mp High frequency electronic component By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An electronic component includes: a first circuit connected to a first common terminal for inputting/outputting a first signal set, a second common terminal for inputting/outputting a second signal set having a frequency higher than the first signal set, and a third common terminal for being connected to an antenna; and a second circuit connected in parallel to the first circuit between the first and second common terminals, wherein the first circuit includes a first filter transmitting the first signal set and reflecting the second signal set, and a second filter transmitting the second signal set and reflecting the first signal set, the third common terminal is located between the first and second filters, and the second circuit reflects a first transmission signal and a second transmission signal, transmits parts of the first and second transmission signals, and inverts phases of the parts of the first and second transmission signals. Full Article
mp Localized wave generation via modal decomposition of a pulse by a wave launcher By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Implementations for exciting two or more modes via modal decomposition of a pulse by a wave launcher are generally disclosed. Full Article
mp Woven fabric having composite yarns for endoluminal devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EDT A woven fabric for a low profile implantable medical device includes a plurality of textile strands of a composite yarn aligned in a first direction interlaced with a plurality of textile strands of the composite yarn aligned in a second direction. The composite yarn includes a combination of a first material and a second material. The textile strands have a size between about 10 denier to about 20 denier. The first material has at least one characteristic different from the second material and the second material reacts favorably with blood when placed within an artery. Full Article
mp Crimp-imbalanced fabrics By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST Crimp-imbalanced fabric systems are accomplished by varying the levels of yarn crimp within a single fabric layer and across layers of a multi-layer fabric system. The method includes developing a crimp in the yarn (utilized for producing a fabric layer) by optionally pulling the yarn through a solution that substantially coats the yarn. The optionally removable coating has a thickness that ensures a proper amount of crimp in the yarn. The tension in the yarn is controlled; the yarn is weaved; and a crimp is applied in the yarn. Once the crimp is applied, families of the crimped yarn are utilized as a single layer or multiple layer system to increase performance attributes including enhanced energy absorption. Full Article
mp Implantable graft device having treated yarn and method for making same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST An implantable graft device having treated yarn is disclosed. The device comprises a graft body forming a lumen defining a longitudinal axis and comprising proximal and distal ends. The graft body comprises a woven fabric having warp yarns aligned in a first direction and a weft yarns aligned in a second direction. At least one of the weft yarns and the warp yarns has an agent applied thereto defining treated yarns of the graft body. Full Article
mp X weave of composite material and method of weaving thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST An X weave of composite material has multiple latitudinal fibers, multiple longitudinal fibers, and a woven center. Each longitudinal fiber is layered on two of the latitudinal fibers and then is woven through and layered under two of the latitudinal fibers. The longitudinal fibers are each woven by shifting in relative alignment position from one of the latitudinal fibers sequentially and woven radially with respect to the woven center, such that the longitudinal fibers form an X woven structure. Therefore, the intensity of the X weave can be enhanced by the X woven structure. Full Article
mp Weaving method and loom for implementing this method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST The loom includes a weaving area (18) into which weft threads are inserted into at least one upper channel and one lower channel, each of these weft threads being inserted between at least two warp threads by at least one weft insertion element: first element for focusing on one of these channels and determining the position of the warp threads relative to the weft thread, and second element for inserting at least one binding thread (16) above, between and below these channels. The loom includes at least one element for gripping the at least one binding thread and element for moving the at least one gripping element out of and into the weaving area (18) so as to place the at least one gripping element in contact with the at least one binding thread and to allow the drawing of the at least one binding thread. Full Article
mp Woven preform, composite, and method of making thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EST A three dimensional woven preform, a fiber reinforced composite incorporating the preform, and methods of making thereof are disclosed. The woven preform includes one or more layers of a warp steered fabric. A portion of the warp steered fabric is compressed into a mold to form an upstanding leg. The preform includes the upstanding leg and a joggle in a body portion. The body portion and upstanding leg are integrally woven so there is continuous fiber across the preform. A portion of the warp steered fabric includes stretch broken carbon fibers in the warp direction, and another portion includes conventional carbon fibers. The warp steered fabric can be woven on a loom equipped with a differential take-up mechanism. The warp steered fabric can be a single or multilayer fabric. The preform or the composite can be a portion of an aircraft window frame. Full Article
mp Connecting rod for a weaving loom and weaving loom comprising this connecting rod By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT The connecting rod (6) for two articulations with parallel axes and for transmitting the rocking movements of an output lever of a shedding device to a heald frame belonging to a weaving loom, having a first connecting tip connecting to a first articulation and secured to a longitudinal bar, a second connecting tip (62) connecting to a second articulation and including members for clamping the bar that are accessible from one side of the connecting rod, and members (64) for separating the tips along a longitudinal axis (X6) of the connecting rod. The separating member having a bearing member (640) on an inclined surface (612; 630) whereof the normal is comprised in a plane (P6) perpendicular to the axes of the articulations and is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis (X6) of the connecting rod, while the bearing member (640) can be moved in a direction perpendicular to a plane (P34) containing the axes (X3, X4) of the articulations. Full Article
mp State based full and empty control for rechargeable batteries By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT State based full and empty control for rechargeable batteries that will assure a uniform battery empty condition, even in the presence of a load on the battery. A fuel gauge provides a prediction of the open circuit voltage of the battery, and when the predicted open circuit voltage of the battery reaches the predetermined open circuit voltage of an empty battery, the load is terminated, after which the battery will relax back to the predetermined open circuit voltage of an empty battery. A similar technique is disclosed for battery charging, allowing faster battery charging without overcharging. Preferably an RC battery model is used as the fuel gauge to provide the prediction, but as an alternative, a coulomb counter may be used to provide the prediction, with error correction between successive charge discharge cycles. Full Article
mp Battery cell temperature detection By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Temperature characteristics of battery cells are detected. In accordance with one or more embodiments, an intercept frequency is detected for each battery cell, at which frequency an imaginary part of a plot of impedance values of the battery cell exhibits a zero crossing. The impedance values correspond to current injected into the cell. A temperature of the cell is determined based upon the detected intercept frequency for the cell and stored data that models operation of the cell. Various approaches are implemented with different types of circuits coupled to detect the impedance values of the respective cells. Full Article
mp Direct feeding apparatus for impedance matching of wireless power transmission device, and transmitter and receiver using the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A direct feeding apparatus for impedance matching of a wireless power transmission device includes a helical type resonator, and a feeding unit configured to directly feed power to a region having a relatively small current value as compared to a center of a conductive line of the resonator. Full Article
mp Battery pack having improved strength By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed herein is a battery pack including a battery cell array including two or more battery cells, each of which has an electrode assembly of a cathode/separator/anode structure disposed in a battery case together with an electrolyte in a sealed state, arranged in a lateral direction, a protection circuit module (PCM) connected to an upper end of the battery cell array to control an operation of the battery pack, a pack case in which the battery cell array and the protection circuit module are disposed, and a plate-shaped reinforcing member mounted between the pack case and the battery cell array to increase mechanical strength of the pack case. Full Article
mp Charging device, image forming apparatus, and computer program product By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 11 Aug 2015 08:00:00 EDT An charging device includes: capacitors connected in series; a charging unit that charges the capacitors; bypass units, each respectively connects in parallel to each capacitors, wherein each bypass unit causes, when a charged voltage of any capacitor has reached a set voltage, a charging current to bypass the capacitor whose charged voltage has reached the set voltage; and a control unit that controls the charging unit to charge the capacitors in such a manner that, when a charging voltage of the any capacitor has reached the set voltage, the control unit causes the charging unit to reduce the charging current, and if a predetermined period has elapsed since the charging voltage has reached the set voltage, and if a charging voltage of any of the other capacitors has not reached the set voltage after the predetermined period, the control unit causes the charging unit to increase the charging current. Full Article
mp Systems for wound field synchronous machines with zero speed rotor position detection during start for motoring and improved transient response for generation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST An electrical machine includes a stator having a main armature winding, an exciter field winding, and a transformer primary winding. A rotor is operatively connected to rotate relative to the stator, wherein the rotor includes an exciter armature winding operatively connected to the exciter armature winding for field excitation therebetween, a main field winding operatively connected to the main armature winding for field excitation therebetween, and a transformer secondary winding operatively connected to the transformer primary winding to form a rotating transformer. A generator control unit is operatively connected to the main armature winding, exciter field winding, and transformer primary winding to control the main armature and exciter field windings based on excitation in the primary winding received from the transformer secondary winding. Full Article
mp Pressure powered impeller system and related method of use By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST This invention is directed to a system that generates a sufficient level of electricity through access to a municipal water supply line to run a furnace during below freezing temperatures. The system includes an inlet that draws water from a water supply line. A first conduit, in communication with the inlet, transports the water into a DC generator that includes an impeller to generate electricity. Water is then routed through a second conduit which then returns the water to the water supply line through an outlet. A solenoid valve may be positioned between the inlet and first conduit which remains closed when the electric grid runs normally but will open during a power outage to supply water to the DC generator. A lithium battery stores power created by the DC generator, which may include a voltage regulator and inverter to convert to DC. Full Article
mp Method and device to compensate for a dip in the output voltage of a motor-vehicle alternator By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A dip in the output voltage of a motor-vehicle alternator, owing to a connecting of a load or a change in speed, is compensated with the aid of an alternator regulator which provides a control signal that has a duty factor and increases the excitation current of the motor-vehicle alternator. After the occurrence of the voltage dip, in a first step, the duty factor of the control signal is increased by a differential amount, and in a subsequent second step, the rate of correction is limited. After the occurrence of the voltage dip, parameters describing the instantaneous working point of the motor-vehicle alternator are determined, and in the first step, the differential amount is set as a function of the working point. Full Article
mp Temperature detection device that detects temperature of rotor of motor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EST A temperature detection device that detects a temperature of a rotor of a motor. The temperature detection device has a current detection unit configured to detect a current value of a current flowing through a winding with which any one of a stator and the rotor of the motor is provided, an iron loss estimation unit configured to estimate an iron loss of the rotor using the current value, and a rotor temperature estimation unit configured to estimate the temperature of the rotor using the iron loss. Full Article
mp Method and apparatus for generating electricity by thermally cycling an electrically polarizable material using heat from various sources and a vehicle comprising the apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for converting heat to electric energy is described which involves thermally cycling an electrically polarizable material sandwiched between electrodes. The material is heated using thermal energy obtained from: a combustion reaction; solar energy; a nuclear reaction; ocean water; geothermal energy; or thermal energy recovered from an industrial process. An apparatus is also described which includes an electrically polarizable material sandwiched between electrodes and a heat exchanger for heating the material. The heat source used to heat the material can be: a combustion apparatus; a solar thermal collector; or a component of a furnace exhaust device. Alternatively, the heat exchanger can be a device for extracting thermal energy from the earth, the sun, ocean water, an industrial process, a combustion reaction or a nuclear reaction. A vehicle is also described which comprises an apparatus for converting heat to electrical energy connected to an electric motor. Full Article
mp Double fed induction generator (DFIG) converter and method for improved grid fault ridethrough By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A double fed induction generator (DFIG) converter method are presented in which rotor side current spikes are attenuated using series-connected damping resistance in response to grid fault occurrences or grid fault clearances. Full Article
mp Transferring electric energy to a vehicle, using a system which comprises consecutive segments for energy transfer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST Disclosed is a system for transferring electric energy to a vehicle, in particular to a track bound vehicle such as a light rail vehicle. The system includes an electric conductor arrangement for producing an alternating electromagnetic field and for thereby transferring the energy to the vehicle. The electric conductor arrangement includes at least one alternating current line. Each alternating current line carries one phase of an alternating electric current. The conductor arrangement includes a plurality of consecutive segments. The segments extend along the path of travel of the, vehicle. Each segment includes one section of each of the at least one alternating current line. Full Article
mp Electrically driven dump truck By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A vehicle control device 50, a controller 100, an inverter control device 30 and a steering control device 32 constitute a control device 200 which controls elevation of sliders 4Ra and 4La of power collectors 4R and 4L based on information detected by a trolley wire detecting device (camera) 15. The control device 200 calculates positional relationship between a slider and a trolley wire 3R/3L based on the information detected by the trolley wire detecting device. When the slider has deviated from a prescribed range for being in contact with the trolley wire, the control device executes control to prohibit an operation for elevating the sliders or to lower the sliders when the sliders have been elevated. With this configuration, an electrically driven dump truck capable of lightening the operating load on the driver during the trolley traveling is provided. Full Article
mp Inter-stage attemperation system and method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST Systems and methods for controlling exhaust steam temperatures from a finishing superheater are provided. In certain embodiments, the system includes a controller which includes control logic for predicting an exhaust temperature of steam from the finishing superheater using model-based predictive techniques (e.g., based on empirical data or thermodynamic calculations). Based on the predicted exhaust temperature of steam, the control logic may use feed-forward control techniques to control the operation of an inter-stage attemperation system upstream of the finishing superheater. The control logic may determine if attemperation is required based on whether the predicted exhaust temperature of steam from the finishing superheater exceeds a set point temperature as well as whether the inlet temperature of steam into the finishing superheater drops below a set point temperature of steam. The attemperation system may include a characterizing function to linearize the valve operation controlled by the control logic to inject cooled, high-pressure feedwater into the steam upstream of the finishing superheater, which may, in turn, control the exhaust temperature of steam from the finishing superheater. The disclosed embodiments may also be applied to any systems where an outlet temperature of a fluid from a heat transfer device may be controlled. Full Article
mp Steam-generator temperature control and optimization By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A control method for boiler outlet temperatures includes predictive control of SH and RH desuperheater systems. The control method also includes control and optimization of steam generation conditions, for a boiler system, such as burner tilt and intensity, flue-gas recirculation, boiler fouling, and other conditions for the boiler. The control method assures a proportional-valve control action in the desuperheater system, that affects the boiler system. Full Article
mp Process and apparatus for making improved samosa-pastry and patisserie products By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT An improved method of making a baked pastry, particularly, a shell or wrap for a samosa from a pastry dough in a convection baking oven having a convection atmosphere, the method comprising baking the dough in the oven at a baking temperature for a baking period of time, the improvement having the convection atmosphere with a sufficiently moist atmosphere for the duration of the baking time to prevent the pastry from becoming dry. Full Article
mp Enhanced electrical shocking device with improved long life and increased power circuitry By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Oct 1989 08:00:00 EDT An improved stun-gun or electrical shock device which includes improved circuit elements to eliminate the frequent product failure due to corrosion and pitting of an internal spark gap as found in prior art electrical shocking devices. The conventional internal spark gap found in prior art stun-guns is replaced with a pair of surge arrestors, thereby eliminating the problems caused by corrosion and pitting of the internal spark gap which has caused prior art stun-guns to have a limited life and fail. Full Article
mp Multi-compartment step-drawer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EST A multi-pocket step-drawer is disclosed that includes a dispensing drawer and a control module. The dispensing drawer has a body comprising at least one fixed wall forming at least two open-top compartments that are arranged along an axis parallel to the front-to-back axis and a ladder fixedly coupled to the body. The ladder has a plurality of cross arms arranged along an axis parallel to the front-to-back axis. The control module includes a housing and a latching element coupled to the housing and disposed proximate to the ladder. The latching element has a first position wherein the latching element engages one of the plurality of cross-arms so as to prevent the dispensing drawer from moving toward the front and a second position wherein the latching element allows the dispensing element to move toward the front. Full Article
mp Personal compliance dispenser By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A portable personal dispenser assembly comprising a combination of a dispenser and a communication enabled, portable handheld pocket-sized, personal computer in which the pocket-sized personal computer performs compliance monitoring of use of the dispenser and preferably controls and powers the use of the dispenser. Full Article
mp Computer-controlled common access cabinet By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A control system for a common access cabinet having a plurality of drawers and electrically controlled latches. Each latch corresponds to one drawer and is configured to receive an electrical signal. The electrical signal contains an address assigned to a particular drawer. When a latch receives a signal that defines the address of the drawer to which that latch corresponds, the latch unlocks that corresponding drawer. The latches receive the signals over an asynchronous serial interface bus. A user input device receives user identification data that is processed by a processor device to determine if the user is authorized to access any of the drawers. If the user is authorized, the processor device generates a signal that contains an address that corresponds to a drawer identified in the user identification data. The signal is converted to an asynchronous serial signal which is routed to the asynchronous serial interface bus. Full Article
mp Stump cutter By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 22 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure provides a device and method that enable the efficient reduction of stumps. In one embodiment the stump removal methods and devices according to the present disclosure allow the operator to have a clear view of the work area during operation, and the ability to move the reduction device through a wide range of motion during operation. In one embodiment, the material reduction tool pivots relative to the chassis in the vertical plane about multiple pivot points. In some embodiments the device includes a retractable auxiliary control panel located at the end of the device opposite the material reduction tool. The control panel enables the operator to direct the movement of the device from the end of the device and thereby enable the device to maneuver through narrow spaces. Full Article
mp Various improvements to stump cutting tool discs By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 29 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EDT The present invention is generally directed to a grinder tool preferably having one or more of the following aspects or features: (i) some, preferably most, of the footprint of its bit being shielded by the disc; (ii) the peripheral edge of the disc is at least partially covered by a rock stop hard surface layer; (iii) non-rigid mounting hardware structured to provide a non-rigid mechanical connection between the well and the bit sub-assembly (for example, the non-rigid mounting hardware may include: a rubber isolator; a mesh isolator; and/or a fluid filled isolator); (iv) a stump grinding tool rotating disc assembly having at least one first type bit sub-assembly (including a bit) and at least one second type bit sub-assembly (including a bit), where: (a) the first type bit sub-assembly has a first bit footprint geometry, (b) the first type bit sub-assembly has a first bit footprint geometry, and (c) the first bit footprint geometry is different than the second bit footprint geometry; (v) a rotating disc assembly includes a disc that includes multiple guide protrusions extending axially from both axial ends of the disc around an angular range leading the angular position of each bit sub-assembly; (vi) a rotating disc assembly having rollers built into the peripheral edge of the disc; and/or (vii) disc assembly with a bit holder member that extends over a portion of the opposite axial faces of the disc. Full Article
mp Low-temperature heat-generating solid wood laminate floor and preparation method thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a low-temperature heat-generating solid wood laminate floor, which comprises: an exterior finished layer, an upper base material layer, a heat-generating layer, and a lower base material layer, which are stacked in sequence and hot-pressed. The upper base material layer, heat-generating layer and lower base material layer comprise 9 layers in total after hot-pressing, the heat-generating layer being positioned at the 5th to the 7th layer, the upper base material layer being above the heat-generating layer, the lower base material layer being below the heat-generating layer, the upper base material layer consisting of 3 to 5 layers, the lower base material layer consisting of 4 to 6 layers, and the exterior finished layer being provided on the upper base material layer by hot-pressing. Full Article
mp Connecting means and method of producing a connection between a first component and a second component By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST This application is directed to groove milling devices for milling a groove in a component. In one example, a groove milling device includes a milling disk which is rotatable about a rotational axis, wherein the groove milling device comprises a displacement device for moving the milling disk along the rotational axis during the milling process. In an example, the groove milling device may include a control device which actuates the displacement device automatically when a predetermined depth of the milled groove is reached during the milling process. In an example, the groove milling device may include a switch for activating the displacement device by an operator during the milling process. In an example, the energy required for actuating the displacement device may be generated by a generator coupled to a main drive spindle of the groove milling device. Full Article
mp Simulation method, simulation apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST A simulation apparatus includes a storing unit that stores therein information about a shape of a blank piece to be cut out from raw wood, information about a final shape of a wooden piece obtained by compressing the blank piece, and image data of a surface of the blank piece. The apparatus also includes detecting unit that detects a knot appearing on the surface of the blank piece by image recognition using the image data; a shape estimating unit that estimates a shape of the detected knot using shape information on the blank piece; and a determining unit that determines, in accordance with the shape of the estimated knot, a cutting location and a cutting shape of the blank piece in such a manner that the cutting location and shape include a part and a thickness of the knot is substantially the same as that of the compressed blank piece. Full Article
mp Disassembling method of mandrel used for manufacturing composite material structure and disassembling apparatus of mandrel By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides a technique which can disassemble a mandrel having a substantially cylindrical shape and being dividable into a plurality of segments, easily and efficiently. The disassembling method comprises, in the mandrel adhesively attached with a composite material structure on an outer peripheral surface thereof, a rotation step of rotating the pair of support rings along with the mandrel to position a segment which is a detached target to an uppermost portion; and a segment detaching step of detaching the segment which is the detached target positioned at the uppermost portion, from the pair of support rings; wherein in the segment detaching step, the segment which is the detached target is moved in a vertically downward direction to a position inside of the mandrel, between the pair of support rings, and is carried out from between the pair of support rings. Full Article
mp Agricultural implement pass marker system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST A method and apparatus are described for creating a pass marker in a field. During planting, planting of seed is stopped and started on pass marker rows differently than on adjacent rows to create a visible offset to assist a harvester or applicator to find and drive down the right row to prevent skips and overlaps. Full Article
mp Method and apparatus for implement control of tractor hydraulics via isobus connection By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST A method and apparatus for automating some of the tasks that heretofore required operator action at headland turns or similar events are provided. The present invention automates operation of lift assist wheels and/or gull wings, such as those found on a stack-fold implement, based on the position of the tractor hitch to which the implement is coupled. An operator may control the position of the implement, such as at a headland turn, by raising and lowering the tractor hitch using a remote control. The invention enables the planter to compare the tractor hitch position relative to an implement position and control operation of the implement accordingly without additional user inputs. Full Article
mp Agricultural seeder implement By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST A seeder implement (125) includes a fork (146) having a first spindle support arm (150) that supports a first spindle (164) and a second spindle support arm (152) that supports a second spindle (168). A first disk (160) is supported on the first spindle (164), wherein the first spindle (164) is oriented in a first orientation and at a first acute angle relative to a lateral line. The first disk (160) is oriented at a second acute angle relative to the ground surface. A second disk (166) is supported on the second spindle (168), wherein the second spindle (168) is oriented in a second orientation and at a third acute angle relative to the lateral line. The second disk (166) is oriented at a fourth acute angle relative to the ground surface. The first disk (160) is longitudinally offset ahead of the second disk (166), and there are no structural components between the first and second disks (160, 166) other than the first and second spindles (164, 168). In one embodiment, a packing wheel (142) is disposed to close and compact furrows opened by the disks (160, 166) and is disposed in the same orientation as one of the disks (160, 166). Full Article
mp Seed delivery apparatus for a farm implement By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST A seed metering assembly for a farm implement has a meter roller that can be accessed and removed in a relatively quick manner. The seed metering assembly includes a fluted meter roller that is segmented into a number of discrete fluted sections. Each fluted section has an associated flow control member that is selectively operable to impede the flow of granular material from a seed hopper to its corresponding section of the fluted meter roller. Full Article
mp Method of providing sectional control during seeding of a field using a farm implement By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST A seed metering assembly for a farm implement has a meter roller that can be accessed and removed in a relatively quick manner. The seed metering assembly includes a fluted meter roller that is segmented into a number of discrete fluted sections. Each fluted section has an associated flow control member that is selectively operable to impede the flow of granular material from a seed hopper to its corresponding section of the fluted meter roller. Full Article
mp Seed metering apparatus for a farm implement By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST The present invention is directed to a hopper for a seed metering system that has a series of individualized and independently controlled metering units. The hopper has a plurality of discharge openings that can be selectively opened and closed to expose an opening to a respective one of the plurality of metering units. Each seed metering unit is selectively driven by a common drive member, such as a drive shaft. When a seed metering unit is engaged with the drive member, the unit will meter granular material. On the other hand, when the seed metering unit is not engaged with the drive member, the metering unit will not meter granular material. Hence, the present invention provides a seed metering apparatus that provides effective sectional control. Full Article
mp Seed distribution tower with modular components By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST The seed distribution tower of an air seeder has a distribution head that splits a single, primary stream of conveying air and seeds into a plurality of secondary streams for delivery to openers that deposit the seeds into the ground as the seeder advances. The outlets through which the secondary streams exit the head are constructed as modules that can be individually installed and replaced without disassembling the entire head. Shut-off valves and/or flow sensors may or may not be incorporated into certain or all of the modules to provide optimum user flexibility. Full Article
mp Product distribution system for farm implement By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A method and system enables sectional control for an air seeding system of a farm implement by exposing a main header, or selected ports of the main header, to a purging air flow when product flow through the selected ports is stopped. A plenum of air is fluidly coupled to the main header and provides a purging air flow to any exit port of the main header that has been shut off from product flow. Valves are used to selectively flow couple the exit ports of the main header to the product flow and to the purging air flow. Full Article
mp Control system mounting arrangement for an agricultural implement By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An agricultural implement includes a storage tank, a pump positioned below a bottom portion of the storage tank, and a control system disposed above the bottom portion of the storage tank. The storage tank is configured to hold a flowable agricultural product. The pump is configured to direct the flowable agricultural product out of the storage tank. The one or more controls are configured to control application of the flowable agricultural product. Full Article
mp Storage tank mounting arrangement for an agricultural implement By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An agricultural implement includes a frame assembly configured to support a storage tank. The frame assembly includes a pair of longitudinal beams positioned on opposite lateral sides of the storage tank, and multiple cross members extending between the pair of longitudinal beams. A substantially flat upper surface of each cross member is secured to a lower surface of each longitudinal beam, and each cross member is configured to support the storage tank via contact between the substantially flat upper surface of the cross member and a substantially flat lower surface of the storage tank such that the substantially flat lower surface of the storage tank is positioned vertically below an upper surface of each longitudinal beam. Full Article
mp Fluid delivery system for an agricultural implement By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An agricultural implement is provided that includes a first tool bar and a second tool bar each supporting respective ground engaging tools and fluid dispersal components. The second tool bar is pivotally coupled to the first tool bar. The agricultural implement further includes fluid conduits coupled to respective tool bars for conveying fluid to the respective fluid dispersal components. Additionally, each of the conduits has a flexible end adjacent to the other tool bar. Furthermore, the agricultural implement includes a fluid joint coupled between the first and second flexible ends and configured to provide a sealed connection between the first and second flexible ends during relative pivotal movement of the first and second tool bars in operation but to allow for uncoupling of the first and second flexible ends for servicing of the implement. Full Article
mp Tool bar mounting assembly for an agricultural implement By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A tool bar mounting assembly for an agricultural implement. One agricultural implement includes a first tool bar assembly having a tool bar and a plurality of row units coupled to the tool bar and configured to deliver flowable agricultural product to a field. The agricultural implement also includes a frame assembly coupled to the first tool bar assembly. The frame assembly includes a mounting assembly having a mechanical linkage. The mechanical linkage is configured to removably couple the first tool bar assembly to the frame assembly via a plurality of fasteners. The frame assembly is configured to provide structural support to the first tool bar assembly. The mechanical linkage of mounting assembly is configured to removably couple a second tool bar assembly having a different configuration than the first tool bar assembly to the frame assembly via the plurality of fasteners. Full Article
mp Growth tube microchip electrophoresis system for monitoring of aerosol composition By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT This technology is a method and apparatus for the semi-continuous measurement of the concentration of constituents of airborne particles which couples a laminar flow, water condensation particle collector to a microfluidic device for assay of particle chemical composition by electrophoresis. The technology has been used for the assay of sulfates, nitrates, chlorides, and organic acids contained in fine and submicrometer atmospheric particles. For these compounds the apparatus and method described is capable of one-minute time resolution at concentrations at the level of micrograms of analyte species per cubic meter of air. Extension to other analytes is possible. Full Article
mp Rapid-read gated amperometry devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A sensor system, device, and methods for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample is described. Input signals including multiple duty cycles of sequential excitation pulses and relaxations are input to the sample. One or more signals output from the sample within 300 ms of the input of an excitation pulse may be correlated with the analyte concentration of the sample to improve the accuracy and/or precision of the analysis. Determining the analyte concentration of the sample from these rapidly measured output values may reduce analysis errors arising from the hematocrit effect, mediator background, and other error sources. Full Article
mp Structures for improving current carrying capability of interconnects and methods of fabricating the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Interconnect structures and methods of fabricating the same are provided. The interconnect structures provide highly reliable copper interconnect structures for improving current carrying capabilities (e.g., current spreading). The structure includes an under bump metallurgy formed in a trench. The under bump metallurgy includes at least: an adhesion layer; a plated barrier layer; and a plated conductive metal layer provided between the adhesion layer and the plated barrier layer. The structure further includes a solder bump formed on the under bump metallurgy. Full Article