at Cash handling system, cash handling method, management unit and cash accounting apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT There is provided a cash handling system capable of reliably storing sales proceeds and the like stored in a cash settlement apparatus into a cash accounting apparatus. A cash management system 1 includes a cash settlement apparatus 11, a cash accounting apparatus 21 and the cash transport cassette 30. The cash settlement apparatus 11 and the cash accounting apparatus 21 have reading units 157, 257, respectively, which are configured to read out cassette ID information from a memory unit 35 of the cash transport cassette 30. In addition, the cash management system 1 further includes: a management unit 26 having a depositing judgment unit 26A configured to judge whether cash in the cash settlement apparatus 11 to be received by the cash transport cassette 30 can be deposited into the cash accounting apparatus 21 or not; a guide apparatus configured to guide information from the management unit 26; and a comparison unit 27 configured to compare the cassette ID information read out by the reading unit 257 of the cash accounting apparatus 21 and the information from the management unit 26. Full Article
at Self-service kiosk validator bridge By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Apparatus and methods for a self-service kiosk (“SSK”) validator bridge are provided. The SSK may include a bridge linking a dispenser and a validator. The bridge may be configured to transfer a tangible item from the validator to the dispenser. The validator may examine the tangible item prior to a dispensing of the tangible item to a SSK customer. The tangible item may be retracted by the dispenser. The bridge may transfer the tangible item from the dispenser to the validator. The SSK may include an acceptor. The bridge may link the acceptor to the validator. The bridge may be configured to transfer a deposit from the acceptor to the validator. The validator may examine the deposit. Full Article
at Molded gap seal apparatus with inward pointing fibrillations By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A cover for the gap in an automobile automatic gear shift assembly is presented. The gap cover is formed from a single molded housing with inward pointing fibrillations. These fibrillations act as fingers to cover the hole created when the multi position mechanism is moved from one position to another. The fibrillations are assisted back to their original position through (1) physical properties of the advanced polymeric substance used to mold the housing and (2) through the interactions of assisting tabs formed on the back side of the fibrillations, which act as springs. Full Article
at Top cover having a patterned gasket fixing region, disk drive apparatus, and method of manufacturing top cover By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A top cover for use in a disk drive apparatus includes a plate made of a metal and a gasket fixed to the plate. The gasket is made of an elastomer. A surface of the plate includes a fixing region to which the gasket is closely adhered. The fixing region includes a plurality of ridges and in plan view a plurality of filamentous projections extending from each of the plurality of ridges. The plurality of ridges are arranged in the fixing region to increase a surface area of the fixing region. The plurality of ridges and the plurality of filamentous projections extending from each ridge are distributed over the fixing region. Full Article
at Reductant delivery unit for automotive selective catalytic reduction with gasket anti-deposit shielding structure By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A reductant delivery unit (10) includes a fluid injector (12) and a flange (20) coupled with the fluid injector. An exhaust boss (28) has a surface (39) defining a through-hole (40) that communicates with a vehicle's exhaust flow path. The flange is coupled to a mounting surface such that the outlet of the fluid injector communicates with the exhaust flow path so as to control injection of urea solution into the exhaust gas flow path. A gasket (32) is sandwiched between the flange and the mounting surface. The gasket has a surface (37) defining a through-hole (38) therein that communicates with the through-hole in the exhaust boss to permit the urea solution to pass from the fluid outlet to the exhaust flow path. Gasket shielding structure (44) covers the surface defining the through-hole in the gasket to prevent the urea solution from contacting the gasket. Full Article
at Regulating flap arrangement By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A regulating flap arrangement (1) in a flange connection (2) between a turbine housing of a two-stage exhaust-gas turbocharger and an exhaust manifold of an engine, having a regulating flap plate (5) which is pivotable between an open position and a closed position for opening and closing a connecting opening (6) arranged in the flange connection (2); having an insert ring (7) which is arranged in the connecting opening (6); and having a sealing arrangement (8), wherein the sealing arrangement (8) has two V-rings (8A, 8B), of which a first V-ring (8A) is arranged in a first groove (9) provided adjacent to the connecting opening (6), and the second V-ring (8B) is arranged in a second groove (10) which is arranged, spaced apart radially outward from the first groove (9), in the flange connection (2). Full Article
at Seal assembly for a pressure plate in a blowout preventer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A seal assembly for sealing a pressure plate against an opening in a blowout preventer body has a seal groove formed in the pressure plate and a seal in the seal groove. The seal groove has a first groove portion adjacent to a sealing face of the blowout preventer, and a second groove portion extending past the sealing face into the opening of the blowout preventer body. The seal has a first seal portion in the first groove portion and a second seal portion in the second groove portion. Full Article
at Redundant seal apparatus and method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus includes a rotatable shaft having a shaft surface and a first seal disposed in a sealing engagement with the shaft surface. At least a second seal is disposed in a first position relative to the rotatable shaft where the second seal is not in sealing engagement with the shaft surface and is movable to a second position relative to the rotatable shaft where the second seal is in sealing engagement with the shaft surface. Full Article
at Low-friction seal ring with inexpensive diamond coating By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention refers to a seal ring for a mechanical seal, comprising: a base body (2) with a diamond layer (3) which is applied to the base body (2) and configured as a sliding surface, wherein the diamond layer (3) has a thickness (D) which is less than or equal to 4 μm, particularly less than or equal to 3 μm, particularly less than or equal to 2 μm, particularly preferably about 1 μm, and wherein the base body (2) is without fissures or only comprises fissures that have a maximum longitudinal extension (L) on a surface of the base body (2) or in the base body (2) that is less than or equal to 5 μm. Full Article
at Apparatus and methods for temporarily sealing a pipe By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Apparatus and methods for temporarily sealing a pipe including apparatus and methods for creating a temporary airtight seal at the open end of a pipe in a plumbing or refrigeration system. One such apparatus includes a body, grommet, washer, and a nut. Multiple airtight seals are created including a first primary seal between an exterior of the pipe and the grommet and a secondary seal between the open end of the pipe and the washer. The grommet does not require teeth and the apparatus does not require adhesive, sealant, or any other type of similar materials. Use of the apparatus and methods greatly minimizes and/or eliminates the potential for marring or otherwise distorting the open end of the pipe, thereby facilitating reuse of same. Full Article
at Stator seal structure in uniaxial screw pump By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT There is provided a stator seal structure in a uniaxial eccentric screw pump by which the abrasion resistance of sealing mechanisms is improved and the pumped fluid can be prevented from stagnating in the sealing mechanisms. The stator seal structure is provided with a pair of sealing mechanisms for sealing between a housing and an intake side end portion, and between the housing and a discharge side end portion of the stator. The pair of sealing mechanisms is provided with ring-shaped secured rings respectively secured to the housing. The secured rings are respectively attached with elastic bodies for ensuring contact pressures between the sliding seal surface of the stator and the sliding seal surface of the secured rings with the elastic forces of the elastic bodies and for sealing between the secured rings and the housing. Full Article
at Apparatus and method for providing wellbore isolation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An actuatable wellbore isolation assembly comprising a housing generally defining an axial flowbore and comprising a mandrel portion, a first end portion, and a second end portion, a radially expandable isolating member positioned circumferentially about a portion of the housing, a sliding sleeve circumferentially positioned about a portion of the mandrel of the cylindrical housing, the sliding sleeve being movable from, a first position in which the sliding sleeve retains the expandable isolating member in a narrower non-expanded conformation to a second position in which the sliding sleeve does not retain the expandable isolating member in the narrower non-expanded conformation, and an actuator assemblage configured to selectively allow movement of the sliding sleeve from the first position to the second position. Full Article
at Packing seal for reciprocating pump By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A packing seal for a reciprocating pump of the type typically used in connection with oil and gas drilling operations is described. Generally, the seal includes a rigid L shaped cartridge that carries an outer wiper and an O-ring on an exterior wall and a recessed seal body on an interior wall. The recessed seal body is of dual durometer, and its lower portion is constantly urged against the cylinder wall in self-sealing fashion. The seals, cartridge and wiper may be formed from rigid and/or non-rigid materials having low coefficients of friction and physical properties comprising low abrasion and wear resistance. The seal provides an improved self-lubricated unitary seal that is convenient to replace in the field regardless of the torque delivered to the gland nut of a packing box, which contains the seal. Full Article
at Seal and associated sealing arrangement By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A seal including a tubular carrier body (1) and two annular sealing elements (2, 3), wherein the carrier body (1) on both sides of its front face is respectively enclosed by one of the sealing elements (2, 3) on the side of its outer perimeter forming a seal. At least one of the sealing elements (2, 3) is made of a non-elastomeric high-temperature resistant sealing material. Full Article
at Apparatus and system for sealing submersible pump assemblies By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus, system and method for sealing an electrical submersible pump assembly are described. An electric submersible pump (ESP) system for pumping solid-laden fluid comprises a thrust chamber of an ESP seal section, the thrust chamber sealed from well fluid on a downstream side by a stationary sand barrier and on an upstream side by a mechanical seal, the thrust chamber further comprising, a rotatable shaft extending axially through the thrust chamber, a head tubularly encasing the thrust chamber and threadedly coupled to a centrifugal pump intake, and a diamond-coated hydrodynamic bearing set inside the thrust chamber, wherein well fluid enters and exits the chamber through cross-drilled apertures in the head of the chamber, and wherein the well fluid forms a hydrodynamic film between the bearing set. Full Article
at Side seal for linear guide apparatus and linear guide apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A side seal for a linear guide apparatus including a guide rail, a slider, and a plurality of rolling elements includes seal members formed of different materials, a holder plate and covers. Both seal members have recesses formed in a first face of a base and fitted with a protrusion of the holder plate. Both seal members have respective lips directed in opposite directions separated from each other. A tip of the lip of the first seal member is formed to have a shape in plane contact with the face of the guide rail. A tip of the lip of the second seal member is formed to have a shape in line contact with the face of the guide rail. Full Article
at Oil-lubricated anti-friction bearing By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An oil-lubricated anti-friction bearing is provided for a horizontal arrangement of a rotational axis with a shaft seal that separates a bearing inner chamber, which accommodates rolling bodies, from a bearing outer side, and has a clamping arrangement which acts on the shaft seal from a bearing outer side in order to fix the shaft seal axially. The clamping arrangement has an outlet for oil. Full Article
at Zero emissions reciprocating pump By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A sealing system for a pump having a plunger includes a housing having an internal chamber adapted to receive a portion of the plunger. Primary and secondary seals are located within the internal chamber and adapted to sealingly engage the plunger. The primary seal communicates with the fluid being pumped. A barrier fluid chamber contains a barrier fluid in contact with the primary seal and the secondary seal. A pressure referencing device has an inlet port in communication with the pumped fluid and an outlet port providing fluid at a pressure magnitude equal to a peak pressure of the pumped fluid. A pressurizing device is in communication with the fluid at the peak pressure and the barrier fluid to maintain the barrier fluid pressure at a magnitude greater than the peak pressure of the pumped fluid such that the pumped fluid is restricted from leaking past the primary seal. Full Article
at Sealing arrangement for sealing a piston rod of a reciprocating compressor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Due to increasingly strict requirements and regulations, it is becoming more and more important for piston compressors to reduce the amount of leakage of operating medium through the seal of the piston rod. Conventional seals comprising packing rings and/or packing ring combinations always have a certain amount of leakage, both during operation and when at standstill, which is why they are not usable for certain applications, or the complexity involved in such a seal increases considerably. A further problem involving the seals of piston rods relates to transverse movements by piston rods during which the sealing action of the seal must be maintained. Proposed is, therefore, a sealing arrangement according to the principle of a sealing medium barrier providing that the sealing elements 8, 9 are arranged in radial direction at a distance relative to the radial end of the recess 10 that receives the sealing elements 8, 9. Full Article
at Ceramic collars for active brazing in sodium-based thermal batteries By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present application provides for ceramic collars and metal rings for active brazing in sodium-based thermal batteries. The ceramic collar may be an alpha-alumina collar configured for active brazing, and thereby sealing, to outer and inner Ni rings for use in NaMx cells. The portions of the alpha-alumina collar active brazed to the outer and inner Ni rings may be outwardly facing and include inwardly extending recesses. The portions of the outer and inner Ni rings active brazed to the outwardly facing portions of the collar may be inwardly facing. The alpha-alumina collar may include a greater coefficient of thermal expansion than each of the outer and inner Ni rings, and the alpha-alumina collar and outer and inner Ni rings may be configured such that a portion of the outer and inner Ni rings is deformed into the inwardly extending recesses of the alpha-alumina collar after active brazing thereof. Full Article
at Radial shaft seal for separating two media By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A radial shaft seal for separating two media includes two radial shaft sealing rings each including an axial surface and a sealing lip. The sealing rings are disposed with the axial surfaces facing one another and the sealing lips axially opposed to one another with a space between the sealing lips including a vent. At least one of the sealing rings includes clamping cams configured to grip an inner rim of the other sealing ring so as to join the sealing rings in a form-locking, rear-engaging position relative to each other. Full Article
at Bearing isolator assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Jun 2015 08:00:00 EDT A bearing isolator assembly comprises an inner support member, an outer support member, a resilient member, an elastomeric ring, and a support cap disposed over a bearing surface defined by the inner support member or the outer support member. A path of travel is defined between the inner support member and the outer support member. The resilient member is disposed between the inner support member and the outer support member and is configured to resist compression between the inner support member and the outer support member within a first portion of the path of travel. The outer support member defines a ring envelope, in which the elastomeric ring is disposed. The inner support member defines a ring compression surface, and the elastomeric ring is configured to resist compression between the ring compression surface of the inner support member and the ring compression surface of the outer support member within a second portion of the path of travel. Full Article
at Air baffles in railroad tunnels for decreased airflow therein and improved ventilation and cooling of locomotives By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a system and method for decreasing airflow and improving ventilation within a tunnel, such as a railroad tunnel, including a path for movement of a vehicle (e.g., train) therethrough. The system has a plurality of air baffles mounted within the tunnel, each device comprising a body and a mounting device. Each mounting device positions each body inside and along the length of the tunnel between the entrance and the exit. The air baffles are configured to restrict airflow at least in part in a longitudinal direction of the tunnel, thereby increasing a relative difference between a vehicle speed and air speed in a tunnel annulus when the vehicle passes through the tunnel. The restriction (e.g., decrease) of airflow in the tunnel reduces the piston effect resulting from the vehicle or train passing through, thus reducing emissions and heat generated by the locomotives in the tunnel. Full Article
at Airflow control apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An adjustable blocking arrangement for electronic hardware or computer racks, for preventing the undesired leakage of air through rack spaces not filled with hardware. An airflow control device is provided comprising a flexible web and a magazine adapted to receive the part of the flexible web that is not deployed. The device is adapted such that a length of the web may be deployed to sealingly block a space in the rack that is not filled with hardware modules, to prevent the flow of air through the space. The device may comprising a detection system adapted to detect the space in the rack that is not filled with hardware modules, and a processing system adapted to receive a signal from the detection system, and as a function of the signal to automatically deploy or retract the flexible web so as to sealingly block the space. Full Article
at Fluid line having a resonator By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A fluid line includes a resonator having an inner part and a blow-molded outer part defining an inner surface. The inner and outer parts are fixedly connected. The inner part is an injection-molded part having first and second radial collars spaced axially apart from each other. The inner part defines a radial circumference with a plurality of orifices formed therein. The inner and outer parts are axially one within the other so that there is no throughflow of secondary air between the first and second radial collars and the inner surface of the outer part. The inner and outer parts have a common end whereat they are airtightly connected to each other. The inner part, the radial collars and the inner surface of the outer part conjointly define two resonant chambers operatively connected to fluid in the fluid line via the orifices. Full Article
at Multi-layer assembly with retention feature By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A multi-layer assembly, such as a sound damping metal laminate used in the automotive industry, having first and second rigid layers and an adhesive layer in between. A retention feature in the form of a raised embossment may be formed in one or more of the rigid layers and may be located near a fastening hole, which accommodates a nut and bolt or some other type of fastening device. The retention feature may impart rigidity and improved stiffness to the multi-layer assembly in the area surrounding the fastening hole, and it may also create a space between the rigid layers that is generally devoid of adhesive from the adhesive layer. This, in turn, can improve the long term performance of the multi-layer assembly by addressing issues such as compression set, spring back and/or stress relaxation. Methods of manufacture and other embodiments are also provided, including ones that accommodate multiple fastening holes, have discontinuous retention features, and use welds in place of nuts and bolts, to name a few. Full Article
at Positioning an input transducer for an earpiece based upon dynamic data By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The attenuation and other optical properties of a medium are exploited to measure a thickness of the medium between a sensor and a target surface. Disclosed herein are various mediums, arrangements of hardware, and processing techniques that can be used to capture these thickness measurements and obtain dynamic three-dimensional images of the target surface in a variety of imaging contexts. This includes general techniques for imaging interior/concave surfaces as well as exterior/convex surfaces, as well as specific adaptations of these techniques to imaging ear canals, human dentition, and so forth. Full Article
at Digital communication system for loudspeakers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A communication system for communicating with at least one loudspeaker is described where the loudspeaker is connected to audio equipment over standard two-wire speaker wire operable to carry an audio signal. The communication system includes a master node in electrical communication with a signal path carrying the audio signal between the audio equipment and the loudspeaker, the master node also including an interface with the audio equipment, a data encoder operable to encode data signals, a data transceiver operable to place the data signals onto the audio signal at frequencies above audio frequencies. The communication system also includes at least one slave node in electrical communication with the audio signal and each loudspeaker, the slave node including a data transceiver operable to receive data signals from the master node, a data decoder, and an interface able to communicate with the loudspeaker. Full Article
at Deghosting using measurement data from seismic sensors By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Measurement data is received from first and second seismic sensors, where the first and second seismic sensors are oriented in opposite directions. Each of the first and second seismic sensors has a sensing element responsive to pressure and particle motion. The signals can be combined to remove the particle motion component of the measurement data and obtain pressure-only data. Alternatively, the signals can be combined to deghost the received measurement data. Full Article
at Bone conduction device having an integrated housing and vibrator mass By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A bone conduction hearing aid device comprising a vibrator configured to vibrate in response to sound signals received by the device. The device further comprises a housing mass forming a housing for one or more operational components of the device, wherein the housing mass is attached to the vibrator so as to move in response to the vibration. The device also comprises a coupling configured to attach the device to a recipient so as to deliver the generated mechanical to the recipient's skull. Full Article
at Muffler equipped with catalytic converter By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A muffler is capable of stably supporting the catalytic converter in a muffler box with a pair of partitions. The muffler box includes first and second box halves joined together with open surfaces thereof abutting each other, and first and second partition plates interposed between the first and second box halves and overlapping each other to separate inside of the muffler box into first and second silencing chambers and define a third silencing chamber between the first and second partition plates, one end opening of a cylindrical holding tube housing and holding the catalytic converter is connected to the exhaust inlet pipe, the pair of partition plates support the holding tube in such a way as to wrap an outer peripheral surface thereof, and another end opening of the holding tube is communicated with the exhaust outlet pipe through the first, second, and third silencing chambers in this order. Full Article
at Image forming apparatus having a member for forming an image By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An image forming apparatus includes a drive source configured to drive a member for forming an image on a recording material, a frame of the image forming apparatus including a planar portion on which the drive source is mounted, wherein a plurality of through holes is formed on the entire planar portion of the frame, and a sheet member configured to cover at least a portion of the plurality of through holes. Full Article
at Electro-pneumatic sound alarm By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Herein described is an electro-pneumatic sound alarm, to be fitted on a two or four wheeled vehicle, constituted by an electro-compressor (2), having the function of drawing atmospheric air, compressing it and conveying it to an acoustic group (3). Such sound alarm (1) is characterized in that the electro-compressor (2) and the acoustic group (3) are mutually held by means of removable fit-coupling; furthermore, the coupling elements are rigid and integral with the aforementioned two components (FIG. 1). Full Article
at Coating and its manufacturing process By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A coating composition has a natural fiber-bearing dry matter mixture, as well as cellular plastic grains, mixed into water. By spreading this composition onto any base, particularly by spraying, and by hardening it, particularly through drying, the coating is formed from the coating composition, which coating provides extremely good acoustic properties. If a special fiber base plate based on chemical pulp is used as the base of the coating, the plate-like acoustic element is obtained. Full Article
at Sound-absorbing member lamination structure By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT There is provided a sound absorbing member lamination structure in which the functions by the sound field adjustment can effectively be achieved by preventing the sound reflection against an intension of design in a boundary between the sound absorbing member and the other layer, when the sound absorbing member and the other layer are laminated into a united body. When the sound absorbing member and the other layer are placed in a stacked state, they are bonded with the use of a pressure-sensitive adhesive, so that the sound absorbing member and the other layer are combined together, with the pressure-sensitive adhesive kept uncured in a stacked state of the sound absorbing member and the other layer. Thus, such an uncured pressure-sensitive adhesive does not become a reflection portion of a sound. It is therefore possible to cause the sound to pass through appropriately the boundary between the respective layers. Full Article
at Sound absorption material and method of manufacturing sound absorption material By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Described embodiments relate to a method of manufacturing a sound absorption material. The method comprises: forming a low density fibrous web to act as porous bulk absorber, the fibrous web containing a proportion of bi-components fibers, each bi-component fiber having a core material and a sheath material around the core material; applying a thin facing later to the low density fibrous web, wherein the facing layer is adhesively compatible with the sheath material; heating the fibrous web to a temperature sufficient to soften the sheath material of at least some of the bi-component fibers; and pressing the facing layer and fibrous web together under low pressure such that at least part of the facing layer contacts the softened sheath material of at least some of the bi-component fibers to form an adhesive bond between the facing layer and the fibrous web. Full Article
at Optimized pattern of a damping layer for wall, floor, and ceiling constructions By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An acoustic damping article includes a substrate, wherein the substrate has a surface area S. The acoustic composition further includes a polymer resin. The polymer resin coats partially the surface area with a set of areas. The ratio of the coated areas over the surface area S is less than 1 and the polymer resin coverage is not greater than about 500 g/m2. Full Article
at Neutrally-buoyant borehole investigation tools and methods By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Neutrally-buoyant tools for seismic data collection are provided that may range from several hundred meters to several kilometers in length and have integrated sensors which move along with the borehole fluid in response to a passing seismic wave. The disclosure also provides methods of deploying neutrally-buoyant tools, which includes using a tractor, adding a weight or both to the tool in order to overcome the difficulty of lowering a neutrally buoyant tool into a borehole, and optionally occasionally clamping the tool to the borehole to alleviate tension in the tool. This disclosure also provides methods of acquiring seismic data, which involves positioning a neutrally-buoyant tool in a borehole such that the tool is able to move relatively freely along with the borehole fluid in response to a seismic wave passing through the fluid, firing a seismic source, and using the sensors to collect seismic data generated thereby. Full Article
at Broadband flex joint isolator for acoustic tools By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An acoustic attenuator assembly for an acoustic tool for performing acoustic investigation of a subterranean formation is disclosed. The acoustic attenuator assembly includes a first end portion (205) and a second end portion (210) having a bore therethough to enable passage of an electrical line. The acoustic attenuator assembly further includes a fiber portion (230) disposed between the first and second end portion so that the fiber portion attenuates at least a portion of acoustic energy when the acoustic energy is received by one or both of the first (205) and second (210) end portions. The fiber portion (230) includes a continuous flexible portion that allows relative deflection of the first (205) and second (210) end portions. Full Article
at Hybrid silencer with gas-liquid separating function in fuel cell system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A hybrid silencer in a fuel cell system includes an expansion chamber connected to a predetermined apparatus of the fuel cell system, where the expansion chamber reduces acoustic noise of a fluid discharged from the predetermined apparatus, a water-absorber disposed inside the expansion chamber, where the water-absorber absorbs a liquid component of a fluid which flows into the expansion chamber; and a perforated silencer which discharges the fluid from which the liquid component is removed by the water-absorber while reducing acoustic noise of the fluid discharged therefrom. Full Article
at Coaxial passive radiation monomer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A coaxial passive radiation monomer apparatus is disclosed. In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is disclosed a dynamic speaker monomer combined with a passive radiator in a single unitary structure located in spatial proximity with respect to one another to thereby and further comprising an elastic material at the base of the speaker assembly for enhanced and optimized resonance frequencies for the active and passive components of the overall device. Full Article
at Dog vest with integrated flexible bumper By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A vest can be worn by a visually impaired pet, such as a dog, to help the pet navigate without hurting themselves by bumping into walls or objects. The vest includes plastic tubing with wire woven therein. The tubing is shaped like a halo that surrounds the front and sides of the pet's head. Should the visually impaired pet run into an object or wall, the halo will hit before their head hits and the pet will turn away before injuring themselves. The vest can be worn about their torso with their front legs fitting in leg holes of the vest. The vest can be adjustable to fit a range of pet sizes. The halo can also be adjustable to provide safe navigation of the pet. Typically, the vest is designed for dogs, but other visually impaired pets or animals may benefit by using the vest. Full Article
at Animal identification system and related method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system for identifying an animal comprises an identification tag/transponder device surgically implanted into tissue of the animal and a scanning unit. As the animal passes in a vicinity of a scanning unit, the system causes the identification device to send a signal to a receiving portion of the scanning unit, and processes the signal, and identifies the animal from the signal. The system is of particular benefit to veterinary surgeries in assisting their smooth operation. Full Article
at Method for using a rat guard By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A rat guard and method utilizing a flexible shield affixed to a plastic sheath positioned on a mooring line to prevent entry onto or exit from the ship by vermin. An electric grid is positioned on an insulated pad on the sheath which is electrically connected to the shield for receiving power from an acoustical generator also connected to the shield and spaced therefrom. The acoustical generator directs ultrasonic acoustic signals in a variable frequency range toward the shield to frighten rats or other vermin therefrom. Should the acoustical signals not deter the vermin, the electric grid will shock any vermin making contact therewith to cause harm and frighten. The shield provides another obstacle to prevent advancement and is affixed to the sheath on the mooring line. The shield is flexible and remains in place during high winds and other adverse weather conditions. Full Article
at Absorbent composition for mitigating fecal odor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention is directed towards an absorbent composition and its method of production and use. More specifically, the present invention relates to an absorbent composition comprising a liquid absorbing material, at least one alkaline earth metal peroxide, and an acidic material. The acid maintains a high hydrogen peroxide release profile under acidic conditions, such that the composition is found surprisingly effective in mitigating fecal odor. Full Article
at Animal keeping installation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Animal keeping installation comprising a floor (11) provided with a mat (12) on which the animal treads when setting foot on the floor (11) and which mat (12) is arranged to be intermittently propelled by a drive roll (13) placed internally in relation to the mat (12), wherein the drive roll (13) is connected to and mounted in bearing journals (15) for rotation about its center axis in a pendulum (14) which allows the drive roll (13), on the one hand, to bear against the inner side of the mat (12) and, on the other hand, to be released from the said bearing contact in dependence on the position of the pendulum (14), and wherein the drive roll (13) is connected to a drive member (18, 19, 51, 62) for driving the roll (13) at least into a position where the drive roll (13) bears against the mat (12). Full Article
at Method of a cattle foot-bath system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for a cattle foot-bath system, specifically adapted to mix and charge foot-bath troughs with repeatably precise quantities of chemical treatments. The system administers a concentrated medicinal agent, such as a bactericide, a fungicide, or a viruscide, for the treatment of cattle feet, and includes a day-tank feed valve, which may be a three-way or interlocked valve, for controlling an infeed flow of the concentrated medicinal agent fed into a day tank, which may be mounted to a portable tote-tank containing the concentrated medicinal agent. A day-tank drain valve controls an outlet flow of the concentrated medicinal agent drained from the day-tank, and the day-tank holds a set quantity of the concentrated medicinal agent. A footbath then receives a quantity of dilution water and the set quantity of the concentrated medicinal agent from the day-tank. Full Article
at Method and system for enhancing growth and survivability of aquatic organisms By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for enhancing the production of aquatic organisms under cultivation, including the steps of exposing the aquatic organisms to a submerged illumination source inside water of a rearing unit; and maintaining illumination in the rearing unit for a rearing period. Full Article
at Apparatus for preventing entanglement of a pair of lines fed from separate reels By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A multi-reel, line-handling apparatus can include a housing, a shaft located within the housing, the shaft defining a shaft axis, a first reel located within the housing, the first reel rotatably mounted to the shaft about a first reel axis angled with respect to the shaft axis, and a second reel located within the housing, the second reel rotatably mounted to the shaft about a second reel axis angled with respect to the shaft axis. The first reel and the second reel can be rotatable with respect to the housing about the shaft axis. Full Article
at Animal watering system with improved electrical isolation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system and method for monitoring and mitigating leakage currents is disclosed. The data acquisition system records data from multiple monitoring locations over extended periods of time to identify stray voltage and/or leakage currents present at the monitoring location. The data is processed to identify trends in the stray voltage and/or leakage currents and to suggest methods for mitigating the same. Full Article