| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08084060B2 |
Fibrous calcium pyrophosphate particles and methods of making and using same
Fibrous calcium pyrophosphate particles with a unique fibrous nanostructure are disclosed. The invention includes a composition, comprising fibrous particles, wherein the fibrous particles include fibers and the fibers include calcium and pyrophosphate. Also included are methods for making calcium pyrophosphate particles wherein solutions of calcium salt and pyrophosphate salt are combined to form the particles. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating a patent using the disclosed particles are also described. |
| US08084056B2 |
Preparation of a lipid blend and a phospholipid suspension containing the lipid blend
The present invention describes processes for the preparation of a lipid blend and a uniform filterable phospholipid suspension containing the lipid blend, such suspension being useful as an ultrasound contrast agent. |
| US08084054B2 |
Bioerodible film for ophthalmic drug delivery
Drug delivery film compositions containing a combination of a water-soluble, film-forming polymers and a fatty acid glyceride or ester are suitable for delivering ophthalmic drugs. |
| US08084052B1 |
Chemical composition for controlling insects
The invention herein provides for an improved pesticide that includes at least one attractant, at least one plant growth stimulator and an insecticide. The pesticide eradicates fire ants and promotes the destruction of empty nests by subsequent plant growth. |
| US08084048B2 |
Vascularization enhanced graft constructs
A tissue graft construct for use in repairing diseased or damaged tissues is provided. The tissue graft construct comprises a matrix composition selected from the group consisting of liver basement membrane and extracts and hydrolysates thereof, and processed collagen from vertebrate non-submucosal sources, added endothelial cells, and at least one additional preselected, exogenous population of cells which enhance the initiation of vessel-like structures in the grant. The preselected population of cells can be a population of non-keratinized or keratinized epithelial cells or a population of mesodermally derived cells selected from the group consisting of fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, skeletal muscle cells, cardiac muscle cells, multi-potential progenitor cells, pericytes, osteogenic cells, and any other suitable cell type, preferably selected based on the tissue to be repaired. Methods for enhancing the vascularization in vivo of these tissue graft constructs and for preparing these graft constructs are also provided. |
| US08084047B2 |
Compositions and methods for treatment of eye disorders
The present invention provides compounds and methods for the treatment of LFA-1 mediated diseases. In particular, LFA-1 antagonists are described herein and these antagonists are used in the treatment of LFA-1 mediated diseases. One aspect of the invention provides for diagnosis of an LFA-1 mediated disease and administration of a LFA-1 antagonist, after the patient is diagnosed with a LFA-1 mediated disease. In some embodiments, the LFA-1 mediated diseases treated are dry eye disorders. Also provided herein are methods for identifying compounds which are LFA-1 antagonists. |
| US08084044B2 |
Pseudomonas aeruginosa outer membrane protein PA0427
An object of the present invention is to provide a protein or peptide antigen and an antibody against it, for use in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. According to the present invention, there is provided a protein or peptide derived from Pseudomonas aeruginosa outer membrane protein PA0427 and an antibody against it, for use in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. |
| US08084039B2 |
Methods and compositions for live attenuated viruses
Embodiments herein relate to compositions of and methods for live viruses. In certain embodiments, a live, attenuated virus composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more live, attenuated viruses and compositions to reduce inactivation and/or degradation of the live, attenuated virus. In other embodiments, the live, attenuated virus composition may be a vaccine composition. In yet other compositions, a live, attenuated virus composition may include at least one carbohydrate, at least one protein and at least one high molecular weight surfactants for reducing inactivation and/or degradation of the live, attenuated virus. |
| US08084038B2 |
Methods of and systems for isolating nutraceutical products from algae
A method of isolating nutraceuticals products from algae is provided. A method of isolating carotenoids and omega-3 rich oil from algae includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass and adding a first ethanol fraction to the algal biomass. The method also includes separating a first substantially solid biomass fraction from a first substantially liquid fraction comprising proteins and combining the first substantially solid biomass fraction with a second ethanol fraction. The method further includes separating a second substantially solid biomass fraction from a second substantially liquid fraction comprising polar lipids and combining the second substantially solid biomass fraction with a third ethanol solvent fraction. The method also includes separating a third substantially solid biomass fraction from a third substantially liquid fraction comprising neutral lipids, wherein the third substantially solid biomass fraction comprises carbohydrates and separating the neutral lipids into carotenoids and omega-3 rich oil. |
| US08084034B2 |
Proteins
The present invention provides new polypeptides. Said polypeptides are of use in the screening, diagnosis and prognosis of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer, lymphoid leukaemia (particularly acute T-cell leukaemia), melanoma, osteosarcoma, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer and renal cell cancer, in monitoring the effectiveness of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer, lymphoid leukaemia (particularly acute T-cell leukaemia), melanoma, osteosarcoma, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer and renal cell cancer treatment, and in drug development. Also provided are antibodies (and other affinity reagents such as Affibodies) which interact with or modulate the expression or activity of the polypeptides. |
| US08084030B2 |
Method of treating a patient having an autoimmune disorder by administering an antibody that binds human BCMA
Therapeutic regimens for administration of BAFF antagonists for treatment of immunologic and related disorders are described. Regimens involve a short-term BAFF antagonist administration course followed by an extended no-treatment period prior the round of administration. |
| US08084029B2 |
Alpha-fetoprotein Immu31 antibodies and fusion proteins and methods of use thereof
The present invention provides humanized, chimeric and human anti-alpha-fetoprotein antibodies, fusion proteins, and fragments thereof. The antibodies, fusion proteins, and fragments thereof, as well as combinations with other suitable antibodies, are useful for the treatment and diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatoblastoma, germ cell tumors carcinoma and other AFP-producing tumors. |
| US08084026B2 |
Multispecific binding molecules comprising connecting peptides
The instant invention describes novel multispecific binding molecules comprising synthetic connecting peptides. The synthetic connecting peptides result in the preferential synthesis of multispecific binding molecules comprising polypeptide chains that are linked via at least one interchain disulfide linkage. In addition, the invention pertains to compositions in which a majority of the multispecific binding molecules comprising polypeptide chain that are linked via at least one interchain disulfide linkage or are not linked via at least one intrachain disulfide linkage. In a specific embodiment, the invention pertains to compositions comprising multispecific dimeric binding molecules said molecules comprising at least a first binding site specific for a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor or a ligand of a TNF receptor family member and at least a second binding site; and at least two polypeptide chains comprising at least one heavy chain portion and a synthetic connecting peptide; wherein greater than about 50% of the dimers comprise polypeptide chains that are linked via at least one interchain disulfide linkage. |
| US08084021B2 |
Recombinant human albumin-interleukin-11 fusion protein with long-lasting biological effects
Compositions, kits and methods are provided for promoting general health or for prevention or treatment of diseases by using novel recombinant fusion proteins of human serum albumin (HSA) and bioactive molecules. The bioactive molecules may be a protein or peptide having a biological function in vitro or in vivo, and preferably, having a therapeutic activity when administered to a human. By fusing the bioactive molecule to HSA, stability of the bioactive molecule in vivo can be improved and the therapeutic index increased due to reduced toxicity and longer-lasting therapeutic effects in vivo. In addition, manufacturing processes are provided for efficient, cost-effective production of these recombinant proteins in yeast. |
| US08084016B2 |
Measurement of biosynthesis and breakdown rates of biological molecules that are inaccessible or not easily accessible to direct sampling, non-invasively, by label incorporation into metabolic derivatives and catabolitic products
Methods of determining rate of biosynthesis or breakdown of biological molecules from metabolic derivatives and catabolic products are disclosed herein. In particular, methods of measuring the rates of biosynthesis and breakdown of biological molecules inaccessible or not easily accessible to direct sampling by sampling metabolic derivatives and catabolic products in accessible biological samples are disclosed herein. |
| US08084009B2 |
Method for making carbon composite material
A method for making a carbon composite material, the method including providing a 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate-metal complex in a vessel, putting the vessel carrying the 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate-metal complex into an environment with a protective gas therein, and heating the 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate-metal complex to a temperature in a range from about 500° C. to about 1300° C. |
| US08084003B2 |
Ozone detecting device
A vessel (102) containing a detector solution (101) is prepared. The detector solution (101) is an aqueous solution prepared by dissolving a detector component containing a dye which changes its color when reacting with ozone gas, a humectant, and an ultraviolet absorber having a hydrophilic group. A prepared sheet-like carrier (103) is dipped in the detector solution (101) for, e.g., 30 sec, thereby forming an impregnated sheet (104) by impregnating the sheet-like carrier (103) with the detector solution (101). The impregnated sheet (104) is then dried by evaporating the solvent (medium) such as water contained in the impregnated sheet (104), thereby forming a sheet-like ozone detecting device (105). |
| US08083997B2 |
Conversion of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to nitric oxide (NO)
Inhalation of low levels of nitric oxide can rapidly and safely decrease pulmonary hypertension in mammals. A nitric oxide delivery system that converts nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide employs a surface-active material, such as silica gel, coated with an aqueous solution of antioxidant, such as ascorbic acid. |
| US08083996B2 |
Thermal siphon reactor and hydrogen generator having the same
Provided are a thermal siphon reactor and a hydrogen generator including the same. The hydrogen generator including the thermal siphon reactor includes: a housing; a reaction source container disposed in the housing; a reactor tube connected to the reaction source container in which a catalytic reaction of a reaction source provided from the reaction source container occurs; a catalyst layer which is porous, facilitates gas generation by being contacted with the reaction source, and is disposed in the reactor tube; and a product container which is connected to the reactor tube and collects a reaction product generated in the reactor tube, wherein in the reactor tube, a convection channel through which the reaction product is discharged passes through the reactor tube in the lengthwise direction of the reactor tube. The thermal siphon reactor and the hydrogen generator including the same have a self-operating ability, operate at low costs, and have small installment volume. |
| US08083994B2 |
System and method for selectively extracting individual vials from an array of vials within a rack
An automated storage system for storing large quantities of samples in trays includes a storage compartment, a tray shuttle compartment abutting the storage compartment on one side and a plurality of independent modules on the other side. The modules perform processing of samples that are retrieved from the storage compartment by a tray shuttle, including extraction of selected samples from retrieved source trays and transfer of the selected samples into a separate, destination tray that can be further processed or removed from the system for use. The independent operation of the modules permits handling and processing to be performed simultaneously by different modules while the tray shuttle accesses additional samples within the storage compartment. In one embodiment, a vertical carousel is used to vertically align a desired tray with the tray shuttle, while the tray shuttle operates within a horizontal plane. |
| US08083988B2 |
Mud gun cap
A mud gun cap is provided. The mud gun cap includes a flame resistant outer face, a ring and a mounting device wherein the mud gun cap connects to a mud gun nozzle to protect the mud gun nozzle from deterioration because of contact with molten iron and slag. The mud gun cap also prevents, or at least reduces the amount of, mud falling out of the nozzle while the mud gun nozzle is rotated into operation position. |
| US08083982B2 |
Method for repairing a protective lining of an industrial reaction or transport vessel
The present invention relates to a method for repairing a protective lining of an industrial reaction or transport vessel, such as a converter vessel, electric arc furnace, or ladle. The method comprises identifying combined areas of the lining having a thickness below a predetermined threshold value by means of a measuring device, which measuring device measures the residual thickness of the lining and a processing unit, which processing unit in a first step transforms the residual thickness data into binary data, by comparing the measured residual thickness data with the predetermined threshold value for the thickness of the lining, and assigning the binary value “1” to areas of the lining having a thickness below the pre-determined threshold value, and the binary value “0” to areas of the lining having a thickness equal or higher than the pre-determined threshold value, or vice versa, in a second step combines isolated areas of the lining having a thickness below the predetermined threshold value into combined areas of the lining to which the binary value for areas of the lining having a thickness below the pre-determined threshold value is assigned, and in a third step computes the position and repair sequence of each of the combined areas and transfers these data to a repair device, and applying monolithic lining material onto the combined areas computed by the processing unit by means of a repair device. |
| US08083980B2 |
Plastic object for use in personal hygiene
A unitary two component article for personal hygiene, such as a toothbrush, wherein the same is formed by injection molding of two differing plastic materials. The plastics do not adhesively or chemically bond to each other. The two differing plastic parts of the toothbrush are mechanically connected, such as by interfitting portions of the two plastic components or by shrinking one plastic component about the other. |
| US08083978B1 |
Lid closer for injection mold
Injection molded parts having bodies and lids connected by living hinges have the lids closed against the bodies during an opening sequence of mold plates. The lid closing mechanism is arranged in an intermediate plate disposed between a movable B plate and a fixed A plate. Movable and fixed cavities can meet within the intervening plate where a lid closer accomplishes lid closing as mold plates separate during mold opening. Accomplishing the lid closure during a mold opening sequence avoids any increase in the mold cycle time. |
| US08083976B2 |
Device and method
The present invention provides a device, in particular within the aeronautical and aerospace fields, comprising a first and second tool and guide means, which guide the first and second tools in such a way that they press a preliminary fabric arranged in a pressing zone of the device along a second axis as said fabric moves along a first axis through the pressing zone, said second axis being substantially transverse to the first axis, so as to form a consolidated preliminary fabric, the guide means guiding the first and second tools parallel to one another, in part, along the first axis in the pressing zone. |
| US08083973B2 |
Polychromic substances and their use
A compound which undergoes a color change upon irradiation, and which has the general structure: X—C≡C—C≡C—Y—(CO)n-QZ wherein X is H, alkyl or —Y—(CO)n-QW; each Y is the same or a different divalent alkylene group; Q is O, S or NR; R is H or alkyl; W is H, alkyl or Z; each Z is the same or a different unsaturated alkyl group; and each n is 0 or 1. |
| US08083972B2 |
Copper particulate dispersions and method for producing the same
A copper particulate dispersion containing copper particulates coated with water-soluble polymers and hydroxycarboxylic acid; hydroxycarboxylic acid; and polyhydric alcohol and/or a polar solvent. The copper particulate dispersion is produced by adding hydroxycarboxylic acid such as malic acid, citric acid, and the like or a solution thereof into a dispersion containing a polar solvent and copper particulates coated with water-soluble polymers, and stirring the obtained dispersion so that part of water-soluble polymers are substituted by hydroxycarboxylic acid; discharging released water-soluble polymers from the dispersion by ultrafiltration; and subsequently adding hydroxycarboxylic acid, polyhydric alcohol and/or a polar solvent, into the dispersion. |
| US08083969B2 |
Thermally-responsive materials and devices comprising such materials
Devices are described that include a component comprised of a material having a structure of R1—C(O)—NX—R2, wherein each of R1 and R2 is independently a saturated alkyl having between 7-22 carbon atoms or an aryl, X is H or C(O)—Y, Y together with R1 forms a ring. The material is characterized by a single, sharp melting point, thus making it suitable for use, for example, in thermo-mechanical actuating devices or in temperature-indicating devices. Also described are compositions comprising two or more materials each having a structure of Rn1—C(O)—NH—Rn2 wherein, n is an identifying integer corresponding to a material in the composition; wherein for each material n in the composition, Rn1 and Rn2 are a saturated alkyl having between 7-22 carbon atoms, wherein for each material n Rn1 and Rn2 differ by one carbon atom, arid wherein the number of carbon atoms in Rn2 of each material n differs by four or less. |
| US08083967B2 |
Process for producing gel with liquid crystal structure, and gel with liquid crystal structure produced by the process
A water-insoluble liquid crystalline gel composed mainly of a water-soluble polymer, itself having a gelation function together with a liquid crystal formation function and having an optical property is produced.First, the water-soluble polymer is dissolved in water or an aqueous solution containing a salt(s) to prepare a polymer solution. Subsequently, this polymer solution is dialyzed in an aqueous solution containing a chemical crosslinking agent, thereby obtaining the gel having a liquid crystal structure and composed mainly of the water-soluble polymer. Said water soluble polymer is one or two or more polymers selected from the group consisting of water-soluble biopolymers, derivatives of these water-soluble biopolymers and water-soluble synthesized polymers. The water-soluble biopolymers are one or two or more polymers selected from the group consisting of nucleic acids, polysaccharides, proteins, modified proteins and polyamino acids. The water-soluble synthesized polymers are one or two or more polymers selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, polyacrylic acid and polystyrene sulfonic acid. |
| US08083965B2 |
Refrigerating machine oil
The refrigerating machine oil of the present invention contains a mineral oil whose nitrogen content is not more than 50 ppm by mass and whose percent in aromatic ring structures (% CA) is from 5 to 25. With the refrigerating machine oil of the present invention, high levels of lubricity, stability, and miscibility with refrigerants are attained, with a good balance between these, so refrigerating and air conditioning machines can be operated stably over a longer period. |
| US08083962B2 |
Method for forming minute pattern and method for forming semiconductor memory device using the same
A method for forming a minute pattern includes depositing a material layer on a semiconductor substrate having a conductive region, forming a first mask layer on the material layer, forming a recess region in the first mask layer, performing layer processing to form a first mask pattern in the recess region, and etching the material layer to form a material layer pattern. |
| US08083959B2 |
Substrate processing method, substrate processing system, and computer-readable storage medium
In the present invention, a plurality of rounds of patterning are performed on a substrate. In a patterning system, the substrate on which a first round of patterning has been performed is transferred to a planarizing film forming unit, where a planarizing film is formed above the substrate. The substrate is then transferred to the patterning system and subjected to a second round of patterning. The time from the completion of the forming processing of the planarizing film to the start of the second round of patterning is managed to be constant among the substrates. According to the present invention, in the pattern forming processing of performing a plurality of rounds of patterning, a pattern with a desired dimension can be stably formed above the substrate. |
| US08083956B2 |
Display device and method for manufacturing display device
To provide a display device with higher image quality and reliability or a large-sized display device with a large screen at low cost with high productivity. A function layer (such as a coloring layer or a pixel electrode layer) used in the display device is formed by discharging a liquid function-layer-forming material to an opening formed with a layer including a first organic compound which has a C—N bond or a C—O bond in the main chain as a base and a layer including a second organic compound as a partition. The fluorine density exhibiting liquid repellency to the liquid function-layer-forming material, which is attached to a surface of the layers including organic compounds, is controlled, whereby a liquid repellent region and a lyophilic region can be selectively formed. |
| US08083955B2 |
Selective chemical etch method for MRAM freelayers
An etching process is employed to selectively pattern an exposed magnetic layer of a magnetic thin film structure. The etching process generally includes selectively patterning a magnetic film structure comprises providing a magnetic structure comprising at least one bottom magnetic layer, at least one top magnetic layer, wherein the at least one bottom magnetic layer is separated from the at least one top magnetic layer by a tunnel barrier layer; and selectively etching the top magnetic layer with an etching solution comprising at least one weakly absorbing acid, a surfactant inhibitor soluble in the at least one weakly absorbing acid, and at least one cation additive, wherein etching of the tunnel barrier layer is substantially prevented. In some embodiments, etching solution comprises at least one perfluoroalkane sulfonic acid, an alkylsulfonate salt soluble in the at least one perfluoroalkane sulfonic acid, and at least one cation additive. |
| US08083954B2 |
Method for fabricating component-embedded printed circuit board
A method for fabricating a component-embedded PCB includes: providing a carrier plate having a plating metal layer plated thereon; disposing an electronic component on the plating metal layer of the carrier plate; laminating a metal layer onto the plating metal layer having the electronic component disposed thereon and the carrier plate by a dielectric film; removing the carrier plate and exposing the plating metal layer; and patterning at least one of the metal layer and the plating metal layer to be a circuit layer. |
| US08083953B2 |
Registered structure formation via the application of directed thermal energy to diblock copolymer films
Methods for fabricating sublithographic, nanoscale linear microchannel arrays over surfaces without defined features utilizing self-assembling block copolymers, and films and devices formed from these methods are provided. Embodiments of the methods use a multilayer induced ordering approach to align lamellar films to an underlying base film within trenches, and localized heating to anneal the lamellar-phase block copolymer film overlying the trenches and outwardly over the remaining surface. |
| US08083952B2 |
Filter bowl supports and filter systems comprising the same
A support for supporting and positioning a filter bowl of a filter system may include a bracket body, a rod, an extension arm threadably connected to the rod and a support band connected to and rotatable with respect to the extension arm. The bracket body may include a top plate. The top plate may include an opening for receiving the rod. The rod may be rotatably positioned in the opening in the top plate and extend from the top plate in a direction away from the top plate of the bracket body. The extension arm may be operable to extend from the bracket body or retract towards the top plate of the bracket body when the rod is rotated. The support band may be configured for attachment to the filter bowl of the filter system. |
| US08083948B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating fresh water
An object is to provide a fresh water generating method that is capable of efficiently producing purified water, such as fresh water, from unpurified water, such as sea water. Provided is a fresh water generating method for generating fresh water by way of reverse osmosis membrane filtration, which includes mixing sea water with low salt concentration water having a salt concentration lower than sea water to produce mixed water, and subjecting the mixed water prepared by the mixing to reverse osmosis membrane filtration, thereby generating fresh water. |
| US08083947B2 |
Polymer-containing solvent purifying process
Polymer-containing solution can be purified and the solvent reused by subjecting the solution to microfiltration using tubular filters having an average pore diameter of less than 1 μm and a filtration pressure of at least 0.35 MPa. This method is particularly useful for reclaiming and reusing solvents that are used in the development or chemical washout of flexographic printing plates. |
| US08083946B2 |
Chemically cross-linked polymeric membranes and method of use
This invention relates to the fabrication of a polymeric membrane and a process for utilizing the polymeric membrane for separating components of a feedstream. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to the fabrication of a polymeric membrane and a process for utilizing the polymeric membrane in the separation of aromatics from a hydrocarbon based feedstream. The membranes of the present invention possess low soft segment glass transition temperatures and improved separation characteristics. |
| US08083942B2 |
Systems and methods for purification of liquids
The present disclosure provides methods and systems for purifying liquids. In a particular implementation, the system includes a forward-osmosis unit for diluting a water source for a downstream desalination unit. A pretreatment unit may be located hydraulically upstream of the desalination unit, such as upstream or downstream of the forward-osmosis unit. In certain embodiments, the system includes an extraction unit for extracting a relatively easily extractable osmotic agent from an osmotic draw solution. The system may include one or more forward-osmosis units downstream of the desalination unit for diluting a concentrated brine stream produced by the desalination unit. In particular embodiments, a downstream forward-osmosis unit uses the concentrated brine stream as an osmotic agent, such as to extract water from seawater or brackish water. Another downstream forward-osmosis unit may use impaired water as a feed stream. |
| US08083941B2 |
Construction of the wedge filtration media laminated by wedge filter plate
An improved construction of filtration media of a wedge filter provides a performance on both surface and inner filtration mechanisms with offering many times recycled use by washable functions. Particularly a wedge filter plate is used to construct a hollow cylindrical type media of wedge filter. |
| US08083934B2 |
Water disinfection apparatus
A water disinfection apparatus includes a chamber adapted for connection to a pressurized water source. An ultra violet light is oriented to shine ultra violet rays into the chamber and to disinfect water therein, and a normally closed output valve connects the chamber to a supply valve. A control senses when a connected supply valve has been opened, and is operative to turn the ultra violet light on when the connected supply valve is opened; open the output valve after the ultra violet light has been turned on; close the output valve off after a supply time period expires; and turn the ultra violet light off when the output valve has been closed. The ultra violet light is turned on at all times that the output valve is open. |
| US08083933B2 |
Process for removing sulfur from a fuel gas stream
A process for removing organic sulfur from a fuel gas stream that further contains light olefins by catalytic hydrodesulfurization to yield a treated fuel gas having an very low concentration of organic sulfur. The effluent of the catalytic hydrodesulfurization reactor may be cooled with a portion thereof being recycled and introduced along with the fuel gas stream that is charged to the hydrodesulfurization reactor. The remaining, unrecycled portion of the effluent may further be treated to remove the hydrogen sulfide that is yielded from by the hydrodesulfurization of the fuel gas stream. |
| US08083932B2 |
Process for producing lower olefins from hydrocarbon feedstock utilizing partial vaporization and separately controlled sets of pyrolysis coils
A process for making lower olefins from a wide boiling range hydrocarbon feed by use of a combination of one or more vapor/liquid separation devices, and then pyrolytically cracking the vapor phase in separate sets of pyrolysis radiant tubes, thereby producing a higher level of lower olefin product. |
| US08083927B2 |
Analyte sensors and methods of use
In vitro analyte sensors and methods of analyte determination are provided. Embodiments include sensors that include a pair of electrodes to monitor filling of the sample chamber with sample. |
| US08083925B2 |
Analyte determination methods and devices
The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for analyte detection. |
| US08083924B2 |
Small volume in vitro analyte sensor and methods of making
A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry; and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent. |
| US08083922B2 |
Tin electrolytic plating solution for electronic parts, method for tin electrolytic plating of electronic parts, and tin electroplated electronic parts
A tin electrolytic plating solution comprises a suitably selected nonionic surfactant having a branched alkyl group. The nonionic surfactant is contained either alone, or with a suitably selected cationic surfactant and/or a suitably selected alkyl imidazole. The invention also provides a tin electrolytic plating method using such a tin electrolytic plating solution, and a tin electroplated electronic part obtained by such a method. |
| US08083918B2 |
Process and device for the producing and recycling of nanoemulsions as well as for the surface treatment of parts by means of the same
The invention relates to a device comprising a tubular circuit provided with at least one pump (9), a vacuum chamber (1) for processing the surfaces of parts placed therein, an actuation device (10), high voltage electrodes and a high frequency coil comprising a separate generator provided with a frequency converter for producing an electric field. The inventive device also comprises a transversal resonator for producing an aerosol and injection nozzles for spraying said aerosol into the vacuum chamber (1). The emulsion crosses the actuation device (10) in which electric and electromagnetic fields of 1-10000 volts, whose superimposed frequencies ranging from 10 Hz to 1 GHz are produced by a high-voltage electrode and the high frequency electromagnetic coil with the aid of the generator. By superimpose in the fields, a potential Zeta variation generates the transformation of a microemulsion into a nanoemulsion for processing part surfaces. |
| US08083917B2 |
Methods and apparatus for the location and concentration of polar analytes using an alternating electric field
A method is disclosed for effecting the concentration of a polar analyte in an alternating electric field. In the method, a relative translation of the polar analyte and an alternating electric field along a translation path is effected. A portion of the polar analyte is then trapped and concentrated in a concentration zone formed by the intersection of the translation path and the alternating electric field. Also disclosed are various devices for carrying out the forgoing method. |
| US08083913B2 |
Electrochemical cell for testing the electrocatalytic behavior of multiple materials
An electrochemical cell for testing the electrochemical behavior of a plurality of materials comprises: a first electrode; a counter-electrode bearing an electrochromic material having a visual or measurable property which changes in a manner proportional to the total charge passed through it; and an electrolyte between and in electrical contact with the first electrode and the counter-electrode; wherein one of the first electrode and the electrolyte comprises a plurality of regions, each region comprising a sample of material to be tested, the regions being, in the case of the first electrode, electrically connected to a common terminal. Such a cell can be used for a “combinatorial chemistry” approach to testing the properties of possible cell components. |
| US08083911B2 |
Apparatus for treating a substrate
This invention relates to an apparatus (1) for treating, e.g. coating, a substrate (35, 39) in a vacuum chamber (2). In this vacuum chamber (2) there are arranged n cathodes (7-10) and n+1 anodes (28-32), each of said anodes adjacent to a cathode (7-10). Each of the n cathodes (7-10) and n of the assigned anodes (29-32) are connected to a power supply (11-14). One of the anodes (28) not being assigned to a cathode (7-10) is connected to an electrical line (63) which is connecting each of the anodes (28-32). A pull-down resistor (34) is connected to said line (63) at its one end and to ground (33) at its other end. |
| US08083908B2 |
High strength vacuum deposited nitinol alloy films and method of making same
A vacuum deposition method for fabricating high-strength nitinol films by sputter depositing nickel and titanium from a heated sputtering target, and controlling the sputter deposition process parameters in order to create high-strength nitinol films that exhibit shape memory and/or superelastic properties without the need for precipitation annealing to attenuate the transition conditions of the deposited material. A vacuum deposited nitinol film having high-strength properties equal to or better than wrought nitinol films and which are characterized by having non-columnar crystal grain structures. |
| US08083902B2 |
Evaporative desalination system
The evaporative desalination system removes salt and contaminants from brine or salt water to produce purified potable water. The evaporative desalination system includes an inclined housing having a raised upper end and a lower end. An upper wall of the inclined housing is formed from an optically transparent material, such as glass. A plurality of stepped evaporator trays are mounted within the inclined housing, and a water collection tray is disposed within the inclined housing adjacent the lower end. Ambient light is transmitted through the optically transparent upper wall, causing the salt water contained within the plurality of stepped evaporator trays to evaporate. Evaporated water vapor rises from each evaporator tray to form a layer of condensed pure water on the inner surface of the upper wall. The condensed pure water drips toward the lower end of the inclined housing to collect in the water collection tray. |
| US08083899B2 |
Belt for shoe press
A belt (4) for a shoe press is disposed for rotational movement between a press roll (2) and a shoe (3). The belt (4) includes a shoe-side layer (21), a base layer (22) disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the shoe-side layer (21), and a wet paper web-side layer (25) disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the base layer (22). The base layer (22) has a pair of reinforcing bases (11). The reinforcing layers (11) are disposed circumferentially in a warpwise direction in given regions (E1) corresponding respectively to shoe edges (10) on the opposite sides in a widthwise direction of the shoe (3). The rigidity of belt portions of shoe edge abutment regions (E1) on opposite sides in the widthwise direction of the shoe (3) is partially increased to increase bending stresses and crack resistance of the belt. |
| US08083898B2 |
Method for manufacturing a machine felt, and machine felt
A method for manufacturing a machine felt. Firstly a tube having a longitudinal yarn layer is manufactured with a peripheral length double the length of the machine felt, and a width that corresponds to the width of the machine felt. The tube is compressed into a flattened tube with the formation of longitudinal yarn loops which are exposed by the removal of fibers of a fiber batt layer. An auxiliary substrate web is manufactured with a width that is less than that of the machine felt; for the longitudinal yarns and/or for the auxiliary substrate web, a material is used that absorbs laser energy; the longitudinal yarns are brought together with the auxiliary substrate web and connected by a laser beam; the auxiliary substrate web is helically wound until the tube is formed; and upon exposure of the longitudinal yarn loops, the auxiliary substrate web(s) are also removed. |
| US08083882B2 |
Method of adapting a paint transfer image to the generation of a mural
A method for creating imagery on a surface by establishing a visual boundary between two surface color regions and applying a dry transfer object proximate the visual boundary such that when the dry transfer object is substantially the same color as one of the surface regions, a negative space effect is created within the second surface color region to define thereby a desired image. |
| US08083879B2 |
Non-metallic, multi-strand control cable for steerable instruments
Embodiments of the invention provide methods for inserting a non-metallic multi-strand braid through a coil tube. Techniques for bonding one end of a lead line to one end of a multi-strand non-metallic braid are provided. There are also embodiments of steerable instruments described having a plurality of hinged segments; a multi-strand non-metallic braid connected distally to one segment of the plurality of segments and proximally to an actuator; and a steering controller adapted to control the actuator to move the hinged segment using the multi-strand non-metallic braid. |
| US08083877B2 |
Process for forming pneumatic tire with leno cap ply
A pneumatic tire containing a tread, a carcass having at least one belt ply disposed below the tread, and a cap ply located between the carcass and the tread. The cap ply comprises at least one layer of an open construction leno weave tape having a pair of warp yarns in the longitudinal direction and a weft yarn in the weft direction. The pair of warp yarns comprises a first warp yarn and a second warp yarn, where the second warp yarn has a force of elongation of between about 1 and 40% the force of elongation of the first warp yarn, where the second warp yarn is in tension, and where the second warp yarn has an elongation at break of greater than 2%. The leno weave tape is disposed in a flat pattern around the circumference of the carcass in the area of the belt ply. A method of making a pneumatic tire is also disclosed. |
| US08083876B2 |
Machine and method for applying a tread to a tyre carcass
A machine and method for applying a tread to a carcass of a tire; the machine has a rotary drum supporting the carcass, a feed conveyor for feeding the tread to the rotary drum, a pressure roller contacting the tread, an actuating device for pushing the pressure roller against the tread with a force of adjustable intensity, and a control unit for regulating the intensity of the force as a function of an error variable calculated as the difference between the length of the remaining portion of the circumference of the carcass, and the length of the remaining portion of the tread; and the control unit regulates the intensity of the force by means of a proportional control block having a gain varying as a function of the value of the error variable and as a function of the rate of change of the error variable. |
| US08083875B2 |
Low weight carpet and carpet tile and methods of manufacture
Low weight and non-square carpet tile suitable for use in mass transit vehicles, particularly passenger aircraft. The carpet tile preferably weighs less than about 82 ounces per square yard. The carpet tile of this invention may have a carpet pile and at least one backing layer. The backing layer may use low weight filler material. Secondary backing plastic material may be compressed into the tile structure with pressure rollers or other pressure applying process on an improved tile production line. |
| US08083872B2 |
Method of heat treating a superalloy component and an alloy component
A method of heat treating a superalloy component includes solution heat treating the component at a temperature below the gamma prime solvus temperature to produce a fine grain structure. Insulation is placed over a first area to form an insulated assembly that is placed in a furnace at a temperature below the solvus temperature and maintained at that temperature for a predetermined time to achieve a uniform temperature. The temperature is increased at a predetermined rate to a temperature above the solvus temperature to maintain a fine grain structure in a first region, produce a coarse grain structure in a second region and produce a transitional structure in a third region between the first and second regions. The insulated assembly is removed from the furnace when the second region has been above the solvus temperature for a predetermined time and/or the first region has reached a predetermined temperature. |
| US08083863B2 |
Dishwasher with a door seal
A seal is provided between the door apron and the lip of the container in a dishwasher, enabling a high sealing performance to be obtained during the entire service life of the dishwasher and providing an esthetic design. The seal can be mounted in a reliable manner without any considerable expenditure of force, recycling of a used seal is possible via appropriate selection of materials and the seal can withstand the dynamic strain put upon the door seal of a dishwasher. The dishwasher is provided with a door seal which is made of an elastic synthetic material, consisting of a fixing area for connection to the edge of a rinsing container, a sealing element for arrangement on the underside of a dishwasher and which is arranged between the fixing area, and a sealing element, wherein the fixing area, sealing element and sealing strip form a single part. |
| US08083854B2 |
Vacuum pumping circuit and machine for treating containers equipped with same
The invention relates to a vacuum pumping circuit comprising: an upper chamber (34) and a lower chamber (36) that communicate via a connecting orifice (38), and comprising a valve (40) provided with a stem guided so as to slide along a vertical axis (A1) in order to close the connecting orifice (38), which circuit is characterized in that the valve stem (48) is provided with a section forming a piston (52) which constitutes the mobile upper wall of a control chamber (54) communicating with the upper chamber (34), the piston (52) having an upper face (56) at atmospheric air pressure and a lower face (58) on which the pressure is that present in the control chamber (54). |
| US08083853B2 |
Plasma uniformity control by gas diffuser hole design
Embodiments of a gas diffuser plate for distributing gas in a processing chamber are provided. The gas distribution plate includes a diffuser plate having an upstream side and a downstream side, and a plurality of gas passages passing between the upstream and downstream sides of the diffuser plate. The gas passages include hollow cathode cavities at the downstream side to enhance plasma ionization. The depths, the diameters, the surface area and density of hollow cathode cavities of the gas passages that extend to the downstream end can be gradually increased from the center to the edge of the diffuser plate to improve the film thickness and property uniformity across the substrate. The increasing diameters, depths and surface areas from the center to the edge of the diffuser plate can be created by bending the diffuser plate toward downstream side, followed by machining out the convex downstream side. Bending the diffuser plate can be accomplished by a thermal process or a vacuum process. The increasing diameters, depths and surface areas from the center to the edge of the diffuser plate can also be created computer numerically controlled machining. Diffuser plates with gradually increasing diameters, depths and surface areas of the hollow cathode cavities from the center to the edge of the diffuser plate have been shown to produce improved uniformities of film thickness and film properties. |
| US08083849B2 |
Activating compositions in subterranean zones
The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for managing cement in a subterranean zone. In some implementations, a method of cementing in a subterranean formation includes positioning a cement slurry including a plurality of activation devices in a wellbore. The activation devices configured to release an activator that increases a setting rate of the cement slurry. A signal is transmitted to at least a portion of the cement slurry to activate the activation devices. The activation device releases the activator in response to at least the signal. |
| US08083845B2 |
Obtaining process of additivated sodic bentonite for use in composition of green sand for molding of cast parts and resulting product
Composition and process of a composition of additivated sodic bentonite through the addition of dextrin and sugar (saccharose), preferably refined sugar, or starch and sugar (saccharose), preferably refined sugar, in specific quantities during the process of calcic bentonite activation by means of incorporation of sodium carbonate into the in natura ore, belonging to the field of chemical industry for use in the composition of green sand for cast molding, offering a wide range of advantages in comparison with the existing formulas. |
| US08083841B2 |
Air filter with a clog-detecting device
An air filter with a clog-detecting device includes a housing having a wind outlet and a wind intake, a filter unit positioned between the wind outlet and the wind intake, an exhauster disposed between the wind outlet and the filter unit, a magnetic induction unit positioned on the exhauster, and a warning unit assembled on the housing and electrically connected with the magnetic induction unit. A metallic plate is axially fixed on the rotating spindle of a motor and positioned adjacent to the magnetic induction unit, having its upper side formed with at least one projection to enable the magnetic induction unit to induce the metallic plate and produce pulse signals. Thus, by detecting the frequency of the pulse signal, a user can know whether the air filter is clogged or not and proceed to remove the clogged condition to let the air filter continue to work normally. |
| US08083839B2 |
Radiant zone heated particulate filter
A system includes a particulate matter (PM) filter including an upstream end for receiving exhaust gas and a downstream end. A radiant zoned heater includes N zones, where N is an integer greater than one, wherein each of the N zones includes M sub-zones, where M is an integer greater than or equal to one. A control module selectively activates at least a selected one of the N zones to initiate regeneration in downstream portions of the PM filter from the one of the N zones, restricts exhaust gas flow in a portion of the PM filter that corresponds to the selected one of the N zones, and deactivates non-selected ones of the N zones. |
| US08083833B2 |
Flexible template-directed microporous partially pyrolyzed polymeric membranes
This invention describes a new concept of flexible template-directed microporous partially pyrolyzed polymeric membranes which have greatly improved performance in separation of gas pairs compared to their precursor polymeric membranes. Organic hosts, such as crown ethers, cyclodextrins (CDs), calixarenes (CXs), and spherands, or polymeric additives, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were used as the micropore-forming templates. Micropore-forming template/polymer blend membranes comprising organic micropore-forming templates embedded in a polymer matrix were prepared by dissolving the organic micropore-forming templates in the polymer solution followed by solution-casting and solvent evaporation or solvent exchange. Low-temperature selectively pyrolyzing micropore-forming templates in the micropore-forming template/polymer blend membranes at a nitrogen flow resulted in the formation of flexible microporous partially pyrolyzed polymeric membranes. |
| US08083832B2 |
Paste for forming an interconnect and interconnect formed from the paste
A composite paste for forming interconnects that includes a quantity of metallic binder particles, a quantity of metallic filler particles, and a quantity of flux, where the binder particles comprise no more than 94.5% of the total weight of the quantity of the composite paste, and the total weight of the filler particles and the flux comprise the balance of the total weight of the quantity of the composite paste, where the flux is no more than 10% of the total weight of the flux and the filler particles. |
| US08083831B2 |
Lightweight, anti-scratch and fracture resistant material for use in the manufacture of jewelry
The present invention relates to a lightweight, anti-scratch and fracture resistant material for use in manufacture of jewelry prepared by sintering a powered mixture consisting essentially of 20% by weight of titanium carbide, 25% by weight of tungsten carbide, 35% by weight of titanium nitride, and balance being a binder consisting essentially of nickel, molybdenum and cobalt. |
| US08083828B2 |
Fiber web having a high stiffness
The fiber webs described herein may be incorporated into filter media and filter elements. The webs may exhibit a high permeability and stiffness, at a low thickness. The stiffness can be sufficient for the webs to be pleated to include sharp, well-defined peaks which can be maintained in a stable configuration during use. |
| US08083825B2 |
Filter arrangement and method
A filter arrangement includes a filter media pack having a side wall. A ring is oriented around and against the side wall of the filter media pack. The ring includes a band having an interior surface oriented against the side wall of the filter media pack and an opposite exterior surface. A first seal member is secured to the exterior surface of the band. The first seal member is oriented radially from the filter media pack. The filter media pack includes Z-media having an inlet flow face and an opposite outlet flow face. An air cleaner including a housing with a filter element operably installed therein is provided. Methods of installing, filtering, and servicing are described. |
| US08083822B2 |
System for treating exhaust gas
A system for treating exhaust gas from an engine is disclosed. The system may include a housing, a fluid treatment element, and a conduit. The housing has an inlet and an outlet port and defines a flow path therebetween. The fluid treatment element is arranged in the flow path. The conduit is fluidly connected with at least one of the inlet port and the outlet port and includes a first port having a first axis and a second port having a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The first port has a first cross-section with an inner diameter. The second port has a second cross-section with an inner width and an inner length. The inner length of the second cross-section is smaller than the inner diameter of the first cross-section, and the inner width of the second cross-section is greater than the inner diameter of the first cross-section. |
| US08083812B1 |
Solid-electrolyte battery and manufacturing method therefor
A solid-electrolyte battery and a method therefor are disclosed with which the energy density can be raised and the heavy-load resistance can be improved so as to prevent deposition of lithium. The solid-electrolyte battery incorporates an elongated positive electrode; an elongated negative electrode disposed opposite to the positive electrode; and a solid electrolyte layer provided for the surface of at least either of the positive electrode or the negative electrode, wherein the positive electrode and the negative electrode are laminated such that the surfaces on which the solid electrolyte layers have been formed are disposed opposite to each other and wound in the lengthwise direction of the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and the solid-electrolyte layer formed on the positive electrode and the solid-electrolyte layer formed on the negative electrode are integrated with each other so as to be formed into a continuous shape. |
| US08083811B2 |
Mixtures of reactive dyes and their use in a method for trichromatic dyeing or printing
Dye mixtures, comprising at least one dye of formula and at least one dye from the group of formulae wherein the substituents are defined in the specification. |
| US08083808B2 |
Container security
A container security device includes a housing, electronic circuitry, and cabling. The electronic circuitry is disposed within the housing, and includes first and second microprocessor functions and an interface for accepting and providing data. The cabling is removably coupled to the housing, provides the only communicative coupling between the first microprocessor function and the second microprocessor function, and is adapted to be attached to a container latch so as to break the communicative coupling if the latch is opened. The housing includes a port for the electronic circuitry interface. A method of providing container security includes closing a container using a latch device and removably coupling the cabling to the housing so that the communicative coupling is broken if the latch is opened, providing the only communicative coupling between the first microprocessor function and the second microprocessor function. |
| US08083806B2 |
Radiation and radiochemically sterilized fiber-reinforced, composite urinogenital stents
A radiation and radiochemically sterilized, multi-component, fiber-reinforced composite, absorbable/disintegratable urinogenital stent, such as an endoureteral stent, with radiomodulated residence time in the biological site of 1 to 10 weeks depending on the high energy radiation dose used for sterilization. |
| US08083803B2 |
Arthroscopic unicompartmental knee technique and instrumentation
A method and apparatus for arthroscopic unicompartmental knee surgery which include a femoral component and a tibial component. The femoral component is installed in a trough in the femoral condyle formed by using a template, a plurality of drill pins and a plurality of corresponding cutters. The template is aligned with the curvature of the femoral condyle, the two drill pins are passed through the template and drilled into the femur, cutters are advanced over the corresponding drill pins to make holes in the femur, and the remaining hourglass shaped bone is removed with osteotomy pliers to form the trough. A tibial socket for the tibial component is formed in a retrograde manner. |
| US08083802B2 |
Prosthetic bearing with encapsulated reinforcement
A joint prosthesis has a first component for cooperation with a first long bone, a second component for cooperation with a second long bone, and a bearing component positionable between the first component and the second component. The bearing component includes a reinforcing component and a polymeric material completely encapsulating the reinforcing component and molded thereto. The bearing component may be sterilized by a predominately surface sterilizing technology. |
| US08083800B2 |
Expandable vertebral implant and methods of use
An implant for insertion between vertebral members may include a first member with a first contact surface to contact the first vertebral member, and a second member with a second contact surface to contact the second vertebral member. A material may be secured to and extend between each of the first and second members. An interior space may be formed between the first and second members and the material. An inflatable member may be positioned within the interior space and may be inflatable upon the introduction of a substance into inflatable member. The inflatable member may be inflatable between a first size to space the first and second members a first distance apart and an enlarged second size to space the first and second members a second greater distance apart. |
| US08083796B1 |
Implants and methods for spinal fusion
An implant is provided for performing spinal fusion. The implant includes an implant body having a leading side and a trailing side at opposing ends along a longitudinal axis. Between the leading side and trailing side are an upper surface, a lower surface, an anterior side, and a posterior side. At least one keel structure is provided extending from the implant body for penetration into an adjacent vertebral body. A trial sizer and keel cutter may be utilized to form keel channels within the vertebral body to receive the keel structure. |
| US08083791B2 |
Method of treating a lumenal bifurcation
A prosthesis is disclosed for placement at an Os opening from a main body lumen to a branch body lumen. The prosthesis comprises a radially expansible support at one end, a circumferentially extending link at the other end and at least one frond extending axially therebetween. The support is configured to be deployed in the branch body lumen, with the circumferentially extending link in the main lumen and the frond extendable across the Os. |
| US08083787B2 |
Method and apparatus for treating meibomian gland dysfunction
A method and apparatus for treating gland dysfunction caused by gland obstruction in order to restore the natural flow of secretion from the gland comprises the application of a combination of energy, suction, vibration, heat, aspiration, chemical agents and pharmacological agents to loosen and thereafter remove the obstructive material. |
| US08083784B2 |
Photon therapy method and apparatus
A system and method of administering photon therapy to a treatment site of a patient are described. The system includes a plurality of treatment modules, each treatment module including a photon emitter, and a case for housing the photon emitter. The case includes linkers for linking each of the treatment modules to form an arbitrary modular pattern to cover the treatment site. |
| US08083778B2 |
Vertebral osteosynthesis equipment
Equipment includes bony anchoring members one or two linking rods, intended to be connected to the anchoring members, and parts for connecting the linking rod(s) to the anchoring members, at least one anchoring member including a proximal threaded stud and a clamping element for assembling a connecting part thereon, the connecting part including a clamping element for immobilizing the linking rod with respect thereto. The connecting part includes a rounded section for hugging a linking rod and two parallel branches having holes enabling engagement on the proximal threaded stud of the anchoring member; and the clamping elements may be engaged coaxially on the proximal threaded stud of the anchoring member, a first clamping element enabling the assembly of the connecting part on this proximal threaded stud and the second clamping element enabling to clamp both branches of this connecting part. |
| US08083776B2 |
Vertebral fixation device and tool for assembling the device
Constitutes a pedicle screw (1), a rosette (3) that fixes the pedicle screw (1) to a tulip (6), a bar that constitutes the link with other devices and a locking cap (9) associated to the closing screw (11) that is threaded on the inside of the tulip (6) and fixes the position of the bar. The locking cap (9) incorporates protuberances (12) that fit on the tulip (6), guiding the set formed by the locking cap (9) and the closing screw (11) during the positioning and threading of the closing screw (11) on the tulip (6) pressing the bar (8) against the rosette (3). The outer face of the tulip (6) and the locking cap (9) present an essentially circular configuration that is interrupted by two opposite-facing flat indentations (13, 14) that contribute to reduce the width of the device in the axial direction of the bar (8). |
| US08083774B2 |
Percutaneous vertebral fusion system
A method of repositioning or fixing a first vertebrae or portion of a first vertebrae comprising fixing a bone screw in the first vertebrae and a bone screw in a second vertebrae, where each bone screw has a portal, and inflating an inflatable balloon between the portals, thereby creating a rigid structure between the bone screws. |
| US08083771B2 |
Water-swellable copolymers and articles and coatings made therefrom
The present disclosure relates to compositions comprising a copolymer that includes a first monomer and a second monomer that is different from the first monomer, wherein both the first and second monomer are selected from the group consisting of 3-sulfopropyl acrylate potassium salt, sodium acrylate, N-(tris(hydroxyl methyl)methyl)acrylamide, and 2-acrylamideo-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid. The present disclosure further relates to methods for preparing the copolymer compositions and shaped articles comprising the copolymers. |
| US08083770B2 |
Suture anchor and method
A suture anchor is provided for approximating tissue to bone or other tissue. The suture anchor comprises an anchor member to fixedly engage the bone for securing the anchor member relative to the bone. A plurality of sutures are mounted to the proximal end of the anchor member so that the sutures extend outwardly from the anchor member. Each suture has a sharp pointed distal end for penetrating the tissue and a plurality of barbs extending from the periphery and disposed along the length of the body of the suture. The barbs permit movement of the sutures through the tissue in a direction of movement of the pointed end and prevent movement of the sutures relative to the tissue in a direction opposite the direction of movement of the pointed end. At least one pointed distal end of at least one suture comprises a needle. |
| US08083769B2 |
Wired sutures
Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a cannulated suture anchor is provided and it includes a suture-engaging member formed therein and configured to receive a suture therearound such that trailing ends of the suture can extend through the suture anchor. The present invention also provides exemplary sutures and drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art. |
| US08083764B2 |
Tourniquet padding
A constructed padding for use with a tourniquet, kits, and methods of its use are provided. In use, the tourniquet padding is wrapped about and secured to an extremity, and a tourniquet is positioned onto the tourniquet padding. The construction of the tourniquet padding prevents a tourniquet, blood pressure cuff, etc., from slipping out of position during use. |
| US08083754B2 |
Vascular suturing device with needle capture
A surgical device of suturing vascular vessels is described, as well as methods for suturing tissue employing the surgical device. The device includes at least one needle advanceable through tissue and into a needle capture element within a distal end of the surgical device to draw lengths of suture material which can then be used to close various puncture wounds, particularly in vascular tissue. |
| US08083753B2 |
Robotic trajectory guide
A surgical alignment device is disclosed that is controlled remotely through the use of an actuator, where the actuator in turn controls at least one local adjustment device. The alignment device is suited for neurosurgery, although it is not exclusively limited to neurosurgery. The alignment device includes an insertion guide that is coupled to the local adjustment device, the insertion guide being used to guide a device such as a catheter into a patient. The alignment device may also be coupled to a control module such as a microcomputer that controls the orientation of the insertion guide in response to inputs from the surgeon as to a location of interest within the patient. |
| US08083746B2 |
Open wedge osteotomy system and surgical method
A system and method for performing an opening wedge osteotomy in a tibia, the system and method comprising (i) a positioning guide configured for aligning a portion of the positioning guide with a joint line of the tibia and for fixing the positioning guide to the tibia; (ii) a cutting guide configured to direct a cutting blade into the tibia so as to form a bone cut therein; (iii) a mechanical jack configured for placement into the bone cut in the tibia so as to distract the tibia at the bone cut; and (iv) a multi-part implant for supporting the open wedge osteotomy in the tibia, with a first component for disposition in a posterior portion of the open wedge osteotomy, a second component for disposition in an anterior portion of the open wedge osteotomy, and a connection device for selectively connecting the components to one another. |
| US08083744B2 |
Devices and methods for implanting fusion cages
Methods and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion are disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion in an unreamed disc space. One instrument is a distractor assembly including a first distractor and a second distractor configured to be inserted in side-by-side relation in the disc space. Fusion cages adapted for insertion into an unreamed disc space are provided to enhance load distribution between adjacent vertebral bodies and lateral stability of the spinal column. The fusion cages may be inserted after distracting the disc space with the distractor assembly. Instruments for preparing the disc space through the inserted fusion cages or for use with the distractor assembly are also provided. |
| US08083743B2 |
Craniospinal fusion method and apparatus
A method for effecting reduction, stabilization and enhancement of fusion of the human cranio-cervical junction, which may be performed in order to relieve mechanical stresses imparted to the spinal cord and brainstem as a result of an abnormal clivo-axial angle, includes steps of achieving the correct craniocervical relationship, of effecting a fusion of a first portion of a bone forming material based structural member to a human cranium, and effecting fusion of a second portion of the bone forming material based structural member to a least one portion of a human cervical spine. Fusion of the bone forming material based structural member to the human cranium may be promoted through the use of plate member that is shaped to define a graft accommodation space between the plate member and the cranium. |
| US08083740B2 |
Device for facilitating the healing of bone including Olecranan
A Mini External Fixate device is disclosed in closed operations in order to fix fractures of elbow bone especially olecranon and cure its problems including mal-unions and non-unions, correcting elbow deformities, lengthening the bone length up to 5 cm. The device comprises three curved plates which are connected by a threaded rod. The device may further comprise two half pin consuls which go through each curved plate in one direction. The half pin consuls may extend as far as they are connected to the fracture, while they don't reach the other side of the bone. Half pins may be used instead of full pins in this device. The half pin consuls may be attached to the curved plate by means of a wire fixation bolt. A hinge may be attached to the extreme of the threaded rod. |
| US08083739B2 |
Two-piece jaw for bipolar ablation device
A method and device for transmural ablation using an electrosurgical device having a pair of angled clamping jaws designed to be disassembled outside the patient and reassembled within the patient in a series of method steps. This disassemble and reassemble design of the electrosurgical device fits within the narrow gap between ribs of the patient, and offers unusual opportunities to work in difficult to access areas such as the thoracic cavity. Once the surgery has been performed, the electrosurgical device can be disassembled in the patient and removed one piece at a time, or removed as a unit. |
| US08083736B2 |
Fluid-assisted medical devices, systems and methods
An electrosurgical device is provided which comprises a distal portion having a bipolar electrode configuration and at least one fluid outlet opening. The device further includes a first electrode tip spaced from a second electrode tip with the first electrode tip to serve as a first pole of the bipolar electrode configuration and the second electrode tip to serve as a second pole of the bipolar electrode configuration. The first and second electrode tips are configured to slide over a tissue surface in the presence of a fluid provided from the fluid outlet opening and an electrical current provided from the electrode tips. |
| US08083735B2 |
Compact electrosurgery apparatuses
The invention features compact apparatuses useful in electrosurgery. The compact apparatuses have a housing having a cavity, an electrosurgical system located within the cavity, the electrosurgical system having optionally a monopolar output system, optionally a bipolar output system, optionally an argon plasma coagulation output system, a processor located within the cavity, the processor operatively coupled to each output system of the electrosurgical system to control outputs generated by each output system, optionally a high frequency generator located within the cavity and operatively coupled to the processor; and a gas canister holder and control system located within the cavity of the housing for receiving a gas canister within the cavity of the housing. |
| US08083732B2 |
Catheter with cryogenic and electrical heating ablation
A catheter includes a cryoablation tip with an electrically-driven ablation assembly for heating tissue. The cryoablation tip may be implemented with a cooling chamber through which a controllably injected coolant circulates to lower the tip temperature, and having an RF electrode at its distal end. The RF electrode may be operated to warm cryogenically-cooled tissue, or the coolant may be controlled to conductively cool the tissue in coordination with an RF treatment regimen. |
| US08083730B2 |
Implantable therapeutic substance delivery device with reservoir volume sensor
An implantable medical device for delivering a therapeutic substance including a housing and a volume sensor assembly. The housing includes a stationary wall and maintains a reservoir containing the therapeutic substance and including a base wall movable relative to the stationary wall such that reservoir volume is a function of a spacing between the base wall and the stationary wall. The volume sensor assembly includes a cap, a shaft, a target, and circuitry. The cap defines a passage extending from an open end, and is mounted to the stationary wall such that the open end is open relative to a stationary wall inner face. The shaft has a first end attached to the base wall and a second end maintaining the target otherwise movably arranged within the passage. The circuitry generates information indicative of a longitudinal position of the target relative to the cap, and thus of the reservoir volume. |
| US08083728B2 |
Multifunction adaptor for an open-ended catheter
A multifunction adaptor for an open-ended catheter that allows placement of the catheter without risk of air embolism or blood loss through the open (proximal) end of the catheter body. The present design allows passage of a standard guidewire for “over the guidewire” placement techniques and a connection for catheter flushing using a standard syringe. |
| US08083726B1 |
Encapsulating cells and lumen
A method including combining a cellular component with a viability enhancer material wherein the combination will inhibit an interaction between the cellular component and a delivery device; and delivering the cellular component through the delivery device. An apparatus including a delivery cannula having dimensions suitable for percutaneous delivery and a lumen therethrough, wherein a portion of a luminal surface of the cannula includes a coating that is amenable to a cellular component delivered through the delivery cannula. A method including percutaneously introducing a delivery cannula into a blood vessel; advancing a distal portion of the delivery cannula to a treatment site; and delivering a cellular component through a lumen of the delivery cannula, wherein a portion of a luminal surface of the cannula includes a coating that is amenable to a cellular component delivered through the delivery cannula. |
| US08083725B2 |
Disposable absorbent articles with improved garment fastening
A disposable absorbent article with an element intended to absorb bodily exudates and a web with stems which functions as a mechanical fastener to prevent shifting of the article e.g. when affixed on underwear. |
| US08083724B2 |
Pants-type disposable absorbent hygiene article
A disposable article, comprises a chassis having a first waist region, a second waist region, and a crotch region extending in a longitudinal direction of said chassis between said first and said second waist regions. Transversely opposite side edges of said first and said second waist regions are bonded together to define a waist opening and two leg openings and a peripheral edge of each of said leg openings comprises a front portion and a rear portion, each of which has a first elasticized section which is located toward a respective front or rear waist region and along which said peripheral edge is elasticized about a respective said leg opening, a second non-elasticized section which is located toward said crotch region and along which said peripheral edge is not elasticized circumferentially about a respective said leg opening, and a third elasticized section which is located, in a longitudinal direction, between said second non-elasticized sections of said front and rear portions of each said leg opening and along which said crotch region is elasticized in a transverse direction of the article. The wearing comfort of the absorbent hygiene article is thereby improved and skin irritation is reduced. |
| US08083723B2 |
Stabilized elongate implantable vascular access device
A vascular access port is described that is elongate in form. A distal end is coupled to a tube which leads into a body lumen. A proximal end has a head thereon with a septum which can be repeatedly penetrated by a needle and reseal, for repeated administration of medications or other compositions through the port and into the body of the patient. A wing is attached to the body that has two positions including a streamlined first position for implantation and a wider second position for stabilization of the port after implantation. A stay is preferably also provided to abut the wing when in the second position to keep the wing in the second position when fully deployed. |
| US08083722B2 |
Instrumentation for injection of therapeutic fluid into joints
Described are novel medical delivery devices that can be used to effectively distribute a medical agent to multiple sites within a tissue volume without requiring the device to be repositioned, including for example to distribute the medical agent within the nucleus pulposus tissue of a spinal disc. Also described are medical delivery devices configured to simultaneously remove fluid from the tissue volume into which a medical agent is being delivered, thus avoiding or otherwise decreasing any pressure build-up and facilitating an effective, uniform delivery of the therapeutic agent. |
| US08083719B2 |
Medicinal-solution administration device
A medicinal-solution administration device includes a body unit including a drive generator that generates a drive force; and a cartridge unit that is attachable to and detachable from the body unit, the cartridge unit including a medicinal-solution reservoir that accommodates at least a medicinal solution and feeds the medicinal solution toward a medicinal-solution administration side, a power source that causes the drive generator to drive, and a drive transmitter that transmits the drive force generated by the drive generator to the medicinal-solution reservoir to push out the medicinal solution in the medicinal-solution reservoir. |
| US08083712B2 |
Flat-hose assembly for wound drainage system
A flat-hose assembly has a proximal end and a distal end adapted for use with a negative pressure wound drainage system. The flat-hose assembly comprises a top layer, a bottom layer, and a filter layer. The bottom layer forms an opening at the distal end of the flat-hose assembly to allow exudates of a wound to flow into the flat-hose assembly. The filter layer is disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer. The top and bottom layer form a seal area along a periphery of the top layer and the bottom layer to seal the filter layer therebetween. |
| US08083707B2 |
Non-contact damage-free ultrasonic cleaning of implanted or natural structures having moving parts and located in a living body
Ultrasonic, sonic or vibratory energy, delivered non-invasively, minimally invasively or invasively (e.g. surgically), is utilized to provide direct cleaning action at or to the location of the implanted device such as a prosthetic heart valve with undesirable deposits of at least some amount thereon or therein. Such ultra-sound energy may be aided by the use of a drug in association or cooperation with the acoustic irradiation. The “cleaning” acoustic energy may optionally be delivered under the guidance of an imaging modality and may be delivered in a timed or gated manner such that the valve occluders or leaflets are in a preferred position (assuming they are functioning) during exposures. |
| US08083705B2 |
Portable cervical traction device
Low-cost, light weight portable cervical traction or spinal decompression devices for home use by a patient. A carriage is slidable along a portion of a support structure parallel to a longitudinal axis. The carriage includes a restraining mechanism adapted to releasably restrain a portion of a patient's body to the carriage. The pneumatic traction force generating apparatus is operatively coupled to move the carriage relative to the support structure when in a pressurized state. The pneumatic traction force generating apparatus is adapted to maintain a generally static traction force during a treatment period when in the pressurized state without additional pressurized air being supplied. A hand pump operated by the patient is fluidly connected to the pneumatic traction force generating apparatus to inject pressurized air. A pressure relief mechanism operated by the patient is adapted to release pressure from the pneumatic traction force generating apparatus. |
| US08083704B2 |
Systems and methods for off-weighting a limb
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for limb off-weighting, including a sleeve operable to wrap at least partially around a leg, a support strut coupled to the sleeve to receive weight applied to the sleeve, and a foot assembly configured to support and protect the bottom of a foot, wherein the foot assembly is coupled to the support strut and operable to receive weight applied to the sleeve and transfer the weight to underlying surfaces, thus off-weighting and reducing pressure and shearing forces on the foot and ankle. According to some embodiments, foot assembly pivots around the support strut providing an assembled mode and a storage mode. According to other embodiments, sleeve is an open-ended conical shape. According to various other embodiments, the support strut may be tilted to accommodate legs and/or calves of varying sizes, and the foot assembly may adjust to feet of varying sizes. |
| US08083702B2 |
Walking assistance device
A walking assistance device has a leg link formed by connecting a first link member and a second link member through a third joint assembly. A force generated at the leg link by driving the third joint assembly is transmitted to the body of a user. The walking assistance device enables the user to deeply squat by making the third joint assembly highly bendable. The third joint assembly has with a joint link member, a first joint which connects the joint link member and a first link member, and a second joint which connects the joint link member and the second link member. The walking assistance device is further equipped with a drive source which imparts a torque in a stretching direction to the first joint, and an elastic member which elastically holds the second joint in a predetermined stretched state until a predetermined value or more acts thereon. |
| US08083698B2 |
Massage device with a hoist transmission mechanism
The present invention relates to a massage device. In one embodiment, the massage device includes a massage assembly and a transmission assembly having a hoist transmission mechanism for driving the massage assembly to provide massage effects. The massage assembly includes a pair of massage members. Each massage member has a driving member having an eccentric wheel and an eccentric block, a massage bracket engaged with the driving member and a plurality of massage heads attached to the massage bracket. |
| US08083694B2 |
Multi joint orthodynamic rehabilitator, assistive orthotic device and methods for actuation controlling
A method and system for treating self-adaptive motion of a jointed body part of a patient, the jointed body part has at least three rotatable body sections interconnected by at least two joints, by collecting data regarding limb movement displaying representations of the data in real time, and modifying current device function based upon such data so as to meet predefined therapeutic treatment parameters with regard to device-actuated movement needs of the limb regarding device-actuated movement, and/or assist limb rotation. |
| US08083692B2 |
Lumen-measuring devices and method
The present invention provides a lumen measuring device and method that allows the user to calculate the exact length and diameter of a suitable interventional prosthesis as well as the height and length of stenosis during the same exploratory procedure. |
| US08083690B2 |
Convertible guidewire system and methods
A guidewire converter for use in intravascular procedures along with a guidewire. The guidewire converter includes an elongate tubular structure defining a lumen having an inner diameter and a first outer diameter. The inner diameter of the lumen is sized to receive the guidewire for intravascular procedures. The guidewire converter includes a locking mechanism coupled to the elongate tubular structure that has a second outer diameter that is less than or substantially equal to the first outer diameter. Operation of the locking mechanism releasably secures the elongate tubular structure to the guidewire. |
| US08083689B2 |
Distal protection guidewire with nitinol core
A guidewire having a proximal section, a distal section, and a transition section is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the proximal section may be formed of a relatively stiff, inelastic material, whereas the distal section may be formed of a relatively flexible, elastic material having super-elastic properties. A coupling member may be placed adjacent to the transition section to secure the proximal and distal sections together. |
| US08083688B2 |
Sampling devices and methods utilizing biased capillary action
A device is constructed so as to define a capillary channel that draws a body fluid form a proximal portion of the capillary channel toward a distal portion. A counterbore defining a “ledge” not substantially normal to the center line of channel causes the meniscus of body fluid to be “biased” into a non-radially-symmetric shape. In one example, the bias draws the body fluid toward a testing element that is set into a groove in the main body of the device. In another example, hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic regions are created on or in device to produce the biasing effect. In certain configurations, device requires less blood to be drawn into the capillary channel for a successful test than if the biasing effect were not created. |
| US08083687B2 |
Tissue biopsy device with rotatably linked thumbwheel and tissue sample holder
A biopsy device comprises a probe operably coupled with a holster. The probe comprises a needle portion, a body portion, a rotatable thumbwheel, a cutter, and a rotatable tissue sample holder. The needle portion has a tissue receiving aperture. The needle portion extends distally from the body portion. The thumbwheel is fixedly secured relative to the needle portion such that the thumbwheel is operable to rotate the needle portion about its longitudinal axis. The cutter is longitudinally movable within the needle portion and is configured to cut tissue protruding into the aperture. The rotatable tissue sample holder is configured to receive tissue samples severed by the cutter and communicated through the cutter lumen. The holster comprises a linking mechanism. The thumbwheel is coupled with the tissue sample holder via the linking mechanism such that the thumbwheel is manually rotatable to rotate the tissue sample holder via the linking mechanism. |
| US08083684B2 |
Intubation verification and respiratory gas monitoring device and the method thereof
A patient vital sign monitoring device and method thereof is described. According to an embodiment of the present invention there is a portable, lightweight, and small device which verifies intubation and monitors respiratory gas in a patient. The device comprises an electronic monitoring device portion and a disposable airway adapter, the disposable airway adapter having an integral display for indicating presence or levels of respiratory gas. A method for respiratory gas monitoring according to an embodiment is provided comprising connecting a disposable airway adapter to a tube in a patient's body, the adapter having an integrally attached display portion for displaying information; releasably attaching an electronic monitoring device portion to said airway adapter; determining proper tube insertion by measuring the respiratory gas of said patient through the monitoring device, as displayed through said display portion; and releasing said monitoring device portion from said airway adapter. |
| US08083683B2 |
Dual lumen interchangeable monitor system
A flow system for use in a monitor for measuring blood pressure that automatically configures the flow path of the system when either a single lumen cuff or a dual lumen cuff is coupled to the monitor. |
| US08083682B2 |
Sleep state detection
This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for determining sleep state, such as awake, sleeping, non-REM sleep, or REM sleep. Respiration and heart contractions are monitored. A cardio-respiratory ratio such as beats per breath is computed and used in the sleep state determination. Other information, such as heart rate variability (HRV), posture, and activity level can also be used in the sleep state determination. The sleep state information can be used to qualify or trigger storage of other physiological sensor data, or to permit remote sleep study monitoring of a subject, or to control or adjust one or more monitoring, diagnostic, or therapy algorithms, such as, for example a continuous positive airflow pressure (CPAP) device. |
| US08083677B2 |
Access disconnect detection using glucose
An access disconnect sensor for a patient undergoing extracorporeal blood processing includes an electrochemical fuel cell or sensor to detect blood leakage. The fuel cell includes circuitry for oxidizing glucose in the blood. The sensor also includes a transmitter to send a signal to a remote receiver that the sensor indicates the presence of blood. The circuitry may include a battery or may use electricity generated by the sensor to send a signal indicating a leak of blood or disconnection of the access needle. |
| US08083670B2 |
Endoscope with axially displaceable balloon
The present invention provides an endoscope comprising: an insertion unit which is to be inserted into a body; and a pipeline provided inside the insertion unit for supplying a fluid to a balloon mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the insertion unit, wherein the pipeline has a plurality of openings in an axial direction of the insertion unit on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion unit. Therefore, the endoscope of the present invention can easily fix a balloon and keep airtightness after the fixation, and can raise a degree of freedom of a mounting location of the balloon. |
| US08083669B2 |
Medical device for maintaining state of treatment portion
A medical device of the invention includes: a treatment instrument including a treatment portion which is used extended from a distal end of an endoscope insertion portion having a treatment instrument channel, an operation portion for operation of advancing/retreating an operation wire coupled to the treatment portion, and a treatment instrument insertion portion in which the operation wire is advanceably/retreatably inserted, the treatment instrument insertion portion having a predetermined flexibility and inserted into the treatment instrument channel; a detecting portion for detecting advancing/retreating moving amount of the treatment instrument insertion portion; a treatment portion operating device to which the operation portion is installed, the treatment portion operating device advancing/retreating the operation wire to operate the treatment portion; an operation instructing portion for instructing operation of the treatment portion; and a control device for judging a state of the treatment instrument insertion portion and driving the treatment portion operating device by a moving amount obtained by correcting an advancing/retreating amount of the operation wire, based on a detection result from the detecting portion according to an instruction from the operation instructing portion. |
| US08083662B2 |
Automated fraction collection system
A system for separating a sample and collecting the separated sample. The system includes an ultracentrifuge having a cylindrical rotor. The system includes a gradient delivery assembly for delivering a gradient solution to the ultracentrifuge rotor, and a sample delivery assembly for delivering the solution containing the sample to the ultracentrifuge rotor. The system includes a fraction collection assembly for collecting discrete volumes of the separated sample. The system includes a processor for controlling operation of the ultracentrifuge, as well as the gradient delivery assembly, the sample delivery assembly, and/or the fraction collection assembly. |
| US08083658B2 |
Tobacco smoke filter production
A method and apparatus for tobacco smoke filter production wherein a train of tobacco smoke filtering material, while being continuously advanced longitudinally, is gathered towards rod shape and then shaped to and secured in rod form, and wherein there is discontinuous pneumatic injection of particulate additive through an injector conduit laterally into the advancing gathering material to form separate additive pockets embedded in and spaced along the continuously produced rod. |
| US08083657B2 |
Deflection compensating roll
A deflection compensating roller including a rotating roller casing, a rotationally fixed yoke axially extending through the roller casing, at least one hydrostatic support device arranged between the yoke and the roller casing, the at least one hydrostatic support device comprising a pressure compartment and at least one oil pocket that communicates with the pressure compartment via at least one first restricted flow zone and at least one second restricted flow zone, and a fluid comprising at least one of an electrorheological fluid (ERF) and a ferro fluid. A viscosity of the fluid is adapted to be varied by way of one of an electric and magnetic field. This abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. |
| US08083656B2 |
Multi-functional exercise apparatus with adjustable resistance
The invention is directed to an exercise apparatus with adjustable resistance, the exercise apparatus comprising a column, a spooling device coupled to the column, and an elastic member coupled to the spooling device, wherein movement of the elastic cord is permitted and the spooling device is configured to be rotatably adjustable to limit the movement of the elastic member. |
| US08083652B2 |
Therapeutic sports towel
The invention is a therapeutic sports towel that integrates the features of a sports towel and a stretching device into a single device that incorporates the desired properties of the two. The therapeutic sports towel is thus absorbent and convenient to carry on a golf bag or drape over a shoulder, while also having the appropriate resistance and recoil properties for therapeutic stretching. Further, the combination of a towel material with a stretchable material ensures that the therapeutic stretching has a predetermined maximum length, to prevent the overstretching that is commonly associated with therapeutic stretching bands and so forth. Various embodiments of the invention include one or more pockets for holding ice or ice packs, such that the ice or ice packs may be retained in place against sore or pulled muscles by tying or fastening the therapeutic towel appropriately around the body or a body appendage. Further, the therapeutic sports towel may include straps that are encased in end pockets, such that the straps can be revealed as necessary for use in particular exercises. |
| US08083651B2 |
Exercise apparatus
An exercise machine includes a frame, a saddle, at least one crank arm, at least one pedal, a force measurement, an angle detector, a processor, and an adjustment mechanism. The saddle is connected to the frame. The crank arm is pivotally connected to the frame, and the pedal is pivotally connected to the crank arm. The force measurement measures a force applied to the crank arm, and the angle detector detects a crank arm angle. The processor is programmed to calculating a work value according to the force and the crank arm angle. The feedback mechanism returns the work value to a user. |
| US08083650B2 |
Exercise assisting device
An exercise assisting device comprises foot supports having foot support surfaces respectively, a seat, a seat height adjusting unit, and a seat driving unit. The foot support is provided for bearing foot of a user. The seat is shaped to have a contact surface for supporting buttocks of the user when the user places the feet onto the foot support surfaces. The seat height adjusting unit is configured to move the seat toward a vertical direction and also toward a front-back direction in order to position the seat at a standard position which is located at a standard height from the foot support surface in the vertical direction. Consequently, a knee of the user has a predetermined angle. The seat driving unit is configured to swing the seat about the standard position so as to vary weight of the user which acts on legs of the user. The exercise assisting device further comprises a load regulating means. The load regulating means is configured to vary a load which acts on a knee joint of the user as a height between the contact surface of the seat and the foot support surface in the vertical direction becomes shorter than the standard height. |
| US08083644B2 |
Resistance garments and active materials
Resistance garments include for example a first cuff and a second cuff that circumscribe a portion of a wearer's body; an adjustment device fixedly attached to the first cuff; and a resistive element connecting the first cuff and the second cuff, and coupling with the adjustment device. An active material includes a backing fabric and one or more length-adjusting devices, that each include a first filament and a second filament that are interwoven with the backing fabric and substantially parallel with one another, and one or more motors. Each of the motors drives first and second spooling elements that alternatively reel in or reel out portions of the first and second filaments, respectively. The reeling in or out thereby adjusts (a) a length of the filaments, (b) a length of the length-adjusting device corresponding to the at least one motor, and (c) a length of the active material. |
| US08083643B2 |
Systems and methods for accessing personalized fitness services using a portable electronic device
This is directed to systems and methods for accessing personalized fitness services through an integrated application available to a portable electronic device. The integrated application can provide a full fitness center experience by introducing potential new customer to a fitness center and then motivating them to return to the fitness center as active members. For example, the integrated application can provide functions to introduce new customers to a fitness center, can provide functions to motivate customers to join and actively visit the fitness center, can provide in-gym motivation, and can provide post-workout motivation. |
| US08083641B2 |
Method for operating an automatic gearbox
A method for operating an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, in particular a variable-speed transmission. The automatic transmission includes at least five shift elements and to transfer torque or force transfer in a forward gear and a reverse gear at least three shift of the at least five elements are engaged. When shifting the automatic transmission from a neutral position to a forward or a reverse gear, at least one of the three shift elements of the automatic transmission that are engaged in the respective forward or reverse gear, is engaged in a controlled manner. |
| US08083638B2 |
Control device for vehicle power transmitting apparatus
A control device for a vehicle power transmitting apparatus is disclosed, having an electrically controlled differential portion operative to control an operating state of an electric motor to control a differential state, and a shifting portion forming part of a power transmitting path between the electrically controlled differential portion and drive wheels, which can minimize deterioration in power performance and degradation in controllability during the shifting. Shift interval altering means 70 is provided for altering an interval L from an operation initiation causing an automatic shifting portion 20 to execute a shifting, to an actual shift initiation depending on a kind of the shifting. This enables an appropriate interval L to be determined for the shifting, thereby obtaining adequate power performance while capable of avoiding a first electric motor M1 from operating in a region outside an operating range. Thus, degradation in controllability is minimized. |
| US08083637B2 |
Toroidal continuously variable transmission
The support beam 34 having the cylindrical convex surface 33 is provided at the intermediate portion of the trunnion 9b. The recess 38 of the partial cylindrical surface formed on the outside of the outer ring 37 on the thrust ball bearing 36 supporting the power rollers 8b and the cylindrical convex surface 33 of the support beam are engaged. The outer ring and the power rollers 8b are supported swingably in the axial direction of the input and output discs in respect to the trunnions 9b. |
| US08083635B2 |
Gear and clutch arrangement for multi-speed transmission
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include five clutches and one brake arranged within a transmission housing. |
| US08083630B2 |
Compact planetary transmission
The transmission includes a housing, input and output shafts, and four planetary gear trains each having at least three members including a ring gear, at least one carrier, and a sun gear. The input and output shafts are is continuously interconnected with gear(s) and/or carrier(s). Links continuously interconnect the carrier(s) and/or gears between gear trains. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms are engagable in combinations of two to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft. |
| US08083629B2 |
Powertrain of an automatic transmission
A powertrain of an automatic transmission includes a first planetary gear set having a double pinion planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set having a single pinion planetary gear set and a third planetary gear set having a double pinion planetary gear set to achieve eight forward speeds and two reverse speeds by combining the three planetary gear sets and six frictional elements. |
| US08083628B2 |
Differential carrier assembly for a vehicle
A differential carrier assembly for use in an axle of a vehicle includes a differential carrier that extends along a central axis. The differential carrier defines a chamber. A first stub shaft extends along a first rotational axis, transverse to the central axis. The first stub shaft is disposed within the chamber and is supported by the differential carrier. A first pair of gears is disposed in spaced relationship on the first stub shaft for rotation about the first rotational axis. A second stub shaft extends along a second rotational axis, transverse to the central axis and the first rotational axis. The second stub shaft is disposed within the chamber and supported by the differential carrier. A second pair of gears is disposed in spaced relationship on the second stub shaft for rotation about the second rotational axis. |
| US08083627B2 |
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission includes first and second clutches, a clutch drum, a piston, a plurality of friction plates, a hydraulic oil chamber, a cancel oil chamber, a return spring, and a cancel plate, wherein a plate member that forms a cylinder portion of the hydraulic oil chamber is provided between the piston and the clutch drum of the first clutch that is located on an inner diameter side, and an oil passage that supplies an oil to the cancel oil chamber of the second clutch that is located on an outer diameter side is formed between the clutch drum and the plate member. |
| US08083619B1 |
Practice bat and method for use
An apparatus and method for improving batting a baseball is provided. The apparatus includes at least one hollow tube and at least one substantially solid tube, both formed with openings at opposing ends. A handle is removably attachable to one end of the tubes. A plug is insertable into one opening in the tubes for eliminating bat deformation from ball-to-bat impacts. A cap is included in the other end of the tubes for controlling acoustics, thus providing a sound on ball-to-bat impact comparable to that of conventionally dimensioned wood bats. A grip knob is provided at one end of the handle for restraining hands during swinging. A compressible sleeve is slidably engageable with the handle for providing a hand grip. The apparatus and method for improving batting is used in combination with a training regimen to improve batting skills. |
| US08083617B2 |
Portable golf spectator information system
A system for conveying viewer-selected information to viewers of a golf tournament includes a group of external input signals, a command facility, and a remote device able to convey viewer-selected information to the viewer. The external signals are from a group that includes at least a real-time identity of a club that a player is using. The remote viewing device is able to convey transmitted visual information and includes (1) a means for receiving transmitted signals conveying visual information, (2) a means for displaying selected visual information, and (3) a means to enable a viewer to select the visual information desired to be displayed from a group including at least the real-time identity of the club that a selected player has had removed from a golf bag used by the player. |
| US08083611B2 |
Putter-type golf club head
A golf club head according to one or more aspects of the present invention may include a body comprising a front surface having an opening therein for receiving a primary insert. One or more secondary inserts may be disposed in the primary insert and may include a leading surface, a trailing surface, and at least one intermediate surface. The leading surface may be physically exposed to the elements, the trailing surface may be exposed to the eye, and the at least one intermediate surface may be physically exposed to the elements and/or visually exposed. |
| US08083609B2 |
High volume aerodynamic golf club head
A high volume aerodynamic golf club head with a club head volume of at least 400 cc and a front-to-back dimension of at least 4.4 inches producing a face-on normalized aerodynamic drag force of less than 1.5 lbf when exposed to a 100 mph wind parallel to the ground plane and oriented at the front of the club head. The club head has a crown section having a crown apex located an apex height above a ground plane, wherein a portion of the crown section between the crown apex and the face has an apex-to-front radius of curvature that is less than 3 inches. An apex ratio of the apex height to a maximum face top edge height is at least 1.13. The apex height and location of the crown apex obtain desirable airflow reattachment close to the face and improve airflow attachment to the crown section. |
| US08083607B2 |
Iron-type golf clubs
The present invention is directed to an iron-type golf club that may be included in a set. In particular, the inventive golf club includes an adjustable hosel coupling and a mechanism for altering the sole configuration. The golf club may be included in a set having a progressive sole configuration that provides desired bounce for each club within the set. |
| US08083602B2 |
Cue stick tip tool
A cue stick tip tool includes a shaper that can contour the tip to a nickel or dime radius by using an abrasive formed within a hollow shaper body. Also included is a ferrule guide surface leading to abrasive material usable to trim a side of the cue tip while holding the ferrule clear of the abrasive material to avoid scuffing the ferrule. Another included tool has a concave cylindrical grid of upstanding pointed spikes that can be rolled over the cue tip to make a pattern of chalk holding indentations in the cue tip. The tool package preferably also includes a conical recess for burnishing a side of the cue tip, arcs to measure nickel and dime radii of the cue tip, and a container holding a chalk block and talcum powder—all arranged to be carried on a belt clip. |
| US08083596B1 |
Torque limiter
In one embodiment, a torque limiter comprises an outer cylindrical housing having a plurality of semicircular grooves disposed in an interior surface. An inner cylindrical housing is arranged at least partially within the outer cylindrical housing. The inner cylindrical housing has a plurality of slots passing from its interior surface to its exterior surface. A plurality of roller bearings are disposed within the slots. An elastic cylinder is also arranged within the interior of the inner cylindrical housing. When applied torque is below a torque limit, the elastic component presses the roller bearings into contact with the semicircular grooves to couple the outer and inner cylindrical housing. In response to applied torque exceeding the torque limit, the elastic component compresses sufficiently to allow the roller bearings to retract and disengage the semicircular grooves, thereby decoupling the outer and the inner cylindrical housings and preventing the transfer of torque. |
| US08083595B2 |
Propshaft assembly with center bearing shield
A propshaft assembly that includes first and second shaft members, a joint, a center bearing assembly and a deflector. The joint couples the first and second shaft members to one another. The center bearing assembly includes a bearing that supports the joint. The deflector is coupled to the joint and shields an axial side of the bearing. |
| US08083593B2 |
Recording media on gaming consoles
An integrated gaming and media experience is disclosed, including recording of content on a gaming console. A digital video recorder (DVR) application running alongside a television client component allows users to record media content on the gaming console. The DVR application also integrates itself with the console menu. Once integrated, users can record media content while playing games. Alternatively, users can record content when the gaming console is turned off. The recorded content can include television programming, gaming experience (whether local or online), music, DVDs, and so on. When in the recording state, users can also switch between various other media modes, whether gaming, television, and so on. |
| US08083592B2 |
Apparatus and method for retrofitting candle devices on a gaming machine
A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced peripheral device monitoring and upgrade capabilities, 3) enhanced player monitoring and security capabilities 4) enhanced gaming function capabilities and 5) enhanced player reward capabilities. The enhanced gaming features can be provided in a non-intrusive manner such that regulated software executed on a gaming machine does not have to be altered. |
| US08083589B1 |
Capture and utilization of real-world data for use in gaming systems such as video games
A portable sensor unit for capturing motion and/or other data may be securely mounted on objects such as a user's limb, a vehicle, or other items. The sensor unit may then collect motion and/or other data from the object to which it is affixed, and may provide this data to a data logger which stores the data. The data logger may subsequently communicate the data to a gaming system which may tailor the motion characteristics of a virtual object to resemble those of the real-world object from which the motion data was captured. Thus, a user can (for example) capture motion data from a vehicle, with this data being supplied to a video gaming unit which provides a virtual vehicle having the same acceleration/deceleration, handling, and other characteristics. |
| US08083582B2 |
Gaming machine
When three or more feature symbols are stopped on the variable display portion, the slot machine provides a free game. In the bonus game process, the main CPU determines the number of game condition choice images to be displayed on the selection screen according to the number of feature symbols that have been stopped on the variable display portion. When one of the game condition choice images is selected from the game condition choice images displayed on the selection screen by the player, the main CPU executes the free game according to the free game execution condition associated with the selected game condition choice image. |
| US08083581B2 |
Electronic game and method for playing a game based upon removal and replacing symbols in the game matrix
Payout methods in a mechanical, an electro-mechanical and/or computer-based slot machine-like games-of-chance enable a series of awards based upon: appearance of predetermined symbol combinations in the symbol matrix; issuance of awards for the predetermined combination of symbols; removal of the winning symbol combinations from the symbol matrix; replacement of removed symbols with other symbols; issuance of awards for predetermined combination of symbols in the symbol matrix; and recurring cycles of award, removal and replacement until no winning symbol combinations appear in the symbol matrix. |
| US08083579B2 |
Slot machine and control method of game
A slot machine of the present invention comprises: a mechanical reel device provided with a plurality of reels each having a plurality of symbols drawn on its peripheral face; an image display device which is provided at a front of the mechanical reel device and is capable of changing the state of the backside thereof from visible to invisible by displaying an image; and a controller, the controller programmed to execute the processing of: (A) executing a game in which the plurality of symbols are variably displayed and then stop-displayed to the mechanical reel device after game media are BET in number equal to or less than a previously set maximum number of BETs, and game media are paid out in number according to the plurality of symbols stop-displayed or a combination thereof; (B) shifting a mode from a non-insurance mode to an insurance mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media is inserted; (C) counting the number of games played after shifting to the insurance mode, in the insurance mode; (D) paying out a predetermined number of game media when the number of games counted in the processing (C) reaches a specific number; and (E) displaying a specific effect image at a position in front of the reels in the image display device during a period when game media are being paid out in the processing (D). |
| US08083578B2 |
Multiplay poker wagering game with payout differentiating display of probabilities
A method of playing a poker event wagering game includes: a player placing an underlying wager of X credits in the wagering game where Z partial hands are provided in a display step in the wagering game; displaying Z partial hands in the display step; the player wagering Y credits on one of the Z partial hands as a wager that the one of the Z partial hands will be a best hand from among all Z hands at the conclusion of the poker wagering game when the final hands will comprise N cards, wherein Y |
| US08083575B2 |
Car interior odor air ventilation system
A ventilation system is provided in an automobile by forming an intake opening in the top of the seats in the automobile. A telescopic pipe is located in the cushion of the seat with its top end mounted to the intake opening and its lower end mounted to an outlet port at the underside of the seat. An ammonia sensor and a air drawing fan is mounted in the telescopic pipe. The air drawing fan is actuated by the ammonia sensor with the control of a seat fan module when the ammonia sensor detects body waste odor air expelled by a passenger sitting in the seat. Exhaust ducts are provided for conducting the odor air out of the automobile. |
| US08083572B2 |
Pair of ophthalmic eyeglasses and a method of forming an engagement peripheral ridge on the edge face of a lens
A pair of eyeglasses includes: a frame provided with at least one rim presenting an internal bezel; and a lens mounted in the frame, the lens presenting a front face, a rear face, and on its edge face, an engagement peripheral ridge presenting a rear flank, situated beside the rear face of the lens and a front flank situated beside the front face of the lens, the front and rear flanks being engaged in the internal bezel. The front flank of the engagement peripheral ridge presents continuity of at least first order with the remainder of the front face. The edge face of the lens presents a rear shoulder or foot, and in that the radial height of the engagement peripheral ridge considered between the peak of the peripheral ridge and the foot varies along the periphery of the lens. |
| US08083569B2 |
Remotely controlled vehicle
A remotely-controlled vehicle is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the vehicle includes components that may be added to an existing vehicle or added at the time of manufacture. The components include at least one of a pneumatic projectile launcher and a water cannon, a rocket launcher having one or more rockets launchable from the vehicle, at least one video camera system for capturing and transmitting video images, and a controller for controlling the projectile launcher, water cannon, rocket launcher, and video camera system. Each of the one or more rockets may include at least one solid-propellant rocket motor, and each of the one or more video camera systems may include at least one video camera mounted for selective orientation in at least one plane. |
| US08083565B1 |
Adjustable weights for model race car
An adjustable weight system and method for adjusting the center of gravity and front and rear axle weights of a model race car. The adjustable weight system includes a cylinder having screw threads that are configured to form complemental threads in a surface surrounding a bore of an object that the cylinder is placed within. The cylinder is configured to engage a tool for adjustably positioning the cylinder within the bore and forming the complemental threads. The methods for adjusting the center of gravity and front and rear axle weights each include selecting a desired center of gravity location, front axle weight, or rear axle weight, placing at least a front or rear wheel of the car on a scale, and moving an adjustable weight on the car's chassis until the desired and actual center of gravity, front axle weight, or rear axle weight are approximately equal. |
| US08083562B2 |
Method of manufacturing image display apparatus using sputtering
A manufacturing method of an image display apparatus having a substrate and a conductive supporting frame formed at a periphery of the substrate includes steps of forming a wiring on the substrate, and forming an insulating layer on the wiring. The insulating layer includes a silicon nitride or a silicon oxide deposited by a sputtering technique. The insulating layer is seal-bonded with the conductive supporting frame. |
| US08083554B2 |
Connector assembly having a unitary housing
A connector insert includes a unitary body, cavities extending through the body, and contacts. The body extends between mating and loading sides. The loading side is configured to engage a circuit board. The mating side is configured to mate with a peripheral connector to electrically couple the circuit board with the peripheral connector. The cavities extend through the body from the mating side to the loading side. The contacts are held in the cavities of the housing and protrude from each of the mating and loading sides to engage the circuit board and peripheral connector and to provide an electronic signal path between the circuit board and the peripheral connector. The contacts are loaded into the cavities through the loading side and retained in the body by an interference fit between the contacts and the body. The interference fit prevents the contacts from being removed from the body through the mating side. |
| US08083551B2 |
Plug-type connector
The invention relates to a plug-in connector (1), comprising a housing, a printed circuit board (2) and RF contacts (K1-K8), the RF contacts (K1-K8) being electrically connected to the printed circuit board (2), the RF contacts (K1-K8) being formed by an integral, flexible printed circuit board (4), from which the individual contacts (K1-K8) are cut free, the flexible printed circuit board (4) being prestressed by a spring-elastic element (6). |
| US08083547B2 |
High density pluggable electrical and optical connector
A connector assembly is provided that includes a front end mating connector which is received in a socket. The front end mating connector includes a pluggable transceiver, latching mechanism, and passive optical connector. Standard optical ribbon fibers are provided that plug into the passive connector, which in turn plugs into the transceiver. The passive connector and the transceiver are coupled together by the latching mechanism. The coupled connector then plugs into the socket in a first direction. The socket includes electrical connector wafers. As the transceiver is plugged into the socket, circuit boards within the transceiver move in a second direction to engage the wafers. The transceiver has a circuit that converts the optical signals received by the receiver ribbons into electrical signals that are recognized by the wafers and passed to the circuit board. The circuit also converts the electrical signals received from the circuit board through the wafers in the socket into optical signals for transmission by the optical ribbon fibers. |
| US08083540B1 |
Photovoltaic module connector assemblies having cable strain relief
An electrical connector assembly including a connector housing having a plurality of sides that define an inner region of the connector housing and include opposite loading and mating sides. The connector housing has a cable channel located in the inner region that extends between the loading and mating sides and a slot oriented substantially transverse to the cable channel. The slot extends through the cable channel. The connector assembly also includes a conductive cable that is received in the cable channel and extends along a central cable axis. The conductive cable has an outer surface and is configured to electrically engage the PV module. The connector assembly also includes a retaining member that is inserted into the slot. The retaining member surrounds the conductive cable about the cable axis and grips the outer surface of the conductive cable. |
| US08083539B2 |
Connector
A connector includes a female connector for accommodating a cylindrical and deformable female terminal provided at an end of a cable, a male connector for accommodating a male terminal configured to be inserted into the female terminal, a fastening member provided slidably around an outer periphery of the female terminal, and configured to tighten the female terminal to fasten the male terminal when inserted into the female terminal, and a slide mechanism for sliding the fastening member, which is provided in the female connector. |
| US08083534B2 |
Electrical connectors configured to prevent improper connection of a component module
In one embodiment, an electrical connector adapted to receive a component module includes a body that defines a socket into which the module can be inserted, and an obstruction element adapted to physically interfere with the module when it is attempted to seat the module within the connector with the module only partially inserted into the socket. |
| US08083524B2 |
Interventional simulator system
The present invention relates to an interventional procedure simulation system and method, comprising a control unit and an interface unit, said control unit communicating with said interface unit to simulate handling of at least one instrument interfaced by said interface unit. The control unit comprises a database of vessels having hierarchy structure, each vessel having a diameter and a stiffness, and said instrument being a tool expendable in a simulated vessel. When the tool is expanded, a geometry of said vessel changes resulting in a fluid flow change. |
| US08083523B2 |
Method for developing cognitive skills using spelling and word building on a computing device
Methodologies for improving a student's phonemic awareness, decoding, spelling, oral and written comprehension are described herein. The method is embodied in a suite of twelve exercises operable on a computing device. The exercises are geared towards training of 1st and 2nd grade students but are not limited to that. The methods present an entertaining screen environment, with target stimulus, and foil or distracter stimulus presented visually, textually, and aurally. The student is required to identify the target stimulus from the distracter stimulus within the context of each exercise. Progress from easier trials to more difficult trials is made as the student successfully completes particular difficulty levels. |
| US08083511B2 |
Systems and methods involving pattern molds
System and methods involving pattern molds are provided. In this regard, a representative system includes a mold assembly unit having a movable fixture holder operative to engage a portion of a pattern mold and position the pattern mold for assembly. |
| US08083508B2 |
Progressive cavity compressor having check valves on the discharge endplate
A new type of progressive cavity compressor is intended primarily for 3 to 10 ton vapor-cycle air conditioning systems. Major working section elements include a rotor, a stator, inlet ports, an outlet endplate, and outlet check valves. The helical rotor is driven in an eccentric orbital path inside the helical stator. In the preferred embodiment, the rotor and stator helices have varying (non-uniform) pitch in the working section. Rotor-stator running clearances are tight, to minimize leakage. Two outlet check valves regulate refrigerant discharge flow and pressure. Efficient compression is provided over a wide range of compression ratios, corresponding to a wide range of ambient temperatures in an air conditioning application. The invention can improve the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems, especially at off-design conditions. |
| US08083501B2 |
Subsea pumping system including a skid with wet matable electrical and hydraulic connections
A technique is provided for pumping fluid in subsea applications, such as booster pumping applications. A self-contained pumping module has a pump and a motor mounted on a skid. The self-contained pumping module also includes electrical connections by which electrical power can be provided to the motor and hydraulic connections for connecting suitable hydraulic lines with a pump intake and a pump discharge. The self-contained nature of the pumping module enables easy deployment to a sea floor in a variety of applications. |
| US08083499B1 |
Regenerative hydraulic lift system
A hydraulic cylinder assembly for a fluid pump including a cylinder, a bearing attached to an approximate first end of the cylinder, a rod slideably mounted within the bearing, and a piston located about an end of the rod in the cylinder opposite the bearing. A central axis of the rod is offset from, and parallel to, a centerline of the cylinder to impede a rotation of the piston about the rod. The hydraulic cylinder assembly further including a hydraulic pump fluidly connected to the cylinder, the pump configured to provide a hydraulic pressure to the cylinder during an up-stroke of the piston and rod and the pump further configured to generate electricity on the down-stroke of the piston and rod. |
| US08083498B2 |
System and method for position control of a mechanical piston in a pump
Embodiments of the systems and methods disclosed herein utilize a brushless DC motor (BLDCM) to drive a single-stage or a multi-stage pump in a pumping system for real time, smooth motion, and extremely precise and repeatable position control over fluid movements and dispense amounts, useful in semiconductor manufacturing. The BLDCM may employ a position sensor for real time position feedback to a processor executing a custom field-oriented control scheme. Embodiments of the invention can reduce heat generation without undesirably compromising the precise position control of the dispense pump by increasing and decreasing, via a custom control scheme, the operating frequency of the BLDCM according to the criticality of the underlying function(s). The control scheme can run the BLDCM at very low speeds while maintaining a constant velocity, which enables the pumping system to operate in a wide range of speeds with minimal variation, substantially increasing dispense performance and operation capabilities. |
| US08083495B2 |
Ejectors with separably secured nozzles, adjustable size nozzles, or adjustable size mixing tubes
An ejector comprising a motive inlet, a motive nozzle separably secured to the motive inlet, a suction chamber about the motive nozzle, a suction fluid inlet to the suction chamber, a mixing tube in fluid communication with the suction chamber and the motive nozzle, a diffuser in fluid communication with the mixing tube and distal the suction chamber and the motive nozzle, and an outlet from the diffuser is provided. A nozzle comprising at least two concentric arc nozzle portions is also provided. An ejector comprising a mixing tube including a flexible layer adapted to compress or stretch, thereby allowing a mixing tube diameter to change is further provided. |
| US08083493B2 |
Transport device for sterile media
For water-jet surgery pump devices are known by means of which a sterile fluid is transported through a reservoir to the surgical instrument by means of piston pumps or similar volumetrically transporting pumps. In accordance with the present invention it is proposed either to construct drive means for the pumps in such a way that their suction cycle is shorter than the output cycle, or to provide a pump with at least three pump chambers and to construct the drive means in such a way that the suction and output cycles of the pump chambers overlap one another. |
| US08083490B2 |
Propeller for watercraft, outboard motor and watercraft including the same and the method for producing the same
A propeller for watercraft having excellent abrasion resistance includes a propeller body having a blade and a hub portion, the propeller body being molded from an aluminum alloy by casting, and an anodic oxide coating of the aluminum alloy provided so as to cover a surface of the propeller body. The anodic oxide coating has a thickness of about 20 μm or more in a thinnest portion and a hardness of about 330 HV or more at a near-surface level in a thickest portion. |
| US08083489B2 |
Hybrid structure fan blade
A hybrid fan blade for a gas turbine engine is provided that includes an airfoil and a composite panel. The airfoil has a first side and a second side orientated opposite the first side. The first and second sides extend between a tip, a base, a leading edge and a trailing edge. The airfoil includes a plurality of cavities disposed in the first side of the airfoil, which cavities extend inwardly toward the second side. The cavities collectively form an opening. At least one rib is disposed between the cavities. A shelf is disposed around the opening. The composite panel is attached to the shelf first mounting surface and to the rib, and is sized to enclose the opening. The first composite panel is a load bearing structure operable to transfer loads to the airfoil and receive loads from the airfoil. |
| US08083487B2 |
Rotary airfoils and method for fabricating same
A method of fabricating an airfoil is provided. The method includes fabricating at least one airfoil including a suction side and a pressure side coupled together at a leading edge and a trailing edge, wherein the airfoil includes a plurality of first and second chord sections each extending between the trailing and leading edges, wherein at least one of the first chord sections extends outward from the pressure side of the airfoil at the trailing edge, and at least one of the second chord sections extends outward from the suction side of the airfoil at the trailing edge. |
| US08083486B1 |
Turbine blade with cooling flow modulation
A turbine rotor blade with a 3-pass serpentine flow cooling channel having a first leg located at the leading edge of the airfoil and a third leg located adjacent to the trailing edge of the airfoil and connected to a row of exit slots, and in which a second leg includes three separate channels in parallel with inlet metering holes to regulate a cooling air flow and pressure in each separate channel. The blade includes a blade tip channel connected to the first leg of the serpentine and which supplies the cooling air to the second leg channels through the separate metering holes. Because the metering holes can be sized individually, the hottest part of the mid-chord region of the airfoil can be supplied with more cooling air flow and the pressure ratio across the trailing edge can be reduced so that the exit slots can be larger or more numerous. |
| US08083485B2 |
Angled tripped airfoil peanut cavity
A turbine airfoil comprises a wall portion, a cooling channel, an impingement rib, impingement rib nozzles, turbulators and leading edge cooling holes. The wall portion comprises a leading edge, a trailing edge, an outer diameter end, and an inner diameter end. The cooling channel receives cooling air and extends through an interior of the wall portion between the inner diameter end and the outer diameter end. The impingement rib is positioned within the wall portion forward of the cooling channel and between the outer diameter end and the inner diameter end to define a peanut cavity. The impingement rib nozzles extend through the impingement rib for receiving cooling air from the cooling channel. The turbulators are positioned within the peanut cavity to locally influence the flow of the cooling air. The leading edge cooling holes discharge the cooling air from the peanut cavity to an exterior of the wall portion. |
| US08083483B1 |
Water wheel barrage energy converter
A wheel-type of moving water energy conversion device consists of a limited number of paddles or blades attached to struts, which are secured to a central axis or geared drive shaft. The paddles or blades are hinged to the struts in a unique underneath forward position, allowing the paddle or blade to enter water in an energy conversion, flat plane and exit from water in vertical non-water lifting position. The utilization of extension arms securing paddles, the limitation of engineered positioning of paddles and the design of free paddle exit from water, provide a uniquely efficient energy conversion device for use in moving waters, such as rivers, streams, tidal flows or lake and ocean waves and currents. The device may be engineered as a low profile, rotary barrage type, with paddles or blades positioned on struts with or without telescopic arms. |
| US08083479B2 |
Heat dissipating fan structure of dual motor
A heat dissipating fan structure of a dual motor includes: a base device, having a fan base, and the fan base having a fan motor; a fan, connected and rotated by the fan motor, and the fan having a plurality of vanes; a support frame device, installed at the fan base, and having a frame-fan motor; a frame-fan device, connected and rotated by the frame-fan motor, and having a frame-fan frame, and a plurality wing plates disposed around the frame-fan frame, and the wing plates being disposed around the external periphery of the fan and perpendicular to the vane, so that the plurality wing plates on the frame-fan base can produce an auxiliary airflow to increase the airflow of the fan and give a better heat dissipating effect. |
| US08083478B2 |
Exhaust casing for a turbomachine
A turbomachine exhaust casing with connection roots between the structural arms of the casing and the annular endplates of the hub of the casing, each of said the roots having a profile that is optimized so as to reduce the level of stress in the connection portions, and thus increase the lifetime of the exhaust casing. |
| US08083477B2 |
Centrifugal fan
A centrifugal fan includes a plurality of blades, a casing and a tongue. The casing includes a base plate perpendicular to a rotation axis of the blades and a sidewall extending upwardly from the base plate. The base plate and the sidewall cooperatively define a space for receiving the blades therein. The sidewall defines an opening in one side for functioning as an air outlet. An air channel is defined between outmost ends of the blades and the sidewall. The tongue is detachably mounted to one end of the sidewall adjacent to the air outlet. The tongue includes a guiding surface protruding towards the outmost ends of the blades. The tongues is provided for lowering a noise level of the centrifugal fan during operation. |
| US08083475B2 |
Turbine bucket angel wing compression seal
The present application provides an angel wing seal for a turbine bucket. The angel wing seal may include a first wing with a sinusoidally-shaped outer edge and a number of wing teeth positioned thereon. |
| US08083474B2 |
Turbocharger
To provide a turbocharger whose lifetime is long, which is capable of inexpensively and precisely performing nozzle vane angle synchronous control by using inexpensive and highly wear resistant components in a link mechanism for driving a rotation mechanism of nozzle vanes of an adjustable nozzle mechanism. As pins fixedly arrayed in a ring plate rotatably supported on the turbocharger, that set an angle of the nozzle vanes for controlling an amount of exhaust gas for rotating a turbine rotor, each pin in which a hard coating with a thickness of approximately 2 μm which is formed of Al, Cr, Si, and N by physical vapor deposition is formed onto an austenitic stainless steel as a base material, is used. |
| US08083473B2 |
Interface for a stamped stator and a one-way clutch
A stator, including: a one-way clutch with at least one slot opening radially outward from an outer circumferential portion of an outer race; and a blade assembly including first and second separately formed, stamped blade segments rotationally connected to the one-way clutch via the at least one slot. The blade segments are fixedly connected at respective outer circumferential portions. In one embodiment, the stamped blade segments include respective portions disposed in the at least one slot and disposed radially inward from respective blades for the respective blade segments. In one embodiment, the stator includes at least one rivet disposed in the at least one slot and fixedly secured to first and second portions of the first and second stamped blade segments, respectively, the first and second portions located radially inward from blades for the first and second stamped blade segments, respectively. |
| US08083472B2 |
Shaft bearing arrangement
A gas turbine engine (10) comprising a first turbine (19) and a first compressor (13) mounted on a first shaft (26) and a bearing arrangement (52, 34) supporting the shaft (26), the bearing arrangement is subject to a total end load and comprises a fixed bearing (34), a load share bearing (52) and a bearing end load management system (50) that is capable of applying a variable load to the load share bearing to manage total end load between the bearings. The bearing end load management system comprises a static diaphragm (54) that defines part of a chamber (56) and that is coupled to the load share bearing whereby increased pressurization of the chamber loads the diaphragm which in turn increases the proportion of the total end load on the load share bearing. |
| US08083471B2 |
Turbine rotor support apparatus and system
An apparatus to support a rotor of a turbine engine disposed upon a support surface is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing, a rotor support bearing disposed within the housing, and a support leg in operable communication with the housing and in direct structural connection with the support surface. |
| US08083468B2 |
Turbomachine
A high-speed turbomachine includes a magnetic bearing (22, 23) and a retainer bearing for mounting the rotor. The retainer bearing is embodied as a sliding bearing (26, 27) and encompasses a bearing shell (28) at the stator end, a bearing shaft (20) at the rotor end, and an intermediate bushing (30) between the bearing shell (28) and the bearing shaft (20). The intermediate bushing (30) is spaced apart from both the bearing shaft (20) and the bearing shell (28) by a circular gap (33, 34). The intermediate bushing (30) is rotatable relative to the bearing shell (28) and the bearing shaft (20). As a result of this design, the sliding bearing (26) is provided with two pairs of sliding surfaces, onto which all occurring dynamic forces are distributed such that wear is significantly reduced, thus allowing sliding bearings to be used as retainer bearings in a magnetically mounted high-speed turbomachine. |
| US08083465B2 |
Repaired turbine exhaust strut heat shield vanes and repair methods
A method of repairing a turbine exhaust case strut heat shield vane includes removing a damaged portion of the vane, solution heat treating the vane, attaching a replacement section to the vane, and relieving local stresses in an attachment area between the replacement section and the vane. |
| US08083464B2 |
Stackable nacelle for wind turbines
A stackable nacelle for a wind turbine includes a first piece having a top wall and integral first side walls extending at a first obtuse angle from each edge of the top wall; and a second piece, for mating with the first piece, having a bottom wall and integral second side walls extending at a second obtuse angle from each edge of the bottom wall. |
| US08083459B2 |
Clamping apparatus
A clamping apparatus includes a frame and a pair of opposing clamping arms mounted on the frame for movement towards and away from each other to grasp or release a load. In one embodiment, each clamping arm is guided for movement with respect to the frame by an adjustable bushing which can be rotated to adjust the position of the bushing with respect to the clamping arm. In another embodiment, each clamping arm defines a four-bar linkage which controls the angle with respect to the vertical of a contact portion of the clamping arm. The clamping apparatus may be mounted on a lift truck or other support member by a connector which permits the angle of the clamping apparatus with respect to the horizontal to be adjusted and which enables the clamping apparatus to pivot about an axis between a position in which it is disposed outboard of the axis and a position in which is it disposed forward of the axis. |
| US08083458B2 |
Hoist system for flat screen televisions and heavy objects
A hoist system hoists a flat screen television or a heavy object in a room for attachment to a wall mounted attachment fixture. The hoist system has a wheel-supported base, and a central pillar with a raising and lowering element. The central pillar has a counter weight projection arm with a plurality of notches for carrying a counterbalance weight. A projection arm extends from the movable element in the direction opposite to the counterbalance weight arm with a downward pointing extension that carries a plurality of adjustable L-shaped brackets. The hoist system is brought close to a television or heavy weight at ground level and the L-shaped brackets are inserted therebelow. Weight balance is checked and a counterweight is placed on an appropriate notch in the counterbalance weight arm. The flat screen television or heavy object is then lifted to the correct height for wall attachment. Even though the load produced by the flat screen television or heavy weight being carried overhangs, delivery thereof to a point closely proximate a wall of a room can be reliably and safely accomplished by a single person. |
| US08083453B2 |
Screw
A screw which can be manufactured at a low cost with a relatively simple constitution by performing precise machining suitable for tightening a screw without employing a tapping thread structure as a threaded portion shape and machining only the distal end of the threaded portion to have a shape projecting spherically, and which can ensure smooth and quick screw tightening work without causing such problems as heat generation or molding powder at all at screw tightening. The screw includes a head (12) provided with a bit fitting groove (13) at one end, and a threaded portion (14) which is machined precisely with substantially equal circular diameter over a full length, wherein the distal end (20) of the threaded portion (14) is shaped to have a spherical projection varying in a plurality of stages. |
| US08083449B1 |
Material-securing tailgate protector
A tailgate protector (1) having a structural frame (3) combined with a plurality of spaced protrusions (2). The structural frame (3) is sized and shaped to mount to the upper edge of a closed vehicle tailgate, such that the protrusions (2) perpendicularly extend above the upper edge of the tailgate. Material being transported by the vehicle and supported by the tailgate upper edge is placed on the structural frame (3) within the spacings between the protrusions (2). The structural frame (3) acts to protect the surface of the tailgate edge, while the protrusions (2) restrict the side to side movement of the transported material. Thus, the tailgate protector (1) effectively provides a quick and convenient means for securing the transported material while protecting the tailgate edge. |
| US08083448B2 |
Interlocking pallets, and shipping and storage systems employing the same
Shipping and storage containers, racks, and pallets including interlocking mechanisms are provided. An embodiment of the pallet includes openings, interface fittings aligned with the openings, respectively, and sized to fit into openings of identical sizes and configurations as the first and second openings, respectively, locking components operatively connected to one another, and an actuator for moving concomitantly the locking components into and out of the openings, respectively. |
| US08083446B2 |
Spindle having a data acquisition element which can be read by a radio
The invention relates to a spindle for a machine tool, in particular a motor spindle having a housing (2) for accommodating an electric motor (3) and a shaft (6) which can be driven by the latter, in particular having a tool holder for a tool for machining workpieces, wherein at least one data acquisition element (8) for recording operating and/or state data of the spindle is provided, and wherein the data acquisition element is in the form of a radio chip and can be read by radio using a read element (9). |
| US08083442B2 |
Cutting tool for lapping plate
A cutting tool for a lapping plate surface profile comprises a major body and a cutting body, and the cutting body comprises a first connection surface, a second connection surface and a third connection surface connecting the first connection surface and the second connection surface. The third connection surface has a secondary portion connecting a arc-shaped portion of the first connection portion and an inclined portion of the second connection portion. The cutting tool employs the arc-shaped portion and the secondary portion to cut the lapping plate so as to form a sound profile surface. |
| US08083438B2 |
Mechanically produced thermocline based ocean temperature regulatory system
A Mechanically Produced Thermocline Based Ocean Temperature Regulatory System to sequester carbon dioxide, create a cold water barrier to hurricanes and tropical storms, and ensure the function of the thermohaline circulation. |
| US08083437B2 |
Underwater trenching apparatus
An underwater trenching system is mountable on a side of a barge to be propelled by the barge along a waterway, the bed of which contains a trench with a laid pipeline. To remove the excess sediment from the trench the trenching unit delivers pressurized water and air to the trench. A sparge assembly with jet nozzles directs jets of water, breaking up the formation that has built up around the pipeline. The airlift assembly creates a turbulent flow to lift the disturbed sediment and remove it from the created trench. |
| US08083431B2 |
Magnetic ring systems for attachment to a shaft and methods of making and using
Magnetic ring systems for attachment to a shaft and methods of making and using are provided. According to an embodiment, a magnetic ring system for attachment to a shaft comprises: a magnetic ring; and an adaptor configured to fit inside the magnetic ring, the adaptor comprising an inner wall spaced from an outer wall, wherein the inner wall comprises a plurality of grooves for engaging the shaft. |
| US08083426B2 |
Liquid dispenser
A liquid dispenser includes a hollow shank, a dispensing device longitudinally mounted to a first end of the hollow shank, a control device longitudinally mounted to a second end of the hollow shank and a sheath detachably mounted to the first end of the hollow shank for protecting the dispensing head after use. A passage is defined in the control device and communicating with an inner periphery of the hollow shank and the dispensing device such that the liquid contained in the hollow shank can flow into the dispensing device when the passage is opened. The control device is provided to selectively close/open the passage for controlling the output quantity of the liquid dispenser. |
| US08083422B1 |
Handheld tattoo printer
A mobile, handheld and hand-propelled tattoo printer is disclosed for use in printing a tattoo design on a body part. The tattoo design may be any image, graphic, word, phrase, or other tattoo design. The tattoo printer receives or generates image data of the tattoo design. A user moves the tattoo printer on a body part for printing the tattoo design. A position module provides absolute position data so that the tattoo design is accurately printed. The tattoo printer can be used to apply countless tattoo designs based upon image data received from one or more sources. |
| US08083420B2 |
Camera control system and associated pan/tilt head
An apparatus for controlling one or more cameras is provided. The apparatus includes: a mounting sled, a tilt drive motor, a tilt drive train, a pan drive motor, and a pan drive train. The mounting sled includes a camera platform between two sled runners. A lower surface of each sled runner is formed by a circular arc. The tilt drive train includes a tilt drive shaft having an axis perpendicular to the camera platform. The pan drive train includes a pan drive shaft extending along the axis of the tilt drive shaft such that it receives the tilt drive shaft and turns independently and concentrically about the tilt drive shaft. The camera platform receives a camera such that the center of gravity of the camera is aligned with the diameter of the circular arc of the sled runners and the vertical axis of the tilt and pan drive shafts. |
| US08083417B2 |
Active optical cable electrical adaptor
An adaptor that mechanically and/or electrically adapts to and/or from an electrical connector that is integrated with an active cable at one end of an active optical cable, wherein the optical cable is configured to communicate over much of its length using one or more optical fibers. The cable may be an electrical to optical cable, and electrical to electrical cable, or one of many other potential configurations. |
| US08083416B2 |
Hybrid fiber/copper connector system and method
A hybrid fiber/copper connector assembly which permits repair of damaged fibers or copper conductors carried by a hybrid fiber/copper cable without requiring replacement of the entire connector assembly or the cable is disclosed. The hybrid fiber/copper connector assembly disclosed also allows individual hybrid fiber/copper connectors of the assembly to be converted from one gender to a different gender. The hybrid fiber/copper connectors of the assembly include removable keying members mountable to housings of the connectors. The removable keying members allow gender conversion and proper mating and orientation. The hybrid fiber/copper connector assembly also allows the individual connectors of the assembly to be converted from being hybrid fiber/copper connectors to being only fiber connectors or only copper connectors. |
| US08083414B2 |
Bush bearing
A bush bearing (1) is a wrapped bush bearing which has a cylindrical inner peripheral surface (2) serving as a sliding surface as well as an outer peripheral surface (3), and whose abutting faces (4) are abutted against each other. The outer peripheral surface (3) includes a cylindrical surface (11); a tapered surface (13) interposed between the cylindrical surface (11) and one annular end face (12) in an axial direction X and formed by roll forming; a smooth circular arc surface (14) interposed between the tapered surface (13) and the cylindrical surface (11); and a smooth circular arc surface (15) interposed between the tapered surface (13) and the end face (12). |
| US08083413B2 |
Compliant hybrid gas journal bearing using integral wire mesh dampers
A compliant hybrid gas journal bearing includes compliant hybrid bearing pads having a hydrostatic recess and a capillary restrictor for providing a flow of pressurized gas to the bearing. The bearing also includes an inner rim adjacent the bearing pads, an outer rim and a damper bridge between the inner and outer rims. The damper bridge has an axial length that is less than an axial length of the bearing pads and the outer rim to form a damper cavity on each side of the damper bridge. An integral wire mesh damper is situated within the damper cavity on each side of the damper bridge. Integral centering springs are located between the inner and outer rims to provide radial and rotational compliance to the bearing pads. The oil-free bearing design addresses the low damping and low load capacity characteristics that are inherent in present day compliant air foil bearing designs, while retaining the compliance to changes in rotor geometry. |
| US08083410B2 |
Bag with closeable access zone
A bag having a closeable access zone is provided. The access zone includes an access to the interior of the bag and a first portion and a second portion enabling closure of the access zone. |
| US08083408B2 |
Method and device for delivering radiotherapy
A device 10 for aligning a patient for delivering a plurality of radiation beams comprising a patient support surface 12, a coarse alignment subsystem 14 connected to the patient support surface, and a fine alignment subsystem connected to the patient support surface 16. A method of aligning a patient for delivering a plurality of radiation beams from a plurality of device positions comprising compensating for flexion of a radiation beam delivery device within a gantry during movement of the radiation beam delivery device from a first device position to a second device position by using a set of predetermined data describing the flexion behavior of the radiation beam delivery device so that the target tissue within the patient is placed at the beamline center for the radiation beam delivery device at the second device position. |
| US08083406B2 |
Diagnostic delivery service
Systems, methods, and other modalities are described for (a) obtaining an indication relating to an emission module (which may be dangerous, e.g.) or its user (who may be untrained, e.g.) and for (b) configuring the module or causing an irradiation (for imaging, e.g.) in response to the indication. |
| US08083397B2 |
Static mixer
A mixer for mixing at least first and second fluids comprises a conduit configured to receive a stream of the first and second fluids. A first series of mixing elements are disposed within the conduit and configured to divide the stream in a first direction. A second series of mixing elements are disposed within the conduit and configured to divide the stream in a second direction different from the first direction. The mixing elements of the first series each comprises a first planar member oriented in the first direction and defining a leading edge, a second planar member oriented in the second direction and defining a trailing edge, a first deflecting surface extending outwardly from a first side of the first planar member and configured to direct fluid flow to a space adjacent a first side of the second planar member, and a second deflecting surface extending outwardly from a second side of the first planar member and configured to direct fluid flow to a space adjacent a second side of the second planar member. |
| US08083392B2 |
LED light has removable self-power LED unit(s)
An LED light device has removable self-powered LED units that can operate independently when removed from the light device and as part of the LED light device when assembled to the light device. |
| US08083384B2 |
Efficient illumination device for aircraft
An aircraft light source includes a first substrate having an array of electromagnetic energy emitters connected in series and configured to radiate electromagnetic energy at one or more than one predetermined wavelength. The first substrate is configured to connect to a second substrate and is configured to electrically couple to the array of electromagnetic energy emitters to an aircraft electrical power system. The aircraft light source includes a housing having a cylindrical portion and a base portion. The cylindrical portion is configured to couple to a lens and to receive the array of electromagnetic energy emitters. The base portion is adapted and configured to electrically couple to an electric socket suitable for an incandescent filament lamp in an aircraft illumination system. |
| US08083380B2 |
Integrated structure for optical refractor
The present invention relates to an integrated structure for an optical refractor, and more particularly to an integrated structure between a circuit board and an optical refractor which enables exposing the light source after dismantling to facilitate replacement and maintenance thereof. The integrated structure is composed of a planar baseplate, centrally integrated with an optical refractor lens, and the bottom surface of the baseplate is provided with a male end clasping portion parallel to the incident light surface, the male end clasping portion being further provided with position fixing tenons used for fixing position and clasp pins used for clasping, thereby enabling convenient disassembly and replacement to facilitate exposing the light emitting crystal on the front surface of the circuit board to enable maintenance and replacement. |
| US08083376B2 |
LED power failure light
An LED power failure light device has first LED element(s) powered by a power source to serve as a night light and second LED element(s) powered by non-rechargeable batteries to serve as an emergency light, which may incorporate a multiple selection switch to change the numbers, power consumption, blinking, on/off duration percentage of each blinking cycle, colors of the night light, LED sequences, and other extra functions. The power source for the first LED elements may be supplied through prongs inserted into an electrical outlet or through a USB adapter. The LED power failure light device may further including various additional power and cost saving features. |
| US08083371B2 |
Illumination device
An illumination device includes a plurality of housings installed on a lamp holder, and each housing being arranged at the bottom of the lamp holder and tilted in a specific direction towards an exit aperture and having a light emitting diode device installed on each housing and opposite to two sidewalls on both sides of the inclined direction, and a reflection cover installed between adjacent housings, and each reflection cover having a plurality of first reflection surfaces and second reflection surfaces extended into each housing and towards the exterior of the housing. With the effect of the first and second reflection surfaces, the light source can be projected towards the exterior of the lamp holder effectively to increases the overall light projection range of the illumination device. |
| US08083370B2 |
Low profile extrusion
The present invention provides various embodiments for apparatuses and methods of manufacturing low profile housings for electronic and/or optoelectronic devices. Some embodiments provide low profile housings with a hollow casing comprising a first surface, second surface, and at least one lateral side surface. The housing is substantially light-diffusive. At least one cap is provided for sealing an end of the casing, with the at least one cap being sized to account for variations in the casing. At least one light emitting device, such as an LED, may be mounted within the casing. A mounting means may be included for mounting the housing. In another embodiment, a low profile housing with a first casing and second casing surrounding a majority of the first casing may be provided. At least one light emitting device, such as a double-sided printed circuit board with a plurality of LEDs, may be provided in the first casing. One or more end caps may be provided for sealing both the first and second casings. Two different wavelengths of light may be emitted from either side of the housing. |
| US08083368B2 |
Spot light
A spot light includes a universal body, a light arrangement, and a spot light accessory. A spot light accessory having a plurality of accessory elements selectively and detachably coupling with the universal body to transform the universal body from one configuration to another configuration such that the type of spot light, the hand carry method, and even the supporting method of the floor stand are flexible depends on the customers needs. |
| US08083365B2 |
Helmet mounted lighting system
A helmet lighting system includes a housing configured for attachment to a helmet wherein a lighting module includes a power source, plurality of light sources, signal receiving means configured to receive operational signals from one or more associated vehicles and a controller configured to selectively control the plurality of light sources responsive to said signal receiving means receiving said operational signals. In this manner, the lighting module may mimic brake lights and strobe lights associated with a motorcycle for example thereby rendering the motorcycle and rider more visible. Flexible ends of the housing allow the housing to attach securely to different helmet styles. Alternatively the lighting module may be integrated with the helmet. An emergency mode allows the helmet to be used as a warning device. |
| US08083364B2 |
Remote phosphor LED illumination system
An illuminator is disclosed, in which an LED module emits short-wavelength light toward a phosphor module, which absorbs it and emits wavelength-conditioned light. The emission is generally longitudinal, with a generally Lambertian distribution about the longitudinal direction. The phosphor module includes a transparent layer, closest to the LED module, and a phosphor layer directly adjacent to the transparent layer. Both layers are oriented generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The illuminator includes a reflector, circumferentially surrounding the emission plane in the LED module and extending longitudinally between the emission plane and the transparent layer. Virtually all the light emitted from the LED module either enters the phosphor module directly, or enters after a reflection off the reflector. The transverse side or sides of the transparent layer support total internal reflection, so that virtually all the light that enters the transparent layer, from the LED module, is transmitted to the phosphor layer. In some applications, the phosphor layer is located at the focus of a concave mirror, which can narrow and/or collimate the light emitted by the phosphor. Adjacent to the phosphor layer and opposite the transparent layer, the phosphor module can include a transparent dome, a heat sink, or nothing. |
| US08083359B2 |
Corner cube retroreflector mount
A retroreflector adapted to be mounted to a motor including a first, second, and third petal having a mutually perpendicular first, second, and third reflective surface that form a retroreflective surface. A base is directly connected to at least one of the first, second, or third petal so as to minimize a vertical profile of the retroreflector. The base is removably connected to the motor with a fastening mechanism. A spatial distance between the fastening mechanism and at least one of the first, second, or third petal minimizes a stress from the motor propagated to the retroreflective surface. |
| US08083357B2 |
Cooling structure of projecting apparatus
A projecting apparatus cooling structure is provided in which a discharge lamp can be always kept at an appropriate temperature whether the projecting apparatus is horizontally installed on a flat surface for forward projection or for downward projection or suspended from the ceiling for forward projection or for upward projection, so that the reliability and safety of the discharge lamp is improved and so that the life of the discharge lamp can be extended. The projecting apparatus projects an image for display using a discharge lamp as a light source. The projecting apparatus includes an air inlet for taking in a cooling medium for cooling the projecting apparatus, an air outlet for exhausting the cooling medium for cooling the projecting apparatus, a plurality of fans which each let the cooling medium flow in a predetermined direction, and a control section which detects a position in which the projecting apparatus is installed, and controls the plurality of fans according to the position detected by the position sensor. |
| US08083356B2 |
Methods and systems for improving operation of a video projector
A method of operating a video device includes determining an operating temperature, determining if the operating temperature is above normal operating temperature for the video projector, and setting the video projector in economy mode if the operating temperature is above the normal operating temperature. |
| US08083354B2 |
Simultaneously multi-temporal visual test and method and apparatus therefor
A method for determining a likelihood of a visual deficit in a subject uses a simultaneously multi-temporal visual test. At least two visual patterns are simultaneously displayed to the subject. Each pattern reverses in contrast or color at a different display frequency, and each pattern is displayed to a different region of the subject's visual field. Electrical activity of the brain of the subject is captured and sampled, and one or more frequency components are resolved from the resulting signal, where each frequency component corresponds to a different display frequency. The method then involves determining from the frequency components, optionally by comparison between the eyes, a measurement of a likelihood that a visual deficit exists in a particular area. |
| US08083349B2 |
Aliphatic polyesterpolyol-based urethane methacrylate edge coated glass polarized lens
An edge coated glass polarized lens includes a lens body and an edge coating made from a UV curable material having a composition including: an aliphatic polyesterpolyol based urethane methacrylate formed by reaction of reactants including an aliphatic polyesterpolyol, a hydroxyalkyl methacrylate, and a diisocyanate, and having a number average molecular weight ranging from 800 to 4500; a reactive diluent including a methacrylate monomer; an adhesion enhancer including a silane material selected from methacrylate-functional silane, amino methacrylate-functional silane, vinyl-functional silane, and combinations thereof; and a photo initiator. |
| US08083346B2 |
Contact lens for keratoconus
The present invention is directed to a non-deforming contact lens for keratoconus patients comprising a central zone having a displaced central zone. In particular, the central zone is displaced from the geometric center of the lens. The shape of the central zone is egg or spoon-shaped and is rotationally asymmetrical with one semi-meridian that is shorter than a corresponding semi-meridian. An intermediate transition zone is formed integral with the periphery of the central zone, and a peripheral zone is formed integral with the periphery of the intermediate transition zone, forming a round contact lens. |
| US08083344B2 |
Protective eyewear including auxiliary lenses
An eyewear assembly includes an outer first frame, at least one outer first lens, an inner second frame, and at least one inner second lens. The assembly includes a mechanism for holding the first frame and first lens in front of a user's face. The second frame has a mechanism for attachment to the first frame, to hold the second frame between the user's eyes and the first lens. The at least one second lens is carried by the second frame. The mechanism for attachment comprises a tab extending vertically on one of the first frame or the second frame and an aperture on the respective other of the first frame or the second frame for receiving said tab. The first frame includes a central elevated vent to distribute air over top vent openings of the first frame. Grip warts are provided on the first frame for gripping and manipulation by the user. |
| US08083335B2 |
Liquid container
A second sealing film is thermally bonded onto a leading end portion of an ink lead-out member of an ink pack and an annular projecting portion provided on an ink casing. Thereby, a gap produced between the ink lead-out member and the ink casing can be closed from outside the ink casing. Accordingly, the air tightness of a space in the ink casing is kept, thus making it possible to raise the pressure in the space and generate such a force as to crush the ink pack. |
| US08083334B2 |
Liquid storage container and refilling method using the same
A liquid storage container includes: a liquid storage bag which at least includes first and second sealing joint portions obtained by joining flexible members in a sealing manner; a liquid lead-out member which is mounted on the first sealing joint portion of the liquid storage bag; a case which holds the liquid storage bag and the liquid lead-out member and supports the liquid lead-out member; and a reception portion which is formed in the case to receive the second sealing joint portion displaced when a liquid is led out from the liquid storage bag. |
| US08083331B2 |
Piezoelectric actuator, liquid ejection head, and method for manufacturing piezoelectric actuator
A piezoelectric actuator includes piezoelectric layers. Individual electrodes are formed on an outermost piezoelectric layer and arranged in a row extending along a first direction. Through holes are formed in the outermost piezoelectric layer and arranged substantially in a row extending in the first direction to contact with first end portions of the individual electrodes. The individual electrodes include at least one first individual electrode and at least one second individual electrode. The first individual electrode comprises a first electrode terminal provided at the first end portion, and the second individual electrode comprises a second electrode terminal provided at a second end portion opposite to the first end portion with respect to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second individual electrode has a thickened portion extending from the second electrode terminal towards the first end portion. |
| US08083327B2 |
Hot melt ink delivery reservoir pump subassembly
A print head pump assembly has a piezo element plate having an array of piezoelectric elements, a channel plate having an array of channel regions corresponding to the array of piezoelectric elements, and a valve plate having an array of reed valve pairs corresponding to the array of channel regions. A print head assembly has at least one ink reservoir, an upper routing plate to receive ink from the ink reservoir, a lower routing plate to direct ink out of the print head, and a pump assembly to draw ink from the upper routing plate and deliver ink to the lower routing plate using piezoelectric diaphragms. A method of delivering ink to a print substrate includes providing ink to a low-pressure reservoir of a print head, drawing ink out of the low-pressure reservoir through an upper routing plate using a pump assembly internal to the print head, and pumping ink out of the print head through a lower routing plate using the pump assembly, such that the drawing and pumping processes continuously alternate. |
| US08083326B2 |
Nozzle arrangement with an actuator having iris vanes
A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead includes a substrate defining an ink inlet; a plurality of posts extending from the substrate; a roof portion defining an ejection port, the roof portion supported by the plurality of posts; a plurality of vanes extending from the substrate and arranged to form a wall of a chamber around the ink inlet; and a plurality of thermal bend actuators respectively positioned at a base of each vane, each thermal bend actuator having a fixed end in the vicinity of one of the plurality of posts and a displaceable end opposite the fixed end. The plurality of thermal bend actuator are adapted to bend said vanes inwards with respect to the chamber in an iris-type manner to reduce a volume of the chamber, whereby ink is ejected from the chamber via the ejection port. |
| US08083322B2 |
Ink-jet recording head
An ink-jet recording head includes a discharge-port portion including a first discharge-port portion continuing from a discharge port, and a second discharge-port portion communicating the first discharge-port portion with a bubble generation chamber. The second discharge-port portion has an end surface that includes a border portion bordering the first discharge-port portion and is parallel to a main surface of an element substrate. The cross-sectional area of the second discharge-port portion, anywhere from an opening surface facing the bubble generation chamber to an end surface facing the first discharge-port portion, that is parallel to the main surface of the element substrate, is larger than the area of the border portion. The cross-section of the opening surface of the second discharge-port portion has a length in a direction perpendicular to an arrangement direction of the discharge ports that is greater than its length in a direction parallel to the arrangement direction. |
| US08083320B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus and image forming method
Liquid ejecting apparatuses and image formed methods are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a liquid ejecting apparatus is provided including a head unit, a movement mechanism, and a control section. The head unit has along a first direction a plurality of heads, in which a plurality of nozzles that eject a liquid onto a medium are lined up in the first direction, and the head unit forms a single raster line by ejecting the liquid while performing m number of movements relative to the medium in a second direction, which intersects the first direction. The movement mechanism causes the head unit to perform a plurality of movements relative to the medium alternately in the second direction and the first direction. The control section forms an image having a resolution that is n times a pitch of the nozzles. |
| US08083319B2 |
Inkjet printer
The recording head is formed with ejection holes including first ejection holes and second ejection holes arranged in a first direction. A recording medium has invisible columns extending in the first direction and invisible rows extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The invisible columns have first invisible columns and second invisible columns alternately arranged in the second direction. The scanning unit performs a first scan and a second scan in the second direction. The controller prevents the recording head in the first scan from ejecting ink droplets from the first ejection holes onto the first invisible columns and from the second ejection holes onto the second invisible columns, and prevents the recording head in the second scan from ejecting ink droplets from the first ejection holes onto the second invisible columns and from the second ejection holes at the first invisible columns. |
| US08083317B2 |
Liquid-discharging recording head
A liquid-discharging recording head includes first and second substrates each having an energy generating element and a supply port, and a support member on which the substrates are arranged. The first substrate is provided on one side in a longitudinal direction of the support member, and the second substrate is provided on an other side in the longitudinal direction of the support member. A driving circuit configured to drive the energy generating element is provided in a larger region between an end of a supply port in the first substrate on the other side in the longitudinal direction and an end of the first substrate on the other side and in a larger region between an end of a supply port in the second substrate on the one side in the longitudinal direction and an end of the second substrate on the one side. |
| US08083307B2 |
Method of fabricating three-dimensional structure and method of manufacturing substrate with spacer
A method of fabricating a three-dimensional structure, the method comprises the steps of: depositing a droplet of curable ink on a substrate; curing the ink deposited on the substrate; and building up the ink in layers by repeatedly depositing a droplet of curable ink on the cured ink and curing the deposited ink, while doing at least one of a control of a contact angle between the droplet of ink to be deposited and cured ink at the landing position where the droplet of ink is to be deposited and a control of a volume of the droplet of ink to be deposited so as to satisfy the condition dn≦dn−1, where dn represents the landing diameter of a droplet of ink to be deposited and dn−1 represents the diameter of cured ink at a landing position where the droplet of ink is to be deposited. |
| US08083305B2 |
Sealing structure of refrigerator
A refrigerator is provided, by which cold air can be effectively prevented from leaking from a storage room. The refrigerator includes a refrigerator body having an opening and a storage room provided therein, a door closing/opening, a sealing part provided to at least one of the door and the refrigerator body to prevent a cold air from leaking from the storage room, and a flow cutoff part provided inside the sealing part to prevent the cold air flowing toward the sealing part from the storage room. Accordingly, by cutting of the cold air leakage together with the sealing part, energy efficiency of the refrigerator can be raised. |
| US08083303B2 |
Built-in sliding rotating element for modular corner cabinets
A built-in sliding rotating element for modular corner cabinets, which is capable of supporting a stack of storage elements; the said built-in element slides on a parallel pair of telescopic guides fixed to the two opposite sides of an intermediate support hinge, which is fixed in turn to the base of the column around which the said built-in sliding element rotates. |
| US08083302B2 |
L-shaped doors with trapezoidal seal
A water-resistant and electromagnetic interference shielded enclosure configured to enclose at least one electronic module is provided. The water-resistant and electromagnetic interference shielded enclosure includes a base having a channel, a first L-shaped door rotatably attached to a first edge of the base, a second L-shaped door rotatably attached to a second edge of the base, a flange seal attached to a first flange on the first L-shaped door, and a compressible base-seal inserted into the channel. The compressible base-seal and the flange seal form an enclosure seal when the first L-shaped door and the second L-shaped door are closed. |
| US08083300B2 |
Electronics enclosure for suspended ceilings
An electronics enclosure is disclosed. The enclosure comprises a top plate and a cabinet frame, having at least two sides, coupled to the top plate. The enclosure further comprises a base plate pivotally coupled to the cabinet frame at an opposing end from the top plate, where the base plate has an upper surface and a lower surface and covers an opening in the cabinet frame. Moreover, at least one mounting plate is pivotally coupled inside the cabinet frame to hold at least one electronic component within the cabinet frame between the base plate and the top plate. The at least one mounting plate rotates from a first position wherein the at least one mounting plate is stored within the cabinet frame to a second position wherein the at least one mounting plate extends through the opening in the cabinet frame that is covered by the base plate. |
| US08083293B2 |
Empty/load brake control device with multi-stage sensing
An empty/load valve brake control device for a railway vehicle includes a body and a valve member disposed within the body. The body defines an inlet passageway, an outlet passageway, an exhaust passageway, and a secondary passageway. The valve member has an empty position, a load position, and a partial load position. The inlet passageway is connected to the outlet passageway when the valve member is in the empty position, the outlet passageway is connected to the exhaust passageway when the valve member is in the load position, and the inlet passageway is connected to the secondary passageway when the valve member is in the partial load position. |
| US08083289B2 |
Adjusting structure for a seat tube of a bicycle
An adjusting structure for a seat tube of a bicycle includes a seat tube, two engaging blocks, two cover members, and a locking unit, wherein two engaging blocks are symmetrically provided on two sides of a positioning seat of the seat tube, and the engaging blocks engages with each other by using the positioning seat, the two cover members are symmetrically fixed on outer sides of the two engaging blocks, and a locking unit laterally passes through the above-mentioned components and allows to be alternatively rotated tightly or loosely, thereby adjusting a saddle to become inclined and to move forward and backward easily. |
| US08083287B2 |
Headrest apparatus moveable in cooperation with seat back
A headrest apparatus may include a headrest fixing member connected to a headrest assembly, a guide member connected to a seatback frame inside the seat back, wherein the guide member including a guide portion and a locking portion guides forward and backward movement of the headrest fixing member, at least an elastic member coupling the guide member and the headrest fixing member and configured to bias the headrest fixing member in the forward direction of the seat back so that the headrest fixing member moves in the forward direction and then is locked to the locking portion of the guide member by the elastic member when the seat back is unfolded, and a locking release unit pivotally coupled to the guide member and configured to release the headrest fixing member from the locking portion of the guide member in accordance with the seat back when the seat back is folded. |
| US08083286B2 |
Sleeper cab assembly for vehicle
A sleeper cab assembly for a vehicle includes a frame configured to provide a support structure for at least a portion of the sleeper cab assembly. The frame includes a plurality of frame members coupled together. Each of the frame members are formed of a reinforced polymeric material. |
| US08083285B2 |
Side under spoiler mounting structure
Because a vehicle lower portion 6 and a bracket 3 have an equal level of thermal expansion or thermal contraction, a bonded surface of the bracket 3 can be prevented from losing the bond with the vehicle lower portion 6 due to any deformation difference that might be caused if they have different thermal expansion coefficients. A side under spoiler 4 can be kept supported on the bracket 3 even if the side under spoiler 4 thermally expands or thermally contracts, and hence the side under spoiler 4 made of a different material from that of a vehicle body 2 can be more securely mounted on the vehicle body 2. The bracket 3 and the side under spoiler 4 after mounted can maintain their ability to be joined to the vehicle body 2 for a long term. |
| US08083284B1 |
Tractor and trailer fairing apparatus
The tractor and trailer fairing apparatus providing a fairing of sorts that is fitted between the tractor and trailer. The apparatus side sections are automatically adjustable in length and can also be locked in a desired length. The second panel of the side sections and trailer towed by the tractor are fitted with a tracking assembly that sees the side panels follow the trailer during driving, whether straight or in turns, and ensuring that no wind enters the sides of the tractor/trailer union. Further, the optional telescopic spoiler prevents air entry from above. The apparatus not only prevents buffeting but also serves to increase fuel mileage. |
| US08083283B2 |
Armrest foam bun insert
An armrest is provided including a flexible skin overlying at least a portion of a substrate member, the skin coupled to substrate member, the flexible skin and the substrate member defining a cavity there between and an opening along one edge, and a foam bun insertable in the cavity to form the armrest, wherein the foam bun comprises a first foam portion which the flexible skin overlies and a second foam carrier portion which closes off the opening. The first foam portion has a hardness that is less than the hardness of said second foam carrier portion, the foam bun further including an integrally formed locking flange to engage with an edge of the substrate and an integrally formed skin lock to engage with an edge of the skin. |
| US08083282B2 |
Door of a vehicle
Described is an emergency door of a vehicle. An interior of the door and side part of front face of leading car are connected pivotally by an upper arm, lower arm, and first link bar so that a parallel linkage is composed, thereby enabling horizontal movement of the door. A stopper mechanism is composed such that an end of a second link bar is connecting pivotally to the first link bar, the bracket having an oblong hole is attached to a frame of a carbody, a pin fixed to the other end of the second link bar is received in the oblong hole, and the door can be stopped at its full open position when the pin contacts an end of the oblong hole. |
| US08083277B1 |
Pick end tool
Exemplary embodiments provide a grasping and lifting device for moving a plurality of different-sized containers. The dimensions of the grasping device do not have to be adjusted prior to engaging a container which allows an operator to move a variety of different-sized containers in a short period of time. A hoisting device with a counter weight provides lift and motion assistance to the operator so that the risk of repetitive motion injury is reduced. |
| US08083273B2 |
Lock with a swing bolt and an actuator assembly thereof
A lock with a swing bolt, comprises: a housing having an opening for a bolt; a cover which is complementary to the housing; a bolt movable between a locked position and an un-locked position through the opening; a controllable locking means to prevent the movement of the bolt to the un-locked position; wherein the locking means including: a block member, which is placed in a first sliding chute formed in the housing with a slidable fit between the block member and the first sliding chute; an actuator assembly having a follower which is placed in a second sliding chute formed in the housing with a slidable fit between the follower and the second sliding chute; one end of the block member being engaged with the bolt in a surface contact, the other end of the block member is engaged with the follower in a surface contact. |
| US08083272B1 |
Mechanically actuated air tight device for wafer carrier
A mechanically actuated airtight device for wafer carrier comprises a cover, at least one sealing gasket, at least one linked plate, and a driving wheel. The cover has a first face and a second face, and being formed with at least one hole therethrough. The sealing gasket is positioned above the hole of said cover, and has a base in a form of wedged ramp, where the base is further formed with a through opening. The linked plate has a first face and a second face, where the second face is at one side provided with a protuberance, and the first face is provided with at least one wedged ramp, and where the wedged ramp has a slope equal to that of the wedged ramp of the base, such that at least one of the wedged ramp of the first face of the linked plate mates with the wedged ramp of the second face of the linked plate. The driving wheel has a first face and a second face, where the first face is provided with a first guiding groove to allow the protuberance of the linked plate move along the first guiding groove. The invention is used as a chassis for a wafer carrier. Thus, when the wafer carrier is closed, it ensures a better airtight effect, and when the wafer carrier is opened so as to break the airtight, a pressure equalizing effect between the inside and outside of the wafer carrier is achieved enhancing removal of the casing of the wafer carrier quickly. Further, the level of the airtight can be adjusted as required. |
| US08083271B2 |
Window lock and sash
A window includes at least one movable sash having a horizontal rail with a horizontal top portion and a vertical portion extending downward from the horizontal top portion. A pull rail portion extends from the horizontal rail beyond the vertical portion. A latch is located below the pull rail and adjacent the vertical portion. The latch includes a pull handle configured to release a latching mechanism from one of a second sash or a frame. |
| US08083268B2 |
Coupling, joint and method for fixedly and sealingly securing components to one another
A fitting that can include a body and a spacing element. The body can have an insertion end that defines a cavity and which includes an end face. The spacing element can extend into the cavity from the interior surface of the cavity and can be configured to engage the component when the component is inserted through the insertion end into the cavity so that the component is spaced apart from the interior surface of the cavity. An adhesive, such as a two-part epoxy, can collect about the spacing element and can form a band of adhesive that fixedly and sealingly couples the fitting to the component. A method of forming a joint is also provided. |
| US08083262B2 |
Seat belt retractor and seat belt apparatus
A seat belt retractor includes a cylindrical member, a torsionally deformable shaft arranged inside the cylindrical member and having one end side connected to the cylindrical member, a plate mounting member arranged in the cylindrical member and disposed on an outer periphery of the shaft, a locking mechanism for preventing a rotation of the plate mounting member, and a plate member having one end portion fixed to the plate mounting member and the other end portion engaging an inner periphery of the cylindrical member. The plate member is plastically deformable so that the plate member is wound onto the plate mounting member. The plate mounting member includes a first reducing radius portion having a radius gradually decreasing toward a downstream in a winding direction, and a second reducing radius portion located on the downstream side and having a radius reducing rate greater than that of the first reducing radius portion. |
| US08083260B2 |
Combination trunk cover with spoiler and scrolling display
A trunk lid cover in combination with a car spoiler. The trunk lid cover is of flexible material and is disposed for covering the trunk lid only of an automobile. The trunk lid cover is held tightly against the surface of said trunk lid. A car spoiler attached to the trunk lid cover. A message display is mounted to the trunk lid cover or to the car spoiler. |
| US08083257B2 |
Inflators and method for manufacturing inflators
A closure assembly for an inflator comprises a housing and an outlet plate disposed within the housing. The outlet plate has an outlet opening configured to receive a burst disk. The outlet plate is joined to the housing by a deformation resistance weld. The deformation resistance weld is formed by contacting the outlet plate with a first electrode, contacting an exterior portion of the housing with a second electrode, and applying a voltage through the first and second electrodes to adhere a portion of the housing to a portion of the outlet plate. |
| US08083255B2 |
Vehicle air bag system
A vehicle air bag system, which can facilitate confirmation of a state of an introduction part of an air bag housed in a cover, includes an air bag having an introduction part into which an inflator is inserted, and a general part that inflates and expands vertically downward in a vehicle interior. A cover houses the introduction part and the general part in parallel. An observation window is formed in the cover at a position corresponding to the introduction part. |
| US08083254B2 |
Knee airbag assemblies configured for inflator insertion and inflator-mediated coupling to an airbag housing
An airbag assembly with a reduced-cost knee airbag cushion and internal tethers can be formed from a single rectangular panel of material so that there is very little material waste. A pleat can be formed in a rear face so that the combination of tethers and pleat help the cushion deploy with favorable characteristics and adopt an arced shape when inflated. The cushion can have apertures for inserting an inflator with mounting stems partially within the cushion so that the mounting stems can be used to couple the cushion to an airbag housing. The assembly can also have a bag strap formed from a single piece of fabric that can wrap around a rolled and/or folded cushion. The assembly can also have a stabilizer strap that can be coupled to the cushion and to the airbag housing so that during deployment, the cushion does not skew or twist. |
| US08083252B2 |
Cross-frame wheelchair with foldable seat and back
A foldable, cross-frame wheelchair with a foldable seat and foldable seatback. The foldable seat has a first outside edge retained relative to a longitudinal frame member at a second, upper end of a first cross-frame member of the wheelchair frame and a second outside edge retained relative to a longitudinal frame member at a second, upper end of a second cross-frame member of the wheelchair frame. A longitudinal hinge portion is interposed between the first and second outside edges to divide the seat into first and second pivotally coupled members. The hinge portion can be disposed to the obverse side of the first and second members of the seat. The foldable seatback can be divided into upper and lower foldable seatbacks. |
| US08083251B2 |
Snowboard with retractable braking device
A snowboard board member is provided with inwardly tapered side walls such that a flat bottom surface of the board member is significantly narrower than the corresponding top surface of the board member. The side walls may be linear or curved. Also provided is a releasable foot strap for attachment to the top surface of the board member using strap mounts affixed to the board member. The foot strap may be adjustable in size, position, and orientation. |
| US08083250B2 |
Coupler for towed vehicles
Apparatus, methods, and other examples associated with a hitch ball coupler are described herein. In one example, a coupler includes a body and a cap. The body and cap are pivotally connected on a first end. The body includes a first recess and a shoulder. The cap is selectively moveable between a closed position and an open position. The cap includes a second recess that selectively forms a socket with the first recess, and an arm extending from a second end that engages the shoulder when the cap is in the open position. |
| US08083249B2 |
Trailer coupler having an integrated lock
The present invention provides a trailer coupler having an integrated locking device attached to the handle or the coupler body. The handle of the trailer coupler moves from a first position where the hitch ball is insertable to a second position where the hitch ball is prevented from insertion. The locking device having a locking pin that is insertable into the aperture of the handle to prevent movement of the handle from the second position to the first position. |
| US08083236B2 |
Staggered seal assembly
An improved staggered seal assembly uses a static element and a rotating element to create a seal. The static element surrounds the rotating element and has at least one fin. The rotating element has at least one long fin and a set of shorter fins. A third component has a staggered fin. The fins create a leakage flow path which throttles the leakage across the seal from a high pressure zone into a low pressure zone. |
| US08083229B2 |
Mailpiece feed device
In a mailpiece feed device comprising a mailpiece-receiving deck through which motor-driven conveyor members pass and on which a stack of mailpieces stands, and a monitoring and control circuit for actuating said motor-driven members at a determined drive speed in order to enable said mailpieces to be extracted one-by-one downstream, there is provided a method of controlling said motor-driven conveyor members wherein the drive speed of said motor-driven conveyor members varies as a function of the weight of said stack of mailpieces standing on said mailpiece-receiving deck. |
| US08083227B2 |
Sheet alignment apparatus and sheet post-processing apparatus
An object of the invention is to provide a sheet alignment apparatus that is excellent in alignment properties in the conveyance direction and operates stably without being affected by various conditions, and a sheet post-processing apparatus having therein the sheet alignment apparatus. Alignment members are constructed so that alignment surfaces of the alignment members arranged to be in a form where a distance between the alignment surfaces grows greater toward the downstream side, or the direction of movement of the alignment member is made to be an oblique direction pointing to the stopper. |
| US08083225B2 |
Sheet stacking apparatus
A banknote stacking apparatus includes a banknote stacking plate 1 on which banknotes are to be stacked, a first banknote press member 11 fixed to a support shaft 10 so as to be swingably together with the support shaft 10, a second banknote press member 15 which is formed of a synthetic resin sheet having flexibility, whose upstream end portion is fixed to the banknote stacking apparatus and whose downstream end portion is fixed to the first banknote press member 11 and a solenoid 27 for driving the first banknote press member 11 and the banknote stacking apparatus is constituted so that when a banknote is fed into the banknote stacking apparatus and the first banknote press member 11 is driven by the solenoid 27, the first banknote press member 11 is swung and presses a portion of a banknote close to the front end portion thereof and the second banknote press member 15 is swung together with the first banknote press member 11 and deformed so as to form a convex portion 15c projecting toward the banknote, whereby a portion of the banknote close to the rear end portion thereof is pressed by the convex portion 15c of the second banknote press member 15. According to the thus constituted banknote stacking apparatus, a banknote can be stacked on the banknote stacking plate 1 in the desired manner using a single drive means. |
| US08083224B2 |
Tray assembly for a print production resource
A tray assembly for a print production resource may include a tray and a guide assembly. The guide assembly may include a first width guide configured to contact a first side of a media stack at a first location below a top sheet of the media stack such that a first distance exists between the top sheet and the first width guide. The guide assembly may include a second width guide configured to contact a second side of the media stack at a second location below the top sheet of the media stack such that a second distance exists between the top sheet of the media stack and the second width guide. The first side may be opposite the second side, and the tray assembly may be configured to be utilized with a top sheet feeder mechanism. |
| US08083223B2 |
Sheet conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus
The present invention provides a sheet conveying apparatus and an image forming apparatus which can obtain high operability and productivity when a tabbed sheet is conveyed. In the representative configuration thereof, a trailing edge regulation plate is abutted on tab portions of some of tabbed sheets stacked and supported on a tray to regulate the position of the tabbed sheet. Tab portion regulation portions of a tabbed sheet regulation unit provided at the upper end of the trailing edge regulation plate are abutted on the tab portion of the tabbed sheet formed in the position where the tab portion is not abutted on the regulation portion and regulate the position of the tabbed sheet. The tab portion regulation portions of the tabbed sheet regulation unit can be moved. The tab portion regulation portions are moved with the lifting of the tray when being abutted on the lifting tray. |
| US08083219B2 |
Internal warming-up method and sheet post-processing apparatus including warming-up device
A sheet post-processing apparatus includes a warming-up device including a first duct connected to a fan to lead warm exhaust air sucked from an image forming apparatus into an apparatus, a second duct provided to lead the warm exhaust air discharged by a fan or ambient Air in a housing to the fan, and a control valve that performs switching control to lead, when a temperature sensor measures temperature equal to or higher than proper operation temperature, high-temperature Air in the housing and the warm exhaust air such that the fan discharges the high-temperature Air and the warm exhaust air to the outside and lead, when the temperature sensor measures temperature lower than the proper operation temperature, the warm exhaust air to the mechanical members of the sheet post-processing apparatus and the temperature sensor. |
| US08083218B2 |
Sheet folding apparatus, image forming apparatus using the same, and sheet folding method
A sheet folding apparatus includes a fold unit to fold a center of a sheet bundle to form a fold line, a reinforce roller which reciprocates along a direction of the fold line while nipping and pressing the fold line and reinforces the fold line of the sheet bundle, and a control section to changeably set the number of times of reciprocating movement of the reinforce roller according to a thickness of a sheet contained in the sheet bundle. |
| US08083216B2 |
Vibration damping device equipped with rubber heat-insulating cover
A vibration damping device having a rubber heat-insulating cover wherein a strike plate portion and a pair of leg portions of a stopper member have detaining slots opening towards an outside, and two side walls of the detaining slot of the strike plate portion has stepped portions of notched shape disposed in its heightwise distal edge section. Center hook portions are formed on an outside face of a center section of the rubber heat-insulating cover, while outside hook portions are formed on an outside face of a peripheral wall portion of the rubber heat-insulating cover. The center hook portions are engaged with the two side walls of the detaining slot, and the outside hook portions are engaged with the two side walls of the detaining slots in the leg portions. Two end faces of the center hook portions are held in abutment against stepped faces at either end of the stepped portions in both side walls of the detaining slot. |
| US08083215B2 |
Air spring damper module
The invention relates to an air spring damper module including a shock absorber (1) and a roll-off piston (5) which is pushed over the upper end of the shock absorber with an opening in the piston base with the piston base being supported on the outer tube (16) of the shock absorber via an annular flange (2). A pipe (15) is centrally fixed to the inner surface of the piston cover (6) and engages around the shock absorber (1) in the mounted state and also is supported on the annular flange (2) of the shock absorber (1). The inner surface of the piston cover and the upper closure of the shock absorber are spaced apart by a gap. |
| US08083212B2 |
Wind-turbine rotor-blade hoisting apparatus, method for attaching wind-turbine rotor blade, and method for constructing wind power generator
The present invention provides a wind-turbine rotor-blade hoisting apparatus that enables attachment and removal of wind-turbine rotor blades without using a plurality of heavy machines and that enables attachment and removal of wind-turbine rotor blades on a site having a complex land shape with little flat land, a method for attaching a wind-turbine rotor blade, and a method for constructing a wind power generator. The present invention is characterized in that it includes a sheave (14) that guides a hoisting wire (17) from a rotor head (4), to which a wind-turbine rotor blade (6) is to be attached, toward the wind-turbine rotor blade (6) and that is arranged so as to be movable in a direction along the rotation axis of the rotor head (4); a retaining portion (15) that retains an attaching end of the wind-turbine rotor blade (6) such that a line connecting the center of gravity of the wind-turbine rotor blade (6) and a connecting portion, to which the hoisting wire (17) is connected, crosses the longitudinal axis of the wind-turbine rotor blade (6); and a winch (12) that is disposed on the ground and that draws the hoisting wire (17) to wind up or let out the retaining portion (15). |
| US08083210B2 |
Mechanism for positioning the handle of a power unit and floor jack
A hydraulic floor jack has a tubular handle with a yoke at the distal end thereof with lateral axels pivotally attached to a pair of vertical side brackets. One side brackets has a series of arcuate upper surfaces concentric with the lateral axel of the yoke, including a large radius forward portion, then a small radius arcuate notch portion, then an intermediate radius rearward portion. The yoke has a barrel aligned radially over the circular upper surfaces of the side bracket, with a plunger therein having an upper end extending above the barrel and a lower end for extending below the barrel and into the arcuate notch portion. A plunger control level has a rectangular distal end that is pivotally attached to the upper end of the plunger. The control lever can position the plunger to fully extended into the arcuate notch portion for fixing the movement of the tubular handle; and can position the plunger to partially extend into the arcuate notch portion for freeing the handle to pump the hydraulic cylinder; and can retract the plunger from the arcuate notch portion for folding the handle over the hydraulic jack. |
| US08083209B2 |
By-pass valve for heat exchanger
A valve that includes a housing defining first and second bores having a central axis, and a peripheral valve seat. An actuator is located in the first bore and has a reciprocating seal disposed for movement along the central axis for engaging the valve seat and closing the valve. A coiled return spring is mounted in the housing for urging the reciprocating seal towards the chamber to open the valve, the return spring having a first end connected to the reciprocating seal and a second end engaging a spring support in the housing facing the first bore. The return spring may have a larger diameter at its second end than its first end. The housing may include a third bore in communication with the second bore and having a different cross-sectional area than the second bore. The return spring could be supported by a discrete spring support located in one of the bores. |
| US08083208B2 |
Gas rotary valve
A gas rotary valve comprises a valve body (1), a valve core (2), a valve cover (3), an actuating shaft (4) and a regulator positioning pin (6). The valve core (2) has a large through hole (22), a first small through hole (23) and a second small through hole (24) which are all disposed on a peripheral surface of said valve core (2). A guide pin (41) radially disposed on the rear end of the actuating shaft (4), a first step (3a;3c), the rear end (61) of the regulator positioning pin (6) and a second step (3b;3d) are disposed in distance in the inner chamber of said valve cover (3), respectively preventing the guide pin (41) from rotating. The three through holes on the peripheral surface of the valve core can respectively be communicated with the inlet passage of the valve body. |
| US08083207B1 |
Apparatus for gate valve movement in a minimum-space wet process environment
Improved gate movement is provided in a wet process environment in which fluid collecting from a gate occurs adjacent to an access opening provided in a wall of a process chamber while the gate is moved relative to the opening. A minimum space environment is adjacent to the chamber due to a requirement for fluid collection next to the opening, yet the gate movement is provided without interference with a wafer transfer unit that moves the wafer through the access opening. Drives are configured within the minimum space environment to move the gate into and out of alignment with the opening and when aligned, to move the gate into and out of a gate closure position. The configuration of the drives avoids interference with the wafer transfer unit and the gate is received in a fluid collector during the gate movement to provide fluid collection during the wafer transfer. |
| US08083206B2 |
Precision ground armature assembly for solenoid actuator and fuel injector using same
A solenoid actuator includes a hard guide piece and a soft flux piece. The hard guide piece has a stop surface ground to create a final air gap distance between the soft flux piece and a stator assembly when the stop surface on the guide piece is in contact with the stator assembly. The final air gap is set by grinding the stop surface on the guide piece so that the distance between the stop surface on the guide piece and a top surface on the soft flux piece along an axis of the guide bore is equal to the final air gap. The step of grinding the armature assembly may be done after attaching the guide piece and the flux piece together. In an exemplary embodiment, the step of grinding the stop surface and associated guide surface(s) are performed in a single chucking. |
| US08083204B2 |
Fuel system and ecology valve for use therein
A fuel system comprises a pressure raising valve operable to control communication between a fuel delivery line and an engine manifold line, and an ecology valve comprising a piston movable within a bore, the piston and bore together defining a control chamber and an ecology chamber, the ecology chamber communicating with the engine manifold line, the pressure within the control chamber being controllable to control the position occupied by the piston, the ecology valve further comprising seal means whereby, when the piston occupies a first position in which it engages the seal means, only a first, relatively small, effective area of the piston is exposed to a fuel pressure within the engine manifold line, a second, larger, effective area being exposed to the fuel pressure within the engine manifold line when the piston occupies a position in which it does not engage the seal. An ecology valve for use in the fuel system is also described. |
| US08083200B2 |
Book rest with page holder
A book rest is provided including a bag filled with a particle matter and having inserts for supporting a book in a reading position. The book rest includes an insert on which a bottom of the book can rest and other inserts on which the front and back of the book may lean against. The book rest may also be provided with a page holder, held in position by a toggle which is threaded onto elastic for attaching the page holder to the book rest. The page holder can slide up the elastic, pressing the book holder firmly against the book. Sections of the book holder can slide under the edges of the book, thus ensuring that the book holder presses firmly against the book's pages and keeps the book open in a hands free reading position. |
| US08083198B2 |
Removable device configured to secure an instrument and to be mounted on a platform
The present teachings relate to a device configured to secure an instrument and to be removably mounted to a platform. The device can comprise a mounting base platform, a guide rod plate, and a securing means. The guide rod plate can be slidably secured to the mounting base platform, and the securing means can be configured to slidably move the guide rod plate with respect to the mounting base platform. The device can secure an instrument within, for example a firearm or a scope. The device can be mounted to a platform, for example, a camera tripod. |
| US08083197B2 |
Mounting apparatus for data storage device
A mounting apparatus is provided for mounting a data storage device. The mounting apparatus includes a bracket to receive the data storage device, and a holder attached to bracket. The holder abuts against the front end of the data storage device, thereby retaining the data storage device in the bracket. |
| US08083196B2 |
Support mechanism for operation auxiliary tools
A support mechanism for operation auxiliary tools includes a fixing unit, a support lever movably mounted on the fixing unit, a first bar movably connecting with an end of the support lever, a limiting unit engaging with another end of the first bar, and a second bar connecting with the limiting unit. The fixing unit engages with the operation bed, and operation auxiliary tools are placed on the second bar. The support lever, the first bar and the second bar are adjusted freely and positioned by the limiting unit. The limiting unit maintains the first bar and the second bar at desired freedom. The support mechanism is placed firmly with a predetermined angle and position, making operations more stable. |
| US08083191B2 |
Stabilizing apparatus for electronic device
A stabilizing apparatus for preventing a server cabinet from moving, includes two mounting members oppositely mounted to the server cabinet, two support members slidably mounted to the mounting members respectively, an operating member, and two locating assemblies. Each locating assembly is mounted to a corresponding support member, the operating member, and a corresponding mounting member respectively. The operating member moves down to drive the corresponding locating assemblies respectively to move the corresponding support members down, until the support members stand on a supporting plane. |
| US08083188B2 |
Riser clamp for irrigation sprinklers
A sprinkler riser clamp securely engages a spring-retractable riser of a pop-up sprinkler. The riser clamp includes a clamping body and a handle attached thereto. The clamping body is configured to snap onto and securely grip the spring-retractable riser of the pop-up sprinkler. The clamping body exerts a gripping force while the spring-retractable riser exerts a retracing force. The gripping force exerted by the clamping body exceeds the retraction force exerted by the spring-retractable riser. The clamping body includes a resilient first clamp arm and a resilient second clamp arm connected by a joint at one end of each arm. The clamping body includes an opening for receiving the spring-retractable riser. The first clamp arm and second clamp arm of the clamping body each include rounded bottom edges configured to facilitate installation and removal by pivoting motion. The handle is attached to the clamping body by an arm. The handle has blunt ends. Reinforcements are provided at a joint between the arm and the clamping body, structurally reinforcing the joint between the arm and the clamping body. |
| US08083184B2 |
Aerial delivery system
An aerial delivery system is configured to allow delivery of one or more releasable items after the system is extracted from an aircraft. One or more linear guidance devices and releasable securing mechanisms allow the aerial delivery system to deploy one or more releasable items at an appropriate time. The one or more releasable items may be deployed simultaneously, or in a staged or staggered fashion. Through use of drag or lift-producing devices, the system may be recovered and reused. The attitude and/or azimuth orientation of the system may be varied prior to, during, and/or after release of a releasable item. |
| US08083182B2 |
Monolithic self-stiffened panels
A composite panel having a first skin forming the outer wall of the panel, known as the lower face (1), and a second skin forming part of the inner wall of the panel. The second skin is formed hollow such as to produce an inner reinforcing frame (2) in the form of a half-box structure (3) which, together with the first skin, forms box parts. The aforementioned frame is equipped with a rim (4a, 4b) for fixing to the first skin, a face known as the upper face (5) and connecting side walls (6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 7) between the rim (4a, 4b) and the upper face (5) the first and second skins forming a monolithic self-stiffened panel. The half-box frame (2) has perforated sections (8) which are defined by hollow beam sections forming the half-box frame (2). |
| US08083180B2 |
Aircraft landing gear
The invention relates to an aircraft landing gear comprising a landing gear leg, wherein the landing gear leg or one or more parts of the landing gear leg consists partly or completely of a fiber composite material. |
| US08083172B2 |
Combination spar and trunnion structure for a tilt rotor aircraft
An aircraft is equipped with a spinnion coupling an inboard wing to a tilting nacelle. The spinnion is advantageously configured to extend across the nacelle from an inboard junction to an outboard junction, and terminates inside the inboard wing. This provides an efficient lightweight structure to support a nacelle and facilitate tilting of the nacelle. The spinnion, which can be configured to be at least partially disposed within the inboard wing, is advantageously concentric with the tilting axis in order to facilitate tilting of a nacelle. A cross-wing driveshaft can be included, disposed at least partly within the inboard wing, and can advantageously be configured to terminate inside the spinnion at a junction with a miter gearbox. The miter gearbox can be disposed at least partly within the spinnion but more preferably lies entirely within the spinnion, and functions to transfer power from an input shaft to the cross-wing driveshaft. |
| US08083171B2 |
Supersonic aircraft for reducing sonic boom effects at ground level
Method for configuring and operating an aircraft for minimizing sonic boom effects at ground level during supersonic flight of the aircraft. The method includes configuring an aircraft and flying the aircraft at supersonic speed so that in the supersonic flight, a lower profile of the aircraft is presented and generally groundwardly directed; and generating multiple different magnitude pressure disturbances below the aircraft, and radiating therebelow, and controlling the different magnitude pressure disturbances generated below the aircraft so that differentials thereamong are sufficiently minimized that ground level sonic boom effects are minimized during the supersonic flight. |
| US08083170B2 |
Dispensing gap defined between loading door and main body of automatic towel dispenser
A towel dispenser includes a housing for receiving toweling. The housing includes a main body; a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between a closed position and an open position; and a guide system that includes a first roller attached to the main body and a second roller attached to the loading door. The towel dispenser may include a motor for driving dispensing of the toweling from the housing and an associated sensor. The towel dispenser can be mounted to an underside of a cabinet. In an aspect, the front wall of the main body and a lip of the loading door collectively define a gap to which the guiding system guides the toweling and through which towels are dispensed when the loading door is in the closed position. |
| US08083169B2 |
Collapsible storage and transportation system
A flexible fluid storage system for holding large volumes of fluid and a process and apparatus for the handling and transportation of the flexible storage system is provided. The flexible storage system includes a main storage bag with an attachment apron with fingers, a ground sheet, a lay flat tube for fluid circulation, a pressure release port, and fill/drain ports. The flexible storage system is configured for attachment to a trailer and reel system such that the flexible storage system can be mechanically rolled onto or off of a reel on a semi-truck trailer bed for easy transportation, deployment, and storage of the flexible storage system. |
| US08083168B2 |
Collapsible kitchen tool
A tool handle is secured to a tool head in a manner that allows the tool head such as a potato masher to be collapsed or folded with respect to the handle for more compact storage. In one form, the tool head is connected to the handle via a ball joint allowing for rotational and pivotal movement. |
| US08083160B2 |
Injector
A fuel chamber defined by a recess portion of a valve body and a tip section of a valve member of an injector is structured such that a seat diameter Ds of a seat section of the valve member seated on a valve seat section formed on an inner peripheral surface of the valve body, an axial distance A between an inlet portion of an injection hole formed in the recess portion and the tip section of the valve member facing the inlet portion in the fuel chamber and an axial distance B between an inside region of the recess portion located radially inside the inlet portion of the injection hole in the fuel chamber and the tip section facing the inside region satisfy inequalities: 0.048≦A/Ds≦0.18 and B/Ds≦0.18. |
| US08083156B2 |
Dispersion lance and shield for dispersing a treating agent into a fluid stream
A dispersion apparatus for dispersing a treating agent into a fluid treatment system that includes a flow duct in which a fluid stream flowing through the duct is mixed with the treating agent. The apparatus is based on a multi-pipe lance positioned in the stream flow, where each pipe supplies a minimum of feed discharge nozzles (typically one to four), and the individual pipes branch off from the same location. Use of the multi-pipe lance, in combination with a suitable baffle, results in better overall dispersion/distribution of the injected medium by surface area. By improving the surface area distribution, better utilization of the injected sorbent can be achieved. The baffle acts to generate a low pressure zone on its downstream side and creates a high-intensity turbulence plume in the fluid. The orifices of the pipe are located to inject the treating agent into the turbulence plume to better distribute and intermix the injected treating agent into the surrounding fluid. |
| US08083148B2 |
Indicia reading terminal including frame processing
There is described an indicia reading terminal that can be operative to process a frame of image data for attempting to decode a decodable indicia. A frame can be a frame that is among a succession of frames for subjecting to processing subsequent to and during a time a trigger signal is active. Such a succession of frames can include zero or more binned frames, zero or more unbinned frames, zero or more windowed frames, and zero or more unwindowed full frames. An indicia reading terminal can also include a variable focus imaging lens. Control of the variable focus imaging lens can be provided so that during an exposure period for a binned frame the variable focus imaging lens is set to a short range focus setting and further so that during an exposure period for a windowed frame the variable focus imaging lens is set to a long range focus setting. |
| US08083143B1 |
Semi-automatic inertial wheel device in a hand-operated document reader/imager
A hand-operated document processor includes a base for receiving a document containing magnetic ink character data to be read and recognized. A manually operated moving magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) subsystem includes a MICR read head and is attached to the base such that movement of the subsystem causes the MICR read head to pass over the magnetic ink character data on the document. MICR reading and recognition logic receives the signal from the MICR read head. An inertial wheel arrangement includes a clutch and an inertia wheel. The inertia wheel connects through the clutch to drive the moving MICR subsystem. |
| US08083142B2 |
System and method for target tracking
A method, computer program product, and target tracking system for obtaining a first kinematic state measurement of a first projectile detection event from a first sensor. The first kinematic state measurement includes a first time measurement and a first state vector. A second kinematic state measurement of a second projectile detection event is obtained from a second sensor. The second kinematic state measurement includes a second time measurement and a second state vector. If it is determined that at least a portion of the first kinematic state measurement and at least a portion of the second kinematic state measurement define at least a portion of a flight trajectory orbital ellipse, the first projectile detection event and the second projectile detection event are defined as portions of a flight trajectory of a single ballistic projectile. |
| US08083141B1 |
Systems and methods for transactions with a headless automated teller machine or point of sale device
Systems and methods for performing a transaction with a headless point-of-sale or automated teller machine (ATM) device are disclosed. A card having a display and radio frequency (RF) communications module may be authenticated with a headless point-of-sale device using a short-range RF communications link. Transaction information may be provided to the display of the card from the headless point-of-sale device. A customer may confirm the transaction at the card using a touch-sensitive input area. The headless point-of-sale device may then provide the transaction information to a transaction processor for processing and verification. Where the headless device is a headless ATM, the card may be authenticated to the ATM and transaction information may be entered and displayed on the card. A cardholder may authenticate with the ATM by entering, e.g., a PIN number and funds may be dispensed to the cardholder upon verification of the PIN. |
| US08083140B1 |
System and method of over-the-air provisioning
A system for over-the-air provisioning is disclosed. The system comprises a processor and an over-the-air server application. The over-the-air server application, when executed by the processor, is configured to begin an over-the-air provisioning session, to request a log of an over-the-air client, to receive the log, to send a first plurality of action requests to the over-the-air client based on the log, to receive acknowledgments of the action request, to stop the over-the-air provisioning session when an acknowledgment is not received within a first time period, and to restart the over-the-air provisioning session after waiting a second time period when the over-the-air provisioning session has been stopped, wherein the first plurality of action requests comprise a first task. |
| US08083138B2 |
Multi-head point of sale terminal
The invention provides increased convenience through use of multiple opposed magnetic stripe reader heads within a POS terminal card reader track. In one embodiment, the various opposed heads are offset along the card reader track. The POS terminal also accommodates smart card and contactless instrument readers and includes features for electronic signature capture, user display interaction, multi-tasking capabilities, check reading and age and identity verification. |
| US08083135B2 |
Information card overlay
An information card overlay system can include a base card having multiple claims, an overlay card storing an overlay claim, and an overlay module that can be used to apply the overlay card to the base card. A computer-implemented method can include selecting a base card having multiple claims, selecting an overlay card storing an overlay claim, and applying the overlay card to the base card. |
| US08083134B2 |
System and method for new execution and management of financial and data transactions
A system and method for execution of financial and data transactions includes a point-of-sale device configured to execute a transaction in which at least one good or service is sold to an individual having a card with a storage medium encoding a card number. The transaction is completed after said point-of-sale device receives a data transmission authorizing said transaction. The point-of-sale device is configured to communicate via the Internet with a first computing system. The first computing system stores a set of instructions that cause the first computing system to evaluate the transaction to determine whether the transaction is to be authorized, and to send a transmission authorizing the transaction via the open network to said point-of-sale device. |
| US08083128B2 |
Semiconductor device
An object is to provide a semiconductor device which includes an anti-collision function during or after production of an IC chip just by a change of a program, even when there is a change of a specification of a product accompanying a change of the kind or standard of a signal of a wireless means for each product. A semiconductor device includes an arithmetic circuit and a circuit for transmitting/receiving a signal to/from outside. The arithmetic circuit includes a central processing unit, a random access memory, a read only memory, and a controller. The read only memory stores a program for processing collision avoidance in transmitting/receiving the signal to/from outside. The program is executed in the central processing unit, so that the arithmetic circuit processes collision avoidance. |
| US08083119B2 |
Interlocking buttress material retention system
A surgical stapler is provided having a pair of jaws including a staple containing cartridge and an anvil. Buttress material is releasable affixed to the staple containing cartridge and the anvil. One of the jaws includes a pair of longitudinal projections at a first end of the jaw and configured to frictionally engage corresponding slots in a first end the buttress material. One of the jaws includes a post at a second end of the jaw. The buttress material includes a hole in a second end of the buttress material for receipt of the post. |
| US08083112B2 |
Positioning assembly for a bicycle lock
A positioning assembly for a bicycle lock has a positioning frame, a turning connector and a linking element. The positioning frame is detachably mounted on a bicycle and has a mounting segment and a controlling segment. The controlling segment is mounted on the mounting segment and has a base and two pressing devices. The base has two mounting recesses. The pressing devices are movably and respectively mounted in the mounting recesses of the base. The turning connector is pivotally and detachably connected to the positioning frame and has a pivotal segment and a linking segment. The pivotal segment has two engaging elements mounted in the mounting recesses of the base to engage the pressing devices. The linking segment is formed with the pivotal segment and has an inserting hole. The linking element is detachably connected to inserting hole of the turning connector. |
| US08083111B2 |
Tractor mounted toolbox
A toolbox is selectively removably mounted on the weight support positioned at the forward end of a tractor. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of weights are positioned on the weight support at each side of the toolbox and are interconnected together. |
| US08083109B2 |
Spout for ensuring evacuation of a flexible container
The present invention is directed to a spout having an evacuation structure for a flexible container. The evacuation structure ensures that the walls of the flexible container do not block the spout of the container during evacuation of fluid from inside the container. The evacuation structure additionally pivots away from the spout during the filling of the container so that the evacuation structure does not impede the fluid entering the container during filling. |
| US08083107B2 |
Closed loop dispensing system with mechanical venting means
A closed loop dispensing system including a mechanical venting assembly which ensures that sufficient air may enter the interior of the container as liquid is being drawn from the container. The mechanical venting assembly of this invention ensures that the vent openings associated therewith will not become plugged with debris. |
| US08083104B2 |
Variable temperature dispenser system and method
A variable temperature dispensing system and method for dispensing a variable temperature controlled fluid in an appliance includes a first fluid storage tank for holding the fluid at one temperature and a second fluid storage tank for holding the fluid at another temperature that is elevated relative to the one temperature of the first fluid storage tank. A dispenser outlet is fluidly connected to the first and second fluid storage tanks by at least one fluid line. A proportioning device is disposed along the at least one fluid line between the dispenser outlet and the first and second fluid storage tanks to proportion the fluid delivered from the first and second fluid storage tanks to the dispenser outlet. The proportioning device allows for the selection of a specific temperature for the fluid to be dispensed through the dispenser outlet and delivers the fluid at the selected specific temperature. |
| US08083103B2 |
Dispenser with dual pump system
A fluid dispenser is provided that includes a multiple chamber fluid storage region, each having a dispensing pump of its own such that the dispenser can dispense the fluids from within the multiple fluid storage regions. Further, the multiple fluid storage regions may each contain the same or different liquids. The dispensing pumps include a metering housing, which when depressed, generate a one-way flow from the interior fluid storage region of the container that serves to fill the predetermined volume of the chamber within the metering housing. When the metering housing is depressed a second time a substantially equal volume of each of the fluids is dispensed from the container, while upon release, the metering housings are refilled by drawing fluids from their respective fluid storage regions. The fluids are mixed in the exit port as they are dispensed from the metering pumps. |
| US08083098B1 |
Storage and dispensing system for needle-shields
Devices, systems and methods of supplying needle covers to be used to cover or shield the sharp and contaminated ends of used syringe-needles. The devices, systems and methods can include a delivery mechanism sized and configured to supply a plurality of needle-shielding members arranged to automatically advance into a preferred position as each individual needle-shielding member is engaged and subsequently removed from the delivery mechanism. |
| US08083097B2 |
Interleaved towel fold configuration
A stack of interleaved towels is provided wherein each towel is configured from a sheet of material having a first fold offset from a centerline of the sheet to generate a first panel folded toward a first surface of the sheet and extending between the first fold and a first end of the sheet. A second fold in the sheet is made substantially parallel to the first fold to create a second panel extending between the first and second folds and a third panel extending between the second fold and a second end of the sheet such that the first end of the sheet is positioned between the second and third panels. In the stack, the third panel of each towel is disposed adjacent the first panel of an adjacent towel such that the towels are interleaved. |
| US08083094B2 |
Container and cap assembly
A container and cap assembly includes a container body and a cap integrally connected to the container body. An annular recess is formed in the lip of the container. The cap includes first and second sealing flanges that form a generally fluid tight seal with an annular lip of the container body. |
| US08083091B2 |
Gardening refuse container
An improved gardening waste receptacle has an open top and presents an opening with square corners. The receptacle opening has an arced strip along one side of the rim on the interior for retaining scooped material, and a non-deformable strip extending along the same side of the rim on the exterior, and extending along the adjacent sides of the rim of the receptacle to prevent the opening from deforming when heated and put under pressure. Two handle means are disposed on the side of the receptacle opposite the strips; one handle, a recessed handle disposed into the lower portion of the wall of the receptacle, and another handle extending outward from the top of the wall. The outward extending handle presents a dowel that turns in position for ease of lifting and carrying. |
| US08083079B2 |
Wire rack for mounting an iron
The present disclosure relates to a wire rack for mounting an iron on a wall and method of use thereof, and more specifically, to a wire rack for mounting an iron on a wall, the wire rack having a retractable rail for adjusting to different sizes of irons and equipped with an ironing board holder and a product holder. The iron holder holds the iron by the iron's base and can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes of irons. The frame is also made of heat-resistant, coated, welded wire that allows for the manufacture of a light, cost-effective device. The device is also equipped with large hooks to hold most types of ironing boards and arms designed to hold extra products used during ironing. |
| US08083076B2 |
Protection apparatus, method of locating a superconductive magnet unit and superconductive magnet unit apparatus
A protection apparatus for a superconductive magnet unit has a support frame for location relative to a portion of the superconductive magnet unit. The support frame is arranged to carry a buffer for protecting the superconductive magnet unit from a shock load. |
| US08083068B2 |
Apparatus for separating particles utilizing engineered acoustic contrast capture particles
An apparatus for separating particles from a medium includes a capillary defining a flow path therein that is in fluid communication with a medium source. The medium source includes engineered acoustic contrast capture particle having a predetermined acoustic contrast. The apparatus includes a vibration generator that is operable to produce at least one acoustic field within the flow path. The acoustic field produces a force potential minima for positive acoustic contrast particles and a force potential minima for negative acoustic contrast particles in the flow path and drives the engineered acoustic contrast capture particles to either the force potential minima for positive acoustic contrast particles or the force potential minima for negative acoustic contrast particles. |
| US08083064B2 |
Sustainable packaging for consumer products
Disclosed herein is a sustainable article substantially free of virgin petroleum-based compounds that includes a container, a cap, and a label, each made from renewable and/or recycled materials. The article has a shelf life of at least two years, and is itself entirely recyclable. The container can include polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, or polypropylene. The cap can include polypropylene or polyethylene. The label can include polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, or paper. |
| US08083063B2 |
Reticle POD and supporting components therebetween
A reticle POD, comprising a top cover, a bottom cover, and a plurality of supporting components deployed in the four corners of the bottom cover, the supporting component comprising: a base body perpendicularly assembled, on two sides of which being disposed with mounting blocks; a pair of elastic elements respectively placed on the base body; a pair of leading elements connecting respectively to the horizontal extension of the elastic elements and then extending lengthwise to form a tip, a first bevel and a second bevel being formed on the side of the tip located on the inner side of the base body; a supporting base plate, the first and the second ends of which being connected to the second bevel of the leading element and a supporting pillar being disposed on the third end of the supporting base plate. |
| US08083062B2 |
Cardholder for gift card
A cardholder for a card such as a gift debit card comprising an envelope and a folded-up sheet containing terms and conditions, the sheet being attached to the envelope, the envelope having a pocket adapted to receive and hold said card. |
| US08083053B2 |
Modularly constructed conveyor belt, and module
A conveyor belt for following a conveyance path with straight and curved conveyance path sections is constructed of module rows of a module (10) or a plurality of modules situated side by side in the transverse direction of the conveyor belt. Adjacent module rows are connected to each other by means of connecting pins (42). Each module comprises a set (15) of first aligned spaced fingers (16) with transverse aperture (40), and also a set (19) of second aligned spaced fingers (20) with transverse aperture (44), which in general are disposed in a staggered position relative to the first fingers (16). The mutual distance between at least the three outermost fingers of a set situated side by side and having the same width in a set is greater than the mutual distance between fingers situated side by side at a distance from the abovementioned at least three outermost fingers. A shorter run-in length and run-out length of a curved conveyance section of the conveyance path is achieved in this way. |
| US08083049B2 |
Motorized backstop
A backstop for stopping the movement of a product as it comes off a conveyor of a manufacturing line includes a motor connected by a linkage to a longitudinally moveable strike plate. The motor applies force to the strike plate in accordance with a predetermined curve to bring the product to a soft stop. |
| US08083048B2 |
Conveyer apparatus
A footstep guide rail (3) (rail body 3a) is arranged so that a level H of a horizontal surface is set at the position obtained by adding a designated offset δ to a tangential line L of a drive sprocket (9) and the footstep guide rail (3) is provided, at its one end on an introductory side of the drive sprocket (9), with a curved part (13). At a reference position closest to the drive sprocket (9), the horizontal surface of the footstep guide rail (3) is changed to the curved part (13). Consequently, it is possible to absorb velocity unevenness of one footstep roller approaching the drive sprocket (9). |
| US08083044B2 |
Clutch actuator and method for actuating a clutch
A clutch actuator (6), as well as a method for operating a clutch (3), between the drive motor and the transmission (1) of a motor vehicle. The clutch actuator includes a cylinder with a piston (14) and an actuator (15), such that a clutch release bearing (4), arranged co-axially to the central axis of the clutch, may be operated to apply an axial pre-tensioning force on the clutch release bearing and conduct an operating medium into the clutch actuator for axially displacing the piston and/or the clutch release bearing. To simplify a clutch actuator of this type and enhance its utilization, the clutch actuator is configured and used for generating the pre-tensioning force. |
| US08083042B2 |
Selectable one-way clutch with symmetrical struts
A selectable one-way clutch (SOWC) is provided for use with a vehicle transmission, and has a first race with a plurality of strut pockets, a moveable selector plate, symmetrical torque-holding elements or struts, and a second race that is rotatably engageable with a torque input device. The selector plate has a plurality of windows, and the struts selectively prevent rotation of the second race in either rotational direction depending on the position of the selector plate. The struts have a cylindrical portion and a pair of strut wings each having a free end. The strut wings connect to the cylindrical portion, and a different one of the free ends engages a strut pocket when an opposite strut wing is depressed in order to prevent rotation of the second race. |
| US08083041B2 |
Electrohydraulic torque transfer device
A power transmission device includes an actuator having an electric motor driving a pump to supply pressurized fluid to a piston acting on a friction clutch to transfer torque between rotatable input and output members. In one instance, a valve between the pump outlet and the piston selectively traps pressurized fluid acting on the piston without continued energization of the electric motor. A gerotor may be formed from a material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a housing formed from a material having a second lower coefficient of thermal expansion to vary pump component clearances as the viscosity of the pumped fluid changes with changes in temperature. A method of controlling the power transmission device includes defining a correlation between pump speed, fluid temperature and fluid pressure, determining fluid temperature, determining pump speed, and rotating the pump to transfer a predetermined quantity of torque. |
| US08083026B1 |
Diffuser muffler
A muffler for attenuating acoustic noise in a gas flow that includes a casing having a substantially-rectangular cross-section with an inlet opening in an inlet end and an outlet opening in an outlet end, so that a gas flow containing acoustic noise passes from the inlet opening to the outlet opening. The muffler also includes a V-shaped sound diffuser disposed within the casing and spanning the distance between opposing top and bottom walls of the casing. The sound diffuser comprises a pair of elongate leg plates having base ends attached to the outlet end on opposite sides of the outlet opening, and tip ends merged into an apex that is aligned with the inlet opening. Each leg plate has a plurality of apertures formed therein, and the apex splits the inlet gas flow into two side flows, with each side flow passing through the plurality of apertures in one of the leg plates to reach the outlet opening. |
| US08083022B2 |
Receiver support and earmold for a hearing device as well as use of a thermoplast for manufacturing an earmold
The invention specifies a receiver support for snapping into an earmold with a spherical section and with a conical section, which is embodied on the end facing the earmold and which tapers towards the earmold. The earmold comprises an adapter element permanently arranged in the earmold, into which the receiver support is able to be detachably firmly inserted. The adapter element features a bead-shaped depression, with which the spherical section of the receiver support can form a positive fit, so that the receiver support is supported to allow tilting or deflection in the adapter element. The invention also specifies the use of a thermoplast with selected properties for the manufacturing of the adapter element. The advantage is the secure and durable snap-in connection between a receiver support and an earmold. |
| US08083019B2 |
Upper assembly structure of work machine
An upper assembly structure of a work machine comprising a driver's seat mounted on a vehicle body, an engine compartment for housing an engine, a tank compartment for housing a tank, a hood, a tank cover member, a first partition for partitioning between the engine compartment and the driver's seat, a second partition for partitioning between the tank compartment and the driver's seat, and a support frame mounted on the engine compartment including an arm member protruding from the support frame toward the tank compartment, wherein the engine compartment and the tank compartment are arranged to form an L-shape as viewed from the top, wherein the engine compartment is covered by the first partition and the hood, wherein the tank compartment is covered by the second compartment and the tank cover member, and wherein the arm member supports internal equipment arranged inside the tank compartment. |
| US08083018B2 |
Rear swinging fork for a motorcycle
Provided is a rear swinging fork (1) for a motorcycle, die-cast in one piece and featuring two longitudinal extending supporting arms (2, 3) each having three supporting walls (6, 7, 8), and a transverse cross member (4) connecting the supporting arms (2, 3). Each of the supporting arms (2, 3) has a mount for pivotal location of the rear swinging fork (1) on a motorcycle frame, and includes in the region of the ends of the supporting arms, opposite the mounts (5), a wheel mount (11) for the rear wheel of the motorcycle. The portion of the fork between the cross member (4) and the mounts (5) is openly configured, and the supporting arms (2, 3) feature in a section transverse to the longitudinal direction of the rear swinging fork (1) an upper supporting wall (6), a lower supporting wall (7), and an inboard supporting wall (8) connecting the upper (6) and lower supporting wall (7) and located in the longitudinal direction of the rear swinging fork (1), with a cavity (16) formed between the supporting walls. |
| US08083016B2 |
Vehicle with hybrid powertrain
A hybrid vehicle is provided with an engine, as well as a transmission having a motor/generator, a stationary member, and a planetary gear set. The engine and the motor/generator are separately selectively connectable to one of the drive axle assemblies by engagement of different ones of the torque-transmitting mechanism to transfer torque to that drive axle assembly. One or both of the engine and the motor/generator is also selectively connectable to the other drive axle assembly by engagement of another one of the torque-transmitting mechanisms to transfer torque to the other of drive axle assembly. |
| US08083012B2 |
Diamond bonded construction with thermally stable region
Diamond bonded constructions comprise a polycrystalline diamond body having a matrix phase of bonded-together diamond grains and a plurality of interstitial regions between the diamond grains including a catalyst material used to form the diamond body disposed within the interstitial regions. A sintered thermally stable diamond element is disposed within and bonded to the diamond body, and is configured and positioned to form part of a working surface. The thermally stable diamond element is bonded to the polycrystalline diamond body, and a substrate is bonded to the polycrystalline diamond body. The thermally stable diamond element comprises a plurality of bonded-together diamond grains and interstitial regions, wherein the interstitial regions are substantially free of a catalyst material used to make or sinter the thermally stable diamond element. A barrier material may be disposed over or infiltrated into one or more surfaces of the thermally stable diamond element. |
| US08083010B2 |
Drilling device for drilling and reaming of a hole
A drilling device used for drilling into ground, rock or for reaming a predrilled hole includes several hammering bits in a circular shape and equipped with hammers, whereupon they together drill a hole which has a larger diameter. A casing tube can be pulled out of the hole/pushed into the drilled hole. A tubular, rotatable drill rod tube resides in the casing tube. The hammers are located in a circular shape and are each attached to the outer surface of the drill rod tube by joint/hinge attachments lying essentially in the drilling direction. Rotation of the drill rod tube in a first direction turns the hammers and associated bits outwardly from the drill rod tube, and rotation in another direction turns the hammers with their bits inwardly towards the drill rod tube so that they can be pulled away with the drill rod tube from inside the casing tube. |
| US08083007B2 |
Electric power tool having speed reduction mechanism
An electric power tool includes a motor, a speed reducer unit arranged to deliver the rotational power of the motor and provided with gears, a housing arranged to accommodate the motor and the speed reducer unit, and a speed changing unit for changing a gear reduction ratio of the speed reducer unit. The speed changing unit is arranged in such a position as to be operable outside the housing. The speed changing unit includes an operation lever slidingly operable in a speed changing direction when pushed, an operation detector unit for detecting the operation lever to control electric power supplied to the motor, a shift unit for changing the gear reduction ratio of the speed reducer unit in response to sliding movement of the operation lever, and a slide restraint unit for restraining the sliding operation of the operation lever until the operation detector unit detects the operation lever. |
| US08083002B1 |
Combustible concealed space sprinkler system and method
Methods and systems of fire protection of an attic space having a sloped roof above a ceiling deck so as to define a concealed space defining a protection area. The method includes disposing at least one upright sprinkler having a deflector disposed beneath the roof and coupled to either a wet or a dry pipe system and defining a hydraulic demand of the at least one sprinkler as being equivalent to a hydraulic demand for the protection area so as to eliminate any increase in the hydraulic design area for the sloped roof. |
| US08083001B2 |
Expandable gage ring
A gage ring assembly to provide support to an anti-extrusion containment ring in a packer device including a compression ring and a plurality of interlocking arcuate segments which form a substantially unbroken support wall when in a set condition. A first set of segments each have a wedge-shaped body that is wider at a proximal axial end than it is at its distal axial end. A second set of segments preferably each have a wedge-shaped body wider at its distal axial end than it is at its proximal axial end. |
| US08083000B2 |
Swellable packer having a cable conduit
An apparatus and assembly create a seal in a wellbore around a cable or line. The assembly includes a longitudinal body and a swellable portion which comprises a material selected to increase in volume on exposure to at least one triggering fluid. The swellable portion has a formation open to the longitudinal surface of the body which provides a pathway for a cable or line to extend through the swellable portion, and an insert of swellable material. The insert may partly or fully enclose or encapsulate the cable or line. a formation which is open to an outer longitudinal surface of the body. |
| US08082998B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling the connection and disconnection speed of downhole connectors
An apparatus (100) for controlling the connection speed of downhole connectors (316, 146) in a subterranean well. The apparatus (100) includes a first assembly that is positionable in the well. The first assembly includes a first downhole connector (316) and a first communication medium. A second assembly includes a second downhole connector (146) and a second communication medium. The second assembly has an outer portion and an inner portion. The outer portion is selectively axially shiftable relative to an inner portion, such that upon engagement of the first assembly with the second assembly, the outer portion of the second assembly is axially shifted relative to the inner portion of the second assembly allowing the first and second downhole connectors (316, 146) to be operatively connected to each other, thereby enabling communication between the first communication medium and the second communication medium. |
| US08082995B2 |
Optimization of untreated oil shale geometry to control subsidence
A method for developing hydrocarbons from a subsurface formation. The subsurface formation may include oil shale. The method may include conductively heating portions of an organic-rich rock formation located in a development area, thereby pyrolyzing at least a portion of formation hydrocarbons located in a heated zone in the organic-rich rock formation into hydrocarbon fluids. The heat may be generated from one or more wellbores completed within the formation, such as by means of a resistive heating element. At least one unheated zone is preserved within the organic-rich rock formation. This leaves a portion of the development area substantially unpyrolyzed. The at least one unheated zone is sized or configured in order to substantially optimize that portion of the development area in which the organic-rich rock is pyrolyzed while controlling subsidence above the organic-rich rock formation. |
| US08082988B2 |
Apparatus and method for stabilization of downhole tools
A method and apparatus for stabilizing a downhole tool during a downhole operation. The method and apparatus include a stabilizer having a stabilization member adapted to move between a retracted position and an extended position in order to engage a surface in a wellbore. The stabilizer also includes a plurality of actuators adapted to move the stabilization members from the retracted position to the extended position. |
| US08082987B2 |
Hydraulically locking stabilizer
A downhole tool includes a pressure housing deployed in the bore of a drill collar. At least three fins are deployed on the housing and in the tool annulus. At least one of the fins includes a floating blade deployed thereon. The blade includes a plurality of radial pistons deployed therein. The pistons are configured such that the surface area of the radially outward facing piston surfaces is greater than the surface area of the radially inward facing piston surfaces. This piston configuration causes the surface area of the radially outward facing blade surface to be less than the radially inward facing blade surface. In operation, hydrostatic pressure exerts a differential force on the pistons and the floating blade thereby urging the pistons radially inward towards the housing and the blade radially outward towards the drill collar. |
| US08082986B2 |
Filtering device, especially for use as a well screen filter
The present invention relates to filtering device which is especially designed for use as a well screen filter. The filtering device comprises a tubular supporting element (12) and two or more tubular segments (14) of a porous filter medium arranged in axial alignment to one another and concentrically and essentially coextensive with the tubular supporting element (12), said tubular supporting element (12) having a tubular wall provided with a plurality of perforations (26, 28, 30) and having a plurality of projections projecting from said tubular wall, said projections supporting the two or more tubular segments in axial alignment with the tubular wall, said tubular segments each having two end portions which are in sealing contact with the tubular supporting element or an end portion of another tubular segment. |
| US08082982B2 |
Methods and devices for forming a wellbore with casing
A method for cementing a tubular in a wellbore in a subterranean formation, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, comprises connecting a circulating tool to a slip and a top drive; gripping a first tubular with the slip above the surface of the wellbore; sealingly engaging the first tubular with a seal member; fluidly connecting a wiper plug to the circulating tool; connecting the first tubular to a second tubular; and lowering the second tubular into the subterranean formation. |
| US08082977B2 |
Ceramic mounting for wafer apparatus with thermal expansion feature
A mounting apparatus includes a surface plate; a temperature control unit integrated with the surface plate; and a bottom plate integrated with the temperature control unit via a heat insulation ring, wherein a temperature of a target object held on the surface plate is capable of being controlled and the surface plate is formed of ceramic. The surface plate and the temperature control unit are coupled to each other by a first coupling member at each portion thereof except for each peripheral portion thereof such that the peripheral portion of the surface plate being not coupled thereto. The peripheral portion of the temperature control unit is coupled to the heat insulation ring by a second coupling member. |
| US08082975B2 |
Apparatus and method for producing casting mold
To provide a casting mold manufacturing apparatus using steam heating. The apparatus includes a forming die having a cavity, a resin-coated sand supply section for supplying a resin-coated sand into the cavity, a steam supply section for supplying steam into the cavity, and a steam discharge section for discharging the steam from the cavity. At least a portion of the forming die is composed of a porous material having pores with an average diameter smaller than an average particle diameter of the resin-coated sand. At least a portion of the steam is supplied into the cavity through the porous material. Since it is possible to uniformly supply the steam into the cavity, a homogeneous casting mold can be manufactured. |
| US08082974B2 |
Metal mold structure and casting method
Object: To provide a small-sized, durable metal mold structure capable of casting two cylinder blocks at a time.Solution: A metal mold structure for casting two cylinder blocks W at a time, comprises left and right inner slide cores 5a, 5b being interposed between two cylinder blocks W, hydraulic cylinder units 10, 11 adapted to move each of these left and right inner slide cores 5a, 5b, inclined holes 12, 13 being provided in each of the left and right inner slide cores 5a, 5b, and inclined pins 14, 15 being provided on a fixed mold 2 and inserted into the inclined holes 12, 13 with a predetermined clearance C1, C2 maintained respectively, wherein, when the fixed mold 2 is operated, each of the inclined pins 14, 15 pushes a wall surface of the inclined hole 12, 13 in such a way as to move the left and right inner slide cores 5a, 5b in a mold opening direction respectively. Preferably, the clearances C1, C2 are different with respect to the left and right inner slide cores 5a, 5b. |
| US08082972B1 |
System for assembly wax trees using flexible branch
A process for creating a lost wax tree, including the steps of assembling a wax tree having a wax pattern and a wax runner, using automated equipment to flex either the wax tree or the wax pattern to bring disconnected sections into proximity, heating at least one of the disconnected sections, contacting the disconnected sections and then moving the sections slightly away from one another. A process for casting a part including the steps of creating a lost wax tree and where the wax tree is later covered with a mold material and the wax tree is removed to create a mold, the mold is then used to cast a part similar to the wax pattern. A lost wax tree having a wax tree with a wax pattern and a wax runner, automated equipment for flexing, a heating element, and automated equipment for manipulating disconnected sections. |
| US08082970B2 |
Inflatable barrier
A flexible hurricane shutter or barrier to protect buildings from over pressure has inflatable cushions held in place by a fabric material capable of withstanding winds in excess of 100 mph. The barrier can be stored on site in a rolled fashion. Retainers are mounted on a building to guide and secure the longitudinal edges of the fabric to permit ease of deployment. The retainers may be spaced apart over one side of a building and the barrier may be deployed over an entire surface of a multi-story building by raising and lowering the fabric. Inflatable cushions are held between the fabric and the building. The inflated cushions reinforce the material and distribute the force of impact throughout the surface of the cushions and act as spacers to both hold the fabric off the structure and focus the forces onto stranger portions of the structure. |
| US08082969B2 |
Screen device
A shrinkable and extensible screen is mounted between a pair of screen-mounting frame portions arranged bilaterally to confront each other and at least one being slidably movable. A tension member extending through the screen for supporting it in shrinking and extending directions is routed in the screen-mounting frame portions. The tension member is extracted at the portion close to the central portion from the upper end portion of the slidably movable screen-mounting frame portions, to the outside on the side opposite to the screen mounting side. |
| US08082967B2 |
Positioning device for a tubular label at a pre-established height from a bottle bottom in a labelling machine
The invention deals with the field of labelling machines with tubular labels made of heat-shrinking film that are directly formed on the machine starting from coiled film. More precisely, the invention refers to a device (1) or (10) for positioning a tubular label (8) at a pre-established height from a bottle bottom and to means (21) for keeping the label position during the label transfer to an outlet conveyor where a first partial heat-shrinkage occurs. The positioning device is supported by the drum, on which the label is formed, and must allow sliding the bottle inside the formed label. |
| US08082965B2 |
Rubber sheet joining apparatus
A rubber sheet joining apparatus includes a cutting unit for cutting a ribbon of rubber sheet reinforced with cords to generate rubber sheet strips having different lengths; a sheet overlapping unit for overlapping and joining the rubber sheet strips having different lengths to make an overlapped and joined strip. First holding members hold a front end portion of a following overlapped and joined strip. Second holding members hold a rear end portion of a preceding overlapped and joined strip. Support guides movably support the first holding members relative to the second holding members. An operating unit moves the first holding members relative to the second holding members to butt-join the side surfaces of two successive overlapped and joins strips held respectively by the first holding members and the second holding members to generate a ply sheet. |
| US08082963B2 |
Two-piece tire
A two-piece tire assembly with a removable tread belt for installing about the circumference of a tire carcass is provided. The inner surface of the tread belt follows a non-linear, preferably arcuate profile with a radius of curvature R across the tread belt wherein the distance DL as measured from the axis of rotation to the inner surface of the tread belt extends a distance DO at the equatorial plane and curves radially inwardly to a distance DE at each belt edge such that DE≦0.9*DO. |
| US08082961B2 |
Tire with retractable stud
A retractable stud pin assembly is described for use in a conventional tire. The stud pin assembly includes a housing having an elastomer compartment and a spring in cooperation with the elastomer. A stud pin is mounted to the spring. The assembly may further optionally include a fluid compartment in cooperation with the elastomer compartment and the spring. The assembly may further include a second compression spring, which cooperates with the first spring and stud pin. An optional adjustment nut may be used to manually raise and lower the pin height as desired. An optional adjustment pin may also be used to extend into an optional fluid compartment to fine tune the pin height. |
| US08082959B2 |
Method of manufacturing a panel
A method of manufacturing a panel (2) is described, wherein the panel (2) comprises a core of a fiber material, preferably an MDF or HDF board. In order to improve the quality and precision as well as the water resistance of coverings made from the panel, it is suggested that at least one cut (6, 6a, 9) on the panel (1) is cut with a laser. |
| US08082958B2 |
Knives and knife assemblies
A knife includes first and second edges, a ridge, a concave surface, and a planar surface. The edges are defined by intersections of outer edge forming surfaces on an outer side of the knife and inner edge forming surfaces on an inner side of the knife. The ridge is on the inner side and the crest of the ridge is parallel to the first and second edges. The concave surface is between an inner edge forming surface and the ridge, and the planar surface is adjacent to the concave surface and between that first inner edge forming surface and the concave surface. A reference plane intersects the first and second edges, and a distance between any point on the concave surface and the reference plane is not less than a distance between any point on the planar surface and the reference plane. |
| US08082956B2 |
Bottom fillable bottles and system for charging the same
A system for charging and/or recharging containers with fluid is provided. The system includes a bottle assembly having a body portion defining a cavity therein, and a valve assembly configured and adapted to open and close a fluid path into the cavity of the body portion; a fluid supply valve assembly for supplying fluid to the valve assembly of the bottle assembly to deliver fluid to the cavity of the body portion; and a fluid supply assembly fluidly connected to the fluid supply valve assembly for delivering fluid thereto. Accordingly, when the bottle assembly is operatively connected to the fluid supply valve assembly, the valve assembly of the bottle assembly actuates the fluid supply valve assembly to the open condition to permit fluid flow into the cavity of the body portion of the bottle assembly. |
| US08082952B2 |
Piezoelectric bending element actuator for servo valve
A valve assembly includes a valve housing. A valve body is movable within the housing. The valve body has a land to selectively block or communicate a supply port to an outlet. A piezoelectric bending element actuator moves the valve body to selectively communicate the supply port to the outlet port. |
| US08082950B2 |
Tube connector
A tube connector for connecting a fluid supplying device to a tube for supplying the fluid from the fluid supplying device to the tube is provided, which comprises: a connector body comprising a penetration hole that is formed therein, a mounting portion for connecting the fluid supplying device thereto, and a tube connecting portion for connecting the tube thereto; a connecting unit disposed within the penetration hole for connecting the tube to the connector body; a valve unit disposed inside the penetration hole for controlling inflow of the fluid supplied from the fluid supplying device; a spacer having one end that contacts the tube inserted into the penetration hole within the penetration hole so as to operate the valve unit, and the other end that forms a passage between the other end and the valve unit; and a pressure control unit that is disposed between the valve unit and the spacer for controlling flow from the fluid supplying device in a predetermined pressure range. |
| US08082946B2 |
Liquid flow controller and precision dispense apparatus and system
Fluid control apparatus including a proportional flow valve having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a pneumatic proportional control valve in communication with the proportional flow valve for modulating the proportional flow valve; a frictional flow element having a frictional flow element fluid inlet in fluid communication with the fluid outlet of the proportional flow valve and having a frictional flow element fluid outlet spaced from the frictional flow element fluid inlet, an upstream pressure sensor; a downstream pressure sensor; and a controller in communication with the upstream pressure sensor, the downstream pressure sensor and the pneumatic proportional control valve. |
| US08082942B2 |
Oil pipe connector
The present invention discloses an oil pipe connector including a connector cylinder (abbr. cylinder), and having an oil inlet at front and an oil outlet at rear end of the cylinder; a switch base with a pivot hole interconnected with the interior of the cylinder; a control device, including a connector cap which being a hollow conical shape, the front end having positioning shaft hole interconnected with the interior; a control mechanism including a connecting portion, a positioning shaft and a piston disc coupled together; the positioning shaft being disposed in a positioning shaft hole of the connector cap; a switch device, including a push rod which being a curved lever, a transmission shaft and a switch handle; an end of the push rod linking the control mechanism; the transmission shaft being pivotally coupled to the pivot hole of the switch base of the cylinder; the switch handle being coupled to the connecting shaft lever. |
| US08082939B2 |
Seal leakage gas recovery system
A dry gas seal leakage recovery system is provided which collects seal leakage gas from one or more mechanical seal assemblies, pressurizing and controlling the outlet distribution pressure of the collected seal leakage, and re-injecting the gas back into the compressor or seal supply system. |
| US08082937B2 |
Tent electrical system
An electrical system (60, 200) for a tent or shelter (98, 201). Wires (60) are routed through a tent or shelter (98, 201) either by attaching the wires to the tent or shelter, running the wires through hems, seams (100), or sleeves, or integrating the wires into the fabric for the tent or shelter. In accordance with an embodiment, an appliance (208) is connected to the wiring harness (60) and is mounted or attached in the tent or shelter. The appliance (208) may be mounted in a socket (234) that includes contacts that may engage a fixture or appliance, such as a light. An opposite end of a cord (222) leading to the socket is attachable to an electrical power supply, such as a battery pack (203). |
| US08082934B1 |
Umbrella anchoring device
Disclosed herein is an anchoring device that includes a top plate and a bottom plate. The anchoring device includes a plurality of spacers extending between and connecting the top plate and the bottom plate. Finally, the anchoring device includes an attachment mechanism located on an opposite surface of the top plate as the plurality of spacers, the attachment mechanism configured for removably attaching a pole extending from the anchoring device and connected to an umbrella. |
| US08082929B2 |
Hair iron
A hair iron includes upper and lower casings defining a grip portion and coupled to each other at a first end with an elastic coupler such that the casings in the side of a second end opposite to the first end are pivotable within a certain angular range about the first end, an upper heater block extending in a longitudinal direction of the upper casing and coupled on the second end of the upper casing which is not coupled with the lower casing, a lower heater block extending in a longitudinal direction of the lower casing and coupled on the second end of the lower casing which is not coupled with the upper casing. |
| US08082928B2 |
Brush for applying product to keratinous fibers
A device for applying a product to keratinous fibers may comprise a stem having two opposite ends and a brush portion connected to one end portion of the stem. The one end portion of the stem may have a longitudinal axis and the brush portion may have a free end that is not aligned with the longitudinal axis of the one end portion of the stem. The brush portion may comprise a core and at least part of the core may be curved such that a line tangent to the core at any axial position along the core is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the one end portion of the stem. The brush portion may further comprise bristles connected to the core. The bristles may comprise ends defining an envelope surface having a varying cross-section along at least a part of its length. The envelope surface may be asymmetrical about a midplane of the envelope surface, the midplane being oriented perpendicular to the core. |
| US08082926B2 |
Lip categorizing method, makeup method, categorizing map, and makeup tool
A lip categorizing method uses the size and shape of the lips as viewed from the front of the face as a first categorization index and the three-dimensional form of the lips as a second categorization index. The lip categorizing map is composed of a first coordinate axis showing the degree of the first categorization index and a second coordinate axis showing the degree of the second categorization index and has a coordinate system in which the first and second coordinate axes are orthogonal. It also generates makeup information for two-dimensionally correcting the lips of a subject based on preset reference by setting a plurality of points for determining the form features of lips on an image that depicts the lips, and judges the form features of the lips of the subject based on analytical values of the two-dimensional features of the lips measured from the set points. |
| US08082923B2 |
Intra-oral device
A device and method for relieving head, neck, facial, joint and tooth pain. An intra-oral, semi-custom, separating device, worn over the upper anterior teeth, allows at least one lower anterior tooth to contact the rear wall of the device within the user's freeway space and prevents lower posterior teeth from contacting upper posterior teeth. The device provides a method of deprogramming and releasing the muscles of the upper and lower jaws. The device comprises an extruded or molded shell made of a hard polycarbonate or similar hard plastic material. The internal surface of the shell is lined with a moldable thermoplastic resin with a low molding temperature which allows the user to mold the internal aspect of the device onto and over the teeth to produce a custom fitted device. This relieves the stresses, strains, pains and damage that can be caused by parafunctioning of the dental neural-muscular system. |
| US08082919B2 |
Dose counter device for inhaler
A dose counter device for an inhaler that in a reliable way registers a delivered dose from a canister in the inhaler and that at the same time substantially reduces the risk of falsely registering a dose not delivered substantially avoids erroneous counting of delivered doses from the canister. |
| US08082917B2 |
Inhaler
There is provided an inhaler that allows inhalation of droplets having a fixed diameter, regardless of the use condition of the inhaler. The inhaler allows a user to inhale medicine from a suction port thereof. The inhaler includes an air passage through which the medicine passes, the air passage being connected to the suction port, an opening attached to a medicine ejection portion for ejecting the medicine, and provided in a part of the air passage so that the ejected medicine is released into the air passage therethrough, a passage-length determining portion configured to determine the proper distance from the opening to the suction port in accordance with a size of droplets of the medicine ejected from the medicine ejection portion and/or an ejection frequency, and a passage-length changing mechanism configured to change the distance from the opening to the suction port. |
| US08082915B2 |
Pellet stove
According to embodiments of the present invention, a pellet stove includes a firepot assembly with a bottom plate slideable along rails to move between a closed position during combustion in the firepot and an open position during ash removal. According to other embodiments, a firebox or combustion enclosure includes a plurality of airfoils formed on the inner and outer surfaces of the enclosure to facilitate heat exchange between exhaust gases flowing across the inner surface of the enclosure and air blown across the outer surface of the enclosure. According to some embodiments, the airfoils and enclosure are of integral unibody construction. According to yet other embodiments, a user sets parameters via a wall control unit, and a stove control unit receives the parameters and automatically controls fuel feed rate, ignition, convection blower, combustion blower, and/or firepot cleaning based on the one or more parameters. |
| US08082914B2 |
Portable and easy-to-clean kitchen stove
A portable and easy-to-clean kitchen stove includes a tabletop and supports, the tabletop being provided thereon with circular burner openings, beneath which burners are installed as well as chimney-shaped thermo-protective devices and pan adapters are arranged in turn, the burner openings being circumferentially welded with baffle rings, the tabletop being fixedly connected at the edge thereof with rims and flexibly connected at the edge thereof with a shield in turn, a drainage being disposed in front of the burner openings, the ends thereof being provided with a separator, a platen being disposed between the drainage and the front edge of the tabletop, beneath which sockets for assembling and disassembling the supports are arranged. This enables the kitchen stove to be simply structured, foldably carried, sanitary, quickly assembled and suitable for use at home and outdoors. |
| US08082897B2 |
Plasma jet ignition plug and ignition device for the same
The cavity of a plasma jet ignition plug is configured in a stepped shape; i.e., composed of a constricted portion and a diameter-increased portion (65). The inner diameter (B) of the constricted portion is made smaller than the inner diameter (A) of the diameter-increased portion. Further, as measured along the direction of the axis O, the length (Y) of the constricted portion is made equal to or greater than the length (X) of the diameter-increased portion. This configuration suppresses a pressure loss produced when the generated plasma expands within the cavity. As a result, the energy of the plasma at the time of jetting is increased, and the igniting performance for an air-fuel mixture can be improved. |
| US08082889B2 |
System and method for the co-generation of fuel having a closed-loop energy cycle
A system is provided that draws heat from an open-loop engine cycle into a closed-loop working fluid circulatory system that utilizes computer-aided feedback mechanisms. The closed-loop working fluid draws engine heat from multiple sources: exhaust stack gases, the engine block, the engine transmission, and the engine headers and exhaust manifold near the valves. Heat exchangers are arranged in an ascending pattern according to the temperature of the heat at each heat generating location of the open-loop engine cycle. A wankel or similar type engine receives the heated working fluid and rotates a shaft connected to a generator to generate electricity. An electrolysis unit is powered by the generated electricity and separates water into hydrogen and oxygen. A reformation unit receives fuel such as diesel and the generated hydrogen to reform the fuel prior to injection into the engine for combustion. Oxygen from hydrolysis is combined with ambient air to increase combustion efficiency and reduce harmful emissions. |
| US08082886B2 |
Direct application brush with sponge
A horse and/or livestock brush assembly with sponge element that releases a fluid and/or liquid solution directly onto a sponge element for foaming delivery onto the coat of an animal during sponging or washing. The brush assembly includes a brush base attached to a hose and flow regulator. The brush base comprises a flexible deformable membrane with a plurality of apertures that deliver fluid and/or liquid solution to a sponge element. The flexible deformable membrane and sponge element are fitted within a first opening of an internal cavity in a brush base. Delivery of the fluid or liquid solution is controlled by way of the flow regulator. An optional mixing chamber housing a water soluble compound containing active ingredients may be attached to the flow regulator to form a liquid solution. The liquid solution includes shampoos, conditioners, perfumes, fragrances and other active compositions including insect repellant, botanicals, dyes, moisturizers, or antibacterial compounds. The fluid and/liquid is delivered directly to the animal's fur or hair while sponging or washing the coat. |
| US08082877B2 |
Heating device coating plant and method for evaporation or sublimation of coating materials
A heating device is provided wherein coating material can be transferred into the gas phase, particularly for use in a coating installation. The heating device preferably includes at least one heating unit with hollow spaces and an inner surface, wherein the hollow spaces of the heating unit are loadable with a coating material, and with a plurality of heating elements located in a distributed arrangement in the volume of the heating unit. A coating installation and a method for the transfer of coating material into the gas phase are also described. |
| US08082874B2 |
Method for managing the display of a rotary counter
An embodiment of the invention relates to a method for managing the display of a rotary indicator on a digital screen, the method making it possible to permanently display in a window at least one value of the indicator in the form of characters, the values scrolling vertically in the window, a distance d defining a spacing between two characters of two successive values. The distance d varies between a value dmini when two successive values are visible in the window and a value dmaxi when a single value is visible in the window. |
| US08082873B2 |
Drive mechanism for an indicating device
An indicating device includes a drive member and a driven member. The driven member is non-rotatably immobilized by the successive engagement of a convex surface on the drive member with a plurality of concave surfaces on the driven member. The driven member further includes a plurality of protrusions that are successively received in a recess of the drive member as an engagement member engages the driven member and rotates the driven member. The driven member has dispensing indicia. In another aspect, an indicating device includes an indicator member having dispensing indicia. A stop member is selectively engaged with successive ones of a plurality of stop surfaces on the indicator member such that the indicator member is non-rotatable. Methods for indicating the amount of substance that have been dispensed from or remain in a container are also provided. |
| US08082869B2 |
Anchor system for a kayak
Apparatus and system are disclosed for anchoring a kayak to the bottom of a body of shallow water. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a tube for attachment to the kayak proximate the upper portion of the kayak between the bow and the stern of the kayak, and a shaft which is disposed in the tube. A gear box is provided proximate the seat which comprises a gearing mechanism for operative engagement with the shaft, and a rotatable handle which is external to the gear box for operative connection to the gearing mechanism. The rotatable handle, when rotated in a first direction, deploys the shaft from a position inside the tube to a position outside the tube and into engagement with the bottom of the body of water. An anchoring system according to this embodiment permits the operator of the kayak to anchor the kayak at the bow or stern. |
| US08082865B2 |
Stationary thread-cutting device for a sewing machine
A stationary thread-cutting device for a sewing machine includes a guiding member and a cutter. The guiding member is mounted on a needle plate, and has a major wall defining a thread guiding route. The guiding route includes a lead-in area having an entry slot to permit entry of a leading end of a bobbin thread, a turn-around area for guiding the leading end, a corner piece disposed at the turn-around area, and a cutting station disposed adjacent to a lateral edge of the needle plate to define a lead-out path with the corner piece. The cutter is disposed under the major wall and adjacent to the cutting station, and has a cutting blade. After the bobbin thread is advanced beyond the cutting station, the bobbin thread is cut, thereby ensuring that a predetermined length of the bobbin thread is available for initial interlacing with a needle thread in a sewing operation. |
| US08082864B2 |
Sewing thread spool having thread locking and cutting functions
A sewing thread spool having thread locking and cutting functions is disclosed. The sewing thread spool comprises a winding core having an outer rim at one end and a bobbin at one end of the core, with a thread cutting plate arranged on an end plane of the bobbin. The bobbin comprises a thread-passing notch arranged at the end with the thread cutting plate. The thread cutting plate comprises a first and a second bayonet sockets separated from each other, the first bayonet socket cooperating with the thread-passing notch to produce a tension in a thread, and the second bayonet socket being used for cutting the thread and fixing the thread end. The thread spool is beneficial in that it cuts the thread and locks it to the spool. |
| US08082859B2 |
Blind shelf support and method of installation
A stable mountable blind shelf support is mounted upon a wall having wall studs. A blind shelf mount for a shelf includes either a mounting disk or a baseplate with fasteners and a support post, such as a hex post, and is attached by further fasteners to a wall stud. Prior to installation, the wall is marked with mounting locations on the back edge of a shelf by transferring impressions from the support post or fasteners. Lines are scribed using a carpenter's square at each location of an impressed mark; then the midpoint of thickness at each site is marked. A counterbore is formed at each marked site on the back edge of the shelf and then the location of the drilled post holes is derived. The holes thus formed accept posts formed for two or more routed recesses in registration with each other in the finished laminated built-up shelf. |
| US08082858B2 |
Display substrate accommodating tray and apparatus and method for removing the display substrate
A display substrate accommodating tray includes a bottom section for mounting a display substrate thereon in a substantially horizontal fashion; and a frame for surrounding at least a part of the display substrate when the display substrate is mounted on the bottom section. A plurality of openings are formed in the bottom section through which a plurality of supporting members are to be inserted for, when the display substrate is mounted on the bottom section, raising the mounted display substrate above the bottom section. |
| US08082856B1 |
Lid assembly for built-in power and communication outlet unit
A lid assembly for an outlet unit built into an article having a work surface, the power and communication outlet is positioned below an opening or cut-out in the work surface, the opening has an inner side that extends about the opening. The lid assembly has a lid structure that has a pair of lid support members that are joined to the lid at a corresponding side of the lid. The lid assembly further includes a pair of pivot support members that are configured to be joined to the inner side of the opening in the article. Each pivot support member has an inner side and a pivot pin member joined to the inner side. The lid structure is attached to the pivot pin members and pivotal between a closed portion and an opened portion. The lid structure pivots in a first direction to attain the closed position and in an opposite, second direction to attain an opened position. At least one stop member is joined to a corresponding pivot support member to prevent the lid structure from pivoting beyond a first predetermined distance. The lid structure rests upon the stop member when the lid structure is in the closed position. At least one interfering member is joined to one of the pivot support members so as to prevent the lid structure from pivoting in the second direction for a distance that is greater than a second predetermined distance. |
| US08082847B1 |
Cavity-enhancing features and methods for a cavity-running projectile
A cavity-enhancing feature and method are disclosed for a projectile that is capable of operating underwater in a cavity-running mode. |
| US08082845B2 |
Self destruction impact fuse
The present invention provides a self destruction impact fuse for fail-proof detonating a projectile, preferably a low velocity projectile. The present invention further provides a projectile that can be detonated reliably even at low velocity. |
| US08082842B2 |
Perfluorinated polyether release agent for phase change ink members
An offset printing apparatus for transferring a phase change ink onto a print medium, which includes a) a phase change ink component for applying a phase change ink in a phase change ink image; b) an imaging member for accepting the phase change ink image from the phase change ink component, and transferring the phase change ink image from the imaging member to the print medium, the imaging member having i) an imaging substrate, and thereover ii) an optional outer layer; and iii) iii) a release agent material coating, wherein the release agent material coating includes a perfluorinated polyether having a skeleton selected from the group consisting of Formulas I and II and mixtures thereof: CF3—(CF2CF2)m—O—(R1R2O)—(R3R3O)n—(R3O)p—(CF2)q—CF3 Formula I and R1—(CF2CF2)m—O—(R2R2O)n—(R2O)p—(CF2)q—CF3—R1 Formula II. |
| US08082841B2 |
Automatic squeezing machine
A squeezing machine whose actual squeezing element is formed mainly of a cone or rotating head which, apart from the rotating movement, has upward or downward movement depending on the point in the squeezing operation, on which there is a set of blades in the form of fins in such a way that the fruit is deposited on said blades and when these are pushed by the rotating cone in its upward path exert pressure on the fruit, slicing this vertically and guiding it towards the cone for crushing the pulp, as the fruit cannot escape through being trapped in the recess inside a dome that may consist of two parts, one of them moving, in such a way that as it moves it leaves open a hole communicating the squeezing element with a bin containing the fruit to be squeezed, allowing in a fruit previously aligned with said hollow by means of a pulling system. |
| US08082833B1 |
Machine gun bolt pin locking apparatus
To safely and reliably hold the forwardly spring-biased bolt assembly of a machine gun in a rearwardly disposed position within the receiver portion of the gun, a specially designed locking apparatus is mounted on an exterior side surface portion of the receiver. The locking apparatus has a slot therein which is operative to rearwardly receive a bolt pin portion of the bolt assembly which is anchored to the bolt assembly for reciprocating motion therewith and projects outwardly through a sidewall slot in the receiver for reciprocating motion with the bolt assembly. To releasably lock the bolt assembly in its rearward position the bolt pin is rearwardly moved into the locking apparatus slot, and a latch portion of the locking apparatus is moved to block forward exit of the pin from the locking apparatus slot. |
| US08082832B1 |
Missile system using two-color missile-signature simulation using mid-infrared test source semiconductor lasers
In some embodiments, the present invention provides an apparatus and process that includes control electronics that generate an electronic control signal; and a plurality of optically or electrically pumped semiconductor lasers, quantum-cascade lasers, optical parametric generators, or optical parametric oscillators, operatively coupled to the control electronics, that output an optical signal having a plurality of wavelengths, each wavelength having an output intensity that is varied over time to simulate a combustion signature of a weapon. In some embodiments, at least two different infrared wavelengths are varied differently with time. Some embodiment are implemented as part of, for example, a anti-aircraft defense system, wherein incoming aircraft need to be disabled, and the present invention provides a way of distracting, exhausting, confusing, overwhelming, or bypassing the hostile aircraft's anti-missile defenses so that, e.g., a naval vessel's anti-aircraft defensive missiles can be launched effectively to shoot down or disable the hostile aircraft. |
| US08082830B2 |
Food product slicer and associated interlock system
A food product slicer includes a base and a knife mounted for rotation relative to the base. A carriage assembly is mounted to the base for reciprocal movement back and forth past a cutting edge of the knife. The carriage assembly includes a home position forward of the knife and has a tray arm removably mounted to a carriage arm. An adjustable gauge plate is mounted for movement between a closed position that prevents slicing and multiple open positions that permit slicing at respective thicknesses. An interlock arrangement prevents removal of the tray arm from the carriage arm unless the carriage assembly is in the home position and the gauge plate is in the closed position. The interlock arrangement includes a key member rotatably mounted to the tray arm. A key slot may be located on the carriage arm for receiving an end of the key member. |
| US08082828B2 |
Hands-free powered absorbent sheet dispenser
A hands-free dispenser has a body and a cover connected to the body. A sensor element is attached to the body. The cover has an opening that enables the sensor to protrude through the cover and extend beyond a plane of the cover when the cover is closed. |
| US08082826B2 |
Saw accessories and clamp for use therewith
In at least one form of the invention, a clamp can be used to attach a saw accessory to a saw. In various embodiments, the clamp can comprise first and second clamping members, an actuator, and a controller. In various embodiments, the saw accessory can be disposed between the first and second clamping members where at least one of the first and second clamping members can be moved by the actuator in order to clamp the saw accessory therebetween. In at least one such embodiment, the controller can be in electrical and/or fluid communication with the actuator to activate the actuator. In various embodiments, the controller can be activated by an operator from a location proximate to the operator but remote from a blade of the saw. |
| US08082824B2 |
Contact lens stock holding apparatus
The present invention is directed toward the design of a holding apparatus which allows contact lens lathes to hold contact lens buttons during the contact lens manufacturing process. The holding apparatus functions to hold lenses manufactured from a different sized stock than what the lens manufacturing equipment is designed to hold.In general the holding apparatus has a circular portion having a mating surface on a one side and a cylindrical protrusion extending from the other side. A contact lens lathe can hold the cylindrical protrusion of the holding apparatus while the mating surface mates with a surface on a contact lens button. The lens button and holding apparatus surfaces can be modified to allow more efficient machining of the lens buttons. |
| US08082817B2 |
Power transmission mechanism
A power transmission mechanism having a dog clutch for freely connecting and disconnecting power transmission between a first rotor and a second rotor on a common rotational shaft. The dog clutch has a plurality of dog jaws in one of the rotors and has, in the other rotor, a plurality of recess portions or other dog jaws to which the former dog jaws can be engaged. Tapered surfaces are formed at an end face of each of the former dog jaws in the axial direction and each of wall surface portions formed between the recess portions or an end face of each of the latter dog jaws. |
| US08082816B2 |
Gear-shifting structure for vehicle
A gear-shifting structure is provided for a vehicle. The vehicle includes a transmission box that contains therein a gear train, a clutch, a switching fork, a gear-shifting hub, and a motor. The motor cooperates with a worm shaft to actuate the clutching operation of the clutch and to cause movement of the gear-shifting hub in order to carry out the gear shifting operation. The motor has a rotary member that drives the worm shaft on which a worm and a cam are mounted. To effect gear shifting, the motor drives the worm shaft to have the cam abut and displace the clutch and at the same time, the worm drives the gear-shifting hub to thus realize the operation of gear shifting. |
| US08082810B2 |
Microfluidic elastic micro-aliquotter
Disclosed is a microfluidic device comprising at least one micro-aliquotter for dispensing fixed or variable volumes. The micro-aliquotter includes an rigid, dimensionally stable foundational layer having a fluid port therein that is in fluid communication with a channel within the microfluidic device, and an elastic film positioned on the foundational layer where the film covers the fluid port. The elastic film is sealed to the foundational layer so fluids entering through the fluid port can be captured between the elastic film and the foundational layer. The elastic film being expandable from a rest position on the foundational layer to a dispensing, or aliquotting, position in which an aliquot volume of a fluid is contained between the film and the foundational layer. |
| US08082798B2 |
Sensor geometry for improved package stress isolation
The sensor geometry for improved package stress isolation is disclosed. A counterbore on the backing plate improves stress isolation properties of the sensor. The counterbore thins the wall of the backing plate maintaining the contact area with the package. The depth and diameter of the counterbore can be adjusted to find geometry for allowing the backing plate to absorb more package stresses. Thinning the wall of the backing plate make it less rigid and allows the backing plate to absorb more of the stresses produced at the interface with the package. The counterbore also keeps a large surface area at the bottom of the backing plate creating a strong bond with the package. |
| US08082797B2 |
Pressure sensor assembly
The present disclosure relates to pressure sensors. In one illustrative embodiment, the pressure sensor may include a pressure sensor assembly having pressure ports on opposite sides of the pressure sensor assembly. The pressure sensor may include a protective housing including a first housing member and a second housing member defining a cavity for securely housing the pressure sensor assembly. The protective housing may include a first port coupled to one of the pressure ports of the pressure sensor assembly and a second port coupled to the other pressure port of the pressure sensor assembly. In some cases, the protective housing may include one or more aligning features, one or more positioning features, and a boss, which can include two or more bumps, on each side of the cavity around the pressure ports. |
| US08082796B1 |
Temperature extraction from a pressure sensor
Circuits, methods, and systems to compensate pressure sensor readings for changes in temperature. An example measures temperature in a field-effect-transistor-based pressure sensor or micro-electromechanical system by measuring the device's threshold voltage. This threshold voltage is linearly dependent on the temperature but shows negligible sensitivity to mechanical stress. This allows the pressure sensor's temperature to be determined in an environment of changing pressure. Once the temperature is known, the pressure sensor's pressure readings can be adjusted. The threshold voltage can be extracted by measuring the turn-on transistor characteristic of the device and using device models. Alternately, the threshold voltage can be extracted using threshold voltage extraction circuits. |
| US08082794B2 |
Ultrasonic probe and piezoelectric transducer
A ultrasonic probe has a plurality of piezoelectric transducers arranged in the array direction. Each piezoelectric transducer has a piezoelectric element which vibrates in the thickness direction. A signal electrode is formed on the lower surface of the piezoelectric element. An earth electrode is formed on the upper surface of the piezoelectric element. Inside the piezoelectric element, a plurality of non-piezoelectric elements are arranged along the lens direction. Each non-piezoelectric element does not come in contact with the signal electrode and the earth electrode. |
| US08082788B1 |
MEMS load cell and strain sensor
A sensor includes at least one stationary pad with comb teeth, a hub, at least one actuator spoke coupled to a location on the hub, and at least one sensing spoke extending from the hub. The sensing spokes have comb teeth generally interdigitated with the comb teeth of the stationary pad. The location of the coupling between the actuator spoke and the hub offsets a line of action of a force on the actuator spoke from a center of rotation of the hub. |
| US08082784B2 |
Rotary meter flexible edge impeller assembly
An assembly for use in a rotary positive displacement fluid meter having an inner body wall surface that includes a first impeller having an outer surface located within the rotary positive displacement fluid meter and adapted to be directly driven by a fluid flow. The assembly also includes a flexible edge member situated at a distal end of the impeller such that there is a clearance between the flexible edge member and the inner body wall of the rotary positive displacement fluid meter. The impeller defines a longitudinal axis and the flexible edge member has a length along the longitudinal axis and a width in a direction that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. |
| US08082783B2 |
Optical sensor device
An optical sensor device that can be used as a rain sensor has a light emitter, a light receiver, and an optical plate with rotationally symmetrically shaped Fresnel prism structures, which is coupled to a pane, in particular a windshield of a vehicle, by means of a coupling layer. On its opposite side, the optical plate takes up light from the light emitter. The light is coupled into the pane and, after a total reflection on an internal surface of the pane, is directed onto the light receiver. |
| US08082778B2 |
Engine simulation apparatus
The present invention relates to a turbofan propulsion simulator means, in particular for a turbofan of an aircraft or spacecraft, wherein the turbofan propulsion simulator means comprises a modular configuration, wherein the turbofan propulsion simulator means comprises a module, wherein the module is a turbine means to drive the turbofan of the turbofan propulsion simulator means, wherein the turbine means can be coupled with at least two fan means, characterized in that, the at least two fan means to be connected with the turbofan propulsion simulator means comprises almost or essentially the same mass and/or almost or essentially the same barycentre. |
| US08082772B2 |
Method and apparatus for periodically measuring the yield point of dispersions, and use thereof
Methods and apparatus for measuring the yield value of flowable material in a flow of flowable material comprise iteratively wetting a measuring body by the flowable material at a relatively constant temperature, subsequently permitting the flowable material to discharge for a discharge time so that the measuring body achieves approximately constant weight, using a functional unit in communication with the measuring body to determine a residual quantity of the flowable material which adheres to the measuring body after the discharge time, and determining the yield value of the flowable material based upon the quantity of the flowable material adhering on the measuring body. |
| US08082766B1 |
Pin tumbler lock releasing system
A pin tumbler lock releasing system includes keyway insertible and universally configured lift, key and shim devices that are cooperatively used to raise the pin stacks within a pin tumbler lock to just above the pin tumbler lock's shear line so that the lock's plug element may be rotated within its outer casing in order to disengage its locking mechanism. |
| US08082762B2 |
Wearable article with band portion adapted to include textile-based electrodes and method of making such article
A circular knit tubing adapted for making a wearable article has a first knitted single layer tubular portion and a second knitted single layer tubular portion separated by a junction portion. The second tubular portion is folded over the first tubular portion at a fold line in the junction portion. The first and second tubular portions are then joined together, whereby the junction portion forms a band or welt. After the band is formed, the second tubular portion is folded back to cover the band. The wearable article may be a shirt having single layer top and bottom portions with a central double welt portion for physical contact around the wearer's chest or torso. The junction portion forming the band or welt preferably is integrally knitted with the first and second tubular portions. The band or welt defines a central opening to receive an electronic or electrical device or other component. |
| US08082761B2 |
Method of forming integrated multilayer fabrics
A method for fabricating multilayer fabrics having a prescribed integration pattern and an apparatus of implementing same. In one embodiment, the method include the steps of providing a plurality of winding yarn carriers arranged in a multilayer structure along a first direction and configured such that each winding yarn carrier is operably movable with respect to one another along a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, forming a plurality of crossover points of the winding yarns by moving at least one winding yarn carrier along the second direction according to the integration pattern, transporting the binder yarns through the plurality of winding yarn layers at predetermined locations along the first direction, and locking the binder yarns in place, pushing the binder yarns toward the fell of the multilayer fabrics, and taking up the formed multilayer fabrics. |
| US08082750B2 |
Device for automatic processing of contaminated refrigerant from an air conditioning system
A device for automatic processing of contaminated refrigerant from an air conditioning system, said device comprising a compressor for compressing refrigerant. Said device further comprising an oil separator, said oil separator receiving compressed refrigerant from said compressor; said oil separator further including means for draining oil separated from said compressed refrigerant. Said device further comprising a storage tank, said storage tank receiving and temporarily containing said compressed refrigerant from said oil separator. Said storage tank including a vapor port and a liquid port. Said device further comprising a vacuum pump for creating low pressure within said device during evacuation of refrigerant. Said device further comprising a low pressure service hose for connecting said device to said air conditioning system. Said device further comprising a high pressure service hose for connecting said device to said air conditioning system. Said device further comprising at least one automatic multi-position ball valve. Said at least one automatic multi-position ball valve controlling flow of said refrigerant through said device. |
| US08082749B2 |
Air conditioner
An air conditioner having a heat-source side unit including a compressor and a heat-source side heat exchanger, plural use-side units each having a use-side heat exchanger and an inter-unit pipe for connecting the heat-source side unit to the plural use-side units, including an auxiliary heat source unit having a water-refrigerant heat exchanger for heat-exchanging refrigerant with water, a refrigerant side of the water-refrigerant heat exchanger being selectively connectable to one of the high-pressure gas pipe and the low-pressure gas pile through one of a first change-over valve and a second change-over valve, and also connected to a liquid pipe through an expansion valve, and a controller for controlling the auxiliary heat source unit so that the water-refrigerant heat exchanger of the auxiliary heat source unit functions as an evaporator with a water side thereof serving as a heat source when some of the user-side units are under heating operation. |
| US08082744B2 |
Method for controlling hot water circulation system associated with heat pump
Disclosed is a method for controlling a hot water circulation system associated with a heat pump. The present invention gives a freezing burst prevention operation function to a water-refrigerant heat-exchanger which performs heat exchange between a refrigerant and water, making it possible to remove a phenomenon that the water-refrigerant heat-exchanger installed out of the space where a user lives is frozen to be damaged. |
| US08082736B2 |
Temperature determination technique for a turbocharger
One embodiment of the present invention is an internal combustion engine system that includes an internal combustion engine, a turbocharger with a compressor and a turbine and a gas flow pathway defined therebetween, one or more pressure sensors to detect pressure along the gas flow pathway, an emission control device structured to receive exhaust from the turbocharger, and a controller responsive to input from the one or more pressure sensors. The controller determines a control signal indicative of turbine outlet temperature as a function of such input, and selectively generates an output signal to adjust temperature of the exhaust provided to the emission control device from the turbocharger in response to the control signal. |
| US08082734B2 |
Drive assembly for a reciprocating pump utilizing a linear actuator
A drive assembly for a reciprocating pump includes a support structure with a linear actuator mounted on the support structure. The linear actuator has a stationary portion and a movable ram portion. At least one direction altering cable guide is mounted to the movable ram portion of the linear actuator. At least one cable is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end is anchored to one of the support structure or the stationary portion of the linear actuator. The second end is adapted for attachment to a polish rod of a reciprocating pump. As the movable ram portion moves, the cable and cable guide configuration provide a mechanical advantage which results in the polish rod reciprocally moving a multiple of the distance travelled by the movable ram portion of the linear actuator. |
| US08082730B2 |
Engine system having particulate reduction device and method
An internal combustion engine system includes an engine having an engine housing. The engine system further includes an exhaust system, and a turbine disposed within the exhaust system. A particulate reduction device is disposed in the exhaust system upstream of the turbine. The particulate reduction device includes an exhaust retarder having a flow property which is based at least in part on a residence requirement for combustion of particulates in exhaust gases passing therethrough. The flow property may be a flow restriction property, and the exhaust retarder may include a flow restricting trapping element configured to trap particulates in the exhaust gases. The flow restricting trapping element defines a combustion efficacy to exhaust mass flow and temperature coefficient for the particulate reduction device which is based at least in part on a combustion initiating residence requirement for particulates passing through the particulate reduction device. |
| US08082727B2 |
Rear propulsor for a variable cycle gas turbine engine
A gas turbine propulsion system comprises a turbofan engine, a peripheral duct, an annular frame, an auxiliary turbine and an auxiliary fan. The turbofan engine is configured to produce bypass air and combustion air. The bypass air flows through a bypass duct and the combustion air flows through a core engine. The peripheral duct surrounds the turbofan engine and is configured to selectively receive peripheral inlet air. The annular frame is disposed aft of the bypass duct and the peripheral duct, and is rotatable to alternately guide the bypass air out the bypass duct or the peripheral duct. The auxiliary turbine is connected to an aft end of the core engine and is configured to receive the combustion air. The auxiliary fan is connected to the auxiliary turbine and is configured to receive airflow from the peripheral duct. |
| US08082726B2 |
Tangential anti-swirl air supply
A turbofan flow delivery system includes a fan case housing a fan. Flow exit guide vanes are arranged downstream from the fan and extend radially inwardly from the fan case toward a bypass flow path. A supply passage includes an opening provided in the fan case between the fan and flow exit guide vanes configured to selectively provide pressurized air to a component using air from the bypass flow path. Swirling air from the bypass flow path enters the supply passage and is converted to a static pressure. |
| US08082724B2 |
Combusting system, remodeling method for combusting system, and fuel injection method for combusting system
The present invention improves the reliability of a combusting system including multiple combustors and improves an environmental performance thereof. The invention includes a device that delays the start time of fuel injection from a fuel nozzle of a combustor including a ignitor from the start time of fuel injection from a fuel nozzle of the combustor not including the ignitor. |
| US08082722B2 |
Device for placing containers of collapsible type in a distribution unit
The device places filled and sealed collapsible containers. The device has a gripping unit with a number of finger pairs that correspond to the number of containers in a packing state. The gripping unit has a gripping state in which each finger is arranged to make a squeezing motion such that the contents of the container forms an inner counter-pressure structure to provide a well-defined grip. |
| US08082721B2 |
High speed packaging group and packaging machine equipped with such group
A packaging group that packages products at a high speed when the products are fed in succession in accordance with a predefined and variable pitch is provided. The packaging group includes a conveyor of the products, at least one roll of at least one plastic film, a feed mechanism that feeds the at least one plastic film from the at least one roll respectively atop and underneath the products substantially upon exiting the conveyor, a counter-welder belt downstream of the conveyor which receives the products covered on their upper and lower parts with the at least one plastic film, and a transverse welder device at the counter-welder belt. The transverse welder device includes a rotating star-like structure equipped with at least three spokes provided at their tips with welder mechanisms cooperating one after the other in succession with the counter-welder belt, in order to weld together portions of the at least one plastic film between the products advancing on the counter-welder belt. |
| US08082720B2 |
Tablet packing device
In a conventional tablet packing device, a tablet discharged from a tablet case is supplied to a medicine packing unit through a common path such as a hopper. Thus, in the conventional tablet packing device, a large number of types of tablets are collected through the common path, so that a problem of cross contamination (the chipped pieces of the tablet of the type different from that of the tablet to be packed are mixed) occurs. The present invention provides a tablet packing device from which common path is eliminated. The present invention is characterized by including a conveyance unit for conveying a tablet case to a case arrangement section so that a tablet can directly be discharged from the tablet case to a tablet packing unit. |
| US08082716B1 |
Roofing tile system
A roofing tile system provides a secure covering for a building roof and comprises a plurality of rigid tiles attached on a pitched roofing substrate in multiple interlocked rows of tiles. Each tile includes a protected end partially overlapped by another tile in an adjacent row, and an exposed end. The protected end of each tile includes at least one attachment hole and at least one anchoring panel. The exposed end of each tile includes at least one interlock hole. Primary roofing screws are provided for driving through attachment holes and into the substrate for attaching tiles in side-by-side relation to form multiple rows. Secondary roofing screws are provided for driving through interlock holes and into the interlock panel of a partially overlapped tile in an adjacent row, for interlocking the exposed ends of the roofing tiles with anchoring panels in adjacent tiles. |
| US08082715B2 |
Bottom mount fire barrier systems including fire barrier/retainer structures and installation tools
Bottom mounted (anchored) fire barrier systems include UL 2079 and ASTM 1399 tested and certified fire barrier/retainer structures, especially useful for floor/floor, wall/floor, and wall/wall expansion joint spaces formed by spaced opposing pre-cast concrete building units of 4½ inches thickness. The use of this system in structures using pre-cast building units provides room for installation of mandated rubber boots into the limited expansion joint space. Each fire barrier has affixed to its outside long edges a metal retainer that is structured for holding the barrier correctly and tightly positioned to the building unit surfaces first for secure and tight anchoring and then for providing support for the barrier to prevent leakage of gas, flame, smoke, and heat during a fire. Providing for ease of installation there is a reusable installation tool, an optional guard unit, male/female connections between barrier sections, and a splice connector butt to connections. |
| US08082711B2 |
Walls and wall sections
A tough, water-proof building system which provides walls and wall sections for use on upright walls, ceilings, and floors, and appurtenances, as well as accessories which make such structures more versatile. The walls and wall sections can be designed to have vertical and horizontal strengths sufficient to be used in place of concrete, as an engineered solution, both above grade and below-grade, including in severe weather conditions. A wall section has inner and outer layers, and structurally reinforcing members which extend, typically as a layer and/or stud, the full height of the wall section, at spaced locations along the length of the wall section. The spaces between the structurally reinforcing members are optionally filled with rigid foam. An optional reinforcing stud is attached to, or overlaid by, the inner layer, and extends inwardly into the building from what is otherwise the inner surface of the wall or wall section. |
| US08082708B2 |
Window glazing cleat for synthetic doors with window lights
Synthetic doors composed a rectangular frame with of skins of compression molded sheets secured to opposite sides of the frame and a core of foamed plastics with a window light therein are improved with a novel glazing cleat for securing a window light in an aperture in such a door that includes plate that rests against edges the skins about the aperture, the plate having an upright rim engaging a face of a window light and downwardly directed flanges which, with tangs on a retainer member having a upright tab engaging the opposite face the window light when nesting with the plate sandwiches the skins between the flanges and tangs to take advantage of the mechanical strength of the skins. Further if a fire resistant plate is married to internal face of each skin, the cleat will take advantage of the mechanical strength of such plates in supporting the window light in the case of fires, even if the outer or exterior skin or skins are turned to ash by a fire. For increased fire resistance the core is formed of a fire resistant foam, such a phenolic foam. |
| US08082701B1 |
Combined guide-nail shield and process
A formed metal piece is U-shaped to be fit to an outer edge of a framing stud, with a pair of side walls, at least one formed with a guide hole for accurately locating drilled holes for routing cables, etc. The front wall is sufficiently strong to provide nail shielding for protection of cables or pipes passed through the hole drilled in the stud. A series of pieces are installed in alignment prior to drilling the stud holes to speed the process. A cut out portion can be removed to optionally form a slot for installation as a nail shield reinforcement after the cables or piping is installed. |
| US08082700B2 |
Portable arch building structure
A building structure with a tubular frame structure in a hut shape may be provided with cladding in the form of curved panels to provide a temporary or emergency shelter. These panels may consist of two spaced-apart plastic sheets fused together by parallel ribs serving as webs to provide parallel channels therein, e.g., Coroplast™-like sheeting. Such sheeting is preferably stiffening with one or more battens that are inserted through the hollow channels of the panel allowing them to be used as semi-rigid cladding over the entire building structure. The outer tubular members of the frame are all curved to improve rigidity. The frame includes channels for seating the panels as well as contribute to the structural integrity of the shelter. |
| US08082698B2 |
Modular enclosure for utility trailers and pickup trucks
A light weight modular enclosure that may be easily assembled by a user and mounted on a utility trailer or pickup truck includes a plurality of modular foam-encapsulated side panel assemblies and two foam-encapsulated corner panel assemblies arranged in adjacent positions in U-shaped anchor channels secured along three edges of a rectangular floorboard to form a front wall and two side walls of the modular enclosure. The side panel and corner panel assemblies each include a plurality of molded key pins and key sockets that are positioned for mating engagement to secure the panel assemblies in strict alignment when adjacently positioned in the anchor channels. A door frame assembly fits into the open rear end of the modular enclosure. A pop-up canopy assembly is installed over the top of the modular enclosure to provide additional head room during use. Two lengths of a gird belt are attached to the door frame assembly, and the two free ends are routed forward within horizontal gird belt channels molded in the exterior surface of each of the side and corner panel assemblies. The free ends of the gird belt are cinchably joined at the front end of the modular enclosure to secure the side and corner panel assemblies in their assembled positions. |
| US08082697B2 |
Sunscreen and mounting bracket assembly
A mounting bracket assembly is included that is capable of securing an associated rigid sunscreen on an associated building structure. The mounting bracket assembly can include a first bracket that is adapted for securement on the associated building structure and a second bracket that is adapted for securement on the associated rigid sunscreen. The first bracket can include a first interengaging feature, and the second bracket can include a second interengaging feature that is cooperative with the first interengaging feature of the first bracket. A sunscreen and mounting bracket assembly, a sunscreen and mounting bracket kit, and a method of assembly are also included. |
| US08082696B2 |
Temperature compensating outdoor wall padding apparatus and method for forming the same
A temperature compensating outdoor wall padding apparatus in one embodiment incorporates a stretch fabric into the edges of a vinyl cover to provide a tension on the vinyl cover minimizing the possibility of wrinkling of the vinyl cover due to a change in temperature. In another embodiment, the temperature compensating outdoor wall padding apparatus may employ a resilient cover, stretchable in 4 directions and pre-tensioned to provide tension on the resilient cover minimizing the possibility of wrinkling of the resilient cover due to a change in temperature. Methods for forming the same are also disclosed. |
| US08082693B2 |
Arch shutter
An arch shutter having a frame with an arch frame portion, and often with a linear lower frame portion, and louvres extending from side to side of the arch portion, parallel to the linear lower frame portion, and having a frame section of predetermined width, and bevel portions formed at each end of each louvre, the bevel portions removing a portion at each end of each louvre for providing clearance for rotation of each louvre without interfering with arch frame portion, and pivot pins inserted through drillings in the frame from the exterior. |
| US08082692B2 |
Method of propagation and product produced thereby
An improvement in a method of propagating, and an article useful in association with, or produced by, the method of propagating. Plants are produced in mats by steps including: providing a bottom net made of a material that is pervious to moisture, positioning a sheet of a fabric, depositing a layer of planting medium on said fabric, spreading viable wildflower seed over said medium, moistening said medium and said seeds, germinating seeds in the medium, such that roots of seedlings from said seeds intermesh with the fabric forming a sod mat; wherein the bottom net is sufficiently pervious to permit essentially unimpeded root contact with earth below the bottom net. |
| US08082688B2 |
Optical sight
An optical sight is provided and may include an optical element, a reticle selectively displayed on the optical element, and a housing. The housing may include a base, a first post extending from the base, a second post extending from the base, and a cross member extending between the first post and the second post to define an opening receiving the optical element therein. The cross member may include a first surface opposing the optical element and a second surface disposed on an opposite side of the cross member than the first surface, whereby the second surface has a substantially concave shape. |
| US08082686B2 |
Cleated athletic shoe with cushion structures
A cleated shoe is presented which provides cushion support and lateral stability in a lightweight construction. The shoe includes a lower and an upper. The lower may include a primary midsole, cushion elements, and an outsole. A cleat may be connected to the outsole. At least one cushion may be located between the primary midsole and outsole. Various embodiments of cushions are presented and may be consistent with specific types of shoes associated with various types of activities such as football, baseball, lacrosse, soccer, or golf. The lower may be consistent with approaches to remediate a wearer's pronation or supination. |
| US08082685B2 |
Insole having puncture-resistant properties for safety footwear
A insole (1) having puncture-resistant properties for safety footwear, comprising an anterior portion (2) extending from a toe region (3) to a metatarsal region (4) of the insole and a posterior portion (5) extending from the metatarsal region to a heel region (6) longitudinally opposite the toe region. The posterior portion (5) comprises at least one substantially rigid layer (8) made of composite material formed from a fibre-reinforced polymer matrix and the anterior portion (2) is formed of a substantially flexible material comprising at least one layer (7) formed of polymer fibres having enhanced puncture-resistant properties. |
| US08082680B2 |
Shoe device secured to a syphon for removing condensate
A shoe device secured to a syphon is disclosed for removing condensate from an internal surface of a rotating cylinder. The shoe device includes a shoe portion which is disposed adjacent to the internal surface of the rotating cylinder. The shoe portion defines a passageway having an upstream and a downstream end. The passageway permits a flow there through of the condensate from the internal surface of the rotating cylinder, through the upstream end of the passageway to the downstream end of the passageway. The shoe portion has a first and a second side, a surface extending between the first and second sides of the shoe portion. The surface is disposed adjacent to the internal surface of the cylinder. The shoe portion also has a leading and a trailing end and a face extending between the leading and trailing ends of the shoe portion. A clamp is secured to a distal end of the syphon and is connected to the shoe portion for clamping the shoe portion to the syphon. An anchor plate is secured to the clamp and is disposed between the shoe portion and the clamp for anchoring the shoe portion. |
| US08082678B2 |
Clothes drying machine with improved vapour injection arrangement
Household-type clothes drying machine provided with a rotating drum (1), first means adapted to circulate a stream of drying air through said drum and comprising an appropriate inflow conduit and an outflow conduit for said air stream, second means (3) adapted to generate a gas or vapour stream, a first delivery pipe conduit (4) connecting said second means with an ejection arrangement located on the inner surface of the loading door of the drum, a second drain pipe conduit (7) adapted to collect the condensed moisture from said ejection arrangement and convey it into a collecting container; said ejection arrangement comprises a substantially sealed cell that is however provided with a first port (9) to enable the gas/vapour stream to flow in from said first delivery pipe conduit, a second port (10) to enable liquid and condensate to flow into said drain pipe conduit, and an ejection window (11) that opens into the interior of said drum and is adapted to eject said gas/vapour stream flowing in from said first delivery pipe conduit. Inside said cell there is provided a vertically extending wall and said first port is oriented towards said wall, which terminates with a free lower, edge projecting onto the bottom of said cell. |
| US08082673B2 |
Systems and methods for control and calibration of a CMM
A method of operating an articulated arm CMM is provided. Instructions for the CMM can be inputted to the CMM arm by an action chosen from the group consisting of placing the arm in a predefined position and moving the arm in a predefined manner. |
| US08082672B2 |
Mechanical patterning of thin film photovoltaic materials and structure
A method for forming one or more patterns for a thin film photovoltaic material. The method includes providing a substrate including a molybdenum layer and an overlying absorber comprising a copper bearing species and a window layer comprising a cadmium bearing species. The substrate is supported to expose a surface of the window layer. In a specific embodiment, the method includes using a scribe device. The scribe device includes a scribe having a tip. The scribe device is configured to pivot about one or more regions and configured to apply pressure to the tip, such that the tip is placed on a selected region of the window layer or the absorber layer. The method moves the scribe device relative to the substrate in a direction to form a pattern on at least the window layer or the absorber layer at a determined speed maintaining the molybdenum layer free from the pattern. |
| US08082671B2 |
Hand-held jigsaw with clamping device for reciprocating tool, in particular a jigsaw blade
A hand-held power jigsaw includes a clamping device which has an insertion slot (26) for a shaft (153) of the tool and has a transverse aperture (27) extending transversely to the insertion slot (26) and opening out into it. A clamping element (19) for clamping the shaft (153) can slide in the transverse aperture (27) and travels into the insertion slot (26) at one end and protrudes out from the transverse aperture (27) at the other end. A centering piece (18) has a rotatable clamping sleeve (20) equipped with a clamping curve (28) that slides the clamping element (19), equipped with a clamping spring, which engages the clamping sleeve (20) and rotates the clamping sleeve (20). The centering piece (18) has two transverse apertures (27) and in which two clamping elements (19) are supported opposite each other in a movable fashion. |
| US08082664B2 |
Harness making device and method for the production of cable harnesses
A harness making device having at least two receiving sections, a pivoting gripping device, a cable preparation device, and a cable transfer. Each receiving section is utilized for receiving a connection mechanism. The connection mechanism, in each case, connects an end portion of a cable to a connector. The gripping device is located in a fixed position between the at least two receiving sections, and is constructed to guide the end portion of the cable to the connection mechanism. Additionally, a cable preparation device is positioned to prepare a cable loop with the cable. The cable transfer, which is constructed to receive the at least one cable from the cable preparation device, positions the cable to the pivoting gripping device. |
| US08082663B1 |
Method for hermetic electrical connections
A method of providing a hermetic, electrical connection between two electrical components by mating at least one metal pin in a glass-ceramic to metal seal connector to two electrical components, wherein the glass-ceramic to metal seal connector incorporates at least one metal pin encased (sealed) in a glass-ceramic material inside of a metal housing, with the glass-ceramic material made from 65-80% SiO2, 8-16% Li2O, 2-8% Al2O3, 1-5% P2O5, 1-8% K2O, 0.5-7% B2O3, and 0-5% ZnO. The connector retains hermeticity at temperatures as high as 700° C. and pressures as high as 500 psi. |
| US08082655B2 |
Integrated winding structure for a magnetic core
A method includes forming a winding structure from a single sheet of electrically conductive material, where the winding structure includes a winding base and multiple winding extensions extending from the winding base as a continuous piece of the electrically conductive material. The multiple winding extensions include a base portion that extends from the winding base along a first face of a fully assembled magnetic core, a wrapping portion that extends from the base portion along a second face of the fully assembled magnetic core, and a connection portion that extends from the wrapping portion along a third face of the fully assembled magnetic core, the connection portion comprising an electrical connection surface. The base portion, the wrapping portion, and the connection portion of each winding extend from the winding base such that the integrated windin structure is shaped for placement over the full assembled magnetic core in a single motion. |
| US08082652B2 |
Method of manufacturing molding die
There are provided a method of manufacturing a molding die that can prevent occurrence of a trouble, such as break of a sand mold when a master mold is pulled out, and a molding die that can clearly transfer a pattern onto a molding. A meshed member is fixed to an entirety or part of a molding surface of a master mold, a sand mold having a molding surface with a protrusion and recess pattern thereon is fabricated by using the master mold, and a molding die having a molding surface with the protrusion and recess pattern thereon is cast by using the sand mold. The meshed member is made up of a flexible synthetic resin sheet having a number of mesh openings. |
| US08082647B2 |
Method for determining the optimal insertion force of a fastener press
Force data is monitored by a strain gauge during a preparatory setup operation of an insertion process during which a sample fastener is installed into a host material by a fastener press. Mathematical algorithms are utilized to determine an optimal insertion force, while a predetermined insertion velocity is maintained throughout the installation process regardless of the force required. With the ram velocity held constant, the insertion force is measured during the installation process and compared to the elapsed time to obtain a force slope. A data point on the force slope which corresponds to the point at which the force slope abruptly increases is captured and recorded as the optimal insertion force. This optimal force is then used by the press for all fasteners/host-material installations of the sample type. |
| US08082638B2 |
Apparatus for producing textiles, nonwoven substances, spunbond fabrics, paper materials, and/or perforated films
The invention relates to an apparatus for producing textiles, nonwoven substances, spun-bonded fabrics or paper materials (5) with the aid of at least one screen drum (1) having openings (4) for transporting away the fluid (6) which is output from a water bar (7) and having numerous outwardly directed elevations (3) which are situated on the outside of the screen drum (1) for the perforation of the nonwoven (5). The invention is based on the object of providing an apparatus which makes it possible, during the water conversion and at the same time as the perforation, also to make patterns in the nonwoven without influencing the strengthening substantially in the process. The object has been achieved in that one or a plurality of regions (8) on the outer side of the screen drum (1) does/do not have any elevations (3) but only openings (4). |
| US08082625B2 |
Pick-up head having housed gutter brooms for a mobile sweeping vehicle
A pick-up head for a mobile sweeping vehicle comprises a housing defining a substantially hollow interior and a suctioning bottom opening for suctioning dust and small debris. A suctioning front opening is disposed in the front of the housing for receiving debris into the substantially hollow interior of the housing. A door is mounted on the pick-up head for selectively opening and closing the suctioning front opening. A dust and debris outlet in the housing permits dust and debris to be suctioned from the substantially hollow interior. A gutter broom is mounted within the housing adjacent one end, for sweeping dust and small debris inwardly from the selected one of the left end and the right end and towards the dust and debris outlet. An opening in the housing at the selected end permits the gutter broom to extend beyond the end of the housing, thus allowing the gutter broom to sweep against a curb, for sweeping dust and small debris towards a central path. A selectively operable motor is for operating the first gutter broom. |
| US08082622B2 |
Accessory for blower
An accessory for a blower having a first end with a connector assembly for connecting the accessory to the blower, a second end for directing air under pressure from the blower, a lower blade portion extending at least partly between the first end and the second end for facilitating a pneumatic shoveling operation, and an upper funnel portion extending at least partly between the first end and the second end for facilitating a pneumatic sweeping operation. The accessory can be selectively connected to the blower via the connector assembly so that the air under pressure from the blower cooperates with the lower blade portion and the upper funnel portion to perform a combined pneumatic shoveling/sweeping operation. |
| US08082614B2 |
Anti suffocation inclined sleep aid for infants with reflux or vomiting
An infant sleep aid device for alleviating acid reflux symptoms, preventing suffocation and collecting spit up or vomit is disclosed. The device includes a wedge-shaped body with a substantially flat incline to receive and support the infant in a prone or supine position. In addition the infant sleep aid includes section to support the torso of the infant and a section to support the head of the infant. The head support section is uniquely devised to include a wire mesh cloth sufficiently tensioned to support the head of the infant and through which spit up and vomit can drain through down to a funnel shaped body attached thereto or placed underneath; and means for delivering fresh breathing air through holes on the sides of the support head section. The infant sleep aid also includes primary and secondary harnesses to support and secure the infant in either prone or supine position. |
| US08082609B2 |
Walk-in bathtub having a flip-up seat portion over a rearward foot well recess
A walk-in bathtub having a flip-up seat portion over a rearward foot well recess provides a bather with improved access to an interior bathing cavity of the bathtub by giving the bather when the bather is within the bathtub more usable floor space in the bathtub in which to stand while closing or opening a hinged door in a side wall of the bathtub. The invention further aids a bather in standing up from a sitting position in the bathtub in that the bather can place a foot or feet more directly below the bather in a rearward foot well recess under the flip-up seat portion preferably located near or at knee height and then can lift up the flip-up seat portion while the bather is rising from a sitting to a standing position. |
| US08082608B2 |
Bathing area surround
An example bathing surround includes a surround wall, a tub basin having a top tub bottom and a plurality of tub sides, and a tub ledge extending from the tub basin transverse to the tub sides. A tub flange extends from the tub ledge away from the tub bottom. The tub ledge and the surround wall defines a groove for receiving a tongue extending the other of the tub ledge and the surround wall. The surround wall is biased toward the tub flange when the tub tongue is received within the groove. |
| US08082604B2 |
Toilet seat lifter and dropper
A mechanism (100) for lifting and lowering a toilet seat (102) is activated by foot pressure pushing down on a pedal (104). The mechanism includes an off-floor pivot fixed in space for converting the pressure into a torque applied to hinge (113, 114) supporting the seat. The mechanism does not touch the floor. Instead a reaction arm which is one support for the fixed pivot presses against a wall (120) behind the toilet bowl. An element for retarding the speed of the seat as it falls is optionally included. |
| US08082603B2 |
Toilet and toilet seat mounting system
A toilet including a toilet bowl having a bowl flange with apertures, a toilet seat, a toilet seat cover and mounting apparatus. The seat comprises a seat ring configured to rest on the bowl flange and seat mounting means and the seat cover comprises a cover and cover mounting means. The mounting apparatus includes the seat mounting means, the cover mounting means, post holders which overlie the bowl flange apertures, and connecting means joining said seat and cover mounting means and the post holders to permit rotation of the seat ring and cover between a generally horizontal use position and an over center storage position. An elongate post is secured to and extends downwardly from each of the post holders. A post receptacle is positively secured in each of the bowl flange apertures and extends there beyond. A cylindrical receptacle retainer surrounds and engages each receptacle over most of its length and engages the underside of the bowl to positively secure the receptacle in the bowl flange aperture. The elongate posts extend downwardly from each of the post holders and pass through and beyond the aligned receptacles. The posts have sufficient length to permit the seat to be elevated above the bowl flange to the over center maintenance position to provide adequate space for easy maintenance. Each post has distal means configured to engage the respective receptacle and to releasably support the post in the maintenance position for cleaning and maintenance. |
| US08082601B2 |
Cushion pad and glove thereof
The cushion pad according to the present invention contains a ciliated member and a base member, both made of a flexible plastic material and having a same planar shape. The ciliated member has a large number of hollow protrusions on a front side. The base member is attached to a back side of the ciliated member by high-frequency fusing their circumferences together to form a rim belt with two openings. A pressure release valve is plugged in one opening, and a one-way valve and a pumping device is plugged in the other opening. When air is pumped into a closed space among the ciliated member, the base member, and the rim belt by the pumping device, the cushion pad could offer significantly superior shock absorption. |
| US08082599B2 |
Body protecting device
A body protecting device for wearing by a user comprising an array of energy absorbing cells, wherein each cell comprises a tube, and wherein substantially each tube has a side wall which is near or adjacent to the side wall of at least another tube, and wherein substantially each tube is configured such that the orientation of the tube is substantially maintained when a load is applied parallel to the axis of the tube. |
| US08082598B2 |
Undergarment, for example a pair of panties, especially for women
An undergarment is provided, e.g., a slip, especially for women. The undergarment includes a blank made of a textile material with edgings at the waist and the leg openings, wherein in each case the edgings comprise a flat, two-layered tubular elastic band, which is fastened with an adhesive layer to the left side of the textile material of the undergarment, facing the body. In addition, the invention comprises a process for producing such an undergarment. |
| US08082595B2 |
Article of swimwear with resilient seal
An article of swimwear includes a swimsuit body having at least one aperture configured to encircle a portion of a swimmer's body when the swimsuit is worn by a user, and a resilient seal secured about the at least one aperture. |
| US08087089B2 |
System for a digital content distributing service and the method thereof
A method and system for a digital content distributing service, wherein the system comprises a central broadcast station, an audit trails unit, and a distributing control unit. The central broadcasting station includes at least one unicast streaming server, at least one multicast streaming server, and a digital content storage unit, wherein the digital content storage unit provides a plurality of digital contents to be displayed for consumers connected to the central broadcasting station via a transmission media. The audit trails unit receives and records the individual expenditure information of consumers. The distributing control unit controls the distribution of the digital contents in accordance with the individual expenditure information of consumers, wherein when consumers watch one identical digital content, the distributing control unit will determine to distribute the identical digital content to the consumers by the at least one unicast streaming server or the at least one multicast streaming server. |
| US08087086B1 |
Method for mitigating false positive generation in antivirus software
A method for mitigating false-positives as detected by antivirus software comprising accessing an operating system file that has been identified as malware; creating a signature for the operating system file; comparing the created signature to a signature database; and, if the created signature is not found in the signature database, defining the operating system file as malware. An operating system file, as used herein, is any file included as a part of the operating system binary executable file set, as well as any files added from third party vendors that integrate with or plug into the operating system. |
| US08087085B2 |
Wireless intrusion prevention system and method
A wireless intrusion prevention system and method to prevent, detect, and stop malware attacks is presented. The wireless intrusion prevention system monitors network communications for events characteristic of a malware attack, correlates a plurality of events to detect a malware attack, and performs mitigating actions to stop the malware attack. |
| US08087081B1 |
Selection of remotely located servers for computer security operations
A client computer may be configured to perform computer security operation services, such as malicious code scanning and protection against online threats, using one of several remotely located server computers. The client computer may be configured to determine an operational state of the server computers and determine a protection status of the client computer resulting from use of a server computer of a particular operational state. The protection status may have one of at least three levels and indicate vulnerability of the client computer. The client computer may determine the operational state of a server computer based on available bandwidth for network communication between the client computer and the server computer. The client computer may be configured to allow for automatic or manual selection of another server computer when the currently selected server computer results in the client computer having a protection status below a threshold level. |
| US08087079B2 |
Byte-distribution analysis of file security
A method for scanning files for security, including receiving an unfamiliar file for scanning, if the determining indicates that the mime type is suitable for analysis, then processing a buffer of file data from the unfamiliar file, including generating a histogram of frequencies of occurrence of bytes within a buffer of file data from the unfamiliar file, excluding a designated set of bytes, and if the generated histogram of frequencies of occurrence of the non-excluded bytes deviates substantially from a reference distribution, then signaling that the unfamiliar file is potentially malicious. A system and a computer-readable storage medium are also described and claimed. |
| US08087077B2 |
Information processing apparatus and security protection method
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes an input module to input a password, a biological authentication device including a storage unit for storing biological information and identification information, and an authentication control module which sets and holds identification information to be stored in the storage unit of the biological authentication device, and permits a password input using the input module to be substituted by authentication using the biological authentication device when the identification information held by itself and the identification information stored in the storage unit of the biological authentication device match. The authentication control module includes a setting module to perform a setting for the identification information stored in the storage unit of the biological identification device and held by itself, on both conditions of authentication establishment with a registered password entry using the input module and authentication establishment using the biological authentication device. |
| US08087076B2 |
Method and apparatus for preventing loading and execution of rogue operating systems in a logical partitioned data processing system
A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for managing operating systems. A request from an operating system is received in the multi-partitioned data processing system to register for access to hardware in the multi-partitioned data processing system. The request includes a key code for the operating system. A determination is made as to whether the operating system is an authorized operating system using the key code in response to receiving the request. The operating system is registered if the operating system is the authorized operating system. Otherwise, the operating system is terminated. |
| US08087073B2 |
Authentication architecture
A system enabling an application desiring access to a resource addressable by a URI to produce a response to an authentication challenge to a request to access the URI without including code specific to an authentication system and/or method is provided. The system includes an authentication manager that can pass an authentication challenge to authentication modules and/or objects operable to produce a response to the authentication challenge. The system may also include a cache adapted to store one or more responses to the authentication challenge communicated from the authentication modules, with such cache also being employed to facilitate pre-authenticating test challenges and/or pseudo-challenges. |
| US08087072B2 |
Provisioning of digital identity representations
A system and method for provisioning digital identity representations (“DIRs”) uses various techniques and structures to ease administration, increase accuracy, and decrease inconsistencies of a digital-identity provisioning system. A system is provided using a common identity data store for both DIR issuance and identity token issuance, decreasing synchronization issues. Various methods are provided for creating new DIRs, notifying principals of available DIRs, and approving issuance of new DIRs. |
| US08087070B2 |
Predictive method for multi-party strengthening of authentication credentials with non-real time synchronization
A method and system for strengthening authentication credentials for accessing any number of applications across multiple access interfaces and across multiple remote access sites is disclosed. The applications can be accessed by a set of authorized users by using multiple instances of a predictive scheme for generating and synchronizing the authentication credentials and by leveraging pre-existing infrastructure associated with the applications. |
| US08087067B2 |
Secure mobile platform system
The present invention is directed toward a secure platform which enables mobile devices, such as a cell phones, smartphones, or PDAs, to have relationships with services or service providers that are controlled by the state of security on each device. In an embodiment, the platform is comprised of a server that receives data from security software on a mobile device regarding the device's security state. The platform enables access to a service to be granted, denied, or limited based on the security state of the mobile device. The platform may provide two-way communications between a mobile device and a service so that the platform can enforce access security both from the client to the service and from the service to the client. Furthermore, the platform allows services or service providers to evaluate the security state of a device independently of using the platform to communicate with the device. |
| US08087066B2 |
Method and system for securing a commercial grid network
A method for securing a commercial grid network involves receiving a lease request from a client to lease a computing resource selected from multiple computing resources in the commercial grid network, mapping a unique identifier of the client to a security label selected from multiple unmapped security labels to obtain a client-label mapping based on the lease request, mapping a unique identifier of the computing resource to the security label to obtain a resource-label mapping based on the lease request, storing the client-label mapping and the resource-label mapping in a security label repository to obtain stored security label mappings, and authenticating, by the commercial grid network, an access request from the client to the computing resource using the stored security label mappings. |
| US08087065B2 |
Method and system for implementing mandatory file access control in native discretionary access control environments
A method is provided for implementing a mandatory access control model in operating systems which natively use a discretionary access control scheme. A method for implementing mandatory access control in a system comprising a plurality of computers, the system comprising a plurality of information assets, stored as files on the plurality of computers, and a network communicatively connecting the plurality of computers, wherein each of the plurality of computers includes an operating system that uses a discretionary access control policy, and wherein each of a subset of the plurality of computers includes a software agent component operable to perform the steps of intercepting a request for a file operation on a file from a user of one of the plurality of computers including the software agent, determining whether the file is protected, if the file is protected, altering ownership of the file from the user to another owner, and providing access to the file based on a mandatory access control policy. |
| US08087058B2 |
HDTV subscriber verification
A system for providing television (TV) service including high definition television (HDTV) service, and for providing verification that a subscriber has connected an HDTV to the system includes a TV service provider headend and a set top box (STB). The HDTV may have an HDTV digital video interface (DVI) interconnect. The STB may be electrically coupled to the headend and have an STB DVI interconnect. When the HDTV DVI interconnect is initially electrically coupled to the STB DVI interconnect, the HDTV generally presents a data signal to the STB and the STB generally presents the data signal to the headend. |
| US08087057B2 |
Television converter device including an internet protocol interface
A television converter device is provided which includes a channel selector and an Internet Protocol (IP) interface. The channel selector is configured to receive multiple channels of television programming from at least one of a satellite, cable, and over-the-air broadcasting source, select one of the channels from the multiple channels, and deliver the selected channel to at least one television (TV). The IP interface is configured to receive television programming over an IP connection, and to deliver the television programming received over the IP connection to the at least one TV. |
| US08087056B2 |
Operating method of contents on demand system
A method of effectively operating a Content-On-Demand (COD) system is disclosed. Requests for content are received from COD clients. If the requested content exists in a COD server and the content is content for one-to-one transmission, a session is set up between the COD server and one of the COD clients by providing access information for one-to-one transmission. Thereafter, the requested content is transmitted to the corresponding COD client in a one-to-one transmission manner, and then the session is terminated when the transmission is completed. If the requested content is content for one-to-N transmission, sessions are set up between the COD server and the respective COD clients by providing access information for one-to-N transmission. Thereafter, the requested content is transmitted to the corresponding COD clients in a one-to-N transmission manner when a one-to-N transmission requirement is met, and then the sessions are terminated when the transmission is completed. |
| US08087051B2 |
Database management system and method for electronic program guide and television channel lineup organization
Channel lineup information in a television system is efficiently managed with an internal electronic program guide manager (IEM). The IEM creates and maintains an internal electronic program guide (EPG) information database for a user program preference determination engine (PDE), which is resident in a STB, DTV or PVR. The internal EPG data are for use by software agents of the PDE only. The external EPG is used for a graphical user interface display. First, external channel lineup information is received from an external program guide; from that, internal channel lineup information is generated that contains less information than the external channel lineup information, yet sufficient information to render the internal channel lineup information useful in the internal database management system; and the internal channel lineup information is updated upon receiving notification of a change to the external channel lineup information. |
| US08087047B2 |
Systems and methods for providing remote access to interactive media guidance applications
Methods and systems for remotely accessing user equipment implementing an interactive media guidance application are provided. In particular, a method includes the steps of receiving user equipment identification information and receiving a user request from a user device indicating instructions for the user equipment. The user request is cross-referenced with an action request in a user equipment format selected from a plurality of formats to be compatible with the user equipment. The action request is transmitted for receipt by the user equipment for enabling execution of the indicated instructions. |
| US08087045B2 |
Grouping advertisement subavails
Method and system for creating one or more advertising avail sections (subavails) and thereupon aggregating the subavails to form one or more groups of subavails. The advertisement opportunities (avails) may be divided into sections (subavails) with each section being directed at a particular target audience (group). The subavails are then aggregated into one or more groups of subavails so that the groups of subavails can be sold to the advertisers. The grouping of subavails is generally based on a correlation wherein the subavails are characterized based on one or more characteristics. The groups of subavails are formed based on one or more shared characteristics. The advertiser has an option to buy a group of subavails (rather than an avail in prior art), whereby the advertiser may reach a targeted group of an audience. |
| US08087041B2 |
Estimating reach and frequency of advertisements
Estimating the reach and device frequency of a proposed advertising campaign based on the probability that advertising content delivery devices (e.g., a television set top box, radio) were used to deliver advertising content (e.g. television ad, radio ad) during specific time periods on specific delivery device channels. |
| US08087038B2 |
Optical pickup having thermal expansion compensation
An aspect of the invention provides an optical pickup in which an optical axis is not displaced even if ambient temperature is changed. The optical pickup of the invention has an optical unit and an optical pickup case. The optical unit has a lens member having an optical axis, and the optical axis of the lens member is offset to one side from the center of the optical unit. The optical pickup case holds the optical unit from both sides. A thermal expansion amount of the optical unit is absorbed by compression amounts of a first adhesive and a second adhesive such that the optical axis of the lens member is not displaced when the optical unit is thermal expanded. |
| US08087034B2 |
Virtual processor methods and apparatus with unified event notification and consumer-produced memory operations
The invention provides, in one aspect, a virtual processor that includes one or more virtual processing units. These virtual processing units execute on one or more processors, and each virtual processing unit executes one or more processes or threads (collectively, “threads”). While the threads may be constrained to executing throughout their respective lifetimes on the same virtual processing units, they need not be. An event delivery mechanism associates events with respective threads and notifies those threads when the events occur, regardless of which virtual processing unit and/or processor the threads happen to be executing on at the time. The invention provides, in other aspects, virtual and/or digital data processors with improved dataflow-based synchronization. A process or thread (collectively, again, “thread”) executing within such processor can execute a memory instruction (e.g., an “Empty” or other memory-consumer instruction) that permits the thread to wait on the availability of data generated, e.g., by another thread and to transparently wake up when that other thread makes the data available (e.g., by execution of a “Fill” or other memory-producer instruction). |
| US08087029B1 |
Thread-type-based load balancing in a multithreaded processor
Resources to be used by concurrent threads in a multithreaded processor are allocated based on thread types of the threads, and thread-type-based criteria governing resource allocation decisions are dynamically modified based on feedback information indicating the degree to which various thread types are using the resource. For each of at least two thread types, an amount of the resource is reserved, and amounts currently allocated are tracked. When an allocation request for a new thread is received, the allocation is made or not based on the new thread's type, the amount of the resource reserved for that type, and the amount currently allocated to threads of that type. If, based on feedback information from the allocation decision, the amount of the resource reserved for one thread type is determined to be insufficient, the reserved amounts are modified to better meet the demand. |
| US08087027B2 |
Computer program product and system for deferring the deletion of control blocks
A computer program product and system are disclosed for deferring the deletion of resource control blocks from a resource queue within an information management system that includes a plurality of short-term processes and a plurality of long-term processes when each of the long term processes has unset a ‘resource in use’ control flag for that long term process, a ‘request deletion’ flag has been set by the information management system, and a predetermined amount of time has elapsed. |
| US08087026B2 |
Fair share scheduling based on an individual user's resource usage and the tracking of that usage
Fair share scheduling to divide the total amount of available resource into a finite number of shares and allocate a portion of the shares to an individual user or group of users as a way to specify the resource proportion entitled by the user or group of users. The scheduling priority of jobs for a user or group of users depends on a customizable expression of allocated and used shares by that individual user or group of users. The usage by the user or group of users is accumulated and an exponential decay function is applied thereto in order to keep track of historic resource usage for a user or group of users by one piece of data and an update timestamp. |
| US08087025B1 |
Workload placement among resource-on-demand systems
Each of a plurality of nodes in an overlay network includes information for a corresponding resource-on-demand system, wherein the information may be used to select a resource-on-demand system to host the workload. A request to place a workload is received at a node in an overlay network. A distributed control algorithm is executed for selecting a resource-on-demand system host the workload. |
| US08087023B2 |
Topology aware grid services scheduler architecture
The invention provides a system/method of processing client requests over a computer network of hosts, that includes creating persistent containers in the hosts, creating objects in the containers, grouping the containers into grid container arrays, grouping objects within containers that are within a single grid container array into grid object arrays, creating one micro scheduler for each grid container array, dividing each of the client requests into a plurality of tasks, and assigning groups of the tasks to the microschedulers, wherein the microschedulers assign individual tasks to the objects. The invention assigns the microschedulers additional groups of tasks as the microschedulers return groups of completed tasks. The method can also include passing the client requests through gateways to multiple grid services schedulers. |
| US08087020B2 |
Method and system for performing real-time operation
An information processing system performs a real-time operation periodically at specific time intervals. The system includes a unit for performing a scheduling operation of assigning the real-time operation to a processor to perform the real-time operation periodically at the specific time intervals by the processor, a unit for computing a ratio of an execution time of the real-time operation to be performed by the processor at a first operating speed, based on the specific time intervals and cost information concerning a time required to perform the real-time operation by the processor at the first operating speed, and a unit for performing an operating speed control operation to operate the processor at a second operating speed that is lower than the first operating speed, the second operating speed being determined based on the computed ratio. |
| US08087016B2 |
Enforcing hierarchical management policy
A system and method for using hierarchical policy levels. In one embodiment, computers of the network are arranged into a hierarchy. A management policy server with access to the network queries the network to identify computers at or below its own level within the hierarchy. Computers under the control of the management policy server are identified, and management programs, updates or policies are automatically distributed to the computers, without manual intervention. |
| US08087014B1 |
Method and apparatus for configuration management for a computing device
A method and apparatus for configuration management for a computing device. The apparatus comprises an interface for providing available software to the computing device to be loaded onto the computing device. A processor executes a set of computer instructions to determine whether or not software resident in the computing device is authenticated or not. If the resident software is not authenticated, the processor loads the available software onto the computing device. If the resident software is authenticated, the processor loads the available software only if the available software is also authenticated. |
| US08087010B2 |
Selective code generation optimization for an advanced dual-representation polyhedral loop transformation framework
Mechanisms for selective code generation optimization for an advanced dual-representation polyhedral loop transformation framework are provided. The mechanisms of the illustrative embodiments address the weaknesses of the known polyhedral loop transformation based approaches by providing mechanisms for performing code generation transformations on individual statement instances in an intermediate representation generated by the polyhedral loop transformation optimization of the source code. These code generation transformations have the important property that they do not change program order of the statements in the intermediate representation. This property allows the result of the code generation transformations to be provided back to the polyhedral loop transformation mechanisms in a program statement view, via a new re-entrance path of the illustrative embodiments, for additional optimization. |
| US08087009B1 |
Platform for processing semi-structured self-describing data with controlled side effects
An Extensible Markup Language (XML) Application Server for storing, processing, communicating, and displaying dynamic semi-structured information. It comprises a declarative specification language, a transactional indexed XML data store, and an XML application server engine. An integrated architecture (a) provides for optimization, indexing, and backtracking search in a business logic layer, (b) provides for general-purpose programming idioms including recursive function definitions, iteration, and dynamic dispatch in data layer queries and updates, and (c) eliminates processing overhead and maintenance issues caused by transforming between relational, object-oriented, and semi-structured data paradigms. |
| US08087001B2 |
Computer-implemented systems and methods for software application testing
Computer-implemented systems and methods for testing one or more software applications. For example, a system and method can be configured to perform a comparison between test data results and benchmark test data in order to determine test result differences between the received test data results and the retrieved benchmark test data. Testing criteria is applied to the determined test result differences in order to identify test deviations from the benchmark test data. |