l Fluid Permeable Anodic Oxide Film and Fluid Permeable Body Using Anodic Oxide Film By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A fluid permeable anodic oxide film includes a plurality of regularly-disposed pores formed by anodizing metal and a plurality of permeation holes having an inner width larger than an inner width of the pores and extending through the fluid permeable anodic oxide film. Also provided is a fluid permeable body which makes use of the fluid permeable anodic oxide film. Full Article
l THRUST REVERSER SYSTEM WITH TRANSLATING ELEMENTS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A thrust reverser system is provided with an axial centerline. This thrust reverser system includes a first translating element, a second translating element and an actuator mechanism. The actuator mechanism is attached to the first translating element and the second translating element. The actuator mechanism is configured to translate the first translating element along the axial centerline at a first rate. The actuator mechanism is configured to translate the second translating element along the axial centerline at a second rate, which may he different than the first rate. Full Article
l DIELECTRIC SEAL DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A seal device that may be for a variable area fan nozzle (VAFN) assembly of a turbofan engine is positioned between first and second surfaces configured to move between close and distant positions. The seal device includes a first electrode engaged to the first surface and a second electrode spaced between the first and second surfaces and spaced from the first electrode. A resilient first element of the device is disposed between and engages to the first and second electrodes, and is configured to move between contracted and expanded states when the electrodes are energized. A resilient second element of the device opposes the second surface and is engaged to the second electrode. The second element is configured to move between a compressed mode when the first and second surfaces are in the close position and an extended mode when the first and second surfaces are in the distant position. Full Article
l DETECTION OF A PLUNGER POSITION IN AN IRRIGATION CONTROL DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Some embodiments provide irrigation valve control apparatuses comprising: a solenoid configured to cooperate with a plunger; an input stimulus source coupled with the solenoid and configured to apply an input stimulus while a plunger drive signal is not being applied and that is sufficiently small to not cause the plunger to move; sampling circuitry configured to measure one or more voltage measurements corresponding to one or more voltages across the solenoid, wherein the one or more voltage measurements are dependent upon the current position of the plunger relative to the solenoid; and control circuitry cooperated with the sampling circuitry to receive the one or more voltage measurements from the sampling circuitry, wherein the control circuitry is configured to determine whether the plunger is in one of the open and closed positions based on the one or more voltage measurements. Full Article
l CLEANING DEVICE FOR ATOMIZING AND SPRAYING LIQUID IN TWO-PHASE FLOW By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A cleaning device for atomizing and spraying liquid in two-phase flow comprising a nozzle provided with multiple liquid bypass pipelines each having liquid guiding outlets inclined at a predetermined angle and an exhaust mesh plate having vertical gas guiding outlets, which makes the high speed liquid flow and high speed gas flow sprayed out therefrom collide against each other sufficiently to form ultra-micro atomized particles with uniform and adjustable size. The ultra-micro atomized particles are sprayed out downwardly to the wafer surface under the acceleration and vertical orientation effects of an atomized particle guiding outlet to perform a reciprocating cleaning for the wafer. Other components such as an ultrasonic or megasonic generation unit, a gas shielding unit, a self-cleaning unit or a rotating unit can also be provided to perform the multifunction of the nozzle. Full Article
l AIRFLOW DEFLECTOR FOR RADIAL FAN OF AIR SEEDER By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A pneumatic system of an agricultural implement includes a radial fan coupled with a plenum. The plenum contains outlets which distribute the airflow into a plurality of product distribution lines for application to a field. An airflow deflector plate has a back face fixed on a sidewall of a region interconnecting the fan outlet and plenum inlet to modify the airflow pattern and obtain an airflow that is at a uniform pressure and flow rate for each product distribution line. The deflector plate is tapered with a narrow edge pointed upstream and includes front face having at least one generally rectangular groove with a bottom surface extending generally parallel to the deflector back face. Full Article
l AUTONOMOUS MOBILE PLATFORM AND VARIABLE RATE IRRIGATION METHOD FOR PREVENTING FROST DAMAGE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A rover includes a base having wheels and a propulsion system coupled to the wheels to propel the rover around a field. A tower is coupled to the base and extends over the base. Sensors are set on the tower and the base and are configured to sense environmental conditions around the rover at different elevations. A computing system includes a processor and memory. The memory is configured to receive measured data from the sensors and determine an amount and manner of water to be dispensed on plant life in the field. Full Article
l CONTROLLING VALVE OPERATION USING PRESSURE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A valve body has a piston that slides within the body through four successive positions. The piston has a head, and an upper and lower skirt, with a port in the upper skirt. In the first position, a bias force urges the piston to the first of four positions, in which the piston port is closed. In a second position, the piston port aligns with a low pressure port in the valve body, when a low pressure supply of water is connected. In a third position, greater pressure again closes the piston port. In a fourth position, at a still greater pressure, the piston port aligns with a high pressure port in the valve body. The bias force or a location of the piston port can be varied for valves along a supply line, whereby varying supply pressure opens different valves, thereby enabling addressing of valves according to supply pressure. Full Article
l AUTONOMOUS MOBILE PLATFORM AND VARIABLE RATE IRRIGATION METHOD FOR PREVENTING FROST DAMAGE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A rover includes a base having wheels and a propulsion system coupled to the wheels to propel the rover around a field. A tower is coupled to the base and extends over the base. Sensors are set on the tower and the base and are configured to sense environmental conditions around the rover at different elevations. A computing system includes a processor and memory. The memory is configured to receive measured data from the sensors and determine an amount and manner of water to be dispensed on plant life in the field. Full Article
l DEVICE FOR EVAPORATING VOLATILE SUBSTANCES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Device for evaporating volatile substances including a container for a liquid that contains volatile substances and means for evaporating the volatile substances, where the means for evaporating the volatile substances include two semipermeable membranes, such that the device allows the optimisation of the evaporation of the volatile substances present in the liquid, doubling the evaporation surface thereof compared to conventional devices, and increases the user's perception of the amount of liquid evaporated. Full Article
l AIR CAP AND NOZZLE ASSEMBLY FOR A SPRAY GUN, AND SPRAY GUN By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An air cap for a spray gun, in particular a paint spray gun, having at least one central opening, which is delimited by a mouth, and two horns, each having at least one inner and one outer horn air duct and one inner and one outer horn air opening. The spacing between the front end of the central opening and an axis which perpendicularly intersects the central axis of the central opening and runs through the centre of an inner horn air opening is between 0.6 mm and 2.6 mm. The spray pattern generated by the air cap has a longer core region and a steeper transition of the layer thickness between the external region and the core region, compared to conventional air caps leading to improvement in coating quality. A nozzle assembly and a spray gun, in particular a paint spray gun, can have an air cap having the above properties. Full Article
l Spray Head with Hyperboloid Spray Pattern By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A spray head for directing water into a spray pattern that includes a casing configured to receive a supply of water and a plurality of nozzles disposed on the casing with each nozzle being configured to emit water in a stream away from the casing. The plurality of streams of water from the plurality of nozzles are configured to form a hyperboloidal shaped spray pattern. Full Article
l MULTI-FUNCTION SPLASHLESS SPRAYHEAD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A fluid control valve includes a body, a first diverter, a second diverter, and a first actuator. The body includes an inlet configured to receive a supply of fluid. The first diverter is movable in a radial direction within the body between a first radial position and a second radial position. The second diverter is movable in a longitudinal direction within the body between a first longitudinal position and a second longitudinal position. The first actuator is operatively coupled to the first diverter and to the second diverter. The first actuator is configured to simultaneously move the first diverter between the first and second radial positions and the second diverter between the first and second longitudinal positions. Full Article
l THROUGHFLOW CONTROLLER By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A sanitary insert part includes an insert housing, which includes in a housing interior thereof a functional element that controls throughflow and that has at least one throughflow orifice. At least one throughflow opening is delimited by a peripheral wall, the shape of which can be changed against a restoring force as a result of the pressure of the inflowing water in such a manner that the at least one throughflow orifice has a variable orifice cross section which can be changed, in dependence on the pressure of the inflowing water, between an open position and a minimized position having a reduced orifice cross section by comparison. Full Article
l ELECTROSTATIC ATOMIZING DEVICE AND ELECTROSTATIC ATOMIZING METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An electrostatic atomizing device includes a discharge section capable of retaining a liquid, a voltage applying section for applying a voltage to the discharge section, and a control section for setting the voltage applied by the voltage applying section to a given voltage at which a charged particulate water can be produced in an amount equal to or greater than a given amount. The control section is configured to set the voltage applied by the voltage applying section to a voltage lower than the given voltage at an operation start, and then to change the lower voltage to the given voltage. The electrostatic atomizing device can shorten a time needed before the electrostatic atomizing phenomenon occurs. Full Article
l ELECTROSTATIC FLUID DELIVERY BACKPACK SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An electrostatic fluid delivery system is configured to deliver fluid, such as a disinfectant fluid, onto a surface by electrically charging the fluid and forming the fluid into a mist, fog, plume, or spray that can be directed onto a surface, such as a surface to be cleaned. The system atomizes the fluid using a high-pressure air stream and passes the fluid through an electrode inside a nozzle assembly to charge, such as negatively charge, droplets of the atomized fluid. The system uses a unique nozzle design that is configured to optimally atomize the fluid into various sized droplets. Full Article
l ELECTROSTATIC SPRAY GUN HAVING EXTERNAL CHARGE POINTS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An electrostatic spray apparatus includes an electrostatic spray gun having a first external surface and a second external surface. A first electrode is disposed on the first external surface and is configured to ionize a material and to generate a first electrical field between the first electrode and a grounded object. A second electrode is disposed on the second external surface of the apparatus and is configured to generate a second electric field between the second electrode and the grounded object. Full Article
l CASING WITH LIQUID DISPENSER By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a casing for a mobile electronic device, the casing including a dispenser, which includes a spraying unit and a reservoir, wherein the dispenser can be moved from a secure position to at least one dispensing position. Full Article
l MULTI-AXIS ARTICULATING AND ROTARY SPRAY SYSTEM AND METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure provides a system and method articulating and rotary spray system for fluids that includes a first drive for rotating a mast for different headings and a second drive for rotating a nozzle for different pitches at any time with or without rotation of the mast. The method and system uses a system of interacting gears that rotate a control rod in variable synchronization to control the nozzle pitch relative to the mast heading while the control rod orbits about a center of rotation of the rotating mast along a longitudinal axis. Full Article
l ULTRASONIC-ROTARY COMPOSITE ATOMIZATION MECHANISM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An ultrasonic-rotary composite atomization mechanism comprises a housing and an ultrasonic unit passing through the housing and free to rotate with respect to the housing. A dynamic unit is installed in a position of the ultrasonic unit, which is corresponding to the housing, to drive the ultrasonic unit to rotate with respect to the housing. The ultrasonic unit includes a material supply channel, a vibration member disposed in the ultrasonic unit, and a vibration-rotation cup connected with the material supply channel. The material supply channel carries a liquid into the vibration-rotation cup. The dynamic unit and vibration member operate simultaneously to make the vibration-rotation cup rotate at high speed and vibrate ultrasonically. Thus is generated a synergistic effect: the ultrasonic vibration uses inertia force to break the cohesion and disperse the liquid, and the high-speed rotation generates centrifugal force to atomize the liquid. Full Article
l TRANSLATING CASCADE THRUST REVERSER WITH CONTROL OF BLOCKER DOOR By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a system associated with a thrust reverser of an aircraft, comprising: a set of cascades incorporating a track, the track including a first track end and a second track end, a blocker door, and a link including a first link end coupled to the track and a second link end coupled to the blocker door, where the cascades are configured to translate between a stowed position and a deployed position to cause the first link end to traverse the track. Full Article
l VALVE FOR METERING A FLUID By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A valve is used to meter a fluid. The valve can be fashioned in particular as a fuel injection valve for internal combustion engines. The valve has a housing part that is surrounded on its outer side by an extrusion coating. On the outer side of the housing part there is fashioned at least one recess into which the extrusion coating is at least partly introduced. Full Article
l VALVE FOR LIQUID RESERVOIR OF FOG GENERATOR By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The current invention provides for a fog generator. More specifically, it provides for a housing comprising a fog generating liquid and a valve that, in a closed position, prevents the fog generating liquid from flowing out of the housing, in which the said valve is kept in a closed position by means of a fuse wire (6). Full Article
l Rotatable Shroud for Directional Control of Application Area By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A controlled droplet application (CDA) nozzle has a CDA nozzle cone having a first axis of rotation in a first position and, after adjustment, a second axis of rotation in a second position orthogonal to the first. A rotationally adjustable directional shroud surrounds at least a portion of the cone, the directional shroud blocking at least a portion of a lip of the cone regardless of whether the cone is positioned in the first or second axis of rotation. Full Article
l SYSTEMS FOR DIFFUSING VOLATILE COMPOUNDS UTILIZING MOVEABLE PODS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system for diffusing one or more volatile compounds includes a base and a pod tray, carried by the base. At least one pod is carried by the pod tray. The pod has a housing holding a volatile compound mass, the housing and mass being moveable relative to one another. An actuator is carried by the base, the actuator being operable to engage the pod and move the housing and the volatile compound mass relative to one another. The pod and the actuator are positionable relative to one another such that one or both of the pod and the actuator can be positioned proximate to one another to enable the actuator to engage the pod and move the housing and the volatile compound mass relative to one another. Full Article
l FLAMELESS CANDLE WITH FRAGRANCE DIFFUSION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT According to embodiments of the present invention, a flameless candle includes a housing, a reservoir, and a lamp. The reservoir can retain a fragrant source (e.g., solid, liquid, or mix thereof. The housing has a hollow region and a recessed area within the top surface of the housing. The recessed area is bounded by a bottom surface and a sidewall. There one or more vent holes in the sidewall. If there is a plurality of vent holes, then they may encircle the sidewall. The vent hole(s) allow an airflow from the hollow region and into the recessed area above the fragrant source. The lamp can emit a light through the bottom surface of the recessed area and through fragrant source. Full Article
l AEROSOL DELIVERY SYSTEM WITH HUMIDIFICATION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An aerosol delivery system has a nebulizer and a humidifier providing a gas flow to the nebulizer. A controller varies humidity level of the gas flow to the nebulizer so that if the nebulizer is not operating it has about 100% humidity and it is operating the value is less to allow for the humidification effect of the nebulizer. The control may be achieved by dynamically varying proportions of flow through a dry branch and a humidification branch. Full Article
l SPRAY DEVICES AND UNITARILY FORMED COMPONENTS THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides spray devices for plumbing fixture fittings and unitarily formed components thereof having complex flow paths, made of multiple materials, and/or that are movable. Full Article
l IMPELLER FOR ELECTROSTATIC SPRAY GUN By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An alternator, such as for use in an electrostatic spray gun, comprises an electromagnetic alternator, a housing and an impeller. The electromagnetic alternator has a shaft. The electromagnetic alternator is disposed within the housing. The housing has an air aperture. The impeller is mounted to the shaft within the housing so as to be aligned with the air aperture. The impeller includes blades having curved leading and trailing edges. In one embodiment, each blade has a curvature so as to be perpendicular to the air aperture across an entire arc over which each impeller blade has a line of sight of the air aperture. Full Article
l CONTACTING TYPE INFILTRATION GROOVE FOR PHOTORESIST COATING EQUIPMENT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides a contacting type infiltration groove for photoresist coating equipment, comprises a loading main body and a sprinkler head. A spray nozzle is provided at the end of the sprinkler head, wherein, a limiting component is additional clamped at the end of the sprinkler head to make only the spray nozzle of the sprinkler head dip into the solvent in the loading main body. The sprinkler head can be hold up by the limiting component to separate the non-spray nozzle from the solvent so as to avoid the solvent contacting on the surface of the non-spray nozzle part. The contacting surface of the sprinkler head is setting on the top of the spray nozzle to make them adhere seamlessly together. Full Article
l METHOD FOR USING A FLOW OF AIR TO CREATE A PROTECTED FIELD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT In one embodiment, a method of creating a protected field is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes directing a first flow of air around a target space, drawing the first flow of air in through a primary air intake vent to create a first flow field envelope. In one embodiment, a second flow of air is directed within the first flow field envelope. Full Article
l AIR AND FLUID CLEANING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CLEANING VEHICLE VISION DEVICES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention provides an air and fluid cleaning system for propelling a cleaning fluid and air onto a vehicle vision device such as a vehicle camera system. The cleaning system comprises at least one fluid nozzle aimed at the camera; at least one cleaning fluid pump fluidly connected to both a fluid supply conduit and a cleaning fluid source; at least one air nozzle aimed at the vehicle camera; and at least one telescopic air jet fluidly connected to the air nozzle, hydraulically connected to the fluid supply conduit, and operated by the fluid pressure provided by the cleaning fluid pump; such that during a first operation time interval only cleaning fluid is propelled onto the vehicle camera and during a second operation time interval only an air jet burst is propelled onto the vehicle camera. The invention further includes a method for cleaning a vehicle camera exposed to ambient. Full Article
l FUEL INJECTOR FOR FUEL SPRAY NOZZLE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A fuel injector for a fuel spray nozzle of a gas turbine engine combustor includes an angular lip axially projecting into an upstream section of an annular passage to guide a fuel layer vortex to flow along a radially outer passage wall of the annular passage and to guide an air layer vortex to fill into and pass through an annular space between the fuel layer vortex and a radially-inner passage wall of the annular passage. The air layer vortex is free of mixing with the fuel layer vortex before the fuel layer vortex is discharged from the annular passage for fuel atomization. Full Article
l Building Community in Conscious Rap By www.eastbayexpress.com Published On :: Wed, 19 Feb 2020 01:00:00 -0800 Jada Imani strives to reflect her inner dreams in her recorded work. Jada Imani has been writing songs since she was five years old. At 21, she is committed to forging her own way as a rapper, writer, emcee, and youth organizer in the Bay Area.… Full Article Music
l Kamaiyah On East Oakland: Don't F*** With My Culture By www.eastbayexpress.com Published On :: Wed, 26 Feb 2020 01:00:00 -0800 The rapper revisits The Town through songs and videos on her new album,Got It Made East Oakland has a prismatic reputation. Though the mainstream media tends to focus on illegal sideshows or exaggerated tales of crime and lawlessness, local residents know East Oakland more for its barbecues, banging-ass parties, and friendly-though-struggling neighborhoods.… Full Article Music
l Cosmic Country Music from Oakland and Oakdale By www.eastbayexpress.com Published On :: Wed, 04 Mar 2020 01:00:00 -0800 The Sunset Canyoneers are releasing their first album. It just happens to sound like a greatest-hits package. The poster the Sunset Canyoneers created for their album release party in Oakland is an eye-catching throwback to the covers of pulp westerns from the 1930s and 1940s. A snarling, sun-tanned cowboy in full regalia — chaps, six guns, bandana and ten-gallon hat — stands guard over a gray-haired fiddle player fumbling for his bow.… Full Article Music
l When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Zemonade By www.eastbayexpress.com Published On :: Wed, 11 Mar 2020 01:00:00 -0700 Zemyran Prater created a lemonade delivery service to help pay the bills and finance his career in music. Then the business took off. If you want lemonade delivered to your door, Zemyran Prater is your guy. Mere months into his new business, Prater is selling one of the most coveted beverages in the Bay: the home-brewed "Zemonade," packaged with fresh strawberries and blueberries in every jar.… Full Article Music
l The Ravenous Creativity of Marica Petrey’s Girl Swallows Nightingale By www.eastbayexpress.com Published On :: Wed, 18 Mar 2020 01:00:00 -0700 (P.S.: No birds were harmed in the making of this album.) Vocalist and songwriter Marica Petrey is too young to have experienced mind-blowing Bay Area art-rock bands like Idiot Flesh and Sleepytime Gorrila Museum, but she's working in a grand tradition that turns concerts into gothic, theatrical extravaganzas. Far more than a recording, her new album Shapeshifter by her band Girl Swallows Nightingale features an impressive cast of collaborators who help her summon weird and wondrous sights, sounds, textures, and even tastes. … Full Article Music
l Hand-operated pliers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT Hand-operated pliers for piercing an irrigation pipe and fitting such an irrigation pipe with a drip emitter, include two jaws, a device for piercing the pipe as the two jaws are brought closer together and a device for fitting a drip emitter onto the pierced pipe while the two jaws are being brought closer together, for fitting such a pipe with such a drip emitter. Full Article
l Punch down tool with reversible punch down blade assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT A hand tool with a handle with an inner cavity, a tool bit holder removably secured within the inner cavity and having a first end adapted for receiving a first reversible tool bit and a second end adapted for receiving a second reversible tool bit, wherein a first reversible tool bit may be removably secured within an inner cavity positioned within the first end of the tool bit holder using a circular spring clip extending around an outer surface of the first end of the tool bit holder, wherein a second reversible tool bit may be removably secured within an inner cavity positioned within the second end of the tool bit holder, wherein the first reversible tool bit has a first punch down blade and a second punch down blade, and wherein the outer diameter of the first end of the tool bit holder is 0.532 inches or less. Full Article
l Hand tool By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT A hand tool is provided that is configured to provide ready access to individual tool members. In this regard, the hand tool may provide improved features for facilitating storage and operation of the tool members. One example hand tool includes first and second jaws capable of translating between an extended position and a retracted position. Such a hand tool provides a locking member configured to lock to prevent translation of the first and second jaws from the retracted position. Another example hand tool includes a tool member carried by a handle and rotatable between an open position and a stowed position. Such a hand tool provides a ramp defined on the tool member to facilitate easy rotation of the tool member to the stowed position. Full Article
l Multipurpose tool By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT The present invention generally relates to a multipurpose tool for angling. In particular, the invention relates to a threading device for threading or affixing, respectively, a fishing hook to a fishing line. Furthermore, the Invention relates to a method of manufacturing the threading device for threading or affixing, respectively, a fishing hook to a fishing line, the use of the device as well as a threading set. The present invention further relates to a multipurpose tool for stunning and eviscerating fish. In particular, the invention is concerned with a multipurpose tool of the type of a pocket knife, which is suitable for stunning and eviscerating fish and whose posterior end is formed as a stunning tool. Full Article
l Multifunctional tool for automotive air conditioning system testing and maintenance By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT An automotive tool for servicing air-conditioning (AC) systems equipped with quick-connect adaptors. May be used to service modern refrigerant R132A-compatible systems or retrofitted older systems. The tool is adapted for attaching, detaching, opening, and closing valved T-adaptors used to attach gas lines and pressure gauges such as required for adjusting pressure in AC systems at full operational pressure and temperature, and particularly finds use when the “hi-tap” and “lo-tap” fittings are in hard to reach places around the engine block or chassis. The tool includes swappable extension arms so that length and angular geometry may be adjusted as needed. The tool aids in avoiding injury on dangerously hot surfaces and moving fan blades or belts. Surprisingly, using two such tools, one for the high tap and one for the low tap, a mechanic may work each tool singlehandedly to complete any necessary pressure adjustments. Full Article
l Biaxial foldout tool with multiple tools on a side and a rotational stop By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST A biaxial foldout tool includes a body with opposing ends and one or more sets of tool drivers. The opposing ends are rotated 90° from each other. A first set of tool drivers is positioned on/near a first end and rotates about a first hinge; a second set of tool drivers is positioned on/near a second end and rotates about a second hinge. A first portion of the first set opens in a direction counter to an open direction of a second portion of the first set of tool drivers. A first portion of the second set opens in a direction counter to an open direction of a second portion of the second set of tool drivers. When tool drivers are in an open position, internal stops prevent the tool drivers from opening past a predetermined angle. The tool drivers are contained within channels of the body when in a closed position. Full Article
l Easy to change automobile tires By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST Apparatus for installing and removing road wheels from a motor vehicle, which may include a powered jack permanently mountable to the vehicle and a powered tool for tightening and loosening lug nuts and screws. The jack is an assembly incorporating two screw operated jacks, each for lifting one corner of the vehicle. The jack may include a manual controller having a power cord which is inserted into the cigarette lighter socket of the vehicle and which selectively operates any of up to four screw operated jacks. The powered tool may include plural sockets for engaging all lug nuts and screws simultaneously. The jack and powered tool may each have respective power cords which are insertable into the cigarette lighter socket or alternatively into a power port of the manual controller. The invention may comprise a kit including one or more jacks, the powered tool and optionally a jack stand. Full Article
l Method of enhancing thermal conductivity in hydrogen storage systems By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST A method of forming a material for reversible hydrogen storage within a storage tank includes charging a mixture of a metal amide and a metal hydride to the storage tank, and chemically reacting the mixture at a reaction condition within the storage tank to form a thermally conducting composite material situated in the storage tank and for reversibly storing hydrogen. The composite material includes a three-dimensional and interconnected framework including a conductive metal. A method for reversibly storing hydrogen includes providing a storage tank and in situ chemically forming a composite material by charging a mixture of a metal amide and a metal hydride to the storage tank and chemically reacting the mixture at a reaction condition to form a thermally conducting composite material including a metal hydride and a substantially unreactive elemental metal framework. Hydrogen is absorbed into the composite material and is desorbed from the composite material. Full Article
l Multipurpose handheld tool and associated method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST A multifunctional hand-operable beverage service tool includes a casing having a cavity defined therein, the casing having a proximal end region and a distal end region. A plurality of tools are pivotally coupled to said casing, the tools each being independently pivotable relative to the casing along an arcuate path defined between retracted and deployed positions; wherein one of said plurality of tools comprises a wine key lever. A first opening is positioned through the distal end region of the casing, the first opening being constructed and arranged to engage and remove a bottle cap. A second opening comprising a finger hole is positioned through the proximal end region of the casing. Full Article
l Combined on-board hydride slurry storage and reactor system and process for hydrogen-powered vehicles and devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST An on-board hydride storage system and process are described. The system includes a slurry storage system that includes a slurry reactor and a variable concentration slurry. In one preferred configuration, the storage system stores a slurry containing a hydride storage material in a carrier fluid at a first concentration of hydride solids. The slurry reactor receives the slurry containing a second concentration of the hydride storage material and releases hydrogen as a fuel to hydrogen-power devices and vehicles. Full Article
l Hand-operated striking tool enabling vibrations to be reduced, and method for manufacturing By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST This tool, which is in particular a hammer, comprises a gripping handle, a striking head, and an intermediate shaft extending the handle and supporting the head, whereas the handle comprises a tube in which the shaft partially extends, this tube and this shaft being made from a rigid material presenting a first hardness. This shaft has a radial area bearing against the tube, with interposition of a link part, for absorbing vibrations, made from flexible material presenting a second hardness that is much lower than the first hardness, and a free terminal area, not covered by the link part, radially separated from the walls of the tube so as to be able to vibrate freely in an internal volume of the tube. Full Article
l Hand-held implement for scraping and hammering By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST This invention includes embodiments which disclose a hand-held tool implement or apparatus which includes among other things, a handle attached to a head with a scraper and a hammering surface thereon. Full Article