ar Traveling wave air mattresses and method and apparatus for generating traveling waves thereon By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An air mattress apparatus includes an air mattress which comprised of an array of air bladder cells that are individually inflatable to quiescent pressure levels which provide comfortable support for the body of a human, and a pressure-pulse generator controlled by a wave sequence generator for introducing into ordered patterns of air bladder cells a wave-like time sequence of air pressure pulses which vary quiescent pressure levels in the cells, the pressure wave resulting in a traveling wave of support force variation which travels over the surfaces of the pulsed air bladder cells, thus inhibiting formation of bedsores. The wave pattern may optionally simulate water waves and/or rocking motions of a boat to produce relaxing effects. Full Article
ar Backboard for an automated CPR system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A backboard for an automated cardio pulmonary resuscitation system, said backboard comprising a board element, the board element defining a plane and having a top edge, a bottom edge a first side edge and a second side edge; a set of connectors adapted for connection of the backboard to an automated cardio pulmonary resuscitation unit, said connectors being provided at said side edges; and at least one set of stabilizing elements extending away from an edge and transversely to said plane. Full Article
ar Patient positioning device primarily developed for stereotactic body radio surgery (SBRT) By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides a patient positioning device, which enables the latest advances in Stereotactic Radiation Therapy. The geometry, which incorporates at least one window or lateral cut-out, is designed to allow clear treatment access to the patient during non-coplanar treatment regimes through the use of windows or lateral cut-outs. A laterally positionable diaphragm compression device allows the full use of the geometry. The development of a stand-alone device and a couch top insert device allows for a maximum number of protocol methods while minimizing the skin surface radiation dose to the patient. Full Article
ar Play yards and methods of operating the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Play yards and methods of operating the same are disclosed. A disclosed example includes a collapsible upper frame, a collapsible lower frame, and posts to support the upper frame above the lower frame. The posts include respective tracks. The example also includes a foldable, frameless enclosure operatively coupled to the upper frame, the lower frame and the posts. The enclosure has a plurality of sides and a bottom to define an enclosure volume. The enclosure also has a plurality of corner beads dimensioned for receipt in a respective one of the tracks to secure the enclosure to the posts. Full Article
ar Cushioning structures for body parts By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention discloses a body cushioning pad, a body contact mat and a multi-layered cushioning structure composed of the body cushioning pad and the body contact mat. The cushioning pad consists of a plurality of foam blocks, each provided with an internal cavity having a predetermined size and shape to control the firmness of the block and means for maintaining the foam blocks as a unit. The body contact mat is a bi-dimensional latticed structure of spaced-apart studs made of a compressible material linked together by flexible linking elements. The multi-layered cushioning structure comprises both the cushioning pad and the body contact mat, and a wrapper to wrap the cushioning pad and the contact mat together. Full Article
ar Infant care accessory comprising combination diaper bag and changing mat with fluid barrier By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An infant care accessory comprising a combination diaper bag and changing mat. The accessory comprises a body having a two side panels and a center panel. When the side panels are upright, the body forms a diaper bag. When the side panels are opened flat with the center panel, the body forms a diaper changing mat. The inside surface of the body is made of fluid impermeable material, and a fluid barrier is positioned along the center panel. The fluid barrier may be a strip of absorbent material. When a baby is placed lengthwise on the opened out body with the center panel positioned at about the baby's waist, urine and other body fluids will be blocked or absorbed by the fluid barrier and will not travel up under the baby's back and head. A removable accessory pouch may be included for carrying diapers, lotion, powder, and other changing essentials. Full Article
ar Universally adjustable pillow for use in healthcare and therapy By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A universally adjustable pillow for use in healthcare and/or therapy includes a base board (1), and pillows for, respectively, right lateral recumbency (4), supine recumbency (2), left lateral recumbency (5) and for the neck (3) that are arranged on said base board (1). The pillows for left and right lateral recumbency (5,4) each include an external cushion, a mechanism enabling adjustment to fit vertebral curvature (52, 42), a mechanism enabling adjustment to inhibit too great an angle of lateral tilt (53, 43) and height adjustment members (51, 41). The longitudinal axes of the pillows for left and right lateral recumbency (5, 4) are set an angles α and β to the longitudinal axis of the pillow for supine recumbency (2). Full Article
ar Hippa privacy infectious control screen for gurneys and other mobile transportable beds for emergency and other inter and intra healthcare facility transfers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A movable privacy screen includes a plurality of privacy screen segments that are attachable to a bed or gurney. The plurality of screen segments include at least first and second screen segments. Each of the first and second screen segments include a first support pole, a second support pole and a coupler. The first support pole has a variable length to permit the first support pole to move between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The second support pole has a variable length to permit the second support pole to move between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The coupler movably couples the first and second support poles to the bed in a spaced relation to permit the first and second support poles to move between an upstanding use position and a lowered storage position. A fabric-like screen member is coupled to each of the first and second support poles. The fabric-like screen member is sized to extend between the first and second support poles, and is movable between a raised use position and a lowered storage position. Full Article
ar Person support apparatuses with selectively coupled foot sections By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Person support apparatuses with selectively coupled foot sections are disclosed. In one embodiment, the person support apparatus includes a base frame, a primary support frame supported on the base frame, and a foot section coupled to the primary support frame. The person support apparatus also includes a carriage that is freely translatable between a head end of the primary support frame and a foot end of the primary support frame, the carriage comprising a torso portion and a seat portion having a thigh segment and a gluteal segment. The person support apparatus further includes a selectable trunnion that selectively and severally couples the foot section to the primary support frame and the thigh segment of the seat portion. Full Article
ar Patient support apparatus and also a positioning method for positioning a patient's head within a surgical head restraint unit By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A patient support apparatus having a support table, a transfer plate, which is disposed movably in relation to the support table in a direction and on which a patient is supported for a surgical intervention and/or a medical imaging examination, and a surgical head restraint unit, which is disposed on the transfer plate is provided. The patient support apparatus includes a position monitoring apparatus for monitoring and/or checking a position of the surgical head restraint unit. Full Article
ar Cellular cushions including support material and methods of fabricating same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A cellular cushion includes a base, a plurality of hollow cells, and support material. The base includes at least a first layer and a second layer. The plurality of hollow cells are coupled to, and extend outward from, only one of the first layer and the second layer. Each of the plurality of cells extends from a root defined at only one of the first layer and the second layer outwardly to an outer end. The plurality of cells are coupled together in flow communication via a plurality of channels extending between the cells. The support material is inserted within at least one of the hollow cells. The second layer coupled to the first layer such that the support material is between an inner surface of said at least one of the hollow cells and the second layer. Full Article
ar Modular walls incorporating recessed, extendable furniture By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Jul 2015 08:00:00 EDT A modular wall includes a plurality of inter-connectable and interchangeable wall modules. At least one of the wall modules includes a recessed, extendable piece of furniture, such as a bed, desk, table, work surface or chair. When in a closed configuration, the furniture folds into or otherwise resides within a recessed pocket in the modular wall. When in the closed configuration, the outer surface of the furniture forms an exterior surface of the wall module; thereby, concealing the furniture seamlessly into the modular wall. The exterior surface can comprise one or more exterior interchangeable tiles. Full Article
ar CAR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A car management system includes, for example, a second terminal generating first and second tokens in response to a request from a first terminal to use a vehicle, and sending the first token to the first terminal; and a third terminal authorizing the first terminal to use the vehicle by generating an access key that provides authority to use the vehicle using the first token and the second token in response to a request from the first terminal for the access key, and providing the generated access key to the first terminal. Full Article
ar WIRELESS ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM INCLUDING CLOSED DOOR POSITION AND INTERIOR AREA REMOTE ACCESS WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE BASED LOCK SWITCHING AND RELATED METHODS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A wireless access control system may include a remote access wireless communications device and a lock assembly to be mounted on a door. The lock assembly may include a lock, a door position sensor, interior and exterior directional antennas, lock wireless communications circuitry, a touch sensor, and a lock controller. The lock controller may be configured to unlock the lock based upon the touch sensor, determine when the door is closed after being opened based upon the door position sensor, determine whether the remote access wireless device is in an interior or an exterior based upon the directional antennas, switch the lock to the locked position when the door is closed and when the remote access wireless device is in the interior, and not switch the lock to the locked position when the door is closed and when the remote access wireless device is in the exterior. Full Article
ar SECURITY SYSTEM, MANAGEMENT APPARATUS, PERMISSION APPARATUS, TERMINAL APPARATUS, SECURITY METHOD AND PROGRAM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT At the time of setting authority, a management apparatus stores a database in which authority information corresponding to authority to physically drive a drive apparatus, which is a tangible object, using a terminal apparatus, and registration identification information corresponding to a subject that is given the authority are associated, and outputs information representing any of the registration identification information; and a permission apparatus receives and stores the information. At the time of exercising the authority, the terminal apparatus outputs information representing identification information, and the permission apparatus receives the information and, when the identification information corresponds to registration identification information comprised in setting information, outputs information representing authority exercise information required to exercise the authority. The terminal apparatus receives the information representing the authority exercise information and outputs a drive signal corresponding to the authority exercise information. By this drive signal, a drive apparatus, which is a tangible object, is physically driven. Full Article
ar WIRELESS ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM INCLUDING CLOSED DOOR POSITION AND EXTERIOR AREA REMOTE ACCESS WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE BASED LOCK SWITCHING AND RELATED METHODS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A wireless access control system may include a remote access wireless communications device and a lock assembly to be mounted on a door. The lock assembly may include a lock, a door position sensor, interior and exterior directional antennas, lock wireless communications circuitry, and a lock controller. The lock controller determine whether the lock is manually unlocked, determine when the door is closed after being opened based upon the door position sensor, and determine whether the remote access wireless device is in an interior or an exterior based upon the directional antennas. The lock controller may also switch the lock to the locked position when the door is closed and when the remote access wireless device is in the exterior, and not switch the lock to the locked position when the door is closed and when the remote access wireless device is in the interior. Full Article
ar APPARATUS, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR CONTROLLING FUNCTIONS OF A VEHICLE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Apparatuses, methods and computer programs for controlling functions of a vehicle. The apparatus for an information system of a vehicle includes a communication module for communication with a mobile device and a control module for controlling the communication module. The control module obtains a key signal and information about a user profile from the mobile device via the communication module. The user profile includes user settings for functions of the vehicle. The information about the user profile includes data about at least one subset of the user settings. The control module controls a locked state of the vehicle based on the key signal and controls at least one subset of the functions of the vehicle based on the information about the user profile. Full Article
ar Firearm Alarm By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The Firearm Alarm is a pressure-plate activated alarm switch to provide a functional and operational response to handguns being handled in a home. The design of the Firearm Alarm allows for mobility and placement in almost any type of setting. The alarm is a high decibel alarm that can access any part of most homes, even through closed doors and walls. The Firearm Alarm also allows for a tiered defense of a firearm such as using it in conjuncture with trigger locks and weapon safes. Full Article
ar MULTI SPECTRAL DETECTION DEVICE INCLUDING AN ACOUSTIC ARRAY, A PROTECTION SYSTEM, AND RELATED METHODS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A multi-spectral detection device is provided that includes a housing, a bezel spacer, a microphone, an end cap and electro-optical sensors mounted to the end cap. The housing has an inner chamber that holds sensor components. The bezel spacer has a first end and an opposed, second end. The first end of the bezel spacer extends from a first end of the housing. The bezel spacer has a central bezel passage leading to the inner chamber of the housing. The bezel spacer further has at least four side walls. Each side wall is positioned 90 degrees away from an adjacent side wall. A microphone is coupled to each side wall of the bezel spacer in such a manner that each microphone is faced 90 degrees with respect to an adjacent microphone to form a compact acoustic array. The end cap is coupled to the second end of the bezel spacer and the electro-optical sensors are mounted to the end cap. Full Article
ar CEILING MOUNT INTRUSION DETECTOR WITH ARBITRARY DIRECTION DETECTION CAPABILITY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A ceiling mount intrusion detector with arbitrary direction detection capability is provided. The detector can include a pyroelectric sensor and a unitary Fresnel lens such that the unitary Fresnel lens includes a first piece of a first full Fresnel lens and a second piece of a second full Fresnel lens and such that the first piece and the second piece are spliced together. Due to the dimensions and location of the unitary Fresnel lens relative to the sensor, the sensor can output a signal indicative of an alarm condition when an object passes in front of the lens at any angle relative to the sensor. Full Article
ar METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING SENSOR DATA OF DETECTED OBJECTS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method for detecting, by a system including at least one processor, a presence of an object from sensor data generated by a sensor device, retrieving, by the system, from a memory device a plurality of profiles biometrically descriptive of approved objects, asserting, by the system, an alarm responsive to determining from the sensor data that the detected object is not biometrically correlated to any of the plurality of profiles, classifying, by the system, the detected object as an authorized object responsive to determining from the sensor data that the detected object is biometrically correlated to at least one of the plurality of profiles, and notifying, by the system, at least one neighboring device responsive to asserting the alarm or responsive to classifying the detected object as the authorized object. Other embodiments are disclosed. Full Article
ar Security Prejudgment based on Characteristic Information By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An example method of security prejudgment based on characteristic information include receiving characteristic information of a monitored party from the monitored party, calculating security status information of the monitored party based on a probability of danger that has been stored and corresponds to the characteristic information of the monitored party, determining that the security status information is greater than a first threshold, performing an appropriate operation based on the determination. Accordingly, the technical solution of the present disclosure solves a problem that presetting of monitoring conditions cannot cover potential surrounding risks that result in a safety hazard. Further, the technical solution can monitor risks that are not reflected by spatial information. After identifying and warning based on the characteristic information, potential risks may be avoided before occurring without wasting data traffic. Full Article
ar WIRELESS PATIENT CARE SYSTEM AND METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A patient care system and a corresponding method that provide patient monitoring. The system includes a server, at least one patient communication device, and at least one caregiver communication device. The communication devices send receiving signals and notifications wirelessly to/from the server, and may be adapted to be worn on a user's wrist. Notifications can be sent to the caregiver communication device to notify the user to provide care to a patient in response to a patient request for assistance based on defined conditions, which may be proximity based. The server may track all received and sent notifications and may provide analytics of this information to improve quality of healthcare in a facility. Full Article
ar MAGNITUDE BASED ALARM FLAP DETECTION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A flap detector can detect significant flapping with magnitudes of state deltas (i.e., differences between values representing events or states). The flap detector aggregates monotonic state deltas. Aggregating monotonic state deltas yields a magnitude of monotonic state deltas. A magnitude of a series of same direction state deltas can be considered the magnitude of flap because the end of the series corresponds to a beginning of a state delta series in a different direction. When directional transition occurs (i.e., flapping occurs), the flap detector generates multiple monotonic state delta magnitudes. The determined magnitudes can be used to filter out insignificant flapping that could be considered noise. Full Article
ar Glucose Meter with Alarm By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A glucose meter with an adjustable alarm and an integral wireless transmitter to send a user a reminder to take a second glucose level measurement. The glucose meter with an alarm features a housing with a display and input buttons connected to a microprocessor. The housing has a slot designed to accept a strip with a sample of blood. A glucose level sensor within the housing is adapted to measure the glucose level of the blood sample. After the measurement is taken, an alarm is set to activate after a predetermined period of the time, reminding a user to take a second glucose level measurement. The alarm can be an auditory or a vibrating alarm. Additionally, the wireless transmitter is designed to send an email or text message to a user as a reminder to take a second glucose level measurement. Full Article
ar System and Method for Determining Parking Infraction By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Various embodiments are described herein for methods and systems for managing a parking area. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a parking authorization request from a parking lot user, the request specifying a parking stall identifier corresponding to a parking stall occupied by the user's vehicle, the request further specifying a parking duration parameter identifying a time duration the user's vehicle can occupy the stall; determining a parking duration rule for the stall based on the parking duration parameter, the rule indicating a parking expiration time; at a first time, receiving a first data associated with the parking stall identifier, the first data comprising an occupancy parameter indicating a presence or absence of a parked vehicle at the identified stall; if the occupancy parameter indicates a presence of a parked vehicle, generate a citation alert for the stall if the first time exceeds the parking expiration time. Full Article
ar Maintenance Decision Support System and Method for Vehicular and Roadside Applications By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method and system are provided in which maintenance vehicles collect information from sensors and operators, forward the collected information to a server, and, is response, receive maps and operator instructions. Full Article
ar ENERGY SAVING COMBUSTION DEVICE FOR BURNING REFRACTORY HAZARDOUS GAS AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 13 Apr 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a combustion device 100 for burning refractory hazardous gases and a burning method for the combustion device. More particularly, the combustion device 110 for burning refractory hazardous gases, which is provided in a scrubber system 1 for burning waste gases, the combustion device 110 includes: a first porous body 141; a second porous body 142; and an igniter for forming a flame surface 143 at the interior of the combustion device 110, wherein the flame surface 143 formed by the igniter is located between the first porous body 141 and the second porous body 142, and so as to form the flame surface 143, at least one of the first porous body 141 and the second porous body 142 is moved to conduct excess enthalpy combustion. Full Article
ar SYSTEMS, APPARATUS, AND METHODS FOR TREATING WASTE MATERIALS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 27 Apr 2017 08:00:00 EDT Systems and methods for a pyrolytic oven for processing waste include multiple zones associated with multiple independently-controlled heating sources. The pyrolytic oven may have multiple sensors also associated with each zone. The pyrolytic oven may also include a fuel management system which adjusts a power level of each heating source for each zone independently based on a reading of the corresponding sensor. Full Article
ar METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR STARTING AN INTERMITTENT FLAME-POWERED PILOT COMBUSTION SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 27 Apr 2017 08:00:00 EDT A flame powered intermittent pilot combustion controller may include a first power source and a second power source separate from the first power source, a thermal electric and/or photoelectric device, an igniter and a controller. The thermal electric and/or photoelectric device may charge the first power source when exposed to a flame. The controller and the igniter may receive power from the first power source when the first power source has sufficient available power, and may receive power from the second power source when the first power source does not have sufficient available power. Full Article
ar Flare Pilot with Water Accumulation Evacuation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 11 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT A flare pilot assembly has inner and outer tubes, defining inner and outer passages. A manifold delivers air and fuel to the outer passage. A bleed off passage directs a portion of the fuel and air entering the manifold to the exterior of the manifold. A diversion port in the inner tube diverts into the inner passage a portion of the air and fuel flowing through the outer passage. An electrical sparking device ignites air and fuel flowing through the inner passage. An evacuating tube extends from the manifold through the inner passage to the distal portion of the inner tube. The evacuating tube conveys moisture that may accumulate at the distal portion of the inner passage through the bleed off passage to the exterior. Full Article
ar Burner For The Combustion Of Particulate Fuel By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 18 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT This invention relates to a burner (1) for burning a suspension of solid fuel in oxygen containing gas. A portion of the suspension is passed through a first conduit (10) which contains a bluff body (12) and helical vanes to impart turbulence and swirl to the suspension. A further portion of the suspension is passed through a second conduit (40) which is coaxial with the first conduit. Means for varying the relative sizes of each portion are provided. The arrangement allows improved fuel/air mixing, flame shape, heat transfer and control of NOx emissions. Full Article
ar THERMALLY-PROTECTIVE MATERIAL AND COOL-TOUCH CANDLE ASSEMBLIES PREPARED THEREWITH By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 25 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to materials and systems useful for increasing the safety profile of a candle. In particular, the present invention provides a thermally-protective material that is useful to prepare labels or wraps to encircle or surround a candle. The present invention further provides a cool-touch thermally-protected candle assembly. Full Article
ar ASYMMETRICAL UNIPOLAR FLAME IONIZER USING A STEP-UP TRANSFORMER By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 25 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system and method for electrically charging a combustion flame with a power supply. Full Article
ar Rotary Flame Heater By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT This invention relates to a rotary flame heater, comprising a burner, a first wind wheel, a second wind wheel and a glass tube set in sequence from bottom to top; one side of the burner is set with an ignition device, the first wind wheel and second wind wheel are annular, a plurality of first air inlet passages are aslant set on a side wall of the first wind wheel, a plurality of second air inlet passages are aslant set a side wall of the second wind wheel, the inclined direction of the plurality of first air inlet passages is the same with that of the second air inlet passages. The advantage of this invention is to make full use of the combustion space, increase the contacting area with the glass tube and increase the calorific value when burns the same gas, which achieves a better heating effect. Full Article
ar METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DIFFUSE COMBUSTION OF PREMIX By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method directs fuel-oxidant premix into a reaction zone through a first total premix inlet flow area, and causes the premix to combust and form a stable flame projecting into a process chamber through an outlet from the reaction zone. At a time when the process chamber has a temperature at or above an auto-ignition temperature of the fuel, the flame is blown off to initiate diffuse combustion in the process chamber without a stable flame. The flame is blown off by directing the premix into the reaction zone through a second total premix inlet flow area greater than the first total premix inlet flow area. Full Article
ar FIRE STARTER By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A fire starter includes a casing made from a first material a first material having a first time associated therewith that defines a length of time that the casing burns after being ignited. A second material disposed in the casing has a second time associated therewith that defines a length of time that the second material burns after being ignited. An igniter, disposed in the casing and adjacent to the second material, generates a first thermal event to ignite the second material wherein the second material combusts to define a second thermal event that ignites the first material. An actuator is coupled to the igniter and is positioned outside of the casing for activating the igniter to generate the first thermal event. Full Article
ar Wedge apparatus for a stirrup to alleviate knee pain in horseback riders By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Aug 2012 08:00:00 EDT A wedge apparatus for a stirrup for reducing alleviating pain on a horseback rider's knees and ankles, the stirrup comprising a pair of opposing side bars, a hangar bar portion and a footrest bar, the wedge apparatus comprising (a) a wedge associated with the footrest bar, the wedge having a lateral portion and a medial portion, the lateral portion being thicker than and tapering toward the medial portion; (b) an impact-absorbing material; and, (c) an attachment mechanism for attaching the wedge and the impact-absorbing material to the footrest bar. Full Article
ar Equestrian light apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Aug 2012 08:00:00 EDT The present invention is an equestrian light device comprised of a plurality of lighting elements which can be secured to the bridle, saddle, stirrups and other pieces of tack, and which provides a rider with the ability to view a path before the turning of a horse to go down the path, in addition to illuminating a zone of safety to provide a rider with adequate visibility to discern obstacles that may impede the progress of a horse on a path, or which may startle or injure the animal or rider. Full Article
ar Saddle for riding or carrying a load By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 11 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a saddle for riding or carrying other load. The saddle includes at least two segments forming a frame, wherein, between the segments and between the right and left hand sides of each segment, flexible segment links allowing for relative movement thereof are provided, with the size, shape, flexibility, and stiffness of each segment being adapted to achieve an optimal weight distribution and freedom of movement, the segments and segment links or hinge elements are configured to allow for a relative independent movement thereof. Full Article
ar Protective garment for livestock By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 27 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST A protective garment for livestock, such as a horse, has a first portion and a second portion defining a planar sheet of material. The first portion substantially covers a left leg and shoulder of the livestock, while the second portion substantially covers a right leg and shoulder of the livestock. The garment can comprise a one-piece protective cover or a two-piece protective cover. In one embodiment, the first portion and the second portion are connected to each other by an attachment member extending across a back of the livestock. In use, the protective garment is sufficiently secured to the livestock to protect it from undesirable external elements, such as insects and sunlight, yet somewhat loose to allow the livestock to freely move while wearing the garment. Full Article
ar Printhead cartridge cradle having control circuitry By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST A printhead cartridge cradle is provided having a frame, a printed circuit board pivotally supported by the frame, a cover pivotally supported by the frame to pivot between a closed position at which a printhead cartridge is secured within the frame and the printed circuit board is pivoted to connect control circuitry on the printed circuit board with a controller of the secured cartridge and an open position at which access for the cartridge with the frame is provided and the printed circuit board is pivoted to disconnect the control circuitry and controller, and a motor operatively connected to a maintenance gear and actuator arrangement and a wiper gear and actuator arrangement for maintaining and wiping a printhead of the secured cartridge under control of the connected control circuitry. Full Article
ar Lifting girdle apparatus for enhancing the performance of a harness racing horse By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 30 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EDT A lifting girdle apparatus for enhancing the performance of a harness racing horse includes a lifting girdle affixed to a harness and sulky at two points on each side of the horse with a clip that attaches to the harness, behind approximately the front quarter of the horse, and with a securing strap that runs vertically towards and around the shaft of the sulky. The securing strap is preferably made to be adjustable, for example by constructing the securing strap as a belt and utilizing a belt buckle. The ability to adjust the distance between the attachment clips and the lifting girdle allows for a trainer to configure the lifting girdle device apparatus for different sized horses for producing an optimum setting for horses of almost any size. Full Article
ar Dog harness equipped with a covering cover By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Jan 2014 08:00:00 EST The invention relates to a dog harness equipped with a covering cover comprising a blanketing saddle part covered by a covering cover, within that a middle portion hollow on one side and domed on the other side, and two side portions, on which side portions a chest strap is attached to trace straps, connecting the two side portions at the height of the trace straps, furthermore a back strap crossing the trace straps is attached directly to the covering cover in the continuation of a belly strap, wherein the covering cover (8) consists of at least two pieces, covering sheet-A (9) and covering sheet-B (10), connected to each other in a connection strip portion (11), furthermore at least two through openings (14) are made in the covering cover (8). Full Article
ar Head harness for a horse By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST A head harness for a horse includes a browband linked, at the ends thereof, to two headpieces, each of which has, symmetrically on either side of the harness, two attachments arranged side by side, and in that, on the front headpiece, the cheek strap of the bit and one end of the throat latch are attached to the first attachment and to the second attachment, respectively, and in that, on the rear headpiece, the noseband cheep strap and one end of an auxiliary cheek strap and one end of an auxiliary cheep strap are attached to the first attachment and to the second attachment, respectively, the other end of said auxiliary cheek strap being attached onto the noseband cheek strap located on the other side of the harness, and in that the second attachment of the front headpiece that receives the throat latch and the second attachment of the rear headpiece that receives the auxiliary cheek strap are rigidly connected by a link. Full Article
ar Animal training apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A trigger arrangement for an animal training apparatus, the trigger arrangement including a fluid pump having a pump actuator, the pump including an inlet and an outlet and a sound emitter configured to be actuated by the pump actuator, wherein actuation of the pump pumps fluid from the inlet to the outlet accompanied by a simultaneous emission of sound from the sound emitter. Full Article
ar BOND PAD SHARING FOR POWERING A MULTIPLICITY OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF A RECORDING HEAD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 02 Feb 2017 08:00:00 EST An apparatus includes a slider of a recording head comprising a plurality of electrical bond pads coupled to bias sources and a ground pad. Each of a plurality of electrical components of the slider is coupled to at least one of the electrical bond pads. At least one of the electrical bond pads is a shared electrical bond pad coupled to at least two of the electrical components. At least one diode is coupled to at least one of the electrical bond pads and at least one of the electrical components. Full Article
ar NEAR-FIELD TRANSDUCER WITH TAPERED PEG By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 02 Feb 2017 08:00:00 EST An apparatus includes a waveguide that delivers energy from an energy source, a write pole located proximate the waveguide at a media-facing surface, and a near-field transducer located proximate the write pole in a down track direction. The near-field transducer includes an enlarged portion and a peg extending from the enlarged portion towards the media-facing surface. The peg comprises a taper facing away from the write pole, and the taper causes a reduced down track dimension of the peg near the media-facing surface. Full Article
ar METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING TIGHTNESS OF A PICK-UP HEAD, METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE MOVING OF THE PICK-UP HEAD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 02 Feb 2017 08:00:00 EST A method and apparatus for detecting tightness of a pick-up head, and a method and apparatus for controlling the moving of the pick-up head are disclosed. The method for detecting the tightness of the pick-up head includes moving the pick-up head to an inner area of the disc reading device when then disc reading device is powered on, moving the pick-up head to an outer area of the disc reading device within a predetermined time period, moving the pick-up head from the outer area of the disc reading device to the inner area at a constant speed by a first fixed force, and recording the moving duration for moving the pick-up head from the outer area of the disc reading device to the inner area at the constant speed. Full Article
ar METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING OF LIBRARY COMPONENTS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 09 Feb 2017 08:00:00 EST Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for monitoring components in a library by tracking the movement of library components. By tracking the movement of library components, the degradation of library components can be monitored and the reliability of library components determined, allowing unreliable components to be bypassed or replaced, enhancing the reliability of the library and preventing data loss. Full Article