If your business is not adapting quickly, it’s dying slowly. If innovative products have helped your business get to where it is, then your products will also need the occasional new feature or upgrade to keep it relevant to your customers and their needs. That’s where a utility patent comes in. It products your R&D and allows you to profit from your better mousetrap.
What is a utility patent?
A utility patent is a right to exclude others from making and selling the same functional features as your patented invention. With a granted utility patent, you’ve got the USPTO on your side if someone infringes on the mechanics of your product.
You need a utility patent when you have a functional invention – like a new method or product to make something faster, better, cheaper, easier, etc. – and when the invention is what one might call a big-money idea. A big-money idea is an idea that if successful will make the cost of a patent seem trivial.
How do utility patents differ from design patents?
A design patent differs from a utility patent in that it protects the look or appearance of a product, rather than its function. A utility patent defines and protects the function or mechanics of an invention.
Industries where utility patents are most common
Utility patents can be suitable for inventions in almost any industry. Still, utility patents tend to be most common in industries like electronics, software, medical devices, and manufacturing, to name a few examples.
How we help you get a utility patent?
Getting a utility patent is a complex process that involves conducting a patent search and filing a patent application. But to do the job righ takes much more than that. Each step of the way, there are pros and cons with each decision. We help you make decisions each step of the way. Here are other benefits of retaining us to help you get your utility patent.
- Build a strategy to protect your invention, whatever stage of development it is in
- Tell you how not to waste your money.
- Guide you through the often-confusing steps of the patent process (there are many; I wrote a whole book on it)
- Write a patent application that protects your invention and ideas to the fullest.
- Answer your questions throughout the process.
- Anticipate and adjust to twists and turns on the way to the patent protection you need
When should you get us to help with your utility patent?
It is probably time for a patent attorney once you, the inventor, have completed a few preliminary steps:
- Do an informal patent search that might include doing a Google Images search or going through the USPTO’s 7-step strategy.
- Build a prototype, if it is feasible.
- Determine whether the invention has realistic potential to be a big-money idea.
Steps to take before hiring a patent attorney
Common mistakes people make when pursuing their utility patent pro se
The most common mistake by far is that inventors’ utility patent applications do not explain the details of the invention enough. Too often, inventors gloss over the details of the invention. An effective patent application provides a detailed explanation of how to produce and how to use the invention. Most pro se patent applicants never think to do that, or they forget, or they underestimate the importance of diving deeper into the details, or they try and simply come up short.
They also tend to fail to preload the patent application with all variations, ranges, options and alternative embodiments that might give them the broadest patent protection.
Helpful resources on seeking a utility patent
Should You Get a Design Patent or a Utility Patent for Your Invention?
Steps to Take Before Spending Money on a Patent Attorney
Schedule Your Consultation
Let’s discuss your invention and goals. I am based in Orange County and work with inventors throughout the United States. You can contact me, patent attorney James Yang, at (949) 433-0900, or book a consultation here.
A utility patent will cost about $15,000 to $25,000 from start to finish.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cI–RkgxijY
Utility patents protect functional features – the mechanics, the inner workings, the interface, etc. Design patents protect aesthetic or ornamental features, which often are important to your brand or marketing. More info at: Should you get a design patent or utility patent for your invention?
The primary reason is to stop your competitors from copying your ideas. It’s the most frustrating thing: You spend a lot of money on research and development only to find out that your competitors have copied your products. Not only will they profit undeservedly, but they’ll likely cut into or completely cut off any money you’ll make
With a patent, you can prevent them from copying your innovative features.
Another reason to get a patent is to show investors that your product is patent pending. They want to see that should they invest in your company, competitors can’t just copy your products.
Numerous other reasons exist. To learn more, schedule your consultation.
The process for obtaining a patent can run anywhere from 6 months to 3 years. If everything goes smoothly and the application is expedited (i.e., prioritized examination), the process could be as short as 6 months. However, if the application undergoes standard processing, then it could take up to 3 years to get the patent granted.
We will guide you through whether to seek your patent on a fast track or under standard processing. Call (949) 433-0900 to schedule your consultation.
Yes, you can find samples of my patents and patent application in the list below, and you can see industry-specific examples here.
| Patent Number | Title | Abstract | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 253 | D761364 | Chessboard | Chessboard | Design |
| 252 | 10113348 | Magnetic levitating door | A magnetically levitating door is disclosed herein. The door may have a magnet that is repelled from a magnet of a track. The track may be disposed adjacent to a door opening. The track may have a stabilizing roller to maintain vertical alignment of the magnets used to levitate the door off of the track. | Fixed Constructions |
| 251 | 10070678 | Adhesive mountable stack of removable layers | An eye protector includes a lens configured to protect the wearer from projectiles, and an optically clear stack attached to the lens. The stack can have one or more removable layers. The eye protector also includes an optically clear dry mount adhesive layer attaching the stack to the lens. The dry mount adhesive may be self-wetting to attach the stack to the lens so that air between the stack and the lens can be removed after the stack is attached and/or adhered to the lens, for example, by applying pressure across the surface of the stack. The refractive indices of the lens, the dry mount adhesive, and each removable layer are matched to within about 0.2. | Human Necessities |
| 250 | 10046357 | Texturing a wall or ceiling with non-acoustical joint compound | A method of texturing a wall or ceiling with non-acoustical joint compound by providing a collapsible bag having an opening at its top and is adapted to contain non-acoustical joint compound for forming a textured coating on the wall or ceiling and providing a spray nozzle having a low pressure input port, a joint compound suction port attached to the opening at the top of the collapsible bag, and an output port for spraying the non-acoustical joint compound. A low pressure stream of air from an air gun attached to the low pressure input port urges a small quantity of the non-acoustical joint compound to be sprayed out of the spray nozzle when the bottom of the collapsible disposable bag is raised above its top to either allow or force the joint compound to flow into the suction port and into the interior of the spray nozzle. | Human Necessities |
| 249 | 10039407 | Coffee dispenser | The coffee dispenser disclosed herein may serve a single serving of coffee. The coffee dispenser may have a mixing chamber that combines one or more liquid concentrates and heated water, and dispenses a single serving of coffee. The coffee dispenser may have a forth control to select the forth level of the serving of coffee dispensed. The liquid concentrate may be a coffee extract. | Human Necessities |
| 248 | 10029741 | Mega elongator | A replacement tailgate for the purpose of elongating the pick up truck may be installed on a truck bed wherein the replacement tailgate can be unfolded in order to elongate a length of the truck bed. The replacement tailgate may have front and rear shells that are used to support objects placed in the truck bed as well as act as the new tailgate when the truck bed length is elongated. Various panels may be unfolded in order to trap objects within the truck bed when the replacement tailgate is unfolded in order to elongate the truck bed length. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 247 | 10029653 | Windshield touch and clean system | A cleaning device for a vehicle has tracks above and below the vehicle”s windshield. A brush, wiper blade and spray bar extend across the windshield at a starting side of the windshield. The spray bar provides washer fluid as the brush rotates against the windshield. The spray bar, rotating brush and wiper bar are moved along the tracks and across the windshield to an opposing, return side of the windshield where the wiper blade first contacts the windshield and the brush stops rotating and moves away from the windshield. The spray bar rotates next to the wiper blade to blow air against the windshield. The wiper blade scrapes water while air blows water off the windshield as they move back to the starting side of the windshield where they are stored in a frame along the side of the windshield when not in use. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 246 | 10005347 | Telescoping truck bed shell | A telescoping truck bed shell is disclosed herein. The truck bed shell is capable of being retracted so that the user can have full access to the truck bed and also extended so that the user can have a protected volume at the truck bed in order to store things. The telescoping truck bed has traversable frames and a traversable cover wherein the frames and cover may be traversed between extended and retracted positions depending on whether the truck bed shell is being deployed or stored. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 245 | 10000016 | Film edge sealing device | A film edge sealing device is disclosed herein which has a groove defining a base. The base of the groove of the edge sealing device is oriented at a skewed angle with respect to a longitudinal direction of the conveyor of the heat sealing machine. Edges of a thermoplastic sheet or two stacked layers of thermoplastic sheets are introduced into the groove of the edge sealing device and placed in contact therewith to both heat and melt the edges of the thermoplastic sheet(s) to form a bead and join the edges thereof to form an edge bead seal. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 244 | 9968155 | Adhesive mountable stack of removable layers | An eye protector includes a lens configured to protect the wearer from projectiles, and an optically clear stack attached to the lens. The stack can have one or more removable layers. The eye protector also includes an optically clear dry mount adhesive layer attaching the stack to the lens. The dry mount adhesive may be self-wetting to attach the stack to the lens so that air between the stack and the lens can be removed after the stack is attached and/or adhered to the lens, for example, by applying pressure across the surface of the stack. The refractive indices of the lens, the dry mount adhesive, and each removable layer are matched to within about 0.2. | Human Necessities |
| 243 | 9966038 | Color display converter for pinball machine | A later generation display device may be connected to the video output port of an older electronic device which utilized an earlier generation display such as a dot matrix display. The early generation display is replaced with the later generation display. The display device includes software which receives graphic data through the video output port and identifies which frame is currently being streamed. The display device matches the frame being streamed to a stored graphic frame having a higher resolution and/or color. The matched frame is delivered to the later generation device so that the user can experience a higher quality visual effect by retrofitting the older electronic device with the later generation display. | Physics; Software |
| 242 | 9963118 | Windshield touch and clean system | A windshield touch and clean system that can clean either the entire windshield of an automobile or spot clean a localized area of the windshield is disclosed. The windshield touch and clean system may control a cleaning head in a number of ways including but not limited to two articulating extension members or a gantry system. The cleaning head may be retrofitted with a spray nozzle for spraying cleaning fluid and also a vibration unit to assist in cleaning of residue on the windshield. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 241 | 9956857 | Skeleton for truck bed and convertible top | A truck bed accessory frame is disclosed therein which allows for reconfiguration between an opened position and a closed position. In the open position, objects taller than the frame can loaded onto the truck bed. In the closed position, objects placed in the truck bed can be protected from the environmental elements (e.g. rain and UV rays from the sun). | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 240 | 9955125 | Bicycle handlebar video system | A bicycle video system for facilitating improved aerodynamic positioning of a bicyclist. The bicycle video system includes a video display. The video display is used by the bicyclist to view an area in front of the bicycle. The video display allows the bicyclist to ride while maintaining a lowered head position to see an area in front of the bicycle. The bicycle video system also includes a video camera. The video camera is in electrical communication with the video display. The video camera is positioned in a direction toward an area in front of the bicycle to capture images in front of the bicycle. The video camera may transmit a video signal representative of a real-time image of an area in front of the bicycle to the video display. The video display may continuously receive real-time images of an area in front of the bicycle. | Electronics; Electrical; Hardware and Software Systems |
| 239 | 9944154 | Pickup cab mount pack | A cover for a truck bed that can be horizontally traversed between expanded and collapsed positions is shown. Since the cover is horizontally traversed, the person manipulating the cover need not lift the cover vertically in order to reconfigure the cover between the expanded and collapsed positions. Women and elderly people who are generally not as strong as men can manipulate the cover. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 238 | 9943091 | Instant hot water drinks | A product having an internal substance protected by a rugged exterior shell is disclosed. The internal substance is reactive with the exterior shell but is separated therefrom by a coating on an interior surface of the external shell so that the product can be stored for a long period of time without the internal substance reacting with the exterior shell. The coating is meltable so that, when desired, the product may be heated (e.g. immersed in hot water or exposed to heat) in order to melt the coating so that the internal substance can react with the external shell so that the internal substance can excrete out of the exterior shell. | Human Necessities |
| 237 | 9937974 | Three-wheeled rear-steering scooter | A three wheeled scooter comprises a chassis having forward and aft ends with a front wheel non-pivotally mounted to the forward end and a pair of rear wheels coaxially mounted to the aft end. The chassis defines a longitudinal axis and includes a support assembly and a handle assembly extending upwardly from the support assembly. The rear wheels are configured to be angularly yawable relative to the longitudinal axis between a neutral position and a yawed position. Steering of the scooter is thereby effectuated by angular yawing of the rear wheels relative to the longitudinal axis such as by asymmetric loading of one of opposing sides of the support assembly. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 236 | 9931279 | Neonatal fluid tubing heater | A heating system for heating neonate nutritional liquid, including a heater and a control module. The heater includes a heating portion having serpentine shaped grooves for receiving a tube. The tube may be a serpentine feeding tube module, having a serpentine tube portion, or a serpentine feeding tube cassette, having a serpentine tube portion covered by a rigidly attached polymeric sheet. The serpentine feeding tube cassette may include a thermocouple to measure the temperature of the warmed nutritional liquid as it exits the cassette. | Human Necessities |
| 235 | 9918501 | Goggle facial cushion | A facial cushion for a goggle may have a plurality of layers which provide cushioning, cooling and ergonomic fit functions. The top layer which contacts the wearer”s face may have an embossed pattern which creates an air space between the wearer”s face and the top layer for providing a cooling function. The embossed top layer also increases the total surface area of the top layer thereby increasing its wicking ability and reduces the total skin contact surface area of the top layer reducing heat. Additionally, the cushion may be thicker at left and right end portions to maintain contact with the wearer”s face despite pulling of the left and right ends of the goggle when the goggle is worn with a helmet. | Human Necessities |
| 234 | 9827916 | Collapsible folding truck trunk | A collapsible trunk for use with a vehicle having a wheel well. The trunk comprises a base wall and a side wall pivotally connected thereto. The side wall extends from the base wall and terminates at an upper edge. The side wall and base wall collectively define a storage cavity. The base wall and the side wall each have an expandable portion conformable to the wheel well in response to placement of the base wall and the side wall over the wheel well. The trunk is selectively transitional between a collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration. In the collapsed configuration, the base panels overlap each other, and in the deployed configuration, the plurality of base panels are co-planar to each other. The upper edge of the side wall moves away from the base wall as the trunk transitions from the collapsed configuration toward the deployed configuration. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 233 | 9826856 | Coffee dispenser | The coffee dispenser disclosed herein may serve a single serving of coffee. The coffee dispenser may have a mixing chamber that combines one or more liquid concentrates and heated water, and dispenses a single serving of coffee. The coffee dispenser may have a forth control to select the forth level of the serving of coffee dispensed. The liquid concentrate may be a coffee extract. | Human Necessities |
| 232 | 9815435 | Windshield touch and clean system | A windshield touch and clean system that can clean either the entire windshield of an automobile or spot clean a localized area of the windshield is disclosed. The windshield touch and clean system may control a cleaning head in a number of ways including but not limited to two articulating extension members or a gantry system. The cleaning head may be retrofitted with a spray nozzle for spraying cleaning fluid and also a vibration unit to assist in cleaning of residue on the windshield. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 231 | 9789988 | Squeezable leak proof feeding bottle | A reusable food pouch having a removably insertable one-way valve is disclosed herein. The one-way valve may be used with the reusable food pouch if food product having a water-like consistency is being stored in the reusable food pouch to prevent spills if the reusable food pouch is inadvertently laid on its side. Conversely, the one-way valve may be removed from the reusable food pouch if the food product has a consistency more like thick oatmeal and/or applesauce to allow for free flow of the food product through a spout of the reusable food pouch. | Human Necessities |
| 230 | 9789913 | Pick up truck elongator | A replacement tailgate for the purpose of elongating the pick up truck may be installed on a truck bed wherein the replacement tailgate can be unfolded in order to elongate a length of the truck bed. The replacement tailgate may have front and rear shells that are used to support objects placed in the truck bed as well as act as the new tailgate when the truck bed length is elongated. Various panels may be unfolded in order to trap objects within the truck bed when the replacement tailgate is unfolded in order to elongate the truck bed length. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 229 | 9783030 | Telescoping truck bed shell | A telescoping truck bed shell is disclosed herein. The truck bed shell is capable of being retracted so that the user can have full access to the truck bed and also extended so that the user can have a protected volume at the truck bed in order to store things. The telescoping truck bed has traversable frames and a traversable cover wherein the frames and cover may be traversed between extended and retracted positions depending on whether the truck bed shell is being deployed or stored. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 228 | 9778490 | Therapeutic eyewear | The embodiments disclosed herein relate to a transparent material to provide protection to a person”s eyes from harmful wavelengths of the light spectrum, overall visual comfort, or improved vision such as color enhancement, target recognition and other functions, while selectively transmitting more of certain wavelengths of the light spectrum that have a therapeutic benefit such as healing or general mood modifier. The transparent material may be a lens or a shield which is disposed in front of the wearer”s eyes. | Physics; Software |
| 227 | 9776485 | Pickup cab mount pack | A cover for a truck bed that can be horizontally traversed between expanded and collapsed positions is shown. Since the cover is horizontally traversed, the person manipulating the cover need not lift the cover vertically in order to reconfigure the cover between the expanded and collapsed positions. Women and elderly people who are generally not as strong as men can manipulate the cover. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 226 | 9776205 | Texturizing a wall or ceiling with non-acoustical joint compound | A method of texturing a wall or ceiling with non-acoustical joint compound by providing a collapsible bag having an opening at its top and is adapted to contain non-acoustical joint compound for forming a textured coating on the wall or ceiling and providing a spray nozzle having a low pressure input port, a joint compound suction port attached to the opening at the top of the collapsible bag, and an output port for spraying the non-acoustical joint compound. A low pressure stream of air from an air gun attached to the low pressure input port urges a small quantity of the non-acoustical joint compound to be sprayed out of the spray nozzle when the bottom of the collapsible disposable bag is raised above its top to either allow or force the joint compound to flow into the suction port and into the interior of the spray nozzle. | Human Necessities |
| 225 | 9751469 | Tonneau trunk | A trunk for a bed of a truck is disclosed wherein the trunk provides an isolated enclosed space in an area of the truck bed. The trunk is configurable into different configurations and traversable between front and back positions in order to make best use of the bed of the truck. Moreover, the trunk may be configured and traversed easily so that one without great strength may still manipulate the trunk to make full use of the truck bed. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 224 | 9744836 | Telescoping truck bed shell | A telescoping truck bed shell is disclosed herein. The truck bed shell is capable of being retracted so that the user can have full access to the truck bed and also extended so that the user can have a protected volume at the truck bed in order to store things. The telescoping truck bed has traversable frames and a traversable cover wherein the frames and cover may be traversed between extended and retracted positions depending on whether the truck bed shell is being deployed or stored. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 223 | 9737090 | Instant hot water drinks | A product having an internal substance protected by a rugged exterior shell is disclosed. The internal substance is reactive with the exterior shell but is separated therefrom by a coating on an interior surface of the external shell so that the product can be stored for a long period of time without the internal substance reacting with the exterior shell. The coating is meltable so that, when desired, the product may be heated (e.g. immersed in hot water or exposed to heat) in order to melt the coating so that the internal substance can react with the external shell so that the internal substance can excrete out of the exterior shell. | Human Necessities |
| 222 | 9726160 | Double acting fluid pump with spring biased piston | First and second pistons are mounted to a common shaft which reciprocates during compression and suction strokes. During each of the strokes, fluid is pumped out at an outlet, via a one-way valve on the second piston. The one-way valve is opened or closed depending on whether the first and second pistons are in the compression or suction stroke. Additionally, pressure from the outlet assists in traversing the first and second pistons in the compression stroke. During the suction stroke, the fluid pressure applies a force on the first piston to counteract the fluid pressure on the second piston so that a smaller spring may be used. The size requirements of the solenoid and spring are reduced. Additionally, the fluid pump provides lower pressure spikes, since fluid is pumped out during both the compression and suction strokes and also provides a more even flow of fluid. | Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating; Weapons; Blasting Engines or Pumps |
| 221 | 9720255 | Apparatus for removably attaching outer lenses to goggles | An apparatus and method for removably attaching a lens to a pair of goggles. The lens has at its periphery a plurality of lens clips, and the goggles has on its frame a matching plurality of frame clips which are designed to attach to the lens clips. Attachment and unattachment may be achieved through actuation of a lens release mechanism. The apparatus allows for the rapid and easy replacement of lenses without necessitating a replacement of the remaining portion of the goggles, a feature which may allow a user to cost-effectively replace damaged or worn lenses, or to utilize a single pair of goggles in a multitude of activities or situations in which advantages may be conferred through or necessity may require the use of a type or style of lens having particular attributes. | Physics; Software |
| 220 | 9707935 | Windshield touch and clean system | A windshield touch and clean system that can clean either the entire windshield of an automobile or spot clean a localized area of the windshield is disclosed. The windshield touch and clean system may control a cleaning head in a number of ways including but not limited to two articulating extension members or a gantry system. The cleaning head may be retrofitted with a spray nozzle for spraying cleaning fluid and also a vibration unit to assist in cleaning of residue on the windshield. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 219 | 9676917 | Advanced manufacturing system to recycle carpet | An advanced manufacturing plant and process to efficiently deconstruct and recycle post-consumer carpet primarily in an aqueous environment. The water-based technology substantially eliminates airborne particulate emissions into the workplace and the environment. It also significantly increases the quality and quantity of the resources recovered from the carpet. In addition to recycling residential carpet, it also reclaims and recycles material from commercial broadloom carpet. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 218 | 9676260 | Pickup cab mount pack | A cover for a truck bed that can be horizontally traversed between expanded and collapsed positions is shown. Since the cover is horizontally traversed, the person manipulating the cover need not lift the cover vertically in order to reconfigure the cover between the expanded and collapsed positions. Women and elderly people who are generally not as strong as men can manipulate the cover. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 217 | 9616275 | Ankle strengthening exercise device | An ankle strengthening and rehabilitation exercise device is disclosed. The device is intuitive and simple to use by a patient even without professional medical supervision since the device indicates a specific movement of a foot by pivoting an ankle of the patient. In particular, the device may have an extension member that can be positioned on a frame of the device. The foot of the patient may engage the device. An elastic member may be secured to the extension member and the foot. The direction of the elastic member indicates the direction the foot of the patient should move by pivoting his or her ankle to specifically work or strengthen and exercise a particular ankle muscle of the patient. | Human Necessities |
| 216 | 9609964 | Positive locking hanging system | A positive locking hanging system is specifically adapted for locking a panel to a wall. The system includes a first elongated mounting member that is configured to be mountable to a wall, and a second elongated mounting member configured to be attachable to a panel. When the first elongated mounting member and the second elongated mounting member are engaged, notches in the first and second elongated mounting members are aligned to form a locking channel. A user may lock the second elongated mounting member to the first elongated mounting member (i.e., lock the panel to the wall) by inserting a locking element into the locking channel. The locking element constrains the movement of the elongated mounting members which results in the panel being locked to the wall. As a result, this may address seismic concerns such as an earthquake, and may prevent a thief from merely removing the panel from the wall when the locking element is inserted. | Human Necessities |
| 215 | 9573530 | Tonneau trunk | A trunk for a bed of a truck is disclosed wherein the trunk provides an isolated enclosed space in an area of the truck bed. The trunk is configurable into different configurations and traversable between front and back positions in order to make best use of the bed of the truck. Moreover, the trunk may be configured and traversed easily so that one without great strength may still manipulate the trunk to make full use of the truck bed. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 214 | 9566915 | Tonneau trunk | A trunk for a bed of a truck is disclosed wherein the trunk provides an isolated enclosed space in an area of the truck bed. The trunk is configurable into different configurations and traversable between front and back positions in order to make best use of the bed of the truck. Moreover, the trunk may be configured and traversed easily so that one without great strength may still manipulate the trunk to make full use of the truck bed. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 213 | 9561395 | Ankle strengthening exercise device | An ankle strengthening exercise device is disclosed. The device is intuitive and simple to use by a patient even without professional medical supervision since the device indicates a specific movement of a foot by pivoting an ankle of the patient. In particular, the device may have an extension member that can be positioned on a frame of the device. The foot of the patient may engage the device. An elastic member may be secured to the extension member and the foot. The direction of the elastic member indicates the direction the foot of the patient should move by pivoting his or her ankle to specifically work or strengthen and exercise a particular ankle muscle of the patient. | Human Necessities |
| 212 | 9551409 | Super charger components | A pulley assembly having a body, a shaft mount and a plurality of bolts is disclosed. The body is aligned to the shaft mount by providing a tight tolerance between a shoulder portion of the bolt and a neck portion of a counter sunk hole formed in the body. Additionally, an outer surface of the body may have a pattern of friction lines or patches formed by fusing particulate matter to the outer surface with heat generated by a laser beam. | Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating; Weapons; Blasting Engines or Pumps |
| 211 | 9545710 | Impact tool | An impact tool which provides a consistent level of impact force is provided. The internal mechanism of the impact tool has a trip release member and a hammer which remains in constant contact over a constant surface area throughout cycling of the impact tool. Additionally, the trip release member may slide against a slug having a straight conical surface to minimize variation. Moreover, the hammer may be non-rotateable so that a non round or asymmetrical head may be used. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 210 | 9545126 | Mixed martial arts equipment | An MMA fighting glove is disclosed herein which has a smooth front profile especially at the top and lateral side of the glove when the glove is clenched. In this manner, the glove is less likely to cut an opponent”s skin or training partner”s skin when the lateral side grazes the opponent or training partner. Moreover, a sleeve may cover a strap mechanism of the MMA glove described herein or a prior art MMA glove to cover any protrusions or aberrations of the strap mechanism to further mitigate cutting of the opponent or training partner. | Human Necessities |
| 209 | 9539928 | Pickup cab mount pack | A cover for a truck bed that can be horizontally traversed between expanded and collapsed positions is shown. Since the cover is horizontally traversed, the person manipulating the cover need not lift the cover vertically in order to reconfigure the cover between the expanded and collapsed positions. Women and elderly people who are generally not as strong as men can manipulate the cover. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 208 | 9539886 | Pickup cab mount pack | A cover for a truck bed that can be horizontally traversed between expanded and collapsed positions is shown. Since the cover is horizontally traversed, the person manipulating the cover need not lift the cover vertically in order to reconfigure the cover between the expanded and collapsed positions. Women and elderly people who are generally not as strong as men can manipulate the cover. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 207 | 9533728 | Three-wheeled rear-steering scooter | A three wheeled scooter comprises a chassis having forward and aft ends with a front wheel non-pivotally mounted to the forward end and a pair of rear wheels coaxially mounted to the aft end. The chassis defines a longitudinal axis and includes a support assembly and a handle assembly extending upwardly from the support assembly. The rear wheels are configured to be angularly yawable relative to the longitudinal axis between a neutral position and a yawed position. Steering of the scooter is thereby effectuated by angular yawing of the rear wheels relative to the longitudinal axis such as by asymmetric loading of one of opposing sides of the support assembly. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 205 | 9526290 | Adhesive mountable stack of removable layers | An eye protector includes a lens configured to protect the wearer from projectiles, and an optically clear stack attached to the lens. The stack can have one or more removable layers. The eye protector also includes an optically clear dry mount adhesive layer attaching the stack to the lens. The dry mount adhesive may be self-wetting to attach the stack to the lens so that air between the stack and the lens can be removed after the stack is attached and/or adhered to the lens, for example, by applying pressure across the surface of the stack. The refractive indices of the lens, the dry mount adhesive, and each removable layer are matched to within about 0.2. | Human Necessities |
| 204 | 9499289 | Film edge sealing device | A film edge sealing device is disclosed herein which has a groove defining a base. The base of the groove of the edge sealing device is oriented at a skewed angle with respect to a longitudinal direction of the conveyor of the heat sealing machine. Edges of a thermoplastic sheet or two stacked layers of thermoplastic sheets are introduced into the groove of the edge sealing device and placed in contact therewith to both heat and melt the edges of the thermoplastic sheet(s) to form a bead and join the edges thereof to form an edge bead seal. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 203 | 9480827 | Drainage cannula with anchor tab | A drainage cannula having one of three different types of anchor tabs is disclosed. The anchor tab prevents movement of the cannula after positioning a distal portion of the cannula inside of the patient”s body and securing the anchor tab to the patient”s body (e.g., skin). | Human Necessities |
| 202 | 9474863 | Multi-purpose syringe | A multi-purpose syringe that may be used both for gravity feeding and syringe pump assisted feeding of a neonate is disclosed. The multi-purpose syringe includes a cap and a plunger. The cap and plunger may be selectively engaged to the barrel depending on whether the neonate is fed by gravity or syringe pump. The cap seals the top of the barrel but allows gas to pass between the inside of the barrel and the environment and traps liquid within the barrel. To this end, the cap has an aperture covered by a hydrophobic member. | Human Necessities |
| 201 | 9471163 | Touch screen shield | A shield that is attachable to a touch sensitive screen is disclosed. The shield may be attached to the touch sensitive screen only at its outer peripheral portion. An air gap is enclosed between the shield and the touch sensitive screen to form a planar air bearing. The shield preferably does not touch the active area of the touch sensitive screen when the user is not touching the shield but only viewing the touch sensitive screen through the shield. This mitigates unwanted optical artifacts such as trapped air bubbles, Newton rings and chromatic interference while maintaining the sensitivity of the touch sensitive screen. | Human Necessities |
| 200 | 9469999 | Exterior wall panneling system | A system for mounting a plurality of wall panels is disclosed which incorporates a plurality of horizontal wall runners that have a plurality of holes along the length thereof in order to urge rainwater downward and onto the ground and also to dry out any water or moisture that may remain therebetween. The holes are formed at the lowest most portion of the trough in order to further urge the rainwater downward. | Fixed Constructions |
| 199 | 9468304 | Sleeper sofa | A convertible sofa-bed which is easy to convert between a sofa configuration and a bed configuration is provided. From a sofa configuration, a buttock-foot member may be pulled outward. Simultaneously, a head rest member and back rest member which are initially at a generally vertical position are traversed to a generally horizontal position. When the buttock-foot member is fully traversed outward (i.e., extended position), the head rest member, back rest member and the buttock-foot member are generally substantially co-planar and generally horizontal. This provides a firm bed surface. From the bed configuration, head rest member and the back rest member may be buckled to allow the buttock-foot member to be pushed inward. The buttock-foot member is then pushed fully inward (i.e., retracted position) until the head rest member and the back rest member are in the generally vertical position with the buttock-foot member and back rest member forming a seat. | Human Necessities |
| 198 | 9452782 | Pick up truck elongator | A replacement tailgate for the purpose of elongating the pickup truck may be installed on a truck bed wherein the replacement tailgate can be unfolded in order to elongate a length of the truck bed. The replacement tailgate may have front and rear shells that are used to support objects placed in the truck bed as well as act as the new tailgate when the truck bed length is elongated. Various panels may be unfolded in order to trap objects within the truck bed when the replacement tailgate is unfolded in order to elongate the truck bed length. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 197 | 9449402 | Color display converter for pinball machine | A later generation display device may be connected to the video output port of an older electronic device which utilized an earlier generation display such as a dot matrix display. The early generation display is replaced with the later generation display. The display device includes software which receives graphic data through the video output port and identifies which frame is currently being streamed. The display device matches the frame being streamed to a stored graphic frame having a higher resolution and/or color. The matched frame is delivered to the later generation device so that the user can experience a higher quality visual effect by retrofitting the older electronic device with the later generation display. | Physics; Software |
| 196 | 9421637 | Super charger components | A pulley assembly having a body, a shaft mount and a plurality of bolts is disclosed. The body is aligned to the shaft mount by providing a tight tolerance between a shoulder portion of the bolt and a neck portion of a counter sunk hole formed in the body. Additionally, an outer surface of the body may have a pattern of friction lines or patches formed by fusing particulate matter to the outer surface with heat generated by a laser beam. | Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating; Weapons; Blasting Engines or Pumps |
| 195 | 9399886 | Door closing mechanism | A camming member for a door may have a camming surface which lifts the door as the door is traversed from an opened position to a closed position. The lifting movement of the door caused by the camming member facilitates one or more latches used to reinforce a periphery of the door to be engaged without further user intervention. | Human Necessities |
| 194 | 9398782 | Aerodynamic bicycle helmet | An aerodynamic bicycle helmet for decreasing coefficient of drag when a head of a rider is in a down position is disclosed. The helmet may comprise a cushion with a concave cavity for receiving the head of the rider; a strap attached to the cushion for maintaining the cushion on the head of rider in the event of a crash; an exterior shell disposed over the cushion, the exterior shell having a leading portion with a spherical or a parabolic configuration, the leading portion positioned on a top portion of the head of the rider when the helmet is worn by the rider. | Human Necessities |
| 193 | 9392814 | Delivery system for drinks | A water soluble shell or binder is used to encapsulate nutrients, flavoring, other food grade ingredients or combinations thereof together as a single serving or unit. The unit or single serving may be distributed to people to provide nutrition to people in mass casualty situations. In this manner, more nutrients may be delivered since water which has a significant amount of weight and volume need not be transported to the people. Moreover, in normal situations, the water soluble shell or binder dissolves sufficiently quick so that the user can quickly consume nutrients. | Human Necessities |
| 192 | 9387992 | System for forming layers of packages to be palletized, and palletization plant thereof | A gripping head ( 1 ) comprises a supporting element ( 11 ), e.g. a horizontal plate, adapted to rotate about a first rotation axis (&alpha,-) with which two or more grippers ( 12 ) are pivotally associated, so that each gripper is adapted to rotate about a symmetry axis (?) thereof, said rotation axes being parallel to each other, and being the rotation motion of each gripper independent from the others. Therefore, each gripper is adapted to rotate about a symmetry axis (?) thereof and revolve about the rotation axis (?) of the supporting element with which they are pivotally associated. A preferred plant, comprising said gripping head ( 1 ), comprises a belt conveyor and a mechanical limb ( 2 ) with which said gripping head ( 1 ) is pivotally associated. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 191 | 9380916 | Dispenser system | The invention relates to a dispenser system with a housing, into which a reservoir cartridge is inserted, which is formed by a reservoir container and a distribution device. Housing comprises an actuation device which acts on distribution device in such a way that a pressure on the actuation device delivers a portion of the medium on the distribution device. The known dispenser systems have the drawback that an individual dispenser is required depending on the medium. According to the invention, in order to create an identical part dispenser system, a connection element compensating for the different geometries of distribution device is connected to distribution device. Moreover, actuation device comprises at different levels pressure-exerting faces, which cooperate with pressure-receiving faces of distribution device, wherein different faces engage with one another depending on employed reservoir cartridge. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 190 | 9375591 | Aerial delivery devices, systems and methods | A firefighting device has a rigid sleeve and an inner bladder within the sleeve. The bladder is rupturable with a pair of bladder straps attached to the bladder which is pulled upon by a pair of lid straps attached to a lid when the firefighting device is released from a forward moving aircraft. Additionally, the sleeve may have a pair of sleeve straps which are connected to a lower half of the sleeve and the lid straps to facilitate rotation of the device when the device is released from the forward moving aircraft. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 189 | 9365097 | Pickup cab mount pack | A cover for a truck bed that can be horizontally traversed between expanded and collapsed positions is shown. Since the cover is horizontally traversed, the person manipulating the cover need not lift the cover vertically in order to reconfigure the cover between the expanded and collapsed positions. Women and elderly people who are generally not as strong as men can manipulate the cover. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 188 | 9326577 | Storage, transport, and display carrier for fine jewelry | A fine jewelry holder adapted for storing, displaying, and transporting fine jewelry and especially for necklaces and bracelets. The jewelry holder having a plurality of snap-strips, with at least two snap-strips having male type snaps arranged thereon and a plurality of the snap-strips having female type snaps arranged thereon. The two male type snap-strips stitched to a base in mutually parallel positions spaced apart and with male snaps facing away from the base. A plurality of parallel, spaced apart female type snap-strips stitched to each said male snap-strip with one end of each female snap-strip stitched under one of the male snap-strips and positioned orthogonal thereto; and pairs of the female snap-strips extending from the opposing male snap strips in mutual collinear convergence and with female snaps facing away from the base. | Human Necessities |
| 187 | 9316214 | Bag in box beverage pump | A pump operated with compressed gas is disclosed herein. The pump has two separate cylinders which share a common wall. Pistons are attached to a common shaft that runs through the common wall. The pistons are disposed within each of the cylinders. The pistons divide the cylinders into gas and liquid chambers. The liquid chambers of the cylinder form a liquid system and are in fluid communication with the liquid inlet and outlet. The gas chambers of the cylinders form a gas system and are in communication with gas inlet and outlet. A manifold switching mechanism controls routing of compressed gas to either one of the gas chambers to operate the gas operated pump. The pump may also have an automatic shutoff valve which shuts off operation of the pump when liquid from a liquid source has been depleted. | Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating; Weapons; Blasting Engines or Pumps |
| 186 | 9315085 | Angled spacer mount | An angled spacer mount for a suspension of a vehicle is disclosed. The angled spacer mount has upper and lower flanges that are set apart from each other at a specific skewed angle. By doing so, the angled spacer mount may be mounted to a spring perch of the suspension of the vehicle to change a curvature characteristic of a coil spring used in the vehicle suspension. The angled spacer mount may be operative to straighten a coil spring to better isolate road conditions from a passenger compartment. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 185 | 9296443 | Three-wheeled rear-steering scooter | A three wheeled scooter comprises a chassis having forward and aft ends with a front wheel non-pivotally mounted to the forward end and a pair of rear wheels coaxially mounted to the aft end. The chassis defines a longitudinal axis and includes a support assembly and a handle assembly extending upwardly from the support assembly. The rear wheels are configured to be angularly yawable relative to the longitudinal axis between a neutral position and a yawed position. Steering of the scooter is thereby effectuated by angular yawing of the rear wheels relative to the longitudinal axis such as by asymmetric loading of one of opposing sides of the support assembly. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 184 | 9295297 | Adhesive mountable stack of removable layers | An eye protector includes a lens configured to protect the wearer from projectiles, and an optically clear stack attached to the lens. The stack can have one or more removable layers. The eye protector also includes an optically clear dry mount adhesive layer attaching the stack to the lens. The dry mount adhesive may be self-wetting to attach the stack to the lens so that air between the stack and the lens can be removed after the stack is attached and/or adhered to the lens, for example, by applying pressure across the surface of the stack. The refractive indices of the lens, the dry mount adhesive, and each removable layer are matched to within about 0.2. | Human Necessities |
| 183 | 9283901 | Apparatus for unloading material from a truck bed | An improved tarp specifically configured and adapted for transporting cargo in a truck bed, and unloading cargo from the truck bed at a desired location. The tarp includes several foldable flaps or panels which may be used to secure the cargo within the tarp. The tarp may include several loops which may be used for pulling the tarp out of the truck bed and unloading the cargo from the tarp. Also, the tarp may have several strengthening strips which pull the cargo out of the truck bed. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 182 | 9283148 | Multi-purpose syringe | A multi-purpose syringe that may be used both for gravity feeding and syringe pump assisted feeding of a neonate is disclosed. The multi-purpose syringe includes a cap and a plunger. The cap and plunger may be selectively engaged to the barrel depending on whether the neonate is fed by gravity or syringe pump. The cap seals the top of the barrel but allows gas to pass between the inside of the barrel and the environment and traps liquid within the barrel. To this end, the cap has an aperture covered by a hydrophobic member. | Human Necessities |
| 181 | 9274625 | Touch screen shield | A shield that is attachable to a touch sensitive screen is disclosed. The shield may be attached to the touch sensitive screen only at its outer peripheral portion. An air gap is enclosed between the shield and the touch sensitive screen to form a planar air bearing. The shield preferably does not touch the active area of the touch sensitive screen when the user is not touching the shield but only viewing the touch sensitive screen through the shield. This mitigates unwanted optical artifacts such as trapped air bubbles, Newton rings and chromatic interference while maintaining the sensitivity of the touch sensitive screen. | Physics; Software |
| 180 | 9266462 | Buckle assembly for tie down strap | A cam buckle frame includes a first roller aligned transversally across the frame proximate the free end of an operating lever of a web toothed locking cam. The roller directs the web in contact with the operating lever of the locking cam to provide a self-locking feature without requirement for a torsion spring. Other transverse posts and rollers may be included in the web clamp frame and the corresponding hook end of the tie-down to form a secured pulley arrangement to provide a multiplication of applied tension force. One end of the frame side-wall adjacent said first roller may form an integral hook assembly with a structural latch. An option is to have the frame closed out by connecting opposing walls with a section that provides a center port to allow attachment of various style hooks. A pivoting hook-end used to connect to soft hook loops is described. | Human Necessities |
| 179 | 9265699 | Gravity feeding device | A gravity fed infant feeding device is disclosed. The gravity feeding device may have a cover with a through hole that allows liquid nutrients within the infant feeding device to be fed to an infant by way of gravity. If the infant feeding device clogs up, then either an integrated pump or a separate pump may be applied to the infant feeding device to increase pressure and push out the clog from the system. the through hole may be covered with a hydrophobic filter to allow air to pass there through and allow the feeding of the infant by way of gravity yet liquid nutrients within the infant feeding device cannot escape or be contaminated during use. | Human Necessities |
| 178 | 9258978 | Animal enclosure tray lock | A tray lock mechanism for a pet enclosure is disclosed. The tray lock mechanism includes a sliding component that has a camming surface that interacts with a leading-edge of the tray to generate an upward force to move the sliding component out of the way so that the tray can be inserted into an opening and into the pet enclosure. Additionally, in a further embodiment, the tray lock mechanism contemplates a door extension that extends downward and blocks the opening when the door is in the closed position and unblocks the opening when the door is in an opened position. | Human Necessities |
| 177 | 9249792 | Bag in box beverage pump | A pump operated with compressed gas is disclosed herein. The pump has two separate cylinders which share a common wall. Pistons are attached to a common shaft that runs through the common wall. The pistons are disposed within each of the cylinders. The pistons divide the cylinders into gas and liquid chambers. The liquid chambers of the cylinder form a liquid system and are in fluid communication with the liquid inlet and outlet. The gas chambers of the cylinders form a gas system and are in communication with gas inlet and outlet. A manifold switching mechanism controls routing of compressed gas to either one of the gas chambers to operate the gas operated pump by way of a spool valve or a shuttle valve mechanism. The pump may also have an automatic shutoff valve which shuts off operation of the pump when liquid from a liquid source has been depleted. | Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating; Weapons; Blasting Engines or Pumps |
| 176 | 9237776 | Hat accessory | An accessory for a hat is disclosed which a wearer can use to show support for a team, cause or event and/or to protect the wearer from rain and damaging UV rays. In particular, the hat accessory may receive a protective covering with printed indicia on the exterior surface thereof. The protective covering may also be coated with a water repellent and also embedded with a treatment for UV protection. The protective covering may be removably attachable to the hat accessory so that the wearer can show support to a particular team, event or cause depending on the circumstances. | Human Necessities |
| 175 | 9232056 | Apparatus for blocking unwanted telephone calls and faxes | An apparatus for blocking unwanted calls is disclosed. The apparatus incorporates a whitelist which the user can program so that known friendly callers are not interrupted by the apparatus. The apparatus also incorporates a blacklist which automatically rejects known unwanted callers so that the user is not interrupted by these calls. Additionally, the apparatus allows the user to easily add new numbers to either the blacklist or white list and also to delete numbers from the white list, blacklist or master list of caller IDs. For new numbers, callers are presented with a simple but yet effective message that states that the caller should hang up if the caller is a solicitor or telemarketer, or otherwise press zero so that the apparatus can allow the call to go through to the telephone. | Electronics; Electrical; Hardware and Software Systems |
| 174 | 9227022 | Neonatal fluid tubing heater | A heating system for warming nutritional liquid fed to a neonate or preterm infant may comprise a control module and a heater. The heating system is portable so that the heating system is not connected to a syringe pump or other device used to feed the neonate. The heater of the heating system is mounted to the tube that is used to feed the neonate. The heater is positioned along the tube in close proximity to the neonate so that a temperature drop of the nutritional liquid after the nutritional liquid exits the heater and reaches the neonate is negligible. The heater raises the temperature of the nutritional liquid to a target desired temperature (e.g., body temperature of the mother and neonate or to a temperature above the temperature of the mother and neonate) so that the neonate may consume warm nutritional fluid. Once the nutritional liquid reaches the neonate, the nutritional liquid is at about the body temperature of the mother or neonate or at least above room temperature. | Human Necessities |
| 173 | 9170479 | Zoetrope light emitting device | A zoetrope device having a plurality of panels is disclosed. Each of the panels may be formed with one or more indicia representing various objects such as people and things. The panels may be mounted to a rotatable platform that traverses the panels over a light source. When the panel is traversed over the light source, the light source may illuminate the edge of the panel and the indicia formed on the panel. The indicia may be formed at different depths to provide the viewer with an image that appears to be three dimensional. Moreover, the light source may have one or more different light colors for illuminating the indicia therewith and/or alternately illuminating the indicia with different light colors. | Physics; Software |
| 172 | 9167844 | Instant hot water drinks | A product having an internal substance protected by a rugged exterior shell is disclosed. The internal substance is reactive with the exterior shell but is separated therefrom by a coating on an interior surface of the external shell so that the product can be stored for a long period of time without the internal substance reacting with the exterior shell. The coating is meltable so that, when desired, the product may be heated (e.g. immersed in hot water or exposed to heat) in order to melt the coating so that the internal substance can react with the external shell so that the internal substance can excrete out of the exterior shell. | Human Necessities |
| 171 | 9163416 | Texturing a wall or ceiling with non-acoustical joint compound | A method of texturing a wall or ceiling with non-acoustical joint compound by providing a collapsible bag having an opening at its top and is adapted to contain non-acoustical joint compound for forming a textured coating on the wall or ceiling and providing a spray nozzle having a low pressure input port, a joint compound suction port attached to the opening at the top of the collapsible bag, and an output port for spraying the non-acoustical joint compound. A low pressure stream of air from an air gun attached to the low pressure input port urges a small quantity of the non-acoustical joint compound to be sprayed out of the spray nozzle when the bottom of the collapsible disposable bag is raised above its top to either allow or force the joint compound to flow into the suction port and into the interior of the spray nozzle. | Human Necessities |
| 170 | 9138914 | Masonry veneer machine | A masonry veneer machine is disclosed having adjustable fingers for applying the proper amount of pressure to the brick against a guide. The adjustable fingers are disposed on the lateral side of the saw blade, whereas, the guide is disposed on an arbor side of the saw blade. This provides for quick adjustments to the fingers and guide when changing over from cutting bricks of a first size to bricks of a second size which are significantly different from each other. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 169 | 9138026 | Facial cushion | A facial cushion for a goggle may have a plurality of layers which provide cushioning, cooling and ergonomic fit functions. The top layer which contacts the wearer”s face may have an embossed pattern which creates an air space between the wearer”s face and the top layer for providing a cooling function. The embossed top layer also increases the total surface area of the top layer thereby increasing its wicking ability and reduces the total skin contact surface area of the top layer reducing heat. Additionally, the cushion may be thicker at left and right end portions to maintain contact with the wearer”s face despite pulling of the left and right ends of the goggle when the goggle is worn with a helmet. | Human Necessities |
| 168 | 9135836 | Sign guard | A sign guard for protecting pedestrians and pets from sharp edges of a sign is disclosed. The sign guard may have a recess within which the sign is received. The recess may be sufficiently deep to cover the sharp edges of the sign to mitigate injury to pedestrians and pets. The sign guard may have a through hole for lightening the weight of the sign guard as well as relieving stress to prevent warpage during certain manufacturing techniques. Additionally, the sign guard may have two (2) mounting pads which protrude inwardly into the through hole for mounting the sign and sign guard to a post. Holes may be drilled or preformed in the mounting pads that line up to the mounting holes of the sign. Alternatively, the sign may be mounted to the sign guard and post by way of a retaining clip. | Physics; Software |
| 167 | 9128545 | Touch screen shield | A shield that is attachable to a touch sensitive screen is disclosed. The shield may be attached to the touch sensitive screen only at its outer peripheral portion. An air gap is enclosed between the shield and the touch sensitive screen to form a planar air bearing. The shield preferably does not touch the active area of the touch sensitive screen when the user is not touching the shield but only viewing the touch sensitive screen through the shield. This mitigates unwanted optical artifacts such as trapped air bubbles, Newton rings and chromatic interference while maintaining the sensitivity of the touch sensitive screen. | Physics; Software |
| 166 | 9120519 | Aero seat post mounting device | An aerodynamically shaped seat post fabricated from carbon fiber is mountable to a seat tube by placing left and right bushings within the hollow center of the seat post. These bushings are accessible and engageable to left and right bolts when the desired height of the seat post is reached. In particular, the left and right bolts are fed through left and right holes formed in the seat tube. The seat post has left and right elongate slots which provide access to the bushings, and more particularly, to the threaded holes of the bushings so that the left and right bolts may engage those threaded holes and clamp the left and right sidewalls of the seat post and the left and right sidewalls of the seat tube together, respectively. This seat post mount eliminates stress concentrations to the seat post. Moreover, the seat post is not clamped down with opposed forces placed on the left and right sidewalls of the seat post. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 165 | 9104256 | Touch screen shield | A shield that is attachable to a touch sensitive screen is disclosed. The shield may be attached to the touch sensitive screen only at its outer peripheral portion. An air gap is enclosed between the shield and the touch sensitive screen to form a planar air bearing. The shield preferably does not touch the active area of the touch sensitive screen when the user is not touching the shield but only viewing the touch sensitive screen through the shield. This mitigates unwanted optical artifacts such as trapped air bubbles, Newton rings and chromatic interference while maintaining the sensitivity of the touch sensitive screen. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 164 | 9080331 | Universal architectural system | A wall panel system may comprise a plurality of panels which may be mounted to a wall. The panels have panel clips attached to the backside thereof. The wall has a plurality of horizontal joints attached thereto. The panel clips and the horizontal joints have tongues and grooves which allow the panel to be mounted to the wall. Preferably, the tongues are formed on the panel clips and point in the same direction. The grooves are formed on the horizontal joints and point in the opposite direction from the tongues. In this manner, the tongues can be inserted or hung into the grooves. The panels are locked in place by a plurality of horizontal caps which engage the horizontal joints and prevent the panel immediately below the horizontal caps from being removed. | Fixed Constructions |
| 163 | 9079548 | Truck trunk | A trunk for a bed of a truck is disclosed wherein the trunk provides an isolated enclosed space in an area of the truck bed. The trunk is configurable into different configurations and traversable between front and back positions in order to make best use of the bed of the truck. Moreover, the trunk may be configured and traversed easily so that one without great strength may still manipulate the trunk to make full use of the truck bed. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 162 | 9052160 | Front sight of a weapon | A front sight assembly that can be mounted to a barrel and a gas block is disclosed. The front sight assembly has a barrel mount that allows the front sight assembly to pivot about the barrel. The front sight assembly also has a gas block mount that allows the user to pivot and set the front sight left or right to allow for windage. The front sight assembly may also have a front sight disposed over the gas block mount. | Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating; Weapons; Blasting Engines or Pumps |
| 161 | 9051081 | Vent opening mechanism | A drink can has a drink opening and a vent opening. These openings are positioned opposite from each other with respect to a central portion of a top end of a drink can. The tab is attached to the central portion and can be pulled upward to open the drink opening then pushed back downward to open the vent opening. To aid in opening the vent opening with the tab, the vent opening may have a ridge to provide additional leverage when the tab pushes downward on a score line that defines the vent opening. The tab may be enlarged so that upon breakage of the score line to the vent opening, the tab contacts the top end of the can and does not allow the user”s finger to proceed into the vent opening and possibly cut the user”s finger. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 160 | 9028353 | Super charger components | A pulley assembly having a body, a shaft mount and a plurality of bolts is disclosed. The body is aligned to the shaft mount by providing a tight tolerance between a shoulder portion of the bolt and a neck portion of a counter sunk hole formed in the body. Additionally, an outer surface of the body may have a pattern of friction lines or patches formed by fusing particulate matter to the outer surface with heat generated by a laser beam. | Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating; Weapons; Blasting Engines or Pumps |
| 159 | 9016001 | Erectable housing structure with a shipping container configuration | An erectable portable housing structure is disclosed herein which has a plurality of panels that can be pivoted outward to form a two-story portable housing structure for the purpose of providing shelter for people or storage area. The portable housing structure may have an external envelope that can be transported through standard intermodal transportation systems. When the portable housing structure has been transported to a particular site, the panels within the portable housing structure may be pivoted outward to erect the two-story portable housing structure. | Fixed Constructions |
| 158 | 8998226 | Three-wheeled rear-steering scooter | A three wheeled scooter comprises a chassis having forward and aft ends with a front wheel non-pivotally mounted to the forward end and a pair of rear wheels coaxially mounted to the aft end. The chassis defines a longitudinal axis and includes a support assembly and a handle assembly extending upwardly from the support assembly. The rear wheels are configured to be angularly yawable relative to the longitudinal axis between a neutral position and a yawed position. Steering of the scooter is thereby effectuated by angular yawing of the rear wheels relative to the longitudinal axis such as by asymmetric loading of one of opposing sides of the support assembly. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 157 | 8974620 | Touch screen shield | A shield that is attachable to a touch sensitive screen is disclosed. The shield may be attached to the touch sensitive screen only at its outer peripheral portion. An air gap is enclosed between the shield and the touch sensitive screen to form a planar air bearing. The shield preferably does not touch the active area of the touch sensitive screen when the user is not touching the shield but only viewing the touch sensitive screen through the shield. This mitigates unwanted optical artifacts such as trapped air bubbles, Newton rings and chromatic interference while maintaining the sensitivity of the touch sensitive screen. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 156 | 8955898 | Apparatus for unloading material from a truck bed | An improved tarp specifically configured and adapted for transporting cargo in a truck bed, and unloading cargo from the truck bed at a desired location. The tarp includes several foldable flaps or panels which may be used to secure the cargo within the tarp. The tarp may include several loops which may be used for pulling the tarp out of the truck bed and unloading the cargo from the tarp. Also, the tarp may have several strengthening strips which pull the cargo out of the truck bed. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 155 | 8955566 | Tire pressure maintenance device | A device for maintaining a desired inflation pressure within a tire mounted on a wheel of a vehicle which includes a flexible compression chamber and a magnetic element not on the wheel. As the compressor passes the magnet each wheel revolution, a small amount of atmospheric air is pumped into the tire, if needed. The magnet and the compressor need no other contact with the vehicle or the wheel and require no energy source on the wheel. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 154 | 8931156 | Puller for pulley of supercharger | A puller for removing a pulley off of the shaft is disclosed. The puller may have proximal and distal plates that are disposable around the pulley so that the pulley is disposed entirely between the proximal and distal plates. These plates are held together by frame members. A push rod is threadably engaged to a proximal plate and operative to be further inserted into the proximal plate so that a distal end of the push rod may push against the shaft and transfer a removing force through the puller to the backside of the pulley for removing the pulley off of the shaft. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 153 | 8918916 | Hat accessory | An accessory for a hat is disclosed which a wearer can use to show support for a team, cause or event and/or to protect the wearer from rain and damaging UV rays. In particular, the hat accessory may receive a protective covering with printed indicia on the exterior surface thereof. The protective covering may also be coated with a water repellent and also embedded with a treatment for UV protection. The protective covering may be removably attachable to the hat accessory so that the wearer can show support to a particular team, event or cause depending on the circumstances. | Human Necessities |
| 152 | 8881325 | Sleeper sofa | A convertible sofa-bed which is easy to convert between a sofa configuration and a bed configuration is provided. From a sofa configuration, a buttock-foot member may be pulled outward. Simultaneously, a head rest member and back rest member which are initially at a generally vertical position are traversed to a generally horizontal position. When the buttock-foot member is fully traversed outward (i.e., extended position), the head rest member, back rest member and the buttock-foot member are generally substantially coplanar and generally horizontal. This provides a firm bed. From the bed configuration, head rest member and the back rest member may be buckled to allow the buttock-foot member to be pushed inward. The buttock-foot member is then pushed fully inward (i.e., retracted position) until the head rest member and the back rest member are in the generally vertical position with the buttock-foot member and back rest member forming a seat. | Human Necessities |
| 151 | 8857097 | Quick detachable firearm accessory mount | A quick detachable mount is disclosed, wherein the quick detachable mount can be operated with one hand for mounting or detaching the mount from a mounting location (e.g. picatinny rail). The quick detachable mount has a button that can be depressed with the user”s thumb while the user”s index or middle finger are on the opposite side of the mount (or vice versa). The button when depressed moves a wedge to allow for a pivoting jaw to rotate toward a disengaged position. When the button is released, the wedge contacts the pivoting jaw to traverse the pivoting jaw toward the engaged position. | Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating; Weapons; Blasting Engines or Pumps |
| 150 | 8840038 | Texturing a wall or ceiling with non-acoustical joint compound | A method of texturing a wall or ceiling with non-acoustical joint compound by providing a collapsible bag having an opening at its top and is adapted to contain non-acoustical joint compound for forming a textured coating on the wall or ceiling and providing a spray nozzle having a low pressure input port, a joint compound suction port attached to the opening at the top of the collapsible bag, and an output port for spraying the non-acoustical joint compound. A low pressure stream of air from an air gun attached to the low pressure input port urges a small quantity of the non-acoustical joint compound to be sprayed out of the spray nozzle when the bottom of the collapsible disposable bag is raised above its top to either allow or force the joint compound to flow into the suction port and into the interior of the spray nozzle. | Human Necessities |
| 149 | 8839582 | Wainscot wall panel system | The wainscot wall panel system may comprise a plurality of panels which are mounted to a wall. The plurality of panels are mounted to the wall with a plurality of horizontal joints including but not limited to a bottom edge joint and a top edge joint and one or more intermediate or middle horizontal joints. Each of the joints are attached to the wall and used to mount the panel to the wall. In particular, the joints may have panels which mechanically receive the panels so that no adhesive or chemical attachment methods are necessary in order to mount the panels to the wall. This reduces the exposure of toxic chemicals to the occupants of the building and permits air to flow behind the panels, thereby mitigating the creation of mold. | Fixed Constructions |
| 148 | 8827296 | Three-wheeled rear-steering scooter | A three wheeled scooter comprises a chassis having forward and aft ends with a front wheel non-pivotally mounted to the forward end and a pair of rear wheels coaxially mounted to the aft end. The chassis defines a longitudinal axis and includes a support assembly and a handle assembly extending upwardly from the support assembly. The rear wheels are configured to be angularly yawable relative to the longitudinal axis between a neutral position and a yawed position. Steering of the scooter is thereby effectuated by angular yawing of the rear wheels relative to the longitudinal axis such as by asymmetric loading of one of opposing sides of the support assembly. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 147 | 8813412 | Quick detachable firearm accessory mount | Improvements in a quick detachable firearm accessory mount. That uses a dovetail lock that is wedged with a spring to increase the locking force on the dovetail. The quick detachable firearm accessory mount is quickly installed and removed by pressing onto a button, tilting and lifting the quick detachable firearm accessory mount with the accessory such as a scope, flashlight or laser. | Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating; Weapons; Blasting Engines or Pumps |
| 146 | 8806799 | Front sight of a weapon | A front sight assembly that can be mounted to a barrel and a gas block is disclosed. The front sight assembly has a barrel mount that allows the front sight assembly to pivot about the barrel. The front sight assembly also has a gas block mount that allows the user to pivot and set the front sight left or right to allow for windage. The front sight assembly may also have a front sight disposed over the gas block mount. | Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating; Weapons; Blasting Engines or Pumps |
| 145 | 8801008 | Three wheeled scooter with rear skate truck and fixed front wheel | A scooter is disclosed which positions a center of gravity of a rider toward the front the scooter so that the rider can more easily perform a 180 degree turn trick. Since the rider is positioned closer to the front wheel, it becomes easier for the rider to flip over the handlebars. Fortunately, the scooter reduces a moment arm that defines a deceleration moment to reduce the likelihood that the rider will flip over the front handlebars. | Human Necessities |
| 144 | 8773452 | Color display converter for pinball machines | A later generation display device may be connected to the video output port of an older electronic device which utilized an earlier generation display such as a dot matrix display. The early generation display is replaced with the later generation display. The display device includes software which receives graphic data through the video output port and identifies which frame is currently being streamed. The display device matches the frame being streamed to a stored graphic frame having a higher resolution and/or color. The matched frame is delivered to the later generation device so that the user can experience a higher quality visual effect by retrofitting the older electronic device with the later generation display. | Physics; Software |
| 143 | 8733293 | Pet enclosure with dual axes swivel connector | A dual axes swivel connector for connecting various panels to assemble a pet enclosure is disclosed. The dual axes swivel connector allows panels of the enclosure to be reliably pivoted with respect to each other. The dual axes swivel connector may comprise first and second parts. The first part may be fabricated from a flexible material compared to the second part, whereas the second part may be fabricated from a more rigid material compared to the first part. The flexibility of the first part allows the first part to have a tighter fit with the wire rods. The second part has a looser fit with the wire rods but the rigidity of the second part compensates for the looser fit. When the first and second parts are interlocked, they create a tight fit which can reliably provide a hinge between the panels. | Human Necessities |
| 142 | 8727436 | Bicycle seat clamp assembly | A bicycle seat clamp assembly is disclosed herein which comprises upper and lower members to provide a vertical clamping force to the rails of a seat to attach a seat to the seat post. The upper and lower members are actuated by a horizontal fastening device which can be tightened or loosened with one hand. The bicycle seat clamp assembly provides for fine tuning of a front to back angular tilt as preferred by the user. Moreover, the seat post can be rotated to the forward direction or the rearward direction to increase a front to back adjustment range of the seat. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 141 | 8702569 | Jaw strengthening device | A jaw strengthening device may have an upper mouthpiece and a lower mouthpiece. These mouthpieces may be attached to each other by way of a coil compression spring. This allows the upper and lower mouthpieces to shift front and back as well as laterally so that the upper and lower mouthpieces do not track a specific pivot point, but can follow the natural movement of the jaw. A film is wrapped around the spring and expands outwardly as the user bites down on the mouthpieces to push the inside surface of the person”s cheek away from the coils of the spring and prevent the coils of the spring from pinching the user”s cheek. Additionally, the device may be inserted inside the person”s mouth so that the device is not aesthetically obtrusive. | Human Necessities |
| 140 | 8702116 | Aero seat post mounting device | An aerodynamically shaped seat post fabricated from carbon fiber is mountable to a seat tube by placing left and right bushings within the hollow center of the seat post. These bushings are accessible and engageable to left and right bolts when the desired height of the seat post is reached. In particular, the left and right bolts are fed through left and right holes formed in the seat tube. The seat post has left and right elongate slots which provide access to the bushings, and more particularly, to the threaded holes of the bushings so that the left and right bolts may engage those threaded holes and clamp the left and right sidewalls of the seat post and the left and right sidewalls of the seat tube together, respectively. This seat post mount eliminates stress concentrations to the seat post. Moreover, the seat post is not clamped down with opposed forces placed on the left and right sidewalls of the seat post. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 139 | 8693102 | Touch screen saver | A stack of laminated transparent lenses consists of two alternating optically clear materials in intimate contact. The materials are a plastic lens and clear adhesive. The adhesive is uninterrupted. The lens and the adhesive have refraction mismatch of less than 0.2. A tab portion is part of each lens acts as an aid in peeling away the outermost lens after contamination of the lens layer during racing conditions. The lens stack can be mounted to the posts on the face shield or laminated directly to a windshield. | Physics; Software |
| 138 | 8663161 | Neonatal fluid tubing heater | A heating system for warming nutritional liquid fed to a neonate or preterm infant may comprise a control module and a heater. The heating system is portable so that the heating system is not connected to a syringe pump or other device used to feed the neonate. The heater of the heating system is mounted to the tube that is used to feed the neonate. The heater is positioned along the tube in close proximity to the neonate so that a temperature drop of the nutritional liquid after the nutritional liquid exits the heater and reaches the neonate is negligible. The heater raises the temperature of the nutritional liquid to a target desired temperature (e.g., body temperature of the mother and neonate or to a temperature above the temperature of the mother and neonate) so that the neonate may consume warm nutritional fluid. Once the nutritional liquid reaches the neonate, the nutritional liquid is at about the body temperature of the mother or neonate or at least above room temperature. | Human Necessities |
| 137 | 8656666 | Tool holder and plate assembly and method for producing tool holder and plate assembly | The invention relates to a clamping holder as well as to a pane assembly comprising such a clamping holder and to a method for producing such a pane assembly. Pane assemblies, which are injection molded on the edge side by a frame section, are known in the state of the art. In response to the production of the pane assembly, a retaining strip, which is embedded into the frame section through this after the injection molding process, is furthermore inserted into the injection molding tool. A retaining clamp, by means of which trim can be attached to the pane assembly in a clamping manner, must be attached to the retaining strip after the completion of the pane assembly. To avoid the requirement of subsequently attaching a retaining clamp, provision is made for a clamping holder comprising a connecting section and a clamp section, which is embodied such that connecting section and clamp section can together be inserted into an injection molding tool. | Fixed Constructions |
| 136 | 8647030 | Core drilling system with torque shaft | A core drilling system is disclosed herein in which a torque tube has a groove or keyway which receives a rotating wheel or key to prevent a transmission box and motor from rotating during drilling operation. As such, the operator does not need to hold a stabilizing arm to resist counter rotational forces during the drilling process. The operator may focus on the hole to be cut in a substrate. Additionally, a torque tube stabilizing leg assembly may be secured to the free distal end portion of the torque tube. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 135 | 8640291 | Method and product for manufacturing vulcanized footwear or cupsole footwear | A vulc style and cupsole style footwear and a method for manufacturing the footwear are disclosed. The footwear includes a midsole that is directly attached to the upper. The midsole may be attached to the outsole by adhesive. In the method of manufacturing the footwear, the upper and an outsole are disposed a set distance apart. Polyurethane or other material for providing cushioning to the footwear is either injected between the upper and outsole or poured onto the outsole and the upper is traversed over the outsole so as to define the mold for defining the midsole. The polyurethane is directly attached to the upper and adhered to the outsole/cupsole. | Human Necessities |
| 134 | 8621830 | Film sealing and wrapping machine with rotary cut and seal jaw | The film sealing and wrapping machine with a rotary cut and seal jaw is provided. The rotary cut and seal jaw has an internal sliding mechanism which provides for smooth and quiet operation. The rotational speed of the jaw may be varied to increase through put and to provide for a title bag around products. The rotary cut and seal jaw may comprise a seal bar and pressure pad may both be spring loaded to self align the seal bar and pressure pad during the sealing and cutting process. Lastly, a gap defined by a belt disposed upstream and downstream of the seal bar and pressure pad may be mechanically linked to the pressure pad through a control carriage. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 133 | 8612173 | Six axis motion control apparatus | A motion control apparatus for measuring and scanning an object. The motion control apparatus includes a base. The motion control apparatus also includes an object support assembly that is coupled to the base. The object support assembly receives the object to be scanned and measured. The motion control apparatus includes a scanner track that extends above from the base. The scanner and object are moveable about multiple axes to position to the scanner with respect to the object for viewing the object by the scanner for obtaining measurements of the object. | Physics; Software |
| 132 | 8602422 | Three wheeled scooter with rear skate truck and fixed front wheel | A scooter is disclosed which positions a center of gravity of a rider toward the front the scooter so that the rider can more easily perform a 180 degree turn trick. Since the rider is positioned closer to the front wheel, it becomes easier for the rider to flip over the handlebars. Fortunately, the scooter reduces a moment arm that defines a deceleration moment to reduce the likelihood that the rider will flip over the front handlebars. | Human Necessities |
| 131 | 8602014 | Corner jig for masonry saw | A corner jig for a masonry saw for fabricating a cut in a masonry unit (e.g., brick) such as to form a corner brick veneer may have a push block wherein its height is substantially equal to a length of a brick to be formed into the corner brick veneer. A lateral position of a cut guide is adjustable to regulate a thickness of the corner brick veneer. A height of the cut guide may also be substantially equal in length of the bring to be formed into the corner brick veneer. Once the cut guide and push block are mounted to the masonry saw, the brick is positioned within the corner jig and a first cut is made. The user”s hands are out of the way so that the cut can be made safely without harming the operator. The brick is repositioned and a second cut is made in the brick to finish off the corner brick veneer. Once again, the user”s hands are out of the way for safe operation of the masonry saw. Moreover, no subsequent cuts or finishing step are required to provide for a clean square interior corner of the corner brick veneer. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 130 | 8601759 | Wall system | The present invention is directed to a block building system for building a wall structure that includes a plurality of pre-formed blocks configured to be stacked vertically upon one another to form the wall structure. Each block has at least one frustum-shaped protrusion on a top surface of the block, a horizontal channel formed in a bottom surface of the block, and at least one aperture extending vertically through an interior of the block. The system also has at least one base track, a plurality of T-shaped reinforcement members configured to engage with and extend upwardly from the track, a plurality of extension members that interlock with and extend T-shaped reinforcement members, and securing members. One or more courses of blocks can be vertically stacked over the base track by passing the T-shaped reinforcement members and/or extension members through the apertures formed in the blocks, thereby forming the wall structure. | Fixed Constructions |
| 129 | 8579612 | Peristaltic pump tubing with stopper and cooperative roller assembly housing having no moving parts | A peristaltic pump system includes elastomeric pump tubing and a roller pump. The pump tubing has a pumping segment and an inlet segment. The inlet segment has an inlet segment outer diameter. The pumping segment has a pumping segment outer diameter less than the inlet segment outer diameter. The roller pump has a roller assembly and a roller assembly housing. The roller assembly is disposed within the roller assembly housing and engaged with the pumping segment within the roller assembly housing. The roller assembly housing has an inlet gap formed through the roller assembly housing. The inlet gap defines an inlet gap inner diameter smaller than the pumping segment outer diameter. The inlet gap is adapted to frictionally receive the inlet segment for aligning the pump tubing with a roller assembly and mitigate longitudinal movement of the pump tubing into the roller assembly housing. | Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating; Weapons; Blasting Engines or Pumps |
| 128 | 8573432 | Vent opening mechanism | An improved drink can with a drink opening and a vent opening are positioned opposite from ouch other with respect to a central portion of a top end of a drink can. The tab is attached to the central portion and can be pulled upward to open the drink opening then pushed back downward to open the vent opening. To aid in opening the vent opening with the tab, the vent opening may have a ridge to provide additional leverage when the tab pushes downward on a score line that defines the vent opening. The tab may be enlarged so that upon breakage of the score line to the vent opening, the tab contacts the top end of the can and does not allow the user”s finger to proceed into the vent opening and possibly cut the user”s finger. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 127 | 8550794 | Double acting fluid pump | A double acting dual stroke fluid pump with pressure assists is disclosed. First and second pistons are mounted to a common shaft which reciprocates within first and second cavities during compression and suction strokes. The second piston may have a one way valve which opens and closes during the compression and suction strokes to enable the fluid pump to force fluid out of the outlet during both the compression and suction strokes. | Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating; Weapons; Blasting Engines or Pumps |
| 126 | 8529541 | Infiltration cannula | An infiltration cannula and method of using the infiltration cannula during a tumescent infiltration procedure are disclosed herein. The infiltration cannula may have an outwardly flaring hub which may be wedged into an adit of a patient to minimize leakage of fluid being infiltrated into the patient. Also, the infiltration cannula may be utilized to hydrate a dehydrated patient by a medically untrained person. The infiltration cannula may also be used to deliver an antibiotic/vasoconstrictive drug solution to minimize surgical site infections. | Human Necessities |
| 125 | 8528287 | Wainscot cap | A wainscot cap may be attached to a free edge of the plurality of panels secured to a wall. The wainscot cap may be attached to the mounting clip used to secure the plurality of panels to a wall. More particularly, the wainscot cap and the mounting clip may have a tongue and groove connection. | Fixed Constructions |
| 124 | 8523425 | Reservoir tank water mixing system | A mixing unit may be disposed under water of a circular reservoir tank. The mixing unit squirts out water at an upward, outward and skewed angle so as to facilitate rotation of the water within the tank and vertical mixing of the water so as to destratify the temperature gradients within the water. | Chemistry; Metallurgy |
| 123 | 8512292 | Infiltration cannula | An infiltration cannula and method of using the infiltration cannula during an infiltration procedure are disclosed herein. The infiltration cannula has a flexible cannula and a hub. The cannula has a proximal end and a distal end. The cannula also has a plurality of apertures disposed in a pattern about the distal end. The apertures are configured to infiltrate fluid into the subcutaneous or muscle tissue of a patient. The hub is configured to be held by a person performing the infiltration procedure. The hub has a first end and an opposing second end. The first end is attached to the proximal end of the flexible cannula and the second end includes a connector configured to connect to an input source for receiving the fluid to be infiltrated into the subcutaneous tissue of the patient. The fluid flows from the connector, through the hub and into the cannula. | Human Necessities |
| 122 | 8506551 | Infiltration cannula | An infiltration cannula and method of using the infiltration cannula during a tumescent infiltration procedure are disclosed herein. The infiltration cannula may have an outwardly flaring hub which may be wedged into an adit of a patient to minimize leakage of fluid being infiltrated into the patient. Also, the infiltration cannula may be utilized to hydrate a dehydrated patient by a medically untrained person. The infiltration cannula may also be used to deliver an antibiotic/vasoconstrictive drug solution to minimize surgical site infections. | Human Necessities |
| 121 | 8480034 | Aerial delivery devices, systems and methods | According to certain embodiments, an aerial delivery system configured to be deployed from an aircraft comprises a base, a sleeve generally configured to be positioned on the base, a bag configured to receive at least one liquid and a lid assembly attached to the bag using at least one strap. In some embodiments, the strap is attached to the bag in a manner that causes the bag to be selectively compromised once the aerial delivery system is deployed from an aircraft. In one embodiment, the system comprises a cellulose-based material. In other arrangements, the bag comprises polypropylene. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 120 | 8474157 | Footwear lacing system | A snowboard boot having two handles which each handle controlling pressure within two tightening zones is disclosed. One handle may be pitched to adjust pressure within upper and lower shin portion tightening zones. A second handle may be pitched to adjust pressure within upper and lower foot portion tightening zones. Once the appropriate amount of pressure is applied to the various tightening zones, locks may be engaged to set the pressures. The pressures are isolated from each other such that the various different pressures within the various different tightening zones do not equalize but remain constant during the snowboarding session. Additionally, the handles may be stored on a tongue of the snowboard boot or a back portion of the snowboard boot. | Human Necessities |
| 119 | 8469377 | Truck assembly | A truck assembly for a vehicle such as a skateboard or scooter may have a kingpin about which a hanger rotates. The hanger may be biased toward a caming surface having a depressed configuration by a spring, weight of the rider and also via a centrifugal force created during turning. This aids in dynamically stabilizing the truck assembly and the vehicle to which the truck assembly is mounted based on the particular rider and the maneuver being performed on the vehicle. The caming surface may have a regressive configuration such that the spring compresses at a different rate per degree of rotation of the hanger. | Human Necessities |
| 118 | 8424354 | Rolling plant | A hot-rolling plant (50) for the production of metal strips comprising a roughing stand (2), a reheating furnace (3) or a maintenance tunnel for maintaining the temperature of the product, a pre-finishing mill train (4), comprising three or four stands, a finishing mill train (5), comprising two or three stands, for finishing the product, in which the work rolls of one stand are provided with their own motor drive, independent one from each other, so as to allow the peripheral speeds of both of said work rolls to be autonomously varied under rolling load. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 117 | 8413404 | Underground utility vault replacement system | An underground utility vault replacement method and system which create an inner structural envelope is shown to protect workers and equipment. It restores structural integrity and safety to the area within a decaying underground vault, without major disruptions above and/or below the ground. The system includes a plurality of structural walls, ceiling panels and structural beams and floor track. All structural elements are sized in width/height/thickness and methodically inserted through the existing manhole and maneuvered in place. Wall panels are attached to the floor by way of a secure track. Wall and ceiling panels are connected by way of a tongue and groove connection and an adhesive. | Fixed Constructions |
| 116 | 8403004 | Variable flow rate controller | A variable flow rate controller is provided herein. The controller may have a linearly traversable switch such that the controller is primed to flush air bubbles out of the fluid system of the controller prior to administering fluidic medication to a patient. Moreover, the controller may have a plurality of valves which may be independently opened and closed by a caming surface. To close the valve, a first seal may be disposed between offset inlet and outlet to prevent fluid from flowing from the inlet to the outlet. To open the valve, the first seal is disposed on one side of both of the inlet and outlet. Fluid if permitted to flow from the inlet to the outlet. | Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating; Weapons; Blasting Engines or Pumps |
| 115 | 8402908 | Dock system | There is provided a dock having a pair of primary frame members and a pair of secondary frame members. A plurality of cross members extends between the pair of primary frame members. The dock includes a plurality of cross member connectors for connecting the cross members to the primary frame members. Each cross member connector includes a frame contact portion and a cross member engagement portion extending from the frame contact portion. The frame contact portion is connected to a respective one of the plurality of primary frame members. The cross member engagement portion defines a channel sized and configured to receive the alignment plate of a respective one of the plurality of cross members. A roller assembly may also be included for stabilizing the dock relative to an adjacent piling. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 114 | 8397935 | Vent opening mechanism | A drink can having both drinking and venting openings is provided. The two openings are positioned a distance from one another with respect to a central portion of a top end of a drink can. A single tab is attached to the central portion of the top end, and can be pulled upward to open the drink opening, then pushed downward to open the vent opening. To aid in opening the vent opening with the single tab, the venting portion is provided with a protrusion comprising opposed sloping sides to focus the force when the tab is pushed downward on a score line that defines the vent opening. Advantageously, the tab may be larger than the vent opening so that, upon breakage of the vent opening score line, the tab contacts the top end of the can, thereby preventing the user”s finger from proceeding into sharp portions of the vent opening. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 113 | 8361260 | Automobiles having a radiant barrier | An automobile or vehicle having a high efficiency solar control system is provided. The automobile may have a painted surface and a film mounted to its exterior side. The film may reflect solar radiation in the near and mid infrared ranges yet allow high transmission of light in the visible range such that the painted panel may be seen. The film may have a layer of silver which reflects the solar radiation in the near and mid infrared ranges. Since the silver is susceptible to oxidation and turns the silver into a black body which absorbs the near and mid infrared radiation, the film may be designed to slow the rate of oxidation of the silver layer to an acceptable level. The silver layer may be sandwiched between the glass which does not allow oxygen to diffuse there through and reach the layer of silver and a stack of sacrificial layers having a certain thickness which slows down the rate of oxygen diffusion to an acceptable level. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 112 | 8359770 | Dynamically moderated shock attenuation system for apparel | Various embodiments of this invention disclose a dynamically responsive shock attenuation system for apparel intended to protect boney areas of the body where skeletal structures are close to the surface and soft tissue layers are thin, that comprises two or more materials with different, narrowly prescribed physical properties which, when used together, produce a dynamic, continuous, and proportional response over a wide range of impact forces. In various embodiments of the invention, the two materials comprise a first material that exhibits generally Newtonian behavior to impact forces and a second material that exhibits generally non-Newtonian behavior to impact forces. | Human Necessities |
| 111 | 8356828 | Aerodynamic brake system | An aerodynamic braking system is disclosed herein. In particular, the brake arms may define an aerodynamic leading portion or edge and may be integrated into the legs of the front fork. Also, the brake arms may be disposed behind the bottom bracket shell to take the rear brake out of the air flow path and reduce aerodynamic drag. The rear brake arms are tapered so that the brake arms remain sufficient stiff to provide sufficient brake response times. The rear brake arms may be matched to recesses formed on an underside of chain stays. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 110 | 8347577 | Recessed reveal wall panel system | An eco-friendly wall panel system may comprise a plurality of panels, horizontal joints and panel clips which are all fabricated from the same sheet of material. For example, the panels may initially be fabricated from the phenolic sheets. After the maximum quantity of panels has been fabricated from any one sheet, the remaining portion of the phenolic sheet may be used to fabricate the horizontal runners and the panel clips which may be smaller than the panels. As such, as much of the phenolic sheet is being used to fabricate the system. Hence, the process and the product are both eco-friendly. | Fixed Constructions |
| 109 | 8336894 | Three-wheeled rear-steering scooter | A three wheeled scooter comprises a chassis having forward and aft ends with a front wheel non-pivotally mounted to the forward end and a pair of rear wheels coaxially mounted to the aft end. The chassis defines a longitudinal axis and includes a support assembly and a handle assembly extending upwardly from the support assembly. The rear wheels are configured to be angularly yawable relative to the longitudinal axis between a neutral position and a yawed position. Steering of the scooter is thereby effectuated by angular yawing of the rear wheels relative to the longitudinal axis such as by asymmetric loading of one of opposing sides of the support assembly. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 108 | 8321971 | Sleeper sofa | A convertible sofa-bed which is easy to convert between a sofa configuration and a bed configuration is provided. From a sofa configuration, a buttock-foot member may be pulled outward. Simultaneously, a head rest member and back rest member which are initially at a generally vertical position are traversed to a generally horizontal position. When the buttock-foot member is fully traversed outward (i.e., extended position), the head rest member, back rest member and the buttock-foot member are generally substantially coplanar and generally horizontal. This provides a firm bed. From the bed configuration, head rest member and the back rest member may be buckled to allow the buttock-foot member to be pushed inward. The buttock-foot member is then pushed fully inward (i.e., retracted position) until the head rest member and the back rest member are in the generally vertical position with the buttock-foot member and back rest member forming a seat. | Human Necessities |
| 107 | 8308172 | Seated skiing or snowboarding device | A seated skiing device having an adjustable heel protrusion and a fixed toe protrusion is provided. The distance between the toe and heel protrusions are adjustable such that the seated the skiing device may engage toe and heel bindings of a snow ski set to a riders ski boot. In this manner, the seated skiing device is engageable to the snow ski of the rider without any additional tools. Also, a seated snowboarding device is disclosed herein. The seated snowboarding device is removably attachable to standard front and rear bindings of a snowboard. | Human Necessities |
| 106 | 8307604 | Underground utility vault replacement system | An underground utility vault replacement method and system which create an inner structural envelope is shown to protect workers and equipment. It restores structural integrity and safety to the area within a decaying underground vault, without major disruptions above and/or below the ground. The system includes a plurality of structural walls, ceiling panels and structural beams and floor track. All structural elements are sized in width/height/thickness and methodically inserted through the existing manhole and maneuvered in place. Wall panels are attached to the floor by way of a secure track. Wall and ceiling panels are connected by way of a tongue and groove connection and an adhesive. | Fixed Constructions |
| 105 | 8296185 | Non-intrusive media linked and embedded information delivery | A method for information delivery is disclosed. The method includes directing the display of a multimedia presentation in a first screen segment. The multimedia presentation is associated with a reference tag descriptive of an aspect thereof. An information link corresponding to the reference tag in a second screen segment is generated. The information link is contextually related to the multimedia presentation in accordance with the reference tag. Thereafter, a selection input of the information link is received from one of the viewers while mitigating obstruction of the displaying of the multimedia presentation. The selected information link and the identity of the viewer are associated as a marker. | Physics; Software |
| 104 | 8286810 | Laundry rack | A laundry rack is provides having a plurality of scissor linkages formed by pairs of inner and outer legs with each leg having an upper and lower end, with each pair of legs having aligned bores through which each pair of legs are rotationally connected. Each scissor linkage having aligned bores through which cross-members can be connected to join two scissor linkages to form at least a first end frame having at least an upper and lower linkage, and at least two scissor linkages being joinable to form a second end frame having at least an upper and lower linkage. Each end frame having respective first and second elongated latch members. The latch member each having first and second opposing ends that are laterally offset from each other. The first end being rotatably connected to an upper end of the inner leg on the upper scissor linkage and located on an outer side of that upper end. The second end being placed adjacent an inner side of the upper end of the outer leg in the same scissor linkage as the first end during use. The second end of each latch member adapted to releasably connect to a cross member during use. | Human Necessities |
| 103 | 8277037 | Printing apparatus | A printing apparatus for printing a heat shrinkable flattened plastics tubing or other elongate printable medium, the apparatus comprising: means for feeding at least one printable medium over a printer head; and a control means to control the sequence of printing operations on the medium, wherein the apparatus further comprises a return feed assembly to return the printable medium printed on a first face thereof inverted into the printing apparatus and off-set, e.g. spaced toward one side of the printing apparatus, relative to where it was first fed passed the print head for printing onto the obverse face of the medium, the apparatus being programmed to be set up initially with the medium installed for feeding/printing the first side whereby printing of the first side of the label/printable medium may be initiated and the printable medium stopped at a required set point along the medium for reverse feeding, allowing the medium to then be fed back through the printer for the printing of the second side before the printing resumes. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 102 | 8276296 | Dynamically moderated shock attenuation system | Various embodiments of this invention disclose a dynamically responsive shock attenuation system for footwear and/or apparel that comprises two or more materials with different, narrowly prescribed physical properties, which, when used together, produce a dynamic, continuous, and proportional response over a wide range of impact forces. In various embodiments of the invention, the two materials comprise a first material that exhibits generally Newtonian behavior to impact forces and a second material that exhibits generally non-Newtonian behavior to impact forces. | Human Necessities |
| 101 | 8272807 | Surface drainage system | A surface drainage structure formed above a subgrade may include an elongate drain conduit disposed partially within the subgrade. The elongate drain conduit may define at least one drain slot extending through a wall thereof. The structure may include a pavement layer with an exposed top surface and a drainage channel extending therefrom. The drainage channel may be in fluid communication with the drain slot of the elongate drain conduit. A method of forming the surface drainage structure includes placing the elongate drain conduit in the subgrade, forming the pavement layer, cutting an upper channel along the elongate drain conduit, and cutting a lower channel and the drain slot in the elongate conduit. | Fixed Constructions |
| 100 | 8261859 | Motor powered bicycle trailer with integral hitch force metering | A self-propelled trailer may be attached to a bicycle. The speed of the trailer is adjusted based on a signal from a force gauge which indicates whether the bicycle is pulling the trailer or the trailer is pushing the bicycle. In the former situation, the force gauge indicates a tensile load, and in the latter situation, the force gauge indicates a compressive load. Based on the feedback from the force gauge, the speed of the motor attached to the self-propelled trailer is adjusted so that the trailer and bicycle are moving at the same speed or the bicycle is pulling the trailer. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 99 | 8261625 | Stepper actuator having a breaking mechanism | A stepper actuator including a brake drum and a central gear mechanically connected thereto. The brake drum and the central gear are selectively rotatable in opposing first and second rotational directions. First and second actuation members are moveable through first and second actuation cycles to incrementally rotate the central gear. The actuation members engage and subsequently disengage the central gear as they move through their actuation cycles. The actuation members are configured to rotate the central gear during engagement therewith. A braking assembly is operatively connected to the first and second actuation members and is frictionally engaged to the brake drum to prevent rotation of the brake drum when the first and second actuation members are each in a retracted position as occurs when neither is moving through a corresponding actuation cycle. The braking assembly disengages the brake drum when one of the actuation members is moved from its retracted position and into its actuation cycle as facilitates the incremental rotation of the central gear. | Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating; Weapons; Blasting Engines or Pumps |
| 98 | 8256543 | Bicycle rear wheel propelled by trailer mounted power supply and drive train | A bicycle may tow a trailer for the purposes of carrying a heavy or large object across great distances. A motor may be mounted to the trailer which drives a rear wheel of the bicycle. To this end, a transmission is added to the rear hub of the bicycle which is mechanically coupled to the output shaft of the motor. When the trailer is detached or not used in conjunction with the bicycle, the rider does not have to carry the weight of the motor. Also, this setup provides a stable configuration since the bicycle is pulling the trailer. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 97 | 8249823 | Six axis motion control apparatus | A motion control apparatus for measuring and scanning an object. The motion control apparatus includes a base. The motion control apparatus also includes an object support assembly that is coupled to the base. The object support assembly receives the object to be scanned and measured. The motion control apparatus includes a scanner track that extends above from the base. The scanner and object are moveable about multiple axes to position to the scanner with respect to the object for viewing the object by the scanner for obtaining measurements of the object. | Physics; Software |
| 96 | 8246587 | Infiltration cannula | An infiltration cannula and method of using the infiltration cannula during an infiltration procedure are disclosed herein. The infiltration cannula includes: a tubular needle and a hub. The tubular needle has a proximal end and a distal end. The tubular needle also has a plurality of apertures disposed in a pattern about the distal end. The apertures are configured to infiltrate fluid into the subcutaneous tissue of a patient. The hub is configured to be held by a person performing the infiltration procedure. The hub has a first end and an opposing second end. The first end is attached to the proximal end of the tubular needle and the second end includes a connector configured to connect to an input source for receiving the fluid to be infiltrated into the subcutaneous tissue of the patient. The fluid flows from the connector, through the hub and into the tubular needle. | Human Necessities |
| 95 | 8246416 | Comfort bra liner | A foldable one-piece insert (i.e., bra liner) worn between the bra and the body having irritation reducing and/or absorbent material portions which line the bra cup and that lie under the supported breast, and portions which extends toward the torso rear under the bra side straps and a portion extending below the bra line along the torso. The invention further includes a material tab disposed between the material portions lining the bra cups, which can optionally be worn up to bridge the area between the bra cups for added protection, comfort and absorption of perspiration, or be folded down and out of sight when worn with lower cut neckline outer garments. A braless liner may also be used without a bra. The braless liner may be fastened to the female torso at the rear of the female torso with attachment mechanisms. | Human Necessities |
| 94 | 8246269 | Method of forming surface seeded particulate | An improved surface seeded exposed particulate concrete and method of making the improved surface seeded exposed particulate concrete is disclosed. Small particulate is sprayed over the upper surface of the concrete. The particulate may be sprayed using a material sprayer. The particulate may be uniformly sprayed to distances exceeding twenty feet. The particulate is mixed into a cement paste derived from the concrete mixture using floats. A surface retarder is then applied to cover the concrete surface. Subsequently, any surface film is washed from the surface of the concrete and the concrete is cured. The result is a surface seeded particulate with an exposed surface that is flat and is suitable for high traffic areas. The resultant surface may resemble stone, granite or marble. | Fixed Constructions |
| 93 | 8240269 | Boat window system | A cabin enclosure of a boat which is substantially water proof is provided. The cabin enclosure comprises a top, frame with joists attached to joist covers, plurality of windows, flashing and track which are layered upon each other to cascade water down the top, onto the windows and onto the track and into the river, bay or ocean. The plurality of windows may surround the passenger area of the boat and also prevents water from entering the boat. In particular, the plurality of windows are zippered onto adjacent joist covers so as to form a substantially water proof barrier between the interior and exterior of the boat. The flashing may be attached to the interior of the window with hooks and loops which run horizontally across the window and prevent water that splashes under the window from entering into the passenger area. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 92 | 8232896 | Pedestrian signal housing with information display | A traditional pedestrian signal housing with a video display screen mounted to a pedestrian side of the traditional pedestrian signal housing is disclosed. The video display screen is mounted to the pedestrian side of the pedestrian signal housing by way of a face plate. Tunnel visors may be attached to the traditional pedestrian signal housing to prevent cross traffic from being distracted by the visual images displayed on the video display screen. The information displayed on the video display screen may be advertisements, information, directions, etc. Local or national entities may pay for advertisements to generate revenues for the cities or governmental entities. | Physics; Software |
| 91 | 8215440 | Drive train for a vehicle with connectable secondary axle | A drive train of a vehicle is disclosed which comprises a permanently driven primary axle and a secondary axle connectable to the primary axle via a switch-on device with a switch-on mechanism, whereby the secondary drive train output via side shaft couplings is transferred to the drive wheels of the secondary axle. Because the switch-on mechanism and/or the side shaft couplings have frictionally engaged couplings, it can be that when the secondary axle is uncoupled, the shutdown section of the secondary drive train located between the switch-on device and the side shaft couplings is uncoupled both from the primary axle and from the secondary drive wheels, such that there is no more power loss in this shutdown section, whereby connecting the secondary drive train during travel is possible all the same and losses in comfort and practicability do not have to be tolerated. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 90 | 8177689 | Oxygen trainer device | An oxygen trainer assembly for use in athletic activities to increase inspiratory muscular endurance, the assembly comprising: a mouthpiece having a mouthpiece opening; a circulation chamber housing having a circulation chamber in fluid communication with the mouthpiece opening; a first endcap having a first endcap aperture and a second endcap having a second endcap opening in fluid communication with the circulation chamber housing; a first endcap insert disposable in the first endcap operative to control the level of air resistance in the assembly during inhalation and exhalation; a one-way valve disposable in the second endcap sized and configured to allow the flow of air away from the circulation chamber during exhalation. | Human Necessities |
| 89 | 8167866 | Drug delivery system for accelerated subcutaneous absorption | A method for accelerating subcutaneous absorption of a fluid or drug into the systemic circulation of a specific targeted tissue. A first drug operative to produce local capillary vasodilatation and/or increase the rate of bulk flow of solution through the interstitial space is mixed with a fluid. The fluid may contain a crystalloid solution or a dilute solution of a pharmacologic drug required for a routine or emergency therapeutic treatment for a patient. The first drug is substantially non-toxic to the patient. The fluid mixed with the first drug is then delivered subcutaneously or into deeper tissues of the patient, by use of a hyperdermic needle or infiltration cannula. As the capillaries are dilated, the fluid is efficiently absorbed and circulated systemically. | Human Necessities |
| 88 | 8162563 | Aquifer replenishment system with filter | Provided is an aquifer replenishing pavement formed above soil having a sand lens above the aquifer and a clay layer above the sand lens. The pavement includes an aggregate leach field having an aggregate top surface, and an aggregate bottom surface abutting the clay layer. The pavement further includes a pavement layer having an exposed pavement top surface, and a pavement bottom surface abutting the aggregate leach field. A surface drain extends through the pavement layer to drain fluid from the exposed pavement top surface to the aggregate leach field. An aggregate drain extends from the aggregate leach field into the sand lens through the clay layer to drain fluid from the aggregate leach field into the aquifer. A filter is disposed within one of the surface drain and the aggregate drain. The filter is configured to remove foreign particulates from fluid passing therethrough. | Fixed Constructions |
| 87 | 8152688 | Compensator for continuously variable transmission | A continuously variable transmission may have a first set of rollers and a second set of rollers that act upon skewed driving and driven surfaces of discs. The input to output ratio of the continuously variable transmission may be changed by pushing either one of the first and second sets of rollers closer to a rotating shaft. To maintain symmetrical loading within the continuously variable transmission, an idler disc assembly may have a strain compensator that deflects to compensate for deflection of outer discs due to elasticity of the main shaft. | Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating; Weapons; Blasting Engines or Pumps |
| 86 | 8152176 | Truck assembly | A truck assembly for a vehicle such as a skateboard or scooter may have a kingpin about which a hanger rotates. The hanger may be biased toward a caming surface having a depressed configuration by a spring, weight of the rider and also via a centrifugal force created during turning. This aids in dynamically stabilizing the truck assembly and the vehicle to which the truck assembly is mounted based on the particular rider and the maneuver being performed on the vehicle. The caming surface may have a regressive configuration such that the spring compresses at a different rate per degree of rotation of the hanger. | Human Necessities |
| 85 | 8118572 | Peristaltic pump tubing with stopper and cooperative roller assembly housing having no moving parts | A peristaltic pump system includes elastomeric pump tubing and a roller pump. The pump tubing has a pumping segment and an inlet segment. The inlet segment has an inlet segment outer diameter. The pumping segment has a pumping segment outer diameter less than the inlet segment outer diameter. The roller pump has a roller assembly and a roller assembly housing. The roller assembly is disposed within the roller assembly housing and engaged with the pumping segment within the roller assembly housing. The roller assembly housing has an inlet gap formed through the roller assembly housing. The inlet gap defines an inlet gap inner diameter smaller than the pumping segment outer diameter. The inlet gap is adapted to frictionally receive the inlet segment for aligning the pump tubing with a roller assembly and mitigate longitudinal movement of the pump tubing into the roller assembly housing. | Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating; Weapons; Blasting Engines or Pumps |
| 84 | 8118061 | Variable flow rate controller | A variable flow rate controller is provided herein. The controller may have a linearly traversable switch such that the controller is primed to flush air bubbles out of the fluid system of the controller prior to administering fluidic medication to a patient. Moreover, the controller may have a plurality of valves which may be independently opened and closed by a caming surface. To close the valve, a first seal may be disposed between offset inlet and outlet to prevent fluid from flowing from the inlet to the outlet. To open the valve, the first seal is disposed on one side of both of the inlet and outlet. Fluid if permitted to flow from the inlet to the outlet. | Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating; Weapons; Blasting Engines or Pumps |
| 83 | 8117839 | Propane injection system | A flow regulator valve having multiple stages is described herein. The flow regulator valve provides a base amount of propane when the engine is idling and provides additional propane to the engine based on the engine”s requirements. | Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating; Weapons; Blasting Engines or Pumps |
| 82 | 8110314 | Means of stabilizing electrolyte in a direct carbon-air fuel cell based on a molten metal hydroxide electrolyte | A system and a method for suppressing the build up of metal carbonates in the electrolyte, using a porous cell separator is used to allow the use of different electrolyte compositions around the anode (anolyte) and the cathode (catholyte). This cell configuration enables the oxygen cathode to operate in a molten hydroxide electrolyte, and the carbon anode to operate in mixed carbonate-hydroxide melt, so that most of the advantages of using a molten hydroxide electrolyte will be retained. | Electronics; Electrical; Hardware and Software Systems |
| 81 | 8105310 | Infiltration cannula | An infiltration cannula and method of using the infiltration cannula during a tumescent infiltration procedure are disclosed herein. The infiltration cannula may have an outwardly flaring hub which may be wedged into an adit of a patient to minimize leakage of fluid being infiltrated into the patient. Also, the infiltration cannula may be utilized to hydrate a dehydrated patient by a medically untrained person. The infiltration cannula may also be used to deliver an antibiotic/vasoconstrictive drug solution to minimize surgical site infections. | Human Necessities |
| 80 | 8096340 | Child safety blind | A child safety blind having a head rail, a bottom rail, at least one ladder tape, a plurality of slats, a tilt wand and a pair of registry clips. At least one ladder tape extends horizontally between the head rail and the bottom rail, and the ladder tape comprising a plurality of steps. The slats extend horizontally between the head rail and the bottom rail, and each of the slats extends through one corresponding step of the ladder tape. The tilt wand is linked with ladder tape and operative to operative to drive the steps of the ladder tape to turn the slats with an angle. The pair of registry clips is operative to lift the bottom rail and the slats at two side portions thereof while holding the bottom rail and the slats therein. | Fixed Constructions |
| 79 | 8091740 | Dispenser, in particular, metering dispenser | The invention concerns a dispenser, in particular for semi-solid or liquid systems, with a housing to hold a dispenser unit which is formed by a storage container, a metering unit ( 3 ) connected therewith via which the substance can be output in defined doses and an activation mechanism ( 4 ) which can activate the metering unit ( 3 ) to output a dose of substance, where the dispenser unit is held via a reservoir holder ( 5 ) in the housing ( 1 ). Known dispensers have the disadvantage that the dispenser unit is not held securely against tipping. The invention avoids this in that the storage container ( 2 ) is formed with a lower volume area ( 2 ?) and an upper volume area ( 2? ) which to form the reservoir holder between its upper and lower end has a constricted shoulder area ( 9 ) with an inwardly angled setting surface, where the housing ( 1 ) has a corresponding support surface ( 10 ) to support the setting surface. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 78 | 8087220 | Film sealing and wrapping machine with rotary cut and seal jaw | The film sealing and wrapping machine with a rotary cut and seal jaw is provided. The rotary cut and seal jaw has an internal sliding mechanism which provides for smooth and quiet operation. The rotational speed of the jaw may be varied to increase through put and to provide for a title bag around products. The rotary cut and seal jaw may comprise a seal bar and pressure pad may both be spring loaded to self align the seal bar and pressure pad during the sealing and cutting process. Lastly, a gap defined by a belt disposed upstream and downstream of the seal bar and pressure pad may be mechanically linked to the pressure pad through a control carriage. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 77 | 8079775 | Non-slick surface-seeded aggregate concrete and method of forming | A non-slick surface-seeded exposed aggregate concrete product and method of making the same enhances the coefficient of friction of an exposed surface thereof to reduce undesirable slipping and sliding. Implementations of the present invention are characterized by the use of fine sand and aggregate broadcast over the exposed surface, which surface has been prepared to receive the same. After curing, the exposed surface is then ground and acid-etched to define fissures, cracks, and/or sharp edges of the aggregate. Subsequently finishing steps are performed to produce the non-slick concrete product which may be used for high traffic pedestrian areas where foot gripping and traction are important, such as on stairs, ramps, walkways, courtyards, and the like. | Fixed Constructions |
| 76 | 8079609 | Aerodynamic brake system | An aerodynamic braking system is disclosed herein. In particular, the brake arms may define an aerodynamic leading portion or edge and may be integrated into the legs of the front fork. Also, the brake arms may be disposed behind the bottom bracket shell to take the rear brake out of the air flow path and reduce aerodynamic drag. The rear brake arms are tapered so that the brake arms remain sufficient stiff to provide sufficient brake response times. The rear brake arms may be matched to recesses formed on an underside of chain stays. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 75 | 8074703 | Oscillating table | Oscillating table for blooms or billets production plants, comprising pairs of bars, lying on at least one horizontal plane, which constitute the elastic support elements of the mold, thus permitting an optimal guidance of the oscillation thereof exclusively in the casting direction, said pairs of bars constituting a tie rod-strut system working in bending that confers to the table very high torsional and lateral stiffness. It allows a high precision in guiding mold thus consenting it wide oscillations in the axial casting direction only. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 74 | 8056657 | Bicycle rear wheel propelled by trailer mounted power supply and drive train | A bicycle may tow a trailer for the purposes of carrying a heavy or large object across great distances. A motor may be mounted to the trailer which drives a rear wheel of the bicycle. To this end, a transmission is added to the rear hub of the bicycle which is mechanically coupled to the output shaft of the motor. When the trailer is detached or not used in conjunction with the bicycle, the rider does not have to carry the weight of the motor. Also, this setup provides a stable configuration since the bicycle is pulling the trailer. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 73 | 8002141 | Waterproof storage unit | A storage unit which is substantially water proof is provided. The storage unit may comprise a shell having lower edges which mate into a groove formed in a top surface of a base to provide a substantially waterproof barrier therebetween. The junction between the lower edge of the side walls and the first groove may be sealed with a water proof sealant. A front side wall of the shell may have an aperture therethrough to allow users to move items into and out of the storage unit. A door may be attached to the storage unit to prevent water from entering into the storage unit through the aperture. Moreover, a lower edge of the door body may be inserted into a second groove formed in the top surface of the base to prevent water from entering into the storage unit from under the door. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 72 | 7967315 | Airfoil shape for bicycle | The bicycle may have a frame and a front fork. A cross section of the frame or the front fork may have an airfoil shape wherein a leading surface is sharper (i.e. less round) compared to prior art airfoil shaped bicycle front forks and bicycle frames. Additionally, a maximum thickness of the airfoil shape may be located more rearward compared to prior art airfoil shaped bicycle frames and bicycle front forks. This configuration provides for a reduction in drag for headwind speeds of about twenty (20) to thirty (30) miles per hour and headwind angles of plus or minus fifteen (15) degrees. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 71 | 7963540 | Bicycle front fork assembly | A bicycle front end assembly is provided which is configured to reduce aerodynamic drag. In particular, an axis shaft of a fork may be mounted to a head tube of a bicycle frame. A fork head may be disposed in front of the head tube for providing a front end assembly which is aerodynamically configured while providing an increased moment of inertia compared with traditional designs to reduce drag of the bicycle and increase steering stiffness. Also, the handlebar may be attached to the fork head such that when the bicycle is steered to the left, the fork head is rotated toward the left and when the bicycle is steered to the right, the fork head is rotated toward the right. In this manner, the fork head is alignable to the travel direction of the bicycle. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 70 | 7946605 | Aerodynamic time trial bike | An aerodynamic racing bicycle is provided. The racing bicycle may have a rear rim brake positioned below a drive portion of a chain and above a chain stay for reducing the aerodynamic drag on the bicycle. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 69 | 7945974 | Sleeper sofa | A convertible sofa-bed which is easy to convert between a sofa configuration and a bed configuration is provided. From a sofa configuration, a buttock-foot member may be pulled outward. Simultaneously, a head rest member and back rest member which are initially at a generally vertical position are traversed to a generally horizontal position. When the buttock-foot member is fully traversed outward (i.e., extended position), the head rest member, back rest member and the buttock-foot member are generally substantially co-planar and generally horizontal. This provides a firm bed surface upon which a person may comfortably sleep. From the bed configuration, head rest member and the back rest member may be buckled to allow the buttock-foot member to be pushed inward. The buttock-foot member is then pushed fully inward (i.e., retracted position) until the head rest member and the back rest member are in the generally vertical position. The person may sit on the buttock-foot member and lean backwards onto the back rest member. | Human Necessities |
| 68 | 7931289 | Airfoil shape for bicycle | The bicycle may have a frame and a seat post. A cross section of the seat post may have an airfoil shape wherein a leading surface is sharper (i.e. less round) compared to prior art airfoil shaped bicycle frames. Additionally, a maximum thickness of the airfoil shape may be located more rearward compared to prior art airfoil shaped bicycle frames and bicycle front forks. This configuration may provide for a reduction in drag. A battery pack may be mounted to a rear side of the seat post. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 67 | 7914504 | Infiltration cannula | An infiltration cannula and method of using the infiltration cannula during an infiltration procedure are disclosed herein. The infiltration cannula includes: a tubular needle and a hub. The tubular needle has a proximal end and a distal end. The tubular needle also has a plurality of apertures disposed in a pattern about the distal end. The apertures are configured to infiltrate fluid into the subcutaneous tissue of a patient. The hub is configured to be held by a person performing the infiltration procedure. The hub has a first end and an opposing second end. The first end is attached to the proximal end of the tubular needle and the second end includes a connector configured to connect to an input source for receiving the fluid to be infiltrated into the subcutaneous tissue of the patient. The fluid flows from the connector, through the hub and into the tubular needle. | Human Necessities |
| 66 | 7909531 | Surface drainage system | A surface drainage structure formed above a subgrade may include an elongate drain conduit disposed partially within the subgrade. The elongate drain conduit may define at least one drain slot extending through a wall thereof. The structure may include a pavement layer with an exposed top surface and a drainage channel extending therefrom. The drainage channel may be in fluid communication with the drain slot of the elongate drain conduit. A method of forming the surface drainage structure includes placing the elongate drain conduit in the subgrade, forming the pavement layer, cutting an upper channel along the elongate drain conduit, and cutting a lower channel and the drain slot in the elongate conduit. | Fixed Constructions |
| 65 | 7878167 | Engine with round lobe | An engine with intake and exhaust valves that may be controlled with a circular cam lobe is provided. The rotating axis of the circular cam lobe is offset from the physical center of the cam lobe. This permits the cam lobe to impart a reciprocal opening and closing of the valve. To maintain the valve in the closed position, the interconnection between the cam lobe and the valve 12 may have a spring which is compressed to allow the valve to remain closed for a set duration of time while the cam lobe continues to rotate. | Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating; Weapons; Blasting Engines or Pumps |
| 64 | 7870842 | Engine with desmodromically actuated rocker | An engine comprising a valve, cam lobe, rocker, follower member and an optional spring is disclosed herein. The valve may comprise a valve stem. The cam lobe may have a base circle and a nose. The cam lobe may be attached to a rotating shaft. The rocker may have a valve end portion contacting the valve, a lifter end portion defining a pivot axis of the rocker and a cam surface disposed between the valve end portion and the lifter end portion. The nose of the cam lobe may contact the cam surface for opening the valve. The follower member may be disposed adjacent the cam lobe opposite the rocker. The follower member may be attached to the rocker and have a curved inner surface upon which the nose of the cam lobe contacts for lifting the rocker. The spring may be disposed about the valve stem of the valve for closing the valve stem of the valve. | Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating; Weapons; Blasting Engines or Pumps |
| 63 | 7862168 | Eyeglass holding device | Left and right curved discs may be attached to distal end portions of the left and right temple frames of an eyeglass. The left and right curved discs are positionable at a slight depression covered by skin above a mastoid process of the wearer”s head and behind the wearer”s ears for securing the eyeglass to the wearer. When not in use, the left and right curved discs may be hooked onto the wearer”s ears for temporarily storing the eyeglass. | Physics; Software |
| 62 | 7832118 | Footwear with enhanced impact protection | Footwear providing enhanced protection against extreme landing impacts includes a sole having an elastomeric mid-sole with elastomeric pads combined in a heel recess thereof such that the pads act in series with each other and in parallel with the mid-sole during conjoint compression thereof. At least one of the pads includes a solid gel having a relatively high damping coefficient. In another embodiment, the heel of the mid-sole is replaced by a toroidal gas cushion and an elastomeric pad including a solid gel having a relatively high damping coefficient disposed in a central recess of the cushion such that the pad is recessed a selected distance below the upper surface of the cushion. The resilient pads may advantageously incorporate a plurality of gas-filled cells, and a solid gel pad may also be disposed in the mid-sole of the footwear below the ball of the wearer”s foot for increased protection. | Human Necessities |
| 61 | 7828729 | Method of measuring bleeding volume | A method of measuring blood clotting ability of a patient. A known volume of blood is dispensed on a reference disc of blotter paper, such that at least one reference blotch is formed on the reference disc. The surface area of the reference blotch formed on the reference disc, such that a relationship between the volume of blood and the surface area of the reference blotch can be obtained. An incision is made at the patient. A piece of blotter paper to the incision is applied to the incision to collect blood flowing therefrom, such that at least one blotch is formed on the piece of blotter paper. The surface area of the blotch formed on the piece of blotter paper is measured. The volume of the blood absorbed blood by the blotter paper is calculated according to the relationship between the blood volume and the surface area of the blotch. | Human Necessities |
| 60 | 7806452 | Adjustable security partition for a vehicle | A pivotably adjustable security partition installable in a vehicle for providing a barrier between a front occupant area and a rear occupant area is provided. The partition may be pivotably mounted to lower seatbelt mounts via an articulating joint. Additionally, the partition may be secured to upper seatbelt mounts. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 59 | 7794304 | Comfort bra liner | A foldable one-piece insert worn between the bra and the body having irritation reducing and/or absorbent material portions which line the bra cup and that lie under the supported breast, and portions which extends toward the torso rear under the bra side straps and a portion extending below the bra line along the torso. The invention further includes a material tab disposed between the material portions lining the bra cups, which can optionally be worn up to bridge the area between the bra cups for added protection, comfort and absorption of perspiration, or be folded down and out of sight when worn with lower cut neckline outer garments. | Human Necessities |
| 58 | 7793358 | Comfort bra liner | A foldable one-piece insert worn between the bra and the body having irritation reducing and/or absorbent material portions which line the bra cup and that lie under the supported breast, and portions which extends toward the torso rear under the bra side straps and a portion extending below the bra line along the torso. The invention further includes a material tab disposed between the material portions lining the bra cups, which can optionally be worn up to bridge the area between the bra cups for added protection, comfort and absorption of perspiration, or be folded down and out of sight when worn with lower cut neckline outer garments. | Human Necessities |
| 57 | 7788826 | Dynamically moderated shock attenuation system for footwear | Various embodiments of this invention disclose a dynamically responsive shock attenuation system for footwear that comprises two or more materials with different, narrowly prescribed physical properties, which, when used together, produce a dynamic, continuous, and proportional response over a wide range of impact forces. In various embodiments of the invention, the two materials comprise a first material that exhibits generally Newtonian behavior to impact forces and a second material that exhibits generally non-Newtonian behavior to impact forces. | Human Necessities |
| 56 | 7784513 | Tire pressure maintenance device | A device for maintaining a desired inflation pressure within a tire mounted on a wheel of a vehicle which includes a microcompressor having a flexible compression chamber and a magnetic element not on the wheel. As the compressor passes the magnet each wheel revolution, a small amount of atmospheric air is pumped into the tire, if needed. The magnet and the compressor need no other contact with the vehicle or the wheel and require no energy source on the wheel. An alternative embodiment uses an electrical coil on the wheel to pass the magnet inducing a voltage that drives a compressor on the wheel. As the coil passes the electromagnet it provides a split transformer that transfers electrical power to the wheel and permits two-way pulse data communication between the wheel and the vehicle. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 55 | 7775331 | Brake booster stiffening plate | An aerodynamic brake booster stiffening plate is provided which attaches to pivot posts of a center pull brake system. The aerodynamic brake booster stiffening plate mitigates outward bending of the posts upon actuation of the brake to allow for faster brake response times. Additionally, a front surface of the aerodynamic stiffening plate may be aerodynamically shaped and blended with the fork or frame of the bicycle to encourage a laminar flow of air past the brake. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 54 | 7730681 | Air conditioning line flashing panel | A flashing panel mount for a plurality of air-conditioning lines of an air-conditioning unit located about an exterior of a building is provided. The plurality of air-conditioning lines defines an outer periphery. The panel mount may comprise a hood member and a cover. The hood member may be attachable to the building and may have a hood member aperture sized and configured to accommodate at least two of the plurality of air-conditioning lines so as to extend the air-conditioning lines from within the building to the air-conditioning unit located about the building exterior. The cover may be attached to the hood member aperture and may be sized and configured to accommodate the air-conditioning lines therethrough. The cover may be conformable to the outer periphery of the air-conditioning lines once the air conditioning lines are fed through the hood member aperture to prevent entrance of undesirable material from a building outside to a building inside. | Fixed Constructions |
| 53 | 7703856 | Manhole cover frame removal saw | A manhole cover frame removal apparatus has a ring-shaped base with a circular track thereon and a saw mounting framework disposed atop the base. Rollers allow the saw mounting framework to advance in rotation about aligned vertical axes of the frame and the base. A saw mounting arm is joined to the framework and may be raised and lowered and locked in the raised position. A saw carriage is mounted on the saw arm for reciprocal movement toward and away from a saw arm hinge axis. A single saw motor is mounted on the carriage and can be immobilized at selected angles. Separate horizontal-cut and vertical-cut saw blades are alternatively and interchangeably attached to the saw blade rotor. | Fixed Constructions |
| 52 | 7699557 | Aquifer replenishment system | A concrete structure for replenishing an aquifer and a method for constructing the same is provided. The structure is comprised of a pavement layer with surface drains that extend through the pavement layer and into an aggregate leach field. The leach field includes leach lines spanning the leach field. An aggregate drain extends from the leach field into a sand lens. Precipitation which falls upon the structure thus flows through the surface drain, absorbed into the aggregate leach field, and transported to the aggregate drains by way of aggregate leach lines. The water is then absorbed into the sand lens, ultimately replenishing the aquifer. Existing conventional pavement structures are retrofitted by the removal of a section of the pavement, and filling the same with porous concrete. | Fixed Constructions |
| 50 | 7658242 | Hole coring system with lever arm | A hole coring system for drilling large diameter holes with a handheld tool. The drill bit is guided by a mandrel attached to the concrete and serves as a central guidepost that ensures precise centering of the drill bit. Commonly available tools may be used to rotate the drill bit. A lever arm may be attached to the tool and used to resist any torquing action. Additionally, a brace may be attached to the lever arm which may be used to resist any torquing action. | Fixed Constructions |
| 49 | 7651293 | Aquifer replenishment system | A concrete structure for replenishing an aquifer and a method for constructing the same is provided. The structure is comprised of a pavement layer with surface drains that extend through the pavement layer and into an aggregate leach field. The leach field includes leach lines spanning the leach field. An aggregate drain extends from the leach field into a sand lens. Precipitation which falls upon the structure thus flows through the surface drain, absorbed into the aggregate leach field, and transported to the aggregate drains by way of aggregate leach lines. The water is then absorbed into the sand lens, ultimately replenishing the aquifer. Existing conventional pavement structures are retrofitted by the removal of a section of the pavement, and filling the same with porous concrete. | Fixed Constructions |
| 48 | 7640699 | Air conditioning line flashing panel | There is provided a flashing panel mount adapted for an air conditioning unit which is located about an exterior of a building. The panel mount features a generally rigid panel that is attachable to the building. The panel mount further features a hood member which extends outward from the panel. A plurality of panel apertures is formed through the hood member and is configured to extend through the panel. Each of the panel apertures are sized and configured to accommodate a respective one of the air conditioning lines extending from within the building. | Electronics; Electrical; Hardware and Software Systems |
| 47 | 7614820 | Non-slick surface-seeded aggregate concrete and method of forming | A non-slick surface-seeded exposed aggregate concrete product and method of making the same enhances the coefficient of friction of an exposed surface thereof to reduce undesirable slipping and sliding. Implementations of the present invention are characterized by the use of fine sand and aggregate broadcast over the exposed surface, which surface has been prepared to receive the same. After curing, the exposed surface is then ground and acid-etched to define fissures, cracks, and/or sharp edges of the aggregate. Subsequently finishing steps are performed to produce the non-slick concrete product which may be used for high traffic pedestrian areas where foot gripping and traction are important, such as on stairs, ramps, walkways, courtyards, and the like. | Fixed Constructions |
| 46 | 7614634 | Aerodynamic time trial bike | An aerodynamic racing bicycle is provided. The racing bicycle may have a rear rim brake positioned below a drive portion of a chain and above a chain stay for reducing the aerodynamic drag on the bicycle. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 45 | 7614427 | Cable routing conduit | A flexible conduit for routing cable between a source and destination is provided herein. The flexible conduit may have a corrugated cover portion and a generally flat attachment portion for attaching the flexible conduit to an attachment surface or nearby structure. It is contemplated that the flexible conduit may flex in the lateral and/or vertical direction such that the flexible conduit may be intricately routed between the source and destination. It is also contemplated that the attachment portion may be directly attached (e.g., pressure sensitive adhesive, hooks and loops, etc.) to the attachment surface to allow ease of installation without the use of tools. It is also contemplated that the elongate hollow body of the conduit may exhibit a slit opening opposite the attachment portion of the conduit to facilitate non-destructive installation and removal of the cables. It is also contemplated that the attachment portion may be attached to the attachment surface with screws. | Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating; Weapons; Blasting Engines or Pumps |
| 44 | 7607859 | Surface seeded fine aggregate concrete simulating quarried stone | A method of surface seeded fine aggregate to produce simulated quarried stone. The method comprises preparing a subgrade, pouring a concrete mixture over the subgrate, and broadcasting one of fine sand and aggregate over 5% to 60% of an exposed surface of the concrete mixture. Alternatively, both the fine sand and the aggregate can be broadcast over 5% to 60% of the exposed surface of the concrete mixture to obtain a desired aesthetic effect as provided by the quarried stone. | Fixed Constructions |
| 43 | 7607507 | Bicycle bottom bracket assembly | A bottom bracket assembly for a bicycle is provided. The bottom bracket assembly may comprise a left bearing, bottom bracket shell and a right bearing. The bottom bracket shell may be threadless and have beveled surfaces for mounting the left and right bearings onto the bottom bracket assembly. A spindle is inserted through the bottom bracket shell. Thereafter, the left and right bearings are preloaded to align the central axis of the spindle to the crankarm rotating axis such that the spindle or left and right crankarms do not wobble and yet do not bind when rotated. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 42 | 7607465 | Tire pressure maintenance device | A device is provided for maintaining a desired inflation pressure within a tire mounted on a wheel of a vehicle. The device includes a microcompressor and a magnetic element. The compressor is mounted on the wheel and is in fluid communication with the atmosphere and the tire. The magnetic element is mounted on a stationary member of the wheel assembly and produces a magnetic field. The compressor is activated by transiting the magnetic field during each wheel revolution. Alternatively, an electric coil mounted on the wheel may transit the magnetic field to generate electrical power for an electrically-driven compressor. Thus, the compressor may pump air into the tire to maintain the desired inflation pressure. For leaks or device failure, a driver may be notified and a battery can operate the compressor at a high rate to maximize tire use until a safe place is reached. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 41 | 7604432 | Plate concrete dowel system | A disc dowel system is interposed between adjacent first and second concrete pours defining a pour joint therebetween. The disc dowel system comprises a pocket former having a rib insert disposable therewithin for engaging the sides of a dowel plate. The pocket former has a vertical base flange with a pair of fastener-receiving bosses for securing the pocket former to a concrete form. The pocket former has a horizontally extending interior compartment with an open straight side that is aligned with the pour joint and is positioned within the first pour. The dowel plate has an orthogonal shape with an embedded portion and a slidable portion. The embedded portion is rigidly encapsulated within the second pour. The slidable portion is slidably disposed within the pocket former such that the dowel plate permits relative horizontal movement of the first and second pours while restricting relative vertical movement thereof. | Fixed Constructions |
| 40 | 7575394 | Aquifer replenishment system | A concrete structure for replenishing an aquifer and a method for constructing the same is provided. The structure is comprised of a pavement layer with surface drains that extend through the pavement layer and into an aggregate leach field. The leach field includes leach lines spanning the leach field. An aggregate drain extends from the leach field into a sand lens. Precipitation which falls upon the structure thus flows through the surface drain, absorbed into the aggregate leach field, and transported to the aggregate drains by way of aggregate leach lines. The water is then absorbed into the sand lens, ultimately replenishing the aquifer. Existing conventional pavement structures are retrofitted by the removal of a section of the pavement, and filling the same with porous concrete. | Fixed Constructions |
| 39 | 7572613 | Drug delivery system for accelerated subcutaneous absorption | A method for accelerating subcutaneous absorption of a fluid or drug into the systemic circulation of a specific targeted tissue. A first drug operative to produce local capillary vasodilatation and/or increase the rate of bulk flow of solution through the interstitial space is mixed with a fluid. The fluid may contain a crystalloid solution or a dilute solution of a pharmacologic drug required for a routine or emergency therapeutic treatment for a patient. The first drug is substantially non-toxic to the patient. The fluid mixed with the first drug is then delivered subcutaneously or into deeper tissues of the patient, by use of a hyperdermic needle or infiltration cannula. As the capillaries are dilated, the fluid is efficiently absorbed and circulated systemically. | Chemistry; Metallurgy |
| 38 | 7572247 | Syringe | A retractable needle safety syringe is provided having a braking mechanism. The braking mechanism may be disposed at a proximal portion of a syringe body of the syringe. The braking mechanism may comprise split brake members which are traversable between a braking position and a released position. At the braking position, fingers of the split brake member frictionally engage an outer surface of the shaft of a plunger of the syringe. The frictional engagement counterbalances a retraction force that urges a piston of the syringe toward a retracted position. When the split brake members are traversed to the released position, the fingers do not press against the outer surface of the shaft. As such, the retraction force may traverse the piston toward the retracted position and traverse a needle and needle holder into the body of the syringe. | Human Necessities |
| 37 | 7571920 | Bicycle front fork assembly | A bicycle front end assembly is provided which is configured to reduce aerodynamic drag. In particular, an axis shaft of a fork may be mounted to a head tube of a bicycle frame. A fork head may be disposed in front of the head tube for providing a front end assembly which is aerodynamically configured while providing an increased moment of inertia compared with traditional designs to reduce drag of the bicycle and increase steering stiffness. Also, the handlebar may be attached to the fork head such that when the bicycle is steered to the left, the fork head is rotated toward the left and when the bicycle is steered to the right, the fork head is rotated toward the right. In this manner, the fork head is alignable to the travel direction of the bicycle. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 36 | 7547021 | Propelled bicycle with automatic transmission | An automatic transmission bicycle including a bicycle frame, a chain ring, a pair of pedals, a wheel, and a plurality of gears coupled to the bicycle frame. The plurality of gears has a plurality of gear combinations defined by at least two gears cooperatively engaged. The automatic transmission bicycle includes an electric motor coupled to the bicycle frame. The automatic transmission bicycle includes a voltage generator configured to generate a current that has a corresponding voltage dependent upon rotational speed of the wheel. The automatic transmission bicycle includes a gear shifter in electrical communication with the voltage generator and configured to receive the current generated by the voltage generator. The gear shifter shifts between two respective gear combinations from the plurality of gear combinations in response to receiving the current that has a corresponding voltage within a predetermined voltage range. | Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating; Weapons; Blasting Engines or Pumps |
| 35 | 7540517 | Three-wheeled rear-steering scooter | A three wheeled scooter comprises a chassis having forward and aft ends with a front wheel non-pivotally mounted to the forward end and a pair of rear wheels coaxially mounted to the aft end. The chassis defines a longitudinal axis and includes a support assembly and a handle assembly extending upwardly from the support assembly. The rear wheels are configured to be angularly yawable relative to the longitudinal axis between a neutral position and a yawed position. Steering of the scooter is thereby effectuated by angular yawing of the rear wheels relative to the longitudinal axis such as by asymmetric loading of one of opposing sides of the support assembly. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 34 | 7534153 | Surfboard manufacturing apparatus | A surfboard manufacturing machine for fabricating a surfboard is disclosed. The machine may comprise gripper arms and suction arms which rotate and grip the surfboard blank or shaped surfboard as the surfboard manufacturing machine fabricates the surfboard. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 33 | 7523517 | Window cleaning machine | A machine for cleaning a window is provided which may comprise a chassis, window cleaning apparatus or mechanism, and a makeweight wherein the makeweight counterbalances the weight of the window cleaning apparatus by traversing the chassis in the first and second directions as the cleaning apparatus traverses the chassis in the second and first directions, respectively. | Human Necessities |
| 32 | 7514649 | Built-in attachment device using selective laser sintering | A method of assembling a first part and a second part. The method includes the step of integrally forming an attachment device and a first part. For example, the attachment device may be a nut plate operative to retain a nut therein, and the first part may be an air duct. The nut plate and the air duct may be integrally formed via selective laser sintering or stereo lithography such that the nut plate is an integral feature of the air duct. A nut may be retained in the nut plate, and a mating bolt may engage the nut to attach the air duct (i.e., the first part) to the second part. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 31 | 7513367 | Quick dispense system | Provided as a drug dispensing system comprising a cabinet and at least one cartridge. A cabinet has opposing door portions which are hingedly attached to one another and which are configured to be closable against one another such as via a lock member. Each one of the door portions includes at least one shelf which defines a shelf depth and which has an upwardly turned lip extending along the length of the shelf. The cartridge has a cartridge depth that is sized to be complementary to the shelf depth such that the cartridge may be retained by the lip when the cartridge is stored on the shelf. Each one of the cartridges is configured to store a plurality of vials. A punch-out is disposed in a lower end of the cartridge and through which the vials may be dispensed from the cartridge. The cartridge itself may be comprised of a top panel, a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel and a pair of side panels foldable connected to one another along a plurality of fold lines and to define an interior compartment that is sized and configured to dispensibly store the vials. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 30 | 7506605 | Boat window system | A cabin enclosure of a boat which is substantially water proof is provided. The cabin enclosure comprises a top, frame with joists attached to joist covers, plurality of windows, flashing and track which are layered upon each other to cascade water down the top, onto the windows and onto the track and into the river, bay or ocean. The plurality of windows may surround the passenger area of the boat and also prevents water from entering the boat. In particular, the plurality of windows are zippered onto adjacent joist covers so as to form a substantially water proof barrier between the interior and exterior of the boat. The flashing may be attached to the interior of the window with hooks and loops which run horizontally across the window and prevent water that splashes under the window from entering into the passenger area. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 29 | 7503758 | Syntactic tunnel core | A technique and tool are provided for repairing damaged areas of honeycomb structures. The tool includes a plurality of rods axially translatable into the damaged area. Foam material is inserted about the rods and allowed to cure. The rods are later withdrawn leaving a porous core of material. Sleeves may be provided to receive and support the rods as they translate into the damaged area. The sleeves may remain in the damaged area after the rods are withdrawn into the sleeves. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 28 | 7484578 | Hole coring system | An apparatus for drilling holes in a substrate wherein a mandrel is anchored to the substrate. A hollow drill bit rotates about the mandrel via a drive motor and is a guided along a length of the mandrel. | Fixed Constructions |
| 27 | 7479056 | Automated drill bit re-sharpening and verification system | An automated drill bit sharpening and verification system employing one or more electronic optical assemblies for gathering orientation data of a drill bit to be sharpened. The drill bit is rotated and aligned to a grinding assembly based on the orientation data. The orientation data of the drill bit may be gathered by illuminating a cutting tip of the drill bit with an illumination ring. Additionally, the orientation data of the drill bit may be gathered by capturing two views (e.g., orthogonal views or front and side views) of the cutting tip of the drill bit. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 26 | 7455664 | Huber needle with anti-rebound safety mechanism | A safety needle device is provided for protecting a user against needle-stick injuries. This needle device includes a needle housing having a distal housing opening. A needle is disposed within the needle housing and has a distal needle portion which extends away therefrom through the distal housing opening. An elongate sheath assembly surrounds the needle within the needle housing. A biasing member is engaged to the sheath assembly and is configured to apply a force thereupon towards the distal housing opening. The biasing member defines a centerline which is parallel to the needle”s distal needle portion. An indexer is engaged to the biasing member and is operative to increase or decrease a spring force of the biasing member by rotating the indexer. A trigger member is engaged to the biasing member for retaining the sheath assembly within the needle housing against the force urging the sheath assembly towards the distal housing opening. The trigger member is sized and configured to release the biasing member. This allows the sheath assembly to transition towards and out of the distal housing opening via the force to thereby enclose the distal needle portion therewith. | Human Necessities |
| 25 | 7450025 | Level/position sensor and related electronic circuitry for interactive toy | A sensor for use in an interactive electronic device. The sensor is operative to generate a plurality of different output signals corresponding to respective positions of the sensor relative to a reference plane. The movement of the sensor relative to the reference plane facilitates the movement of one or more actuation balls of respective switches of the sensor, which in turn results in the generation of differing conditions or output signals corresponding to closed or open circuit conditions selectively created by the switches. | Physics; Software |
| 24 | 7448923 | Connection for flex circuit and rigid circuit board | Conductive pads of a flex circuit may be electrically connected to conductive pads of a rigid circuit board. The conductive pads of the flex circuit may be sized, configured and alignable to the conductive pads of the rigid circuit board. A spacer with a plurality of apertures may be sized, configured and aligned to the conductive pads of the flex circuit and the rigid circuit board. Solder paste may be disposed between respective conductive pads of the flex circuit and the rigid circuit board within the apertures of the spacer. When the flex circuit, rigid circuit board and the spacer are assembled, the solder paste is displaced through relief vents formed through the conductive pads of the flex circuit, rigid circuit board or both the flex circuit or rigid circuit board. The solder paste is reflowed and forms a rivet structure attaching the flex circuit to the rigid circuit board as well as providing an electrical connection between the conductive pads of the flex circuit and the rigid circuit board. | Electronics; Electrical; Hardware and Software Systems |
| 23 | 7415938 | Boat window system | A cabin enclosure of a boat which is substantially water proof is provided. The cabin enclosure comprises a top, frame with joists attached to joist covers, plurality of windows, flashing and track which are layered upon each other to cascade water down the top, onto the windows and onto the track and into the river, bay or ocean. The plurality of windows may surround the passenger area of the boat and also prevents water from entering the boat. In particular, the plurality of windows are zippered onto adjacent joist covers so as to form a substantially water proof barrier between the interior and exterior of the boat. The flashing may be attached to the interior of the window with hooks and loops which run horizontally across the window and prevent water that splashes under the window from entering into the passenger area. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 22 | 7409757 | Automated Z-pin insertion technique using universal insertion parameters | In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of inserting at least one Z-pin into a composite laminate for providing Z direction reinforcement thereto. The method comprises the initial step of positioning at least one Z-pin upon the composite laminate. Thereafter, an insertion force is applied to the Z-pin at a first level which is sufficient to commence an insertion process wherein the Z-pin is driven into the composite laminate at a first insertion speed. The insertion force applied to the Z-pin is continuously monitored, with the first insertion speed being reduced to a second insertion speed in response to a monitored increase in the insertion force from a first level to a second level. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 21 | 7404217 | Screen for eye protection goggles and a method of forming a screen | A screen for eye protection goggles is disclosed having a first and a second lens ( 5, 6 ) connected together; the screen ( 3 ) being characterized by including a seal ( 7 ) that extends along a closed ring-shaped path and is positioned along the rims ( 13, 15 ) of the first and the second lenses ( 5, 6 ) in such a way as to join the first and the second lens ( 5, 6 ) and form an airtight cavity ( 8 ) between the first and the second lens ( 5, 6 ). | Human Necessities |
| 20 | 7398576 | Sponge mop and scrubber | A mop has a shaft, a housing at a distal end of the shaft, a sponge movably coupled to the housing, and a pair of rollers. The pair of rollers are movably mounted to the housing spaced apart from each other and straddle at least a portion of the sponge. The mop also comprises an actuator configure to move the sponge between the rollers from a retracted position to a deployed position. At least one scrubbing element is disposed on at least one of the rollers, the scrubbing element configured to automatically move into a deployed position as the sponge is moved into the retracted position, the scrubbing element also configured to automatically move into a retracted position as the sponge is moved into the deployed position. | Human Necessities |
| 19 | 7389616 | Air conditioning line flashing panel | A flashing panel mount for a plurality of air-conditioning lines of an air-conditioning unit located about an exterior of a building is provided. The plurality of air-conditioning lines defines an outer periphery. The panel mount may comprise a hood member and a cover. The hood member may be attachable to the building and may have a hood member aperture sized and configured to accommodate at least two of the plurality of air-conditioning lines so as to extend the air-conditioning lines from within the building to the air-conditioning unit located about the building exterior. The cover may be attached to the hood member aperture and may be sized and configured to accommodate the air-conditioning lines therethrough. The cover may be conformable to the outer periphery of the air-conditioning lines once the air conditioning lines are fed through the hood member aperture to prevent entrance of undesirable material from a building outside to a building inside. | Fixed Constructions |
| 18 | 7389263 | Method and system for the automated trading of financial instruments | In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of communicating trade orders in a marketplace for financial instruments through an on-line trading account with a financial institution. The method includes receiving trade trigger criteria and market data for use by market analysis software. The method further includes accessing the market analysis software to generate a trade decision using the trade trigger criteria and the market data. The method further includes automatically communicating a trade order, based upon the trade decision, to the marketplace via the on-line trading account. | Physics; Software |
| 17 | 7364545 | Method of measuring bleeding volume | A method of measuring blood clotting ability of a patient. A known volume of blood is dispensed on a reference disc of blotter paper, such that at least one reference blotch is formed on the reference disc. The surface area of the reference blotch formed on the reference disc, such that a relationship between the volume of blood and the surface area of the reference blotch can be obtained. An incision is made at the patient. A piece of blotter paper to the incision is applied to the incision to collect blood flowing therefrom, such that at least one blotch is formed on the piece of blotter paper. The surface area of the blotch formed on the piece of blotter paper is measured. The volume of the blood absorbed blood by the blotter paper is calculated according to the relationship between the blood volume and the surface area of the blotch. | Human Necessities |
| 16 | 7357164 | Tire pressure maintenance system | A device is provided for maintaining a desired inflation pressure within a tire mounted on a wheel of a vehicle. The device includes a microcompressor and a magnetic element. The compressor is mounted on the wheel and is in fluid communication with the atmosphere and the tire. The magnetic element is mounted on a stationary member of the wheel assembly and produces a magnetic field. The compressor is activated by transiting the magnetic field during each wheel revolution. Alternatively, an electric coil mounted on the wheel may transit the magnetic field to generate electrical power for an electrically-driven compressor. Thus, the compressor may pump air into the tire to maintain the desired inflation pressure. For leaks or device failure, a driver may be notified and a battery can operate the compressor at a high rate to maximize tire use until a safe place is reached. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 15 | 7351004 | Aquifer replenishment system | A concrete structure for replenishing an aquifer and a method for constructing the same is provided. The structure is comprised of a pavement layer with surface drains that extend through the pavement layer and into an aggregate leach field. The leach field includes leach lines spanning the leach field. An aggregate drain extends from the leach field into a sand lens. Precipitation which falls upon the structure thus flows through the surface drain, absorbed into the aggregate leach field, and transported to the aggregate drains by way of aggregate leach lines. The water is then absorbed into the sand lens, ultimately replenishing the aquifer. Existing conventional pavement structures are retrofitted by the removal of a section of the pavement, and filling the same with porous concrete. | Fixed Constructions |
| 14 | 7350274 | Removable hat accessory | An accessory device that can be removably attached to the button of a hat. The device includes a base with an opening that extends at least partially through the base. The device can be attached to the hat by pushing the button of the hat into the opening of the device. Friction between the inner surface of the opening and the button securely holds the device to the hat. | Human Necessities |
| 13 | 7339551 | Reflective fresnel lens for sub-millimeter wave power distribution | A reflective Fresnel lens for shaping an incident wave for efficiently delivering the incident wave to an array of receivers, having a wavelength within a predetermined range. The Fresnel lens comprises a ground plate and a plurality of reflective elements formed at various levels of the ground plate. The predetermined range includes millimeter wavelength range, sub-millimeter wavelength range or microwave wavelength range. | Electronics; Electrical; Hardware and Software Systems |
| 12 | 7338344 | Automated drill bit re-sharpening and verification system | A completely automated apparatus for verifying the identity and geometry of drill bits, re-sharpening the cutting tip of a drill bit and re-positioning a locating ring upon the shank portion of the drill bit subsequent to the re-sharpening of the cutting tip thereof. The apparatus comprises a housing having a pair of cassette trays, a pair of grinding assemblies, a pair of optical assemblies, a pair of primary cleaning assemblies, a pair of secondary cleaning assemblies, a pair of inversion assemblies, a pair of workhead assemblies, a bumping assembly, and a loader assembly attached thereto. The workhead and loader assemblies are used to transport drill bits between the cassette trays and other assemblies in a selected sequence which is controlled and coordinated by a programmable control device. The control device is electrically interfaced to each of the assemblies and allows the cutting tip re-sharpening and locating ring re-positioning processes to be conducted simultaneously on at least two drill bits. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 11 | 7334182 | Serial data preservation method | A timer circuit for tracking an elapsed time of an electronic device is provided. The timer circuit compares differences in elapsed times written to memory addresses of a memory chip with a periodic interval to determine whether any elapsed times written to the memory chip is corrupt. If so, then the corrupt data is discarded and the device elapsed time is tracked once again based on a valid elapsed time. | Physics; Software |
| 10 | 7331707 | Event monitoring bracelet | Provided is a bracelet comprising a band which is removably attachable to a wrist of a person. The band may have a plurality of first time indices printed about a circumference of the band. The bracelet may further comprise a first time indicator slidable along the band circumference and fixedly positionable to a selected first time indicia to indicate a time of an event. | Physics; Software |
| 9 | 7322772 | Surface seeded fine aggregate concrete simulating quarried stone | A method and a surface seeded exposed aggregate concrete product are provided that precisely simulate the appearance and qualities of various types of natural quarried stone, such as granite, marble, rhinestone, bluestone, and brownstone, to name a few. Implementations of the present invention are characterized by the use of fine sand and aggregate broadcast over the exposed surface of poured concrete, which surface has been prepared to receive the same. Subsequently, a surface retarder and finishing steps are performed to produce the concrete product which assimilates the characteristics and colors of natural quarried stone, such as speckles, inclusions, flecks, graining, fractures, joints, knots, crystallization patterns, streaks, weathering, etc. | Fixed Constructions |
| 8 | 7322499 | Truck sports rack | Provided is a sports rack configured to be mounted on a truck bed. The truck bed may have a front wall, a rear tail gate and a pair of elongate side walls extending therebetween. Each one of the side walls may have a bed rail. The sports rack comprises a front frame member, a rear frame member and a plurality of channel lengths. The front frame member is disposed adjacent the front wall and extends between the side walls. The rear frame member is disposed over the rear tail gate and also extends between the side walls. The plurality of channel lengths extends horizontally between the front and rear frame members. Each of the front and rear frame members comprises a pair of upright end plates that may be used to mount the sports rack on the bed rails. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 7 | 7303222 | Tire carrier apparatus | A tire carrier apparatus is provided for mounting a tire upon a storage bed of a vehicle. The bed includes first and second side walls and a rear end. The apparatus comprises at least a vertical post, a latch member, and a gate. The vertical post may be connectable to the first side wall adjacent the rear end. The latch member may be connectable to the second side wall adjacent the rear end. The gate may define first and second ends and a receptacle interposed therebetween, with the first end being pivotally connectable to the vertical post and the second end being removably connectable to the latch member. The receptacle may be sized and configured to accommodate the tire with the tire being mountable thereon. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 6 | 7296589 | Universal gas valve finishing flange assembly | A universal gas valve finishing flange assembly is provided which is adapted to receive a plurality of different size gas valves. The finishing flange assembly comprises a flanged coupler comprising a pipe coupler having internal threads and a pair of ends. The internal threads are adapted to be received by a first gas shut-off valve with a valve stem leg having threads with a first diameter. The flanged coupler further includes a flange attached to one end of the coupler and is centered about an axis defined by the coupler. The flange further includes an orifice for receiving a gas valve key. A trim plate is also provided having a frontside and a backside and a hole there through to receive the pipe coupler. Also, the trim plate includes recess disposed in the frontside to receive the flange. Additionally, a reducer nipple is provided having outer threads and inner threads. The outer threads are correspondingly sized to be received by the internal threads of the pipe coupler, and the inner threads are adapted to be received by a second gas shut-off valve with a valve stem leg having threads with a second diameter. | Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating; Weapons; Blasting Engines or Pumps |
| 5 | 7293754 | Frame security lock | A locking mechanism for preventing theft of an object hung on a flat surface is provided. The locking mechanism may comprise a latch, hook and key. The latch may be attachable to the wall with an optional wall track attached thereto. Also, the hook may be attachable to the object with an optional object track attached thereto with the object track engageable to the wall track when the object is hung on the wall. Furthermore, the hook is engageable into the latch simultaneously as the object track engages the wall track. | Human Necessities |
| 4 | 7237590 | Tire pressure maintenance device | A device is provided for maintaining a desired inflation pressure within a tire mounted on a wheel of a vehicle. The device includes a microcompressor and a magnetic element. The compressor is mounted on the wheel and is in fluid communication with the atmosphere and the tire. The magnetic element is mounted on a stationary member of the wheel assembly and produces a magnetic field. The compressor is activated by transiting the magnetic field during each wheel revolution. Alternatively, an electric coil mounted on the wheel may transit the magnetic field to generate electrical power for an electrically-driven compressor. Thus, the compressor may pump air into the tire to maintain the desired inflation pressure. For leaks or device failure, a driver may be notified and a battery can operate the compressor at a high rate to maximize tire use until a safe place is reached. | Performing Operations; Transporting |
| 3 | 7225850 | Child safety blind | A child safety blind having a head rail, a bottom rail, at least one ladder tape, a plurality of slats, a tilt wand and a pair of registry clips. At least one ladder tape extends horizontally between the head rail and the bottom rail, and the ladder tape comprising a plurality of steps. The slats extend horizontally between the head rail and the bottom rail, and each of the slats extends through one corresponding step of the ladder tape. The tilt wand is linked with ladder tape and operative to operative to drive the steps of the ladder tape to turn the slats with an angle. The pair of registry clips is operative to lift the bottom rail and the slats at two side portions thereof while holding the bottom rail and the slats therein. | Fixed Constructions |
| 2 | 7223043 | Structural members and joining arrangements therefor | A joining arrangement for use in the construction of stud frames and for releasable attachment of a first member to a second structural member forming part of the frame. The first member includes in at least one side wall a female recess which, when the members are joined, engages a corresponding male protrusion in at least one wall of the second member. The respective formations in the first and second members engage such that they are generally in alignment thereby securing the first member to the second member and wherein the first member is a stud and the second member is a plate. | Fixed Constructions |
| 1 | 7213883 | Head rest | A head rest for vertically supporting a person”s head while in a seated position wherein the person”s head defines left and right sides is provided. The head rest may comprise a first inflatable compartment sized and configured to receive the left side of the person”s head. The head rest may also comprise a second inflatable compartment connected to the first inflatable compartment. The second inflatable compartment may be sized and configured to receive the right side of the person”s head and have a mirror configuration of the first inflatable compartment. The first and second inflatable compartments may be isolated from each other such that the first and second inflatable compartments are independently inflatable. The head rest may also comprise a connecting strap attached to the first and second inflatable compartments for connecting the first inflatable compartment to the second inflatable compartment. Also, the head rest may comprise first and second valves attached to first and second inflatable compartments, respectively, for filling and removing a filler material from the first and second inflatable compartments. | Human Necessities |
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