. The design also isolates the torsional sensors from exposure to the fluid flow.
US07921727B2
A sensing system for use in monitoring the structural health of a structure such as a polymeric matrix composite structure is provided. The system includes a sensor formed from a conductive ink containing carbon nanofibers and a polymeric resin, and a data acquisition system for acquiring and evaluating data from the sensor. The conductive ink may be applied directly to the structure to be monitored in the form of a grid pattern. Damage to the structure may be detected by measuring changes in resistance values detected from the sensor.
US07921725B2
A pressure sensor assembly for fitting within the valve stem of a vehicle tire comprises a substrate assembly defining a plurality of holes; a pressure sensor and a temperature compensation sensor mounted to the substrate assembly, each sensor including a corrugated deflectable membrane defining a first chamber and a cap mounted to the membrane to form a second chamber; and a cover configured to engage with the pressure sensor and the temperature compensation sensor to define an active chamber and a reference chamber respectively, the active chamber being exposed to tire pressure when the pressure sensor assembly is fitted within the valve stem whereas the reference chamber is sealed from tire pressure.
US07921723B2
A membrane unit configured for use in a housing of a pressure measuring unit, preferably for measuring pressure in an extra-corporal blood circuit, has a flexible membrane and a fixing ring which is integral with the membrane so that the membrane and the fixing ring form a one-piece element. The fixing ring has a lower flexibility than the membrane, and has fixing elements for fixing the fixing ring to the pressure measuring housing.
US07921718B2
An optical pressure monitoring system includes a tube from an infusion set and an optical signal sensor disposed to detect changes in the diameter of the tube and thereby determine pressure changes within the tube. By selecting the position of the tube relative to the optical signal emitter and optical signal receiver, the optical signal sensor can both detect pressure changes and provide an integrity check for both the functioning of the optical signal sensor and the placement of the tube. By modifying the tube to exaggerate changes in tube diameter responsive to pressure changes, the sensitivity of the optical signal sensor can be increased.
US07921715B2
A handheld windsock includes a housing with a graduated dial indicator mounted on the housing. A cord attached to the housing overlays the graduated dial indicator and a miniaturized chute is attached to an end of the cord. In response to airflow, the miniaturized chute displaces the cord in relation to the graduated dial indicator, providing a readable indication of the wind speed. Wind direction may be obtained as the direction of maximum displacement of the miniaturized chute. A data table displayed on the housing allows a user, such as a golfer, to cross-reference a measured wind speed to a quantitative adjustment, such as a numerical adjustment to the selection of a golf club.
US07921714B2
Methods and related systems are described for making measurements at multiple locations in an annular region of a cased sequestration well. A first tool module is positionable within the well and adapted to directly or indirectly measure changing pressure at a first location in the annular region of the well. A pressure change is induced at the first location in the annular region. A second tool module is positionable within the well and adapted to directly or indirectly measure changing pressure at a second location in the annular region. The measured pressure changes at the second location are in response to the induced pressure change at the first location.
US07921713B2
A test fixture for testing a motor vehicle suspension, brake components and wheel components on a motor vehicle sub-frame is provided. The test fixture can include a lower frame attached to a base surface and be dimensioned for the motor vehicle sub-frame to be attached thereto. An upper frame oppositely disposed to the lower frame and dimensioned to attach to the sub-frame is also included. A shaker system is attached to the base surface and is operable to provide a predetermined vertical displacement profile to the sub-frame. A motor is attached to an axle assembly on the sub-frame and is operable to rotate a wheel component at a predetermined rate of rotation. A non-contact gap sensor is included and can be attached to the sub-frame and detect or monitor movement between a first sub-frame component and a second sub-frame component.
US07921712B1
A dynamometer-based test apparatus that includes a driving dynamometer which is rotatable between first and second positions thus allowing attachment to either a vehicle transmission from a vehicle having a transverse engine/transmission configuration or directly to a vehicle propeller shaft and a first vertically adjustable absorption dynamometer attachable to a first output drive shaft from a vehicle differential and a second vertically adjustable absorption dynamometer attachable to a second output drive shaft from a vehicle differential. A hand held rotating device such as a drill is attached to a gear and used to rotate the platform supporting the drive dynamometer and is attached to different jack screws to move that platform linearly, a base beneath the platform linearly and the absorption dynamometers vertically.
US07921710B2
A diagnostic system includes a first pressure monitoring module, a second pressure monitoring module, and a fault determination module. The first pressure monitoring module determines low-lift pressures and high-lift pressures in a cam phaser when a first oil control valve (OCV) moves first valve lifters to the low-lift state and the high-lift state, respectively. The second pressure monitoring module determines low-lift pressures and high-lift pressures in the cam phaser when a second OCV moves second valve lifters to the low-lift state and the high-lift state, respectively. The fault determination module diagnoses a fault in one of the first OCV and the second OCV based the low-lift pressures and the high-lift pressures.
US07921709B2
Methods and systems are provided for monitoring cylinder valve deactivation of a cylinder valve of an engine. One example method comprises, indicating degradation of cylinder valve deactivation in response to manifold pressure at or around a characteristic frequency.
US07921707B2
An exhaust gas recirculation distribution variation sensing device has a torque sensing section that senses instantaneous torque caused with combustion of fuel injected from an injector for each cylinder, an injection quantity sensing section that senses an actual injection quantity of the injected fuel for each cylinder, and an exhaust gas recirculation distribution variation calculating section that calculates an exhaust gas recirculation distribution variation as a distribution variation of recirculated exhaust gas to respective cylinders based on a variation in the torque sensing value of the torque sensing section among the cylinders (i.e., a torque variation) and a variation in the injection quantity sensing value of the injection quantity sensing section among the cylinders (i.e., an injection quantity variation).
US07921706B2
A NOx sensor diagnostic device includes a NOx sensor disposed in an exhaust passage of an engine, an output value obtaining device for obtaining an output value of the NOx sensor, a spray characteristics changing device for changing spray characteristics for a specific cylinder of cylinders of the engine, and a diagnostic device for diagnosing abnormality of the NOx sensor, based on the output value of the NOx sensor that is changed as a result of the change of the spray characteristics for the specific cylinder by the spray characteristics changing device. An exhaust gas purifying system includes a NOx removal system disposed in an exhaust passage of an engine, a NOx sensor disposed in the exhaust passage at least on an upstream side of the NOx removal system in a flow direction of exhaust air flowing through the exhaust passage, and the NOx sensor diagnostic device.
US07921703B2
An oil condition and level sensor is provided that includes a solenoid body, a coil, an armature and a pole piece. The solenoid body defines an armature chamber between the armature and the pole piece. The armature is movable in the armature chamber in response to energizing of the coil. In an oil condition sensing system, the coil is operatively connected to a controller which can determine at least one of an oil temperature, oil viscosity, oil level, and an oil change occurrence. In one embodiment, four oil levels, including an overfill oil level and an excessively low oil level may be detected. The sensor is referred to as an integrated oil condition and level sensor as multiple sensing functions are integrated into one sensor.
US07921677B2
A vehicular upholstery fabric is made from a raw tricot fabric which is knitted by using a PPT-multifilament yarn whose single fiber fineness is about 0.5˜6.0 dtex and whose total fineness is about 30˜180 dtex for the ground yarn and the pile yarn. The raw tricot fabric has been transformed into a napped tricot pile fabric by raising the sinker loop of the pile yarn of the raw tricot fabric to form fluffs which are then sheared to form cut piles. A PPT-bulky multifilament yarn is used for the ground yarn. A PPT-non-bulky texturized multifilament yarn or a PPT-bulky texturized multifilament yarn is used for the pile yarn.
US07921676B2
A method for manufacturing an optical fiber preform and an optical fiber preform apparatus are provided which can reduce hydroxyl groups in an optical fiber preform to a sufficient level without requiring any special equipment or operating conditions. When an optical fiber preform is manufactured by the vapor-phase deposition method, the dehydrating treatment is performed on a porous core preform that is obtained by deposing glass microparticles. In this treatment, a dehydrating agent is supplied to a dehydration apparatus through a feeding pipe and a main feeding pipe made of a material having a water permeance factor of 1.0×10−11 g·cm/cm2·s·cmHg or less, thereby manufacturing an optical fiber preform.
US07921670B2
A refrigeration apparatus is configured to perform a refrigeration cycle operation in which a high-pressure side attains a pressure that exceeds the critical pressure of a refrigerant used in the refrigeration cycle operation. The refrigeration apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit and a control unit. The refrigerant circuit has a plurality of constituent components including a compressor, a cooler, an expansion mechanism, and a heater. The control unit is operatively coupled to control at least one of the constituent components such that a quasi-subcooling degree is within a predetermined temperature range, the quasi-subcooling degree being a temperature difference between a quasi-condensation temperature and a cooler outlet refrigerant temperature, with the quasi-condensation temperature being the refrigerant temperature at which isobaric specific heat capacity of the refrigerant at the refrigerant pressure on the high-pressure side of the refrigeration cycle is at a maximum.
US07921667B2
The present invention relates to a refrigerator and/or freezer comprising an ice-cube maker with an ice-cube tray and with means by which the ice-cube tray can be moved out of its operating position into a cleaning position, wherein the refrigerator and/or freezer has a replication unit by means of which an option relating to the cleaning of the ice-cube tray can be replicated; wherein a selection unit is provided by means of which the replicated option can be selected; and wherein a control is provided by means of which the means of moving the ice-cube tray out of its operating position into a cleaning position are activated after selection of the option.
US07921665B2
An air conditioning equipment having an in-room unit connected to one end of the refrigerant pipes and an out-room unit connected to the other end of the refrigerant pipes. The air conditioning equipment includes signal coupling portions which are respectively disposed at both end parts of the refrigerant pipes. Each of the signal coupling portions couples an alternating current (AC) control signal to the refrigerant pipes and exhibits a predetermined impedance with respect to an AC electric signal. The configuration of the air conditioning equipment brings forth the advantages that the electrical insulation devices used in the prior art are dispensed with, and the signal transmissions between the in-room unit and the out-room unit can be performed by a simple apparatus configuration.
US07921664B2
The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for high heat flux heat transfer. The subject invention can be utilized to transfer heat from a heat source to a coolant such that the transferred heat can be effectively transported to another location. Examples of heat sources from which heat can be transferred from include, for example, fluids and surfaces. The coolant to which the heat is transferred can be sprayed onto a surface which is in thermal contact with the heat source, such that the coolant sprayed onto the surface in thermal contact with the heat absorbs heat from the surface and carries the absorbed heat away as the coolant leaves the surface. The surface can be, for example, the surface of an interface plate in thermal contact with the heat source or a surface integral with the heat source. The coolant sprayed onto the surface can initially be a liquid and remain a liquid after absorbing the heat, or can in part or in whole be converted to a gas or vapor after absorbing the heat. The coolant can be sprayed onto the surface, for example, as a stream of liquid after being atomized, or in other ways which allow the coolant to contact the surface and absorb heat. Once the heat is absorbed by the coolant, the coolant can be transported to another location so as to transport the absorbed heat as well.
US07921660B2
Methods, systems and computer readable code for controlling a defrost cycle of a refrigeration device are disclosed. According to some embodiments, a defrost command is issued to a defrost heater at a time determined at least in part by a total wasted energy parameter of the compressor for at least one time interval. In some embodiments, time interval includes a plurality of runtimes, and the total wasted energy parameter of a runtime is measured relative to a chosen reference runtime such as a minimum energy runtime after a defrost or an early runtime after a defrost. Optionally, a sequence of wasted energy parameters of the compressor for a sequence of time intervals is analyzed, and then a correction is performed on at least one wasted energy parameter.
US07921657B2
Methods and systems are provided for cooling an object with a cryogen having a critical point defined by a critical-point pressure and a critical-point temperature. A pressure of the cryogen is raised above a pressure value determined to provide the cryogen at a reduced molar volume that prevents vapor lock. Thereafter, the cryogen is placed in thermal communication with the object to increase a temperature of the cryogen along a thermodynamic path that maintains the pressure greater than the critical-point pressure for a duration that the cryogen and object are in thermal communication.
US07921655B2
According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a cooling system for a heat-generating structure comprises a heat exchanger, a first structure, a condenser heat exchanger, and a second condenser. The heat exchanger is in thermal communication with a heat-generating structure. The heat exchanger has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is operable to receive fluid coolant substantially in the form of a liquid into the heat exchanger, and the outlet is operable to dispense fluid coolant at least partially in the form of a vapor out of the heat exchanger. The first structure directs a flow of the fluid coolant substantially in the form of a liquid to the heat exchanger. Thermal energy communicated from the heat-generating structure to the fluid coolant causes the fluid coolant substantially in the form of a liquid to boil and vaporize in the heat exchanger. The condenser heat exchanger receives a flow of the fluid coolant at least partially in the form of a vapor from the heat exchanger and transfers at least a portion of the thermal energy within the fluid coolant to a heat sink. The second condenser assists the condenser heat exchanger in transferring at least a portion of the thermal energy within the fluid coolant away from the fluid coolant. The second condenser is selectively activated when the heat sink reaches an undesirable temperature.
US07921654B1
A first stage turbine stator vane used in an industrial gas turbine engine, the vane having an outer endwall and an inner endwall with the airfoil extending between the two endwalls. A showerhead arrangement of film cooling holes is located along the leading edge region, and a row of exit cooling air slots is located along the trailing edge of the airfoil. A slanted rib extends from the outer endwall to the inner endwall and separates the vane into a forward cavity and an aft cavity. A leading edge impingement tube is secured within the forward cavity to provide impingement cooling to the leading edge walls of the airfoil. The leading edge impingement tube includes a cooling air inlet section extending out from the inner endwall so that a vena contractor forms in the tube entrance before the impingement holes begin. The leading edge impingement tube narrows in the cooling air flow direction. The trailing edge impingement tube has similar construction but has the cooling air inlet extending out from the outer endwall. With this design, the first stage vane can use both impingement cooling of the leading edge region and showerhead film cooling of the leading edge airfoil surface to allow for a higher gas flow temperature across the vane.
US07921652B2
A bleed valve (30) for a gas turbine engine (10) comprises a diffuser (50), through which heated compressor bleed air flows (54) into a bypass duct (22) air stream (B), has a plurality of small holes (40). The plurality of holes (40) is divided into two or more arrays of holes (52p,q,r), each array of holes (52p,q,r) is angled (δ) away from one another so that their respective bleed flows (54p,q,r) do not coalesce. This separation improves mixing with the air stream (B) and helps prevent hot bleed air damaging nacelle and other engine components.
US07921646B2
A turbocharger is disclosed that includes a compressor, a turbine connected to the compressor by a mechanical shaft, and a fluidic drain valve in flow communication with an air bleed port of the compressor and an exhaust plenum to drain water accumulated inside the turbocharger such that water accumulated in the exhaust plenum is drained during shutdown when no air from the bleed port flows through the fluidic drain valve.
US07921645B2
A thermal actuator for micro mechanical or micro electro-mechanical devices comprises a supporting substrate; an actuator extension portion; an anchor block extending from the substrate; a first group of at least two elongate corrugated arms attached at a first end thereof to a heating circuit at the anchor block and at a second end to the extension portion, the first group being arranged to be conductively heated through connection to the heating circuit; and a second group of at least two elongate corrugated arms attached at a first end to the anchor block and at a second end to the extension portion, the second group not being connected to a heating circuit and being spaced apart from the first group. The first edge of the at least two elongate corrugated arms of the first group and a first edge of the at least two elongate corrugated arms of the second group are in a common plane.
US07921643B2
A hydrostatic transaxle (IHT) comprises a hydrostatic transmission (HST), an axle, a deceleration drive train, a first housing member, and a second housing member. The HST includes first and second hydraulic displacement units fluidly connected to each other. The first hydraulic displacement unit has a pump shaft for receiving power from a prime mover. The second hydraulic displacement has a motor shaft. The deceleration drive train is interposed between the motor shaft and the axle. The first housing member supports the HST and the deceleration drive train, and has an opening through which the HST and the deceleration drive train are installed into the first housing member. The second housing member is joined to the first housing member so as to serve as a lid for covering the opening of the first housing member after the HST and the deceleration drive train are installed in the first housing member so as to be supported by the first housing member.
US07921637B2
To provide a turbofan jet engine which is capable of increasing the bypass ratio without increasing the fan diameter, and of reducing air resistance acting on the engine, a front fan duct that discharges air compressed by a front fan to the atmosphere and an aft fan duct that introduces air into an aft fan are disposed such as to change cross-sectional shapes thereof by rotating around a core engine in a counterclockwise direction, so that the cross-sectional geometric relationship between the front fan duct and the aft fan duct at a position immediately posterior to the front fan and a cross-sectional geometric relationship between the front fan duct and the aft fan duct at a position immediately anterior to the aft fan are inverted.
US07921630B2
A method for producing a multiaxial contexture, preferably from carbon fibers, in which a mono-axial contexture is wound from at least one storage device about a winding plane, wherein the winding plane and the at least one storage device rotate about one another, in order to wind the mono-axial contexture about the winding plane, wherein the winding plane. In order to avoid distortions or twisting of the particular fibers of a mono-axial contexture, a slanted orientation of the longitudinal axis of the winding plane with reference to the direction of gravity is proposed.
US07921623B2
An apparatus for winding an armed suture is provided. The apparatus includes a base member, a needle holder disposed in a region of the base member, and at least one needle having a quantity of a suture attached thereto. The apparatus further includes a retainer package disposed atop the base member, a plurality of rods engagable with and corresponding to the throughholes of the retainer package, and a holder having open and closed states. The plurality of rods are disposed in at least one array and the retainer package includes a first member having a plurality of throughholes. The holder is movable relative to the base member between a plurality of positions. The holder includes a first arm and a second arm. The first and second arms are in a spaced apart relation in the open state and at least a portion of the first arm are in substantial contact with at least a portion of the second arm in the closed state.
US07921614B2
A fire-rated light kit for a fire-resistant partition includes a track for holding a window pane in an aperture of the partition. The track includes a channel for capturing an edge of the window pane, and a flange. A first intumescent material is positioned under the track to seal between the track and the partition. A second intumescent layer is positioned on top of the track. A flammable molding material can be positioned over the flange of the track. In the event of heat or flame, the second intumescent layer expands and pushes the flammable trim away from the glass and/or partition.
US07921608B2
A container has a variable volume, wherein a basic container has a bottom panel and a roof panel. One or more hinged side panels are rotateable about a horizontal axis, and one or more expansion elements are telescopeable out of the basic container and have a bottom panel, a side open toward a front the basic container and a front panel opposite the open side. Each expansion element is open toward the top and, in a telescoped state, the roof panel is formed by a raised side panel of the basic container. One or more hoisting devices is associated with each expansion element and with which the expansion element is lowerable.
US07921607B2
An apparatus for mounting an article to a roof includes a base plate, threaded stud, lag bolts, spacer, and flashing. The base plate includes bolt holes to accommodate the lag bolts to secure the base plate to the roof. The threaded stud is secured to and extends vertically from the base plate. The spacer is inserted over the stud so that the stud passes through an aperture in the spacer, and is secured by a nut. The spacer acts as a lift for mounting an article up off the roof, thereby permitting drainage. The spacer includes a recess to accommodate the head of a lag bolt. The wrap-around flashing is captured between the base plate and spacer, creating a water free environment underneath the assembled unit. The flashing slides up underneath the roofing shingles to prevent water from penetrating the structure, and includes a lip to accommodate the base plate, and a detent to accommodate the bolt heads beneath it.
US07921600B1
A container includes a top having downwardly extending walls adapted to releasably attach to upwardly extending walls of a bottom of a planter, the top of the container further adapted to releasably attach to the bottom of the planter so that when the downwardly extending walls of the container are attached to the upwardly extending walls of the planter the container functions as a terrarium enclosure and when the top of the container is attached to the bottom of the planter the container functions as a pedestal to support the planter.
US07921595B1
A water based biomass producing system that is disposed in a body of water, for example a freshwater lake or a sea, and is capable of producing a biomass that can be converted into a biofuel. The system relies on a pool of freshwater that is suspended in the body of water to grow the biomass. The pool is contained within a flexible polymeric membrane that is impermeable to the water of the body of water. The membrane is suspended in the body of water by a float. A filtration system is connected to the float that has an inlet that is for introduction of water from the body of water and an outlet that is for discharging freshwater into the pool. A biomass extractor is provided to harvest the biomass from the freshwater pool. The harvested biomass can then be converted into a biofuel.
US07921594B2
Methods determine how effective a product that dispenses an insect repellent or insecticide is in controlling flying insects such as mosquitoes, with no or reduced need for human test subjects. An insect trap or other automated monitoring device is positioned in a test environment and operated in a manner so as to mimic some human attribute (e.g. by dispensing carbon dioxide). Trap/monitoring results in the presence and absence of the operating product are obtained in order to judge relative effectiveness of the active. Further, the real time evaluation of insect populations permits evaluation of time needed to achieve base effectiveness and length of time that effectiveness can be sustained.
US07921589B1
A new firearm action is described. The action may be adapted to single-shot handguns and rifles, lever-action firearms, single-action revolvers or to other types of firearms. The new firearm action provides a safety device in a firearm that does not affect the trigger pull when firing the firearm and maintains a durable and reliable action. The trigger cannot be pulled when it is in the safe position, and when the action is in the safe position, the hammer cannot contact the firing pin. The action does not allow the barrel of the firearm to be opened when the hammer is in the cocked position. It also keeps the barrel from being closed if the hammer is cocked when the barrel is in the open position. The hammer cannot contact the firing pin if the top slide is in the retracted position.
US07921587B2
An ambidextrous magazine release for a firearm is provided for a firearm having a magazine well configured to operatively receive a magazine having a side-locking recess received within the well. The ambidextrous magazine release comprises a linkage moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position having a lock pin configured to be received in a side-locking recess of a magazine operatively received in the magazine well with the linkage in the engaged position and to clear the side-locking recess with the linkage in the disengaged position. An actuator is provided on the firearm comprising a bar having a opposing push surfaces extending between a right and left side of the firearm. An interface is provided between the linkage and actuator with the interface being configured so that as either of the opposing push surfaces of the bar is pushed by a user, the linkage is moved between the engaged and the disengaged position.
US07921582B2
A method wherein an indicia is selected from one of diverse indicia sources. A holder may be selected from a holder source, and a display is selected from a display source. The indicia is placed in the display or the indicia and holder unit are placed in the display such that the desired information is displayed. The flap portions of the display are manipulated to expose or conceal releasable. reusable adhesive portions. An easel insert or easel attachment allows for a standing position on a counter top or table.
US07921571B2
The invention proposes a device for mechanically locating and reading the setting of an adjustable magnetic valve for controlling the flow of a fluid in a predetermined direction to locate the magnetic centre of the valve and to determine the setting of the valve. The device comprises a magnetic compass (10), an alignment mark for aligning the magnetic compass (10) with respect to the direction in which the fluid flows, a reference plane (Pr), and a magnetic indicator (12), which is mounted such that it can pivot in all three dimensions of space under the effect of the magnetic field of the valve. The magnetic indicator (12) includes at least one magnet capable of receiving a magnetic field and having a north-south direction, wherein the north-south direction is substantially perpendicular to the reference plane (Pr) when the magnetic indicator (12) is positioned substantially perpendicular to the reference plane (Pr).
US07921568B2
A utility blade for use with conventional retractable and fixed blade utility knives comprising a blade body having a generally trapezoidal configuration defined by a cutting edge, an opposite back edge, a pair of opposing side edges and a pair of cutting points defined by the points of intersection between the side edges and the cutting edge. The blade further defines a pair of score lines, each proximate to one of the side edges. The score lines enable the user to remove a dulled or damaged cutting point, which in turn provides the user with two additional cutting points defined by the points of intersection between the score lines and the cutting edge. Further, the blade is configured with one or more notches strategically located on the back edge of the blade, such that each cutting point can extend from the utility knife at approximately the same distance.
US07921567B2
A bayonet includes: a blade having a sharpened portion and a tang integral with the sharpened portion; a handle that encloses the tang of the blade and has a first end proximate to the sharpened portion of the blade and a second end proximate to an end of the tang of the blade; a guard between the sharpened portion of the blade and the first end of the handle; a clip that is affixed to the second end of the handle and is further affixed to the end of the tang of the blade; and a positioning access point on the handle proximate to the second end of the handle. A bayonet is further provided that includes: a blade having a sharpened portion with a lower sharpened edge that is serrated and a tang integral with the sharpened portion; a handle that encloses the tang of the blade and has a first end proximate to the sharpened portion of the blade and a second end proximate to an end of the tang of the blade; a guard between the sharpened portion of the blade and the first end of the handle; and a clip that is affixed to the second end of the handle and is further affixed to the end of the tang of the blade.
US07921562B2
A method of welding a deck plate and a closed section rib both constituting a steel plate deck, comprising: working a root portion of the closed section rib to have a flat surface in parallel with a surface of the deck plate; and welding the deck plate and the closed section rib while making the flat surface of the closed section rib to be in contact with the surface of the deck plate.
US07921561B2
Disclosed herein is a bedding or seating product (10) having a spring core (12) comprising coil springs (26) having unknotted end turns (72, 74) made from high tensile strength wire. In each embodiment, the end turns (72, 74) of the coil springs (26) are generally U-shaped having one arcuate leg (76) longer than the other (78), the legs (76, 78) being joined by a connector (80) having an arcuate bump (81) therein. The springs (26) are oriented in the spring core (12) such that a long leg (76) of one end turn (72) abuts a short leg (78) of the adjacent end turn (72) prior to be wrapped in helical lacing wire (32). The high tensile wire enables the coil springs (26) to be manufactured using less wire than heretofore possible.
US07921560B1
A self-aligning flange includes a flange member, a collar member and a stop member. An inner perimeter of the collar member is sized to receive an outer perimeter of a pipe. The flange member extends outward from an outer perimeter of the collar member. The stop member extends inward from the inner perimeter of the collar member. A large diameter extruded pipe includes a continuous cross section of at least six inches in diameter. It is preferable to weld a flange to one end of the large diameter extruded pipe. Immediately after the large diameter extruded pipe has been formed in an extrusion press, it is sprayed with a coolant to increase the surface hardness thereof.
US07921557B2
A device for treatment of exhaust gases includes a housing, a fragile structure resiliently mounted within the housing, and a non-intumescent mounting mat disposed in a gap between the housing and the fragile structure. The mounting mat includes a plurality of inorganic fibers that have undergone a surface treatment to increase the holding force performance of the mounting mat. Also disclosed are methods of making a mounting mat for an exhaust gas treatment device and for making an exhaust gas treatment device incorporating the mounting mat.
US07921547B2
In a method for magnetizing a permanent magnet for a motor, the permanent magnet has a thickness t in a radial direction of the permanent magnet satisfying the relation of t≦πD/(NM−π), where D represents an inner diameter of the permanent magnet having a value of 20 mm or less, N represents the number of the magnetic domains of the permanent magnet, and M represents the number of alternating current phases for driving the motor. In a first magnetizing step, the permanent magnet is magnetized in one direction corresponding to the radial direction. In a second magnetizing step, the permanent magnet magnetized in the first magnetizing step is magnetized to form inverse magnetic domains that are arranged at regular intervals in the radial direction and that reverse the magnetizing direction of the permanent magnet.
US07921541B2
The present invention provides electroactive polymers, transducers and devices that maintain pre-strain in one or more portions of an electroactive polymer. Electroactive polymers described herein may include a pre-strained portion and a stiffened portion configured to maintain pre-strain in the pre-strained portion. One fabrication technique applies pre-strain to a partially cured electroactive polymer. The partially cured polymer is then further cured to stiffen and maintain the pre-strain. In another fabrication technique, a support layer is coupled to the polymer that maintains pre-strain in a portion of an electroactive polymer. Another embodiment of the invention cures a polymer precursor to maintain pre-strain in an electroactive polymer.
US07921539B2
An inexpensive and reliable floating fastener is provided by manufacturing an integrated nutplate into the backside of the interior structural member. A retention clip engages the nutplate to capture the nut while allowing the nut to float. The integrated nutplate roughly aligns the floating nut to the axial through-hole in the structural member and provides the torque resistance required to drive the screw into the nut. The retention clip holds the nut in place and provides the axial resistance required for the lead chamfer of the screw to engage the nut and resist the axial loading on the screw during installation. The nutplate is designed to facilitate cost-effective manufacturing. The per hole cost of the integrated floating-fastener is approximately 30% of the cost of the industry standard riveted floating fastener.
US07921537B2
A prefabricated relief form member for use as an architectural trim feature on a structure using structural elements from connected wire assemblies such as corner aid to make a prefabricated relief form member and fastening the structural elements together such as by glue and putting a sheet of paper under the relief form member and applying plaster to form a trim.
US07921535B2
A method for improving die-cutting involving first creating a back plate footprint, possessing impressions of the imperfections found in the cutting surface of a die-cutting machine. This method provides die-cutters a simple, inexpensive way to dramatically improve the alignment of die-cutting knives for making cuts. The method uses a malleable material that will readily receive an impression of imperfections of a cutting surface when some pressure is provided, but the material must also be capable of hardening into a useable solid material. The principles of this method may be applied to all die-cutting machines by making a back plate footprint of the die-cutter in question and by properly inserting it back into the chase where the impressions contained therein will press down on the material below it so as to better align the cutting knives of the die being used.
US07921531B2
A pneumatic battering ram is disclosed. The battering ram has a housing, a pressurized air tank, a ramming head, and a pivotable ramming edge. Air released from the air tank into the housing forces the ramming head outward against an enclosure to forcibly open it. Where a slug is inserted into the housing, air released from the pressurized air tank into the housing causes the slug to hit the inner surface of the ramming head, forcing it outwardly against the enclosure.
US07921518B2
In an apparatus for the fibre-sorting or fibre-selection of a fibre bundle comprising textile fibres, especially for combing, which is supplied to a fibre-sorting device, especially a combing device, having clamping devices which clamp the fibre bundle at a distance from its free end, which is combed to remove non-clamped constituents, the clamping devices each comprise two clamping jaws. To increase productivity and to enable an improved combed sliver to be obtained, downstream of the supply device there are arranged at least two rotatably mounted rollers rotating rapidly without interruption, the clamping devices being spaced apart in the region of the periphery of the rollers, and each clamping device comprising at least one nipper part which is at least partially resilient. The clamping jaws may have a high coefficient of friction in the region of their clamping surfaces.
US07921512B2
An improved arrangement for a transverse dividing element includes an upper cross beam (32), each free end of the cross beam being guided longitudinally by way of an associated guiding structure. The guiding structure includes a slide having a groove in which a free end (34) of the cross beam (32) can slide longitudinally, the free end being equipped with guiding (92, 100) and a locking (102, 104) element. The transverse dividing element can be used to guide an upper cross beam supporting a transverse element that is used to divide the internal space of an aircraft cabin.
US07921510B2
A motor enclosure for a vacuum cleaner includes a body having both a motor receiver for receiving a motor and a filter receiver for receiving a filter.
US07921506B2
A robot cleaner is provided that includes a body having a receiving portion configured to receive a dust tank mounted thereto, a detector installed at the receiving portion that detects whether the dust tank has been separated from the body by an interaction with the dust tank, and a controller that controls a suction motor installed in the body according to a detection result of the detector. When the dust tank is separated from the receiving portion, the detector detects the separated state of the dust tank immediately and the controller stops the suction motor, thus, preventing dust from being introduced into the body.
US07921501B2
An eraser includes a housing (20) having a receiving chamber (21), a collection zone (23) and a plurality of reinforcing ribs (26), a mounting board (30) mounted on the housing, a cleaning member (40) mounted on the mounting board, a support bracket (50) mounted on the housing, a door (60) removably mounted on the housing to cover the collection zone, a hollow separation member (70) mounted in the housing to separate the receiving chamber from the collection zone, and a control valve (80) movable to open the separation member so as to connect the receiving chamber with the collection zone or to close the separation member so as to interrupt a connection between the receiving chamber and the collection zone, and two decorative covers mounted on the housing and each abutting the reinforcing ribs.
US07921496B2
An electric toothbrush includes a case in which a motor is installed, at least one toothbrush handle, which is installed in the case, for rotating and swinging at a predetermined angle has a brush at a tip. A power transmitter, which is installed in the case between the motor and the toothbrush handle, rotates the toothbrush handle, and a vibration generator, which is installed in the case between the motor and the toothbrush handle, reciprocates the toothbrush handle.
US07921491B2
A healthy bed for actively supporting a human spine curve mainly comprises a lower base, a plurality of mobilizing devices inside the lower base, a height sensor, a control device, and an inflating device; an upper mattress having an air cushion layer and a plurality of push rods; wherein the control device is used for memorizing the spine curve of a person lying on the upper mattress. When a user lies on the upper mattress, the push rods is are pressed to push the mobilizing devices to move downward, the height sensor detects a moving distance of the mobilizing devices for the control device to determine whether the user is the one whose spine curve is memorized, and if so, then the inflating device is activated to inflate the air cushion layer to let the surface of the upper mattress meet the profile of the spine curve of the user.
US07921488B2
A thermoregulating apparatus (20) for exchanging thermal energy with and supporting a patient (24) and method of exchanging thermal energy is provided. The apparatus includes a heat exchange fluid circuit (30, 95, 102) located below a patient support layer (44) for exchanging thermal energy with the patient.
US07921485B2
A patient lift has a base extending in a forward direction, and a mast mounted relative to the base. The mast includes a hinge configured to allow the mast to be pivoted relative to the base between an upright operative position and a folded position, wherein when the mast is in the folded position the mast is substantially parallel to the base and extends in the forward direction. A latch mechanism is configured to hold the mast in the folded position when the latch mechanism is locked, and to allow the mast to be returned to the upright operative position when the latch mechanism is released. The latch mechanism is configured to automatically lock when the mast is moved to the folded position.
US07921484B2
A system for repositioning a patient. The system may be coupled to a structural support system or framework that extends above a bed. The system may be translated transversely and longitudinally and placed in one of multiple locations above the bed.
US07921479B2
A system for conserving water in a conventional water-based urinal where the water has been shut off, the block includes a first block portion that makes up about forty percent to sixty percent of the urinal block and has a first portion composition substantially similar to a conventional, non-paradichlorobenzene block used in water-based urinals for deodorizing during each flush, and a second block portion that makes up about forty to sixty percent of the urinal block and has a second portion composition of a blended mixture of a non-paradichlorobenzene block portion, an odor counteractant gel, and a bacterial culture gel.
US07921477B2
A seat for a lavatory pan, which includes within its thickness at least one cavity for a deodorizing filter and at least one cavity in the seat or the filter for an electrically powered fan. Air inlet openings are provided in the seat through which air can pass into the filter cavity. The openings are situated around the inside edge of the opening in the seat or in a region of the underside of the seat which does not make sealing contact with the rim of the pan when the seat is lowered and in use and is subject to the weight of a person seated thereon. An air outlet by which odor-free air can exit after being drawn through the filter by operation of the fan, is situated in the rear edge of the seat.
US07921473B1
The head cooling apparatus is housed in a case removably fitted within an existing hat crown of a hat, without structural modification to the hat. The case has a plurality of air vents including an intake and a trio of vents which direct air across a hat wearer's head. The fan within the case is adjacent to the intake. The non-evaporative refreezable cooling cartridge is removably fitted within the case. The switched power source within the case is in communication with the fan and a power source. The fan forces air into the intake, across the cooling cartridge and out the vents toward a wearer's head.
US07921469B2
A bib for use by an individual seated in a vehicle having a vehicle cup holder mounted in the vehicle adjacent the seated individual, includes an upper section for covering at least a portion of the seated individual's front torso which is attached in such a way as to maintain the upper section in a substantially vertical position on the seated individual, a lower section for covering the seated individual's lap and thighs, and a lateral section extending from the lower section to beyond the vehicle cup holder, with a portion of the lateral section adapted to be inserted in the vehicle cup holder and releasably maintained therein. The bib includes an upper absorbent surface for absorbing liquid spills and a lower impermeable surface for preventing liquid spills from contacting the seated individual or the vehicle.
