ni COMPUTING SYSTEM WITH STRUCTURE VERTICAL-TIER MECHANISM AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A computing system includes: a control circuit configured to: determine environment measurements representing conditions measured about a building structure located at a geographic location; generate a map based on the environment measurements for mapping a tier of the building structure along a vertical direction; and a storage circuit, coupled to the control circuit, configured to store the map for representing the building structure. Full Article
ni METHOD AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR PERSONALIZED NAVIGATION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method and an electronic device for personalized navigation. The electronic device for personalized navigation acquire history data of a user, the history data comprising location information associated with active time of the user; plan a routine active path of the user according to the acquired history data; acquire navigation paths of the user; and classify the navigation paths into the routine active path and a non-routine active path according to the planned routine active path of the user, and provide navigation information to the user according to the classification result. Full Article
ni PROACTIVE RE-ROUTING OF VEHICLES USING PASSIVE MONITORING OF OCCUPANT FRUSTRATION LEVEL By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Aspects of the present disclosure include a navigation system and computer-implemented methods for proactively re-routing vehicles based on an analysis of input component data obtained from the navigation-enabled devices. The navigation system scores the input component data to obtain a measure of frustration (e.g., a feeling of being upset or annoyed) of the user of the navigation-enabled device. The navigation system may provide a detour suggestion for display on the navigation-enabled device to persuade the user of the device to direct their vehicle to depart from its current location or route in an effort to remove the vehicle from traffic, and thereby reduce the frustration level of the user. The detour suggestion may include an alternative route to the original destination, or an alternative destination. Full Article
ni Map Screen Determining Method and Apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A map screen determining method and apparatus, which includes obtaining profile data in a track dimension of a target digital person, where the target digital person is generated by a digital person generation system and consists of multiple dimensions of target user profiles corresponding to a target user, and the target user profiles are generated by processing multiple dimensions of data from multiple data sources, determining map data of a target area, where the target area is a specific map area that needs to be presented to a user, and determining a tracing map screen according to the profile data in the track dimension of the target digital person and the map data, where the tracing map screen represents a track feature of the target digital person in the target area. Full Article
ni SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING MACHINE HANG TIME By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system for determining hang time for a machine operating at a worksite is provided. The system includes a sensing module associated with the machine. The sensing module is configured to track at least one parameter associated with the machine. The at least one parameter includes a machine heading, a machine speed, or a machine location. The system also includes a control module communicably coupled to the sensing module. The control module is configured to receive tracked information corresponding to the at least one parameter from the sensing module. The control module is also configured to analyze the tracked information corresponding to the at least one parameter, based on the received tracked information. The control module is further configured to determine the hang time for the machine, based on the analysis. Full Article
ni TRAFFIC DISRUPTION DETECTION USING PASSIVE MONITORING OF VEHICLE OCCUPANT FRUSTRATION LEVEL By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Aspects of the present disclosure include a navigation system and computer-implemented methods for detecting traffic disruption events based on an analysis of input component data obtained from navigation-enabled devices of vehicles near a particular location. Traffic disruption events are events such as accidents, construction road closures, police and speed traps, or road hazards that cause a decrease in the flow of traffic along a particular route and thus, added time delays for occupants of vehicles traveling along those routes. The navigation system scores the input component data associated with each vehicle and aggregates the scored input component data to obtain a frustration score associated with the vehicle. The navigation system may detect traffic disruption events based on a number of vehicles near a particular area having associated frustration scores above a certain threshold. Full Article
ni VEHICLE CONDITION DETECTION AND WARNING SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Described herein is a vehicle system configured to identify and mitigate inappropriate driving behavior. In some embodiments, the vehicle system may receive input information from one or more input sensors. The vehicle system may identify driving behaviors related to a vehicle from the received input. The vehicle system may determine whether the driving behaviors are inappropriate in light of one or more conditions affecting the vehicle. Upon identifying inappropriate behavior, the vehicle system may generate a set of corrective actions capable of being executed to mitigate the inappropriate driving behavior. Full Article
ni COMMUNICATION BETWEEN VEHICLES OF A PLATOON By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system and method are provided for communication between vehicles within a platoon of vehicles. In one embodiment, each vehicle is equipped with forward and backward directed optical emitters and receivers in operable communication with a controller. In an initialization phase, each vehicle determines its position within the platoon and the identification of all vehicles of the platoon. In a data transmission phase, each vehicle takes part in a token-based data transmission. Full Article
ni POSITIVE ELECTRODE ACTIVE MATERIAL, POSITIVE ELECTRODE, BATTERY, BATTERY PACK, ELECTRONIC DEVICE, ELECTRIC VEHICLE, POWER STORAGE DEVICE, AND POWER SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A positive electrode active material includes: secondary particles obtained by aggregation of a plurality of primary particles. The primary particles include, core particles including a lithium composite oxide, and a layer that is provided on surfaces of the core particles and includes a lithium composite oxide. The lithium composite oxide included in the core particles and the lithium composite oxide included in the layer have the same composition or almost the same composition, and crystallinity of the lithium composite oxide included in the layer is lower than crystallinity of the lithium composite oxide included in the core particles. Full Article
ni Pumping unit with variable work stroke and return stroke torque factor characteristics By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EDT A pumping unit system having vertical sampson post, a walking beam pivotally supported at the upper end of the sampson post and a horsehead affixed at a forward end thereof that supports a reciprocated sucker rod string, including a gear reducer mounted at selectable positions on the walking beam and having a horizontally extending drive shaft, a crank arm affixed to the drive shaft the spacing between a selectable length pitman rod having a first end secured to said crank arm and a second end having a pitman bearing that is selectably mountable to a plurality of pitman bearing locations and a prime mover connected to the gear reducer and wherein the characteristics of the pumping unit are determined by the selectable position of the gear reducer, the selectable length of the crank arm, the selectable length of the pitman rod, and the selectable pitman bearing location. Full Article
ni Mechanical rotational drive By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EDT A mechanical rotational drive has a bar-like torsion element, whereby the torsion element is firmly clamped with a first end in a bearing device. The torsion element can be pivoted with a second free end with respect to the clamped end about the longitudinal axis, forming a rotation axis, of the torsion element between a relaxed position and a tensioned position, whereby the length of the torsion element is reduced with respect to the relaxed position when the torsion element is brought into its tensioned position. A device for transmitting a torque into the torsion element or out of the torsion element is provided in the area of the free end, and a damping device is arranged in the axial direction of the torsion element at a fixed distance from the bearing device and adjacent to the free end of the torsion element, and a damping part is provided on the torsion element in the area of the free end of the torsion element, which damping part in the relaxed position is in friction engagement with the damping device and which in the tensioned position is not engaged with the damping device. Full Article
ni 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
ni Spring-based mechanism for saving labor of a bicycle rider By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST A spring-based mechanism for saving labor of a bicycle rider is disclosed and in one embodiment includes an axle operatively connected to a chain wheel and a first set of bearings via a gear assembly; a housing for mounting a shaft therein wherein the first set of bearings is provided at one end of the shaft; a second set of bearings provided at the other end of the shaft; a spring in the housing and having one end attached to one end of the shaft and the other end attached to the other end of the housing; and a clutch provided externally of the other end of the housing, the clutch being operatively connected to the second set of bearings and including a lock lever. The mechanism can store elastic force by counterclockwise pedaling and release the stored energy by disengaging a clutch from the mechanism when riding uphill. Full Article
ni 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
ni Actuation mechanism for a tarping system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST An actuation mechanism for a tarping system includes a double coil spring mountable on a pivot shaft of the mechanism. A bushing is mounted on the pivot shaft and within the double coil spring. The bushing includes an eccentric external periphery that limits the deflection of the spring, particularly at the transition points between the center portion and each of the coil portions of the spring. As the spring winds or coils, the coil portions progressively contact the eccentric periphery of the bushing to not only limit further movement of the coil portions, but also to provide support for those portions under load. Full Article
ni Operational mechanism for movable body By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST The invention provides an operational mechanism for a movable body in which, after a movable body is in an opened state, the movable body can return to a closed position, including a movable body rotatably attached to a support and rotatable between an engaged position, a closed position, and an open position; a rotating member rotatably attached to the support, that rotates due to movement of the movable body to the engaged position; a biasing member, one end of which is attached to the movable body, and the other end of which is attached to the rotating member; and an operation member, which rotates the rotating member, changes the biasing position of the biasing member with respect to the center of rotation of the movable body, and generates in the biasing member a rotational force that moves the movable body to the closed position or the open position. Full Article
ni Mechanical motor for toy planes By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EDT An inexpensive apparatus for powering a toy plane including a rubber band motor which is connectable to the plane's propeller and to a winding mechanism, including a gear mechanism which is activated by a handle. As the handle is repeatedly squeezed and released by the user, the motor is wound up. An anti-reversing ratchet is coupled with the motor to prevent unwinding until the user wishes to launch the plane. Full Article
ni Actuator with integrated drive mechanism By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 22 May 2012 08:00:00 EDT An actuator assembly having a housing, at least one rotating gear member including a cam, and an actuator device operably connected to the rotating gear member, operably contained in the housing, for rotating the gear member. Also included is a bearing member operably associated with the cam such that when the actuator device is actuated for rotation of the gear member, the bearing member moves on the cam for providing relative motion between the bearing member and the rotating gear member. The actuator device is selected from a torque generating device or a device having linear movement. Full Article
ni Drive mechanism for relative pivotal movements between two operating parts of a device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Aug 2012 08:00:00 EDT A drive mechanism for a device with two operating parts, which are connected so as to be pivotally displaceable relative to each other between a first position and a second position about a common axis of rotation. The drive mechanism has a driving mechanism such that a movement from the first position to the second position can be initiated initially by a slight movement and the additional movement is then effected automatically through spring force (F) until the second position has been reached. The movement out of the first position into the second position is possible in either a clockwise and counterclockwise movement. The driving mechanism comprises a driven part, one operating part and two drives that are in the form of a force storing device The force storing devices interact with the driven part in opposing directions in such a manner that only the one for storing device is in driving connection with the driven part while the other force storing device is retained in its starting position. Full Article
ni Mechanical energy storage system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 11 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EDT A mechanical energy storage system includes a containment vessel, a drive shaft operatively connected to a generator/motor and supported for rotation in the containment vessel. A support structure is attached to the drive shaft and configured for radial extension from a rest position proximate the drive shaft. A resilient member having a mass and extending circumferentially around the drive shaft is connected to free ends of the support structure and configured to store elastic energy when the support structure extends radially from its rest position. Upon rotation of the drive shaft, the resilient member stores both elastic and rotational energy commensurate with its mass and elastic properties. Full Article
ni System and method for generating mechanical movement By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 18 Jun 2013 08:00:00 EDT In accordance with embodiments, there are provided systems and method for In accordance with embodiments, there are provided systems and method for generating mechanical movement that includes a resilient member having an original shape. A bulwark is connected to the resilient member. A system is provided to selectively apply a torsional force to the resilient member using capillary forces to rotate the resilient member with respect to the bulwark. This places the resilient member in a deformed shape. The system also selectively terminates the capillary forces allowing the resilient member to return to the original shape. These and other embodiments are described more fully below. Full Article
ni Spring motor for drive for coverings for architectural openings By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 20 Aug 2013 08:00:00 EDT A spring motor and drag brake for use in coverings for architectural openings. Full Article
ni Method and device for ascertaining a rotational speed parameter for determining a setpoint torque By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Sep 2013 08:00:00 EDT A method for ascertaining a rotational speed parameter for determining a setpoint torque for driving a drivetrain. The drivetrain comprises a first and at least one second drive assembly for driving a hybrid vehicle. The first drive assembly can be coupled to the drivetrain by means of a clutch. The second drive assembly is mechanically coupled to the drivetrain. When the hybrid vehicle is being driven by means of at least the first drive assembly, the rotational speed parameter corresponds to the value of a shaft rotational speed. When the hybrid vehicle is being driven only by means of the second drive assembly, the rotational speed parameter corresponds to the value of a determined rotational speed. Full Article
ni CLEANING SOLUTION, SET OF INK AND CLEANING SOLUTION, CLEANING SOLUTION STORED CONTAINER, INKJET PRINTING APPARATUS, AND INKJET PRINTING METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Provided is a cleaning solution used for cleaning an ink containing a resin in an amount of 5 percent by mass or greater, the cleaning solution including a mixture solvent containing water and a solvent, wherein a hydrogen bond term of a Hansen solubility parameter of the mixture solvent is 7.0 (cal/cm3)1/2 or less. Full Article
ni CONTROL UNIT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An object is to improve a user's convenience. There is provided a control unit for use in a liquid ejecting apparatus using a tank containing a liquid and a storage material attachable to and detachable from the liquid ejecting apparatus, and storing an amount of the liquid in the tank. After the storage material is not mounted on a predetermined place, the control unit receives an answer for a question to ask whether or not the liquid is injected to the tank. Full Article
ni Apparatus and kit for containing sports equipment By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus for containing sports equipment includes: a wall defining an enclosure and a closeable opening in the enclosure, the wall being see-through at the closeable opening; and divider members configurable to an expanded configuration defining compartments within the enclosure and configurable to a substantially planar collapsed configuration, each compartment being dimensioned for receiving sports equipment, the divider members being removably insertable into the enclosure when in the expanded configuration and in the collapsed configuration. The sports equipment includes soccer balls or other types of balls, marker cones, a first aid kit, cooler for ice and pinnies. A lower section of the apparatus has a see-through front cover and a drain. An upper section may be watertight. The apparatus may include a rigid cylindrical compartment for containing marker cones. A kit may include the apparatus and sports equipment contained within the apparatus. Full Article
ni 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
ni 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
ni Apparatus for charging battery powered electronic devices using a rolling means By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides a new and useful apparatus for charging battery powered electronic devices using a rolling means. The rolling means transfers mechanical energy from a plurality of wheels to a generator by way of a gear ratio. The generator in turn yields electrical energy that is later transformed via integrated circuitry into viable power for the purposes of charging an optional internal batter or that of an attached device. This apparatus does not limit the user's mobility and can be used in everyday settings. The apparatus can be an integral part of a piece of luggage or added to an existing hand cart. Additionally, the apparatus can have a connection for a DC input to charge the internal battery when the apparatus is not in motion. Full Article
ni Inertial unit with several detection axes By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Inertial unit for the measurement of accelerations and/or rotations comprising four sensors, spread out on two intersecting axes, each sensor comprising two inertial masses, each inertial mass comprising a moveable excitation part and a moveable detection part, the moveable excitation parts of a sensor being separate from those of the other sensors, said unit also comprising means for exciting the excitation parts of the sensors and means for detecting the movement of the detection parts, the two inertial masses of each sensor) being mechanically coupled, the four sensors being coupled by elastically deformable mechanical coupling means and able to transmit the excitation vibrations from one axis to the other. Full Article
ni Gyro sensor and electronic device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A gyro sensor according to the invention includes a first mass portion including a first detection portion, a second mass portion including a second detection portion, first drive portions vibrating the first mass portion in a direction of a first axis, and a force conversion portion fixed to an anchor portion. The first mass portion and the second mass portion are connected with the force conversion portion. The force conversion portion is displaced with the anchor portion as an axis, and vibrates the second mass portion in a direction of a second axis crossing the first axis in a plane view. Full Article
ni Electronic device, manufacturing method thereof, and electronic apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An electronic device includes a base body, a functional element that is placed on the base body, and a lid body, formed from silicon, that is placed over the base body so as to cover the functional element. A hole portion and a sealing member that closes the hole portion are disposed in the lid body, in the hole portion, the area of a second opening disposed on a side opposite to a first opening is larger than the area of the first opening disposed on the base body side, and the ratio of the volume of the sealing member to the volume of the hole portion is equal to or higher than 35% and is equal to or lower than 87%. Full Article
ni Micromechanical component and manufacturing method for a micromechanical component By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A micromechanical component is described having a substrate which has at least one stator electrode fixedly mounted with respect to the substrate, a movable mass having at least one actuator electrode fixedly mounted with respect to the movable mass, and at least one spring via which the movable mass is displaceable. The movable mass is structured from the substrate with the aid of at least one separating trench, at least one outer stator electrode spans at least one section of the at least one separating trench and/or of the movable mass, the at least one actuator electrode protrudes between the at least one outer stator electrode and the substrate, and at least one inner stator electrode protrudes between the at least one actuator electrode and the substrate. A related manufacturing method is also described for a micromechanical component. Full Article
ni Apparatus and method for determining a damage state of a wheel bearing By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus and a method for determining a damage state of a wheel bearing (12), in which a wheel (15) with a tire (9) arranged on a rim (8) in such a manner that the wheel can be rotated on an axle, in a motor vehicle, in particular during maintenance work on the motor vehicle. In order to avoid the wheel bearing (12) being accessed unnecessarily, a sensor unit (1) which communicates with an evaluation unit and is removably fastened radially outside a screw circle (11) of the rim (8) is provided for the purpose of determining the damage state. Full Article
ni ***WITHDRAWN PATENT AS PER THE LATEST USPTO WITHDRAWN LIST***Ultrasonic inspection method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for ultrasonically inspecting components with wavy or uneven surfaces. A multi-element array ultrasonic transducer is operated with a substantial fluid layer, such as water, between the array transducer and the component surface. This fluid layer may be maintained by immersing the component in liquid or by using a captive couplant column between the probe and the component surface. The component is scanned, measuring the two dimensional surface profile using either a mechanical stylus, laser, or ultrasonic technique. Once an accurate surface profile of the component's surface has been obtained, data processing parameters are calculated for processing the ultrasonic signals reflected from the interior of the component that eliminate beam distortion effects and reflector mis-location that would otherwise occur due to the uneven surfaces. Full Article
ni Energy absorbent ultrasonic inspection system with laser pointer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system is provided for inspecting a workpiece that includes a workpiece defect and a workpiece surface. The system includes a laser pointer connected to an ultrasonic inspection system. The ultrasonic inspection system includes an ultrasonic transducer that directs sound waves to the workpiece defect, where the sound waves contact the workpiece surface at a workpiece surface location. The laser pointer directs a laser beam against the workpiece surface to visually annunciate the workpiece surface location. Full Article
ni Method for determining the fatigue capital of a cable By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a method for determining the fatigue capital of a cable supporting a civil engineering structure, the method including: a measuring step (S1, S2) during which the normal tensile stress in the cable and the bending stress in the cable are measured in a synchronized manner so as to obtain the compound stress in the cable; a counting step (S3) during which a count of the number of stress cycles, depending on the amplitude of the stress, is carried out from the measured compound stresses; and a step (S4) of assessing the fatigue capital of the cable during which the fatigue capital of the cable is determined by comparing the count, carried out in the counting step, with a pre-set Wohler curve for the cable. Full Article
ni Ultrasonic sensor, tactile sensor, grasping apparatus, and electronic device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 08 Sep 2015 08:00:00 EDT An ultrasonic sensor includes: a substrate; an ultrasonic transducer disposed on the substrate, and configured and arranged to transmit ultrasonic waves that propagate as plane waves in a direction orthogonal to a surface of the substrate; an acoustic refracting part contacting the ultrasonic transducer, and configured and arranged to refract the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer; an elastically deformable elastic portion contacting the acoustic refracting part; and an ultrasonic reflecting member disposed within the elastic portion, and configured and arranged to reflect the ultrasonic waves. The acoustic refracting part is configured and arranged to refract, toward the ultrasonic reflecting member, the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer. Full Article
ni Monitoring method and monitoring apparatus for machine tool, and machine tool By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Nov 2015 08:00:00 EST The monitoring apparatus includes vibration sensors that detect vibration accompanying machining, a rotation detector and a rotation detection section that detect rotation of a main spindle, and a stability limit and vibration distribution calculation section that creates, on the basis of vibration information obtained from the vibration sensors and a rotation speed of the main spindle detected by the rotation detector and rotation detection section, both a stability limit diagram illustrating a relationship between the rotation speed and a stability limit of the machining and a vibration distribution diagram illustrating a relationship between the rotation speed and the vibration, and displays the created diagrams on a monitor in a vertical arrangement. Full Article
ni Ultrasonic inspection method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Nov 2015 08:00:00 EST A method for ultrasonically inspecting components with wavy or uneven surfaces. A multi-element array ultrasonic transducer is operated with a substantial fluid layer, such as water, between the array transducer and the component surface. This fluid layer may be maintained by immersing the component in liquid or by using a captive couplant column between the probe and the component surface. The component is scanned, measuring the two dimensional surface profile using either a mechanical stylus, laser, or ultrasonic technique. Once an accurate surface profile of the component's surface has been obtained, data processing parameters are calculated for processing the ultrasonic signals reflected from the interior of the component that eliminate beam distortion effects and reflector mis-location that would otherwise occur due to the uneven surfaces. Full Article
ni Folding bimini By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A foldable bimini for a boat that is rigid and bi-directionally stable in an erected orientation, the bimini including a rigid arch-shaped frame fixedly mountable onto the boat having a disengageable bimini mount; and a foldable bimini support, including a rigid arch member pivotally mounted to the rigid arch shaped frame and at least one rigid leg pivotally mounted to the rigid arch member and releasably connectable to the frame. Full Article
ni Rowing shoe retaining system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A rowing shoe retaining system includes a plate mountable to a sole of a shoe and a receiver mountable to a footboard of a rowing boat. The receiver removably retains the plate, thereby removably retaining the shoe. Full Article
ni Planing hull extensions for watercraft By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Planing hull extensions for watercraft are disclosed which may be mounted along the sides of the hull of a watercraft such as a boat or yacht. Typically, the hull extensions may be disposed along the side chines of the hull such that they extend the effective beam of the hull. The hull extensions may aid stabilizing the watercraft and/or inhibit wetting of the sides of the hull as well. In some cases, the hull extensions may be hydraulically operated between a closed position against the hull (or into a pocket along the side of the hull) and a fully open position substantially extending the width of the hull bottom. The position of the hull extensions may be automatically varied based upon throttle position, e.g. fully open at low throttle to fully closed against the hull at full throttle. Different hull extension position profiles may be used according to loading and water conditions. Full Article
ni Arrangment for dynamic control of running trim and list of a boat By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An arrangement for dynamic control of running trim, list and/or yaw of a boat, having a housing member comprising a front plate a and rear plate, an interceptor member, an actuating means, a drive unit, and a guiding arrangement, arranged to guide said interceptor member between a first position and a second end position, said actuating means being arranged to displace said interceptor member in a movement between said first and second positions in relation to said housing member wherein said guiding arrangement has a first guiding member and a second guiding member arranged to interact with each other to provide a parallel movement of said interceptor member in relation to said housing member, said first guiding member being a torque transferring, rotatable element having a base body arranged to extend transverse to the direction of displacement of said interceptor member. Full Article
ni Planing hull for rough seas By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The disclosed watercraft hull has a flat pad keel whose width tapers towards the bow and its width at the transom is 15% to 25% of the hull's width at its chines. The hull is symmetric about its centerline, has a fine entry bow, a transom, and a pair of hard chines. Between the pad keel and the chines the hull has at least one pair of generally flat panels referred to herein as longitudinal steps having approximately 0 degrees of deadrize forming planing surfaces symmetrically located about the hull centerline. The hull also includes at least one pair of ultra high deadrize panels, outboard of and adjacent to the pad keel, located symmetrically about the hull centerline, and extending therefrom to the flat planing panels above them. The ultra high deadrize panels have a minimum average deadrize of approximately 50 degrees measured along their length. Additional flat planing surface structures having approximately 0° deadrize may be installed longitudinally on the hull between the pad keel and the hard chine such that the vertical offset between any two planing surfaces along the hull's stagnation line does not exceed approximately six inches. High deadrize panels or fillet panels with deadrize angles of between about 0.20 and 35 degrees may be included in the hull outboard of and adjacent to the ultra high deadrize panels and located symmetrically about the hull centerline. The fillet panels are tapered into wedge shapes at their forward ends to blend into the adjacent ultra high deadrize and flat planing panels. Full Article
ni Laundry drying unit having a lint screen arranged within a process air circuit and a method for operating said laundry drying unit By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A laundry drying unit includes a process air circuit and a component arranged in the process air circuit. Provided above the component is a washing tank for dispensing a cleaning fluid, with a flow of cleaning fluid dispensed from the washing tank to the component being controlled by a controllable valve. The valve can be controlled on the basis of an amount of cleaning fluid in the washing tank. Full Article
ni Methods and apparatuses for drying electronic devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Methods and apparatuses for drying electronic devices are disclosed. Embodiments include methods and apparatuses that heat and decrease pressure within the electronic device. Some embodiments increase and decrease pressure while adding heat. Other embodiments include a desiccator for removing moisture from the air being evacuated from the electronic device prior to the air reaching an evacuation pump. Further embodiments detect humidity within the low-pressure chamber and determine when to increase and/or decrease pressure based on the humidity. Still further embodiments determine that the device is sufficiently dry to restore proper function based on the detected humidity, and in some embodiments based on the changes in humidity while pressure is being increased and/or decreased. Still further alternate embodiments automatically control some or all aspects of the drying of the electronic device. Additional embodiment disinfect the electronic device. Full Article
ni Centrifugal dryer with replaceable blades and self-cleaning rotor seal and centrifugal dewatering tower By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A centrifugal pellet dryer with a self-cleaning rotor seal, replaceable wear plates, and a fluid powered dewatering tower is presented. The self-cleaning rotor seal includes a plurality of grooves that are structured to eject pellet debris that migrates into between the seal and the housing for the rotor. The replaceable wear plates are secured to the rotor at locations such that they contact pellets that are entering the rotor housing. The dewatering tower includes a helical augur that dewaters a pellet slurry and delivers partially dried pellets to the rotor housing. Full Article
ni Cold-mist decontamination unit and method of operating same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of decontaminating a room or space, comprising the steps of providing a cold-mist decontamination device capable of generating an atomized mist comprised of a decontaminant and water, inputting into an internal processor the parameters of the room or space and the concentration of the decontaminant in the decontamination solution, measuring the temperature and humidity in the room or space, and determining the maximum amount of the decontamination solution that can be introduced into the room or space in atomized form without condensing the decontaminant on surfaces within the room or space. Full Article
ni Laundry lint filter cleaning machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a laundry treating machine, including an air supply unit for supplying air, a tub for having the air supplied thereto from the air supply unit to treat the laundry, the tub having an air recovery opening formed in an outside circumferential surface thereof for recovery of the air to the air supply unit, a lint filter mounted to an inside of the air recovery opening for filtering the lint from the air, a filter cleaning unit for spraying cleaning water to separate the lint from the lint filter, and a flow passage member for guiding the cleaning water dropping from the lint filter to an inside of the tub to an inside surface of the tub. Full Article