nc Plush figure including multi-chamber storage system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST One example includes a body formed of body fabric, the body defining a body pocket opening, a body pocket disposed in an interior of the body and coupled to the body pocket opening and body plush disposed in the interior of the body, between the body pocket and the body fabric. The example includes a head formed of head fabric, the head having a posterior portion of the head coupled to the body at an anterior portion of the body, the head defining a head pocket opening disposed on an anterior portion of the head, a head pocket disposed in an interior of the head and coupled to the head pocket opening and head plush disposed in the interior of the head, between the head pocket and the head fabric. The example includes at least one pair of legs formed of leg fabric and fastened to the body. Full Article
nc Conveyance system that transports fabric By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A conveyance system that transports fabric comprises a work space having a surface that the fabric can be transports across, and at least one budger that moves and/or provide force to the fabric in a servo controlled motion. Full Article
nc Attachment for embroidery and sewing machines for creating crystal/rhinestone patterns and motifs, and software functions to control the attachment By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Method for creating a crystal/rhinestone template utilizing a sewing/embroidery machine to perforate a medium in a desired pattern. In the case of a multiple-needle sewing/embroidery machine, the machine's needle is replaced by a perforator blade and perforator blade holder which are attached to machine's needle bar. Machine's needle plate is replaced by perforator plate and waste holder. With a single-needle sewing/embroidery machine, machine's needle is replaced by a pressing tool attached to the machine's needle bar. A contact point, a spring, and an arm are attached to machine's presser foot. Machine's needle plate is replaced by perforator plate. A template medium is placed on a work surface of machine. Machine is operated by software that reads a user-specified pattern/motif outline for filling stones in vector form, using innate rules to move machine frame and control hole placement. Full Article
nc Methods and devices for controlling a tufting machine for forming carpet with enhanced seams By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A carpet and method for producing same that comprises an enhanced seam suitable for separation of an installation portion of the carpet and sacrificial edge portions of the produced carpet. Full Article
nc Method and device for punching a planar object using a sewing machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A punching device including a punching die (5a) that can be connected to the needle bar and a punching matrix (5b) that can be fastened to a needle plate (7) of a sewing machine. The punching matrix (5b) is embodied as a lid of a clippings container (9). The planar object (23) to be processed is displaced via the tambour frame in a punching plane L2, with this punching plane L2 being arranged parallel above the sewing plane L1. Full Article
nc Method for making a sheet of degradable paper, use of said sheet for making a mandrel defining a roll carrier, degradable paper sheet, and mandrel including at least one of said sheets By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for making a water-degradable paper sheet involves the following: providing at least one strip of a water-soluble binding material in the form of a dry film; providing at least two strips each made of at least one ply of cellulose wadding; placing the strip of water-soluble binding material between the two strips of cellulose wadding; humidifying, assembling and pressing the three strips; and drying the complex strip thus obtained. The sheet thus obtained can be used for making a roll carrier mandrel by helically winding one or more strips from the sheet about a cylinder. Articles produced from the sheet can particularly be used in the field of products for sanitary or domestic use. Full Article
nc Plasma-enhanced etching in an augmented plasma processing system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Methods for etching a substrate in a plasma processing chamber having at least a primary plasma generating region and a secondary plasma generating region separated from said primary plasma generating region by a semi-barrier structure. The method includes generating a primary plasma from a primary feed gas in the primary plasma generating region. The method also includes generating a secondary plasma from a secondary feed gas in the secondary plasma generating region to enable at least some species from the secondary plasma to migrate into the primary plasma generating region. The method additionally includes etching the substrate with the primary plasma after the primary plasma has been augmented with migrated species from the secondary plasma. Full Article
nc Method for producing urea fertilizer with low moisture absorption tendencies By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A method for producing urea granules having low moisture absorption capacity, with a urea granulator, having a granule flow inlet side and oppositely a granule flow outlet side, forming an axis alongside which granules from a urea solution and a urea/ammonium salt-stream are formed, whereby the solution and the salt-stream are sprayed as a mixture or separately via a feed system unit via various nozzles into the granulator onto a seed material. In this process the highest amount of the salt-stream is sprayed into the granulator at the granule flow inlet side and the amount of the salt-stream is decreased alongside the axis of the granulator from the granule flow inlet side to the granule flow outlet side. Full Article
nc Fertilizer composition incorporating fibrous material for enhanced particle integrity By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Fertilizer granules and methods of producing fertilizer granules. The fertilizer granules are formed from a fertilizer composition, such as a phosphate fertilizer, includes a fibrous material for the purpose of increasing the granule strength preventing or reducing attrition or dusting formation during storage, transport, and/or handling of the fertilizer. Dust formation can be reduced fifty percent or more. The base fertilizer composition can include a phosphate fertilizer, such as monoammonium phosphate (MAP) or diammonium phosphate (DAP), and optionally one or more micronutrients or secondary nutrients, such as elemental sulfur. The fibrous material is pulp or paper sludge, for example. Full Article
nc Fertilizing compound for increasing the calcium content of plants and improving the preservation thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a fertilizing compound for application to plants and crops, especially fruits, intended for increasing the amount of calcium and subsequently improving the state of health of the plants and the preservation thereof after harvesting. The compound consists of a combination of components such as calcium nitrate, calcium lignosulfonate, organic acids, menadione sodium bisulphite, amino acids and water. The compound is in the form of a liquid preparation, packed in containers of between 20 and 1000 liters, is water-soluble and is applied by fertigation, spraying or in a localized form by border irrigation. Full Article
nc High value organic-enhanced inorganic fertilizers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention is directed to manufacture of fertilizer having commercial levels of nitrogen supplemented with organic substances. The process treats organic matter with acid causing hydrolysis of organic polymers after which the mix is injected with nitrogen. The resultant sterilized and liquefied organic matter is disbursed over recycled material for the production of granules. Because the process allows for the controlled addition of acids and ammonia, desired levels of components can be achieved. The process is scalable, odor controlled and safe thereby allowing for the location of biosolid processing facilities in most any location. Further, the fertilizer of the invention provides a dual nitrogen-release profile when applied to crops. After application to soil, fertilizer of the invention releases an immediate bolus of nitrogen, similar to traditional ammonium sulfate, followed by continued slow release of nitrogen typically over a season. Full Article
nc Devices for thermally induced transformations controlled by irradiation of functionalized fullerenes By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An electromagnetic radiation activated device comprises a property changing material and at least one functionalized fullerene that upon irradiation of the functionalized fullerenes with electromagnetic radiation of one or more frequencies a thermally activated chemical or physical transformation occurs in the property changing material. The thermal activated transformation of the property changing material is triggered by the heating or combustion of the functionalized fullerenes upon their irradiation. The device can include a chemical agent that is embedded in the property changing material and is released when the material is heated by the functionalized fullerenes upon irradiation. Full Article
nc TRAVEL DISTANCE ESTIMATION DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A travel distance estimation device is provided. The travel distance estimation device includes an estimated velocity determination unit that successively estimates an estimated velocity of a movable object based on an acceleration integrated value and a velocity initial value a travel distance calculation unit that successively calculates an estimated travel distance of the movable object based on the estimated velocity, and a past velocity correction unit that determines corrected past velocities by correcting pre-correction past estimated velocities so that the corrected past velocities are continuous with the velocity initial value determined this time. The pre-corrected past estimated velocities are the estimated velocities that were successively determined. The travel distance estimation device further includes a travel distance correction unit that recalculates based on the corrected past velocities an estimated travel distance. Full Article
nc Method for quantifying classification confidence of obstructions By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method for quantifying classification confidence of obstructions applied to a perception mergence system of a vehicular computer in a vehicle. The method includes steps of: the vehicular computer receiving obstruction information of at least obstruction, image information corresponding to the obstruction information and vehicle body signals, and using a classifier to classify them; calculating a detection result of each range sensor to calculate a existence confidence; using the existence confidences and precision of the classifier to calculate a classification belief assignment of each range sensor corresponding to each obstruction; performing mergence calculation on the classification belief assignments to respectively quantify an obstruction classification confidence of all the range sensor corresponding to each obstruction; and performing a classification ineffectiveness filtering mechanism to exclude the obstruction whose obstruction classification confidence less than a predetermined value. The present invention quantifies the obstruction classification confidence to improve the classification precision. Full Article
nc SYSTEM AND METHOD TO IDENTIFY ENGAGEMENT OF VEHICLE AUTOMATION FUNCTIONS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system and method for monitoring operation of vehicle automation systems utilizes an electronic vehicle monitor configured to connect to a computer system of a vehicle via the on board diagnostics (“OBD”) port of the vehicle. The electronic vehicle monitor is configured to obtain operational status information of the activation or use of vehicle automation systems of the vehicle, such as of an automated braking system, automated acceleration system, automated steering system, automated vehicle navigation system, automated collision avoidance system, and an automated cruise control system. The electronic vehicle monitor transmits the obtained operational status information to a computing device, such as a mobile computer of a passenger or the vehicle driver, or to a remotely located computer. The electronic vehicle monitor may include a wireless transmitter, and may include a global positioning system module or be configured to obtain location information from a global positioning system of the vehicle Full Article
nc SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVED HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE DECISION SUPPORT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method of health management of a monitored system includes collecting component condition indicator data used to calculate a plurality of component health indicators. Component fault severity and potential failure modes are determined utilizing the component condition indicator data. The potential failure modes are ranked in order of likelihood to isolate the failure mode. A system of health management for monitored apparatus includes a fault severity module to derive a plurality of component health indicators from collected component condition indicator data, the plurality of component health indicators indicative of fault severity of a plurality of components. A fault isolation module separately derives a ranked listing of potential fault/failure modes utilizing the component condition indicator data. The system further includes a communication portion to which the plurality of component health indicators and the ranked listing of fault/failure modes are transmitted for review and/or action by cognizant personnel. Full Article
nc Machine functioning on the principle of exploitation of centrifugal forces By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2009 08:00:00 EDT A machine for generating mechanical energy and functioning on the principle of exploitation of centrifugal forces of masses being displaced along a closed mechanical circuit over at least a curved section of the circuit. Optionally, the machines also functions on the principle of energy gain caused by masses falling under the influence of gravity in the closed circuit that is permanently maintained in a state of dynamic unbalance with an input, continuous or not, of external energy. Full Article
nc Concentric cross mechanism for transiting torsion By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EDT A concentric cross mechanism for transiting torsion includes a main body unit of a concentric cross mechanism, a main body unit of the torsion-driven mechanism, a main body unit of the force-generating mechanism, and a restriction device. A center point is defined by crossing a vertical concentric axis and a horizontal concentric axis. The axle of the driven bevel gear and the scroll springs spin reversely with the axle of the torsion-generating bevel gear. The first bevel gear is provided for outputting the torsion on the upper and bottom ends thereof. Furthermore, when the rotary rod connected with one side of the torsion output axle is disposed between the positioning block and the positioning post, the door is driven by the other side of the torsion output axle to swing in a predetermined angle. Full Article
nc PRINT SYSTEM INCLUDING MULTIPLE PRINTERS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A print system includes a first printer which performs printing on a sheet while conveying the sheet and a second printer which receives the sheet conveyed from the first printer and performs printing on the sheet while conveying the sheet. The second printer includes a second printing unit, a second registration roller, a second pre-registration roller, a sheet detector, and a second controller. The second controller controls an operation of the second pre-registration roller and an operation of the second registration roller based on a timing of a detection of the sheet by the sheet detector. Full Article
nc DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ENCODING WRITTEN INFORMATION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a device for encoding information written on a readable surface, the device including a device housing containing at least one ink reservoir, an ink dispensing tip in communication with said at least one ink reservoir; and ink stored in the at least one ink reservoir and configured to flow from the ink dispensing tip, the ink being encodable to include supplemental encoded information, the supplemental encoded information being detectable by at least one detecting sensor when dispensed on the readable surface, wherein the readable surface is any surface that will accept the ink. Full Article
nc DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ENCODING WRITTEN INFORMATION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a device for encoding information written on a readable surface, the device including a device housing containing at least one ink reservoir, an ink dispensing tip in communication with said at least one ink reservoir; and ink stored in the at least one ink reservoir and configured to flow from the ink dispensing tip, the ink being encodable to include supplemental encoded information, the supplemental encoded information being detectable by at least one detecting sensor when dispensed on the readable surface, wherein the readable surface is any surface that will accept the ink. Full Article
nc METHOD FOR MARKING REFERENCES ON A FLAT ARTICLE AND RELATED SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method for marking references on a flat article includes providing a model having at least a through-opening and exhibiting the same peripheral profile as a flat article to be marked; detecting the peripheral profile of the model and storing that profile in a memory; detecting a profile of the through-opening and the relative positioning with respect to a reference system; detecting a peripheral profile of the flat article; replicating the peripheral profile of the model so as to superpose it on the peripheral profile of the flat article; replicating also the profile of the through-opening of the detected model, taking account of the relative positioning with respect to the reference system and of the positioning of the peripheral profile of the model with respect to the peripheral profile of the flat article. Contactless marking of at least a reference on the flat article is made at the profile of the through-opening which has been replicated. Full Article
nc Apparatus that includes a suitcase with integrated support arrangements for conversion to a bed or a chaise lounge By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST An apparatus that includes a suitcase and integrated support arrangements that are transformable from an extended state to provide support for a person to lie down and a stored state for ease of transport. Full Article
nc Luggage incorporating a weight determination mechanism and location determination system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST The present invention is a smart luggage having an outer case and an inner case with a weight determination mechanism therebetween in electrical communication with a circuit having firmware and an exterior electronic display. The circuit further incorporates a GPS locator and a transponder, whereby a user having a mobile device enabled with tracking software may be able to locate and retrieve lost or stolen luggage. Also provided within the smart luggage is a camera that can take one or more pictures when the smart luggage is opened by a person. Full Article
nc Cover-type containing structure for flexible enclosures By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST A cover-type containing structure for flexible enclosures primarily includes a front cover sheet, a rear cover sheet and a flexible enclosure. The front cover sheet includes a first joining edge and a cover piece, whereas the rear cover sheet includes a cover assembly corresponding to the cover piece. The flexible enclosure includes a second joining edge and by engaging the first joining edge with the second joining edge, the front cover sheet and the flexible enclosure are fixed. Besides, the containing structure further includes a holding portion. Under a contained state, the holding portion is used to contain smaller objectives; whereas, in an unfolded state, in addition to using the flexible enclosure to contain larger objectives, the holding portion can be also used to contain smaller objectives. The present invention can be also applied to a piece of clothing combined with a bag unit or other flexible enclosure. Full Article
nc Reference free inconsistency detection system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method and apparatus for identifying an inconsistency. A number of waves that propagate through a structure are generated. A response signal is generated in response to detecting at least a portion of the number of waves that propagate through the structure. A determination is made as to whether the response signal includes a reflected component. A presence of the inconsistency in the structure is indicated when the response signal includes the reflected component. Full Article
nc Method, apparatus and system for testing the self-sealing capabilities of a concrete sample By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method, apparatus and system for testing the self-sealing properties of a concrete sample. The method may include providing an apparatus for creating a consistent and reproducible crack in a concrete sample and creating a consistent and reproducible crack in the concrete sample with the apparatus. The method may further include providing a fluidic delivery system that provides a consistent flow of fluid for testing the self-sealing properties of the concrete sample and testing the self-sealing properties of the concrete sample with the system. Full Article
nc Wireless passive radio-frequency strain and displacement sensors By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Wireless strain and displacement sensors wirelessly monitor structural health and integrity, and are made by printing inductor-interdigital capacitor sensing circuits on a variety of substrates, including ceramic substrates, with thermally processable conductive inks. Sensors of the invention can be employed to detect strain and displacement of civil structures, such as bridges and buildings. The sensors include sensing elements that are mounted or printed on stiff, inflexible substrates, which prevent the sensing elements from bending, stretching, or otherwise warping when the sensor is strained. An interlayer between the sensing elements allows the sensing elements to move with respect to each other during application of strain. Thus, strain causes the sensing elements to move but not to deform, causing changes in sensor resonance that can be detected through wireless radio-frequency interrogation. Because the sensing elements do not change shape when under strain, the sensor can undergo millions of measurement cycles before breaking. Full Article
nc Buoyancy enhancing drink holder for use with a floating recreational board By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A flotation system for a recreational board such as a stand up paddleboard includes an elongated substrate that is sized and shaped to releaseably wrap around the perimeter of a recreational board. The elongated substrate is constructed of a buoyant material such as foam, and defines a plurality of apertures that can be used to store items such as beverages and personal belongings. The elongated substrate is releaseably attached to the board by a variety of fastening means, and serves to increase stability and buoyancy of the board, and to protect the board. Full Article
nc Jet boat including articulating keel By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A jet boat including a hull including a keel extending in a fore and aft direction of the jet boat, at least one jet propulsion nozzle mounted to a rear of the hull, and an articulating keel attached at the rear of the hull, the articulating keel arranged to pivot about a pivot axis extending vertically or substantially vertically. A bottom surface of the articulating keel does not extend below a bottom surface of the keel when the articulating keel is parallel or substantially parallel to the fore and aft direction of the jet boat. Full Article
nc Semi-rigid craft, the buoyancy of which is adjustable By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A craft includes a rigid hull (1) that consists of a V-shaped bottom (5) and a bridge (4) on which a load can rest. The hull includes plating consisting of compartmentalized pneumatic floats (2), the rear compartments (32) of which are combined with an inflation and deflation system so as to vary the buoyancy of the craft. The craft also includes a submergible hull (1), the central cavity (9) of which is formed between the bottom (5) and the bridge (4) and is open at the rear so as to be automatically filled or emptied, the central cavity (9) containing at least one bag (10) that is combined with an inflation and deflation system enabling the buoyancy to be varied and consequently the level of immersion of the stern (7) to be changed as needed. Full Article
nc Operating method for laundry equipment including a scent supply module By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An operating method for a laundry drier which has a rotatable drum mounted inside a main body, a heater for heating the air flowing into the drum; and a scent supply module for spraying scent into the drum, comprising: a drying step of drying the laundry by supplying hot air heated by the heater; a pre-treating step of tumbling the drum while supplying air with the heater off; and a scent treating step of spraying scent onto the laundry which has passed through the pre-treating step. Since the scent is sprayed on after the pre-treating step, the scent can be effectively deposited on the laundry. Full Article
nc Expandable/collapsible enclosure for a clothes refresher By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An expandable and collapsible enclosure is provided for a garment refreshing appliance. The appliance has at least either a top or a bottom rigid housing structure. The enclosure comprises a wall structure extending substantially an entire height of the enclosure. The wall structure is made of a flexible material. An opening is provided in the wall structure through which garments can be introduced into or removed from the enclosure. A zipper is attached at the opening to selectively open and close the opening. A snap attachment mechanism is located at either or both of the top and a bottom of the wall structure for securing the wall structure to the top and/or bottom rigid housing structures. Full Article
nc Laundry treating appliance with controlled cycle time By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of operating a clothes dryer having a treating chamber for receiving a laundry load, an air system for supplying and exhausting air from the treating chamber, a heating element for heating the air supplied to the treating chamber, and a controller implementing a cycle of operation, wherein the controller estimates a cycle time of a drying cycle of operation. Full Article
nc Earth-boring tools including sinterbonded components and partially formed tools configured to be sinterbonded By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 08 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EDT Partially formed earth-boring rotary drill bits comprise a first less than fully sintered particle-matrix component having at least one recess, and at least a second less than fully sintered particle-matrix component disposed at least partially within the at least one recess. Each less than fully sintered particle-matrix component comprises a green or brown structure including compacted hard particles, particles comprising a metal alloy matrix material, and an organic binder material. The at least a second less than fully sintered particle-matrix component is configured to shrink at a slower rate than the first less than fully sintered particle-matrix component due to removal of organic binder material from the less than fully sintered particle-matrix components in a sintering process to be used to sinterbond the first less than fully sintered particle-matrix component to the first less than fully sintered particle-matrix component. Earth-boring rotary drill bits comprise such components sinterbonded together. Full Article
nc Longitudinally ground file having increased resistance to torsional and cyclic fatigue failure By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 29 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EDT A method of producing an endodontic file that involves grinding in a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of a rotating dental instrument blank. By grinding the dental instrument blank in this manner, the torsional strength of the resulting endodontic file is not eroded during its production, thereby providing a file that is less susceptible to breakage during its use. Full Article
nc Screwdriver blade with inclined drive surfaces and method of manufacturing By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT A screwdriver blade has faces formed on front and back sides of a shank. Each face has a drive surface extending from each side edge inward toward a longitudinal axis. Each drive surface is inclined relative to a plane containing the axis and bisecting each of the side edges. A thickness of the blade increases from the shank distal end. Each of the drive surfaces appears curved when viewed in a distal end view. Each of the drive surfaces extends from the shank distal end to a face proximal end. A central portion between each of the drive surfaces may also appear curved when viewed in a distal end view, or it may be flat. The drive surfaces and the central portion may be formed at a single radius of curvature. The central portion may have a increasing width from the distal end or it may have a constant width. Full Article
nc Controlled access to functionality of a wireless device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST Various embodiments of the invention may be used to verify that a person being authorized by biometric techniques to use a device is a living person and not some form of recording intended to spoof the system. Some embodiments may try to cause a change in a measured biometric feature, and compare images taken before and after the change to verify the change occurred. In some embodiments, multiple stages of verification may be used, either to increase the difficulty of spoofing the security system, or to provide different levels of security for different levels of access to the device's functionality. Full Article
nc Superabrasive compact including at least one braze layer thereon By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A superabrasive compact (e.g., a polycrystalline diamond compact) including a substrate pre-coated with at least one braze layer and an in-process drill bit assembly including at least one of such superabrasive compacts are disclosed. Pre-coating the substrate with at least one braze layer and dimensioning the pre-coated substrate to fit within the tolerances of a conventionally-sized cutter recess of a drill bit body enables a drill bit manufacture to easily and rapidly braze the disclosed superabrasive compacts into the conventionally-sized cutter recess without substantially decreasing the superabrasive volume of the superabrasive compact. Full Article
nc Methods of forming earth-boring tools and components thereof including attaching a shank to a body of an earth-boring tool By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Earth-boring drill bits include a bit body, an element having an attachment feature bonded to the bit body, and a shank assembly. Methods for assembling an earth-boring rotary drill bit include bonding a threaded element to the bit body of a drill bit and engaging the shank assembly to the threaded element. A nozzle assembly for an earth-boring rotary drill bit may include a cylindrical sleeve having a threaded surface and a threaded nozzle disposed at least partially in the cylindrical sleeve and engaged therewith. Methods of forming an earth-boring drill bit include providing a nozzle assembly including a tubular sleeve and nozzle at least partially within a nozzle port of a bit body. Full Article
nc BALANCE EXERCISE DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 08 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A multi-purpose balance exercise device designed to be used in multiple positions and for diverse exercises. For example, various embodiments allow for the multipurpose device to be use as an aerobic step device as well as the ability to easily adjust the device to various heights to easily decrease the level of difficulty of the device for use during various exercises. The balance exercise device can provide a polarity of handles and grab points both horizontally and vertically, which allow for an enhanced number of exercises or movements using either the top and/or bottom of the device. The balance exercise device includes a flexible bladder filled with air, other gases, or gels attached to a substantially rigid base. The base can include an interior within which features such as handles are disposed to provide a gripping or lifting exercise to which the balance exercise device can be used. Full Article
nc COMBINATION MASSAGE TABLE WITH ONE OR MORE RESISTANCE BANDS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A combination massage table with one or more resistance bands (hereinafter, a combination table) is disclosed. In some embodiments, the combination table may comprise: a massage table; the one or more resistance bands; and a means for attaching the one or more resistance bands to the massage table; such that a client using the combination table receives at least one improved health benefit as compared against massage therapy without any resistance band use. Furthermore, methods for using the combination table are disclosed. Such methods may comprise: preparing the combination table for use; preparing the client so the client is laying on top of an upper surface of the combination table; and massaging the client while the client at least intermittently engages one or more resistance bands that are attached to the combination table; wherein in the at least intermittent engagement of the one or more resistance bands while the client is being massaged results in the at least one improved health benefit to the client. Full Article
nc COMPOSITE TRAMPOLINE ENCLOSURE SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A composite trampoline enclosure system has a trampoline with a trampoline frame and a trampoline bed. The trampoline enclosure is mounted to the trampoline. The trampoline enclosure further includes an enclosure pole formed as a tubular post, and an endcap. The endcap fits over the tubular post. A flexible top line is made of polyethylene or polypropylene. The flexible top line connects to the endcap. The flexible top line supports the trampoline enclosure netting. An extended coil spring is whipped in a helical orientation around an external circumferential periphery of the flexible top line. The trampoline enclosure netting is extended around the trampoline bed. The trampoline enclosure netting is supported by the trampoline pole. The extended coil spring is preferably made of spring steel. The flexible top line is preferably made of a high density polyethylene tube. Full Article
nc TRAINING APPARATUS WITH ADJUSTABLE TRAVEL DISTANCE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A training apparatus with adjustable travel distance includes a base frame including a pair of guide rails extending along a transverse axis, a pair of sliding units each including a pedal coupled to and slidable along one respective guide rail and a stopper located on one lateral side of the pedal, and a pair of travel distance adjusting units each including a guiding member mounted in the base frame and extending along the transverse axis and a rear position-limiting member mounted on the guiding member for stopping against the stopper of one respective pedal and position adjustable relative to the guiding member along the transverse axis to adjust the travel distance of the respective pedal. Full Article
nc Inclined Press By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The disclosed invention contemplates a lifting apparatus that utilizes traditional free weights which travel on an I-shaped inclined track. The overall frame of the unit is comprised of a base frame, vertical support frame, and a pair of I-shaped inclined tracks, which are sized to accommodate an athlete wishing to engage in standing upper body exercises. In particular, the I-shaped inclined track provides a path on which a weight slide housing travels via a unique roller mechanism. The invention also incorporates a pair safety stop mechanisms and pins, which allow the athlete to control the height from which the lift will begin, as well as preventing the weight bar and weight slide housing from falling below a certain predetermined point. Full Article
nc High performance, low toxicity hypergolic fuel By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 01 Apr 2014 08:00:00 EDT A group of tertiary amine azides are useful as hypergolic fuels for hypergolic bipropellant mixtures. The fuels provide higher density impulses than monomethyl hydrazine (MMH) but are less toxic and have lower vapor pressures that MMH. In addition, the fuels have shorter ignition delay times than dimethylaminoethylazide (DMAZ) and other potential reduced toxicity replacements for MMH. Full Article
nc Energetic compositions including nitrate esters and articles including such energetic compositions By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 15 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EDT Methods of forming energetic compositions include forming a premix comprising a nitrate ester, a polymer, and a stabilizer, and combining solids with the premix. Additional stabilizer may be added with the solids and may remain in a crystalline state. Some methods include dissolving a stabilizer in at least one of a plurality of nitrate esters. Energetic compositions include a continuous matrix and a stabilizer. The continuous matrix includes a nitrate ester and surrounds a solid energetic material. Some compositions include a first nitrate ester, a second nitrate ester having a decomposition rate lower than the first nitrate ester, and a stabilizer. An article includes a housing and an energetic composition in the housing. Full Article
nc High performance gas generating compositions By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 Aug 2014 08:00:00 EDT Compositions and methods relating to gas generants used in inflatable restraint systems. The gas generant grains formed via spray drying techniques of the present disclosure provide superior performance, including high burn rates and high gas yields. Further, processing of the gas generant grain products can be streamlined. Such gas generants include by way of non-limiting example, guanidine nitrate, basic copper nitrate, and a secondary oxidizer, such as potassium perchlorate. Full Article
nc Family of modifiable high performance electrically controlled propellants and explosives By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST A composition capable of producing either solid propellant grains, liquid or gel monopropellants, all of which are electrically ignitable and capable of sustained controllable combustion at ambient pressure. Additional compositions capable of sustained controllable combustion at elevated pressures are described. Applications for the compositions disclosed herein are provided, and include among other applications use in small micro thrusters, large core-burning solid propellant gains, shaped explosives charges for military application, and pumpable liquids and gel monopropellants or explosives for military, commercial mining or gas and oil recovery. In alternative embodiments the above compositions may also incorporate an energetic nitrate polymer, bum rate modifiers, and/or metal fuel(s). The HIPEP formulation makes it possible to ignite and sustain combustion at ambient and vacuum conditions (a) without continuous electrical power and (b) while providing faster bum rates. Full Article
nc High performance liquid rocket propellant By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a high performance hydrocarbon fuel characterized by a hydrogen content greater than 14.3% by weight, a hydrogen to carbon atomic ratio greater than 2.0 and/or a heat of combustion greater than 18.7 KBtu/lb. The disclosed fuels generally have a paraffin content that is at least 90% by mass and a C12-C20 isoparaffin content of at least 40% by mass. Full Article