Patents Issued in April 1, 2010
  • Publication number: 20100077926
    Abstract: The present invention includes: a rolled filter stretched between first and second winding shafts and, unused part of the filter being wound around the second winding shaft; a brush provided between the first and the second winding shafts so as to come into contact with a surface of the filter; a feeding mechanism for driving the first and the second winding shafts to take up or rewind the filter; and a feeding control unit for controlling the feeding mechanism. When activating a renewing operation for feeding unused part of the filter from the second winding shaft, the feeding control unit controls the feeding mechanism such that once the filter is taken up by the first winding shaft by an take-up amount La, the filter is rewound by the second winding shaft by a rewind amount Lb, and La and Lb satisfy a relationship La?Lb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shigekazu YAMAGISHI, Shingo OIDATE, Masato TANAKA, Mitsuru KOTAKA
  • Publication number: 20100077927
    Abstract: The invention relates to a brewing apparatus, in particular for coffee, comprising a drainage valve, which is located on the one hand in a brewing liquid path between a brewing liquid container and a brewing unit of the brewing apparatus and on the other hand, in a drainage liquid path between the brewing unit and an outlet of the brewing apparatus. In a brewing position of the drainage valve, the brewing liquid path is released and the drainage liquid path is blocked. The brewing apparatus is characterised by a drainage position of the drainage valve in which both the drainage liquid path and also the brewing liquid path are released and a decalcification position of the drainage valve in which the brewing liquid path is blocked and a decalcification liquid path is produced between the brewing liquid container and the outlet via the drainage valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Philipp Büttiker
  • Publication number: 20100077928
    Abstract: A cartridge containing one serving of coffee powder for preparing a coffee beverage comprises a cartridge body having a cup-like shaped lower portion and a cover portion; the cup-like shaped lower portion having a bottom portion and a upper region; and a lower filter element located inside the cup-like shaped lower portion between the coffee powder and the bottom portion; in which the interior of the cup-like shaped lower portion of the cartridge is provided with engaging means, and in which the lower filter element is provided with a peripheral edge portion engaging the engaging means for clampingly fix the lower filter element to the cup-like shaped lower portion of the cartridge. In the preferred embodiments the engaging means are constituted by a groove provided in the interior or the exterior of the cup-shaped lower portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: Cafitta System Spa
    Inventors: Arthur Schmed, Roberto Degli Esposti Venturi
  • Publication number: 20100077929
    Abstract: A bacon-cooking apparatus comprising a first slanted cooking surface, a second slanted cooking surface in substantially parallel planar relation with said first slanted cooking surface, wherein said second slanted cooking surface is removably attached to said first slanted surface and when attached to said first slanted surface rests on said first slanted surface to that flat strips of food placed on the first slanted surface will be appressed by the weight of the second slanted cooking surface. A third slanted cooking surface rests on said second slanted cooking surface in a fashion similar to how said second slanted cooking surface rests on said first slanted cooking surface. All cooking surfaces are slanted to provide some grease runoff into a trough beneath the lower slanted side of all cooking surfaces. The trough and device contain substantially no sharp corners that are likely to trap grease during cleanup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: George Young
  • Publication number: 20100077930
    Abstract: Modifications and improvements to an apparatus used for cooking food on a wide griddle surface, around which meal participants sit, selected from the group consisting of “teppan yaki tables.” The improvements detailed herein to the basic device render it suitable for home use and include safety features to prevent tipping and from aberrant flame behavior from a heat source. Also, a specialized griddle cover is provided for that converts the unit into a home bar. Also, substantial modifications to the basic system entail a method of construction wherein the entire unit can be “broken down” for storage or conversely reassembled in minutes, including a divided griddle surface. Finally, a rigid canopy, suspended over the griddle and table surfaces, for the purpose of mounting lights, audio speakers, other accessories, and for the sake of appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Troy Allen Bentz
  • Publication number: 20100077931
    Abstract: The machine (4) having an improved drainage grid (1) for compacting humid waste (2) comprises at least an Archimedes screw (7) which rotates internally of a containing structure (11) in which a support structure (13) is afforded for the grid (1). The drainage grid (1) comprises a perforated structure (16) shaped and connected in the fixed structure (13) in such a way as to maintain the perforated structure (16) continuously in contact with the helix (10) of the Archimedes screw (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: WAM S.P.A.
    Inventor: Massimo Passerini
  • Publication number: 20100077932
    Abstract: Methods and systems for flexographic printing are discussed. The methods include removing solvent from a material to be transferred from a donor substrate to a feature of a flexographic printing plate. Solvent is removed from the material prior to transfer to the feature, resulting in improved transfer of the material to the feature. The systems include solvent removal apparatuses for facilitating removal of solvent from the material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Mikhail L. Pekurovsky, Ryan T. Woldt
  • Publication number: 20100077933
    Abstract: A sheet-fed offset printing press for printing on both sides of sheets has a compact construction and permits a number of color separations to be printed over one another in recto printing or recto and verso printing in a flexible manner and with high print quality. A plurality of printing units, which are disposed behind one another, each include at least one form cylinder, a transfer cylinder, a first impression cylinder and an inking unit having at least one ink applicator roll associated with the form cylinder. A second impression cylinder, which interacts with the transfer cylinder and the first impression cylinder, is provided in at least one printing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: HEIDELBERGER DRUCKMASCHINEN AG
    Inventor: Thomas Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20100077934
    Abstract: A shell with a subcaliber penetrator, which has a conical tailpiece, and with a basically disk-shaped propulsion element, wherein the conical tailpiece has a frustum-shaped recess that is open towards the rear end. The propulsion element is joined with the penetrator, preferably by a screw connection (projectile fastening bolt. To this end, a bolt element joins the propulsion element and the penetrator in the area of the tailpiece and has a borehole that is open at the rear end, into which propellant charge gases flow when the shell is fired and cause rending of the bolt element and thus separation of the propulsion element from the penetrator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas HEITMANN, Klaus-Dieter FREUDENTHAL, Michael VAGEDES
  • Publication number: 20100077935
    Abstract: A weld-joining structure between an outer panel and an attachment is achieved, which is advantageous in terms of appearance, workability, and cost. To weld-join the outer panel and the attachments including, such as frame members and opening frames and opening frame members, which is a reinforcement or an interior or exterior member for use in the outer panel, the outer panel and the attachment placed on the outer panel are weld-joined by laser welding at overlapping portions of the outer panel and the attachment. The laser welding is performed along a polishing mark formed in one direction on an externally exposed-side surface of the outer panel and the attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: THE KINKI SHARYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroji Harada, Yoshinori Kono, Tomonori Sumikawa, Hiroshi Yonetani, Yasuhiro Tanaka, Eiichi Kato
  • Publication number: 20100077936
    Abstract: A pigment solution that an organic pigment is dissolved in a solvent, a poor solvent which decreases solubility of the organic pigment in the pigment solution to precipitate particles of the organic pigment, and a dispersant solution containing a dispersant in an organic solvent which acts as a good solvent to the organic pigment are merged in one merging region via each separate inlet flow channel and flowed out from the merging region through one single mixing flow channel, thereby producing particulates by directly dispersing particles precipitated in an aqueous medium comprising the pigment solution and poor solvent into an organic solvent medium containing the dispersant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Kazunori TAKAHASHI, Yoshiyuki Miyoshi
  • Publication number: 20100077937
    Abstract: A water base ink for ink-jet recording contains a coloring agent, water, a penetrant, and a surfactant, wherein the penetrant includes diethylene glycol n-hexyl ether (A), the surfactant includes an acetylene glycol-based surfactant (B1) and sodium polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate (B2), and (A), (B1), and (B2) are blended at ratios respectively to fulfill a predetermined condition. Accordingly, the water base ink for ink-jet recording is provided, which is excellent in the permeability, the vaporization characteristic, and the water repellence and which does not deteriorate any resin material forming a casing or the like of an ink jet recording apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Narumi Kawai, Hisako Tonishi
  • Publication number: 20100077938
    Abstract: A foamed cement composition is disclosed for utilization in performing a variety of well cementing operations, and to methods for making and using same. The foamed cement composition basically includes a cement, water sufficient to form a pumpable slurry, a gas sufficient to foam the slurry, a foaming agent and optionally a foam stabilizing agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Frank Zamora, Marilyn J. Bramblett, Sarkis R. Kakadjian, Ali D. Allison
  • Publication number: 20100077939
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise a method of making a construction board (also known as wallboard) and a device for making same. The resulting construction board is formed by mixing of at least magnesium oxide, magnesium chloride, and a binding agent into a slurry, adding particulized solid material while funneling the slurry, and extruding the slurry comprising the particulized solid material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Kathy Trout
  • Publication number: 20100077940
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an arrangement pertaining to an alarm-equipped valuable item storage space (1) that includes at least one device (10-13) for the storage of valuable documents, banknotes or the like, wherein a destructive agent (61) is intended to destroy the valuable documents (100) in response to a burglary attempt and/or manipulative action. In conjunction with the need to destroy said valuable documents, there is opened a destructive agent container (60, 63) such as to cause the destructive agent to move into a collecting vessel (50) within which a valuable document collecting device (30) is at least partially situated. The volume of destructive agent is such as to enable the collecting vessel (50) to accommodate the destructive agent (61) in the absence of overflow. The destructive agent container (60, 63) is placed above the collecting vessel (50) so that the destructive agent (61) will run or fall down into the collecting vessel when an alarm is triggered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Kjell Lindskog
  • Publication number: 20100077941
    Abstract: This disclosure includes a system and method of controlling fuel combustion including providing a system, measuring a property, and providing oxygen and fuel in response to the property. The system includes a furnace arranged and disposed to receive fuel and oxygen and combust the fuel and the oxygen to form a combustion fluid, a plurality of heat exchanger sections arranged and disposed to receive heat from the combustion fluid, and a plurality of oxygen injectors arranged and disposed to controllably provide oxygen to the combustion fluid to adjust composition of the combustion fluid and temperature of the combustion fluid. The property measured is selected from the group consisting of temperature of the combustion fluid, composition of the combustion fluid, temperature of the heat exchanger sections, and combinations thereof and is performed in close proximity to the oxygen injectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Daniel D'Agostini
  • Publication number: 20100077942
    Abstract: The disclosure includes a combustion system including a primary reactor arranged and disposed to receive a solid fuel and a first oxygen stream and deliver a first substantially gaseous product and a substantially solid or molten product, a secondary reactor in fluid communication with the primary reactor, and a furnace in fluid communication with the secondary reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Daniel D'Agostini, Jeffrey William Kloosterman
  • Publication number: 20100077943
    Abstract: A combustion system having a furnace arranged and disposed to receive solid fuel and oxygen and combust the solid fuel and oxygen to form a flue gas. The system includes a heat exchanger arrangement arranged and disposed to receive heat from the flue gas, where the heat exchanger arrangement has a predetermined heat exchange capacity. A water injection arrangement is arranged and disposed to provide water to the flue gas to controllably adjust the flue gas mass flow rate and temperature to provide the predetermined heat exchange capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Boyle Fogash, Xianming Jimmy Li
  • Publication number: 20100077944
    Abstract: A precombustor having a chamber having a first end and a second end, and an inlet configured to deliver a substantially parallel flow of solid fuel surrounded by oxygen at the first end. The first end further includes a recirculation step and the second end fluidly communicates with a furnace. The inlet and the recirculation step are arranged to form a recirculation zone of at least a portion of the solid fuel and the oxygen. A combustion system and method for operating a combustion system are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Aleksandar Georgi Slavejkov, Xiaoyi He, Mark Daniel D'Agostini, Reed Jacob Hendershot
  • Publication number: 20100077945
    Abstract: An oxy/coal combustion system and method include a furnace arranged and disposed to receive and combust a first solid fuel to form a combustion fluid, a convective section having one or more inlet devices, the convective section arranged and disposed to receive and combust a second fuel in the presence of the oxygen, and one or more heat exchangers arranged and disposed to exchange heat with the combustion fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Reed Jacob Hendershot, Aleksandar Georgi Slavejkov, Mark Daniel D'Agostini, Kevin Boyle Fogash, Jeffrey William Kloosterman
  • Publication number: 20100077946
    Abstract: An oxy/fuel combustion system having a furnace arranged and disposed to combust a fuel to form a combustion fluid. The system further includes a convective section having at least one heat exchanger arranged and disposed to exchange heat between the combustion fluid and steam for use in a steam turbine. A flue gas recycle is arranged and disposed to recycle at least a portion of the combustion fluid as a recycled flue gas, the flue gas recycle having at least two expellant locations downstream of a primary combustion zone. The system includes a flow control mechanism that provides controlled amounts of the recycled flue gas to the at least two expellant locations to control temperature of the steam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventor: Mark Daniel D'Agostini
  • Publication number: 20100077947
    Abstract: A method of combusting sulfur-containing fuel in a circulating fluidized bed boiler includes the steps of (a) feeding sulfur-containing fuel into a furnace of the circulating fluidized bed boiler, (b) combusting the fuel with oxidant gas consisting essentially of pure oxygen and circulated exhaust gas, so as to form exhaust gas having carbon dioxide and water as its main components, and (c) feeding calcium carbonate containing material into the furnace so as to capture sulfur dioxide into calcium sulfate in the furnace. The temperature in the furnace is maintained above 870° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: FOSTER WHEELER ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Horst Hack
  • Publication number: 20100077948
    Abstract: A seed meter has a housing forming a seed-holding supply chamber and an outlet chamber and a thin feed wheel rotatable in the housing about an axis and formed centered on the axis with an annular array of radially outwardly open and axially throughgoing seats each dimensioned to hold a respective seed. Structure in the housing is positioned to prevent seeds from moving radially outward from the respective seats in the supply chamber but not in the outlet chamber. A pressure differential is applied across the wheel to move seeds in the supply chamber into the seats so that the seeds are expelled from the seats in the outlet chamber. The seeds are fed, one at a time into a seed conduit and/or to a conveyor for transfer to the seed conduit or to the down pipes of the seed coulters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas HORSCH
  • Publication number: 20100077949
    Abstract: In a sewing machine for covering chain stitch according to the present invention, a thread push member is mounted on a top cover shaft which drives a cover thread looper, and the thread push member is arranged on the cover thread guide. When swinging backward in association with a movement of the cover thread looper, the thread push member pushes the top cover thread passing through a guide hole of the cover thread guide, forcibly moves the top cover thread and keeps the top cover thread near a back end of the guide hole. The top cover thread is arranged at a predetermined position on a surface of a cloth without being affected by a force from the needle thread, and a covering chain stitch can stably be formed with the excellent appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Takayuki HAYASHIDA
  • Publication number: 20100077950
    Abstract: A sewing machine is provided. The sewing machine includes a needle, a feed dog which feeds a workpiece in a feeding direction, a stitching motor which vertically moves the needle, a needle swinging motor which swings the needle in a direction orthogonal to the feeding direction, a memory in which basic coordinate data of basic buttonhole stitches having a basic stitching width is stored, an input device from which a stitching width is input, and a control device which creates a modified coordinate data based on the basic coordinate data and the stitching width input from the input device, and controls the stitching motor and the needle swinging motor based on the modified coordinate data to form buttonhole stitches having the stitching width input from the input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: JUKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasunori ISHII
  • Publication number: 20100077951
    Abstract: A series of pattern indicia are detachably affixable to multiple blocks of fabric in accordance with a formatting sequence that encodes an overall decorative pattern of a patchwork quilt top. A method of piecing the blocks to form the quilt top uses the pattern indicia to keep track of the position of each block in the decorative pattern, so that the pattern layout may be disassembled to facilitate sewing the blocks together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Paula Raimondo
  • Publication number: 20100077952
    Abstract: An assembly for covering an opening of a vehicle, and particularly a boat, comprising a base frame having a pair of guide rails with a stop at a forward end and a continuous peripheral sealing surface; a movable panel slidably attached to the guide rails and configured to substantially cover the opening in a closed position, the panel having a sealing surface that substantially conforms to the base frame peripheral sealing surface in the closed position; the slidable panel attachment comprising a pair of mirror image slide assemblies on a front panel portion and a pair of mirror image rear brackets on a rear panel portion; the rear brackets being pivotably attached to the guide rails; and the slide assemblies having a panel raising mechanism comprising a drive slide and a locator disposed within guiderails, and a raising lever disposed between the drive slide and the guide rails and configured to raise the panel to an open position, a closing position, and a sealing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: WEBASTO AG
    Inventor: Martin de Waal
  • Publication number: 20100077953
    Abstract: A watercraft bumper has an elongate body. The elongate body has a generally C-shaped cross-section. A protrusion extends from one of the end portions of the cross-section and extends towards the other end portion. A watercraft having the bumper is also disclosed. The watercraft has a lip over which the bumper is disposed. The lip has a depression formed in an upper side thereof. The protrusion of the bumper is disposed in the depression and is biased against the upper side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Richard SIMARD, Jonathan LAUZIER
  • Publication number: 20100077954
    Abstract: A marker post system for marking the location underground pipelines includes marker post holder which removably holds a marker post. The marker post holder is configured for releasable connection with an underground tube. Removal of the holder from the tube provides manual access to the interior chamber of the tube to facilitate cleaning the interior chamber and removing a broken segment of a marker post which otherwise would be difficult without digging up the tube. A substantially watertight seal is preferably provided between the holder and marker post to prevent water from entering the interior chamber of the underground tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: UTILITY PIPELINE, LTD.
    Inventor: David J. Eigel
  • Publication number: 20100077955
    Abstract: A cable identifier system including an attachment plug at each end of the cable configured to provide cable tracking capabilities. The attachment plug is configured to include a rotatable device which is rotated through a series of numbers or letters until a desired alphanumeric symbol is designated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Vincent J. Lee
  • Publication number: 20100077956
    Abstract: A process for applying particulates to a large number of comestible cores during the production of comestible cores so as to have a generally uniform application of particulates on each coated core involves the steps of placing a batch of comestible cores in a coating apparatus; applying aliquots of coating syrup while the cores are tumbled in the coating apparatus to build up a coating on the cores; dividing a predetermined total amount of the particulates to be applied to the coated cores into at least three portions of approximately equal size; and applying each of the portions of particulates to the coated cores simultaneously from multiple, spaced apart, particulate distributors in the coating apparatus while the coated cores are being tumbled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Julius W. Zuehlke, Kevin M. Fistek, Roger C. Parrish, Michael P. Russell, Eugeniusz Kowalewski
  • Publication number: 20100077957
    Abstract: A frosting dispenser apparatus including a rotatable platform is described. The frosting dispenser apparatus comprises a body having a base and a pedestal, a rotatable platform is connected with the base and configured to rotate a baked good. Further, a dispenser is connected with the pedestal. The dispenser is located above the rotatable platform. The frosting dispenser apparatus is formed to be easy to use for a child. Additionally, the present invention includes a frosting dispenser apparatus kit which includes a frosting dispenser apparatus, a frosting, a baking mix, a mixing container, a mixing utensil, and a baking container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerhard Runkin, Peter Santaw, Anthony Rogers
  • Publication number: 20100077958
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus suitable for cleaning a roll coating machine is described, the cleaning apparatus having one or more rolls and including: a cleaning means; and a support chassis for supporting the cleaning means adjacent the one or more rolls. A roll coating machine is also described, which includes a cleaning apparatus, comprising a cleaning means; and a support chassis for supporting the cleaning means adjacent the one or more rolls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Arthur Fitch
  • Publication number: 20100077959
    Abstract: A virtual coatings application system realistically simulates airless spray painting. The system generally includes a display screen on which is defined a virtual surface that is intended to be virtually painted or coated by the user. The user operates the instrumented airless spray gun controller which is instrumented with a tracking device and an electronic on/off switch for the trigger. The system also has a motion tracking system that tracks the position and orientation of the airless spray gun controller with respect to the virtual surface defined on the display screen. Simulation software generates virtual spray pattern data in response to the setup parameters and the position and orientation of the airless spray gun controller with respect to the virtual surface. Virtual spray pattern images are displayed in real time on the display screen in accordance with the accumulation of virtual spray pattern data at each location on the virtual surface. The primary purpose of the system is to enhance training.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Jeremiah G. Treloar, Christopher A. Lampe, Jason M. Ebensberger, Michael J. Bolick, John Whiting, Richard J. Klein, II, Eric C. Peterson, Chad J. Zalkin, Warren C. Couvillion, JR., Stephen R. Gray
  • Publication number: 20100077960
    Abstract: A system for demarcating an area comprises a movable demarcating element, and a control system for determining the magnitude and/or the moment of a next move of the movable demarcating element. The system furthermore comprises one or more observation devices for observing an entity near the movable demarcating element, such as a position of a dairy animal or an amount of grass in the area. The observation devices are operatively connected to the control system for transmitting a signal from the observation means to the control system. The control system is designed to receive and process the signal from the observation means to determine the magnitude and/or the moment of the next move of the movable demarcating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: MAASLAND N.V.
    Inventors: Karel Van Den Berg, Iwan Yves Vlaar, Jan Marinus Van Kuilenburg
  • Publication number: 20100077961
    Abstract: Pet furniture embodiments including one unit that is a bunk when in one orientation and which can be disposed in another orientation forming a nestable enclosure and another unit that includes a maze that can be of multi-level or multi-tiered construction. Assemblies and methods are disclosed for tool-less assembly including one unit utilizing a first tool-less latching arrangement for assembling walls and a second tool-less latching arrangement for assembling a platform upon which a pet can perch, rest or lay to walls when assembled and another unit with hingedly connected walls that include a pair of opposed walls formed by wall sections also hingedly joined enabling the walls to be unfolded from a compact stack during assembly to form a platform-supporting frame that can include one or more integrally formed passages that permit a pet to explore underneath the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: John M. Lipscomb, Stanley L. Suring
  • Publication number: 20100077962
    Abstract: An inflatable bed is filled with a fluid, whether it is a gas or a liquid, a desirable, in order to form a comfortable bed. The durable pet bed has at least two layers of bullet resistant fabric therein, with a fluid chamber therein protected on all sides by the bullet resistant fabric layers and capable of receiving a gas, fluid, gel, or liquid to provide comfort and safety for the pet using the bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Margherita Arvanites
  • Publication number: 20100077963
    Abstract: A pet feeding system is disclosed that includes a dish configured to regulate intake of food by a pet, such as a cat. The dish has a housing in cooperation with a food-dispensing receptacle that dispense food into a food-receiving chamber within the housing permitting a pet to access food in the chamber through at least one food access port that only permits part of the pet to reach within the housing to get some food. The food-dispensing receptacle can be a bowl that can be integrally formed as part of the housing and can also be a food-holding container that seats in the bowl. A cap is provided that can cover food in the bowl or container preventing a pet from accessing the food.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: John M. Lipscomb, Stanley L. Suring
  • Publication number: 20100077964
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an ornamental pond fish feeding indicator that has a housing with an indicator end. A first LED is enclosed in the housing at the indicator end of the housing. A second LED is also enclosed in the housing at the indicator end of the housing. A temperature sensing circuit is enclosed in the housing. The temperature sensing circuit transmits a signal to the first LED and the second LED. A float is attached to the housing. Using this invention, a pond owner can simply glance at his or her pond and determine whether or not to feed their fish based on the color of the light on top. The light on top of the indicator is red when pond water is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If the pond water is 50 degrees or over, the light is green.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: James Donald Koskey, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100077965
    Abstract: An avian hut includes a plurality of walls, each wall having an upper edge and a lower edge and coupled to at least one other of the plurality of walls, the plurality of walls together defining an avian hut interior and an avian hut exterior, the lower edges together defining an opening open to the environment, and at least one of the plurality of walls defining a notch shaped to accept a perch secured to an interior of a bird enclosure thereby allowing the perch to extend from the exterior of the avian hut into the interior of the avian hut. A securing device is operable to removably secure the plurality of walls within a bird cage and the notch above the perch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: CRAZY K POULTRY AND LIVESTOCK, LLC
    Inventor: Tobi Kosanke
  • Publication number: 20100077966
    Abstract: A cross piece socket assembly includes a first resting bracket spaced from a second resting bracket. The cross piece socket assembly further includes at least one hoop support. The hoop support includes a hoop anchor portion selectively engageable with one of the first and second resting brackets. First and second arms extend from the hoop anchor portion. A cradle socket is fixed between the first and second arms, and the cradle socket is configured to secure the cross piece bar within the cradle socket where the cross piece bar is struck with an impact force less than an impact force capable of causing a horse or rider to fall. When repositioning the cross piece bar at a different height the hoop anchor portion is disengaged from the first resting bracket and moved to the second restring bracket with the cross piece bar continuously secured in the cradle socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Cynthia Lois Hinds Horrocks
  • Publication number: 20100077967
    Abstract: The pet harness with restraint includes a rigid lateral bar or rod attached across the shoulder strap of a harness. The bar serves to prevent the animal from escaping between the vertical uprights of a fence or similar enclosure. The harness preferably comprises a pair of foreleg loops, a chest strap interconnecting the foreleg loops, and a pair of connecting straps that extend from the loops over the shoulders of the animal. Alternatively, the harness may comprise a collar portion and a body-encircling strap joined by longitudinal chest and dorsal straps. The bar may be permanently attached across the shoulder or dorsal straps of the harness, but is preferably removable to provide a versatile harness. The bar may be attached to the harness by snap fasteners, by insertion into a sleeve attached to the harness, etc. The harness may include elastic sections therein to provide greater adjustment for growing pets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Maureen E. Matusak
  • Publication number: 20100077968
    Abstract: A heat transfer system having a a radiant source, a first heat exchanger configured to permit a first fluid to flow therethrough, and a thermal shield configured to provide controlled radiative heat from the radiant source to the first exchanger. The radiant source is a flame. The thermal shield is a second heat exchanger configured to permit a second fluid to flow therethrough or a non-contact thermal shield fabricated from a material arranged to provide controlled radiative heat exposure from the radiant source to the first exchanger. Oxy/coal combustion systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Reed Jacob Hendershot, Xiaoyi He, Jeffrey William Kloosterman, Michael Joseph Hibay, Aleksandar Georgi Slavejkov
  • Publication number: 20100077969
    Abstract: A method of storing water at two temperatures, the method comprising: providing a tank divided into first and second chambers; storing water in the first chamber at a first temperature; storing water in the second chamber at a second temperature; heating water in the second chamber when the second temperature is below a predetermined second value; pumping water from the second chamber to the first chamber when the first temperature is below a predetermined first value, the first values being less than the second value; and permitting water flow from the first chamber to the second chamber while pumping water from the second chamber to the first chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: AOS HOLDING COMPANY
    Inventors: Gary S. Threatt, Howard C. Holliman, Robert E. Olson, David L. Stricker
  • Publication number: 20100077970
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling exhaust steam temperatures from a finishing superheater are provided. In certain embodiments, the system includes a controller which includes control logic for predicting an exhaust temperature of steam from the finishing superheater using model-based predictive techniques (e.g., based on empirical data or thermodynamic calculations). Based on the predicted exhaust temperature of steam, the control logic may use feed-forward control techniques to control the operation of an inter-stage attemperation system upstream of the finishing superheater. The control logic may determine if attemperation is required based on whether the predicted exhaust temperature of steam from the finishing superheater exceeds a set point temperature as well as whether the inlet temperature of steam into the finishing superheater drops below a set point temperature of steam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rajeeva Kumar, Darrin Glen Kirchhof, Gordon Raymond Smith, William George Carberg
  • Publication number: 20100077971
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine, such as a direct injection compression ignition diesel engine, includes an engine housing having a plurality of cylinders and a plurality of fuel injectors associated one with each of the cylinders. The fuel injectors each include a first fuel inlet and a second fuel inlet, and an actuator subassembly which is configured to actuate a control valve assembly positioned within the fuel injector. The engine further includes a fuel system having a fuel supply circuit, and a cooling system for the actuator subassembly having a cooling circuit with a segment in common with a segment of the fuel system. The cooling system is configured to pass cooling fuel across a heat exchange interface of the actuator subassembly to exchange heat therewith. The actuator subassembly may include a piezoelectric actuator and a preloading spring, which are each fluidly sealed within a casing of the actuator subassembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Jayaraman K. Venkataraghavan, Michael C. Long, Shriprasad Lakhapati, Stephen R. Lewis, Amy M. Hess
  • Publication number: 20100077972
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine that includes a crankcase having a crankcase pressure defined within the crankcase relative to an ambient pressure. The crankcase pressure varies in response to operation of the internal combustion engine. A crankcase pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the crankcase, and the crankcase pressure regulator includes a first passageway defining a first flow path, a second passageway defining a second flow path in a parallel arrangement to the first passageway. When the crankcase pressure is less than a first predetermined pressure, the first valve moves to the open position to allow a fluid flow into the crankcase through the first passageway. When the crankcase pressure is greater than a second predetermined pressure, the second valve moves from the closed position to the open position to allow a fluid flow from the crankcase through the second passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: DELTAHAWK ENGINES, INC.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Doers
  • Publication number: 20100077973
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a valve and an actuator. The valve has a portion movably disposed within a valve pocket defined by a cylinder head of an engine. The valve is configured to move relative to the cylinder head a distance between a closed position and an opened position. The portion of the valve defines a flow opening that is in fluid communication with a cylinder of an engine when the valve is in the opened position. The actuator is configured to selectively vary the distance between the closed position and the opened position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Charles E. PRICE, Howard E. Moore, Kelly E. Stephenson
  • Publication number: 20100077974
    Abstract: A continuously variable valve lift device may include a vibration link having one end eccentrically and rotatably coupled to a rotation shaft, a rocker arm having a middle portion pivotally coupled to the other end of the vibration link, an advance lever having one end coupled to the one end of the rocker arm to select advance or delay, a swivel cam link having one end pivotally coupled to the other end of the rocker arm, and a swivel cam, one end of which is pivotally coupled to the other end of the swivel cam link and the other end of which is pivotally coupled to a stationary shaft to open and close a valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jei Choon YANG, Eun Ho Lee, Young Hong Kwak, Ki Young Kwon, Jin Kook Kong, Soo Hyung Woo, Jin Soon Kim, Kyoung Joon Chang
  • Publication number: 20100077975
    Abstract: A switchable bucket tappet for a valve drive of an internal combustion engine, which has a bucket basic body with a ring-like base. A hollow-cylindrical projection protrudes from an inner edge of the base, and in the bore of the projection an inner body extends. Two coupler pistons lie opposite one another and, to achieve a full valve stroke, engage in sections with a driver surface of the bucket basic body which run in a radial hole of the inner body. A zero valve stroke is achieved when the coupler piston is displaced completely into the radial hole of the inner body, which is baseless and free of contact with a cam. The projection has a window-like aperture, with the underside acting as the driver surface for an upper side of the coupler piston during coupling. The region of the base is an approximately symmetrical and continuously thin-walled formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Lucia Hinkovska, Sandra Schaefer, Lothar Von Schimonsky, Norbert Nitz, Mario Kuhl, Michael Haas