Abstract: Laser scanners are used for determining deformation in vehicle bodies and the like, using a laser scanning apparatus in conjunction with a plurality of coded targets suspended from (or in known relationship to) known reference points on the vehicle to calculate three dimensional spatial coordinates defining the actual positions of the targets, and to compare such calculated positions with manufacturer-provided specification values. The present invention provides improved signal collection through the use of an independent synchronization circuit that uses a fiber optic cable for signal collection; improved component isolation through the use of a mounting plate and isolation mounts; improved component alignment through the use of easier and more reliable alignment mechanisms; and improved data collection and processing through the use of onboard data averaging and filtering.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 1, 2006
Date of Patent:
August 4, 2009
Assignee:
Chief Automotive Technologies, Inc
Inventors:
William Clay Flannigan, James Brett Campbell
Abstract: The invention is a system that is movable along a guide. It includes housing having a center of mass, a first wheel and a second wheel, each connected to the housing and configured to rotate about a respective axis. Each axis is displaced from the center of mass to create a rotating moment that biases the first wheel and second wheels into frictional engagement with the guide. The invention also includes a rotator, and controls in communication with the rotator and positioned at a location remote from the housing. The housing moves relative the guide.
Abstract: A transportable planter apparatus including a housing with a bottom and a sidewall having an edge opposite the bottom, an opening located at the edge adapted to receive a houseplant. A handle associated with the housing and fastened to an arm extends between the handle and the housing, where the arm travels between a recessed configuration and an extended configuration in which the handle extends upwardly from the housing.
Abstract: A feed structure (18) and matching circuit (20) for inductively coupling an antenna (16) with an IC (22) in an RFID tag (10). The tag (10) includes first and second feed structures (26,28) coupled with the antenna (16), a first transmission line (30) coupling the feed structures (26,28), and a matching circuit (20) including a second transmission line (32) having a portion that is substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first transmission line (30) such that the first and second transmission lines (30,32) inductively couple. Where two or more antenna elements (56,57) are used, the elements (56,57) are sufficiently loosely coupled by inductive coupling that they can operate at nearly the same frequency without forming a single resonant antenna. Thus, for example, different elements can operate at approximately 905 MHz and approximately 925 MHz, respectively, to effectively cover the FCC range of 900-930 MHz.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 13, 2006
Date of Patent:
July 7, 2009
Assignee:
The University of Kansas
Inventors:
Daniel D. Deavours, Madhuri Bharadwaj Eunni
Abstract: A waterproofing membrane comprising a structure incorporating a fiber layer and wherein to one side of said structure a bituminous mass is applied and another side of said structure is covered on its surface with a substance comprising a mineral or organic filler and an acrylic polymer, whereby said substance comprises between 15% and 25% by dry weight of said acrylic polymer and mixed therewith between 4% and 22% by dry weight of titanium dioxide.
Abstract: A laser system (10) for use in photonic excitation investigation of a target object, in which the target object interacts with incident photons and emits a corresponding photon which is detected and used to generate an image of the target object. The laser system (10) includes a pulsed fiber laser (14) for producing a laser beam, and a non-linear photonic crystal fiber (16) for carrying the laser beam from the laser (14) to an instrument (18) for photonically exciting the target object. The photonic crystal fiber (16) allows for switching, or tuning, the wavelength of the laser beam. In two-photon microscopy, the laser system (10) allows for providing multiple wavelengths for exciting a plurality of different fluorophores simultaneously. In coherent Raman imaging and spectroscopy, the laser system (110) allows for using a single laser to provide two laser beams of different wavelengths.
Abstract: A pet washing station apparatus in combination with a supply of water adapted for washing a domestic animal having a collar attached to a collar fastener extending from a leash secured to a basin sidewall extending from a basin bottom and ending at a basin upper lip. The upper lip is configured with plural compartments for receiving pet accessories. A converter integrated into the basin sidewall is included for converting the water supply for washing the domestic animal, the converter including an integrated heating source and a distribution system for receiving the water supply and distributing the converted water to the interior of the basin. The distribution system may include a water connector and a spray nozzle for conveniently distributing the converted water to the apparatus.
Abstract: An RFID tag (10) including a virtual short circuit using a stepped impedance transformation from an open circuit or other known impedance point to provide a reference signal to an integrated circuit (22). The stepped impedance transformer (28) does not consist solely of a quarter wavelength transmission line. The stepped impedance transformer (28) may consist of first and second transmission lines (30,32) having different lengths and widths. The RFID tag (10) may also include an impedance matching circuit (20) which does not consist solely of a three-section transmission line. The matching circuit (20) may include a shorting stub transmission line.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 14, 2006
Date of Patent:
March 17, 2009
Assignee:
The University of Kansas
Inventors:
Daniel D. Deavours, Karthik Narayanan Moncombu Ramakrishnan
Abstract: A device (10) and method for clamping or otherwise securing an esophagus between the crop and certain internal organs, including the viscera, and substantially simultaneously cutting or otherwise separating, or weakening for subsequent predictable separation, the esophagus at or near the clamped location, thereby avoiding pulling apart the crop and the resulting contamination of the carcass.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 6, 2007
Date of Patent:
March 10, 2009
Assignee:
Johnson Food Equipment, Inc.
Inventors:
William R. Sorensen, Michael S. Haines, Joshua Gillespie, Antoine J. H. Winkelmolen
Abstract: A method for the cationic polymerization of unsaturated biological oils (e.g., vegetable oils and animal oils) based on the cationic reaction of double bonds initiated by superacids is provided. The process occurs under very mild reaction conditions (about 70-110° C. and atmospheric pressure) and with short reaction times. The polymerized oils have a viscosity about 10 to 200 times higher than the initial oil and relatively high unsaturation (only about 10-30% lower than that of initial oils).
Abstract: A dental appliance for maintaining a separation between the occlusal plane surfaces of the posterior teeth in order to avoid or minimize the adverse effects of bruxism, especially while sleeping. The appliance comprises bitepad assemblies, side assemblies for adjustably receiving the bitepad assemblies, and a strap assembly for connecting the side assemblies. Bitepad cores are provided with solid projections and mechanical locks that enhance bonding with associated overmolds for improved durability. Side assembly flanges are divided to achieve independent flexibility and improved conformity for enhanced stability and comfort. A mesial area of the connecting strap assembly is thickened and rigidified to create a flare in the areas of the cuspid roots to minimize irritation and discomfort to the gum tissue.
Abstract: A system for automatically moving a vehicle's mirrors between open and closed positions in response either to a signal received from a remote transmitter or to an action normally taken in the ordinary course of operating the vehicle, and thereby avoiding damage to the mirror. The system includes the mirror, a motor for moving the mirror to the open and closed positions, and an onboard controller for automatically providing an actuation signal to the motor in response to the occurrence of an actuation condition which results from an action normally taken in the ordinary course of operating the vehicle. The system may also include the remote transmitter located in an area of close clearance to provide a signal which causes the onboard controller to provide the actuation signal.
Abstract: A method of making an internal nasal apparatus (10) configured to retain and deliver a quantity of compound within the nose of a user over a minimum period.
Abstract: The present invention provides an attachment for an operating table preferably including two base portions adapted to rest on the frame of an operating table, a frame portion adapted to support a tray within the sterile field during surgery, and at least two support portions extending upwards from the first and second base portions, respectively, in order to support the frame portion.
Abstract: A waterborne coating composition comprising a waterborne epoxy coating with hydraulic cement, which is capable of a thin initial application. The coating composition may be made, stored and transported as a two-part composition, where each part is a pourable liquid. The waterborne epoxy composition cures under normal conditions and adheres to surfaces including masonry, concrete and metal.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 20, 2004
Date of Patent:
October 14, 2008
Assignee:
Tnemec Company, Inc.
Inventors:
Remi Briand, J. Alisa Duncan, Yves Floriot, Jennifer S. McGreal
Abstract: A device (10) for retaining and associating an animal with a transport system during transport to and through one or more processing operations along a processing line. The device (10) includes a pivot mechanism (12) for reliably controlling the orientation of the animal during upward and downward travel on the transport system. More specifically, the device includes a lower portion (14) for retaining the animal, and an upper portion (16) for coupling with the transport system. The lower portion (14) is pivotably coupled with the upper portion (16) and movable between a rearward position in which the lower portion (14) and the upper portion (16) are in a substantially straight orientation relative to each other, and a forward position in which the lower portion (14) and the upper portion (16) are in a substantially angled orientation relative to each other in the forward direction.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 1, 2007
Date of Patent:
September 9, 2008
Assignee:
Johnson Food Equipment Inc.
Inventors:
Frank J. Criscione, II, William Randall Armstrong
Abstract: A tracking attachment (10) adapted and operable to facilitate measuring the alignment characteristics of the rear suspension of a vehicle, including tracking (thrust angle), offset, toe-in and toe-out, and length characteristics. The tracking attachment (10) broadly comprises an adjustment component (12); a bar component (14); one or more target components (16); an alignment component (18); one or more attachment components (20); a centering component (22); and a locking component (24).
Abstract: A stable, substantially clear and homogeneous fuel composition contains an additive comprising a nitrogen donor and carrier, the nitrogen donor being present in an amount sufficient to reduce the NOx emissions of the fuel when subject to combustion and the carrier being selected to render the nitrogen donor soluble and to give the additive a molecular weight compatible with the energy properties of the fuel.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 2, 2001
Date of Patent:
May 20, 2008
Assignee:
Interfacial Technologies (UK) Limited
Inventors:
Ian Vernon Williamson, Clifford James Hazel