c Pedal apparatus for vehicle By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A pedal apparatus for a vehicle may include a pad, a bracket which may be disposed below the pad, wherein the bracket may be coupled to the pad and a pedal arm at each opposite end of the pad and the pedal arm, respectively, a link section which may be disposed in the bracket, wherein the link section may be coupled to a lower portion of the pad and an intermediate portion of the bracket, respectively, such that the bracket may be movable in a longitudinal direction thereof, and a hinge-adjusting section which may be disposed above the link section such that an angle of the pad may be adjusted as the link section moves in the longitudinal direction thereof. Full Article
c Accelerator device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An accelerator pedal is supported by a support member. A biasing member biases the accelerator pedal to the full close position. A resistance application unit increases a frictional force to increase a rotational resistance applied to the accelerator pedal, as a rotation angle of the accelerator pedal increases. A slidable portion is mounted to the support member and slidable on the accelerator pedal. A first latch portion and a second latch portion define an interspace therebetween in a rotational direction. The support member includes a rotation restrictive projection fitted between the first latch portion and the second latch portion. Full Article
c Opening and closing apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT There is provided an opening and closing apparatus for a fuel lid, including: a pushrod configured to shift between a locking posture and an unlocking posture and to reciprocate between a pushed-in position and a pushed-out position; a follower assembled to the pushrod so as to rotate relatively to the pushrod about the center line and to move together with the pushrod in the axial directions; and a case supporting the pushrod, the follower and a biasing member. The case includes a rod cam portion for rotating the pushrod and a follower cam portion for rotating the follower. The follower cam portion includes a plurality of follower securing portions for securing the follower so as to hold the pushrod in the pushed-in position against biasing force exerted by the biasing member. Full Article
c System and method for continuously variable motorized adjustment of motorcycle handlebars By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An arrangement for adjusting the position of handlebars on a vehicle including a first mechanism for effecting rotation of the handlebars about a first axis in response to a first control signal; a second mechanism for effecting translation of the handlebars along a longitudinal axis in response to a second control signal; and a control system for providing the first and second control signals. In the illustrative embodiment, the inventive system includes a first support secured to the vehicle; a second support operationally coupled to the first support and adapted for rotational movement about a first axis; a first actuator for rotating the second support over an angular extent about the first axis; a third support coupled to the second support for translational movement along a second axis, the second axis being coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the third support and transverse to the first axis; a second actuator for effecting movement of the third support relative to the second support; and a control system for driving the first and second actuators. Full Article
c Bicycle handle assembly for handlebar By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A bicycle handle assembly for a handlebar contains a body including a peripheral fringe and a side fringe connected together to define a receiving space. The receiving space includes a first side and a second side. The peripheral fringe includes a first engaging portion, a first connecting portion and a fixing portion connected with two ends of the first engaging portion. A movable retaining member is installed in the receiving space and includes a second engaging portion, a second connecting portion and a moving portion connected with two ends of the second engaging portion. The second connecting portion is used to connect with the first connecting portion of the body. A locking element is used to force the moving portion toward the fixing portion of the body, so that the external fence of the handlebar is retained tightly between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion. Full Article
c Control interface activated restraining system to secure a rider's footwear to a foot support By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A restraining system is configured to secure and release a rider's footwear to a vehicle footrest in response to inputs to a control interface. The vehicle is typically a motorcycle or bicycle. In the case of a motorcycle, a rider's boot is restrained to a motorcycle foot peg by the action of a restraining device. Exemplary restraining device embodiments include an electromagnet or a mechanical latch. The control interface may be located on the motorcycle handlebar or on the rider's helmet. The rider can provide the inputs directly to the control interface. Alternatively, the inputs may be received from a wireless source. Full Article
c Rocker assembly having improved durability By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A durable system is disclosed for controlling variable valve actuation of an engine valve corresponding to a cylinder of an automobile engine. The system is designed to have a durability that exceeds the expected life of a conventional automobile engine. The system includes first crowned cam having a first lift profile, a second crowned cam having a second lift profile, and a rocker arm assembly. The rocker assembly includes a first arm having an end connected to said engine valve, having a high impact roller following the first crowned cam operating the engine valves according to a first lift profile. The rocker arm assembly also includes a second arm having slider pads riding on the second crowned cam to operate said engine valve according to a second lift profile. The slider pads have a sliding surface covered with an impact-resistant multilayer coating with its outermost coating being a wear-resistant coating. A latch having adjustable latch lash secures the second arm relative to the first arm when in a latched position causing the valve to operate according to a second lift profile when the latch is in a latched position, and the valve is operated according to a first lift profile when the latch is not in a latched position. Full Article
c Centrifugal pendulum device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Centrifugal pendulum device including pendulum masses arranged on axial sides of a pendulum mass support rotatable about an axis of rotation to form a pendulum mass pair. To form the mass pair, the masses are fastened to each other by means of a fastener passing through a cutout in the mass support. The mass pair is pivotable relative to the mass support due to a rolling element arranged to roll in a recess of the mass support and of the mass. In a section axially covering the recess of the mass support, the rolling element has a first outer diameter. In a section axially covering the recess of the pendulum mass, the rolling element has a second outer diameter. The rolling element further comprises a section axially located between the first and second diameters and has a third diameter, which is smaller than or equal to the first outer diameter. Full Article
c Electromechanical actuator for an aircraft control surface, and an aircraft provided with such an actuator By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An electromechanical actuator for a movable flight control surface of an aircraft, the actuator comprising an electric motor having an outlet shaft with first and second directions of rotation, a movement transmission arranged to connect the outlet shaft of the motor to the movable flight control surface, and a control unit for controlling the motor. The transmission incorporates a pawl device arranged to oppose the transmission of movement in the first direction of rotation, and the control unit is connected to a pawl declutching member for declutching the pawl and enabling movement to be transmitted in the first direction of rotation. Full Article
c Steering column anti-rotation pin By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT In an embodiment of the invention, an anti-rotation assembly for a steering column is provided. The anti-rotation assembly includes a bushing and a pin having a detent for engaging the bushing when the pin is inserted into the bushing. Full Article
c Dual stage accelerator assembly with pedal feedback system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A dual stage accelerator pedal assembly is provided that is capable of communicating various vehicle operating conditions to the driver as well as notifying the driver of a critical operating condition, such as a low battery pack level, via a change in pedal resistance. The change in pedal resistance is achieved by preloading one of the springs in the accelerator pedal's spring assembly. The spring assembly uses two springs exhibiting different spring force to achieve distinguishable first and second pedal stroke stages. Full Article
c Method and system for identification of a center of a vertebral disc space and corresponding central axis of a spinal column By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus for locating a central axis of a spinal column and method of using the same is disclosed. The apparatus and method includes one or more members capable of spanning a center line which may then be identified by at least one additional member positioned therebetween. Furthermore, the device may contain or be capable of accommodating various additional tools for marking the location of the central axis of a spinal column. Full Article
c Compact electronic device with built-in inclination sensor and correction method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An electronic device is provided with an inclination sensor for computing inclination, a control unit which conducts predetermined control based on a value computed by the inclination sensor, a case which has the inclination sensor and the control unit therein, and a suspension portion for suspending the case, and the control unit controls correction of the reference value of the inclination sensor based on a state where the case is suspended by the suspension portion and still. Full Article
c Method for evaluating mounting stability of articulated arm coordinate measurement machine using inclinometers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A portable articulated arm coordinate measurement machine can include a base, a manually positionable articulated arm portion having opposed first and second ends, the arm portion including a plurality of connected arm segments, an electronic circuit that receives the position signals from the transducers, a first inclinometer coupled to the base, wherein the inclinometer is configured to produce a first electrical signal responsive to an angle of tilt of the base and an electrical system configured to record a first reading of the first inclinometer and a second reading of the first inclinometer, wherein the first reading is in response to at least one of a first force applied to the base and a third force applied to the mounting structure, wherein the second reading is in response to at least one of a second force applied to the base and a fourth force applied to the mounting structure. Full Article
c Centerline marker holder used for marking rounded and bull nose vertical and horizontal wall corners By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A centerline marker holder used for engaging and sliding along a portion of two intersecting walls and sliding along an exterior or interior rounded or bull nose corner between the walls. The marker holder uses a pencil for drawing a centerline along a length of the corner. The marker holder includes a flat, first wall engaging member attached at an angle to a flat, second wall engaging member. Along a length of an intersection of the first and second wall engaging members is a centerline hole. The centerline hole is dimensioned to receive the pencil therethrough for marking the centerline. The marker holder also includes a plurality of offset holes from the centerline hole for drawing parallel offset lines at a selected distance from the centerline. Full Article
c Multi-panel electronic device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A multi-panel electronic device and method are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a method includes receiving first acceleration data from a first sensor coupled to a first portion of an electronic device. The method further includes receiving second acceleration data from a second sensor coupled to a second portion of the electronic device, where a position of the first portion is movable with respect to a position of the second portion. The method further includes determining a configuration of the electronic device at least partially based on the first acceleration data and the second acceleration data. Full Article
c Probe deployment mechanism of measuring machine with isolated locator coupling By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A probe deployment mechanism of a coordinate measuring machine provides for extending and retracting a probe. The probe is displaceable with respect to the actuator body connected to the measuring machine. A locator coupling secures the probe to the actuator body at the extended position for taking measurements. A drive coupled to the probe displaces the probe between the extended and retracted positions but at the extended position, the drive is releasable from the probe for kinetically isolating the locator coupling. Full Article
c Jig for firearm lower receiver manufacture By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A machining tool assembly for manufacturing a firearm lower receiver includes a first and second side jig which are configured to be disposed on opposite sides of the firearm lower receiver and configured to removably attach to one another securing the firearm lower receiver therebetween. A drill block jig is removably attachable to the first and second side jigs disposed above the top surface of the firearm lower receiver, wherein the drill block jig comprises a plurality of through holes. A template spacer jig is removably attachable to the first and second side jigs disposed above the top surface of the firearm lower receiver, wherein the template spacer jig comprises a spacer aperture disposed through a template spacer thickness. A first and second pocket templates are removably attachable and disposed onto the template spacer jig. A router support plate is disposed onto either the first or second pocket templates. Full Article
c Periodic permanent magnet focused klystron By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A periodic permanent magnet (PPM) klystron has beam transport structures and RF cavity structures, each of which has permanent magnets placed substantially equidistant from a beam tunnel formed about the central axis, and which are also outside the extent of a cooling chamber. The RF cavity sections also have permanent magnets which are placed substantially equidistant from the beam tunnel, but which include an RF cavity coupling to the beam tunnel for enhancement of RF carried by an electron beam in the beam tunnel. Full Article
c Six-direction directing device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The six direction directing device includes a shaft, a rotation member, a driving source, and a guide member. The shaft extends in an X axis direction. The rotation member is rotatable around an inclined axis inclined at α deg with respect to the shaft. The rotation member has an xyz rectangular coordinate system. The rotation member further includes a spherical surface and an orbit portion formed around an x axis of the spherical surface. The guide member is fixed to an XYZ rectangular coordinate system. The orbit portion has such a shape that the y axis of the rotation member is sequentially directed in + and − directions on the U, V, and W axes that cross one another at intervals of 60 deg around the X axis when the rotation member is rotated in contact with the guide member by the rotation of the shaft. Full Article
c Touch probe and related checking method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A touch probe (1; 1'; 1″; 1'″) for applications in machine tools or measuring machines includes a support frame (2) with a protective casing (3), and a movable armset (5) with a feeler (11) to touch a part to be checked (13). The probe includes a detection device (23) with a laminar piezoelectric transducer (25) made of polymeric material, such as polyvinylidene fluoride, which is connected to the support frame and fixed at a bearing and locating area (7), on which the movable armset rests in a position defined by an isostatic rest system (17). Conditioning electronics (30) connected to the support frame include processing means for processing a force signal (M) provided by the detection device, comparing it with a threshold value (S) and generating a touch signal (T). The conditioning electronics include differential charge amplifiers (3) and a processing system (55) to dynamically vary the threshold value depending on the most recent values of the force signal detected. Full Article
c Information notification apparatus that notifies information of data of motion By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A data comparison apparatus 1 includes: an image acquisition unit 42 that acquires data of a plurality of motions; an interval identification unit 45 that identifies a predetermined interval that is common in data of the plurality of motions; a time period comparison unit 47 that compares the plurality of motions in the identified predetermined interval; and a notification unit 50 that notifies information corresponding to a comparison result of the time period comparison unit 47. Full Article
c Measurement device for external fixation frame By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A protractor for use with an external fixation frame is provided. The protractor may include a face having angle designations thereon and a set of opposed and extending flanges projecting from said face. The flanges may connect to a portion of an external fixation frame, such as a ring (or other component) of the frame. The face may also include a post member to which a rotatable dial is mounted. An elongate member may be pivotally connected to a portion of the post member and may include a clamp. The clamp may be used to connect to an alternate portion of an external fixation frame, such as a strut of the frame. Thus, the protractor may be connected to two points on an external fixation frame so as to measure the angle between such points. Related methods of using the aforementioned protractor are also disclosed. Full Article
c Apparatus for measuring the shape and area of a ship block By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Provided is an apparatus for measuring a shape and area of a ship block, which may accurately recognize a piling location of a ship block by measuring a shape and area of the ship block piled up in a yard. The apparatus for measuring a shape and area of a ship block includes a direction angle sensor, a range finder, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader and a block shape and area measuring system. The block shape and area measuring system includes a block shape and area measuring server, a vector calculating module, a coordinate calculating module, a shape and area extraction module and a memory module. Full Article
c Inclination angle compensation systems and methods By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An inclination angle compensation system for determining an inclination angle of a machine is disclosed. The inclination angle compensation system may have a non-gravitational acceleration estimator configured to estimate a non-gravitational acceleration of a machine based on an estimated inclination angle and an acceleration output from a forward acceleration sensor. The inclination angle compensation system may also have an inclination angle sensor corrector configured to receive an inclination angle output from an inclination angle sensor, determine an inclination angle sensor acceleration based on the inclination angle output, and calculate a corrected inclination angle of the machine based on the non-gravitational acceleration and the inclination angle sensor acceleration. Full Article
c Detection of planar targets under steep angles By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Systems, apparatus and methods to create a database by a device (such as a server) and to use the database by a mobile device for detecting a planar target are presented. The database allows recognition of a planar target by a mobile device from steeper angles with minimum impact on runtime. The database is created from at least one warped view of the planar target. For example, a database may contain keypoints and descriptors from a non-warped view and also from one or more warped views. The database may be pruned by removing keypoints and corresponding descriptors of one image (e.g., a warped image) overlapping with similar or identical keypoints and descriptors of another image (e.g., a non-warped image). Full Article
c Electronic device magnetic interference indication method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of indicating an interference magnetic field at an electronic device includes: displaying a first arrow indicating a direction of magnetic north on a display of the electronic device, the direction of the first arrow corrected to remove interference caused by an interference magnetic field; and displaying a second arrow indicating a direction of a source of the interference magnetic field on a display of the electronic device. Full Article
c Mechanical drawing board By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus for securing and drawing upon a piece of paper, includes a board having a drawing surface sized to receive the paper. The drawing surface is bounded along its perimeter by a border region. An array of border pieces is fastened securely to the border region, each border piece being aligned relative to the others to establish a precisely sized drawing surface area to accommodate the paper. Each border piece has a length shorter than that of the corresponding edge of the drawing surface. Full Article
c Autonomous system and method for determining information representative of the movement of an articulated chain By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to an autonomous system for determining items of information representative of the movement of an articulated chain (CA—1, CA—2, CA—3) comprising at least two solid elements (ES1—1, ES2—1, ES1—2, ES2—2, ES3—2, ES1—3, ES2—3, ES3—3, ES4—3) and at least one articulation (ART1—1, ART1—2, ART2—2, ART1—3, ART2—3, ART3—3) connecting said two elements. The system comprises at least two devices (DISP1—1, DISP2—1, DISP1—2, DISP2—2, DISP3—2, DISP1—3, DISP2—3, DISP3—3, DISP4—3) for measuring inter-device distances, mounted fixedly on two distinct elements of said articulated chain and suitable for transmitting the measurements made. Moreover, the system comprises means for determining at least one distance separating two measuring devices based on at least one measurement supplied by a measuring device, and calculation means (CALC), mounted on said articulated chain, suitable for calculating items of information representative of the movement of said articulated chain based on the measurements transmitted by said devices for measuring inter-device distances. Full Article
c Concentricity test device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A test device for testing concentricity between first and second holes in parallel plates includes a positioning pole and a test pole. The positioning pole includes a head segment having a tapered positioning portion. The positioning pole axially defines a through hole. The test pole is telescopically received in the through hole of the positioning pole. The test pole includes a test head with a diameter slightly less than a diameter of the second hole. The positioning portion of the positioning pole extends into the first hole with the conic section of the positioning portion abutting against an inner wall bounding the first hole. The test head of the test pole faces the second plate and approaches and confirms the concentricity of the hole in the second plate by sliding the test pole relative to the positioning pole. Full Article
c Electronic caliper configured to generate power for measurement operations By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An electronic caliper generates power for measurement operations. The caliper comprises a scale member, a slider, a signal processing portion configured to measure a displacement between the scale member and slider, a power generating arrangement attached to the slider comprising a gear assembly configured to rotate in response to a force provided through a power generating handle to the gear assembly by a user moving the power generating handle relative to the gear assembly, and a power generator coupled to the gear assembly and configured to rotate in response to force provided by the rotating gear assembly and provide power to the signal processing portion. The power generating arrangement generates power as the user moves the power generating handle, and the power generating arrangement contributes a motion resistance force component of at most 20N as the user moves the power generating handle with a maximum manual acceleration. Full Article
c Probing system for measurement of micro-scale objects By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus for measuring dimensions of a micro-scale object includes a movable stylus, a probe and at least one acoustic emissions sensor. The movable stylus is positionable to contact an object to be measured. The probe is rotatably coupled to the stylus and has a distal end that circumscribes a circle when rotated. The acoustic emissions sensor is operatively coupled to the probe. The sensor is operative to detect acoustic emissions generated from contact between the distal end of the probe and the object, thereby allowing dimensions of the object to be determined. Full Article
c Micrometer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A micrometer includes: a frame; an anvil; a spindle; an encoder; a display; a strain gauge that detects a deformation of the frame; a storage that stores a change amount of the detection value (a displacement of the spindle detected by the encoder) per a unit deformation detected by the strain gauge, as a compensation factor; and a compensator that compensates the detection value based on a difference between a zeroset-time deformation that is detected by the strain gauge when a command for zeroset is given and a measurement-time deformation that is detected by the strain gauge in measurement, and based on the compensation factor stored in the storage. Full Article
c Position encoder apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A scanning device for a position encoder is provided that comprises a plurality of sensor elements for generating a plurality of sensor signals. A summation unit is also provided for generating at least a first summation signal and a second summation signal that provide information on the relative alignment of the scanning device and an associated scale. The first summation signal is generated from a first subset of the plurality of sensor signals and the second summation signal is generated from a second subset of the plurality of sensor signals. The plurality of sensor elements are substantially evenly spaced apart from one another N and sensor elements are provided per period of an associated scale, wherein N is an integer value and a multiple of three and four. In this manner, the third harmonic contribution to the summation signals is suppressed. Full Article
c Measuring assembly for measuring a spectacle frame By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A measuring assembly for measuring an inside of a lens frame of a spectacle frame, said lens frame at least partially delimiting an inscribed surface area F that corresponds to a lens shape, comprising a holding device for mounting the spectacle frame, at least one light source for generating a light beam to be projected on a region of the lens frame to be evaluated, and at least one sensor that can be coupled to an evaluation unit for detecting the reflected light beam, wherein the holding device can be rotated about a rotational axis r and moved in the direction of a movement axis x, and the movement axis x comprises at least one movement component in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis r. The holding device is used to fix the spectacle frame by spectacle frame bows, wherein at least one free space is provided in the region of the holding device, said free space being used to receive the spectacle frame bows of a spectacle frame to be held which are not folded in or cannot be folded in. Full Article
c Method and device for inspecting a threading of a tubular connection used in the oil industry By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A device and method for inspecting a width of thread roots of a tubular component for exploration or working of hydrocarbon wells, the device including two arms each including a first and a second end, the first ends being connected together by a deformable portion allowing an angular displacement between the second ends, the second ends each carrying a contact element and a mechanism determining the angular displacement. Full Article
c Transparent measuring device with enhanced viewing windows By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A tool for measuring, marking, or cutting material, the tool formed of a rigid sheet of transparent material having a plurality of lines formed thereon, and a plurality of windows formed in the lines to enable viewing of material underlying the tool. The windows can be outlined in opaque lines, and alternating windows can be filled with contrasting transparent colors. Full Article
c Physiological measurement device or wearable device interface simulator and method of use By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A physiological measurement device or wearable device simulator includes a frame and a plurality of surfaces distributed within the frame. For each surface, a surface actuator links the surface of the frame. At least one of: i) force or position imparted by the surface on a physiological feature of a subject by the surface actuator; and ii) the force imparted by the physiological feature of the subject on the surface, can be employed to modulate the positions of the surfaces relative to each other independently of the forces imparted by or on those surfaces, thereby measuring the physiological feature of the subject or simulating a wearable device interface. Full Article
c System and method for inspection of soft goods By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system and method for inspection and quality control for goods determines whether the goods comply with desired configurations. In an embodiment, an inspection and quality control system for a good includes a template. The template includes a template body and a positive offset. The positive offset includes a maximum length of the good and a maximum width of the good. The positive offset is configured for the good to be disposed in the positive offset when the good is less than the maximum length and the maximum width. The system also includes a negative inset. The negative inset includes a minimum length for the good and a minimum width for the good. The negative inset is configured to be disposed in the positive offset over the good disposed in the positive offset. Full Article
c Encoder readhead apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to an encoder readhead. The readhead includes a housing having an opening for capturing an encoder scale including an elongate rod having a substantially circular cross-section, the opening defining an axial direction along which a captured encoder scale can slide back and forth. A scale reader, which may include an array of Hall sensors, is provided for reading a portion of an encoder scale located in the opening. The housing includes an access portion that allows the encoder scale to be inserted into, and/or removed from, the opening by a relative movement between the housing and the encoder scale in a direction other than the axial direction. Full Article
c Self-normalizing panel thickness measurement system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A measurement gauge, comprising a pair of jaws biased in a closed position; a normalizing member surrounding one of the jaws when the pair of jaws is closed, the normalizing member biased in an extended position; a handle coupled to the pair of jaws and normalizing member such that movement from an extended handle position to an retracted handle position opens the pair of jaws and moves the normalizing member to an retracted position. Full Article
c Femoral condylar radius gage By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An instrument and method for determining the location of the anatomical epicondylar axis between the condyles of a femur is provided. The instrument includes first and second gauges each for measuring a radius of a femoral condyle and a frame. At least one of the gauges is movably connected to the frame. The method includes positioning the measuring end of each gauge against a separate condyle of a femur, actuating a pivoting member of each gauge to determine the radius of each condyle, measuring the distance between the condyles, and determining the location of the anatomical epicondylar axis of the femur. A measurement can be taken from a measuring scale provided on the gauge and from another scale provided on the frame. Determining the location of the axis can further include performing a calculation utilizing the radii of the condyles and the distance between the condyles. Full Article
c Handheld forestry device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A rugged hand-held mobile computing device for a forester to collect and use dendrometric data from trees and tree stands is claimed. The device includes a processor which operates in connection with a memory, a user interface, a GPS receiver, a sound sensor capable of emitting an ultra-sonic pulse and a computer readable code embodied on the memory. The device communicates with a transponder by way of the ultra-sonic pulse emitted by the sound sensor. The transponder also emits an ultra-sonic pulse back to device. The device calculates the distance traveled based on the knowledge of the speed of the pulses. The memory, which also includes basic mapping software, uses the data to update a map in real time with the location of the trees and other information collected. Full Article
c Systems and methods for providing aircraft heading information By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Systems and methods for providing aircraft heading information are provided. In one embodiment, an attitude heading reference device comprises: at least one interface for receiving heading information from one or more IRUs; at least one set of gyroscopes and accelerometers; a memory device for storing data representing heading information received via the at least one interface; and a heading calculator coupled to the at least one interface, the at least one set of gyroscopes and accelerometers, and the memory device. The heading calculator generating a heading output signal based on heading information when reliable heading information is received over the at least one interface; the heading calculator generating the heading output signal based on data from the memory device regarding previously reliable heading information and an output of the at least one set of gyroscopes and accelerometers when reliable heading information is not received over the at least one interface. Full Article
c Mechanical encoder By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A mechanical encoder including an assembly, a flexible element, and a signal sensing module is disclosed. The assembly has a plurality of poking/stiring structure that provides poking/stirring function. The flexible element includes a first piezoelectric layer and a second piezoelectric layer. The first piezoelectric layer and the second piezoelectric layer are stacked on each other via an attach material. The flexible element is set up so that the poking/stiring structures stir/poke a first end of the flexible element, so as to output an electrical signal responsive to deformation of the flexible element. The signal sensing module receives the electrical signal to generate a position signal and a direction signal corresponding to the movement of the poking structures. Full Article
c Mirrored compass with improved sighting window By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A recreational or outdoor mirrored compass is comprised of a base member, a hinged cover with a mirror and a sighting window for sighting a land mark, and a vial assembly pivotally coupled to said base member. The vial assembly comprises a vial, a magnetized indicator member pivotally journaled in the vial and an azimuth ring. At least parts of the inner sides of the sighting window are tapered in the line of sight. Full Article
c Interchangeable task module counterweight By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of operating a coordinate positioning apparatus comprising an articulated head having at least one rotational axis. The method comprises, in any suitable order, loading at least one interchangeable task module onto the articulated head; and loading at least one interchangeable task module counterweight on the articulated head. The at least one interchangeable task module counterweight at least partially counterbalances the weight of the at least one task module on the articulated head about the at least one axis. Full Article
c Computing device and method for calibrating star probe of image measuring machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT In a method for calibrating a star probe of an image measuring machine, the star probe includes one or more probe heads. Probe configuration information for the star probe is configured when there is no probe configuration file of the star probe stored in a storage device of the image measuring machine, and one of the probe heads to be calibrated is selected from the star probe. The method calibrates a radius value of the selected probe head, and calibrates the deviation between the center point of the selected probe head and the focus of the camera lens. The method further generates a star probe model of the star probe according to the probe configuration information and the probe calibration information, and displays the star probe model of the star probe on a display device of the image measuring machine. Full Article
c Oral Cavity Suction Device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 08 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A disposable saliva ejector that utilizes a single planar, double leaf shaped plate design that is embossed on their inner faces with a series of arced ribs and folded about its midpoint. A tab and slot arrangement about the center of the plates, joins the two plates. The distal tips are held together by a dovetail arrangement on raised pads at the distal tips of each plate. The distal and proximal tips are also held in operational contact by the suction forces passed through the device. The arced ribs form a series of channels about perimeter of the device. A trough runs along the linear axis of both of the plates to direct any fluid and debris that is sucked into the channels into a connected suction tube. Placement of the saliva ejector within the mouth lies along the interior of the patient's cheek, keeping the oral cavity clear of viewing obstructions. The discharge end connects to a discharge tube, wrapping around the oral commissure then hooking onto the patient's outer cheek. Once properly placed within the patient's mouth the dental assistant is relieved from providing suction during various procedures. Full Article
c Oral Cavity Suction System By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 08 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An oral cavity suction system that incorporates a disposable saliva ejector residing along the interior of the patient's cheek that utilizes a single planar, double leaf shaped plate design that is embossed on their inner faces with a series of arced ribs and folded about its midpoint. The arced ribs form a series of channels about perimeter of the device that directs saliva into a trough running along the linear axis of both of the plates to direct this saliva into a connected “U” connector that hooks around the patient's cheek. A sterile suction tube is also connected on one end to the “U” connector suction tube and on its other end to a quick connect fitting that mates to a tube adapted with a fitting for connection to a high volume suction pump. Full Article