48th week of 2010 patent applcation highlights part 14 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20100301097 | Loading Unit Having Drive Assembly Locking Mechanism - A disposable loading unit is provided which includes a tool assembly and a body portion. A drive assembly is movably positioned at least partly within the body portion and is operably associated with the tool assembly to operate the tool assembly. A locking mechanism is provided for maintaining the drive assembly in a prefired position prior to and during attachment of a DLU to a surgical instrument. The locking mechanism includes a locking member and a locking member actuator. The locking member actuator is movable to move the locking member to an unlocked position in response to linear insertion of an insertion tip of the DLU into a surgical instrument. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301098 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND METHOD FOR PERFORING A RESECTION - An end effector for use with a surgical instrument comprising an anvil shaft, a first anvil assembly disposed at a distal portion of the anvil shaft and a second anvil assembly mountable on the anvil shaft proximally of the first anvil assembly. Also, a method for performing a surgical procedure is provided including the steps of providing a surgical instrument including a first cartridge assembly and a first anvil assembly having an anvil shaft, approximating the first anvil assembly and first cartridge assembly and ejecting staples from the first cartridge assembly. The method further includes removing the first cartridge assembly from the tubular organ, and inserting a second anvil assembly into the tubular organ to engage the anvil shaft of the first anvil assembly and ejecting staples from a second cartridge assembly towards the second anvil assembly. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301099 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING VEHICLE BODY AND WELDING FACILITY - A welding facility includes a main welding line for manufacturing an assembly of frame members, and a sub-welding line for manufacturing an assembly of panel members, the sub-welding line merging with the main welding line. The main welding line is comprised of a plurality of welding stages provided with a welding robot, the sub-welding line is provided at the end with a transfer mechanism for transferring the panel member assembly to the desired welding stage, and the merging parts are changeable according to the type of product to be welded. The facility permits a plurality of vehicle bodies having different vehicle types to be manufactured using the same manufacturing line. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301100 | HIGH SPEED BALL SHEAR MACHINE - A high speed ball shear machine is adapted for removing a metal bump fixed on a substrate. The high speed ball shear machine includes a fixing base, a shear tool, and a metal bump catcher. The substrate is fixed on the top surface of the fixing base. The shear tool is disposed above the top surface. The fixing base is adapted for being translated along a translation path relative to the shear tool, wherein the translation path is a straight path. When the fixing base translates along the path, the metal bump is driven to strike the shear tool so as to separate itself from the substrate. The metal bump catcher, which is adapted for catching the drop bump after the striking, is disposed on the side wall of the fixing base. The bump catcher has a fillister with a configuration depicted in the figures of this invention. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301101 | BONDING APPARATUS AND BONDING STAGE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT METHOD FOR THE BONDING APPARATUS - A bonding apparatus includes: a reference plane; a bonding arm configured to be rotated about a rotation center that is arranged separately from the reference plane and to move a capillary attached at a tip end thereof obliquely toward and away from the reference plane; and an imaging device for optically detecting bonding positions on a semiconductor chip and/or a lead frame, in which an angle between an optical axis being heading for the imaging device from the reference plane and the reference plane is approximately equal to an angle between a motion trajectory of a tip end of the capillary and the reference plane, and thereby the bonding apparatus can have a wide bonding area with a simple mechanism as well as perform high-speed and high-accuracy bonding. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301102 | FLUXER FOR SOLDERING APPARATUS - A fluxer comprises a spray head ( | 2010-12-02 |
20100301103 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE WELDING OF PIPES - Two pipes are arranged end to end, the pipes being shaped such that a groove is defined between the ends of the pipe. A plurality of welding torches are used to weld in the groove, such that at least some of the welding torches perform a first welding pass, the welding characteristics of the torches are adjusted and at least some of the welding torches are used to perform a second welding pass. At least one torch welds in a first sector in the first welding pass and a second sector in the second welding pass, the second sector being different to the first. The sectors might overlap or might not overlap. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301104 | Protective casing - A casing for storing and presenting documents is disclosed which has two sheets of foil of different length joined together along three edges and a top edge joint which creates a protective flap. The back side of the longer sheet is fitted with sleeves for magnets to hold the casing on as door or other substratum. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301105 | Container with flyer disc member - A container with a first member and a second member releasably connected to the first member with a space therebetween, either or both members a flyer disc, the first member having two spaced-apart parts and the second member having a lip releasably held between the two spaced-apart parts; and, in one aspect, an item, e.g. a pizza, in the space. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301106 | BULK CONTAINER FOR LIQUID AND SEMI-LIQUID FLUID - A bulk container for storing, shipping and dispensing liquid and semi-liquid fluids comprises a bin having a sidewall, a closed bottom, and an open top. The sidewall comprises a plurality of interconnected sidewall panels extending at an angle with respect to one another. A lid is covering the open top of the bin and having a discharge opening therethrough adjacent one side edge thereof. A fluid-containing bag is supported in the bin and a discharge valve is on an upper end of the bag where the discharge valve is positioned to extend through the discharge opening. Valve support means in an upper end of the bin for supporting and holding the discharge valve in position to extend through the discharge opening, the valve support means having a valve support opening therethrough with an elongate generally keyhole shape that is wide at one end and narrow at the other end, the narrow end being aligned with the discharge opening through the lid, the discharge valve being received through the narrow end of the valve support opening, and locking means engaged with the discharge valve to hold it in the narrow end of the valve support opening. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301107 | Folded Box for Transport of Cylindrical Articles - The invention relates to a folded box ( | 2010-12-02 |
20100301108 | BULK SHIPPING CONTAINER - A bulk shipping and storage container in the form of a drum is made of corrugated fiberboard and includes a bin with a sidewall, a closed bottom and an open top. The sidewall has a plurality of interconnected sidewall panels, and a rim is on an upper outer surface of the sidewall for engagement by the tines of a forklift to carry the container. The locking structure on the lid and bin enable the lid to be locked in place. The bottom of the container has adhesively attached overlapping panels that provide smooth interior and exterior surfaces. A preferred embodiment has a tray inserted in the bottom and a liner inserted in the tray and extending upwardly inside the sidewall. In another embodiment, a shock-absorbing pad is between the liner and the lid. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301109 | DISPOSABLE CUP ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF MAKING AND USING SAME - A disposable cup assembly having an improved coupling system for connecting a container and lid together is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the coupling system is configured to reduce or eliminate the likelihood of the container contents from spilling when the disposable cup assembly is tipped over or used. The container, in some embodiments, can have threading along the top portion of the container that can preferably be configured to couple with a lid having a threaded flange and can create a robust connection or fitting between the lid and container. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301110 | BAR CODE BAG - In order to identify each single client that regularly buys products in the same shop or group of shops, an innovative, specific, reusable shopping bag is proposed. The characterising feature of this bag resides in the client's identification via a bar code that may be permanently or removably applied on the bag, preferably on the outer side thereof. This bar code may be read by an optical reader in order to sum the number of purchase operations performed by the client during a certain time period, to thereby determine her/his faithfulness. The bag may be produced in various shapes and materials, in particular it could be made of natural, synthetic, or mixed fabrics. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301111 | DEVICE, METHOD AND PROGRAM FOR DETERMINING DENSITY OF BARCODE - The accuracy of reading a barcode embedded in a printed document is maintained, and at the same time, the amount of toner and the like consumed is reduced. When document information read by scanning is analyzed and the density of the document information is higher than a predetermined threshold vale, that is, when the printed document has a space enough to contain the barcode, the density of the barcode is set such that the density of the barcode is decreased as compared with a case where the density of the document information is lower than the predetermined threshold value. By changing the size of dots and the distance between the dots and thus decreasing the density of the barcode, it is possible to reduce the amount of toner and the like consumed. Then, the set barcode is synthesized with the document information, and the synthesized image is output. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301112 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION TO USER WITH EVERY INTERACTION WITH PRINTED SUBSTRATE - A system for providing information to a user via a printed substrate. The substrate comprises user information and coded data. The coded data is indicative of a region identity associated with the substrate and of a plurality of locations on the substrate. The system includes an optically imaging sensing device for sensing the coded data and generating interaction data. Receipt of the interaction data by a computer system causes the computer system to identify and retrieve a page description corresponding to the printed substrate; determine whether the sensing device is positioned within a zone of a hyperlink on the substrate; and (i) if the sensing device is positioned within the zone of the hyperlink: send a hyperlink URI or a hyperlinked resource corresponding to the hyperlink to the user; or (ii) if the sensing device is positioned outside the zone of the hyperlink: generate a query expression, form a request and send search results to the user. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301113 | CONSUMER REWARDS SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A method comprising, in combination: receiving a unique identifier from a consumer; receiving a list of at least one item to be purchased corresponding to a pending transaction; identifying a consumer account associated with the unique identifier; applying at least one accrued point of the consumer account to determine a redemption possibility; and providing a redemption possibility to the consumer. A system comprising, in combination: a point-of-sale (POS) device, further comprising a reader configured to receive a unique identifier and a display configured for providing information to at least one of a merchant and a consumer; an account management system, further comprising an account database containing information regarding at least one consumer account; wherein the POS device and the account management system are communicatively connected to transmit at least one of a unique identifier and a redemption possibility. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301114 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSACTION BASED PROFILING OF CUSTOMERS WITHIN A MERCHANT NETWORK - A computer-based method for managing a profile for a cardholder is provided. The cardholder having an account associated with a payment card. The method includes electronically receiving, at the computer, transaction information for a cardholder for transactions with at least a first business entity and a second business entity, the transaction information including data representing each transaction initiated by the cardholder using the payment card and at least one subdivision within the first business entity, the transaction information further including data representing each transaction initiated by the cardholder using the payment card and the second business entity. The method also includes electronically storing the transaction information within the database, generating a profile of the stored transaction information for the cardholder, the profile including a type, a recency and a frequency of transactions initiated by the cardholder using the payment card and the at least one subdivision, grouping the cardholder into a single cluster with other cardholders registered within the payment card network based on the profile of the cardholder and the other cardholders, and outputting marketing information based on the cluster. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301115 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING, READING AND TRANSFERRING IDENTIFIERS - Systems and methods for generating, reading and transferring identifiers are disclosed. In one embodiment, a handheld system for associating a selected audio content with an object includes an identifier applied to a surface of the object and having a predetermined graphical format that is configured to encode the selected audio content, and a handheld device operable to encode the identifier and further operable to detect an audio content associated with the identifier. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301116 | TRAJECTORY COMPENSATING SIGHTING DEVICE SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A sighting system for visually acquiring a target includes an optic device having a transmissive LED array affixed thereon. The transmissive LED array includes two or more LED elements that are separately addressable to provide an aiming point. In embodiments, the sighting system receives information from an input system, such as ammunition information or environmental information, executes a ballistics program to determine ballistics information using the received information, and determines a range to the target. A controller calculates an aiming point using the ballistics information and the target range. The controller then addresses or energizes one of the LED elements to provide the aiming point. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301117 | System and Method for Storing and Reading Information - The invention relates to a system and a process for storing and reading information, having a data storage medium for storing information and a reading unit for reading the information stored in the data storage medium, the data storage medium having a dielectric and the information being formed by the presence or non-presence of at least one storage electrode in the data storage medium, and the reading unit having at least one input electrode and at least one reading electrode, it being possible for the data storage medium and the reading unit to be coupled to each other, for the purpose of reading the information, in such a manner that the input electrode and the storage electrode form a first capacitor and the reading electrode and the storage electrode form a second capacitor. The reading unit also has means for generating a digital voltage jump at the input electrode and means for comparing the voltage jump occurring at the reading electrode with a reference voltage. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301118 | ANTENNA FOR RFID READER - An antenna for using within an allocated bandwidth having a nominal center frequency includes a support member, a first antenna structure, and a second antenna structure. The first antenna structure has a return loss maximized at a first optimal frequency. The second antenna structure has a return loss maximized at a second optimal. The difference between the first optimal frequency and the second optimal frequency is more than 10% of the allocated bandwidth but less than 100% of the allocated bandwidth. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301119 | BARCODE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND BARCODE PROCESSING METHOD - According to one embodiment, a barcode processing apparatus comprises a reading unit configured to read an image of a barcode configured by a plurality of bars laid out at a predetermined interval, each bar being formed by a plurality of ink dots, and a barcode recognition unit configured to filter the read image using a mask which has a width smaller than the predetermined interval and larger than a width of one bar, and corresponds to a length of one bar so as to extract a group of a plurality of ink dots, to couple the plurality of ink dots in the extracted group, to detect one bar based on the coupling result, and to recognize a barcode configured by a plurality of detected bars. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301120 | Method for denoting optical recognition data with multicolor light emitters, method for marking the same, light-emitting device, and method for detecting data and position - A technology to measure the position of a distant mark object and denote an automatic recognition data by the object. A light-emitting device includes an R (red) light, a G (green) light, and a B (blue) light emitters, and a control device for controlling their light-up states. The light-emitting device is affixed to the mark object and made to emit the lights by a predetermined light-emitting pattern. The light-emitting pattern forms a time-change optical recognition code denoting a desired data by change of the colors along the time axis. This optical recognition code is accomplished with a small area of space. Further, by photographing the light-emitting device with a CCD camera and the like, it is possible to recognize the position of the light-emitting device, that is, the position of the mark object. By carrying out this behavior continuously, it is possible to trace the movement of the mark object. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301121 | SPECKLE NOISE REDUCING FOR LASER BASED BARCODE READERS - A method and apparatus for reducing speckle noise in laser based barcode readers. The apparatus includes a semiconductor laser diode for producing a laser beam. The apparatus also includes electronic circuitry operative to alternate the current passing through the semiconductor laser diode between a current above the threshold current and a current below the threshold current. The current passing through the semiconductor laser diode is alternated with a sufficiently high transition rate for reducing the coherence length of the laser beam. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301122 | NON-VOLATILE MEMORY CHARGE PUMP FOR RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID) SYSTEM - A charge pump is incorporated into circuitry of an RFID tag. The charge pump takes advantage of an antenna voltage phase to eliminate the need for a charge pump clock generator. Placement of the charge pump in the RFID circuitry reduces the number of pump stages and eliminates drivers used in each pump stage. In some implementations, an RFID tag comprises antenna circuitry, including a tuned antenna, for receiving an RF signal. Voltage conversion circuitry in the RFID tag is coupled to the antenna circuitry and operable for converting a varying magnetic field produced in the antenna to a voltage source. A charge pump is coupled to output voltage signals of the antenna circuitry which provide the charge pump with a high starting reference voltage and a two phase pump clock. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301123 | Air Quality Control System - The present invention provides methods, devices and systems for improving air quality. In one exemplary embodiment, the invention provides an air quality control system for maintaining or improving air quality within a room. The air quality control system includes a fan in fluid communication with a room. The fan is configured to vent air from within the room to control air quality therein. The air quality control system further includes a fluid flow sensor located proximate to a conduit. The fluid flow sensor is in communication with a wireless transmitter configured to generate a signal based upon fluid flow through the conduit. The air quality control system also includes a receiver configured to receive the wireless signal generated by the wireless transmitter, wherein the receiver is in communication with the fan to cause activation of the fan based upon the signal generated by the wireless transmitter. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301124 | ENGINE COOLING AND CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM - A system that supplements the cooling of the power train of the vehicle and maintains the vehicle's cabin temperature. The system includes an processor, a blower, a heater core, and an evaporator. The blower blows air over the heater core so as to make the heater core in essence an auxiliary radiator. The system further includes a first proportioning valve and a second proportioning valve. The proportioning valves are operable by the processor to control the flow of the dissipated heat between the vehicle cabin and a designated location. Specifically, the first proportioning valve is disposed upstream the heater core and is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The second proportioning valve is disposed downstream the heater core and directs airflow from the heater core between the vehicle cabin and the environment. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301125 | TRACK DEVICE - A track device includes rails and cross-members capable of supporting a carriage with wheels such as a car, dolly or cart. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301126 | SPRING-TYPE RAIL MOUNT FOR TRACK SYSTEM - In a frictionally locking elastic rail attachment for track systems, which attachment has a clamping element ( | 2010-12-02 |
20100301127 | MOBILE FLUID DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A fluid distribution system and method for mobile applications. The system includes a power source, a pump driven by the power source, and a motor driven by the pump. The system also includes a spray head with a fluid inlet passage, a fluid outlet passage, a fluid piston disposed in a chamber for controlled access between the inlet and outlet passages and defining a variable orifice, and a hydraulic cylinder controllably engaged to the orifice. The fluid piston and the hydraulic cylinder are aligned with a common longitudinal axis, and the inlet passage is offset from the axis in a direction opposed to the location of the outlet passage. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301128 | FRAGRANCE DISPENSING WICK AND METHOD - A wick which comprises a network matrix ceramic that is contacted either directly or indirectly with a liquid composition such as a fragrance-containing composition. The wick absorbs and transports the liquid composition through capillary action, and the composition is subsequently diffused into the surrounding ambient atmosphere. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301129 | DECONTAMINATION - A decontaminating system ( | 2010-12-02 |
20100301130 | Automatic nozzle changer - A sprinkler assembly includes a housing having an open side; a sprinkler body supported at one end of the housing and adapted to receive a nozzle. A nozzle magazine is attached to the housing along the open side and holds plural nozzles selectively alignable with said sprinkler body. An actuator is arranged to move a selected one of the plural nozzles from the nozzle magazine into the sprinkler body. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301131 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR THE APPLICATION OF LIQUID PESTICIDES - A system and method for applying an aqueous pesticide solution comprising a motor and a pump combination wherein the pump is operable in the 1000-3000 pounds per square inch range; a reservoir for holding the solution to be dispersed; a regulator and pressure monitoring gauge; a hose and nozzle system configured to disperse the pesticide solution at a rate of about 1.5 to about 2.5 gallons per minute and to atomize the solution being dispersed into droplets of between 1 to 30 microns, wherein an adhesion property of the dispersed aqueous pesticide solution is significantly enhanced by such configuration, and wherein the solution is hydro-kinetically charged when released from its hydrostatic state as the solution flows through the dispersion nozzle assembly. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301132 | FRAGRANCING DEVICE AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - The invention relates generally to a device for dispersing one or more fragrant materials, more particularly to a device in the form of an amulet for dispersing one or more fragrant materials. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301133 | MODULATED WATERING DEVICE - A device for controlling an irrigation system includes an interrupter for interconnection in a serial manner between a solenoid return common line and a preexisting irrigation timer, a controller for operating the interrupter in a periodic fashion is provided as well as an adjuster, in communication with the controller, for changing the periodicity of the interrupter operation. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301134 | MOBILE FLUID DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A fluid distribution system and method for mobile applications. The system includes a power source, a pump driven by the power source, and a motor driven by the pump. The system also includes a spray head with a fluid inlet passage, a fluid outlet passage, a fluid piston disposed in a chamber for controlled access between the inlet and outlet passages and defining a variable orifice, and a hydraulic cylinder controllably engaged to the orifice. The fluid piston and the hydraulic cylinder are aligned with a common longitudinal axis, and the inlet passage is offset from the axis in a direction opposed to the location of the outlet passage. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301135 | Sprinkler with Variable Arc and Flow Rate and Method - A variable arc sprinkler head or nozzle may be set to numerous positions to adjust the arcuate span of the sprinkler. The sprinkler head includes an arc adjustment valve having two portions that helically engage each other to define an opening that may be adjusted at the top of the sprinkler to a desired arcuate length. The arcuate length may be adjusted by pressing down and rotating a deflector to directly actuate the valve. The sprinkler head may include a lock-out feature to prevent adjustment. A method of irrigation is also provided involving moving the deflector between an arc adjustment position and an operational, irrigation position. The sprinkler head may also include a flow rate adjustment valve that may be adjusted by actuation of an outer wall of the sprinkler. Rotation of the outer wall causes a flow control member to move axially to or away from an inlet. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301136 | Combined spray container and wipe dispensing device - A combined spray container and wipe dispensing device which comprises a spray bottle, a disposable wiping structure, and a mechanism for operatively connecting the disposable wiping structure to one side of the spray bottle, wherein a person can utilize both the spray bottle and the disposable wiping structure in conjunction with each other. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301137 | CONDUIT REEL FOR DRIPPER IRRIGATION LINE - A reel device for winding/unwinding a continuous dripper irrigation line thereby customizably deploying the dripper irrigation line over an irrigated area and providing irrigation to the area is disclosed. The device includes: a structural frame-work, a rotational pivot suspended by the structural framework, at least one reel sub-unit revolving around the pivot, and a swivel conduit connector having at least one outlet, whereto the dripper irrigation line is connected. The reel device as well as irrigation systems in which such devices can be implemented are equivalently applicable for gardening, farming, industrial agriculture cultivation and crop growing, and for growth of any vegetation type or plant for any purpose whatsoever that reacquire an irrigation. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301138 | Drip irrigator for potted plants - A drip irrigator for potted plants comprises a support base ( | 2010-12-02 |
20100301139 | Rotating spray head and system for induced suction generation - A support head capable of generating suction upon the rotation thereof has a body that defines a first surface, a second surface opposing the first surface, a peripheral edge, and an open region formed in a central portion of the second surface. Work producing elements such as spray nozzles are mounted in the first surface. Each of a first plurality of holes extends between the first surface and the second surface. Each of a second plurality of holes extends between the peripheral edge of the body and the open region of the body. When the body is positioned over the surface with the first surface opposing same, suction forces are generated as the body is rotated. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301140 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONVEYING MATERIAL AND EJECTOR APPARATUS - A method for conveying material by applying a pressure difference in a conveying conduit ( | 2010-12-02 |
20100301141 | Water Outlet Control Device of Shower Spray Nozzle - A mechanism of controlling water outflow of shower is provided in the casing of shower. The water outlet of the mechanism is aligned with the water outlet of shower. The mechanism of controlling water outflow comprises inner sealing shell, outer sealing shell, and an intermediate cavity defined between the inner sealing shell and the outer sealing shell. A water outflow cavity is formed between outer sealing shell and water outflow disc. The intermediate cavity communicates with intake channel of shower. The mechanism of controlling water outlet also comprises separating sealing pad inside the intermediate cavity, with one side sticked to the water outflow disc of outer sealing shell and the other side sticked to valve elements. The intermediate cavity comprises the inner cavity and outer cavity. The inner cavity communicates with water outflow cavity through the first small hole and with outer cavity through a through-hole. The intake channel communicates with outer cavity. The small hole matches with a mobile sealing pad that connects the button kit that controls the sealing pad to separate or contact the small hole. This invention can realize different effects of water outflow, easy operation handle and longer service life. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301142 | SPRINKLER WITH VARIABLE ARC AND FLOW RATE AND METHOD - A variable arc sprinkler head or nozzle may be set to numerous positions to adjust the arcuate span of the sprinkler. The sprinkler head includes an arc adjustment valve having two portions that helically engage each other to define an opening that may be adjusted at the top of the sprinkler to a desired arcuate length. The arcuate length may be adjusted by pressing down and rotating a deflector to directly actuate the valve without the need for a hand tool. A method of irrigation is also provided involving moving the deflector between an arc adjustment position and an operational, irrigation position. The sprinkler head may also include a flow rate adjustment valve that may be adjusted by actuation or rotation of an outer wall portion of the sprinkler. Rotation of the outer wall portion causes a flow control member to move axially to or away from an inlet. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301143 | FUEL INJECTION DEVICE - The invention has an object for improving response of a fuel injection device. A flow-in recessed portion and a flow-out recessed portion are formed at a press-contacting surface of a floating plate, which is movably accommodated in a pressure control chamber. A flow-in port and a flow-out port are formed at a pressure control surface of a valve body. The flow-in port is opened to the flow-in recessed portion, while the flow-out port is opened to the flow-out recessed portion. When the floating plate is moved upwardly and the press-contacting surface is brought into contact with the pressure control surface, the flow-in port is surely closed. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301144 | Low-Flow Faucet Wand - The present invention provides a low-flow wand including a waterway and a flow valve. The waterway includes a flow path. The flow valve is disposed in the flow path. The flow valve is operable to control a rate of fluid flow through the flow path. The flow valve allows a low rate of fluid flow in a default mode and a high rate of fluid flow in an actuated mode. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301145 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE COARSE AND FINE GRINDING OF MINERAL AND NON-MINERAL MATERIALS - In the coarse and fine grinding of mineral and non-mineral materials, e.g. limestone, cement clinker, blast-furnace slag, old concrete or ashes, the grinding material, usually comprising new and recirculated stock, is fed as a defined and laterally bounded material layer ( | 2010-12-02 |
20100301146 | Composition of milling medium and process of use for particle size reduction - Composition and use of milling medium to prepare a polishing medium to be used in chemical and mechanical polishing applications. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301147 | MEDICAL WASTE PROCESSING INCLUDING DENSIFICATION - The subject matter disclosed herein provides methods and apparatus for processing medical waste to form feedstock useable in the manufacture of other products, such as diesel, gas, plastics, and the like. In one aspect there is provided a method. The method may heat the medical waste to sanitize the medical waste; provide the sanitized medical waste to a densifier; and process, at the densifier, by heating and shredding the sanitized medical waste to form a feedstock. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301148 | BOTTLE CRUSHER - Disclosed are various aspects of a new and more advantageous compact bottle crusher for safely pulverizing empty glass bottles in commercial establishments such as restaurants and bars which includes an upper staging area including a carousel, an electric crushing unit attached to a sealed collection barrel in order to pulverize glass bottles into small pieces of glass, and a housing for a collection barrel. The carousel may be a rotary bottle cradle carousel and may be manually or automatically indexed for 12, or up to 24 bottles or more. The crushing unit is designed to be run off of normal 110 volt electricity, and is utilized to achieve essentially pebble or pea-sized pieces of glass by utilizing various methods, including hydraulic pistons, breaking anvils, rotating veins, crusher fins, or plunger units, such as a moveable jaw and a stationary jaw. Rotating units cause repeated impact which provides a pulverized smaller glass fragment. The crushing unit may also include sound deadening materials in order to make it more amenable for use behind a bar in a drinking establishment. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301149 | SPINNING REEL DRAG KNOB - A spinning reel drag knob screwed onto a distal end of a spool shaft has a knob member, a nut member and a sealing member. The knob member presses a drag washer of a drag mechanism, and includes a circular rimmed portion and a cylindrical outer periphery. The rimmed portion has a knob portion on a front surface of the rimmed portion to regulate drag force. The outer periphery is formed on a back side of the rimmed portion. The nut member is disposed in the knob member and is unitarily rotatable with the knob member. The sealing member includes an attachment portion, a first sealing portion, and a second sealing portion. The attachment portion is attached to the outer periphery. The first sealing portion contacts an inner peripheral surface of the spool, and the second sealing portion makes contact with a radial outward part of the back side. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301150 | FISHING REEL HANDLE ASSEMBLY - A fishing reel handle assembly has a handle shaft, handle knobs, first and second handle arms, and an arm attachment. The handle knobs are respectively rotatably attached to the attachment ends of the first and second handle arms. The arm attachment is configured to rotate integrally with the handle shaft. The arm attachment includes a first attachment portion that allows the base end of the first handle arm to be detachably attached to the first attachment portion. The first attachment portion prevents the base end of the first handle arm from rotating about a first axis. The second attachment portion allows the base end of the second handle arm to be detachably attached to the second attachment portion. The second attachment portion prevents the base end of the second handle arm from rotating about a second axis. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301151 | ATTENUATED SEATBELT STOPPER - A force limiting device for use with a safety belt retractor is provided. The safety belt retractor includes a spool and a safety belt webbing attached to and wound around the spool for payout of the webbing under the influence of forwardly directed movement of a vehicle occupant. The force limiting device comprises a fixed member, a shaft connected to the fixed member and a coupling received on the shaft and operatively connected to the spool. The coupling is configured to move along the longitudinal extent of the shaft towards the fixed member during payout of the webbing. Engagement of the coupling with the fixed member prevents further payout of the webbing. The shaft is configured to limit movement of the coupling along the shaft during payout of the webbing to control effective belt force on the vehicle occupant during a crash condition. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301152 | Belt retractor - The invention relates to a belt retractor for winding up and unwinding a safety belt, with at least one force transmission element which is held by a first part of the belt retractor and which can be connected to a second part of the belt retractor, the force transmission element being held in a recess of the first part in such a way that it can be pressed axially into the recess of the first part, with the result that the connection to the second part is broken. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301153 | SEATBELT RETRACTOR - This is the current invention of the components or their construction for the seat belt retractor. The invention enables the fitting angle of the seat belt to be adjustable to the specified range of the vehicle stabilization, deceleration/acceleration sensor. The bracket holder is constructed on the holder sensor, and contains the formation of the No. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301154 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR WINDING AND TERMINATING CORES OF DYNAMOELECTRIC MACHINES - Apparatus and method for winding coils C of at least one electrical conductor W for at least one core ( | 2010-12-02 |
20100301155 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING CROSS-WOUND BOBBINS - In a process for producing cross-wound packages in a yarn winding device of a textile machine, the helix angle of the wound-on yarn changes during winding on. The helix angle is a variable chosen in dependence on the diameter of the yarn package. This diameter of the package is in turn calculated on the basis of the length of the yarn already wound on. An arrangement for producing cross-wound packages on a number of yarn winding devices comprises a drive for rotating the cross-wound package. A variable, driveable yarn guide is provided at each yarn winding device for laying a yarn in axial direction of the cross-wound package at a variable helix angle. A common sensor for measuring the package diameter at a number of yarn winding devices is provided, which sensor can be positioned to the yarn winding devices one after another. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301156 | Device for continuous reeling of a pulp web - The invention relates to a device for continuous reeling of a pulp web ( | 2010-12-02 |
20100301157 | Multi-function paper toweling dispenser - A paper toweling dispenser selectively operable to dispense paper toweling from a roll of paper toweling employing a plurality of alternative operational modes. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301158 | AIRCRAFT HAVING A LIFT/PROPULSION UNIT - An aircraft having a lift/propulsion unit which includes a power unit such as a turboshaft engine which drives a fan through a transmission mechanism. The fan discharges to vectoring nozzles which can be independently swivelled to provide lift or propulsion thrust. An output shaft of the transmission mechanism serves as the main shaft of a motor/generator of modular form. The motor/generator can act as a generator to charge an electrical storage device such as a battery, or as a motor to drive the fan, either alone or to supplement the output of engine. Reaction control nozzles are provided at extremities of the aircraft to provide stabilising thrust. The aircraft is capable of vertical take off and hovering, with the vectoring nozzles swivelled to a lift position, and forward thrust with the vectoring nozzles swivelled to a propulsion position. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301159 | Mounting set, system and method - A mounting set for use in mounting an external stores to a mounting station of an aerospace vehicle includes a mounting bracket arrangement and a strap arrangement. The bracket arrangement is configured for selective reversible engagement with respect to the mounting station and for cooperating with the strap arrangement. The strap arrangement is configured for securing the bracket arrangement to the stores in load bearing abutment therewith to enable transfer of loads between the stores and the mounting station via said bracket arrangement, in operation of said mounting set. A mounting system is also provided for mounting an external stores to an aerospace vehicle having two or more mounting stations, including a mounting set for each mounting station. Mounting methods are also provided. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301160 | Method and Apparatus for Improved Vibration Isolation - A vibration isolator is disclosed having a housing which defines a fluid chamber. A piston, which is movable to and from a down position, is disposed within the housing. A vibration isolation fluid is disposed within the fluid chamber. A passage having a predetermined diameter extends through the piston to permit the vibration isolation fluid to flow from one fluid chamber to the other. An elastic element is provided for reducing transmission of vibrations from the piston to the housing when the piston is at the down position. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301161 | ACOUSTIC COATING FOR AN AIRCRAFT INCORPORATING A FROST TREATMENT SYSTEM BY JOULE EFFECT - The invention relates to acoustic lining for an aircraft, which can cover a leading edge, such as an air inlet in the nacelle of a propulsion unit, said lining comprising: (i) from the inside outwards, a reflective layer ( | 2010-12-02 |
20100301162 | MOVABLE SEAT - An aircraft seat cubicle ( | 2010-12-02 |
20100301163 | STAIRWAY FOR AN AIRCRAFT - A stairway used for gaining access from a theoretically horizontal lower level to a theoretically horizontal higher level, and including a succession of intermediate steps between these two levels. A subassembly of intermediate steps corresponding to the steps closest to the lower level is mobile between a first deployed position at which the lower intermediate steps are in the extension of other intermediate steps, and a raised position at which the lower intermediate steps are in a substantially vertical position. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301164 | Single Tough Locking Seat Fittings and Methods - Apparatus and methods for removably securing payloads are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes coupling the payload to a body of a locking assembly, engaging an insertion portion of the body into the channel, translating the insertion portion of the body along the channel from a first position to a second position, the body being substantially constrained from movement away from the channel in the second position, and actuating at least one engagement member from an unsecured position to a secured position, a portion of the channel being engaged by the at least one engagement member and the insertion portion of the body when the at least one engagement member is positioned in the secured position such that the body is substantially constrained from movement along the channel by the at least one engagement member. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301165 | Structural Wing-Fuselage Component For Connecting Two Wings To A Fuselage Section Of An Aircraft - A structural wing-fuselage component for connecting two aerofoils to a fuselage section of an aircraft includes: a first wing shell component for the first wing and a second wing shell component for the second wing, with each component being made in a single piece and comprising a shell component on the wing side and a shell component on the fuselage side, where each shell component on the fuselage side comprises coupling parts and recesses in each case situated between the coupling parts, where in the installed state the coupling parts and the recesses of the shell component on the fuselage side for the first wing and of the shell component on the fuselage side for the second wing interlock, and where at least two coupling parts at their ends pointing away from the shell component on the wing side each comprises an extension part, a partially cylindrical fuselage shell component whose supporting rims include recesses which are engaged by the extension parts of the first wing shell components. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301166 | EXPANDABLE PRECURED JOINT FILLER - A method of manufacturing an aircraft having adjacent spaced apart surface panels using a hollow filler within the gap between the spaced apart surface panels. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301167 | Holder System for Fastening an Aircraft Interior Component to a Transporting Apparatus and to an Aircraft Structure - A holder system for fastening an aircraft interior component to a transporting apparatus and to an aircraft structure includes an interior component holder configured to be connected to the interior component and which has a fastening device for fastening the interior component holder to the transporting apparatus. A structure holder is configured to be connected to the aircraft structure. A connecting element is fastened to the interior component holder and is configured to be connected to the structure holder in order to fasten the interior component to the aircraft structure. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301168 | System and Process of Vector Propulsion with Independent Control of Three Translation and Three Rotation Axis - The present invention relates to a propulsion system of a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft or vehicle moving in any fluid or vacuum and more particularly to a vector control system of the vehicle propulsion thrust allowing an independent displacement with six degrees of freedom, three degrees of translation in relation to its centre of mass and three degrees of rotation in relation to its centre of mass. The aircraft displacement ability using the propulsion system of the present invention depends on two main thrusters or propellers and which can be tilted around pitch is (I) by means of tilting mechanisms and, used to perform a forward or backward movement, can be tilted around roll axis (X) by means of tilting mechanisms and, used to perform lateral movements to the right or to the left and to perform upward or downward movements (Z), the main thrusters being further used to perform rotations around the vehicle yaw axis (Z) and around the roll is (X). The locomotion function also uses one or two auxiliary thrusters or propellers and mainly used to control the rotation around the pitch axis, these thrusters or propellers and being fixed at or near the longitudinal is of the vehicle, with there thrust perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the roll and pitch axis of the vehicle. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301169 | Space Shuttle With a Device for Docking to a Satellite - In a space shuttle with a device for docking to a satellite, especially a communication or navigation satellite, at least two spreading elements in the form of lever spreaders ( | 2010-12-02 |
20100301170 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ACTUATION SYSTEM - A method for controlling a plant assembly includes providing a plant assembly having a first plant including a first sensor that monitors the first plant. The plant assembly further includes a second plant in communication with the first plant. The second plant includes a second sensor that monitors the second plant. The method further includes providing a controller that is adapted to control the plant assembly. An outer control loop of the controller receives a setpoint and a feedback signal, which is provided by the second sensor. A first control output signal is communicated from the outer control loop to an inner control loop of the controller. The inner control loop receives the first control output signal and a feedback signal, which is provided by the first sensor of the first plant. An output signal is provided to the first plant. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301171 | SHOCK BUMP ARRAY - An aerodynamic structure comprising an array shock bumps ( | 2010-12-02 |
20100301172 | AERODYNAMIC STRUCTURE WITH SERIES OF SHOCK BUMPS - An aerodynamic structure ( | 2010-12-02 |
20100301173 | AERODYNAMIC STRUCTURE WITH ASYMMETRICAL SHOCK BUMP - An aerodynamic structure comprising a shock bump ( | 2010-12-02 |
20100301174 | SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AT LEAST ONE AIRCRAFT ENGINE AND AN AIRCRAFT COMPRISING SUCH A CONTROL SYSTEM - A system for controlling at least one aircraft engine and an aircraft comprising such a control system. The system ( | 2010-12-02 |
20100301175 | SINK BRACE - A sink brace comprises a first shaft comprising a lip shaft, a mid-shaft, and an anchor shaft. A brace ridge couples to the lip shaft and is configured to couple to a sink lip of a sink. An anchor plate couples to the anchor shaft. The anchor plate comprises a plurality of attachment ports, and each attachment port is configured to receive a fastener. The first shaft, brace ridge, and anchor plate together form a direct connection between the sink lip and a wall. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301176 | DEVICE FOR GUIDING LINES, HOSES, OR THE LIKE - The invention relates to a line guidance device for guiding cables, lines, hoses, and the like between one locally fixed and one movable connection point, wherein the line guiding device has at least one support unit having a substantially band-shaped design, and retaining elements designed in one piece with the support unit, wherein the retaining elements are formed from the support unit and protrude from the same in a substantially transverse fashion toward the support unit. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301177 | DEVICE FOR LAYING A CABLE HARNESS IN AN AIRCRAFT - A device for bridging a cable harness between two aircraft structure elements of an aircraft includes an elongated connecting rod having a plurality of radial snap-in holes and configured to bridge a space between the two aircraft structure elements and affix to at least one of the two aircraft structure elements. The device also includes a cable guiding element having at least one receiving section for receiving the cable harness and at least one attachment section circumferentially surrounding the connecting rod, the attachment section having a resiliently held radially directed locking pin, wherein the locking pin corresponds to one of the plurality of the radial snap-in holes so as to form a clip connection and a positive locking engagement between the at least one attachment section and the connecting rod. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301178 | Building strut system - This invention allows attachment of strut channels | 2010-12-02 |
20100301179 | GIMBAL ASSEMBLY FOR TOOL SUPPORT - A supporting and orienting apparatus that is angularly agile and can balance the weight of tools, and permits quick tool replacement is disclosed. An inner gimbal portion holds the tool at its center of balance and is rotationally disposed within an outer gimbal portion. The gimbal portion combination is rotationally attached to an articulated arm. The tool with one or both gimbal portions attached can be removed and replaced with another tool, also having gimbal portions attached such that the tool is automatically balanced when inserted into the support apparatus. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301180 | FOLDABLE TOOL STAND - A foldable tool stand includes a main shaft, a pair of base plates affixed to the main shaft and two pairs of legs. The main shaft has a first end, a second end, and positioning members respectively provided at the first end and the second end for securing a machine tool. The legs are movable from an extended supporting position to support the stand on the floor to a collapsed position where the legs are closely aligned along the main shaft. By means of utilizing the foldable characteristic of the legs, the foldable tool stand and the machine tool carried on the foldable tool stand provide significant benefits because of its high mobility. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301181 | POWER SUPPLY FIXING DEVICE - A power supply fixing device can effectively fix a power supply inside a computer case. One end of the power supply fixing device is movably assembled at a plate in the computer case, and a suppress surface is used to suppress the power supply. In addition, by hooking at the other end, which is formed at the fixing device, to the other plane of the computer case, and by moving an operating member of the fixing device to a packing position, the entire power supply can be fixed. The entire operation process is performed without an aid of a hand tool, and there is no need to use screws or screw holes, such that the power supply can be dismantled and assembled more conveniently. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301182 | RETAINING DEVICE FOR HEAT-DISSIPATING APPARATUS - A retaining device for a heat-dissipating apparatus includes a first and second members, a retaining module and four retaining elements. The first member has at least one positioned slot formed at two ends thereof, a through hole formed at a centre thereof, and at least one locking pin adjacent to the through hole. The second member has at least one positioned slot formed at two ends thereof, a through hole formed at a centre thereof and at least one first fixing and second fixing holes formed around the through hole. The locking pin wedges in the first fixing hole. The retaining module is inserted in the through holes of the first and second members for fixing. The four retaining elements insert in the positioned slots of the first and the second members. The present invention can be adjustable in configuration and scale to fit for different mounting holes. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301183 | Side arm clamp assembly - A side arm clamp assembly is formed of a molded body having a clip receiver slot, a retention clip formed of a retention portion and an insertion portion that is slidingly receivable into the clip receiver slot. A detent is provided between the clip receiver slot and the insertion portion of the retention clip received thereinto. Means are provided for securing the molded body relative to an electronics platform with the retention portion of the retention clip projected over a mounting surface thereof. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301184 | Removable device configured to secure an instrument and to be mounted on a platform - The present teachings relate to a device configured to secure an instrument and to be removably mounted to a platform. The device can comprise a mounting base platform, a guide rod plate, and a securing means. The guide rod plate can be slidably secured to the mounting base platform, and the securing means can be configured to slidably move the guide rod plate with respect to the mounting base platform. The device can secure an instrument within, for example a firearm or a scope. The device can be mounted to a platform, for example, a camera tripod. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301185 | PIVOT MOUNT ASSEMBLY - A pivot mount assembly for mounting an electronic device (e.g., an Electronic Flight Bag—EFB) in the cockpit of an aircraft, and more specifically on the steering control (i.e., yoke) of the aircraft. The pivot mount assembly preferably includes an upper portion and a lower portion, where the upper portion is rotatable with respect to the lower portion. The upper portion includes a receiving slot for receiving a device to be mounted, and the lower portion includes a securing mechanism and a positioning flange. A receiving mount within the yoke receives the positioning flange to position the pivot mount assembly within the same, and the securing mechanism operates in conjunction with the receiving mount to secure the lower portion to the same, and thereby the entire pivot mount assembly within the receiving mount. Once mounted in the receiving mount, the upper portion of the assembly is rotatable with respect to the lower portion, thereby allowing the EFB to be mounted to be rotated from a portrait to a landscape orientation without removing the same from the mount. In one implementation, an indexing position system is integrated between the lower and upper portions of the mount assembly and provides predetermined rotation increments for the mounted device. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301186 | ADJUSTABLE SUPPORT DEVICE - An adjustable support device includes a support, a lift mechanism, and a pulley unit. The support includes at least two casings which are slidably connected with each other so as to adjust the length of the support. The lift mechanism includes a threaded rod screwed into a nut for changing the distance between the casings. The pulley unit is adapted for driving the casings. The present invention provides a labor-saving effect for operation. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301187 | Book and document holding device - A device for holding a document or book, comprising, a base, a support surface member pivotally connected to the base and movable between a storage position and an operative position, means for temporarily securing the support surface member in the operative position, a writing ledge adapted to support the document or book positioned on the support surface member and means for temporarily attaching the writing ledge to the support surface member, wherein the writing ledge has a least one indentation therein adapted to allow a user of the device to position a hand or forearm within the indentation without interference with the writing ledge. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301188 | Apparatus for Holding an Ebook Reader - An apparatus for holding and support a device such as an Ebook reader is provided. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301189 | SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENT FOR DIRECTIONAL EQUIPMENT - A suspension arrangement for directional equipment. The arrangement includes a body that supports the equipment and that supports a drive motor with a driving belt sheave, a driven belt sheave coupled to the directional equipment and a drive belt running between the belt sheaves. To prevent random or periodic movements in the mounting of the supporting body being transmitted to the equipment, a stabilizing unit including two guide rollers mounted at a fixed distance from one another on a displaceable holder, is designed to act via the guide rollers upon the belt in the space between the driving belt sheave and the driven belt sheave. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301190 | Modular edge form system for cast in place suspended concrete slabs - A modular edge form system for cast in place suspended concrete slabs, comprising wood or metal edge forms that close gaps between joists when a row of joists is above vertical supporting structures. The edge forms may depend on joists directly, or by means of wood edge form support structures; the joists in turn depend on joist hangers. Areas in front of the butt ends of joists are covered by means comprising the use of notch cover plates and/or bendable notch cover rectangles. The edge form system contains and supports cast-in-place horizontal concrete structures when they are poured and while they cure. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301191 | METAL MOLD, PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME, AND MOLDED ARTICLE PRODUCED USING THE MOLD - The mold has a mold surface on which is formed as a release film a water-repellent and oil-repellent fluorocarbon-based chemisorbed film having a thickness that is uniform in nanoscale and having a controlled surface energy. As a result, even when a mold has an ultrafine shape on the nanometer scale, the mold allows high precision molding excellent in fluidity and penetrativity of a molding material. In addition, this mold eliminates the application of a release agent and can prevent a release agent from adhering to a molded article. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301192 | SOLID-STATE PHOTOMULTIPLIER MODULE WITH IMPROVED SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO - A scanning imaging system is provided. The scanning imaging system comprises an illumination source for illuminating a sample with an excitation light, a filter to block emission light wavelengths from the illumination source. Further, the scanning imaging system comprises a SSPM module comprising a solid state photo multiplier to detect a photon flux and generate electrical signals based on impinging photons; a conditioning circuit to accumulate charge from the SSPM and a micro-controller to change a bias voltage applied to the SSPM to achieve a higher signal-to-noise ratio. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301193 | 3D ACTIVE IMAGING DEVICE - The invention relates to a device comprising a photosensitive element producing an electric charge as a function of the radiation incident thereon and a charge integrator connected to the photosensitive element and converting the charge to a voltage. According to the invention, the device comprises a comparator capable of comparing the voltage delivered by the integrator with a threshold voltage, and a memory unit for storing the instant when the voltage delivered by the integrator exceeds the threshold voltage. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301194 | Optical Receiver Comprising Breakdown-Voltage Compensation - The present invention enables the detection of light using an APD that has high gain and/or a wide range of operating temperature. A first APD is biased with a voltage bias that is controlled based on the breakdown voltage of a second APD, which is thermally coupled with the first APD. Changes in the breakdown voltage of the second APD due to aging, temperature chances, and the like, are reflective of changes in the breakdown voltage of the first APD. As a result, the first APD can be operated with greater stability and reliability at high gain and over larger temperature excursions than APDs known in the prior art. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301195 | High Resolution Single Track Optical Encoder - Disclosed are various embodiments of a single track reflective optical encoder featuring increased spatial resolution, reduced cross-talk between adjoining photodiodes, and increased amplitude output signals from individual photodiodes. With respect to prior art single track optical encoders, some photodiodes are removed from a photodiode array, while nevertheless maintaining appropriate phase relationships between pairs of A and A\, and B and B\, photodiodes. Such a configuration of photodiodes results in increased inter-photodiode spacing, and thereby permits spatial resolution to be increased while boosting current outputs from individual photodiodes. The single track optical encoder configurations disclosed herein permit very high resolution reflective optical encoders in small packages to be provided. In addition, the single track configuration reduces problems with misalignment between code scales and light detectors, permits relatively simple electronic circuitry to be used to process outputs, and reduces manufacturing, assembly, integrated circuit and encoder costs. Methods of making and using such optical encoders are also disclosed. | 2010-12-02 |
20100301196 | PORTABLE/MOBILE FISSIBLE MATERIAL DETECTOR AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING SAME - A portable and/or mobile detector for highly enriched uranium (HEU) and weapon grade plutonium (WGPu) is disclosed the detects HEU and/or WGPu based on neutron induced fission of a portion of the HEU and/or WGPu and detecting delayed neutron and/or γ-rays emission from delayed neutron emitters formed from the induced fission reactions. | 2010-12-02 |