34th week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 11 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090206097 | FUEL TANK FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE OF THERMOPLASTIC MATERIAL - The invention relates to a thermoplastic fuel tank ( | 2009-08-20 |
20090206098 | PORTABLE HOLDER FOR BEVERAGE CONTAINERS - A portable holder for beverage containers includes a basket suspended from a first movable position piece. The first movable position piece is rotatably connected to a first plate. The first plate is connected to a second plate. The second plate may be attached to a hanging member for suspending the portable holder for beverage containers. The second plate may be attached to a strap for securing the second plate to a stationary object or a moving vehicle. The portable holder for beverage containers may be configured to fold into a smaller size for storage when not in use. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206099 | INSULATED BEVERAGE HOLDER WITH VERTICAL BRACKET AND FLAT STORAGE METHOD - A beverage holder device made from a flexible foldable cylindrically-shaped insulated sleeve with a longitudinal seam that includes a piping or welt material along said seam. The sleeve has an inside diameter sized to receive and hold a beverage container. An elongated bracket is mountable to a vertical surface. The sleeve has a foldable insulated bottom portion which is attached to the sleeve to prevent the beverage container from dropping through the sleeve. The bracket has a longitudinal channel and a corresponding opening therein with a closed bottom end and an opening at its upper end. The channel is sized to receive by sliding engagement therein the piping or welt material so that when the piping or welt material is slid into the channel starting from the channel's upper end, the piping or welt material and the sleeve are held in place by the bracket. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206100 | EAZY LOAD PILLBOX AND LOADING TRAY - Modular pillboxes that include at least one one-way passage through which pills, materials or other articles can be pushed through and into and underlying interior compartment of the modular pillboxes. The modular pillboxes include coupling structure by which the modular pillbox can be coupled to a loading tray and/or additional modular pillboxes. The modular pillboxes include lids that can be opened to access pills, materials or other articles that are loaded therein through the one-way passages. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206101 | HYBRID TOWEL DISPENSER - A hybrid towel dispenser is provided that is operable in an automatic dispensing mode and a manual dispensing mode. The paper towel dispenser comprises: a rotatable drum that advances a paper towel sheet applied on the drum when the drum rotates; a one-way rotational coupling; a motor coupled to the drum by the one-way rotational coupling and automatically operable to rotate the drum; and a manual advance assembly coupled to the drum and manually operable by a user to rotate the drum. The one-way rotational coupling couples the motor to the drum such that the motor drives the drum in a first direction and does not drive the drum when the manual advance assembly is operated to rotate the drum in the first direction. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206102 | Carrier for a bathroom wipe dispenser - A carrier for a dispenser of pre-moistened wipes of the kind that are saturated with a cleaning or antiseptic solution, a moisturizer, and the like, and having particular application for wiping clean the anal region of a user's body following use of dry toilet paper. The carrier is adapted to be detachably connected to a conventional holder for a roll of toilet paper that is typically mounted against a wall in a bathroom and located near a toilet. At the top of the carrier is an open shell that is sized and shaped to fit snugly within a correspondingly shaped receptacle of the toilet paper roll holder. Located opposite the shell of the carrier is a tail to which is removably attached the wipe dispenser. The carrier is advantageously adapted to be quickly and easily connected to and disconnected from an existing toilet paper roll holder without having to make any changes to the holder. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206103 | Dispenser - A device in an automatic facility for storing golf balls and, dispensing a number of golf balls, includes a magazine with a number of mutually laterally disposed and substantially parallel golf ball paths, in which the golf balls rest and which slope down towards a discharge chute leading to a delivery point, the golf ball paths discharging at a cradle which is in the form of a rail with a first shank which is provided with stub shafts and extends substantially at right angles to the golf ball paths, and a second shank which extends substantially in the same direction as the golf ball paths, the stub shafts being disposed at the ends of the rail and being journal led at the ends of the rail in order for the rail to be switchable between a reception position and a delivery position. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206104 | Dispensing system for dispensing individual portions of a food product from a food product container - A new and improved food product dispensing mechanism incorporates structure therewithin for enabling one to serially dispense individual portions of food products from a predetermined number of food product portions which are disposed in a stacked array or arrangement contained within a food product container. The structure comprises complementary members defined upon inner peripheral wall surface portions of the food product container and upon the piston member movably disposed within the food product container so as to predeterminedly define stepwise movements of the piston member with respect to the food product container. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206105 | Blowing Wool Bag And Method Of Using The Bag - A bag of compressed blowing wool is provided. The bag has an end configured as a tear-away portion enabling the end of the bag to be readily torn away from the bag. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206106 | PURIFIED WATER DISPENSING SYSTEM - The invention relates to a purified water dispensing device comprising a base and a water container which is positioned on top of the base. The base consists of a vertical structure comprising numerous stacked housing sections which are intended to store purified water in special bags. The container includes: a removable valve assembly which is equipped with an element comprising a tip and holes, an upper lid which covers said assembly, and a water-dispensing valve which is disposed in the lower part of the container. In order to fill the container with water, one or more flexible plastic bags containing water are positioned on the tip of the valve assembly, such that each bag is perforated by the tip under its own weight and the water contained therein flows into the container through the above-mentioned holes. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206107 | HYDRATION DEVICE - A device comprising a flexible container for facilitating suction of a liquid contained therein is provided. The device includes a bite valve for controlling fluid ingestion. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206108 | SMALL-SIZED HAND-OPERATED SPRAY PUMP - Disclosed herein is a small-sized hand-operated spray pump. The spray pump includes a spray nozzle ( | 2009-08-20 |
20090206109 | DEVICE FOR DISPENSING GAS-LIQUID MIXTURES - The invention concerns a device ( | 2009-08-20 |
20090206110 | BAR SOAP RECYCLER - A device for recycling bar soap by passing the drippings, pieces and slivers of soap in said soap dish into a reservoir to form a reusable liquid. The soap dish is mounted on the top of a reservoir, and is provided with an opening communicating with the reservoir. Water or liquid soap can be placed in the reservoir to combine with the soap drippings, slivers and pieces. A dispensing valve or pump communicates with the liquid in the reservoir to provide a means for the user to access the recycled soap mixture. The opening in the soap dish can be closed by a plug to allow the reservoir alternatively to be used to dispense other liquids such as hand lotion. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206111 | TANK HAVING A PISTON PRESSURIZED BY HOT GAS - The tank comprises a variable volume chamber containing a liquid and defined by a wall; and a piston suitable for moving in the tank under thrust from powder gas at a temperature much higher than that of the liquid in order to decrease the volume of the chamber. The tank also comprises a deformable elastomer membrane pressed against a face of the piston outside the chamber, the membrane being suitable for thermally protecting the wall and for providing sealing between the piston and the wall. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206112 | LIQUID DISPENSING VALVE AND METHODS - A dispensing valve is provided for dispensing liquid from a cartridge. The valve includes a valve body that is adapted to receive at least a portion of the cartridge therein. A valve member is disposed in the valve body and is adapted for fluid communication with the cartridge. A valve seat element is disposed in the valve body and includes a liquid chamber that is in communication with the liquid outlet and is mounted for reciprocating movement between a closed position engaged with the valve member to prevent liquid from exiting the liquid outlet and an open position disengaged from the valve member to allow liquid to flow from the liquid chamber through the liquid outlet. The valve body may include a longitudinal axis and a receive bore extending along the longitudinal axis, with the liquid outlet being substantially co-axial with the receiving bore. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206113 | Combination coat and head hanger and method of manufacturing same - A combination coat and hat hanger comprises of a jumbo plastic coat hanger. What is new in the art of the combination coat and hat hanger is a jumbo hat peg approximately six inches long with a plastic ball on one end mounted in the center of the lower portion and protruding at a 45 degree angle. The hat peg allows for a hat and a coat to be hung on the hanger simultaneously. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206114 | Hanger - A garment hanger having a first hook, a second hook positioned below the first hook, a pair of arms extending downwardly from the hook members, and a base member arranged in a horizontal position connecting the end portion of the arms. The hook members are attached to the arms by a housing and can pivot to an angular position with respect to the housing. The top portions of the arms are integrally connected and the hook members can rotate around and translate along the top portion. Further, each hook member can spin within the housing independently of the other hook member. Additionally, the base member includes a clamp which can be rotated around the base member and translated along the base member. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206115 | BACKPACK WITH SIDE BOLSTERS - A backpack includes a stabilizing and ventilating side bolster assembly coupled to a frame. The side bolster assembly includes breathable side bolsters received in breathable sleeves that cooperate with the frame to stabilize the backpack under load while providing improved ventilation between the backpack and a back side of a wearer of the backpack. The side bolsters may be customized for a particular environment, for a particular body type, or for particular loads to be carried in the backpack by changing the stiffness, density, material, dimensions or other aspects of the side bolsters. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206116 | INFANT CARRIER - An infant carrier is formed with a panel, shoulder straps, a belt and an infant support. The infant support holds the infant position such that the infant's legs wrap around and hug the person's waist. The structure allows a person to take on and take off the carrier with the infant without help from another person. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206117 | Magnetic Wrist Band Apparatus - A magnetic sleeve apparatus intended to be wrapped around the wrist of the wearer includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve configured to vary in length and joined with each other at their respective edges to form a continuous seamless cylindrical sleeve body. A magnetic sleeve apparatus further includes one or more lengths of magnetic material disposed in communication with the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve. A magnetic sleeve further includes an elastic band configured to admit to a plurality of configurations and one or more material pockets configured to contain the one or more lengths of magnetic material. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206118 | BACKPACK FOR SNOW SKIS AND BOOTS - A backpack shell construction having a stiff back panel supporting storage compartments projecting outwardly therefrom and carried on the user's back by a pair of shoulder straps and further secured to the user by a waist strap, to which shell a pair of tandem collapsible boot shelves or platforms are integrated at lower corner portions and an outer ski carrier and helmet mounting panel is hingedly attached to the front face of the backpack shell. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206119 | Striking Tool - In a contact mechanism operable to cause an operation of a trigger to be effective by relatively moving upward with respect to a nose portion | 2009-08-20 |
20090206120 | DRIVING MACHINE - When a push lever is brought in contact with a member to be driven, a second trigger stopper slides and a first trigger stopper slides via a second spring. After a third trigger stopper turns ON a push switch | 2009-08-20 |
20090206121 | Power adjustable fastener propelling tool - There is provided a fastening tool including a tool body and a combustion housing defining a combustion chamber. A barrel is connected to the combustion housing and includes a barrel opening configured to receive a fastener. The tool also includes a power source configured to generate a power source signal. A power regulator is in electrical communication with the power source and is configured to receive the power source signal and transmit a power regulator output having an output magnitude. A manual power control is in operative communication with the power regulator and is configured to adjust the power regulator output magnitude. A spark generator is in electrical communication with the power regulator and is configured to generate a spark within the combustion chamber upon receipt of the power output from the power regulator. The spark includes a spark magnitude that varies in response to the power output magnitude. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206122 | TOOL ASSEMBLY HAVING TELESCOPING FASTENER SUPPORT - A tool assembly with a driving tool and a holder assembly. The driving tool has a housing, a motor, an output member and a transmission for rotatably coupling the output member to the motor. The motor and the transmission are housed in the housing. The holder assembly has a leg, which is telescopically coupled to the housing, a fastener guide and an adjustment mechanism. The fastener guide includes a longitudinally extending groove that is configured to support a threaded fastener and a cam that is disposed transverse to the groove. The adjustment mechanism couples the fastener guide to the leg on a side of the leg opposite the housing. The adjustment mechanism is configured to vary a distance between the groove and a rotational axis of the output member. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206123 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH REPROCESSIBLE HANDLE ASSEMBLY - A reusable surgical stapling apparatus that is configured for use with disposable loading units. Various embodiments include a first handle segment and a second handle segment that is detachably coupled to the first handle segment to form a handle housing. A firing assembly may be removably supported in the handle housing as a lift out removable unit for sterilization purposes. Various sterilization methods are disclosed. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206124 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH CONTROL FEATURES OPERABLE WITH ONE HAND - A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a rotatable elongated body that extends from a rotatable shroud on handle assembly and has a distal end configured for attachment to a disposable loading unit. The apparatus further includes a lockable rotation system for selectively locking the rotatable shroud to prevent rotation thereof about a longitudinal axis. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206125 | PACKAGING FOR ATTACHING BUTTRESS MATERIAL TO A SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT - A piece of buttress material and an end-effector of a surgical instrument including features which can aid a surgeon in properly and quickly attaching the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In various embodiments, a piece of buttress material can include retention features which can be engaged with portions of an end-effector to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to at least a portion of the end-effector. Similarly, an end-effector can include features configured to engage portions of a piece of buttress material to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In at least one embodiment, more than one piece of buttress material can be releasably retained to an end-effector. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206126 | BUTTRESS MATERIAL WITH ALIGNMENT AND RETENTION FEATURES FOR USE WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTORS - A piece of buttress material and an end-effector of a surgical instrument including features which can aid a surgeon in properly and quickly attaching the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In various embodiments, a piece of buttress material can include retention features which can be engaged with portions of an end-effector to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to at least a portion of the end-effector. Similarly, an end-effector can include features configured to engage portions of a piece of buttress material to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In at least one embodiment, more than one piece of buttress material can be releasably retained to an end-effector. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206127 | TISSUE FASTENERS AND RELATED INSERTION DEVICES, MECHANISMS, AND METHODS - A tissue fastener includes a bridge section and two cannulated leg sections. The tissue fastener is a single piece of material, and the material can be a bioabsorbable material. Each of the two leg sections can include at least one barb for resisting dislodgement from tissue after the fastener is inserted into tissue. The bridge can be flexible, and the leg sections can receive needles to allow insertion of the fastener into tissue from above a surface of the tissue. Various insertion devices and mechanisms are possible to deploy the fastener into a wound in a patient's skin from above the surface of and generally perpendicular to the skin. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206128 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEMS - A surgical stapling apparatus configured for use with disposable loading units. In various embodiments, the surgical stapling apparatus includes a retraction system that interfaces with an actuation shaft that is movably supported within a handle housing. The actuation shaft is configured to move axially within the handle housing from a fully retracted position to a fully fired position in response to manipulation of a movable handle operably mounted to the handle housing. The retraction system serves to automatically retract the actuation shaft to the fully retracted position when the actuation shaft has moved to the fully fired position. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206129 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH ARTICULATABLE COMPONENTS - A surgical stapling apparatus for use with a disposable loading unit. Various embodiments include an elongated body assembly that comprises a distal body segment and a proximal body segment that are operably coupled together by an intermediate articulation joint such that the proximal body segment and the distal body segment define a longitudinal axis. The intermediate articulation joint may be configured to facilitate articulation of the distal body segment about an intermediate articulation axis that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis. The elongated body assembly may be configured to transfer actuation motions from an actuation shaft housed in a handle assembly to the disposable loading unit. In various embodiments, the intermediate articulation joint may be adjacent to the handle assembly. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206130 | SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS WITH INTERLOCKABLE FIRING SYSTEM - A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a handle assembly that has a movable handle that is movable through actuation strokes relative to a stationary handle housing. An actuation is shaft supported at least in part within the stationary handle housing and is movable in response to manipulation of the movable handle. Various embodiments further include a firing lock out assembly that is configured to selectively prevent longitudinal movement of the actuation shaft in a distal direction. A firing release trigger is supported on the movable handle for travel therewith and is configured to interface with the firing lockout assembly to selectively release the firing lockout assembly to permit the actuation shaft to move longitudinally in the distal direction upon manipulation of the movable handle. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206131 | END EFFECTOR COUPLING ARRANGEMENTS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT - In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, wherein the shaft defines an axis, and a disposable loading unit which is assembled to the shaft in a direction which is transverse to the shaft axis. Such a connection between the disposable loading unit and the shaft can prevent, or at least inhibit, the disposable loading unit from being unintentionally displaced proximally and/or distally relative to the shaft of the surgical instrument. The surgical stapling instrument and/or disposable loading unit can further include a threaded collar and/or detent assembly configured to hold the disposable loading unit in place. In various embodiments, a disposable loading unit can include a lockout feature which can prevent, or at least inhibit, an expended disposable loading unit from being reassembled to the elongated body of the surgical instrument. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206132 | FEEDBACK AND LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical apparatus particularly suited for sequentially applying a plurality of fasteners to body tissue and simultaneously incising tissue is provided. A handle assembly includes a movable handle. The movable handle is movable through an actuation stroke. An elongate body extends distally from the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The elongate body has a distal end adapted to releasably engage both articulating and non-articulating disposable loading unit types. An actuation shaft is supported at least in part within the handle assembly and is mounted for longitudinal movement in response to manipulation of the actuation handle. An energy activated firing lockout system prevents operation of the surgical apparatus under a plurality of conditions. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206133 | ARTICULATABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING AND CUTTING INSTRUMENTS - An articulatable disposable loading unit for attachment to a stapling apparatus. The disposable loading unit may include a staple cartridge that is supported in a carrier that has an anvil coupled thereto. An elongated flexible articulation member may be coupled between the carrier a housing portion to facilitate articulation of the carrier relative to the housing portion. The loading unit may further have an axial drive assembly constructed to move axially through the staple cartridge in response to a drive motion imparted thereto from a portion of the stapling apparatus. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206134 | DISPOSABLE LOADING UNIT FOR SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS - A disposable loading unit for operable attachment to a surgical stapling apparatus. The disposable loading unit may have a carrier that supports a staple cartridge and an anvil assembly that is movable coupled to the carrier. The various embodiments may further have an axial drive assembly that is configured to impart a closing motion to the anvil assembly and also supports a cutting blade thereon. The axial drive assembly is configured to receive firing motions and retraction motions from the surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments have an anvil release assembly that enables the anvil assembly to be released from a clamping orientation in the event that the cutting blade becomes jammed during operation. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206135 | DISPOSABLE LOADING UNIT WITH FIRING INDICATOR - A disposable loading unit for operable attachment to a surgical stapling apparatus. The disposable loading unit may have a carrier that supports a staple cartridge therein, an anvil assembly that is movably coupled to the carrier, and an axial drive assembly that is constructed to move in a distal direction from a start position to an end position through the staple cartridge in response to a drive motion imparted to the axial drive assembly from the surgical stapling apparatus. A firing indicator is provided on at least one of the anvil assembly and housing for indicating a position of the axial drive assembly as the axial drive assembly is driven from the start position to the end position. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206136 | DISPOSABLE MOTOR-DRIVEN LOADING UNIT FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS - A self contained motor-powered disposable loading unit for use with a surgical cutting and stapling apparatus. The disposable loading unit may contain a battery that is retained in a disconnected position when the disposable loading unit is not in use and is moved to a connected position when the disposable loading unit is coupled to the surgical cutting and stapling apparatus to permit the motor to be selectively powered thereby. Indicators may be supported on the disposable loading unit to indicate when the axial drive assembly thereof is in a starting position and an ending position. Another indicator may be provided to indicate when the anvil assembly is in a closed position. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206137 | DISPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT - In various embodiments, a disposable loading unit for a surgical stapling instrument can include an anvil, a staple cartridge, a staple cartridge channel for operably supporting the staple cartridge, and a connector for removably attaching the disposable loading unit to the surgical instrument. In at least one embodiment, a first staple cartridge can be replaced with another staple cartridge after the first staple cartridge has been at least partially expended. In various embodiments, a staple cartridge can include a staple driver for deploying staples from the staple cartridge and a cutting member for incising tissue, wherein a new staple driver and a new cutting member can be provided with each new staple cartridge. The anvil can be removably attachable to the disposable loading unit such that a new anvil can be utilized with a new staple cartridge. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206138 | CLOSURE SYSTEMS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT - A surgical stapling instrument including an actuator configured to be retracted relative to the distal end of the disposable loading unit and rotate an anvil between an open position and a closed position. The actuator can include a cam, where the cam can include an arcuate profile having an apex configured to be in contact with the anvil when the anvil is in a closed position. In at least one such embodiment, the anvil can apply a clamping force to the soft tissue prior to the staples being deployed to prevent, or at least inhibit, soft tissue from flowing, or ‘milking’, out of the distal end of the disposable loading unit. In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include a disposable loading unit having an anvil which can be moved between open, closed, and/or collapsed positions to facilitate the insertion of the disposable loading unit through a trocar. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206139 | BUTTRESS MATERIAL FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A piece of buttress material and an end-effector of a surgical instrument including features which can aid a surgeon in properly and quickly attaching the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In various embodiments, a piece of buttress material can include retention features which can be engaged with portions of an end-effector to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to at least a portion of the end-effector. Similarly, an end-effector can include features configured to engage portions of a piece of buttress material to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In at least one embodiment, more than one piece of buttress material can be releasably retained to an end-effector. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206140 | END EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT - In various embodiments, an anvil of a disposable loading unit including a first member having staple pockets for deforming staples, a first cover plate secured to the first member, and a second cover plate secured to at least one of the first member and the first cover plate, wherein the first and second cover plates can be configured to support the first member. In at least one embodiment, an anvil can include a first member inserted into a second member, where at least one of the first and second members can be deformed to retain one to the other. In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include a disposable loading unit comprising a staple cartridge, an anvil, and a sleeve, wherein the sleeve can be configured to be slid relative to the staple cartridge and the anvil to hold the anvil in a closed position. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206141 | BUTTRESS MATERIAL HAVING AN ACTIVATABLE ADHESIVE - A piece of buttress material and an end-effector of a surgical instrument including features which can aid a surgeon in properly and quickly attaching the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In various embodiments, a piece of buttress material can include retention features which can be engaged with portions of an end-effector to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to at least a portion of the end-effector. Similarly, an end-effector can include features configured to engage portions of a piece of buttress material to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In at least one embodiment, more than one piece of buttress material can be releasably retained to an end-effector. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206142 | BUTTRESS MATERIAL FOR A SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT - A piece of buttress material and an end-effector of a surgical instrument including features which can aid a surgeon in properly and quickly attaching the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In various embodiments, a piece of buttress material can include retention features which can be engaged with portions of an end-effector to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to at least a portion of the end-effector. Similarly, an end-effector can include features configured to engage portions of a piece of buttress material to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In at least one embodiment, more than one piece of buttress material can be releasably retained to an end-effector. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206143 | SURGICAL END EFFECTOR HAVING BUTTRESS RETENTION FEATURES - A piece of buttress material and an end-effector of a surgical instrument including features which can aid a surgeon in properly and quickly attaching the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In various embodiments, a piece of buttress material can include retention features which can be engaged with portions of an end-effector to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to at least a portion of the end-effector. Similarly, an end-effector can include features configured to engage portions of a piece of buttress material to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In at least one embodiment, more than one piece of buttress material can be releasably retained to an end-effector. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206144 | DISPOSABLE LOADING UNIT WITH USER FEEDBACK FEATURES AND SURGICAL INSTRUMENT FOR USE THEREWITH - A disposable loading unit for operable attachment to a surgical stapling apparatus. The disposable loading unit may have a spent cartridge indication system for providing an indication of whether the loading unit has been previously fired. Other embodiments are disclosed that employ a blade monitoring system for providing feedback to the user concerning the amount of strain being experienced by the blade during cutting and stapling. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206145 | REFLOW SYSTEM - A reflow system in which a reflow furnace is sequentially divided into a plurality of zones along a conveying path of a heat target which is conveyed and by controlling temperatures of the plurality of zones, the heat target which is conveyed is reflowed has: a cooling and flux collecting apparatus circulating and cooling atmosphere gases in furnace bodies of a part or all of the plurality of zones and collecting a flux; and a flow rate control unit which is inserted into a circulating path of the atmosphere gas of each of the zones and can control a flow rate. When the temperature of the zone is reduced, by controlling the flow rate control unit, the flow rate is set to be higher than that upon collecting the flux. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206146 | Welding method, welding system, and welding jig for robotically welding a motorcycle fuel tank - A welding jig for holding a motorcycle fuel tank when the fuel tank is welded includes a plurality of attachments for holding said fuel tank through resilient bodies. The plurality of attachments have springs hold the outer plate of a fuel tank, and an inner jig positions an inner plate. The attachments are attached to clamp arms which are opened/closed by cylinders. When the overlap portion between the outer and inner plates is welded, the thermal deformation caused by welding is accommodated by the springs. The attachments are spaced from the fuel tank in the order in which the welding point is approached. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206147 | METHOD OF PRODUCING ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS FOR AN ELECTRICAL ENERGY STORAGE UNIT - The invention relates to a method of producing electrical connections for an electrical energy storage unit ( | 2009-08-20 |
20090206148 | ENVELOPE WITH INTERIOR DECORATIVE ELEMENTS - The envelope with interior decorative elements is an envelope for receiving a greeting card, which may be further opened to display additional, decorative elements mounted within an interior thereof. The envelope includes first and second outer panels, each outer panel having an interior surface and an exterior surface. An inner panel is further provided so that, when the envelope is in a closed configuration, the inner panel is sandwiched between the first and second outer panels. An exterior surface of the inner panel is positioned adjacent an interior surface of the second outer panel so that a pocket is defined therebetween. The pocket is adapted for receiving the greeting card. The first and second outer panels may be separated so that, when folded apart, a pop-up decorative element is displayed, the decorative element being mounted on the interior surfaces of the inner panel and the first outer panel. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206149 | COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER - A container includes a plurality of walls extending upward from a base. At least one support is movable between a retracted position and a support position. At least one magnet urges the support into one of the retracted position and the support position. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206150 | Locking ballot receptacle - A ballot receptacle is provided with frame having an opening through which ballots are deposited into a receptacle and a sliding closure cooperating with the frame to seal the opening. A tamper evident seal is used to lock the closure in a sealed arrangement and thereby secure the ballots in the receptacle. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206151 | Reader Device and Outing Data Carrier Decision Method - In order to decide an attribute of each data carrier without manual operation, an RFID reader ( | 2009-08-20 |
20090206152 | Check Scanning Apparatus and Methods - A check scanner endorses or cancels a check with a print head when the check is driven in the forward direction, and franks, endorses or prints again when the check is driven in the reverse direction. Two separate images of each side of the check are generated for digital comparison and verification purposes by scans with contact image sensors (CIS), with one image from scanning in the forward direction and another image from scanning in the reverse direction. A high resolution image may be obtained by CIS scanning when the check is driven in the forward direction and an even higher resolution image may be obtained by CIS scanning when the check is driven in the reverse direction. Alternately, a grey scale image may be obtained by CIS scanning when the check is driven in the forward direction, and a color image may be obtained by CIS scanning when the check is driven in the reverse direction. After scanning, the check is returned back to the original point of entry. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206153 | MULTI-JOB FEEDER APPARATUS AND METHOD - A method and apparatus for improved productivity and reducing operator induced shut-downs when feeding multiple jobs from a single sheet tray includes providing bar-coded job divider sheets; loading the divider sheets into the sheet supply tray on top of their corresponding sheet stack; providing a bar-code sensor above the sheet supply that reads each divider sheet bar-code information; confirming that the bar-code information matches what is in the job cue; and setting subsystem operating parameters for that paper. Once the first divider sheet is sensed, it is then fed to a purge tray before the job starts. When the job is complete, remaining sheets for that job can be fed (optionally at high speed) to the purge tray on top of the corresponding divider sheet for reuse later. If too few sheets were loaded for the job, the feeder will cause a soft cycle down and flag the problem. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206154 | RFID ARCHITECTURE IN AN INDUSTRIAL CONTROLLER ENVIRONMENT - An RFID reader and/or writer module in an industrial controller (e.g., PLC). The RFID module interfaces internally to the controller for tight integration therewith. The RFID module can also be part of a controller communications framework and as a standalone module with the PLC as a master device, and interact with the RFID module in the same manner as it interacts with other I/O devices connected to the controller. In another aspect, RFID read/write tag technology is incorporated into some or all major PLC and rack components, and utilized for wireless communication both between PLC system components and between the PLC and other devices, locations, and media. The RFID tag can be used to store and exchange electronic keying data, security information, module diagnostics and warranty information, series and revision levels code, I/O configuration data, and, replacement data. Artificial intelligence is also employed. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206155 | Novel Coin Exchange system and method - A method and a system of exchanging coins, comprising determining an amount of coins to be dispensed in a sales transaction; transmitting the amount to a card reader terminal; retrieving account identification data from a card wherein the card stores account identification data; transmitting the amount and the account identification data to a central computer; redeeming, by an user at a later time, the amount less a fee in an user's preferred method. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206156 | RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFIERS IN GAME TICKETS - Game ticketing systems and methods provide for the use of radio frequency identifiers (RFIDs). Game tickets such as instant lottery tickets include a substrate having game data and a removable mask covering the game data. A transponder is coupled to the substrate where the transponder stores a ticket RFID that defines a validation code of the game ticket. Game tickets can therefore be dispensed to consumers, validated and tracked using the ticket RFIDs. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206157 | Method and system for authenticating use of item - A method for facilitating the detection of misuse of an identity during an electronic transaction. The invention comprises at least five embodiments. In a first embodiment, the method comprises the step of: receiving a notification to authenticate the use of an identity at a first location, wherein the identity is associated with a first wireless terminal; determining an approximate location of the first wireless terminal based on cached position information, the approximate location of the first wireless terminal being a second location; determining whether the first and second locations match in geographical proximity; and generating an alert if the first and second locations do not match in geographical proximity. In a second embodiment, an approximate location of the first wireless terminal is determined based on cached position information stored on a GPS position database. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206158 | AUTO-FOCUSING METHOD FOR AN AUTOMATIC DATA COLLECTION DEVICE, SUCH AS AN IMAGE ACQUISITION DEVICE - An automatic data collection device includes an automatic focusing feature. The automatic focusing feature is based on a type of triangulation technique, which determines an optimum position of an imaging lens in order to obtain an optimally focused image. The position of the imaging lens may be adjusted until the imaging lens is at the optimum position. A pair of aiming beams is separated by a distance. The optimum position of the imaging lens (and/or the amount of displacement of the imaging lens that is needed to reach the optimum position) can be determined based on a relation that involves the distance between the two aiming beams, a focal length of the imaging lens, and a distance between “spots” that are respectively generated on an image plane (such as on an image sensor) by the pair of aiming beams. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206159 | Device and Method for Locating a Barcode Using Image Analysis - A device comprises a memory and a processor. The memory stores an image. The image includes a plurality of areas. The image is captured using at least one of an auto-exposure technology and an auto-focus technology. The processor is coupled to the memory and selects at least one of the plurality of areas as a function of predetermined data. The data is related to the at least one of the auto-exposure technology and the auto-focus technology. The processor locates a symbol in the at least one selected areas. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206160 | Laser scanner for reading optical codes - There is described a compact laser module ( | 2009-08-20 |
20090206161 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FORMING A COMPOSITE IMAGE OF MULTIPLE PORTIONS OF AN OBJECT FROM MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES - Various improved imager-based optical code readers and associated methods are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, an imager-based method reads an optical code (which may be, for example, a linear optical code such as a bar code) on an object in a viewing volume. The method comprises dividing an image plane into a plurality of strip-shaped sections, viewing the object in the viewing volume from a plurality of perspectives, forming a plurality of strip-shaped images corresponding to the plurality of perspectives, respectively, thereby creating a composite image containing data from a plurality of perspectives, and processing at least a portion of the composite image so as to ascertain the information encoded in the optical code on the object in the viewing volume. Certain embodiments can mimic the performance of a laser-based scanner without a laser or moving parts but instead utilizing an electronic imaging device such as an imager. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206162 | MATERIALS FOR DATA STORAGE - The present invention concerns a data storage material that comprises an assembly of oligo atomic metal clusters confined in molecular sieve for converting invisible radiation emitted by a radiation source at or above room temperature to visible light. By irradiation of specific patterns within this material with UV or visible light, the emission from these patterns is irreversibly enhanced. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206163 | Game Card without Semiconductor Chip - Trading cards ( | 2009-08-20 |
20090206164 | Card-shaped data carrier - The invention relates to a card-shaped data carrier ( | 2009-08-20 |
20090206165 | CONTACTLESS CHIP MODULE, CONTACTLESS DEVICE, CONTACTLESS SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR CONTACTLESS COMMUNICATION - A contactless chip module including a power supply, adapted to supply the contactless chip module with power obtained from an electromagnetic field; a first receiver adapted to receive an actively modulated signal; and a second receiver adapted to receive a passively modulated signal contained in the electromagnetic field. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206166 | CODING PATTERN COMPRISING REED-SOLOMON CODEWORDS ENCODED BY MIXED MULTI-PULSE POSITION MODULATION - A substrate having a coding pattern disposed on a surface thereof. The coding pattern comprises a plurality of macrodots encoding Reed-Solomon codewords. Each codeword is comprised of Reed-Solomon data symbols and Reed-Solomon redundancy symbols. The coding pattern encodes the symbols using mixed multi-pulse position modulation, with a higher number of symbol values available for redundancy symbols than data symbols. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206167 | TEMPERATURE INDICATING APPARATUS - A temperature indicating apparatus for indicating when temperature of a heat source exceeds a predetermined temperature includes an I/O controller, an A/D converter, a single chip microcomputer (SCM), and an indicating unit. The I/O controller outputs a temperature signal of the heat source. The A/D converter receives the temperature signal, and outputs a digital temperature signal. The SCM storing at least one predetermined temperature value, receives the digital temperature signal and converts the digital temperature signal to a temperature value, and outputs a control signal when the temperature value of the digital temperature signal exceeds the predetermined temperature value. The indicating unit includes at least one indicating lamp coupled to the SCM, the indicating lamp emits light when it receives the control signal from the SCM. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206168 | THERMOSTATIC CONTROL DEVICE - A thermostatic control device for controlling the temperature of a food preparation or sanitation appliance comprises a temperature sensor, a controller in communication with the temperature sensor, and means for operatively connecting the controller to the appliance. When the temperature sensor senses that the actual temperature of the appliance is equal to or greater than a maximum threshold temperature, the controller shuts-off the compressor and overrides the flame sensor such that the appliance acts as if a flame is present. When the temperature sensor senses that the actual temperature of the appliance is equal to or less than a minimum threshold temperature, the controller starts-up the compressor and overrides the flame sensor such that the appliance acts as if a flame is absent. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206169 | SELF-CLEANING ASSEMBLY EMPLOYING A GAP FILLER FOR A GUIDANCE OR RUNWAY RAIL ON THE GROUND - A self-cleaning assembly employing a gap filler for a rail on the ground which guides or in which there runs rollers or wheels with lugs housed in a groove so as to lie flush with or protrude only slightly from the ground and which has a gap on the side of the rail corresponding to the passage of the lug. A filling substance is placed in the gap outside of the dynamic footprint of the lug and at least partially lines the gap, at least partially filling it. The filling material has properties of compressibility and is positioned in such a way that under all normal conditions of use or normal environmental conditions, the gap remains filled outside of the dynamic footprint of the lug. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206170 | Mitigation of rotating wind storms - A method for mitigating or preventing a major air disturbance comprising a fluid stream, preferably heated, adjacent to the earth's surface and orienting it upwardly in the vicinity or potential vicinity of a major air disturbance in order to in part move lower level air upwardly to cool the surface of the earth, including the sea. The displacement of atmospheric air by the upwardly directed stream diminishes the strength or potential strength of major air disturbances. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206171 | CONCENTRATION AND DISPERSION OF SMALL PARTICLES IN SMALL FLUID VOLUMES USING ACOUSTIC ENERGY - A method of manipulating particles suspended within a fluid droplet using a microfluidic system including a piezo-electric substrate ( | 2009-08-20 |
20090206172 | MICRO-SPRAY SYSTEM RESONANCE FREQUENCY MODULATION METHOD AND DEVICE - A micro-spray system resonance frequency modulation method and device designed to minimize resonance frequency drift during atomization involves using a resonance frequency modulation unit for modulating resonance frequency and nodes, controlling and calibrating resonance frequency, and performing real-time measurement and correction to prevent operating frequency from drifting beyond a preferred operating frequency range, with a view to increasing spray flow and spray area, minimizing effects of ambient factors, and overcoming drawbacks of prior art. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206173 | HOSE-END SPRAYER BOTTLES WITH SAFETY FEATURES - Safety features in and for hose-end sprayer bottles. In a first safety arrangement, there is ensured a more hindered transition of a spool (e.g., product/carrier spool) or adjuster from a first setting to a second setting than from the second setting to the first setting, wherein in the first setting no carrier stream is admitted through the sprayer and in the second setting solely a carrier stream is admitted through the sprayer. In a second safety arrangement, there is arrested displacement of a container interface (e.g., bottle swivel) from a second (essentially advanced) position towards a first (essentially initial) position upon the container interface displacing from the first position to the second position. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206174 | DEVICE FOR SPRAYING A COSMETIC COMPOSITION - The present invention relates to a cosmetic assembly comprising a cosmetic or dermatological composition contained in a reservoir, the said composition being liquid and comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least 10% by weight of water and at least one water-soluble coloring agent; and a device for spraying a cosmetic composition, comprising a container containing the said liquid cosmetic composition, equipped with a piezoelectric spraying mechanism for spraying the cosmetic composition in the form of droplets. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206175 | Hands-free fluid application system - A hands-free fluid application system for retaining a fluid supply close to the body of an operator of the present inventive system. A fluid supply hose may attach to a belt component at a connecting means. The connecting means serves to communicate the fluid to a dispensing hose that then conducts the fluid to a spray applicator for dispersal. The connecting means secured to the belt allows for the fluid supply hose to be dragged along by the operator's body thereby leaving their hands free to operate the spray applicator and direct the stream of fluid issuing therefrom. A spray applicator holder may serve to secure the spray applicator to the belt and allow an operator free use of both hands when manipulation of the spray applicator is not required. The present invention eliminates the repetitive crouching and bending commonly associated with use of a conventional fluid supply hose. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206176 | Fail-Safe Method and Apparatus for Aspirating and/or Dispensing Liquids in Automated Laboratory Instruments - A method for preventing either the introduction of air into a liquid aspirated from a container through an aspiration line passing through a container cap, or the over-filling or non-filling of a container by a liquid dispensed through a dispensing line passing through a container cap. Such method comprises the steps of simultaneously detecting that (a) the container cap is properly positioned on and secured to a liquid container from which liquid is to be aspirated, or into which a liquid is to be dispensed, and (b) detecting that the level of liquid in the container is either above or below a predetermined level | 2009-08-20 |
20090206177 | PAINT APPLICATION CARTRIDGE - A tank base ( | 2009-08-20 |
20090206178 | SHOWERHEAD WITH DELIVERY MODE SWITCH - A showerhead comprising a body delimiting a distribution chamber provided with a water inlet and at least two distinct outlets, a shutter axially sliding between a first seat of the distribution chamber, in which it interrupts a fluid path towards a first outlet, and a second seat of the chamber, in which it interrupts a fluid path towards a second outlet. The showerhead comprises an electric motor provided with a shaft, a guided slide fixed to the shutter and coupled to the shaft of the motor, the coupling between the slide and the shutter being of the screw and female screw type, for converting a rotation of the shaft into an axial sliding of the shutter. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206179 | SHOWERHEAD FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSE - A handshower for domestic use comprising a body delimiting a water distribution chamber having at least two distinct outlets, a diffuser comprising at least two delivery zones each in fluid communication with a respective outlet and a shutter arranged in the distribution chamber for selectively blocking a fluid path towards at least one of the two outlets. The handshower comprises a rigid shell fitted watertight onto the body and onto the diffuser, electric operation means of the shutter, a hydraulically insulated and sealed seat, delimited by the rigid shell on the body and on the diffuser, for the accommodation of the electric operation means, an opening on the rigid shell for access into said seat and a watertight closing keypad of said opening, for enabling the electric operation means. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206180 | HANDSHOWER ASSEMBLY - A handshower is disclosed providing two different radial spray patterns that can be selectively operated. There is a handle adapted for connection to a water supply, a nozzle head having an outer sleeve and an inner chamber connected to the handle, and an axially extending waterway positioned in an inner chamber of the nozzle head. On the sleeve there is an array of outlets running from the inner chamber to an outer radial face. The waterway has an axially extending channel and multiple sets of radially extending orifices. The sleeve is rotatable relative to the waterway from a first position where the channel is in communication with a first group of outlets to a second position where the channel is in communication with at least some of the outlets that are not in the first group. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206181 | Fuel Injector - A fuel injector includes an orifice plate situated downstream from a valve-seat body having a fixed valve seat, the orifice plate having at least one outlet opening. Provided directly upstream from the outlet openings is an inflow opening having an annular inflow cavity. The valve-seat body covers the inflow cavity in such a way that the downstream outlet openings of the orifice plate are covered. The inflow cavity directly upstream from the at least one outlet opening is configured such that the flow approaches the at least one outlet opening largely at a right angle to the longitudinal extension of the outlet opening. With regard to the cross section, the at least one outlet openings has a polygonal form, in particular one that encloses at least one triangle, or it has a meander shape with a plurality of curves in the outer contour. The fuel injector may be particularly suitable for use in fuel injection systems of the mixture-compressing internal combustion engines having external ignition. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206182 | Rotary Atomizer with an Improved Valve - A valve assembly for controlling a flow of a coating to a spray head is provided. The valve assembly has a movable needle for closing an opening in a valve seat. The needle has a non-stick outer coating and extends through a needle seal having first and second ends. The first end of the needle seal is disposed inside a seal holder and abuts an interior surface of the seal holder. A spring applies a force to the second end of the needle seal, thereby pressing the first end of the needle seal against the interior surface of the seal holder. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206183 | FUEL INJECTOR - The invention relates to a fuel injector with an injector housing ( | 2009-08-20 |
20090206184 | Fuel injector with real-time feedback control - A fuel injection apparatus with a piston device that includes a channel and a piston in the channel. A position sensor is used to detect the piston movement inside the channel when the fuel injection apparatus is energized and de-energized, and the sensing value is used for controlling fuel injection rate in real-time and diagnosing failures in the apparatus. With an actuator installed, the piston can also be used for independently modulating fuel pressure during fuel injection. Thereby the shape of fuel injection pulses is controlled. The fuel injection apparatus has three injection states, and flexible fuel injection timing and multi-pulse injection are allowed. Furthermore, in all injection states, fuel supply has no direct contact to combustion chamber. As a result, when a malfunction sticks the apparatus open, no fuel is supplied. This feature provides a safety nature to the fuel injection apparatus. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206185 | Electrostatic Atomizer - An electrostatic atomizer comprising a discharge electrode, a counter electrode, a cooling source, a high voltage power supply and a voltage detector. The cooling source cools the discharge electrode to form thereon dew as water. The power supply applies high voltage for discharge across the electrodes. The detector detects voltage between the electrodes. The power supply includes a control device and a voltage stabilizing device that are opposite to each other in temperature characteristic. The control device operates to pick up the voltage detected with the detector via the voltage stabilizing device, and to adjust the high voltage applied across the electrodes through feedback control so that the voltage corresponds to specified discharge voltage. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206186 | Processing Apparatus and Methods - The invention relates to processing apparatus and methods and in particular, but not exclusively, to an apparatus that may be used to process a wide variety of feed materials by one or more of milling or grinding, mixing, blending, separation, drying and sterilisation. In a preferred embodiment there is provided a feed material processing apparatus ( | 2009-08-20 |
20090206187 | Apparatus For Grinding Biological Samples - Apparatus for grinding biological samples contained in tubes ( | 2009-08-20 |
20090206188 | DEVICE FOR PREVENTING BACKLASH ON SPOOL OF BAIT REEL - The present invention relates to a device for preventing backlash on a spool of a bait reel, including: the spool fit to a spool shaft in such a manner as to be rotated together with the spool shaft; a dial knob mounted at the outside of a body of the bait reel and having a cam mounted at the inside thereof; and magnetic braking means including: a ring-shaped face plate moved forwardly and backwardly in a coaxial direction to the spool shaft by the rotation of the cam of the dial knob rotatably mounted at the inside of a spool cover covering the side face of the body of the bait reel; and a pair of movers mounted on one end surface of the spool to face each other about the spool shaft in such a manner as to be slidingly moved in a radial direction, each of the pair of movers having a plurality of magnets mounted therein. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206189 | Wire-winding device having a circuit unit - A wire-winding device includes a circuit unit, a wire-winding disk, two cables, a scroll spring and a circuit unit. The insulating body has receiving space. The wire-winding disk is rotatably located in the receiving space. The wire-winding disk has at least one concave slot. There is a rolling ball between the concave slot and the insulating body. The scroll spring is connected between the wire-winding disk and the insulating body. The circuit unit is located in the wire-winding disk and is electrically connected with the two cables. Thereby, the user can rapidly receive or lease the cable to adjust the length of the cable, and use the circuit unit to convert the input voltage or current into a desired voltage or current for outputting. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206190 | DYNAMIC TAPE DRIVE CALIBRATION - Dynamic calibration of a secondary velocity signal is provided in a tape drive. In one example, a reel motor is operated to drive a reel carrying a tape in a tape drive. The motion of the tape is measured to provide a measured primary velocity signal of the tape, and in addition, the operation of the reel motor is measured to provide an estimated secondary velocity signal of the tape as a function of motor parameters and the motor operation measurements. The estimated secondary velocity signal of the tape may be calibrated as the tape is driven, as a function of the tape motion measurements and the motor operation measurements. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206191 | DEVICE FOR LAYING DOWN A THIN METAL WIRE ON A SURFACE - A device for laying a thin metal wire taken from a coil of wire stock onto a surface, in particular onto the surface of a sheet, using a presser. The device includes a mechanism exerting mechanical tension in a region of the wire that lies between the rotary coil of wire stock and the presser, and a wire-guiding device provided in the region. The wire-guiding device includes a tensioning device that acts directly on the wire taken off the coil of wire stock. That makes it possible effectively and appreciably to compensate for changes in relative speeds at which the wire and the sheet progress. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206192 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTABLE SURFACES - Methods and apparatus for systems having deployable elements according to various aspects of the present invention comprise a system including a deployable surface and an adaptive actuator including a polymer foam. In one embodiment, the system comprises a vehicle including a deployable wing comprising an exterior surface. The exterior surface may be adjusted by adjusting the shape, size, position, and/or orientation of the adaptive actuator. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206193 | Ballistically deployed telescoping aircraft wing - An apparatus for increasing an aerodynamic surface area of an aircraft, e.g., a wing thereof, includes coaxially disposed first and second elongated airfoils and an inflatable device arranged to move the first airfoil coaxially relative to the second airfoil. The second airfoil has a root end fixed to the vehicle and an opposite outboard end, and the first airfoil is arranged to move axially between a retracted position generally inboard of the outboard end of the second airfoil and a deployed position generally outboard thereof. When the movable airfoil is deployed, a latching mechanism locks it in position. The inflatable device can include a collapsible duct that is sealed at one end and coupled at a second end to an inflating source, such as a reservoir of a compressed gas or a pyrotechnic gas generator. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206194 | AIRSHIP PHOTOCATALYTIC REACTOR ENERGY GENERATION, STORAGE, AND TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS - An energy management system for lighter-than-air vehicles which includes a reactor means for generating energy, storage means for storing the reactants used in the reactor means, and an integrated pipeless reactant and power distribution means. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206195 | ROTATING AIR CARGO DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION - A system and method of constructing a system for delivering cargo by airdrop are provided. In short, the system uses rotor blades to slow the descent of cargo dropped from an aircraft. In one example of one embodiment, a frame is secured to a cargo pallet and at least one rotor blade is secured to the frame. The rotor blade is secured to the frame in a position such that it causes the cargo pallet and the frame to rotate in air when dropped from an elevation. In another embodiment, the rotor blade may be extendable and extend during flight. | 2009-08-20 |
20090206196 | INFLATABLE FOLDING WINGS FOR A VERY HIGH ALTITUDE AIRCRAFT - A foldable wing for use with a very high altitude aircraft capable of operating at an altitude at or above 85,000 feet is disclosed. The foldable wing may employ a spiral fold deployment, wherein a hinge between each segment of the foldable wing is slightly offset from the perpendicular. Successively positioned wing segments fold over one another. Alternatively, the hinges are substantially perpendicular so that each respective wing segment folds linearly against the next wing segment. An inflatable rib, with inflatable arms, can be inflated to provide a force against two adjacent arms, thereby deploying the wing segments through a full 180° of rotation. | 2009-08-20 |