Selected U.S. Patent Abstracts

Abstract: The ornamental design for a panel heater, as shown and described.

Abstract: Range finder for determining the distance between the user and an object of known height or width, such as a golf flagstick, structure, etc. The range finder is a flat card, having a series of graduated apertures, each aperture being dimensioned to correspond to a particular distance to the flagstick. Range information is provided for each aperture. The user holds the card 24 inches from the eye and sights the flagstick through the apertures. The range information for the aperture whose diameter most closely corresponds to the height of the sighted flagstick is the actual distance between the user and the flagstick. The apertures are graduated in size, to represent range information in specific increments. The size of the increments is selected to facilitate optimal performance and may vary within a series of apertures.

Abstract: A tidal power station device (1) in which at least one submerged sail (14, 14') is displaceable between two magazines (18, 20).

Abstract: A tube with an external channel of a complex geometry. The channel does not distort or collapse when the tube is bent 90 degrees with a 4-inch radius. Fabric may be inserted into and securely held in the external channel. The tube is suitable for constructing frames of fabric structures, such as dodgers and biminis for boats, tents, chairs, etc.

Abstract: Combination case for providing a versatile protective case for a handheld device, such as a PDA. The combination case has a rigid inner shell that attaches to an outer shell with a mounting plate. The handheld device is inserted into the rigid inner shell, which is then attached to the rear panel of the outer shell. The rigid inner shell is a three-sided shell that holds the handheld device and allows free access to the LCD display and operational components on the device when the outer shell is open. A soft inner shell may be used instead of the rigid inner shell. This soft inner shell attaches to the outer shell with the mounting plate and provides a water-resistant enclosure for the device.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for hand-grippable devices, such as levers for a brake or clutch, triggers, scissor-action tools, etc. The actuator assembly is a lever having a rotation-restriction mechanism, such as a one-way bearing, mounted on a shaft, with a sleeve assembled over the rotation-restriction mechanism and shaft. As the lever is grasped by the fingertips and pulled toward the operator's palm, the sleeve rotates about the shaft axis, thereby allowing the lever to roll from the fingertips toward the base of the fingers near palm of the operator's hand, where the operator has greater strength and control over the lever. The sleeve is prevented from rotating in the reverse direction, so, when the operator releases the lever, the lever slides along toward the fingertips, allowing the operator to slow the motion as desired. The actuator assembly reduces fatigue and loss of control over hand-operated mechanisms.

Abstract: Card storage device for storing and transporting multiple media cards, the cards being of the same type or of different types. The card storage device has an adaptable media-card holder that allows the user to configure the storage device for specific types of media cards. The media-card holder includes an outer frame and middle and inner auxiliary frames that are optionally inserted into the outer frame. The outer frame provides a storage space for a large type of media card. The auxiliary frames provide secure storage space for one or more smaller media cards.

Abstract: A multiple-battery charging system for enabling a vehicle with an internal-combustion engine or hybrid engine to be equipped with a plurality of electric storage batteries. The multiple-battery charging system automatically connects batteries to load, at times alternatingly and at times in parallel. All batteries are charged, together or seriatim, and maintained in a charged state, by a single conventional charging source (alternator) with which the vehicle is equipped. In abnormal operating circumstances, such as when one or more batteries are defective or shorted, or the alternator is defective, the multiple-battery charging system prevents an operator from depleting a battery to the point where necessary peripheral equipment, such as a wheelchair lift, can no longer be operated.

Abstract: A protective case with a combination hinge and swivel connector for the lid. The lid opens in clamshell fashion and then swivels around and folds down over the back of the case so that the back of the shell nests in the lid. The lid, when folded back in this manner, provides a comfortable surface for holding the open case in the hand.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting an industrial-size roll of paper or other sheet material into two or more rolls. The apparatus includes a circular saw with a radius large enough to cut through such a roll in a single cut, leaving press-ready rolls that require no finish-trimming on the ends. The saw blade is mounted in a saw frame that travels along a carriage and positions the blade at any desired cutting position on the roll. The apparatus includes a support bed and load-bearing arms for supporting the weight of a large roll and keeping it in position during the cutting operation. Load/unload tables and a system of kicking cylinders guide the roll onto and off of the support bed. The saw frame is a tower that positions the saw blade above the roll at the desired cutting position, or a floor frame that positions the saw along side or beneath the roll at the desired cutting position. The apparatus further includes a finishing station for sanding the ends of cut rolls.

Abstract: The ornamental design for a treeless saddle, as shown and described

Abstract: A method and device for preventing a pipe string clampingly arranged in a slips from slipping out of the slips in the event of the pipe string slipping in the slips, wherein a pipe clamp is clamped, preferably hydraulically, onto the pipe string at a position above the slips and maintained in the clamped state for essentially as long as the pipe string is held by the slips, the pipe clamp, in the event of the pipe string slipping in the slips, being displaced together with the pipe string until the pipe clamp/tong stops against the wedges of the slips.

Abstract: A geodesic structure comprising convex-concave elements. The elements are easily manufactured, simple shapes that can be assembled randomly to form a geodesic structure, such as a dome. The geodesic structure can also be used to make flat maps of spherical bodies, exhibiting very little distortion.

Abstract: The ornamental design for a divot tool, as shown and described.

Abstract: A method and device for preventing a pipe string (5) clampingly arranged in a slips (2) from slipping out of the slips (2) in the event of the pipe string (5) slipping in the slips (2), wherein a pipe clamp/tong (22) is clamped, preferably hydraulically, onto the pipe string (5) at a position above the slips (2) and maintained in the clamped state for essentially as long as the pipe string (5) is held by the slips (2), the pipe clamp/tong (22), in the event of the pipe string (5) slipping in the slips (2), being displaced together with the pipe string (5) until the pipe clamp/tong (22) stops against the wedges (16) of the slips (2).

Abstract: Precision aligning fastener for releasably joining two halves of a manufactured article. The precision aligning fastener has a male body that threads into a female body. The threads on the male and female threads, bodies are provided in an interrupted-thread pattern, allowing the male body to be completely inserted into the female body before twisting and engaging the threads. A stop means is provided, to assist in aligning and to prevent overtightening of the fastener. The fastener is particularly well-suited to releasably join long, slender articles that must be precisely aligned to function properly, such as a hunter's longbow, billiard cues, furniture, etc.

Abstract: Travel bag for organizing computer and other items has a computer compartment that includes pockets for small items and a dual-entry pocket. Flat pockets are provided on two large sides of the dual-entry pocket. An opening on the outer body of the bag provides access to contents of the dual-entry pocket and flat pockets. The flat pockets are made of elastic material for securely holding small items and devices that are frequently retrieved, such as cell phone, travel tickets, sunglasses, etc. A briefcase style includes a retractable flap that covers the top of the bag and slides down into the bag to provide unfettered access to contents. A tote style has deep pockets in expandable side gussets, for holding water bottle, umbrella, shoes, etc. Straps are rope-filled tubular leather. A cord kit, a tool kit, and a purse may be included.

Abstract: A sunlight measuring device that quantifies the accumulation of light at a particular site. The sunlight measuring device is a battery-operated device mounted on a stake for easy insertion into the ground. The device is placed at the intended site for growing a plant. The light that falls on the sunlight measuring device over a period of time is accumulated and the light accumulation is represented by a visual signal that indicates one of four light conditions: full sun, partial sun, partial shade, full shade.

Abstract: A training aid for practicing a golf swing. Two laser pointers are mounted at opposite ends of a bar that is affixed to a hat. The laser pointers are horizontally and vertically adjustable and are adjusted such that the laser beams from the two laser pointers cross at a desired point in front of the user. While maintaining the proper stance for a golf swing, the beams are adjusted to intersect each other a short distance above the golf ball. Any movement of the head will cause the beams to shift. This provides immediate feedback to the user and is useful in training the user to execute a golf swing while keeping the head in a certain position and motionless.

Abstract: An under-pillow bearing (UPB) load cell for controlling tension in the winding process for a continuous web of material. The load cell has a deflection and sensor assembly that is quickly and easily removable from the load cell for maintenance and repair. The deflection and sensor assembly includes a load beam that is insertable into the load cell. In one embodiment, a pluggable sensor insert may be inserted into or removed from the load beam, without removing any of the fasteners that mount the load cell to the machine support.

Abstract: Control system for radio-controlled aircraft. The control system includes a control master for simultaneously controlling a group of flight control means, for example, a group of ailerons. A control bar is slidably mounted in the control master and connected to a servo-controller. A plurality of controller cables or push rods, one for each flight control means in the group, are connected to the control bar. A sliding movement of the control bar effects a repositioning of the flight-control means.

Abstract: Viewing apparatus for precisely locating and viewing a specific feature or area of the body, particularly in a hard-to-view area. The apparatus includes a viewing device, a general illumination device and a light beam pointer device. The viewing device may be a mirror and/or a camera with monitor. The viewing device is mountable on a freestanding support stand that provides a means for maneuvering the viewing device into a desired position and holding it in that position without the viewing device having to be held in position manually. The light beam pointer device is provided for precisely indicating a specific feature or area reflected in the viewing device, and the general illumination device for illuminating the intended viewing site. The camera and monitor provide a means for viewing a hard-to-view feature or area of the body, particularly on an extremely obese person.

Abstract: Ice paint for painting ice surfaces. The ice paint comprises rutile TiO2, precipitated calcium carbonate manufactured to a particle size of 0.8 microns, and water. The rutile TiO2 is combined with the precipitated calcium carbonate in a ratio of at least 1 part rutile TiO2 to 6.5 parts precipitated calcium carbonate.

Abstract: A fully integrated automated laser weld process control system (LWPCS) and method of controlling the fabrication of structural parts, particularly for shipbuilding and other industries. The LWPCS defines joint and weld quality attributes as process control variables and integrates these weld quality variables, along with the more traditional process parameters such as laser power, wire feed, GMAW voltage and active seam tracking, into a closed-loop monitoring and control system. The LWPCS includes a central processor and a plurality of subsystems that control laser beam positioning, vision-based monitoring and image processing, active weld-quality monitoring and inspection, adaptive beam delivery, and seam tracking. Cross-communication between subsystems is managed by the central processor. In addition to process control, the system extracts weld quality attributes during the weld process and provides immediate documentation of the weld quality.

Abstract: A method of and system for liquefying snow. The system includes a rotor-stator device mounted within a melting reservoir and having a slotted rotor and a slotted stator. Snow and/or ice is deposited in a water bath in the melting reservoir. The rotor rotates at high speed, hurling particles of crystalline snow from the tips of the rotor slots onto the perpendicular faces of the stator, thereby fracturing the crystals and promoting liquefication. The high mechanical forces generated during operation of the rotor-stator device also contribute a significant amount of heat that is applied directly to the snow. The system also includes ancillary assemblies, such as heat-exchangers and snow-transport means. The system is operable as a stationary unit or a mobile unit.

Abstract: A method of measuring concentration of solid or liquid particulate matter in a gaseous carrier medium, particularly suitable for measuring concentration and flow rate of pulverized fuel pneumatically transported in a duct to power station boiler burners. The method includes generating a radio frequency electromagnetic wave within a duct, measuring wave parameters within a range of frequencies, including a cut-off frequency, determining the cut-off frequency from changes in wave parameters, calculating dielectric permittivity of a two-phase flow duct load, and ascribing to this value a corresponding concentration value. The measured parameter is the rate of change of phase shift against frequency at two arbitrary points on a wave transmission path, whereas the waveguide cut-off frequency value is determined at a point where the rate of change of phase shift against frequency reaches a maximum.

Abstract: A sleeper-support device designed to minimize cervical rotation with respect to the torso for a person lying prone. The device includes a wedge-shaped head support that maintains the head in repose at an intermediate orientation between zero rotation and the traditional 90-degree rotation typical of the prone sleeper. The device also includes a wedge-shaped torso piece that constrains the torso from rotating in the direction that would increase the angle between the head and neck (the head-turn angle). The support this device provides prone sleepers allows them to sleep comfortably without incurring the back and cervical stress and strain commonly associated with sleeping in the prone position.

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Abstract: A collapsible, portable hoist that can be assembled and operated by a single individual, for lifting and conveying heavy objects onto and off of trucks, especially pickup trucks. When not in use, the hoist collapses down to a flat storage configuration that rests on, and is secured to, the truck's cargo walls without any portion extending beyond the truck. In order to deploy the hoist, one rotates its support frame up from the stowed position and then suspends from it the rail along which a trolley or other implement used to convey the object will travel. When the hoist is fully deployed, the trolley rail is mounted high above the bed, permitting tall objects to be manipulated. The hoist is constructed so as to be readily removable from the truck.

Abstract: Waterproof apparel constructed of a flexible PVC sheet or other polymeric flexible sheet material that changes color due to a change in ambient conditions. Thermochromic dyes and/or photochromatic dyes are incorporated into the resin mix for fabricating the flexible sheet material. The color of the waterproof apparel changes when the temperature rises above or drops below a pre-defined temperature and/or when the ultra-violet light level is above or below a pre-defined level.

Abstract: A continuously variable fluent control valve for controlling supersonic flow of gas. The valve has an upper plate with a very slightly angled physical control surface and a lower plate with a physical nozzle inlet. As the valve opens and closes during supersonic flow, a hydrodynamic pintle forms in the nozzle inlet just below the physical control surface. The hydrodynamic pintle provides a fluid control surface for redirecting flow from horizontal fllow to vertical flow through the nozzle and, depending on the expansion needs of the supersonic flow, the hydrodynamic pintle changes shape, expanding or shrinking in the axial direction of the valve. Because of the nearly flat physical control surface of the upper plate, matieral ablation is significantly reduced. The fluid-fluid boundary between the hydrodynamic pintle and the supersonic flow produces a flow through the nozzle with little or no recirculation.

Abstract: Mounting bracket for mounting a wheel unit or other device on the ski of a snowmobile. A base plate of the mounting bracket attaches to the bottom of the ski with the same fastener that fastens a carbide runner to the bottom of the ski. A mounting section has mounting holes or brackets and extends along the outside of the side wall of the ski. The wheel unit is affixable to the mounting bracket, making it easier to retrofit a wheel unit onto a ski having carbide-runner posts in the bottom of the ski.

Abstract: A tarping system that automatically covers and prevents trash from spilling from a trash opening in the rear vertical panel of a CRC. The tarping system automatically draws a tarp from the lower edges of the trash opening up over the opening, effectively closing the opening completely. The lower edges of the tarp are secured around the lower side edges and bottom edge of the trash opening of the CRC and the upper edges are secured to a tarping bar. The tarping bar is spring-biased to automatically swing upward when the CRC is moved away from a trash compactor site, in the process collecting any trash that spills from the trash opening and preventing trash from slipping from the CRC at the bottom of the tarp.

Abstract: Method of automatically generating a construction specification that is immediately viewable and editable in real time, online. Construction project information can be automatically extracted from a CAD drawing or from a checklist that is filled out online, and a project specification based on a standardized base document automatically generated.

Abstract: A method of and system for liquefying snow. The system includes a rotor-stator device mounted within a melting reservoir and having a slotted rotor and a slotted stator. Snow and/or ice is deposited in a water bath in the melting reservoir. The rotor rotates at high speed, hurling particles of crystalline snow from the tips of the rotor slots onto the perpendicular faces of the stator, thereby fracturing the crystals and promoting liquefication. The high mechanical forces generated during operation of the rotor-stator device also contribute a significant amount of heat that is applied directly to the snow. The system also includes ancillary assemblies, such as heat-exchangers and snow-transport means. The system is operable as a stationary unit or a mobile unit.

Abstract: An insert for use with a conventional sports bag for organizing, carrying, drying, and storing sports gear. The insert has mesh pockets, straps for attaching clothing and equipment to the insert, and loops for suspending the insert from a hook. The insert can easily be pulled into a shape that fits into a conventional sports bag. Once inserted into the sports bag, all the pockets on the insert remain fully functional and accessible, with the openings of the large mesh pockets and the full-size mesh pocket being readily accessible from the top of the sports bag.

Abstract: Universal wheel unit for mounting one or more wheels on the ski of a snowmobile. The wheel unit is a separate assembly that is detachably mountable on the ski or is an integral component of the ski. When retrofitting skis, the wheel unit is mountable on the kingping, on the side wall, or on the saddle. Wheels are readily deployable or retractable as ground surface conditions require, and allow the snowmobile to be driven over gravel, dirt, and hardtop surfaces, while maintaining steerability with the handlebars.