US07669661B2
An actuator device for setting a downhole tool is disclosed. The actuator device comprises a thermally expansive fluid within a chamber. Application of heat to the thermally expansive fluid causes the thermally expansive fluid to expand. In so doing, pressure within the chamber increases causing the downhole tool to be actuated such as by the thermally expansive fluid applying pressure directly to the actuating member or indirectly by allowing hydrostatic wellbore pressure to be allowed to act directly with the actuating member.
US07669660B1
A riser disconnect and support mechanism for flexible risers and umbilicals on an offshore structure with low under keel clearance. A main body portion includes an inverted and truncated conical or convex section substantially at the center of the main body portion. The main body portion and conical section receive risers therethrough by means of a plurality of conduits through the main body portion and conical section. A plurality of projections extend radially outward from the main body portion. A plurality of arch-shaped riser supports are provided on each projection to support risers and/or umbilical lines and control their bending radii. The projections extend out from the main body portion at a distance that allows the portions of the risers below the main body portion to hang at an angle and bend radius in accordance with the design tolerances of the risers to prevent buckling or damage due to excessive bending while keeping the risers from contacting the sea floor.
US07669657B2
A method for enhanced production of hydrocarbon fluids from an organic-rich rock formation such as an oil shale formation is provided. The method generally includes completing at least one heater well in the organic-rich rock formation, and also completing a production well in the organic-rich rock formation. The method also includes the steps of hydraulically fracturing the organic-rich rock formation from the production well such that one or more artificial fractures are formed, and heating the organic-rich rock formation from the at least one heater well, thereby pyrolyzing at least a portion of the organic-rich rock into hydrocarbon fluids Pyrolyzing the organic-rich rock formation creates thermal fractures in the formation due to thermal stresses created by heating. The thermal fractures intersect the artificial fractures. As an additional step, hydrocarbon fluids may be produced from the production well. Preferably, the organic-rich rock formation is an oil shale formation.
US07669655B2
Prior to a hydraulic fracturing treatment, the estimated fracture length may be estimated with knowledge of certain physical properties of the proppant and transport fluid such as fluid viscosity, proppant size and specific gravity of the transport slurry as well as fracture geometry and the treatment injection rate. The estimated fracture length may be determined by a specific equation.
US07669650B2
A stuffing box for a rotating rod includes a stationary housing and a tubular rotating inner housing. The stationary outer housing has an upper end, a lower end, an exterior surface and an inner surface defining an interior cavity. The inner housing is positioned within the interior cavity of the outer housing. The inner housing has an upper end, a lower end, an exterior surface and an inner surface defining an interior bore adapted to accommodate a rod. Bearings are disposed between the outer housing and the inner housing to facilitate rotation of the inner housing. An inner seal assembly provides a seal that prevents the migration of fluids between the inner housing and the rod. An outer seal assembly provides a seal that prevents the migration of fluids between the inner housing and the outer housing.
US07669647B2
An air conditioning system for cooling or heating an air, and for feeding the heated or cooled air to predetermined portions is characterized by comprising: a first circulating circuit for circulating a first heating medium; a second circulating circuit for circulating a second heating medium; a control unit for controlling the heat for executing heat exchange between the first heating medium and the second heating medium to flow through either the heat exchanger or the first heat storing device. Moreover, an air temperature is controlled by heat of the second heating medium.
US07669643B2
A device, including a heat exchanger plate and a plate package (2) of heat exchanger plates (1) which are provided beside each other to form a plate interspace between adjacent plates. The plate interspaces form, in an alternating order, first passages (3) for a first medium and second passages (4) for a second medium which cools the first medium. Each heat exchanger plate has at least two portholes forming a first inlet port channel and a first outlet port channel (7), which extend through the plate package to a first inlet and a first outlet, respectively, for the first medium to and from the first passages (3). The first outlet forms a gas outlet (31) for discharging a gaseous portion of the first medium and a liquid outlet (32) for discharge of liquid of the first medium. The liquid outlet (32) is separated from the gas outlet (31) to permit separate discharge of the liquid and gaseous portions.
US07669641B2
Condensate formed on a vertically oriented multi-poise evaporator coil is directed from a coil slab to a shield configured to attach to a bottom of the coil slab. The condensate is then drained out of the shield and into a condensate pan.
US07669633B2
The present invention discloses a window blind within a multi-pane window. A window blind disposed between first and second panes includes a plurality of slats. Raise/lower and tilt lines are coupled to the slats. A carriage housing is disposed between the panes proximate a side edge thereof. A tilt strip is disposed within the carriage housing and coupled to the tilt lines. An inner carriage disposed within the carriage housing includes an upper portion coupled to the raise/lower lines to actuate raising and lowering the slats, and a lower portion coupled to the tilt strip to actuate tilting the slats. An external carriage is adjacent the exterior surface and aligned with and magnetically coupled to the inner carriage. The external carriage is linearly movable to move the inner carriage. A method of adjusting a window blind within a multi-pane window is also disclosed.
US07669630B2
Hole punch apparatus which automatically places a reinforcement ring precisely around each punched hole concurrently with the creation of each hole and using the same motion that punches the holes. In a preferred embodiment, the punch shaft has a ring compression disk affixed around it at a location above the punch face. The compression disk has a ring cushion and a stack of reinforcement rings extending along the punch shaft toward the punch face, but spaced therefrom to permit the punch face to puncture a sheet before the lowermost reinforcement ring is then compressed against the sheet in precise axial alignment with the punched hole. The rings each have sufficient adhesive to adhere to the sheet, one and only one ring at each hole, while disengaging from the remaining rings in the stack. A sheet interface unit is installed on the lower surface of a punch bracket enclosure and provides a sheet retainer so that the sheet cannot rise significantly above the bracket base and thus will pull the lowermost reinforcement ring away from the stack as the punch lever is released. When re-supply is needed, a new ring stack is readily installed using a ring stack cassette, which in the preferred embodiment also replaces the sheet interface unit including the sheet retainer.
US07669621B2
A disc cutting apparatus for chipping wood chips from a log includes a chipper frame, a rotary cutting disc having a plurality of substantially radially disposed knife assemblies in relation to a proximal facing side of the disc and a feed spout into which a log is fed into the chipper apparatus. The apparatus further includes a bedknife, the bedknife having a first surface and an opposing second surface that is nonparallel to the first surface such that a wedge is produced between the first surface and the second surface for fitting within a corresponding nonparallel gap in the chipper frame. The bedknife further includes at least one secondary trimming edge for more complete reduction of wood chipped and for reducing the size of slivers formed.
US07669617B2
The invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for the metered transport of fine powders into receptacles. According to one exemplary method, the fine powder is first fluidized. At least a portion of the fluidized fine powder is then captured. The captured fine powder is then transferred to a receptacle, with the transferred powder being sufficiently uncompacted so that it may be dispersed upon removal from the receptacle.
US07669609B2
A universal valve for refrigeration systems including an investment-cast, stainless-steel valve body, a piston and one of a plurality of an anodized aluminum adapter plates. Each adapter plate configured to be removed and replaced with another to operate the valve to perform a different function. The investment-cast, stainless steel valve body includes an inlet and an outlet which each include a flangeless distal end configured, as cast, with an unmachined, weldable rim for integration without mechanical connections in a leak-free configuration.
US07669605B2
A heated eyelash curler comprising a curling head having a heating element, a cover switch engaged with the heated eyelash curler, and a body enclosing operational components of the heated eyelash curler connected to the curling head. The cover switch turns the heating element “on” after exposing the curling head and turns the heating element “off” after covering the curling head instead of the current practice of manually turning the switch “on” and “off”. The engagement between the parts on the cover switch and the heated eyelash curler attaches the cover switch to the body of the heated eyelash curler. The heating element on the eyelash curler can be conventional or it can adopt wiring in a zigzag configuration housed within a conducting tube coated with a non-sticking material.
US07669602B2
The invention is directed to a shoulder press for holding the shoulders of a subject out of the way of an X-ray view by exerting a downward pressure upon the shoulders by means of the device so that all the vertebrae are visible in the X-ray, the shoulder press comprising a horizontal member and two vertical members, the vertical members having attachments for placing on the shoulders of the subject.
US07669601B2
An occlusion device (10) for actively occluding the orifices (12) of the fallopian tubes (14) using the shape of the uterine cavity (16) as a guide to proper positioning of the occlusion device (10) includes a resilient body (18) including an elongated member (28) having a first end (30) and second end (32), and a first orifice plug (20) secured at first end (30) of the elongated member (28) and a second orifice plug (22) secured at second end (32) of the elongated member (28). The first and second orifice plugs (20, 22) are shaped and dimensioned to seat at the orifices (12) of the fallopian tubes (14) or within the fallopian tubes (14) as the elongated member (28) spreads outwardly with the first end (30) and second end (32) moving apart.
US07669590B2
A gas cooking surface, including at least one gas burner and a control device for adjusting the heating capacity stages of the burner. The gas burner operates depending on the heating capacity stage adjusted in a continuous mode in which the gas burner is continuously supplied with gas, or in a clocked mode in which the gas burner is supplied with gas in an intermittent manner. In order to allow for a user-friendly handling of the cooking surface, the control device, for adjusting the desired heating capacity stage, is provided with at least one touch contact that switches, without respect of the mode of operation, between the different heating capacity stages when actuated by the user.
US07669583B2
An internal combustion engine control apparatus includes an in-cylinder pressure sensor for detecting in-cylinder pressure. A combustion start time and combustion end time, which are parameters serving as control indexes for an internal combustion engine, are determined in accordance with ignition timing. Information about a heat release amount is acquired in accordance with the in-cylinder pressures that are measured at two points by the in-cylinder pressure sensor. The in-cylinder pressure is estimated in accordance with a relationship among the heat release amount information, control index parameters, and in-cylinder pressure.
US07669580B2
An electronic engine speed control system for a grass mowing machine powered by an internal combustion engine includes a microcontroller providing an output signal to an engine speed actuator for the engine, a pedal position sensor connected to a foot pedal and providing a voltage input signal to the microcontroller based on the position of the foot pedal, a PTO clutch switch providing a signal input to the microcontroller indicating if a PTO clutch is engaged, and a lever position sensor connected to a hand lever and having a range of positions including an Automatic mode position and a plurality of Manual mode positions. The hand lever position sensor provides a voltage input signal to the microcontroller in the Automatic mode position such that the microcontroller output to the engine speed actuator is related to the voltage inputs from the pedal position sensor and PTO clutch switch, and provides a voltage input signal to the microcontroller in a range of Manual mode positions such that the microcontroller output to the engine speed actuator is related to the voltage input from the lever position sensor.
US07669577B2
A gerotor and methods for assembling the gerotor are disclosed. The gerotor includes a pump housing having a channel and a rotor positioning cavity, a pump shaft, an inner rotor, and an outer rotor. The pump shaft has central pump shaft axis and the inner rotor has a central inner rotor axis. The methods include: inserting the pump shaft through the channel; sliding the inner rotor onto the pump shaft at an oblique angle such that the central inner rotor axis is at least partially angularly offset from the central pump shaft axis; rotating the inner rotor to substantially align the central inner rotor axis and the central pump shaft axis and to engage the pump shaft with the inner rotor; and positioning the outer rotor around the inner rotor to maintain substantial alignment of the inner rotor with the pump housing and/or the pump shaft.
US07669569B2
A method of regulating a crankshaft position in a hybrid electric vehicle includes deactivating cylinders of an internal combustion engine, driving a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine using an electric machine, and determining a target crankshaft position when a rotational speed of the crankshaft crosses a first threshold. The crankshaft is driven towards the target crankshaft position at a nudge rotational speed, and rotation of the crankshaft is braked using the electric machine when a brake crankshaft position is achieved at the target rotational speed. Rotation of the crankshaft is arrested at the target position.
US07669568B2
A valve timing controller has a shaft body as an output rotor, a torque generating system which generates the controlling torque outputted from the shaft body, and a planet carrier as an input rotor connected with the shaft body. A phase adjusting mechanism adjusts the relative rotational phase between a crankshaft and a camshaft according to the control torque inputted into the planet carrier from the shaft body. A bearing rotatably supports the planet carrier. The planet carrier forms a cylindrical input wall press-inserted in an inner circumference of the bearing. The input wall is provided with a fitting recess on its inner surface for engaging with the shaft body, the input wall is provided with a thin-wall portion of which thickness is reduced in a radial direction, and the fitting recess and the thin-wall portion are circumferentially arranged apart from each other.
US07669566B2
Hydraulically operated camshaft phasers are described which comprise a drive member and a driven member having a fixed range of angular adjustment and a means for mechanically locking the position of the driven member relative to the drive member when there is insufficient hydraulic pressure to operate the phaser. In the invention, the lock operates in an intermediate position within the range of adjustment, and a hydraulic circuit is provided for biasing the phaser towards the intermediate position for the lock to engage.
US07669559B2
In a reciprocating piston engine employing a variable compression ratio mechanism linked to a reciprocating piston for variably adjusting a geometrical compression ratio by varying at least a piston top dead center position, so that the top dead center position obtained at a low geometrical compression ratio is set to be lower than that at a high geometrical compression ratio, responsively to a controlled variable, a controller is configured to set a target compression ratio to a high value at low engine load operation, and to a relatively low value at high engine load operation. A substantially entire area of a crown of the piston, defining a part of a wall surface of a combustion chamber, is formed of a non-metallic material having a higher heat-insulating and heat-reserving property as compared to a base structural material of each of the combustion chamber and the piston.
US07669541B2
A configurable, multi-function vessel that comprises first and second pontoon barges and a plurality of interconnecting barges. The first and second pontoon barges have a plurality of connection members disposed on the inboard sides thereof. The plurality of interconnecting barges are disposable between the inboard sides of the first and second pontoon barges so that a plurality of connection members disposed on opposite sides of the interconnecting barges are adjacent to the connection members on either said first or second pontoon barge. A plurality of connectors releasably couple adjacent connection members so that the pontoon barges and the interconnecting barges form a unitary, oceangoing vessel.
US07669535B2
A boiler gas flow distribution fin includes an elongated flow distribution fin protruding from a back wall of a flow distribution channel into a hot gas flow path from a boiler combustion chamber. The flow distribution fin can include a leading segment with a leading ridge, a medial segment with a medial ridge, and a trailing segment with a trailing ridge. A gap between the fin ridges and a set of convective fins in an adjacent flue passageway segment can vary from a larger gap at the leading ridge to a smaller gap at the trailing ridge, transitioning along the medial ridge. The flow distribution fin can aid in directing a hot gas flow from a combustion chamber into the flue passageway segment, resulting in a substantially balanced mass flow rate through each of a series of flue passageway sections.
US07669526B2
An apparatus for tensioning a band, in particular a strapping device, includes a drive unit (10) which, in the operated state, drives a band winding unit (12) selectively in opposite directions of rotation. As a result of the band (18), which can be inserted into the apparatus, being releasably locked in predefinable positions by an operating device (14) actuated by a control device (16) of the band winding unit (12), functional positioning of the band winding unit is started to fix the band. The band can be inserted into the apparatus, in the tensioned or tautened state to then be able to insert the band tensioning apparatus for a new strapping operation after the band is severed.
US07669524B2
A hulled rice distribution device (30) is disposed between a hulling section (10) and a wind sorting section (60) of a rice huller (1). This distribution device (30) comprises an distribution gutter (35) for receiving hulled rice falling from the hulling section, and a screw (32) for conveying the hulled rice having flowed into the distribution gutter (35) in the lengthwise direction of the distribution gutter. A plurality of holes (41, 42 and 43) for the hulled rice to fall through are formed in the distribution gutter (35), and some of them may be blocked or opened by a falling rice control plate (34).
US07669523B1
A rack for positioning food slabs in a horizontal cooking area such as over a grill includes a rectangular frame which carries a plurality of bent rod food slab supports at a rearward tilt. Each support includes a pair of outer risers having interned lower ends. The outer risers extend over opposite sides of the frame, with the interned ends extending through apertures in the frame sides. Between the outer risers, the rod is bent in a digital waveform and includes forwardly extending lower cradle having upwardly sloped shoulders for engaging the bottom of a food slab. Notches are provided in the upper edge of the frame sides forwardly of each aperture and a notch engaging post extends from the cradle shoulders which are adjacent each outer riser. The ends of the frame are lapped and hinged, so that the frame may be folded along a longitudinal axis for compact storage, with the slab supports nested within the folded frame.
US07669521B2
Appliances for cooking food under pressure are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an appliance comprises a vessel and a lid fitted and locked on the vessel in order to form a leaktight cooking enclosure. The appliance further comprises at least one jaw for locking the lid relative to the vessel and a device for driving the at least one jaw between a locking position and an unlocking position. The appliance also includes a module for fitting on and releasably securing to the lid. The module includes at least a device for controlling locking and unlocking of the lid relative to the vessel. Also disclosed are other alternatives applicable to domestic appliances for cooking food under pressure.
US07669517B2
Appliance for preparing a froth from a milk-based liquid which includes a tank for receiving liquid that is to be frothed, and in which liquid a rotatable stirrer is positioned, a stand associated with the tank, and a system for driving the stirrer. The stirrer drive system and the stirrer include magnetic elements allowing the stirrer to be rotationally driven magnetically in the tank. At least one disturbance member is also provided to break or prevent symmetric circulation of the liquid about the median vertical axis of the tank.
US07669500B2
An energy absorbing steering apparatus S of the invention includes: a lever 48 which interconnects steering-side outer segments 46, 47 sandwiching therebetween steering-side inner fixed segments 42, 43 disposed upwardly of a steering column C thereby to be relatively moved together with fixed portions 42b, 43b of the steering-side inner fixed segments 42, 43 and to relatively move fixed portions 46b, 47b of the steering-side outer segments 46, 47 when the steering column C is moved relative to a vehicle body; and an actuator 50 disposed laterally of the steering column C and operative to release the lever 48 from the connection with the steering-side outer segment 47.
US07669499B2
The present disclosure relates to an arrester device for closing apparatus, such as doors, comprising a worm gear rotationally fixedly connected to an output shaft serving as a winding shaft and a self-locking worm which is in communication with an input shaft. In accordance with the present disclosure, an auxiliary worm gear is seated on an eccentric region of the output shaft with clearance, with the auxiliary worm gear having an eccentricity of the same amount as the output shaft and being assembled such that the eccentricities are cancelled with respect to the axis of the output shaft, with the auxiliary worm gear being able to follow the movement of the worm gear without load via its toothed region.
US07669497B2
A powertrain having a torque converter, friction input shifting clutches and shared driving gears has an axially compact design, packages a transmission pump between the torque converter and a clutch hub and achieves seven forward speed ratios utilizing four back-to-back synchronizers.
US07669488B2
The application describes an automated system for carrying out tests using a cascade impactor 10 of the type having multiple impactor stages each comprising a respective stage body 30, the stage bodies being shaped to enable them to be assembled in a stack in which they locate one upon another. The system includes an expander device 90 having respective arms for supporting each of the stage bodies, and a mechanism for separating the arms along the axial direction to disassemble the impactor 10.
US07669487B2
A desorber for use with a chemical ionisation mass spectrometer comprises a body portion that has a cavity formed therein, the cavity being arranged to receive a sample collector, the sample collector being preferably carried by a holding device that can be slid in and out of the cavity. The body portion includes an air intake passage in communication with the cavity and at least one heating element arranged to heat air drawn through the air intake passage into the cavity.
US07669481B2
A system for monitoring level variations of at least one bottom region (20) of a soil subjected to erosive and sedimentary agents, which comprises at least one monitoring element (15) fastened to the bottom, the at least one monitoring element (15) comprises a sensor apparatus (120) for detecting a response (|u x|) of the at least one monitoring element (15) with respect to a stress (fs). The stress (fs) is a stress able to determine vibrations originating displacements (|ux|) of at least part of the at least one monitoring element, the response is a function of the displacements (|ux|) of at least part of the at least one monitoring element (15) and apparatus (150) are provided for analyzing the response with respect to a stress (fs), identifying characteristic frequencies (λi*) and correlate the characteristic frequencies (λi*) with a lowering (Δlp) of the bottom region (20).
US07669477B2
A self-aligning probe assembly has one or more ultrasonic transducers adapted to transmit an ultrasonic shear wave into the inside surface of the hollow structure such as an aircraft fuse pin and to receive the shear wave emerging from the inside surface of the hollow structure. The nature of the received shear wave indicates the presence of flaws or damage in the inspected part. The probe assembly can be used to inspect fuse pins on aircraft without having to remove the aircraft engines.
US07669475B2
In one embodiment, a micro-gyro device for measuring rotational movement about an input axis includes a driving element generating a driving signal. A MEMS gyro includes a motor rotor and a motor assembly. The motor rotor receives the driving signal and oscillates about a motor axis at a frequency determined as a function of the driving signal. The motor assembly oscillates around a rate axis, which is orthogonal to the motor axis, as a function of the frequency of the motor rotor oscillation. A capacitance of the motor assembly changes as a function of the oscillation of the motor assembly. Driving element feedback circuitry, including a first band-pass filter, is between the motor rotor and the driving element. The driving element feedback circuitry causes the driving element to generate the driving signal as a function of an amplitude of the motor rotor oscillation for maintaining the amplitude of the motor rotor oscillation within a predetermined range. Output circuitry, including a second band-pass filter, produces an output signal as a function of the changing capacitance of the motor assembly. The first and second band-pass filters have central frequency phase characteristics not exceeding about 0.1°/Hz.
US07669473B2
Dynamic monitoring of the amount of fuel remaining in an aircraft fuel tank is effected by delivering a constant volume flow of an inert gas into the fuel through the respective open distal ends of a sensor conduit tube and a reference conduit tube, each of which extends from a proximal end exterior of the tank to its respective distal open end located within the fuel tank. The sensor conduit tube distal end is fixed closely proximate the bottom of the tank, and the reference conduit tube distal end is fixed proximate but at a vertical spacing h from the sensor conduit tube distal end. The pressure at which the gas is delivered into the fuel at the constant volumetric rate through each of the sensor and reference conduit tubes is monitored. The pressure difference between the monitored pressure in the sensor conduit tube and the pressure in the free space in the fuel tank above the surface of the remaining fuel is directly proportional to the weight of the fuel lying above the sensor conduit tube distal end. The density of the fuel is proportional to the monitored pressure difference between the sensor and reference conduit tubes, divided by the vertical spacing h. The calculated weight of the fuel, divided by the calculated density of the fuel, is proportional to the volume of the fuel remaining in the tank.
US07669469B2
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for continuously monitoring the integrity of a pressurized well bore fluid sample collected downhole in an earth boring or well bore. The CDR continuous by measures the temperature and pressure for the down hole sample. Near infrared, mid infrared and visible light analysis is also performed on the small amount of sample to provide an on site analysis of sample properties and contamination level. The onsite analysis comprises determination of gas oil ratio, API gravity and various other parameters which can be estimated by a trained neural network or chemometric equation a flexural mechanical resonator is also provided to measure fluid density and viscosity from which additional parameters can be estimated by a trained neural network or chemometric equation. The sample tank is overpressured or supercharged to obviate adverse pressure drop or other effects of diverting a small sample to the CDR.
US07669464B2
The invention relates to an arrangement for reading off the position of the gear lever in a gear selector in a vehicle, in which a sensor arrangement includes a first sensor component and a plurality of second sensor components that can interact with the first sensor component to detect the position of the first sensor component. The first sensor component is arranged to move with the gear lever to read off the position of the first sensor component in relation to the plurality of second sensor components, where the first sensor component can cover at least two of the second sensor components. Further, a detected position of the first sensor component can be relayed to a control device, which is configured to evaluate the presence of faults in the device.
US07669462B2
An internal combustion engine having at least two combustion chambers, the internal combustion engine having at least one sensor for detecting a parameter partially characterizing the course of combustion, in particular a parameter correlating with an internal combustion chamber pressure. The sensor is situated in a region of the internal combustion engine between two mutually adjacent combustion chambers.
US07669457B2
An aspirated smoke detector includes an ambient air flow separation element in combination with a smoke sensing chamber. The flow separation element can be an active or a passive element. Separated ambient, carrying relative small particles can flow into the sensing chamber. Ambient carrying relatively larger particulate matter is excluded from the sensing chamber.
US07669453B2
A cartridge for a machine tool is provided. The cartridge has a main body, two punch-retention arms, and two die-retention arms. Preferably, the two punch-retention arms are spaced apart and at least generally parallel to each other. Likewise, the two die-retention arms preferably are spaced apart and at least generally parallel to each other. In some cases, the main body is formed of a first metal, and the punch-retention arms and die-retention arms are formed of metal(s) different than the first metal. In one group of embodiments, the invention provides a cartridge having a weight of less than 3 pounds.
US07669444B2
A steering lock assembly that does not require tools for fixing a lock bolt cover relative to a housing to cover a cavity formed in the housing includes a housing having a cavity formed therein with a lock bolt received in the cavity. A lock bolt cover covering the cavity has an opening through which the lock bolt extends. A snap belt is fixed to one of the lock bolt cover and the housing and engages the other of the lock bolt cover and the housing to fix the lock bolt cover relative to the housing. In one embodiment, crush ribs formed on the snap belt minimizes contact between the cover and housing to minimize rattle.
US07669443B2
An apparatus for supporting and locking storage containers and portable items to vehicles, buildings and larger items. A universal two-part mount and lock system whereas one part covers over and conceals second part making it not possible to access fasteners. The two part mount mates together and after actuating a lock makes it so two parts cannot be separated thus protecting an attached portable item from theft.
US07669442B1
This invention relates to a cut-resistant knit glove comprising: a) cut-resistant composite yarn having a core comprising at least two core yarns and at least one first wrapping yarn helically wrapped around the core, the core yarns including at least one 50 to 200 denier (56 to 220 dtex) glass fiber filament yarn and at least one 100 to 600 denier (110 to 680 dtex) para-aramid yarn, the first wrapping yarn including at least one 20 to 300 denier (22 to 340 dtex) yarn selected from the group consisting of aliphatic polyamide, polyester, and mixtures thereof; b) companion yarn selected from the group consisting of aliphatic polyamide, polyester, and mixtures thereof; and c) lining yarn comprising a composite yarn of from 100 to 500 denier (110 to 560 dtex), the composite yarn having an elastomeric yarn core comprising at least one elastomeric yarn and at least one second wrapping yarn helically wrapped around the yarn core, the second wrapping yarn including at least one 20 to 300 denier (22 to 340 dtex) yarn selected from the group consisting of aliphatic polyamide, polyester, natural fibers, cellulosic fibers, and mixtures thereof; wherein the cut-resistant composite yarn, the companion yarn, and the lining yarn are co-knit in the glove with the lining yarn plated on the interior of the glove and the cut-resistant composite yarn and companion yarn forming the exterior of the glove.
US07669437B2
A heat exchanger module includes a condenser for condensing a refrigerant, a modulator, a sub-cooler for cooling liquid refrigerant supplied from the modulator, and a heat exchanger for cooling a fluid different from the refrigerant. The condenser, the sub-cooler and the heat exchanger are arranged in an arrangement direction substantially perpendicular to an air flow direction. Further, the modulator is disposed to extend in the arrangement direction. In the heat exchanger module, the modulator has a dimension that is larger than the sum of a dimension of the condenser and a dimension of the sub-cooler, and is not larger than the sum of the dimension of the condenser, the dimension of the sub-cooler and a dimension of the heat exchanger, in the arrangement direction. Accordingly, a capacity of the modulator can be effectively increased without increasing a largest outer side of the heat exchanger module.
US07669426B2
Circuits, methods, and systems are directed to controlling the amount and polarity of current to multiple loads with switches, where the loads share switching components. The loads may be thermoelectric elements, which heat or cool based on the state of the switches. The switches may be run in a single mode during a duty cycle, or multiple successive modes during the duty cycle to achieve full control of the loads.
US07669423B2
A power generation system includes a combustion turbine assembly (11) having a main compressor (12) receiving ambient inlet air, a main expansion turbine (14), a main combustor (16), and an electric generator (15) for generating electric power. An air storage (18′) has a volume for storing compressed air. A source of humidity (23, 34, 42) humidifies the compressed air that exits the air storage and thus provides humidified compressed air. A heat exchanger (24) receives a source of heat and the humidified compressed air so as to heat the humidified compressed air. A air expander (30) expands the heated, humidified compressed air to exhausted atmospheric pressure for producing additional power, and permits a portion of airflow expanded by the air expander to be injected into the combustion turbine assembly for power augmentation. An electric generator (31) is associated with the air expander for producing additional electrical power. The compressed air humidification reduces the compressed air storage volume for the same stored/generated energy.
US07669412B2
An exhaust manifold connected to exhaust ports of at least three straightly-arranged cylinders of an internal combustion engine is constructed by a primary exhaust pipe which extends from the foremost cylinder of the cylinders in the rearward direction of the engine along the direction of the straight arrangement of the cylinders and a plurality of secondary exhaust pipes which extend from the other cylinders except for the foremost cylinder to the primary exhaust pipe. The secondary exhaust pipes are collected to the primary exhaust pipe so that downstream end portions of the secondary exhaust pipes are wound into the center axis of the primary exhaust pipe at a plurality of points on the center axis, respectively.
US07669410B2
In an exhaust gas purifying system which is equipped with an NOx occlusion reduction type catalyst (“NOx catalyst”) and an oxidation catalyst set on the upstream side of the NOx catalyst, and in which sulfur purge control for regenerating the sulfur-poisoned catalyst is conducted, an air fuel ratio control for sulfur purge is conducted when a temperature difference between an inlet side and an outlet side of the NOx catalyst is outside a given range. Sulfur poison on the NOx catalyst can be uniformly removed in sulfur-purge regeneration control, thereby extending the service life of the NOx catalyst. Further, the NOx catalyst can be protected from thermal deterioration caused by partial temperature rise inside the NOx catalyst on its downstream side, so that the service life of the NOx catalyst can also be extended.
US07669403B2
A method for operating a power plant (2), which includes at least one compressor (3), at least one turbine (4), and a burner arrangement (5), involves, to enhance the power plant (2), feeding a combustion exhaust gas from a pre-burner (8) of the burner arrangement (5) to an oxygen-removal device (11), which removes gas of the oxygen from the combustion exhaust gas in which it is contained.
US07669402B2
The invention relates to a joint element for an energy guiding chain for guiding hoses or cables, with a number of chain links displaying opposite side straps, where upper and lower cross-members are provided on at least some of the side straps, where the joint element displays at least two mounting areas that can be connected to adjacent or spaced chain links in order to connect them to each other in articulated fashion, so that the energy guiding chain can be deposited to form a lower strand, a deflection zone and an upper strand. The joint element is developed in that an element is provided on it that is made of a material having greater conductivity than the joint element material and continuously bridges the at least two mounting areas. The bridging element displays at least two contact areas located on the surface of the joint element, each of which can be connected in electrically contacting fashion to the two chain links associated with the two mounting areas. As a result, the energy guiding chain displays a long service life, even when exposed to very great mechanical stresses, can be used in ESD protection zones, and has no tendency towards electrostatic charging.
US07669389B2
Postal mailing assembly capable of being processed by postal processing equipment without causing damage to the article held by the mailer. The mailing assembly includes a pocket holding the article inside the mailer is offset relative to one edge of the assembly by a distance sufficient to prevent damage when the mailer is oriented and processed by postal equipment.
US07669388B2
An improved automated process and apparatus for making a gastro-retentive device (10). The method includes the steps of providing a pouch assembly (18) having an ingredient section within a membrane; rotating the membrane to form a folded pouch assembly; inserting the folded pouch assembly into a first capsule section (20 a) to form a pouch/first capsule assembly, and inserting the pouch/first capsule assembly into a second capsule section (20 b). The process can further include the steps of providing a continuous strip (32) of multiple pouch assemblies (18) and cutting a single pouch assembly (18) from the strip (32).Also provided is an apparatus (100) for carrying out the above method which includes three wheels (102, 104, 106) for processing and moving the capsule sections (20a, 20b), a pouch load subassembly (166) for delivering a strip (32) of pouch assemblies (18) to a pouch load tooling mechanism (168), a pouch wrapping subassembly which, after receiving the pouches (18) from the pouch load tooling mechanism (168) wraps the flaps of the pouches which are then, via a pouch insert subassembly 200, inserted into the first capsule section (20a) in one of the wheels (104). The second capsule section (20b) is then combined with the first capsule section (20a) in the wheel (104) to complete the finished gastro-retentive device (10).
US07669387B2
Transponders are used for identifying objects such as packaging, packaging material or machines and machine elements and are attached to the object to be identified. The transponders contain data which are provided by an electronic write unit and which can be recognized by a read unit. The transponders are provided in a concealed manner on the machines, machine parts, etc. or are embedded in the machine part, for example, inside a recess.
US07669385B2
A machine for packaging articles, in particular CDs, DVDs and the like, into relative containers, which are formed by a pair of substantially box-like closure members, lower (GD and upper (G2), hinged to each other along a common hinge edge (D), includes a conveying line (L), which is equipped all around with gripping and transferring devices (1). The gripping and transferring devices (1) are moved continuously and grip lateral edges of die iowa closure member (G1) of the containers (C) housed in closed condition inside a magazie (S0) and remove the containers (C) from the bottom of the magazine (S0). The gripping and transferring devices (1) transfer the containers withdrawn from the magazine (S0) to subseqaent working stations associated to the line (L). The working stations, in suitable and mutual time relation with the forward movement of the gripping and transferring devices (1), open the containers by opening the upper closure member (G2) with respect to the lower closure member (G1), insert at least one informative leaflet (Li) and at least one of said articles (10) into the closure members, insert a cover sheet F between the closure members (G1, G2) and a protective film applied onto the closure members, and finally, close the container
US07669382B2
A closure assembly and a method of installing the closure assembly are provided. A insertion opening is formed in water resistant barrier covering a rough opening that generally corresponds to a perimeter of the rough opening. A drainage system including a channel assembly is installed on a sill surface of the rough opening. The closure assembly is inserted into the rough opening and temporarily secured to the structure. At least one shim carried on the closure assembly is adjusted to level the closure assembly in the rough opening. A sealing member attached to the closure assembly is engaged with the water resistant barrier. A foam material is delivered into at least a portion of a space between perimeter edge surfaces of the closure assembly and inner surfaces of the rough opening to permanently secure the closure assembly within the rough opening.
US07669370B2
A weather strip includes an attaching base portion, and a hollow seal portion. The attaching base portion has a generally L-shaped cross-section, and includes a bottom wall and an exterior side wall. An elongation/shrinkage prevention portion is formed such that when the attaching base portion is curved in a direction of a width of the exterior side wall, a neutral axis of curvature is disposed at a position slightly offset toward a widthwise distal end of the exterior side wall from that portion of the exterior side wall continuous with the bottom wall. A double adhesive tape is bonded at least to that portion of an interior surface of the exterior side wall extending toward the distal end of the exterior side wall from a region at which a first hollow connecting portion of the hollow seal portion and the exterior side wall are interconnected.
US07669355B2
A simulated balloon display is designed to be attached to a real estate “tent sign” or used in conjunction with any other promotional presentation. A silhouette cluster made of thin translucent colored plastic mimics the appearance of free-floating balloons while avoiding the handling problems and expense involved with helium inflated balloons.
US07669350B2
A laundry room machine and a drying method thereof are provided. The laundry room machine may includes a payment device for collecting a payment for operation of the laundry room machine. The laundry room machine performs drying of laundry items for a preset dry time corresponding to a selected drying course. The drying method includes determining a condition of the laundry items by measuring a humidity level, and either sustaining the preset dry time or resetting a hot air supplying time and cooling time based on the determined condition of the laundry items.
US07669349B1
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for the separation of volatile components from a feed material.
US07669345B2
An exemplary height-adjusting device (10) includes a base (12), a sliding block (14) and at least one fixing member (18). The base has a sliding slot (122) defined therein and a first sidewall (123), a second sidewall (124), a third sidewall (125), and a fourth sidewall (126) surrounding the sliding slot. At least one fixing hole (1232) defined in the first sidewall. The at least one fixing hole communicates with the sliding slot. The sliding block is slidably received in the sliding slot and partly protruding outwardly from the sliding slot. At least one fixing member cooperates with the at least one fixing hole to selectively fix the sliding block in the base.
US07669341B1
In one embodiment is provided an adjustment mechanism wherein the surveying pole moves about a point which is located next to or adjacent the ground surface point at which the pole is being place. In one embodiment the surveying pole moves about a point which located at the ground surface. In one embodiment the surveying pole moves about a point which is located next to the ground surface, but above the ground surface. In one embodiment the surveying pole moves about a point which is located next to the ground surface, but below the ground surface. In one embodiment a tightening means is provided which is concentrically mounted around an axial line passing through the pole. In one embodiment a biasing means is operatively connected to the tightening means. In one embodiment the biasing means is a spring. In one embodiment the biasing means is a conical spring. In various embodiments the biasing means can be a spring chosen from the group consisting of helical, cylindrical, ellipitic, flat-leaf, leaf, rectangular plate, semielliptic, sprial-coiled. In one embodiment is provided at least one viewing window for the stand to be accurately placed. In one embodiment a plurality of windows are provided. In one embodiment four windows are provided which are radially spaced. In one embodiment is provided a pin is provided which can be used to accurately place the stand. In one embodiment the pin is slidingly attached to the stand and biased toward the center of rotation of the surveying pole.
US07669339B1
A method of aligning a fixture for holding an alignment telescope with an antenna array foundation. In one embodiment, the method includes mounting a fixture for holding an alignment telescope proximate to a first location on an edge of an antenna array foundation, projecting a laser beam outwards from the fixture towards a second location on the edge of the antenna array foundation, and aligning the fixture with the edge at the second location using the laser beam. The fixture may be aligned with the edge of the foundation by adjusting the position of the fixture in relation to the foundation so that the laser beam strikes the foundation edge at the second location, thereby producing a visible laser spot on the edge. The procedure may be repeated to align a plurality of spaced-apart foundation edge locations with the fixture.
US07669336B2
A rechargeable electric shaver having a partition wall installed inside the main body casing, the partition wall separating a rechargeable battery compartment that accommodates the rechargeable battery and a driving portion compartment that accommodates a motor, and the partition wall having a sealing structure which allows a main body of the motor to protrude into the rechargeable battery compartment and seals the rechargeable battery compartment and driving portion compartment in an airtight manner.
US07669335B2
A shaving blade unit includes a housing having a front edge, a rear edge and side edges extending between the front and rear edges. The housing has an aperture located between the front and rear edges. One or more shaving blades are positioned between the front edge and the rear edge and the one or more blades have cutting edges arranged to define a first cutting region. A clip is arranged to retain the one or more shaving blades on the housing. The clip has a leg received by the aperture, the leg having a bent portion defining a curvature to secure the clip to the housing.
US07669329B2
A method of fabricating a liquid ejection head is provided. The method includes preparing a first die including projected streak portions aligned in parallel by a predetermined pitch and gap portions formed between the adjacent projected streak portions. The first die is adapted to form groove-like recess portions by pressing the projected streak portions to a metal plate. The method further includes preparing a second die for supporting the metal plate to which the projected streak portions of the first die are pressed. Each of the projected streak portions includes: an inner wall forming portion for forming an inner wall of the corresponding groove-like recess portion extending in a depth direction of the corresponding groove-like recess portion; a connecting face portion; and an inclined face portion, continuous via the connecting face portion to the inner wall forming portion, for forming a bottom portion of the corresponding groove-like recess portion into a substantially V-like shape.
US07669327B2
Methods of applying an ozone-depleting catalytic coating to a heat exchanging device for producing a durable surface with optimal ozone depletion characteristics are provided. An adhesively coated metallic substrate is exposed to a concentration of ozone-depleting catalytic particles, wherein the receptive surface of the coated substrate binds the ozone-depleting catalytic coating.
US07669324B2
A water stopping apparatus for causing a water stopping material to penetrate exposed core wires of a sheathed wire forming a wire harness includes a pair of dies which can abut against each other in a mutually opposed condition, thereby forming a pressurizing space in which an exposed portion of the core wires of the wire harness can be mounted, a filling portion for filling a water stopping material in the pressurizing space in which the exposed portion of the core wires is mounted, and a pressurizing portion for supplying pressurized gas into the pressurizing space to pressurize the same.
US07669322B2
In a process for mounting a plurality of parts to a cable in mounted positions and in mounted attitudes determined respectively for the parts, information for the mounting of each of parts is marked on the cable before mounting of the parts. Thus, the mounting of the parts can be carried out without selection of a worker, leading to an improved general-purpose property. Also, an exclusive jig is not required, resulting in a reduced cost and elimination of need to secure a space for storing the jig.
US07669316B2
A coaxial cable splitter including an integral body with a first cable connection, a second cable connection and a third cable connection, each defining an axis. The second cable connection is a crimp sleeve, the first cable connection is a coaxial connector, and the axes are generally parallel to each other. The third cable connection is a coaxial cable connector and the axis is at an angle to the axes of the first and second cable connections. The first and third cable connections each include a center conductor which are electrically linked. The first and third cable connections each include an outer shell positioned about the center conductor which are electrically linked. A method of assembling a coaxial cable splitter with an integral body.
US07669315B2
Apparatus for making a helically wound conductor includes a pulling mechanism for axially advancing a cable core and a guide mechanism for axially directing one or more secondary strand(s) from a location offset from the cable core toward the cable core at a common approach angle. A mandrel body is disposed at a forward end of the apparatus, the mandrel body having an axial passageway extending from a rearward to the forward end of the mandrel body dimensioned to axially receive the cable core therethrough and a forward radiused end positioned to intercept the secondary strand(s). The secondary strand(s) converge on the mandrel radiused end at a common approach angle, tangentially intersect respective locations of the mandrel radiused end, and follow the radiused end to intersect with the cable core.
US07669311B2
A method of manufacturing a core for an electrical machine. The method includes providing a planar sheet of magnetic material and creating first and second generally U-shaped laminations from the planar sheet. The first and second generally U-shaped laminations result from a pattern formed in the planar sheet. The pattern includes the first generally U-shaped lamination having a first leg and a second leg, and the second generally U-shaped lamination rotated one hundred-eighty degrees with respect to the first generally U-shaped lamination. The second generally U-shaped lamination includes a third leg and a fourth leg. The third leg is disposed between the first and second legs. The method further includes creating the core by stacking the first and second generally U-shaped laminations.
US07669306B2
The invention disclosed includes a gear puller system in which a vibrating means is used to loosen the target gear in a machine making it easier to remove or pull the gear from a housing, such as a hub. In one embodiment, the vibrator transmits vibrations along the shaft of the gear puller. In second vibration, the vibrating means transmits vibrations through the machine to the gear puller.
US07669304B2
The invention relates to a process of hydroentangling a fibrous web (N) including of positioning the web on a porous moving support (10) in translatory movement or in rotation about an axis, and of treating at least one side of the web by means of a plurality of streams of water arranged in a row perpendicular to the direction of movement of the web, characterized in that the row includes streams with a first cross-section (14A) and at least streams with a second cross-section (24A) different from the first. The invention also relates to a process including treatment of the web by means of a plurality of streams of water arranged in at least two rows perpendicular to the direction of movement of the web. The rows include streams with a first cross-section (14, 16, 17, 18, 19) and at least streams with a second cross-section (24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 39) different from the first cross-section, at least one row including streams the spacing of which is not constant. This process may be applied to produce webs the state of the surface of which varies.
US07669302B2
A casket memorabilia compartment assembly adapted to couple to a casket to provide display and/or storage of pictures memorializing the deceased. The memorabilia compartment assembly comprises a panel mountable to the casket for swinging displacement between an inner hanging position within the casket and an outer hanging without the casket. The panel includes a display side exposed when in the outer hanging position. The display side includes a compartment for the display and/or storage of pictures. The outer surface of the compartment is transparent so as to view the pictures within the compartment. The memorabilia compartment assembly can be incorporated into a big body and/or throw used during viewing of the deceased.
US07669293B2
A metal cable tie formed with an elongate metallic strap and a metallic locking head. The elongate metallic strap has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The metallic locking head is secured to the first end of the metallic strap and comprises a strap entry face, a strap exit face, and a floor and a roof near the strap exit face for receiving the second end of the strap in order to form a closed ring structure. Moreover, a longitudinal slit and a metallic roller means are deployed between the strap entry face and the strap exit face of the metallic locking head in order to lockingly engage the metallic strap. A retention means extends from the roof of the metallic locking head to the strap exit face in order to captively hold the metallic roller means. When the strap is lockingly engaged, the metallic roller means captively held in the metallic locking head can move between the retention means near the strap exit face and a fixed position near the strap entry face, wherein the fixed position is the locking position of the roller means formed by a dent in geometric shape located on the first end of the metallic strap.
US07669269B2
A method of aligning one end of a passenger boarding bridge with a doorway of an aircraft includes a step of parking the aircraft within a parking space that is defined adjacent to the passenger boarding bridge. Human intelligible information visually displayed proximate the parking space is determined, the human-intelligible information being uniquely associated with the passenger boarding bridge. Using an input device that is disposed aboard the aircraft, the human-intelligible information is provided to a communication module that is also disposed aboard the aircraft. A signal including the human-intelligible information is transmitted from the communication module to a receiver that is in communication with the passenger boarding bridge. Only signals determined to include the human-intelligible information are accepted as valid signals during a current bridge alignment operation.
US07669260B2
A medical examination table which is movable between a lowered patient entry/exit position and a raised patient examination position. A scissor-lift assembly is provided to raise and lower the examination table. The examination table includes a drawer having a pivotal front panel which is adapted to support instruments or other items thereon when the drawer is folded to a downward position. The examination table further includes a storage pocket located beneath the backrest. The storage pocket and its contents are concealed when the backrest is lowered and are accessible when the backrest is inclined.
US07669258B2
In a patient bed system, comprising a patient bed, a support column for supporting the bed and a trolley for transporting the bed, the bed having arranged on it first coupling elements (22) which are intended for selective connection to second or third coupling elements (24, 26) on the support column and on the trolley respectively, locking means (60, 62) being provided on at least one of the coupling elements, in order to lock the first coupling elements (22) alternatively to the second or third coupling elements (24, 26) when the bed is coupled to the support column or to the trolley (16), the locking means have at least one locking element (60, 62) which is arranged adjustably on one of the coupling elements (22, 24, 26) and which, in the engagement position of two coupling elements (22, 24, 26), engages into a clearance (76, 82) of the coupling element adjacent in each case, the coupling elements having formed on them control cams (88), by means of which, during the operation of transferring the bed from the support column onto the trolley, or vice versa, the locking element (60, 62) is shifted positively into the clearance or is shifted out of the latter.
US07669253B2
A positioning structure for the male reproductive organ, and more particularly provides a positioning structure which contributes to the hygiene, health and comfort of the male reproductive organ, and mainly includes a main body, a spacing portion, a holding portion and a positioning portion, wherein the main body further comprises at least one lower retaining portion and a waistband portion. The present invention is able to avoid the pants crotch, and enables upwardly centrally fixing the position of the penis to prevent it from falling down to one side, thereby resolving the problems of ill health, unhygienic state and discomfort of the penis resulting from constant skin contact between the penis and the scrota, while at the same time effectively preventing the problem of compression deformation of the penis when an erection occurs when wearing tight-fitting pants.
US07669251B2
An impact and/or vibration absorbent material and protective articles making use of said material. An impact and/or vibration absorbent material of the present invention has at least two material layers. The individual layers of the impact and/or vibration absorbent material may be of the same material, or of different materials. Each material layer preferably contains a number of holes. The holes in one layer are located and arranged to be offset from the holes in an adjacent layer. The combination of inherent material properties and the inclusion and arrangement of holes renders such a material highly impact and/or vibration absorbent. Through use of a protective article of the present invention, the effects of impact and/or vibration forces on a user of the protective article can be minimized.
US07669250B2
An embossed material and an article of apparel incorporating the embossed material are disclosed. The embossed material includes a textured surface that defines a plurality of extended regions and at least one compressed region. The extended regions may have an elongate or elliptical configuration, for example, and the compressed region may extend around each extended region. When incorporated into the article of apparel, the textured surface may face inward to form at least a portion of an interior surface of the article of apparel. Accordingly, the extended regions may be positioned to contact an individual wearing the article of apparel.
