gin Packaging machine with dynamic chain tension By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a packaging machine, in particular a thermoformer, traysealer, comprising at least two transport chains for transporting a web of material, such as a film or the like. The packaging machine is characterized in that sensor means are provided for detecting the chain length and/or the chain pitch and/or the chain tension of the transport chains, means being provided for stretching and/or relaxing at least one individual transport chain, and control means being provided for adapting different lengths or chain pitches of two transport chains by stretching and/or relaxing at least one transport chain in a controlled manner. Full Article
gin Suspension packaging system and method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A product is mounted on a support pad and suspended on the pad by wrapping a stretch wrapping film around the combination of the pad and product. The borders of the pad extend beyond the borders of the product so the package containing the product can be stood on edge, but the edge of the product is spaced away from the surface on which the package is stood. The borders of the pad also include notches on the top and bottom of the pad that receive the stretch wrapping film away from the borders of the pad and closer to the product. Thus the product, secured to the pad, is suspended away from that surface. Multiple packages can be packed into a shipping container and the loaded container can be lifted and transported by a lift truck with lifting forks received in passageways formed in the container by notches in the bottom edges of the support pads. The pads and containers are made of die-cut corrugated fiberboard material although other material could be used. Full Article
gin Packaging system for portable electronic devices with removable faceplates By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A removable faceplate for a portable electronic device is provided. The faceplate permits a user to change the physical appearance of a surface of the device while retaining access to the mechanisms for controlling the function of the device. Preferably, the removable faceplate and electronic device are configured with a means for association and dissociation that can be activated without the use of a tool and the means is not visible when the faceplate is attached. Additionally, an improved packaging system is provided to enable a vendor or manufacturer to package faceplates with the devices that they will cover and to allow substitution of faceplates in the packaging without disturbing the packaging of the electronic device itself. Further, there is a method for distribution of the packaging system. Full Article
gin Structure of inflatable packaging device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A packaging device includes first and second thermoplastic films superposed with each other, wherein predetermined portions of the thermoplastic films are bonded creating a plurality of fluid containers, a plurality of check valves each connected to a corresponding fluid container, a fluid passage in a first direction connected to the check valves, and a second border between an inflated section including the plurality of fluid containers and an uninflated section, wherein the first and second thermoplastic films are folded and two side edges of the films are bonded and a first portion of a first border connecting the inflated section to a second section is folded and an overlapped portion of the first portion is bonded leaving a remaining portion of the first border unbonded wherein the uninflated section forms a loop, and wherein the uninflated section forming the loop is folded into the inflated section to form a lining. Full Article
gin Foldable packaging for flat media By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A novel packaging for flat media having substantially square panels wherein at least one of the panels is adapted to form a compartment for storing a phonographic record, an audiovisual record or any flat media. The arrangement of the square panels enables the package to be folded in a compact, flat configuration for ease of storage and shipping. When erected, the package forms a cube that could be used as additional storage. The cube may be erected with either of the sides of the panels visible so as to afford greater opportunity for display. Full Article
gin Tool packaging By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An insertion tool packaging, includes a main body that has at least one hanging region, at least one viewing region, and at least one receiving region, which is configured at least substantially to receive at least one insertion tool. The packaging further includes at least one protective element, which is configured to at least substantially protect a user against injury. Full Article
gin Ammunition packaging By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention is directed to an ammunition package that includes a container having a bottom panel and an attached side panel. The inner face of the bottom panel is formed having a plurality of cartridge receiving sockets. An inner lid, foldable between an open position and a closed position, is attached at an upper edge of the container. Similarly an outer lid is attached to the container, in such a manner that the outer lid is foldable over the inner lid. In a preferred embodiment, an inner face of the inner lid is formed having a plurality of upper cartridge receiving sockets that align with the lower cartridge receiving sockets when the inner lid is positioned in the closed position. In the preferred embodiment, an upper face of the inner lid is formed as a tray when the inner lid is in the closed position. Full Article
gin Device and method for sanitary can packaging By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for sanitary beverage can packaging incorporates a plastic sanitation sheet between the tops of the beverage cans and a plastic can retainer. The sanitation sheet covers the tops of the cans, protecting them from dust and overhead spills. Some embodiments use a watertight or airtight seal of the sanitation sheet around the can rim. Some embodiments include visible indicators of seal breakage or direct contamination, using moisture or oxygen detection. Some indicators create a hole in the sanitation sheet. Other indicators provide visible warning text or symbols. The sheet and indicators provide both actual contaminant protection and visible indication of contamination. Embodiments include the plastic sanitation sheet, integration with beverage cans, and a method for use in providing assured sanitary cans to consumers. Full Article
gin Packaging box with test strips and gripper assembly thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A packaging box with test strips is provided for a gripper to grip the test strips, and the gripper has a gripping section and a conductive terminal in the gripping section, and the packaging box includes a main body and a test strip. The main body has an embedded groove including a port with a shape corresponding to the shape of the gripping section, and the port is provided for inserting the gripping section. The test strip has a conductive area defined on a surface of the test strip, and the test strip is contained in the embedded groove, wherein the gripping section is coupled to the port, and the conductive terminal is electrically coupled to the conductive area. With the packaging box, the test strips can be taken out conveniently and quickly. Full Article
gin System and method for pre-charging a current mirror By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system for pre-charging a current minor includes a controller configured to provide a first current and an additional current to a current minor to rapidly charge a capacitance associated with the current minor based on a reference voltage or control signals. A power amplifier module includes at least one current minor and a controller. A capacitor is coupled to the current minor. The controller provides a bias current in an amount proportional to an input to a voltage-to-current converter. The controller receives a control signal that directs the controller to apply one of a pre-charge voltage and a nominal voltage to the voltage-to-current converter. Full Article
gin Cutter-changing device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST A cutter-changing device includes a cutter-magazine carrying cutters, a rotary telescopic cylinder, and a clamping sub-assembly. The clamping sub-assembly includes a cutter-changing arm, and a pair of clamping assemblies. The rotary telescopic cylinder drives the cutter-changing arm to rotate, extend and retract. Each clamping assembly includes a mounting member, an elastic member, a piston, and at least one resisting member. The mounting member is mounted on the cutter-changing arm, and defines at least one mounting hole through the sidewall thereof. The elastic member and the piston are sleeved with the mounting member, and the two opposite ends of the elastic member press against the piston and the mounting member. The resisting member is mounted between the elastic member and the mounting member, and capable of being resisted by the piston to be partially exposed from the mounting hole. Full Article
gin Multi-spindle machining machine with tool changing mechanism By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A multi-spindle machining machine with a tool changing mechanism contains a base; a carrier including a seat to move in Z axis, a rotary shaft fixed on the seat laterally to drive the seat to rotate in A axis, and a fixing holder coupled to an end portion of the rotary shaft to fix a work piece; a tool changing mechanism including a mount mounted to the rotary shaft to rotate with the rotary shaft and a monitor fixed on the seat to measure a length of the tool clamped on a driving spindle, and including a plurality of slots to receive the tools respectively; a working head moving above the carrier and the tool changing mechanism in X and Y axes and including the driving spindle mounted on a lower end thereof to rotate axially, and the lower end of the driving spindle allowing to engage and disengage the tool. Full Article
gin Demountable pin and collet assembly and method to securely fasten a ranging arm to a longwall shearer using such assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A pin-and-collet assembly, a longwall shearer comprising a ranging arm attached to a lifting bracket with such assembly, a method for the secure fastening of one piece to another, such as securely fastening the ranging arm to the lifting bracket of a longwall shearer using such assembly as a bushing, and a method for longwall mining of ore, such as trona, using such longwall shearer. This assembly is easy to install, does not have to be tightened during longwall operation of an ore panel, and is also demountable when it is time to stop the longwall mining operation and time to remove/replace the ranging arm for maintenance and/or when the end of the ore panel is reached. Full Article
gin Needle threading and swaging system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 08 Aug 1995 08:00:00 EDT An automated machine for attaching a suture to a surgical needle comprises a first apparatus located at a first predetermined location for sorting a plurality of randomly oriented needles and orienting each needle for automatic handling at a first predetermined location, each of the needles having a suture receiving opening formed therein. A second apparatus located at a second predetermined location is provided for automatically cutting an indefinite length of suture material to a definite length suture strand and for automatically inserting an end of the definite length suture strand into the suture receiving opening formed in the needle. Also provided is a third apparatus for swaging the needle to close the suture receiving opening about the suture to secure said suture thereto and form therefrom a needle and suture assembly. An indexing device automatically receives each individual needle in a predetermined orientation at the first predetermined location and conveys the needle for sequential processing from the first to the second locations to form the needle-suture assembly. Full Article
gin Swaging apparatus for surgical needles By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 25 Jan 2000 08:00:00 EST A swaging apparatus for attaching sutures to surgical needles includes at least a first die and a second die. The first die has a first member, which includes a first surface, and a second member, which includes a second surface. The second member is movable relative to the first member between an extended position, in which the second surface extends beyond the first surface, and a retracted position, in which the second surface does not extend beyond the first surface. The second die has at least one surface and is movable relative to the first die between a remote position and an adjacent position. When the second die moves relative to the first die from the remote position towards the adjacent position, the second member of the first die is caused to move from the extended position towards the retracted position, and the surfaces of the first and second dies cooperate with one another so as to swage a surgical needle positioned between the first and second dies. The second member of the first die is movable to the retracted position when the second die abuts the first die. In this manner, surgical needles of many different types or sizes can be swaged by the swaging apparatus. Full Article
gin Hydraulic engine with infinity drive By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST A system comprises a first piston comprising a first piston shaft and a first drive pin. A first piston cylinder comprises a first body and a first groove, wherein the first groove defines a first aperture, the first aperture oriented axially along the first body and configured to receive the first drive pin. The first body encloses the first piston and allows the first piston to travel axially within the first piston cylinder. A drive shaft comprises an axis, a drive groove, and a surface, wherein the drive groove forms a continuous channel along the surface and receives the first drive pin. In one embodiment, a first distribution wheel comprises a first face, a second face, a first inlet aperture, and a first outlet aperture. The first distribution wheel couples to the first piston cylinder and to the drive shaft at a first end of the drive shaft, and rotates axially with the drive shaft along the axis of the drive shaft. The first inlet aperture allows hydraulic fluid to pass through the first face and the second face and the first outlet aperture defines a groove on the second face. Full Article
gin Thermal engine with an improved valve system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A radial thermal engine with an improved valve system is disclosed herein comprising intake and exhaust port valve assemblies fluidly connected to respective intake and exhaust ports contained within a cylinder head assembly. Each intake and each exhaust port valve assembly comprises at least one rotatable port cover having spaced apart openings which are periodically alignable to the intake and exhaust ports, respectively. Full Article
gin Detachable receptacle and stripping apparatus for stripping lagging By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 May 1988 08:00:00 EDT A detachable bag (13) and shroud (12) which combine to form a stripping apparatus (11) for stripping and collecting fibrous cladding material (27) from a pipe (25). The shroud (12) is adapted to be detachably and sealingly secured to the pipe (25) and the bag (13) is likewise secured to the shroud (12). The bag (13) includes a fastening means (20) to attach an inner envelope (16) thereof to the bottom opening (19b) of the shroud and an outer cover (17) which can be sealingly attached to the outerside of the shroud (12) enclosing the envelope (16) and fastening means (20). The envelope (16) and shroud (12) are each provided with "Velcro" closure strips (21) along their respective inner faces adjacent the fastening means (20) to enable the envelope (16) and shroud (12) to be sealingly closed independently of the other either side of the fastening means (20) to prevent external exposure to the contents of either during attachment and detachment of the bag from the shroud. Full Article
gin Method and apparatus for charging electric devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 15 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a method and apparatus for charging electrically powered devices. In accordance with the invention, the device is powered by two storage devices. One storage device is capable of receiving a substantial charge very rapidly while the other storage device requires a longer time to receive a charge. The advantage is that the powered device can be used almost instantly and continually while at the same time rebuilding electrical charge. Full Article
gin Method and apparatus for protecting charging devices from surges and lightning strikes By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 15 May 2012 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a method and apparatus for charging electrically powered devices. In accordance with the invention, the device is powered by two storage or charge receiving devices. One of these devices is capable of receiving a substantial charge very rapidly while the other device requires a longer time to receive a charge. The advantage is that the powered device can be used almost instantly and continually while at the same time rebuilding electrical charge. The present invention further relates to a system for protecting the charging device from being damaged from an electrical surge, such as from a lightening strike. Full Article
gin Piston assembly for internal combustion engine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A piston assembly includes a piston having a crown with an upper combustion surface with a cylindrical outer surface extending downwardly from the upper combustion surface. A pair of pin bosses depends from the crown to a pair of pin bores having generally cylindrical bearing surfaces aligned along a pin bore axis with a top wall portion extending between the pin bosses. The top wall portion has a concave bearing surface forming a continuous concave bearing surface with the pin bores. A separate skirt is fixed to the piston against relative movement. At least one rib extends upwardly from the top wall portion of the piston on opposite sides of the pin bore axis to a lower wall surface of the crown. The at least one rib joins the crown to the top wall portion to provide structural support to the top wall portion against unwanted deflection. Full Article
gin Methods and systems for managing a clearance gap in a piston engine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A piston engine may include a heat pipe capable of transferring heat away from a portion of the piston engine such as a combustion section. The heat pipe may be included as part of a piston assembly, a cylinder, or both. The heat pipe may be filled with a suitable heat pipe fluid that may undergo a phase change such as, for example, water, ethanol, ammonia, sodium, other fluids or combinations thereof. Boiling and condensing of the fluid within the heat pipe may utilize the latent heat of the fluid during heat transfer. Multiple heat pipes may be used in some instances. Full Article
gin Piston for spark-ignition engine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides a piston for a spark-ignition engine, comprising: a land part 18, an upper surface part of which has a crown part 26 forming a combustion chamber; a pair of skirt parts 20 extending downward from a peripheral part of the land part 18 and facing each other in a radial direction thereof; a pair of sidewall parts 19 coupling side end parts of the pair of skirt parts 20 to each other; and a pin boss part 21 that is formed in each of the sidewall parts 19. The present invention can inhibit the generation of HC produced at the time of combustion, while thermally protecting a top ring 30 fitted into a top ring groove 24a on an outer circumferential surface of the land part 18. The crown part 26 is configured by a flat base surface 27 and a bulging part 15 bulging upward above the base surface 27, and a thinned part 40 provided in the land part 18 is formed deep such that the deepest part thereof is positioned inside the bulging part 15. Full Article
gin Compressive sensor packaging techniques By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A sensor assembly for a motor vehicle adapted for sensing impacts including pedestrian impacts. The sensor assembly includes first and second energy absorbing elements formed of differing materials which couple an applied force to the vehicle to a compressive force acting on a compressive sensor element. The first and second energy absorbers are combined in a manner to tune the response between the applied force and forces acting on the compressive sensor to provide desired response characteristics. The first and second energy absorbers can be configured to produce force flow paths which further aid in response tuning. Another embodiment utilizes an energy absorber having a shaped cross section which focuses and balances impact force is applied to the compressive sensor. Full Article
gin Inexpensive fourth world primitive water cleanser with key parts transportable in suitcase size packaging By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT This is a scalable water cleansing system intended for very low technology primitive communities buildable for between $600 and $1,000 of parts. A gravity feed system is contemplated with one or more of an initial filtering stage(s), a settling stage, a UV treatment stage, and an ozonator stage. A stand-alone power system with solar power needing no infrastructure is contemplated to enhance purification. The system can improve the worst of water quality, including for small groups; and under some conditions to end up with clean water of a quality found in developed countries with mature water systems. For water to the site in communities with low precipitation, the water brought in would be emptied into the initial stage of the water cleansing system, and the person who brought the water would draw from the last stage most or all of the amount of water carried in. Full Article
gin Mobile dosing, mixing and packaging plant By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The main objective of this invention is a Mobile plant for dosing, mixing and packaging of powdery products, characterized because it is comprised of a carrying structure and several areas for: reception and weighing, loading, mixing, sack filling, sewing and labelling, metal detection, palletizing and cleaning. This invention is included within the industrial plants technical sector of manufacturing and mixing of powdery products. Full Article
gin Method and apparatus for engaging a beverage extraction device with a container By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Devices and methods for clamping a beverage extraction device to a beverage container, such as a wine bottle. One or more clamp arms may be arranged to clamp the extraction device to a wine bottle as well as allow the device to be supported upright on a table top. Clamp arms may include tab and ridge features that operate to properly engage and position a wide variety of different bottle neck shapes relative to the device. The one or more clamp arms may move the bottle neck distally, e.g., toward a resilient pad, so that the neck is suitably positioned relative to the device. Proper positioning and engagement of the neck may allow for desired piercing of a cork or other closure of the bottle by the device. Full Article
gin Oral syringe packaging system for hospital pharmacies By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A semi-automated system suitable for use in a hospital setting for filling patient-specific liquid prescriptions to be administered by oral syringes on a just-in-time basis. The system enables hospital pharmacists to simplify and streamline their task, increasing the number of prescriptions that can be filled in a day, improving patient safety and care by minimizing medication errors and the consequences that ensue. Full Article
gin LDO (low drop out) having phase margin compensation means and phase margin compensation method using the LDO By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The phase margin compensation method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: outputting reference voltage (Vout2); outputting a first reference voltage (Vout1) actually supplied to the target circuit; comparing the reference voltage (Vout2) with the first reference voltage (Vout1) by the comparator; counting any section of an output signal (pulse signal) from the comparator by a predetermined frequency by the duty cycle calculator; and controlling a phase margin of a frequency of output voltage supplied to the target circuit by controlling buffer current based on the duty cycle ratios and the output bit information fed back from the duty cycle calculator. Full Article
gin Using synchronous converter in asynchronous mode to prevent current reversal during battery charging By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Efficiency of a switch mode power supply (SMPS) is optimized by operating the SMPS in an asynchronous mode when current being supplied therefrom is less than a certain current value and operating the SMPS in a synchronous mode when the current being supplied therefrom is equal to or greater than the certain current value. When the SMPS is operating in the synchronous mode high-side and low-side power transistors alternately turn on and off. When the SMPS is operating in the asynchronous mode only the high-side power transistor turns on and off and the low-side power transistor remains off. When charging a battery with the SMPS discharge of the battery is eliminated when operating in the asynchronous mode at a low current output. Full Article
gin Method of controlling a group of engines, and an aircraft By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of controlling a group (2) of engines developing a necessary power (Wnec) for driving a rotor (3), said group (2) of engines having at least one electrical member (4), electrical energy storage means (5), and a first number n of engines (6) that is greater than or equal to two. A processor unit (10) executes instructions for evaluating a main condition as to whether the group of engines can develop the necessary power while resting one engine, and if so for resting one engine and accelerating a second number engines not at rest, and for causing the electrical member to operate in motor mode, if necessary, the electrical member operating temporarily in electricity generator mode when the storage means are discharged. Full Article
gin Crane with automatic counterweight balancing device and method of arranging counterweight thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST The present invention provides a crane with an automatic counterweight balancing device and a method of arranging counterweight thereof. The crane includes a main body and a counterweight device mounted to the main body. The counterweight device includes first and second magnetic field generators and first and second permanent magnetic counterweight blocks. The crane uses a combined arrangement of the magnetic field generators, the permanent magnetic counterweight blocks, an electrical control device, and a transducer device to detect, in a real time manner, output torques of servo motors, whereby when the output torques are not equal to rating torques, magnetic field intensities are varied to change downward magnetic forces acting on the permanent magnetic counterweight blocks thereby regulating loading of the servo motors and thus regulating the output torques of the servo motors to effect automatic balancing of counterweight and improve stability of the crane during a conveyance process. Full Article
gin Lift systems with continuous in-rail charging By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Rail-mounted lift systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, the lift system includes a rail having at least one conductor positioned on an upper interior surface of the rail. A carriage may be slidably disposed in the rail for relative movement to the rail. The carriage generally includes a carriage body, at least one pair of support wheels rotatably coupled to the carriage body and slidably engaged with the rail, and a conductor truck comprising at least one conductive roller rotatably attached to the conductor truck. The conductor truck may be mounted to the carriage body with a biasing member upwardly biasing the conductive roller into rolling engagement with the at least one conductor. A lift unit may be coupled to the carriage body and includes a motor paying out and taking up a lifting strap. The lift unit is electrically coupled to the at least one conductive roller. Full Article
gin Restriction engaging system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A restriction engaging system includes, a restriction engager, one or more restrictions, and at least one counter configured to permit or prevent passage of a restriction engager through one of the one or more restrictions. Full Article
gin Magnetic resonance imaging compatible catheter By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT A method, consisting of passing a cylindrical carbon fiber through a press so as to produce a flat ribbon. The method further includes weaving multiple strands of the flat ribbon together to create a cylindrical braid. Full Article
gin Automated calibration method for a dragging equipment detector By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST A method for calibrating a moving object impact detector is disclosed. A controller may receive input indicative of movement of an impact element from a first position to a second position. The controller may also receive an activation signal corresponding to the movement of the impact element. The controller may further receive input indicative of instructions to correlate the activation signal with the movement of the impact element. The controller may selectively set the activation signal as a reference signal for the detector, with the reference signal being indicative of an impact the moving object impact detector is set to detect. Full Article
gin Wireless video for model railroad engines providing an engineer's view By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST An Engineer's View (EV) wireless video system for powered and unpowered model railroad engines is disclosed. The invention uses commercially available wireless spy cameras, powered by a custom power supply circuit which is compatible with either DC or DCC track systems. The present invention is compatible with all commercial model railroad gauge diesel engines including HO and N Gauge or may be factory installed. The EV system demonstrates a remarkably stable and realistic image of a model railroad layout. Moreover, the present invention may also provide a stable source of power to the engine where stalling could occur at points of track defects. Full Article
gin System and method for determining dynamically changing distributions of vehicles in a vehicle system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system and method for determining dynamically changing distributions of vehicles in a vehicle system are disclosed. The system and method determine handling parameters of the vehicle system. The handling parameters are determined for different distributions of the vehicles among different groups at different potential change points along a route. The system and method also determine whether to change the distributions at potential change points based on the handling parameters. Based on determining that the distributions are to change, a selected sequence of changes to the distributions is determined at one or more of the potential change points along the route. Change indices are generated based on the selected sequence. The change indices designate times and/or the one or more potential change points at which the distributions changes. The vehicles included in a common group have common designated operational settings while the vehicles are in the common group. Full Article
gin Molding tool for original shaping or reshaping of components composed of materials that can be thermally influenced By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST The invention relates to a molding tool for the production of components composed of fiber composite materials, in which the molding tool has a fiber composite structure and an electrical resistance heating element, whereby carbon fibers or carbon filaments are embedded into the fiber composite structure of the molding tool in a plastic matrix, close to the shaping surface of the molding tool. Such a molding tool is further developed in that the carbon fibers or carbon filaments in the plastic matrix, close to the shaping surface, essentially determine the mechanical strength of the molding tool, and that the electrical resistance heating element is interconnected in such a manner that at least individual sections of the electrical resistance heating element form an electrical parallel circuit with one another. Full Article
gin Cast features for a turbine engine airfoil By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A core assembly for a turbine engine blade includes a generally radially extending trunk interconnected to multiple generally axially extending tabs. The tabs are interconnected by a generally radially extending ligament. Multiple generally axially extending protrusions are interconnected to the ligament opposite the trunk. A mold is configured to define an exterior surface of an airfoil. The core is arranged within the mold and is configured such that the tabs and the ligament break through at the exterior surface. Full Article
gin Method and apparatus for managing ammunition dispensing from a magazine using a flexible projectile control bar By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A double-magazine (“Dmag”) able to house projectile ammunition for a projectile launcher having a first ammunition channel, a second ammunition channel, and a flexible projectile control bar (“FPCB”) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the first ammunition channel contains a first set or column of projectiles and the second ammunition channel which is situated in parallel to the first ammunition channel is configured to house a second set of projectiles. Dmag also includes a follower with a follower lock capable of moving along the first ammunition channel. The follower is configured to push the first set of projectiles toward a first ammunition supply port of the first ammunition channel. The FPCB has a first flexible flap which keeps the first set of projectiles from reaching the loading port of the launcher until the follower lock is released. Full Article
gin Quick-coupling face-driver assembly of a rotary drive device and method for changing face drivers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 30 Jun 1998 08:00:00 EDT A face-driver assembly and method for accurate coupling of a face driver with the spindle of a rotary-drive machining device. The assembly includes a face driver, a hub on the spindle defining a prealignment bore, a pair of self-centering coacting tooth sets on the hub and face driver, an engagement post extending into the hub and forming a prealignment shaft closely complementary to the prealignment bore, and a releasable coupling to hold and draw the engagement post rearwardly and thereby join the tooth sets in a manner facilitating final accurate centering. Full Article
gin Spark plug for internal combustion engine and method of manufacturing the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT In a spark plug, a center electrode includes a base member and a discharge chip that has a higher melting point than the base member. The base member and the discharge chip are joined to each other by both a weld and a diffusion layer. The weld is formed, by fusion welding, along an outer periphery of an interface between the base member and the discharge chip into an annular shape. The weld is made up of those parts of the base member and the discharge chip which are molten and mixed together during the fusion welding and solidified after the fusion welding. The diffusion layer is formed radially inside the annular weld. The diffusion layer is made up of those parts of the base member and the discharge chip which are diffused into each other across the interface between the base member and the discharge chip. Full Article
gin Method and system for adjusting the flow rate of charge material in a charging process of a shaft furnace By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT In a charging process of a shaft furnace, in particular of a blast furnace, batches of charge material are typically discharged in cyclical sequence into the furnace from a top hopper using a flow control valve. A method and system is proposed for adjusting the flow rate of charge material in such a process. Pre-determined valve characteristics for certain types of material are provided, each indicating the relation between flow rate and valve setting for one type of material. According to the invention, a specific valve characteristic is stored for each batch of charge material, each specific valve characteristic being bijectively associated to one batch and indicating the relation between flow rate and valve setting of the flow control valve specifically for the associated batch. In relation to discharging a given batch of the sequence the invention proposes: using the stored specific valve characteristic associated to the given batch for determining a requested valve setting corresponding to a flow rate setpoint and using the requested valve setting to operate the flow control valve; determining an actual average flow rate for the discharge of the given batch; correcting the stored specific valve characteristic associated to the given batch in case of a stipulated deviation between the flow rate setpoint and the actual average flow rate. Full Article
gin Gas turbine engine having dome panel assembly with bifurcated swirler flow By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A gas turbine engine including a combustor with a combustion liner having inner and outer walls is disclosed herein. The gas turbine engine further includes a swirler system adapted to receive a fuel injector and a flow splitter operable to bifurcate an airflow exiting the swirler system into a first bifurcated flow and a second bifurcated flow. A shroud is positioned downstream of the flow splitter and is configured to deflect the first bifurcated flow in a first direction radially inward and the second bifurcated flow in a second direction radially outward. The second bifurcated flow cools both of the inner and outer walls of the combustor liner. Full Article
gin Turbofan engine with variable area fan nozzle and low spool generator for emergency power generation and method for providing emergency power By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A turbofan engine (10) employs a flow control device (41) that changes an effective exit nozzle area (40) associated with a bypass flow path (B) of the turbofan engine. A spool (14) couples a fan (20) to a generator (52). The turbofan emergency power system includes a controller (50) that communicates with the flow control device (41). Upon sensing an emergency condition, the controller manipulates the flow control device to reduce the effective nozzle exit area (40) of the bypass flow path, which chokes the flow through the bypass flow path thereby increasing the rotational speed of the fan. In this manner, the generator is driven at a higher rotational speed than if the flow through the bypass flow path was not choked, which enables a smaller generator to be utilized. Full Article
gin Device for handling notes of value, comprising a stack merging unit By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST The invention relates to a device (10) for handling notes of value, comprising two intermediate storages (32, 500) for intermediate storage of notes of value and a stack combining unit (802). The stack combining unit (802) combines a first stack formed by notes of value intermediately stored in the first intermediate storage (32) and a second stack formed by notes of value intermediately stored in the second intermediate storage (500) to a single combined stack. Full Article
gin Apparatus and system for imaging currency bills and financial documents and method for using the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST An input receptacle receives currency bills and checks. A transport mechanism transports the bills and checks along a transport path to an output receptacle. An image scanner, adjacent the transport path, is configured to generate one or more electrical signals from which image data can be derived. The image data is reproducible as a visually readable image of at least a portion of each of the plurality of documents. A controller is configured to determine a denomination of each of the currency bills. In response to the controller not determining a denomination of one of the currency bills, the controller flags the currency bill as a no-call document by causing at least a portion of the image data to be displayed as a visually readable image of the flagged currency bill on the display. Full Article
gin Threaded seal for a gas turbine engine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A seal assembly includes a first component and a second component of a gas turbine engine. The first component has a threaded portion. The second component interfaces with the threaded portion and together the threaded portion and the second component form a seal that restricts fluid flow between a first cavity and a second cavity of the gas turbine engine. Full Article
gin Engine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An engine in which an oil consumption and a leakage of blow-by gas can be stably reduced for a long period of time. The engine includes a first land (3), a first ring groove (4), a second land (5), a second ring groove (6), a third land (7), a third ring groove (8), and a piston skirt (9) formed on a piston peripheral wall (1) in the above-recited order from a side of a piston head (2). A first pressure ring (10) is fitted in the first ring groove (4). A second pressure ring (11) is fitted in the second ring groove (6), an oil ring (12) fitted in the third ring groove (8), and an indentation (13) is formed at the second land (5). Full Article