51st week of 2008 patent applcation highlights part 9 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20080308353 | Lubrication System and Internal Combustion Engine Comprising Such a System - This lubrication system includes a pump feeding a main line which provides oil to a support interface for a crank shaft of oil engine and an auxiliary line connected to at least one piston cooling jet. The pump is a variable flow pump controlled on the basis of oil pressure in the main line. A proportional means is mounted on the auxiliary line. This means is adapted to control oil flow in the auxiliary line depending on the working conditions of the engine, e.g. oil temperature, torque to be delivered or rotational speed of the engine. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308354 | Power Divider for Motor Vehicles and Lubrication Thereof - A power divider for motor vehicles includes a housing, a primary shaft and a secondary shaft, wherein a friction clutch having an outer part that is rigidly connected to the primary shaft, and an inner part, derives torque from the primary shaft and delivers the torque to the secondary shaft by means of the inner part and a displacement drive. To ensure a sufficient supply of lubrication oil under all conditions, an oil reservoir, which at least partially surrounds the ramp ring, is fixed in the housing between the coupling and the displacement drive. The base of the oil reservoir comprises at least one opening, which is adjacent to the upper part of the periphery of the ramp ring, and the oil reservoir has at least one guiding device that extends into the centrifugal area of the displacement drive, through which the centrifuged lubrication oil is received in the reservoir. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308355 | OIL SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - An oil supply system for a vehicle includes: a mechanical oil pump driven by an engine; an electric oil pump driven by an electric motor; a hydraulic pressure control circuit supplied with oil from the mechanical oil pump and the electric oil pump through an oil discharge passage for the mechanical oil pump and an oil discharge passage for the electric oil pump, which are connected to each other; a lubrication/cooling oil passage that is supplied with the oil from the hydraulic pressure control circuit; and a communication passage that provides communication between the lubrication/cooling oil passage and the mechanical oil pump. With this oil supply system, it is possible to prevent the electric oil pump from causing air-sucking noise, for example, in the motor-power cruise mode, and to improve the rising characteristics of the hydraulic pressure produced by the mechanical oil pump during startup of the engine. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308356 | Shopping complex, a method of operating a shopping complex, and a method and system for conveying goods in a shopping complex - A method of operating a shopping complex comprising a plurality of independent retail outlets, the method comprises operating a conveyor system capable of conveying goods purchased in any one of the retail outlets to a plurality of designated locations in the shopping complex; and in response to a purchase of goods at any one of the plurality of retail outlets and at the request of the customer, conveying purchased goods using the conveyor system to a designated location in dependence upon the customer request. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308357 | Permanently-installed wheel chair lift with height control - A height control mechanism for a lift device includes an elongated rail and an actuator slidingly mounted thereto. The actuator is biased toward a first end of the rail, and a proximity sensor is mounted proximate the second end of the rail. A cable pulls the actuator toward the second end of the rail as the lift device is elevated. When the proximity sensor detects the presence of the actuator, a signal is generated to halt further elevation. The position of the proximity sensor along the rail can be adjusted to set the maximum height of the lift device. A second proximity sensor, responsive to the presence of the actuator, can also be secured to the rail to generate a signal indicating that the lift device has been elevated off of the ground by a short distance. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308358 | Wheel chair lift with protective skirt sensors - A wheel chair lift device includes a lift car selectively elevated above a base, along with protective skirting covering the region below the lift car. Exposed portions of the protective skirting subject to lateral inward deformation are provided with skirt deformation sensors for detecting abnormal inward deformation of such skirt portions. The skirt deformation sensors include a spring or other elongated deformable member that extends generally parallel and proximate to the portion of the skirt being sensed. A sensor detects that the elongated member has been laterally displaced from its usual longitudinal axis and generates an electrical signal. In response to such electrical signal, the lift device stops further movement of the lift car. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308359 | QUICK CHANGE LOAD WHEEL ASSEMBLY - A load wheel assembly for a materials handling vehicle includes first and second spaced side members, at least one rotatable roller extending between the first and second side members and a retainer for holding the roller in the side members. An interface structure provides a substantially rigid connection between the load wheel assembly and a mounting structure on the materials handling vehicle. The load wheel assembly can be moved vertically or horizontally into a mounted position within the outrigger and at least a portion of the interface structure mates with the mounting structure. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308360 | METHOD AND ELEVATOR DRIVE WITH A BRAKE DEVICE - An elevator drive with a brake device has compression springs that act on brake levers, whereby brake linings generate a brake force on a brake drum. The more the brake linings wear due to abrasion, the smaller the distance of the plunger from the brake magnet housing becomes. Should the plunger come into contact with the brake magnet housing, the braking capacity of the brake linings is completely eliminated creating an operating condition that is dangerous for elevator users. A switch is provided that detects a minimum distance. The switch can be arranged on the plunger of the brake magnet and detect the minimum distance to the brake magnet housing or, in the case of a retrofit, the switch can be arranged on the brake magnet rod and, for example, detect the distance of the second joint from the brake magnet housing, and at the minimum distance the switch switches. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308361 | Method and System for Determining Instantaneous Peak Power Consumption in Elevator Banks - A method and system determine peak power consumption over time by a bank of elevator for servicing a set of passenger hall calls and delivery requests, and selecting elevator schedules that keep peak power consumption below a predetermined threshold. For each car in response to receiving a hall call, a set of all possible paths to service all hall calls assigned to the car are determined, in which each path includes a set of all possible segments. A peak power consumption for each possible segment is also determined. The peak power consumptions for the set of all possible segments for each time instant are added to determine a total peak power consumption for each time instant, and a particular path is selected as a schedule to operate the bank of elevator cars, if the total peak power consumption for any instant in time while operating according to the selected schedule is below a predetermined threshold. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308362 | CABLE MANAGEMENT ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR CONSTRUCTION ELEVATOR SYSTEMS - A cable management assembly ( | 2008-12-18 |
20080308363 | BICYCLE DISC BRAKE DEVICE - A bicycle disc brake device includes a fixed member, an actuation unit and an adjustment structure. The fixed member includes a caliper housing. The actuation unit is coupled to the fixed member. The actuation unit is configured and arranged to move a friction member of the disc brake device from a release position to a braking position. The adjustment structure is operatively arranged to selectively orient the actuation unit relative to the fixed member in a plurality of fixed orientations. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308364 | Lightweight brake drum with middle position squealer band - A novel brake drum includes one or more mid-positioned squealer bands that are roughly in line with the ribs of the brake shoes. This places the most rigid part of the brake drum and the location of greatest heat sink over the most rigid portion of the brake shoes, which is also the position of greatest heat input. The axial cooling fins radiating from the squealer band aid in dissipating the heat from friction generated during the braking cycle. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308365 | Friction lining - The invention describes a friction lining ( | 2008-12-18 |
20080308366 | VISCOUS SHEAR DAMPING STRUT ASSEMBLY - A damping device using viscous shear to moderate substantially linear movement. The device has a housing with one or more reservoirs containing a viscous fluid, such as silicone, and one or more retractable struts that can extend from the housing. The strut has a portion formed as a toothed rack, and an associated axle has a pinion gear on a portion associated with the toothed rack of the strut. The teeth of the rack mate with teeth of the pinion gear. A disk, or preferably series of spaced disks, can be mounted on the axle inside the reservoir to dampen linear movement of the strut, from shear with a static plate adjacent to the disk on the axle. The relatively fixed, spaced disks or plates are adjacent to or interdigitated with the disks on the gear axles to dampen linear movement of a strut. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308367 | Air Spring and Damper Unit Having a Pilot-Controlled Main Valve - An air spring and damper unit for vehicles has, as operating spaces, at least two pressure spaces filled with compressed air and connected to one another via flow channels. The pressure spaces have movable walls in the form of rolling bellows or folding bellows, wherein a pilot-controlled main valve which can be loaded with a control pressure on the low-pressure side is configured at least in one flow direction in a first flow channel. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308368 | Device for Reducing Vibrations and Sounds - The invention refers to a device for reducing vibrations and sounds in a structure ( | 2008-12-18 |
20080308369 | Luggage transport system - A luggage transport system consists of a plurality of luggage or suitcase components, each with wheels and retractable handles, connected in a train or series. The connection between each luggage component is accomplished by unique luggage face to luggage face attachment. A support element is secured to and extends from the front faces of all but the last luggage component in the luggage train. The support element has insertion holes at its lower region and an interior groove at its upper region. The rear faces of all but the first luggage component in the luggage train have outwardly extended portions with downwardly extending peg members at their lower regions and transversely extended pocket sections at their upper regions. Connection is first made by inserting the peg members of the second luggage component in the train into the holes of the support element of the first luggage component in the train. The pocket section of the second luggage component is then inserted into the groove of the support element of the first luggage component to lock the two components together in face to face relationship. A third luggage component is secured to the second one in an identical manner. Additional luggage components can be similarly connected. A brace is positioned within each of the support elements to maintain the shape of the luggage component. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308370 | Push-pull wheeled luggage with swingable rear wheels and at least one fixed front wheel - A wheeled luggage is configured to be pushed or pulled using a handle attached to the wheeled luggage. This “push-pull” wheeled luggage has a main luggage body with one or more swingable rear wheels at a rear edge of a lower portion of the main luggage body and one or more fixed front wheels in front of the one or more swingable rear wheels. Each front wheel has an elongated neck attached to a front lower portion of the main luggage body, which creates a backward tilt due to a higher ground clearance in the front lower portion. Each swingable rear wheel is configured to receive a directional force to steer the push-pull wheeled luggage. The backward tilt created by the elongated neck attached to the front lower portion of the main luggage body enables a user to push the push-pull wheeled luggage ergonomically by applying a forward-downward force to the handle. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308371 | Luggage bag with removable storage units - A luggage bag comprising a luggage bag housing and separate storage units affixed thereto, wherein the separate storage units are extendable and removable from the luggage bag housing. The luggage bag housing resembles a wheeled luggage bag, duffle bag or tote bag. The separate storage units are of definite shape and collapsible. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308372 | Work Bag or Travel Suitcase with an Incorporated Extendable Pull Handle and with Wheels - A work bag or travel suitcase with an incorporated extendable pull handle and with wheels includes a framework, having a practically parallelepiped shape and with an outer covering, in a lower portion of whose frame a supporting and containment element for a pull handle is constrained at one side having a greater length and lesser width, which is situated at the end of rod elements which can be extracted from the supporting and containment element, a pair of wheels being arranged in an opposite position with respect to the pull handle and with both the supporting and containment element and the extractable rod elements have a flattened telescopic form and are made of a light and particularly resistant material, also to shear and flexural stress. A particular pulling device which can be applied to a work bag or travel suitcase is also envisaged. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308373 | Torque converter blade - A blade for a torque converter including a body having an outer edge, the outer edge arranged to conform to an inner surface of a shell in the torque converter, the shell having at least two slots arranged therethrough, and a surface extending from the outer edge, the surface having at least two tabs, wherein the surface is arranged to conform to the inner surface of the shell to provide a fluid seal, the at least two tabs are disposed through the at least two slots and at least one of the at least two tabs is arranged to engage an outer surface of the shell. The invention further includes a torque converter including the present invention blades and a method of assembling the same. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308374 | Hydrodynamic torque converter having a bypass clutch - In a hydrodynamic torque converter having a long-life torque converter lock-up or bypass clutch with an axial piston structure for engaging the clutch plates of the clutch and fluid flow control structures are provided for supplying a controlled flow of lubricant to the clutch plates via the axial piston cylinder structure for lubricating and cooling the clutch plates and a torsion damper is provided adjacent the clutch and effective to reduce the transmission of torque oscillations to the vehicle transmission. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308375 | Force transfer device, a drive train with force transfer device, and a method for controlling the operation of a force transfer device in a drive train - A force transfer device with an input and an output, a hydrodynamic component, disposed between input and output, comprising at least one pump shell and one turbine shell and a device for bridging the power transfer through the hydrodynamic component, and a device for damping vibrations. The invention further relates to a drive train with such force transfer device and to a process for controlling the operation of a force transfer device in a drive train, comprising a first drive engine and an electrical machine, which can be operated at least as a generator. The invention is characterized in that an actuatable clutch device is disposed between the turbine shell and the output for decoupling the turbine shell from the output, and said clutch device is disposed in parallel with the lockup clutch. During braking operations through the electrical machine the lockup clutch and the turbine clutch are being deactivated. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308376 | Ratcheting Mechanism - A ratcheting mechanism for a hand-held tool is provided. The mechanism includes a housing having a central opening and a pair of slots disposed on opposite sides of the opening. Each slot has an arcuate or circular end portion opposite the central opening which circumscribes an arc of greater than 180° in order to pivotally retain a generally circular stem of a pawl therein. Due to the presence of a pair of biasing members within the housing, each pawl is biased inwardly towards the central opening and into engagement with teeth located on the exterior of a gear rotatably disposed within the central opening. A cap rotatably connected to the housing over the pawls and the central opening is able to selectively disengage one of the pawls to allow the rotation of the gear within the central opening in a specified direction. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308377 | CLUTCH MECHANISM - A clutch mechanism has rotational driving force outputting members connected to a rotational driving force input system, rotational driving force receiving members connected to a rotational driving force output system, and a pressing mechanism for pressing the rotational driving force outputting members against the rotational driving force receiving members to keep the rotational driving force outputting members and the rotational driving force receiving members in contact with each other. The pressing mechanism has a constant load applying means and a variable load applying means for together generating the pressing force which brings and keeps the rotational driving force outputting members and the rotational driving force receiving members in contact with each other. A value of a load generated by the constant load applying means being set to be less than the maximum non-slide limit, i.e., the maximum of the non-slide limit which is required for keeping the rotational driving force outputting members and the rotational driving force receiving members in contact with each other to transfer the rotational driving force. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308378 | Coupling device - Cooling oil is fed to a second oil space formed on the inner circumferential side of a hub member, and is also fed through a bypass oil passage to a first oil space formed on the outer circumferential side of a drum member. When the friction plates rotate, with grooves in the friction pads attached to the inner friction plates, the cooling oil flows by inertial force through oil holes in the hub member and through oil holes of the drum member, from the first oil space to the second oil space, and from the second oil space to the first oil space, respectively, through the friction plates. Accordingly, the flow of the cooling oil to the friction plates is improved without notches, etc. in the outer friction plates or in the inner friction plates, resulting in an improvement in cooling of the coupling device. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308379 | Clutch unit - A clutch unit having at least one friction clutch including a pressure disk joined to a housing in a rotationally fixed but axially displaceable manner. A lever system that can pivot axially is arranged between the housing and the pressure disk and can be impinged upon by an actuation device to engage the clutch. An adjusting device that at least partially compensates wear and tear of the friction lining of the clutch engages between the lever system and the housing. The lever system is axially supported on the housing by a rotatable adjusting ring and can be impinged upon in an axial manner in the direction of the adjusting ring by spring elements to produce an axial supporting force that is opposite to the clutch closing pressure applied to the lever system. A force-path characteristic is produced that reduces at least in the working area, wherein the spring elements are deformed for the at least partial wear and tear compensation. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308380 | APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATIC CENTRIFUGAL ENGAGEMENT OF A PRESSURE PLATE - An apparatus and system are disclosed for automatic centrifugal engagement of a pressure plate. The apparatus includes a center clutch coupled rotationally with a transmission input shaft, a clutch basket coupled rotationally with an engine output shaft, and a clutch pack disposed between the center clutch and the clutch basked. The clutch pack includes a plurality of drive plates rotationally coupled to the center clutch and a plurality of friction plates rotationally coupled with the clutch basket. The apparatus also includes a pressure plate assembly that is spring-loaded and disposed between the center clutch and the clutch basket. The pressure plate assembly comprises a pressure plate, a spring plate, and a spring disposed between the pressure plate and the spring plate. The system includes the apparatus and a manual override capable of use with cable actuated and hydraulic actuated clutch levers. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308381 | Clutch brake assembly - A clutch-brake assembly transmits force to rotate a shaft and to retain the shaft against rotation. The assembly includes a plurality of force transmitting members which transmit force between a piston and a base member. A plurality of springs urge the piston to move relative to the base member. A plurality of spring retainers are disposed between the base member and the piston. Each of the spring retainers includes a plurality of projecting portions extending from the base portion. Each of the springs is telescopically disposed on one of the projecting portions. Each of the force transmitting members is disposed between adjacent spring retainers. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308382 | POWER TRANSMITTING APPARATUS - A power transmitting apparatus can comprise a clutch housing, a plurality of driving clutch plates, a plurality of driven clutch plates movable for carrying out the pressure-contact or release relative to the driving clutch plates, a clutch member, a pressure member, pressure-contact assisting cam, back-torque limiting cam characterized in that one set of cam surfaces of the pressure-contact assisting cam or the back-torque limiting cam are arranged so that they extend along a circumferential edge of the clutch member. A crowning can be formed on one set of cam surfaces in their extending direction and/or their width direction. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308383 | Bottled water distribution method and bottle return apparatus - Method and apparatus for bottled beverage distribution. Apparatus includes bin, means for receiving bottles, sensor and receipt dispenser. Method of selling includes providing an inventory, assigning identification indicia, assigning first and second purchase prices and positioning apparatus for receiving, storing and dispensing receipt. Method of distributing includes delivering to a first location water bottles, positioning at a second location a receiving, storing and receipt dispensing apparatus, and retrieving empty bottles from the apparatus. Method of distributing includes creating an account, assigning a first amount charged for each bottle sold, assigning a second amount deducted from the first amount for each bottle received, delivering bottles and positioning a receiving, storing and receipt dispensing apparatus. Method of distributing includes delivering inventory of drinking water, transferring ownership of the inventory, invoicing for each bottle delivered and retrieving empty drinking water bottles from bottle return apparatus. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308384 | MOBILE OIL SANDS MINING SYSTEM - A process line for excavating and processing oil sands ore near a mine face. A mobile excavator excavates ore along the length of a mobile mining conveyor. A mobile comminutor receives and comminutes the excavated ore and transfers the comminuted ore to the mobile mining conveyor. The mobile mining conveyor conveys the comminuted ore to a transfer conveyor that conveys the comminuted ore to a mobile slurry facility. The mobile slurry facility combines the comminuted ore with process water to produce a slurry and pumps and conditions the slurry through a hydro-transport pipeline to a mobile extraction facility as a slurry feed. The mobile extraction facility receives the slurry feed and directs the slurry feed and a water stream as inputs to a three stage countercurrent cyclone separator. The cyclone separator produces a bitumen rich stream and a tailings stream. The bitumen rich stream is directed to a froth concentration unit that separates the bitumen rich stream into a bitumen product stream, a recycled water stream and a fine tailings stream. The fine tailings stream is combined with the tailings stream to produce a tailings product stream that is directed to a tailings treatment facility. The tailings treatment facility receives the tailings product and combines the tailings product with an additive to produce a treated tailings stream that is directed to a tailings pond for separation into a dry tails phase and a water phase that may be collected and recycled as industrial process water. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308385 | Newel Guide for Supporting a Handrail Traveling Over a Newel - The present invention provides a newel guide for supporting a handrail, comprising: a friction belt having a closed curved shape and including an outer surface in contact with an internal surface of the handrail; and a support member for supporting an inner surface of the friction belt to allow the friction belt to make an endless continuous movement around the support member. The support member includes a newel frame having a pair of plate members at its upper portion, wherein the plate members are separated from each other and extend in a longitudinal direction of the newel frame. An intermediate guide is mounted on the pair of plate members and has a depressed surface in contact with the inner surface of the friction belt. A pair of joint guides is mounted to the newel frame adjacent to both ends of the intermediate guide, wherein an end of the joint guide provides a support surface for supporting the endless continuous movement of the friction belt. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308386 | Device for Buffering Products and a Method of Operating This - A device for buffering products comprises a plurality of accumulating conveyors ( | 2008-12-18 |
20080308387 | RECEIVE DEVICE AND CONVEYOR METHOD - A receive device of a conveyor unit, an apparatus including the receive device and a method for transporting rod-like articles for tobacco-processing. The receive device includes a deceleration device to decelerate the rod-like articles and an acceleration device to accelerate the rod-like articles. The acceleration device is arranged downstream from the deceleration device. A conveyor speed limit device is located between the deceleration device and the acceleration device. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308388 | Aircraft baggage conveyor system - The invention relates to an aircraft baggage conveyor system having containers which are of different sizes and are provided for holding and transporting pieces of baggage with different dimensions. In order to differentiate the containers of different sizes within the system and to ensure that they can be stopped reliably using simple means and in a more precisely positioned fashion than in the past taking into account their differences in length and size, it is proposed that, in order to detect and to control preferably the oversized containers within the aircraft baggage conveyor system, a magnetic sensor system is provided between the container belt and the container. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308389 | ROLLER CONVEYOR AND CONVEYANCE CONTROL METHOD - A roller conveyor is disclosed that constitutes a conveying path with plural rollers arranged in parallel. The roller conveyor includes the plural rollers in alignment with one another on both sides of the conveying path, and a roller driving motor provided to each of the rollers. In the roller conveyor, the rollers are directly linked to rotary shafts of the corresponding roller driving motors. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308390 | POWER DRIVE UNIT WITH ECCENTRIC ROLLER LIFT SYSTEM - A cargo power drive unit (PDU) includes a housing, and a shaft rotatably mounted in the housing. The shaft has a longitudinal axis, an end, and a spindle outwardly extending from the end. The spindle is radially offset from the longitudinal axis. The PDU further includes a lift roller having a center axis, and having an opening that is radially offset from the center axis. The spindle is non-rotatably received in the opening of the lift roller. When the shaft rotates in the housing and the lift roller contacts a stationary support beneath the housing, at least a portion of the housing is lifted away from the stationary support by the roller. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308391 | Conveyor Belt Monitoring - A system of monitoring operation for a conveyor belt installation includes a conveyor belt having steel or other relatively magnetically permeable reinforcing material, the system including, in proximity to the conveyor belt, a magnetic field generator, and a sensor unit at a position downstream from the field generator, the sensor unit sensing the magnetic field emanating from the passing conveyor belt, and a monitoring unit to receive data related to the magnetic field properties sensed by the sensor unit during a plurality of passages of each part of the length of the conveyor belt past the sensor unit, the monitoring unit incorporation comparison elements to compare a received set of data with an earlier received set of data, and output elements to provide an output signal representative of reinforcement damage or deterioration when subsequently received data has departed from earlier received data by more than a prescribed extent. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308392 | Drive drum for a belt conveyor - A drive drum is disclosed for a belt conveyor that gearlessly drives a conveyed product. For example, at least one motor is located inside the drum shell, said motor being fixed to the drum shell by means of a motor frame on the shell and to a fixed drum shaft by means of a fixed motor frame on said shaft; the drum shell is sealed on both sides by a base on the end face, said bases being provided with centric bearings that support the fixed drum shaft; the two ends of the fixed drum shaft are mounted on shaft fixings; at least one electric connection line, which extends inside or along the drum shaft, runs between a winding of the motor that is fixed to the fixed motor frame, on the shaft and an electric energy supply; the motor(s) has or have a cooling device for the winding; and a coolant supply and a coolant drain of the cooling device and/or a coolant connection line extend inside or along the drum shaft. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308393 | ELECTRICAL SWITCH WITH POSITIVE STATUS INDICATION - An electrical switch includes a rotary switch actuator device, and an actuator locking device. The actuator locking device inhibits the rotation of the rotary switch actuator device when the contacts of the switch are closed. Only when the operator tries to open the switch with an operating handle and the contacts do actually open, a lock release device will release the actuator locking device, and allow the operator to move the operator handle to the position corresponding to the open condition. When the contacts do not open, e.g., because they are welded, the actuator locking device will remain locked and the handle movement is blocked. This provides a robust and safe switch that never gives a false “OFF” indication. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308394 | MICRO-ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEM BASED SWITCHING - A current control device is disclosed. The current control device includes control circuitry integrally arranged with a current path and at least one micro electromechanical system (MEMS) switch disposed in the current path. The current control device further includes a hybrid arcless limiting technology (HALT) circuit connected in parallel with the at least one MEMS switch facilitating arcless opening of the at least one MEMS switch, and a pulse assisted turn on (PATO) circuit connected in parallel with the at least one MEMS switch facilitating arcless closing of the at least one MEMS switch. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308395 | SWITCH - A switch has a case, a fixed contact, and a movable contact. The fixed contact is planted on an inner wall of the case and has a first metal layer on its surface. The movable contact is housed in the case in a movable manner, is in elastic contact with the fixed contact, and has a second metal layer on its surface. The first metal layer and the second metal layer have luster. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308396 | SWITCH MECHANISM USABLE UNDERWATER - The present invention provides a switch mechanism usable underwater including a rear cover serving as an exterior member, two shaft members being displaceable in a shaft direction and fitting into two shaft holes having the same cross-sectional area provided in the rear cover, an O-ring watertightly maintaining the shaft member and the shaft hole, and a lever member being engaged with the two shaft members in a manner to be capable of pressing-down or pulling-up the shaft member, and being configured to balance water pressure applied to one shaft member with that applied to the other shaft member. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308397 | Keyboard - A keyboard includes a key module and a base. The key module includes at least a second anchor portion. The base has a first anchor portion corresponding to the second anchor portion that is engageable with each other to couple the key module with the base. The base further has a signal transmission module to form electric connection with the key module. The keyboard thus formed is thinner. Assembly is simpler and production cost is lower. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308398 | Electronic Apparatus - An electronic apparatus, an imaging apparatus, and a printer are provided. The electronic apparatus includes a main body case; a cover that is provided on the main body case so as to be openable and closable; a button, which is provided on the cover, for making a pressing operation; and a switch that is provided on the main body case, the switch being pressed by receiving a pressing force from the button in a state where the cover is closed. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308399 | Switch Mechanism and Disk Device | 2008-12-18 |
20080308400 | WORK MACHINE OPERATOR INPUT ASSEMBLY - An operator input assembly includes an operator input device. The operator input device includes a paddle and a leaf spring interfacing with the paddle so as to bias the paddle to a predetermined position. The paddle includes a region which interfaces with the leaf spring. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308401 | Compound operation input device - A compound operation input device includes a casing; an operating lever accommodatable in the casing in such a manner that the lever is depressingly operable from a neutral position in a pressing-movement direction and swingingly operable from the neutral position in two opposite swinging directions intersecting the pressing-movement direction; a position detector accommodatable in the casing and adapted to output a signal in accordance with a swing of the lever; a pressing member facing an end surface of the lever on the pressing-movement direction side; and a press switch facing the pressing member with a depressible portion of the switch facing a direction substantially orthogonal to the pressing-movement direction and the swinging directions of the lever. The pressing member is adapted to move toward the switch when pressed by the end surface of the lever so as to depress the depressible portion of the switch. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308402 | PURIFICATION OF AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS OF ORGANIC ACIDS - The invention relates to a method and a device for the purification of an aqueous solution of an organic acid having a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of less than 450° C., which-further has approximately 275 g carboxylate ions/1 or less, preferably 250 g carboxylate ions/1 or less, and preferably less than 1% by weight ionic impurities, calculated on the basis of the total solution. In particular, the invention relates to a method and a device for the continuous purification and concentration, on an industrial scale, of an aqueous solution of an organic acid having a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of less than 450° C. According to the method, this solution is subjected to two or more distillation steps, the first distillation step being carried out at a temperature of from 80° to 150° C. and a pressure of from 50 to 250 mbar, and the second distillation step being carried out at a temperature of from 80° to 200° C. and a pressure of from 0.01 to 50 mbar. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308403 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VACUUM OR PRESSURE DISTILLATION - A method of separating salts from a feedwater stream includes the steps of (a) circulating a heat exchange media fluid serially between a holding tank, a condenser and an evaporator; (b) evaporating at least about 20% of the feedwater stream by thermal contact with the heat exchange media fluid in the evaporator to yield steam and a hot brine stream; (c) pressurizing the steam in a compressor operating at between about 30% and about 60% efficiency and at a pressure differential of between about 0.5 psi and about 5 psi; and (d) condensing the steam by thermal contact with the heat exchange media fluid in the condenser to yield a hot condensate stream and a heated heat exchange media fluid. In the invention, the feedwater stream is initially pre-heated by thermal contact with the hot condensate stream in a pre-heater to yield a cool condensate product stream and an initially pre-heated feedwater stream, and the feedwater stream is further pre-heated by thermal contact with the hot brine stream to yield a cool brine product stream and a further pre-heated feedwater stream. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308404 | Sonication of a Medium - Sonication of a medium for example in an immunoassay is provided by applying sound waves from a transducer to a vessel in which the medium is held via a sonotrode coupled between the transducer and the vessel. The sonotrode is coupled to the vessel by dry contact with the vessel without any coupling layers therebetween. The sonotrode which is operated in resonance has an arrangement with two protruding portions separated by a slit in the manner of a tuning fork with the vessel being mechanically held in a recess formed between the two protruding portions. The use of such a sonotrode provides the advantages of allowing effective sonication without remarkable energy loss and with a low temperature elevation | 2008-12-18 |
20080308405 | Optical Fiber Photocatalytic Reactor And Process For The Decomposition Of Nitrogen Oxide Using Said Reactor - An optical fiber photocatalytic reactor is provided. The reactor comprises a reaction zone and multiple fibers located in the reaction zone. The fiber comprises a photocatalyst that is coated onto its surface via a thermal hydrolysis method. The adhesion between the fiber and the photocatalyst thereon is strong, and thus, the delamination of the photocatalyst film on the fiber can be prevented. Moreover, the optical fiber photocatalytic reactor is useful for the decomposition of nitrogen oxide which is one of air's most harmful contaminants. The present invention exhibits a high conversion of nitrogen oxide. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308406 | Assemblies of anisotropic nanoparticles - Methods and compositions of matter are described for assemblies of anisotropic nanoparticles. A method, includes forming a substantially close packed dense layer by assembling a plurality of anisotropic nanoparticles, each of the plurality of anisotropic nanoparticles having a) a first dimension that is substantially different than both a second dimension and a third dimension and b) a non-random nanoparticle crystallographic orientation that is substantially aligned with the first direction, wherein assembling includes mechanically interacting the plurality of anisotropic nanoparticles by imposing a delocalized force that defines a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a basal plane of the substantially closed packed dense layer; and imposing a fluctuating force to which the anisotropic nanoparticles respond, wherein fluctuations in a magnitude of the imposed force are sufficient to overcome a short range weak attractive force between members of the plurality of anisotropic nanoparticles with respect to anisotropic nanoparticles that are not substantially overlapping. The plurality of anisotropic nanoparticles are substantially aligned with respect to each other to define the substantially close packed dense layer and the substantially closed packed dense layer has a non-random shared crystallographic orientation that is substantially aligned with the basal plane of the substantially close packed dense layer. A composition of matter, includes a plurality of anisotropic nanoparticles that are in physical contact with one another, each of the plurality of anisotropic nanoparticles having a) a first dimension that is substantially different than both a second dimension and a third dimension and b) a non-random nanoparticle crystallographic orientation that is substantially aligned with the first direction. The plurality of anisotropic nanoparticles are substantially aligned with respect to each other to define a substantially close packed dense layer having a non-random shared crystallographic orientation that is substantially aligned with a basal plane of the substantially close packed dense layer. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308407 | PHOTO-INDUCED REDUCTION-OXIDATION CHEMISTRY OF CARBON NANOTUBES - Described herein is a method for the photo-induced reduction/oxidation of carbon nanotubes, and their use in photochemical cells and in electrochemical cells for the generation of hydrogen. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308408 | METHOD FOR INCREASING AN AMOUNT OF EFFECTIVE CONSTITUENTS FROM A PLANT IN A SOLVENT - A method for increasing an amount of effective constituents from a plant in a solvent is provided. The method comprises steps of treating the solvent with a far-infrared radiating (FIR) material and extracting the effective constituents from the plant by the treated solvent for increasing the amount of the effective constituents dissolved in the solvent. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308409 | EMBEDDED MULTI-INDUCTIVE LARGE AREA PLASMA SOURCE - Plasma generating devices, systems and processes are provided in which hybrid capacitively coupled plasma (CCP) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) sources use a plurality of primary plasma generating cells embedded into large area electrode or elsewhere in communication with a plasma processing chamber. Plasma is generated and maintained by a shaped low-inductance element within each of a plurality of locally enhanced ICP micro-cells coupled to the chamber through a CCP electrode. The source is suitable for processing large diameter (300 mm and larger) semiconductor wafers and large area panels, including plasma screen displays. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308410 | Redundant Anode Sputtering Method and Assembly - A method is provided for coating a substrate with the aid of a magnetron cathode and two electrodes which are alternately impinged upon by a positive potential and a negative potential. Also disclosed is an assembly for coating a substrate, comprising a vacuum chamber, a magnetron cathode, two electrodes, and a voltage source. A negative potential is generated at a level that is no greater than the level of the cathode potential, thus preventing the electrode that is to be cleaned from being stripped to a greater extent than the same was coated in the previous half-wave. The magnetron cathode and the electrodes are connected to the voltage source via switching elements without being galvanically such that a negative and a positive voltage generated from the voltage source can be alternatively applied to the electrodes, the level of said voltage being no greater than the cathode voltage. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308411 | METHOD AND PROCESS FOR DEPOSITION OF TEXTURED ZINC OXIDE THIN FILMS - A method for sputtering a textured zinc oxide coating onto a substrate by reactive-environment hollow cathode sputtering comprises providing a sputter reactor that has a cathode channel and a flow exit end. The cathode channel allows a gas stream to flow therein. This cathode channel is at least partially defined by a channel-defining surface that includes at least one zinc-containing target. A gas is flowed through the channel, such that the gas emerges from the flow exit. A plasma is then generated such that material is sputtered off the channel-defining surface to form a gaseous mixture containing zinc atoms that is transported to the substrate. A reactive gas is then introduced into the sputter reactor so that the reactive gas reacts with the zinc-containing gaseous mixture to form the textured zinc oxide coating. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308412 | MULTITARGET SPUTTER SOURCE AND METHOD FOR THE DEPOSITION OF MULTI-LAYERS - Apparatus and methods for sputtering are provided, which are useful for sputtering high magnetization saturation materials. In one embodiment, a plurality of sputtering target arrangements are arranged concentrically, wherein independent magnetic fields can be generated at least partially above the respective target arrangements. One or several target arrangements can include respective upper and lower parts that are spaced from one another but arranged in essentially parallel planes. Methods include co-sputtering from multiple target arrangements to produce sputtered alloy layers on a substrate, as well as alternately sputtering from different target arrangements to produce a plurality of sputtered layers on the substrate. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308413 | Electrochemical Deposition of Compounds in a Continuous Flow of Liquid - An apparatus for rinsing liquid medium is described, the apparatus is an electrochemical cell comprising an anode with a precious metal and at least one cathode made of a non-metallic support material in the form of fibre positioned to form a mesh or a felted mat. The support material of the cathode is treated with a metal. When the electrochemical cell is in function, compounds and/or particles of a liquid to treat are deposited on the mat(s) functioning as the cathodes. The cathodes are easily replaced e.g. when no more compounds can be deposited on the mat. Pure samples of metals can be obtained by burning away the support material of the cathodes. The electrochemical cell is especially suitable to treat water including process water, waste water, and ground water. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308414 | End-Box for Mercury Cathode Alkali Chloride Electrolysis Cell - There is disclosed an inlet and outlet end-box design for mercury cathode chlor-alkali electrolysis cells of extended lifetime, comprising a composite mechanical structure consisting of a carbon steel bottom entirely supporting the mechanical solicitations, a plastic cover, and a hydraulic head device for washing the mercury and the amalgam. The device is partially extractable thereby allowing the withdrawal of foreign materials accumulated during operation with no need for opening the end-boxes. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308415 | Cathodes for Aluminum Electrolysis Cell with Expanded Graphite Lining - Cathodes for aluminum electrolysis cells are formed of cathode blocks and current collector bars attached to those blocks. The cathode slots receiving the collector bar are lined with expanded graphite lining thus providing longer useful lifetime of such cathodes and increased cell productivity. The expanded graphite provides a good electrical and thermal conductivity especially with its plane layer. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308416 | SPUTTERING TARGET HAVING INCREASED LIFE AND SPUTTERING UNIFORMITY - A sputtering target for a sputtering chamber comprises a backing plate with a sputtering plate mounted thereon. In one version, the backing plate comprises a circular plate having a front surface comprising an annular groove. The sputtering plate comprises a disk comprising a sputtering surface and a backside surface having a circular ridge that is shaped and sized to fit into the annular groove of the backing plate. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308417 | Sputtering Apparatus - A sputtering apparatus includes target holders | 2008-12-18 |
20080308418 | Adhesion of Membranes on Nitride Layer in Electrochemical Sensors by Attachment to Underlying Oxide Layer - An electrochemical sensor is provided that exhibits improved adhesion of the membrane to the nitride layer used as an insulating layer in silicon- or silicon-oxide-based electrochemical sensing devices. The sensing devices include a substrate, an oxide disposed on the substrate, a nitride disposed on the oxide, an electrically conductive structure disposed on the oxide layer, and an electrode disposed on the oxide layer and electrically coupled to the electrically conductive structure. At least one opening is formed in the nitride layer to form at least one adhesion trench that exposes a surface region of an oxide layer underlying the nitride layer. The membrane covers the electrode, and contacts the oxide surface regions exposed by the adhesion trenches. The contact between the membrane and the oxide surface region provides for improved adhesion of the membrane to the electrochemical sensing device. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308419 | Chip for electrochemical immunoassay - The present invention provides a chip | 2008-12-18 |
20080308420 | Proton Conductive Material, Process for Producing the Same, Hydrogen Concentration Cell, Hydrogen Sensor and Fuel Cell - This provides a proton conductive material capable of operating from a low temperature range to a middle temperature range and being produced easily at low cost and a process for producing the same. This also provides a hydrogen concentration cell, a hydrogen sensor and a fuel cell equipped with the proton conductive material. The proton conductive material contains the element of calcium, the element of sulfur and the element of hydrogen, respectively, and having a proton conductivity of not less than 10 | 2008-12-18 |
20080308421 | Device for the Adjustment of the Ph of Aqueous Solutions - A device for adjustment of the pH of a target liquid includes a working electrode ( | 2008-12-18 |
20080308422 | Protein Sample Preparation - In one aspect, the invention provides methods for protein sample preparation for electrophoretic separation. The method comprises a step of providing a protein sample in solution, adding a chaotrope to the protein sample, adding a surfactant to the protein sample, wherein the final concentration of the surfactant in the solution is less than critical micelle concentration of the surfactant. In another aspect, the invention also provides methods of electrophoretic separation of protein samples that includes the protein sample preparation method as described herein. In yet another aspect, the invention provides a loading buffer solution composition for protein sample preparation that includes a surfactant in solution at a final concentration that is less than critical micelle concentration of the surfactant, and; a chaotrope. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308423 | Electrodeposition baths containing a mixture of boron-containing compounds and chlorhexidine - Disclosed is an electrodeposition bath comprising a mixture of (i) at least one boron-containing compounds and (ii) chlorhexidine for controlling the growth of microorganisms in the electrodeposition bath. The combination of (i) and (ii) at a low concentration provides better control of microbes than does either (i) or (ii) at higher concentrations. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308424 | MAGNESIUM ALLOY MEMBER, METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SAME, AND TRANSPORTER COMPRISING THE SAME - A magnesium alloy member includes a member main body formed of a magnesium alloy containing aluminum, and an anodic oxidation coating covering at least a portion of the member main body. The anodic oxidation coating includes a porous first layer and a second layer located between the first layer and the member main body and having a higher aluminum content than that of the first layer. The ratio of the thickness of the second layer with respect to the thickness of the anodic oxidation preferably is about 5% to about 20%. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308425 | CORROSION AND WEAR RESISTANT COATING FOR MAGNETIC STEEL - A method is provided for manufacturing a magnetic steel component. An electroless nickel plating is formed on a substrate that includes magnetic steel. A thermal cycle is thereafter performed at a temperature that is sufficiently high to sinter the electroless nickel plating and thereby form a densified plating on the substrate. According to one embodiment, the thermal cycle includes a solid state diffusion sintering process wherein the substrate and the densified plating are heated to a temperature of at least about 1300° F. (about 704° C.) but.below the melting temperature of the electroless nickel plating. According to another embodiment, the thermal cycle includes a transient liquid phase sintering process wherein the substrate and the densified plating are heated at least to the melting temperature of the electroless plating. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308426 | Electrochemical Method for the Production of Betulin Aldehyde - The present invention provides a method for manufacturing betulin aldehyde from betulin. The method includes: (a) electrochemically forming a oxoammonium ion from a nitroxyl radical; and (b) contacting betulin with the oxoammonium ion, for a period of time effective to provide the betulin aldehyde. The betulin aldehyde can subsequently be converted to betulinic acid, employing, e.g., NaClO2 or KClO2. The betulinic acid can be purified from from any unreacted betulin by converting the betulinic acid into a corresponding salt (Na, K, Li, Na, Ca, Mg, Ba, or Al), and separating the salt from the unreacted betulin. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308427 | SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR PRODUCING ALCOHOL - A production system and process comprising mixing electrochemically-activated liquid and feedstock granules to form a slurry a slurry cooker, and producing alcohol from the slurry. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308428 | Method for generating high concentration chlorine dioxide by means of electrolysis - A method for generating high concentration chlorine dioxide having purity over 90% by means of an electrolytic procedure using an electrolytic material prepared from NaCl and NaClO | 2008-12-18 |
20080308429 | METHOD FOR IMPROVING CATHODE MORPHOLOGY - An acidic aqueous electrolyte solution for production of a nickel cathode is provided which includes nickel ions, and 2,5-dimethyl-3-hexyne-2,5-diol. The 2,5-dimethyl-3-hexyne-2,5-diol may be present in the acidic aqueous electrolyte solution in an amount ranging from about 5 ppm to about 300 ppm. Also provided is a process for electrowinning or electrorefining a nickel cathode which includes providing an acidic aqueous electrolyte solution including nickel ions, and 2,5-dimethyl-3-hexyne-2,5-diol; and electrolytically depositing nickel to form a nickel cathode. Addition of 2,5-dimethyl-3-hexyne-2,5-diol results in a reduction of striations and other defects which may occur on the surface of cathodes made by electrowinning or electrorefining. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308430 | Packaging for a Disposable Item - Packaging ( | 2008-12-18 |
20080308431 | STRUCTURES FOR CREATING SMOKING ARTICLES AND METHODS OF PACKAGING SAME - Aspects of the invention generally provide methods and structures for rolling paper structures for an end user to create a cigar or cigarette. In one aspect, a rolling paper structure is provided including a first paper section having a first height, a second paper section coupled to the first paper section and the second paper section having a second height longer than the first height, and an optional adhesive disposed on the second paper section. The rolling paper structure may be folded between the first paper section and the second paper section having a portion extending beyond the first paper section. A plurality of the rolling paper structures may be disposed in a storage structure. A method for disposing rolling paper structures in and retrieving rolling papers structures from the storage structure is also provided. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308432 | Wrapped bundle of smoking articles - A wrapped bundle comprises an inner liner wrapped about a predetermined collation of smoking articles, the inner liner comprising an inner liner outer edge, the inner liner further comprising at least two sections defining an opening in the wrapped bundle, at least one section of the at least two sections being provided with means for releasably attaching the at least two sections to reclose the opening, wherein at least one section comprises a part of the inner liner outer edge. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308433 | PROCESSING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - A manufacturing facility includes a storage facility and a production facility. Workpieces are located in the storage facility in temporary storage accommodations, and are moved between the storage facility and stations in the production facility by mobile carrier units. The temporary storage accommodations may be units having a generally circular lading envelope, and an hexagonal optimal packing density. The optimal packing density is such that supports for the accommodation units lies outside the lading envelope circle, but within the corner regions of the hexagons of the packing density pattern. The accommodation units have lifting fittings that are accessible from the corners of the hexagons, whether the same as those of the supports, or different ones. The mobile carrier units may be automated guided vehicles. The guided vehicle may be electronically controlled to prick up and deliver workpieces from one location to another, and may include self-navigating software, and interactive communication with other guided vehicle to permit suitable routes to be chosen or to permit obstacles to be avoided. The facility may include a vertical degree of freedom, or workpiece retrieval apparatus used for transferring workpieces between the storage accommodations and the automated guided vehicles, or to other locations. The workpiece retrieval apparatus may be mounted on a bridge, and may include a multi-element raising any lowering array that is biased to oppose torsional deflection of the lifting member. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308434 | Protective Sleeve For A Disc-Shaped Recording Medium, Such As A Compact Disc, A Holder For A Sleeve And An Assembly Of A Holder And A Sleeve - A protective sleeve ( | 2008-12-18 |
20080308435 | MEDIA STORAGE CONTAINER, APPARATUS AND METHOD - A media storage apparatus includes a frame, a shaft, and a plurality of retainers for retaining a plurality of portable planar storage media. The plurality of retainers is supported by the shaft and rotatable about the shaft from a selectable position to a selected position. The apparatus further includes a retainer selection mechanism, coupled to the frame, that traverses the frame to cause selected ones of the plurality of retainers traversed by the retainer selection mechanism to rotate in sequence from the selectable position to the selected position. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308436 | MULTI-PURPOSE GOLF BAG - A golf bag includes an elongated body having a top and bottom, a plurality of openings within the elongated body providing access to elongated slots that extend from the top of the bag substantially to the bottom of the bag, and at least one aperture extending into the elongated body with a drawer slidably disposed within the body. The plurality of openings may be used to hold golf clubs and other accessories and may be formed along at least part of a peripheral portion of the top of the bag. The drawers may be used to store personal items. The golf bag may also include a top that is angled and/or a heel portion on the bottom of the bag. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308437 | Notebook computer protector - A notebook computer protector formed of a top protective shell and a bottom protective shell for covering the top and bottom cover shells of the housing of a notebook computer for protection is disclosed in which the top protective shell and the bottom protective shell each have a peripheral wall, a coupling flange extending from the peripheral wall, and a plurality of hooks protruded from the coupling flange at predetermined locations, and the coupling flanges of the top and bottom protective shells are abutted against each other and the hooks of the top cover shell are forced into engagement with the hooks of the bottom protective shell when the top and bottom cover shells are attached together to hold a computer inside. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308438 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TRANSPORTING AND STORING A PLUMBING TOOL - A plumbing tool transporting and storing device and method for entirely concealing a plumbing tool such as a toilet brush or plumbing plunger, and transporting that tool without risk of dripping effluent or displaying the device's contents, and for storing the tool efficiently and conveniently. The device is used by placing the tool into the device through a specially designed opening, then picking the device up by its handle, and carrying it to its destination, avoiding unwanted attention as the concealed tool is transported through common areas. The device may then be hung on a surface such as a wall or rack, by a bracket system or by the handle. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308439 | Grooved Lid for Packaging of Fresh Fruits, Vegetables and Flowers in Corresponding Modified Atmosphere Trays - This invention relates to novel designs of tray lids and tray bases for modified atmosphere packaging of fresh fruit, vegetables and cut flowers. More particularly, this invention relates to novel designs of landscaped lids and corresponding tray bases which enable cooling air to be circulated in single or multiple directions through stacked lid and tray combinations that contain fresh fruits, vegetables and cut flowers in a modified atmosphere environment. The gas-permeable modified atmosphere package comprises a lid constructed of a polymer, the lid having on the top surface thereof at the mid-regions of each side a plurality of raised load supports and in between grooves; and a base with a hollow interior constructed of corrugated kraft paper polymer and having a configuration at the top edges which conforms with the interior profile of the lid; the grooves enabling air to be circulated over the lid when one package combination is stacked on another. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308440 | Tree Cover System - Embodiments of the invention relate to reusable tree cover systems and methods that may be used with live trees or artificial trees. The cover systems may be stored in a pouch placed around the lower trunk of the tree from which the cover or tree bag is withdrawn and pulled up to substantially enclose the tree for transport and/or storage. The reusable systems may be designed to facilitate removal of the cover systems from the stored/covered tree while minimizing the undesirable forces on the tree and the cover system. This may be done by providing features that facilitate removing the cover systems in an upward direction relative to the tree along the stored/covered tree. As this removal direction is the same direction used to store/cover the tree in the first place and matches the natural bending/storing direction of the tree, storing and removal are facilitated by these systems. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308441 | LANCET DISPENSER - Medical dispensers having cap removal feature are disclosed. An illustrative medical dispenser can include a container body having an interior chamber adapted to contain a number of unused medical instruments, and an opening mechanism on the container body for providing access to the contents within the interior chamber. A gripping element on the exterior of the container body can be used to facilitate the removal of a portion of the medical instrument. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308442 | WATER BOTTLE WITH MEANS FOR PERSONALIZING - A disposable drink container that includes a bottle that is formed of a plastic material. The bottle has an externally threaded spout and a sidewall. A cap that is threadably engaged to the threaded spout to thereby close the threaded spout. An array of raised projections is formed on an exterior surface of the sidewall. The raised projections are arranged in at least four columns and at least four rows. Each of the projections is deformable. A method for personally identifying a disposable drink container is also provided. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308443 | PACKAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE - A packaging system includes a container having a closed end, an open end, a longitudinal axis running through the closed end and the open end, and an outer surface, a closure assembly fitted to the open end of the container and having an access port, and a detachable cap disposed over the access port. The system also includes a label disposed about the container, the label having first and second sections separated by a perforated boundary. The first section of the label is attached at least in part to the outer surface of the container and extends between the closed end and the perforated boundary. The second section extends at least between the perforated boundary and the cap. A method of using the system is also provided. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308444 | PACKAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ALERTING A PRACTITIONER - A packaging system includes a container having a closed end, an open end, a longitudinal axis running through the closed end and the open end, and an outer surface, a closure assembly fitted to the open end of the container and having an access port, and a detachable cap disposed over the access port. The system also includes a label disposed about the container, the label having a first region angled relative to the longitudinal axis, the first region consisting essentially of a name of a product. A method of alerting a practitioner to contents of a container is also provided. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308445 | Blister Pack - A storage device for storing an ingestible substance includes a composite card having one or more perforated seams defining a plurality of individual cards connected together in a matrix. Each individual card includes a first side edge, a second side edge disposed transverse to the first side edge, a blister, and a first backing material. The blister extends from a first face of the individual card and is adapted to contain at least one dose of the ingestible substance. The first backing material is at least partly adhered to a second face of the individual card. The first backing material defines a pull tab that extends along the entirety of the first or second side edge. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308446 | Fly girl/guy perfume/aftershave towelettes for air travelers - In summary, this invention Fly Girl/Guy Perfume/Aftershave Towelettes for Air Travelers, is basically, perfume/aftershave soaked towelettes, in a clear plastic jar. The jar holds 10-20, 1″ inch square perfume/aftershave towelettes, folded and interlapping, with the fragrance of your choice. Containers and Contents amount to 0.75 ounces, 23 ml. up to 1.5 ounces, 45 ml. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308447 | Stackable Storage Crate - A stackable storage crate ( | 2008-12-18 |
20080308448 | Inflatable Food Carrier Case - An inflatable food carrier case formed of flexible plastics material has an outer wall and inner wall to create an inflatable air chamber there between. Upon inflation of the air chamber the case provides protection for the enclosed item(s) of food, such as fruit. There may be a semi-rigid rim to provide structure to the body of the case. The case is formed in two halves and joined together via a hinge. Air inlets/outlets are provided across the hinge to allow air to flow into other air chambers. A valve is provided in the outer wall for inflation. An attachment device is provided for a clip or similar device to enable attachment to another article. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308449 | Package for Dispensing Individual Portions - A container which comprises an upper wall panel, a bottom wall panel, and first and second sidewalls, a cover panel connected to a side marginal edge of one of the sidewalls, and a blister pack forming a portion of the upper wall panel, the blister pack comprising a blister layer having a plurality of pockets formed therein with a foil layer overlying the blister pockets, and a paperboard layer secured thereto with a plurality of tear strips formed in the paperboard layer. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308450 | KIT FOR FABRICATING AND MAINTAINING DENTURES AND DENTAL APPARATUS AND FOR PERSONAL PROFESSIONAL TOOTH WHITENING BY AUTONOMOUS DENTAL IMPRESSION TAKING - The present invention relates to a kit for whitening teeth and a kit for fabricating a dental apparatus and/or denture without visiting the dentist or stomataologist. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308451 | Gag gift emergency bathroom kit - A gag gift item includes a generally hollow base member having each of a predetermined shape and a predetermined size and formed from a first pre-selected material. A lid member, having each of a second predetermined shape and a second predetermined size and formed from a second predetermined material is hingedly attached to the base member. A closure mechanism having a first portion attached to the base member and a second portion attached to the lid member is provided for maintaining such lid member in a closed position when the gift item is not in use. Finally, there is a plurality of pre-selected items useful in bathroom emergencies disposed within the generally hollow base member. | 2008-12-18 |
20080308452 | Containers for transferring products and methods for their transfer - Methods, systems, and containers for transporting products, such as medical products are disclosed. The methods and systems involve identifying an environmental condition of a place to where a product is to be shipped, identifying an environmental condition of a place from which the product is to be shipped, identifying the amount of time that the product is expected to be in transit during shipping, and determining the type of container and cooling element that should be employed to transport the product. | 2008-12-18 |