Abstract: A latch-type tile mounting system for mounting a tile to the frame of a wall panel. An outwardly extending hook is engaged with the wall panel frame, and includes an outer hook portion. The tile includes a receiver within which the outer hook portion of the hook member is received, and blocking structure that prevents engagement with the outer hook portion. A latch member is movably mounted to the tile over the receiver, and is movable between an open or unlocked position for enabling the outer hook portion to be moved into and out of engagement with the receiver, and a closed or locked position in which the latch member engages the outer hook portion to secure the tile to the frame. The latch member is pivotably movable between its locked and unlocked positions, preferably via a fastener that secures the latch member to the tile.
Abstract: An apparatus for and method of conducting a nerve conduction study is provided. In response to predetermined stimulation from an excitation device, a signal is generated that travels through a human body. The apparatus includes a sensing electrode operatively engagable with the human body downstream of the excitation device for sensing the signal. The apparatus further includes a pressure mounting structure operatively connected to the sensing electrode for controlling the pressure at which the sensing electrode engages the body. The pressure mounting structure includes a pressure source and a pressure sensor. A controller receives a pressure signal from the pressure sensor and the signal from the sensor electrode. The controller includes software to normalize the amplitude of the signal based on the pressure at which the sensing electrode engages the body.
Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method useful for non-surgical embryo transfer or artificial insemination of mammals. An apparatus for depositing media into the uterus of a mammal includes a conical chamber that has a plurality of perforations and flaps. An exterior spiral formation is configured for traversing or penetrating cervical passageway. A sheath having a frusto-conical rearward end extends axially from an aft end of the conical chamber. A tubular depositing chamber extends axially from the conical chamber to a position beyond a fore end of the conical chamber. Coupled to the rearward end of the depositing chamber is an embryo or semen packaging unit. The tubular depositing chamber has an end that has an aperture to permit the flow of semen out of the depositing chamber and into the uterus. The invention also involves a method employing the apparatus described.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 1, 2001
Date of Patent:
February 13, 2007
Assignee:
Continental Plastic Corp.
Inventors:
Robert R. Christine, Ricky A. Schoenbeck, Donald F. Hladky, Elton K. Feffer
Abstract: A level case includes a tubular body having a series of walls that define an internal cavity, and a cap that selectively closes the internal cavity. A series of indentations are formed in the walls, and are configured to receive and engage the corners of a level received within the internal cavity. The internal cavity defines spaces between the level surfaces and the facing surfaces of the walls, to protect the level surfaces in the event the walls of the tubular body are subjected to forces that cause inward deformation of the walls. The cap is configured similarly to the tubular body, including indentations that receive the corners of the level. The cap is engaged over the opening of the tubular body so as to enclose a portion of the level that extends outwardly of the tubular body. The indentations in the tubular body are continuous throughout a majority of the length of the tubular body.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 10, 2003
Date of Patent:
February 6, 2007
Assignee:
Johnson Level & Tool Mfg. Co., Inc.
Inventors:
Richard J. Gruetzmacher, Michael L. Grinnall, Duane D. Franzen, Jr.
Abstract: A level designed for use in hanging pictures is disclosed. The level is proportioned to be easy and convenient to use in conjunction with a picture frame, having a pair of perpendicular legs that can rest on a corner of a picture frame and a level vial positioned within one of the legs. The level can be used to help guide the mounting of a frame on the wall or may be used to check the placement of an already-mounted frame and adjust the frame as needed.
Abstract: A method is provided of making and using a walk behind rotary trowel that is “dynamically balanced” so as to minimize the forces/torque that the operator must endure to control and guide the trowel. Characteristics that are accounted for by this method include, but are not limited to, friction, engine torque, machine center of gravity, and guide handle position. As a result, dynamic balancing and consequent force/torque reduction were found to result when the machine's center of gravity was shifted substantially relative to a typical machine's center of gravity. Dynamic balancing can be achieved most practically by reversing the orientation of the engine relative to the guide handle assembly when compared to traditional walk behind rotary trowels and shifting the engine as far as practical to the right. This shifting has been found to reduce the operational forces and torque the operator must endure by at least 50% when compared to traditional machines.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 16, 2005
Date of Patent:
February 6, 2007
Assignee:
Wacker Corporation
Inventors:
Todd J. Lutz, Gregory Kruepke, Darrin W. Dauffenbach, Richard D. Goldberg
Abstract: A vibration generator comprises two unbalance shafts, which are positively coupled in a contra-rotative manner and whose relative phrase position can be shifted by a phase shifting device. Each of the unbalance shafts supports a main unbalance mass and a partial unbalance mass that can move in relation thereto. The position of the partial unbalance masses on the respective unbalance shafts can be actively altered within a large range by adjusting devices. The resulting vibration vector generated by the vibration generator can set in a diverse manner with regard to direction and magnitude.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 3, 2001
Date of Patent:
February 6, 2007
Assignee:
Wacker Construction Equipment AG
Inventors:
Wolfgang Fervers, Martin Schreck, Franz Riedl
Abstract: A fishing lure generally includes a body and a body extension member that extends rearwardly from the body. The body may be in the form of a grub or worm, and the body extension member may be in the form of a tail that extends from the rearward end of the body. Alternatively, the body may be in the form of a crayfish and a pair of body extension members, in the form of arms, may extend from the rearward end of the body. The body extension member includes first, second, and third portions. The first portion extends away from the body, and the second portion connects to the first portion. The third portion connects to the second portion and extends generally toward the body. The third portion includes a forwardly facing inner edge that may be linear, and the first and third portions preferably cooperate to form an acute angle.
Abstract: A method of operating a scanning probe microscope includes using a probe having a cantilever, and oscillating the probe at a torsional resonance frequency thereof. In addition, the method includes substantially increasing torsional drive efficiency with dual actuators disposed on the probe or the probe base. First and second actuators may be driven by corresponding first and second drive signals, the first and second drive signals being about 180° out of phase. The maximizing step includes altering at least one of the amplitudes of the first and second drive signals to maximize torsional oscillation. Torsional and flexural oscillation of the cantilever probe can be excited concurrently, sequentially or independently by adjusting the phase of the corresponding drive signals. A pair of cantilever components can be used to form a nanotweezer by rotating the respective arms having corresponding tip portions at the distal ends.
Abstract: A low cost roll dispenser includes a housing with an interior and a feeding mechanism. The housing has an interior with a shape, which may be a ramp or series of ramps, that biases a roll of sheet material forward so that it is in constant contact with the shape and the feeding mechanism while the roll is stationary and while the roll is being unwound. The low cost roll dispenser may have a cover and an integrated handle that drives the feeding mechanism that attach to the housing without the use of any tools.
Abstract: A ceiling mount bicycle rack provides for easy loading through the use of downwardly transversely opening wheel hooks that may receive the tires of a bicycle when flipped about the bicycle's upper structure by a user through a gentle arc. After installation on the rack, the bicycle may be slid along longitudinal tracks for storage in a more compact configuration in a less accessible location.
Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a microstructure using maskless lithography. A first layer is provided in a spaced relationship to a base layer so as to define a construction cavity therebetween. The first layer has a passageway therethrough that communicates with the construction cavity. The construction cavity is filled with material and a polymerizing agent is directed towards a portion of the material so as to polymerize the same. The polymerized material defines a channel network and the non-polymerized material is flushed from the channel network.
Abstract: Elastographic images provide visualization in two or three dimensions of RF ablation lesions to guide in the ablation process. Compression may be applied using the RF probe. A similar technique may be applied to in vivo imaging of soft tissue without ablation.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 8, 2002
Date of Patent:
January 23, 2007
Assignee:
Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
Inventors:
Tomy Varghese, James A. Zagzebski, Udomchai Techavipoo, Quan Chen
Abstract: A detachable box assembly designed to allow for the quick-release of a box from a box receiving surface. The assembly consists of two slidably secured attachment plates configured to be attached to the base of a box and the support of the receiving surface post. The plates are configured for attaching the box to the box receiving surface. The assembly further comprises a locking mechanism configured to prevent the removal of the attachment plates and thereby secure the box to the box receiving surface.