| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08388541B2 |
Integrated system for intravascular placement of a catheter
An integrated catheter placement system for accurately placing a catheter within a patient'vasculature is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated system comprises a system console, a tip location sensor for temporary placement on the patient's chest, and an ultrasound probe. The tip location sensor senses a magnetic field of a stylet disposed in a lumen of the catheter when the catheter is disposed in the vasculature. The ultrasound probe ultrasonically images a portion of the vasculature prior to intravascular introduction of the catheter. The ultrasound probe includes user input controls for controlling use of the ultrasound probe in an ultrasound mode and use of the tip location sensor in a tip location mode. In another embodiment, ECG signal-based catheter tip guidance is included in the integrated system to enable guidance of the catheter tip to a desired position with respect to a node of the patient's heart. |
| US08388540B2 |
Method and apparatus for orienting a medical image
The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices for orienting image data derived from body tissue. An imaging assembly is introduced into the body of a patient and rotated about an axis. A tracking beam mechanically associated with the imaging assembly is generated, such that the tracking rotates about the axis in unison with the imaging assembly. An angle that the rotating tracking beam makes between a reference rotational orientation and a reference point is determined. The reference rotational orientation can be associated with a fiducial point within the ultrasound image data, such that the ultrasound image can be oriented based on the determined tracking beam rotation angle. |
| US08388539B2 |
Operation supporting device, method, and program
Surgical operation supporting apparatus and method is disclosed in which based on a high-definition tomographic images of an operation site produced before surgery, a three-dimensional model of the operation site is generated, and a surface of the operation site is optically measured during the surgical operation, and further, first position information that represents a three-dimensional position of each of points on the surface is acquired. An unexposed portion of the operation site is measured with ultrasonic waves during the surgical operation, and second position information that represents a three-dimensional position of each of points in the unexposed portion is acquired. Based on the first position information and the second position information, displacement and distortion at a portion whose three-dimensional position is not known in the three-dimensional model is estimated to obtain an estimated result. The three-dimensional model is re-corrected by use of a finite element method and the estimated result. |
| US08388537B2 |
Ultrasonic imaging apparatus
An echo signal reflected from a microbubble contrast agent is discriminated from an echo signal generated upon reflection of a nonlinearly propagated transmission pulse from the body tissues without degradation of the axial resolution, by performing transmission/reception twice or less which would hardly decrease the imaging speed. By detecting a difference in phase of the second harmonic component based on the fundamental component included in the echo signal, an echo signal generated upon nonlinear reflection from a microbubble contrast agent is discriminated from an echo signal generated upon linear reflection of a nonlinearly propagated transmission pulse from the body tissues. The phase of the second harmonic component is detected through phase sensitive detection in which the square of the fundamental component is used as a reference wave. Concurrently, a pulse inversion method is used to extract the second harmonic component included in the original echo signal, whereby degradation of the axial resolution is prevented. |
| US08388535B2 |
Methods and apparatus for focused ultrasound application
An ultrasonic applicator unit (2) is used diagnostically to locate a puncture wound (316) in an artery and then therapeutically to seal the puncture wound with high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). A control unit (6) coupled to the applicator unit includes a processor (74) that automates the procedure, controlling various parameters of the diagnostic and therapeutic modes, including the intensity and duration of the ultrasonic energy emitted by the applicator unit. A protective, sterile acoustic shell (4), which is intended to be used with a single patient and then discarded, is slipped over the applicator unit to protect against direct contact between the applicator unit and the patient and to maintain a sterile field at the site of the puncture. The apparatus and method are particularly applicable to sealing a puncture made when inserting a catheter into an artery or other vessel. Several different procedures are described for locating the puncture wound, including imaging the vessel in which the puncture is disposed and use of a locator rod to determine the disposition of the puncture along the longitudinal axis of the artery. |
| US08388534B2 |
Apparatus for providing skin care information by measuring skin moisture content and method and medium for the same
An apparatus for providing skin care information, the apparatus including: an electrode unit supplying a voltage to a user's skin and detecting a current signal in the user's skin; a measurement control unit measuring the user's skin moisture content and sweat gland activity by using the detected current signal; a data calculation unit deriving skin moisture content information by using the skin moisture content and the sweat gland activity, and generating skin care information corresponding to the skin moisture content information; and an information provider providing the user with the generated skin care information is provided. |
| US08388528B2 |
Surgical retractor device and method of use
A surgical retractor device includes a frame and at least one retracting member configured for being secured to the collapsible frame. The retracting member is formed from a spring-biased rotatable member, a tension line secured at a proximal end to the spring-biased rotatable member, and a tissue securing member disposed at a distal end of the tension line. In certain embodiments, the surgical retractor may be collapsible and delivered laparoscopically to the resection site. |
| US08388524B2 |
Medical instruments having video capabiility
An improved medical instrument having a rigid blade, a handle, a power source, and an easily removable video imaging device such as a video monitor is provided. The distal end comprises a series of channels extending along the blade in which one houses a fiber optic illuminating bundle for transmitting light into an area beyond said distal end of the blade, another channel carries an image bundle for transmitting visual images from said area to a position adjacent said proximal end of said blade and a third channel houses an intubation tube installation device or other instrument. The images are carried through the channel and the handle to the video imaging device. A quick release adaptor is connected through a hollow tube containing the image bundle to the laryngoscope handle at the end opposite the blade. The video imaging device is attached to the adaptor and may be easily release or detached therefrom. |
| US08388523B2 |
Medical diagnostic instrument having portable illuminator
A portable medical diagnostic instrument includes an instrument head and a handle portion having an open-ended receiving cavity. A compact illuminator defined by a housing retaining a miniature light source and a power supply is releasably fitted within the open-ended receiving cavity of the handle portion wherein the light source of the illuminator is optically coupled with the instrument on assembly therewith. The handle portion can be integral with the instrument or releasably attached. The handle portion according to at least one version is made from a plastic or other suitable material, permitting disposability and/or single patient use. In one version, the handle portion is flexibly deformable, at least partially, to facilitate release of the portable illuminator. |
| US08388519B2 |
Controllable dexterous endoscopic device
A selectively rigidizable endoscopic device is described. In one aspect, an endoscopic medical device is described that includes a flexible inner tube having a first lumen, a flexible outer tube that receives the inner tube, and a multiplicity of overlapping, rigidizable scale-like strips. Each scale-like strip is coupled with the inner tube and positioned between the inner and outer tubes. Of particular note, the overlapping strips are actuatable between a non-rigidized state in which overlapping strips are slideable relative to one another and a rigidized state in which overlapping strips are not slideable relative to one another. |
| US08388518B2 |
Simplified handgrip for assessment of colonoscope manipulation
A handgrip for a colonoscope shaft is equipped with a novel compact multifunction force and torque sensor allowing for a comprehensive characterization of colonoscope manipulation during a colonoscopy procedure. A two-part hinge design of the handgrip in combination with the multifunction sensor provides for a light weight design in a compact package making using the handgrip convenient and natural. An electronic unit is provided to receive the sensor data wirelessly and calculate a variety of motion parameters guiding a medical practitioner during the procedure and aimed at making colonoscopy safer and less painful. |
| US08388513B2 |
Apparatus for posterior pelvic floor repair
Improved methods and apparatuses for treatment of posterior pelvic floor repair, including rectocele and related pelvic organ prolapse, are provided. A specialized mesh (3) having a shape for convenient placement to treat rectocele by providing both level 2 and level 3 support. Appropriate devices for introducing such a mesh implant are also disclosed. |
| US08388493B2 |
Method for operating a drivetrain
A method for operating a drivetrain of a motor vehicle including a hybrid drive with a combustion engine and an electric motor. A transmission is arranged between the hybrid drive and a drive output and a clutch is arranged between the combustion engine and the electric motor so that, if a failure occurs in the drivetrain, especially in a transmission control device of the transmission, a gear corresponding to an emergency gear is engaged or remains engaged in the transmission. When the emergency gear is engaged, the motor vehicle is in motion and the engine speed falls below a defined value, the clutch arranged between the combustion engine and the electric motor disengages. |
| US08388491B2 |
System and assembly for power transmission and generation in a wind turbine
Various power transmission and generation systems and assemblies are provided for a wind turbine. In one embodiment, a power generation system is provided including a transmission having an input axially aligned with an output, the input configured to receive rotary motion generated by a wind driven rotor head, the input located downwind of the output, an electromagnetic apparatus having an input configured to be coupled to the transmission output, and a bearing configured to radially support both the transmission output and the electromagnetic apparatus input. In this way, a common bearing may support both the transmission and electromagnetic apparatus, allowing for a more compact and efficient design while retaining service and repair capabilities. |
| US08388490B2 |
Fixed gear internal gear hub
A fixed internal gear hub comprising a fixed axle, an input member and an output member each rotatably mounted about the axle, an epicyclic gear system comprising at least one sun gear, rotatably mounted about the axle, planet pinions disposed in a planet cage and a gear ring. The gear ring is connected non-rotatably to the input member. The planet cage is connected non-rotatably to the output member. A clutch enables the input member to be selectively non-rotatably connected to the planet cage and a selector key enables the sun gear to be selectively locked rotationally to the axle. The hub provides two fixed gear ratios and further fixed gear ratios may be provided by adding an additional sun gear or gears. |
| US08388489B2 |
Transmission
A multi-ratio automatic transmission for a vehicle, the transmission having a single planetary gear set, a plurality of friction elements for coupling components of the planetary gear set between an input and an output of the transmission in different configurations so as to achieve a plurality of forward drive ratios, and a control system for selectively engaging/disengaging the friction elements in different combinations to effect selection of the ratios, wherein the friction elements include first and second clutches mounted forward of the planetary gear set, and wherein power flow in each of the forward drive ratios is routed from the input to the planetary gear set through at least one of the first and second clutches. |
| US08388487B2 |
Differential apparatus for vehicle
A differential apparatus has a planet carrier 2A rotated by driving torque from a driving source, a planetary gear 2B rotated for self-rotation around its own axis by receiving rotational force of the planet carrier 2A, a sun gear 2C and an internal gear 2D differentially distributing the rotational force to a pair of output shafts by receiving the rotational force of the planet carrier 2A from the planetary gear 2B, and a differential restricting mechanism 2 having an inner clutch plates 3A and an outer clutch plates 3B restricting a differential of the differential mechanism 3. The planet carrier 2A is disposed between the sun gear 2C and the internal gear 2D, and the sun gear 2C and internal gear 2D are respectively connected each other to be able to transmit torque through the inner clutch plates 3A and the outer clutch plates 3B. |
| US08388484B2 |
Ratio limiting arrangement
An arrangement is disclosed for providing an “end-stop” function for a variator in a continuously variable transmission. The variator (8) needs some arrangement for preventing its own drive ratio from going beyond a ratio limit. In accordance with the present invention, this is provided by means of a one-way clutch (22 or 24). The one-way clutch is coupled to both the variators input and its output, and is arranged to engage (lock up) when the variator reaches its ratio limit, so that the variator is prevented from going beyond the limits. The invention is particularly suited to use with transmissions which provide two regimes and a synchronous change between them. |
| US08388482B2 |
Power take-off shaft arrangement
The invention relates to a groundspeed power take-off (PTO) shaft arrangement in a commercial agricultural vehicle. The groundspeed PTO shaft arrangement has a groundspeed PTO shaft device with a differential gear (222). The differential gear contains an input shaft (221) which is coupled to a gear (212). A right wheel output shaft (232) is coupled to an end drive (233) of a right wheel (234) and driven via the input shaft (221); a left wheel output shaft (239) is coupled to an end drive of a left wheel and is driven via the input shaft (221). Provided in this case is a first PTO shaft (236) which issues from the differential gear (222) relative to the input shaft (221), is driven by the input shaft (221) and is coupled to the right or left wheel output shaft (232, 239). |
| US08388480B2 |
Torque distributing drive mechanism for motorized vehicles
A torque distributing drive mechanism is provided for transmitting torque to at least a first and a second output member. In addition, a motorized vehicle is provided that is equipped with such a torque distributing device. The device includes, but is not limited to a planetary gear set coupled to the first output member and coupled to the second output member, and an auxiliary drive member coupled to a carrier of the planetary gear set for inducting counter-directed offset torques to the first and second output member. |
| US08388479B2 |
Automatic transmission having torque converter bypass
An automatic transmission having an improved lock up torque converter configuration includes two drive members: a first quill or tubular drive member which carries the output of the torque converter to the transmission gearbox and a second co-axial shaft or drive member which is driven by the torque converter lockup clutch and thus directly carries the engine output to the transmission gear box and bypasses the torque converter. The transmission gearbox includes two planetary gear assemblies having certain elements which are selectively grounded to the transmission housing by two friction brakes. This transmission, torque converter and torque converter clutch configuration prevents torque converter clutch engagement in its lower gear and forces torque converter clutch lockup in its upper gear. |
| US08388478B2 |
Input shaft for hybrid transmission
An input shaft for a hybrid transmission that is used for the hybrid transmission equipped with a plurality of friction elements and at least two or more planetary gear sets receiving power from an engine and at least one or more motor generators, may include a first spline to which at least one of the motor generators may be connected, a second spline and a third spline to which rotary elements of the planetary gear sets may be connected, respectively, and a lubricant channel formed inside the input shaft to provide a channel for lubricant for lubricating parts of the transmission. |
| US08388477B2 |
Toothed belt
Toothed belt for use in contact with oil and comprising a body and a number of teeth extending from at least one surface of the body; the teeth are coated by a fabric; a resistant layer comprising a plastomer based on fluorine with the addition of elastomeric material, in which the plastomer is present in a larger quantity than the elastomeric material, is applied by adhesion onto the coating fabric. The elastomeric material forming the body of the belt is a copolymer obtained from a dienic monomer and a monomer containing nitrile groups, in which the nitrile groups are between 33% and 49%, preferably 39%, in weight with respect to the copolymer. |
| US08388476B2 |
Sports ball
A sports ball includes an inflatable bladder, and a ball carcass. The ball pocket is constructed to have a true roundness shape, having an interior cavity receiving the inflatable bladder therein, wherein when the inflatable bladder is inflated, the ball pocket retains a true roundness shape of the inflatable bladder. The ball carcass includes a ball cushion and a plurality of carcass panels. Each of the carcass panels has a peripheral edge and a flat bottom surface defined within the peripheral edge, wherein the bottom surface of each of the carcass panels is entirely affixed to the ball cushion at a position that the peripheral edge of each of the carcass panels is fittingly aligned with the peripheral edges of the adjacent carcass panels to form a roundness carcass of the sportsball in a stitch-less manner. |
| US08388473B2 |
Arrow shaft with transition portion
An arrow shaft comprising a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion is disclosed. The second shaft portion of the arrow shaft may have a larger outer diameter than the first shaft portion. The arrow shaft may also comprise a transition portion between the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion. An arrow comprising an arrow shaft, a first shaft portion, a second shaft portion, a nock, and a point is also disclosed. The first shaft portion of the arrow may comprise a lengthwise segment of the arrow shaft terminating at an end of the arrow shaft adjacent to the arrow nock. The second shaft portion of the arrow may comprise a lengthwise segment of the arrow shaft terminating at an end of the arrow shaft adjacent to the arrow point. |
| US08388472B2 |
Sport game
A plurality of articles for playing a sport game, the plurality of articles including a game ball, a plurality of goal rods and a sport court having a court top, a court base, two court sides and two court ends which define a game space, wherein the court top includes open areas on each end of the court top, wherein the open areas are separated by a studded area, the court base is divided into four sections, wherein the four sections include a goal zones separated by neutral zones, each of the two court sides include a flat portion and a studded portion, and each of the two court ends includes a goal opening. |
| US08388468B2 |
Low lift golf ball
A golf ball having a plurality of dimples formed on its outer surface, the outer surface of the golf ball being divided into plural areas comprising at least first areas containing a plurality of first dimples and second areas containing a plurality of second dimples, the areas together forming a spherical polyhedron shape, the first dimples comprising spherical dimples having a first, spherical chord depth and the second dimples comprising truncated spherical dimples having a second, truncated chord depth, and the second dimples are of larger radius than the first dimples and have a truncated chord depth which is less than the spherical chord depth of the first dimples. |
| US08388461B1 |
Golf training aid using a projected decal image
Small flexible decals having a vinyl cling membrane base layer (20) attach onto the lens of conventional spectacles forming a training aid for use in sports activities such as golf. The decals cling firmly to the spectacle lens by cling attraction and do not require an adhesive. The decals occupy a small area of the lens and are positioned directly in line between the user's eyes and visual target. This creates the appearance of a projected decal image superimposed over the visual target. In golf the projected decal image appears superimposed over the golf ball and serves as a visual aid to the golfer. In one embodiment a tinted, transparent projected decal image (18) aids a golfer to establish proper alignment at address and reveals excessive head movement during the golf stroke. In another embodiment an opaque projected decal image (19) prevents the golfer from becoming visually fixated on the golf ball, thereby reducing stress and performance anxiety. |
| US08388457B2 |
Biased plunge pin assembly
A vehicle, such as off road vehicle, includes a plunge pin assembly located in a flexible joint, which maybe actuated without tools to decouple and thus remove a driven system from a driving system. The plunge pin assembly includes a plunge pin biased to an installed position such that a clip of the plunge pin assembly retains the driven system to the driving system during operation of a vehicle. The clip (e.g., circlip, snap ring, coil spring or crest wave spring) is circumferentially contractable and expandable. A transfer element cooperates with tapered and recessed contours of the plunge pin to permit the aforementioned actuation of the clip. Movement of the transfer pin along with contraction of the clip allows the driven system to be decoupled from the driving system. The plunge pin may include a head portion positioned at a desired distance from a drive axle of the driven system. |
| US08388454B2 |
Gaming machine capable of protecting control unit against cheating and tampering
A gaming machine 1 includes: a cabinet 2; a top door 3 that is openable and closable, and disposed on an upper portion T of the cabinet 2; and a main display 31 that is disposed on the top door 3 and performs display related to a game. In addition, the cabinet 2 has a main housing portion 22 that houses a control unit 61 and a sub housing portion 21 that is provided between the top door 3 and the main housing portion 22. In the sub housing portion 21, a relay portion (211) that relays a connection of the main display 3 and a control unit 61. |
| US08388453B2 |
Gaming system having large display and plural gaming machines
The gaming system of the present invention comprises: a plurality of gaming machines; a control device; a single pedestal having an installation surface for installing the gaming machines; a supporting member provided such that a first end thereof is supported by the pedestal and the second end thereof is oriented upwardly; a common image display supported at a position above the upper surfaces of the gaming machines by the supporting member, and communication cables for communication between the plurality of gaming machines and the control device. |
| US08388447B2 |
Systems, methods and techniques for safely and effectively coordinating video game play contests both on and off line
A game involves establishing a Wi-Fi connection for retrieving a template used to create a level for the game. A play test is conducted to determine if the created level of the game can be played. The created game level can be shared with other players and/or submitted as a contest for play and competition judging by other players. |
| US08388445B2 |
System and method for conducting a fantasy sports game
A system and method for a fantasy sporting event game that reduces the requirement that the game player be skilled in the sport, or have knowledge of the sport. The method resolves the competition with a single actual sporting event as opposed to a season. The fantasy team players, chosen from players participating in the live sporting event, are randomly assigned to the fantasy teams. Team owners sign on after a live sporting event has been selected. Game players are then each assigned team members to fill out their rosters. An actual live player may be assigned to more than one team. Likewise, the fantasy teams established need not contain an actual live player from each of the positions for the particular sporting event. Variations as to the number of players on a fantasy team and the duration of the one-game time period are anticipated. |
| US08388436B2 |
Gaming device having multiple interacting independently operable wheels
A gaming device having multiple interacting independently operated symbol generators, such as wheels. In one embodiment, each wheel includes a plurality of sections that are associated with a plurality of different outcomes which are displayed to a player. One or more of the wheels are activated, either sequentially or simultaneously and the results of the wheel activations influence one or more subsequent wheel activations. Upon a terminating event, an outcome based on the results from one or more spins of one or more of the wheels is provided to the player. |
| US08388435B2 |
Gaming system having multiple wagering games with shared features
A method of playing a wagering game comprises receiving a wager, and generating a randomly selected first outcome of a first wagering game, the first outcome comprising a first plurality of symbols arranged in a first matrix. The method further comprises generating a randomly selected second outcome of a second wagering game, the second outcome comprising a second plurality of symbols arranged in a second matrix, and simultaneously displaying the first outcome and the second outcome on at least one display. The method further comprises detecting an occurrence of a triggering event, in response to the triggering event, copying a first special symbol occurring in the first outcome into the second outcome to yield a modified second outcome, and evaluating the first outcome and the modified second outcome for winning combinations of symbols. |
| US08388428B1 |
Community poker card game online playing system
The online poker gaming system comprises a live or recorded poker game, and at least one gaming terminal. The game involves a group of players sitting around a table, playing for prize money so there is a cash incentive for each to win. The player terminal displays images of the game being broadcast for view by an online player. The player terminal also includes a schematic of the game to present the game status and gaming data of the game. The player terminal also includes a keypad, enabling the online player to select one or more players to win, and select a value for each selection. The online player cannot fold, call, check, and raise, but can participate by making selections, much as one would make selections at a racetrack. The online player can make multiple playing selections unavailable to the player sitting at the table. |
| US08388420B1 |
Apparatus and method for extracting crustacean meat
Crustacean meat is extracted from crustacean body using centrifugal force. Cooked crustaceans, such as crabs, have their top shells and claws removed, while retaining the legs and the abdomen shells with the meat inside the shells. The crab portions are placed in a rotating cage and spun to cause separation of the meat from the shell. |
| US08388414B2 |
Apparatus for cleaning magnetic disks and methods for manufacturing magnetic disks
A method, according to one embodiment, includes forming a lubricant film on a magnetic disk having at least a magnetic recording film above a substrate, and a protective film above the magnetic recording film, and wiping the lubricant film while rotating the substrate, e.g., at about 3.0 m/s to about 3.5 m/s by pressing a pad against a wiping cloth e.g., at a loading speed of about 12 mm/min to about 36 mm/min e.g., under a pressure of about 3 gf/mm2 to about 9 gf/mm2. The pad has a convexly curved surface in contact with the wiping cloth, and the wiping cloth is disposed so as to oppose the lubricant film. The method also includes pressing a cleaning tape which includes abrasive grains against the substrate on which the protective film and lubricant film are formed while rotating the substrate to remove protrusions. Apparatuses and forming the layers are also described. |
| US08388413B1 |
Wideblade sharpening guide
Apparatus and method for sharpening a tool, such as a chisel. A sharpening guide applies a clamping force to secure the tool and advances a beveled leading edge surface of the secured tool against an abrasive surface to sharpen a cutting edge while the guide is in an upright orientation. An alignment plate nestingly receives the guide in an inverted orientation to align the tool prior to sharpening. During alignment, a back surface of the tool slidingly contacts an upper plate surface and the cutting edge contactingly abuts an alignment feature which projects from the plate surface. In some embodiments, the alignment feature comprises a removable alignment pin selectively insertable into a plurality of spaced apart apertures, each providing a final bevel angle for the sharpened tool. |
| US08388410B2 |
RFID-containing carriers used for silicon wafer quality
A carrier configured for use in a lapping machine includes a body having a first opening for carrying a work piece during operation of the lapping machine. A device is arranged and disposed in the body. The device is configured to retain information readable by a reading device for identifying the body. |
| US08388404B2 |
Transformable toy
A transformable toy, in which exposure of a coupling mechanism is reduced and the turning range of the second exterior member with respect to the first exterior member is increased, is provided. An exterior main body for a shin section covers a part of an intermediate member and has an opening portion at a location opposing a thigh section when the shin section turns toward the thigh section. A movable exterior member, which moves through a link mechanism, is coupled to the intermediate member via the link mechanism, and configured to block the opening portion when it is at a first position and to be at least partially located inside the exterior main body when it is at a second position. |
| US08388403B2 |
Tray system
A tray system for retaining items on a tray and preventing items from falling onto a surface comprises a tray and at least one cord attached thereto. Engagement features at the end of the cord that is distal to the tray may securely attach to a toy, a food item, an item of dishware, drinkware, or flatware, or any other small item. The cord is preferably of a length such that attached items cannot reach the floor if they are dislodged from the tray and otherwise short enough so as not to be a safety hazard. The system further comprises fasteners disposed on an underside of the tray, for retaining the tray in a position or to a larger item, and fasteners on a topside of the tray, for securing items to the surface of the tray. The surface of the tray may also have a plurality of compartments thereon. |
| US08388397B2 |
Liquid crystal cell manufacturing device and method thereof
The present invention provides a liquid crystal cell manufacturing device and a method thereof. The liquid crystal cell manufacturing device includes a pre-alignment vacuum chamber, a vacuum lamination chamber and a sealant curing chamber. The pre-alignment vacuum chamber includes a comb-type transferring system for aligning a first substrate with a second substrate and sending them into the vacuum lamination chamber. The vacuum lamination chamber uses a lamination device to laminate the first substrate and the second substrate into a substrate assembly under a nearly vacuum status, and then uses a transferring device to send the substrate assembly to the sealant curing chamber. The sealant curing chamber uses at least one UV spot light source to move above the substrate assembly and irradiate a surface of the substrate assembly to cure at least one sealant in the substrate assembly, and thereby complete manufacture of liquid crystal cells of liquid crystal panels. |
| US08388396B2 |
Method of manufacturing a spark plug having electrode cage secured to the shell
Provided is a manufacturing method for manufacturing a spark plug which produces a spark plug which mitigates misfire and improves gas mileage, peak engine performance, horsepower, and increases the RPM range of the host vehicle. The improved performance of the spark plug is, at least in part, attributable to the spacing between an electrode body and an electrode cage. In particular, the electrode cage extends over the electrode body such that the arcuate members of the electrode cage are equidistantly spaced from the bulbous or spherical electrode body. The manufacturing method described herein results in a spark plug having the above-described configuration, while being formed and assembled at an economical cost. |
| US08388393B1 |
Outboard motors and exhaust systems for outboard motors
An outboard motor includes an internal combustion engine, a driveshaft housing, a molded adapter plate connecting the internal combustion engine and the driveshaft housing; and an elongated exhaust conduit conveying hot exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine, the exhaust conduit extending from a first end portion located proximate to the internal combustion engine to a second end portion located proximate to the driveshaft housing. The exhaust conduit and adapter plate are separate components. |
| US08388382B2 |
Power unit and battery connector
A bus bar 3 connects in series the plurality of batteries 10 by connecting a positive electrode 12 with a negative electrode 13 in each of the adjacent batteries. A terminal 4 is connected to the bus bar, and to which an electric wire is attached. The bus bar 3 and the terminal 4 are integrally formed with each other with a coupling portion 9. Further, the terminal 4 includes at least a pair of press-connecting blades 42d for cutting through an insulating cover of an electric wire 5 and press-contacting a core wire of the electric wire 5 when the electric wire 5 is press-fitted into between the press-connecting blades 42d. |
| US08388377B2 |
Slide actuated coaxial cable connector
There is provided a coaxial cable connector for coupling an end of a coaxial cable to an outer diameter of a threaded interface port. The coaxial cable connector includes a connector body, a tubular inner post, and a sleeve member. The connector body has a first end, an opposing second end, and a bore therethrough. The inner post is disposed within the bore of the connector body, and includes a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted to engage the connector body so as to prevent relative axial movement with the connector body. The second end of the inner post is adapted to be inserted into the end of the coaxial cable. Either the first end of the connector body or the first end of the inner post includes a basket portion adapted to engage the threaded interface port. The basket portion includes an outer diameter, an inner diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the threaded interface port, and a relief element. The relief element is adapted to radially expand the outer diameter of the basket portion upon engaging the interface port. The sleeve member is disposed in overlaying relation to the basket portion, and includes an inner diameter that is less than the expanded outer diameter of the basket portion. The sleeve member is axially movable in relation to the basket portion from a first position to a second position to radially compress the basket portion. |
| US08388376B2 |
Electronic endoscope
An electronic endoscope has an insert section to be introduced into a human body cavity. A distal portion of the insert section contains a CCD and a printed circuit board to which the CCD is bonded. In the insert section, a cable bundle being a bundle of coaxial cables extends. Each coaxial cable consists of a signal line, insulation surrounding the signal line, a braided wire surrounding the insulation, and an insulating jacket. The cylindrical braided wire is stranded into a single line, and is soldered as a ground line to a ground terminal of the printed circuit board. The signal line is pulled out of the coaxial cable with a length longer than the ground line. The signal line is soldered to an input/output terminal of the printed circuit board with a larger sag than the ground line. |
| US08388375B2 |
Coaxial cable compression connectors
Coaxial cable connectors. In one example embodiment, a coaxial cable connector for terminating a coaxial cable is provided. The coaxial cable includes an inner conductor, an insulating layer, an outer conductor, and a jacket. The coaxial cable connector includes an internal connector structure, an external connector structure, and a conductive pin. The external connector structure cooperates with the internal connector structure to define a cylindrical gap that is configured to receive an increased-diameter section of the outer conductor. The external connector structure is configured to be clamped around the increased-diameter section so as to radially compress the increased-diameter section between the external connector structure and the internal connector structure. The conductive pin is configured to deform the inner conductor. |
| US08388374B2 |
Coupling system for electrical connector assembly
An electrical connector assembly that comprises a first connector member including a first connector body supporting a first contact. The first connector body is formed of a substantially rigid material and has a first interface end. The first interface end has a substantially conical shape that defines a first tapered surface. A second connector member includes a second connector body supporting a second contact configured to mate with the first contact. The second connector body is formed of a substantially rigid material and has a second interface end that mates with the first interface end. The second interface end of the second connector member has a second tapered surface. The first and second tapered surfaces have substantially the same angle of taper and taper in opposite directions to engage one another in a friction fit wherein the angle of taper is between about 3.5° to 6.5°. A coupling member is mounted near one of the first and second interface ends and has an internal engagement member that is configured to engage a corresponding external engagement member of the other of the first and second connector bodies. |
| US08388373B2 |
Connector with movable soldering attachments
A connector soldered to a PCB has an insulating housing of which two opposite ends are recessed to form a pair of holding recesses, terminals mounted in the insulating housing with soldering portions projected out of a bottom of the insulating housing, a pair of supporting members mounted to two opposite ends of the insulating housing and a pair of supporting members. A bottom of the supporting member extends perpendicularly to form an inserting slice having a portion thereof punched sideward to form a projection. The positioning member mounted to the inserting slice has a soldering tail and a base slice having two opposite ends thereof bent sideward and then extended toward each other to form a pair of clasping portions. A guiding slot is opened in the base portion for receiving the projection. The projection can move up and down in the guiding slot to adjust the position of the positioning member to keep the soldering portions and the soldering tails level even when there is tolerance in production. |
| US08388368B2 |
Lighting connector devices and uses thereof
A multi-way connector connects a plurality of lighting apparatuses together, wherein connector comprises a plurality of lighting connectors, each lighting connector comprising an upper housing having plural connector pins, and one or more interlocking grooves; and a lower housing which has a plurality of connector pin guide holes, and one or more interlocking tongue portions, the lower housing being connectable with the upper housing to form each lighting connector by coupling at least one of the interlocking grooves with at least one of the interlocking tongue portions, and by coupling at least one of the plural connector pins with at least one of the connector pin guide holes; a multi-way connecting portion configured to permit power and/or signals to pass between and among the plurality of lighting connectors; and plural flexible connectors electrically connecting each lower housing with the multi-way connecting portion. |
| US08388361B2 |
Portable storage device with retractable connector
A thumb drive includes a retractable USB connector sized to translate between an extended position beyond a housing and a retracted position into the housing. An actuator, such as a dial or a lever, is sized to actuate the USB connector to move the USB connector between the extended position and the retracted position. The USB connector is sized to translate to the extended position when the actuator is moved in one direction. The USB connector is sized to translate to the retracted position when the actuator is moved in an opposite direction. |
| US08388358B2 |
Contact rail for a junction box
A contact rail is provided including a module coupling end and a mating end. A diode mounting surface is positioned between the module coupling end and the mating end. A pivot member extends from a base of the module coupling end. The pivot member is configured to be engaged by an elongated tool. A module coupling fastener engages the base of the module coupling end. The elongated tool is configured to engage the module coupling fastener. The elongated tool is configured to pivot about the pivot member to separate the module coupling fastener from the base of the module coupling end so that a contact from a power module is receivable between the base of the module coupling end and the module coupling fastener. |
| US08388355B2 |
Integrated noise reduction connector
An electrical connector comprising an insulative body, a plurality of pins carried by the body and a ferromagnetic element that rides on one of the plurality of the pins. The ferromagnetic element provides a low pass filter capability for signals transmitted over the one pin. |
| US08388352B1 |
Duck head connector
Embodiments are directed to a duck head connector comprised of a connector for connecting to a power adapter and an electric plug that swivels about the face of the side of the plug, where flexible insulated wires connect the prongs of the electric plug with the contacts of the connector. The flexible insulated wires rotate together with the plug, with the length and shape of the wires enabling the wires to wrap around each other without becoming tangled. In an alternative embodiment, a pair of spring contacts connects the prongs of the electric plug with a pair of stationary half-ring contacts. The spring contacts swivel along the inner surface of the half-ring contacts when the plug rotates. Flexible insulated wires connect the stationary half-ring contacts to the contacts of the connector. |
| US08388348B2 |
Disease treatment simulation
There are provided a method, system and medium having instructions embedded to determine an attribute of a simulated patient's state resulting from a patient-physician encounter. The method includes receiving a current treatment move and an initial value of the attribute; calculating a maximal expected incremental effect value of the current treatment move over a previous treatment move on the attribute; attenuating the maximal expected incremental effect value based on amount of time between the previous treatment move and the current treatment move; summing the attenuated maximal expected incremental effect value with the initial value to generate an updated attribute of the simulated patient's state; and generating a patient-physician encounter that includes the updated attribute. |
| US08388344B2 |
Osteointegrative interface
Dental implant with biomimetic osteointegrative interface has a substrate of biocompatible material with a first layer thereon, having a first concentration of oxide of the biocompatible material, enriched with a second concentration of phosphorus and with a third concentration of calcium. The ratio between the concentration of calcium and the concentration of phosphorus is greater than two and the biomimetic osteointegrative interface further comprising a second layer having a first surface in contact with the first layer, and a second surface, the second layer having a fourth concentration of oxide enriched with a fifth concentration of calcium and a sixth concentration of phosphorus, the fourth concentration being less than the fifth and sixth concentrations and the ratio between the fifth concentration of calcium and the sixth concentration of phosphorus being no less than three. |
| US08388342B2 |
Drill jig for positioning dental implants
The invention relates to a template for placing at least one dental implant (7) in a jaw (1) having at least one bore (3) for guiding this implant (7) when it is fixed in the jaw (1), whereby a recess (4) is provided that opens at least partly in said bore (3) in order to enable verifying the position of a implant guide with the implant. |
| US08388341B2 |
Method and apparatus for organizing orthodontic spacers
Orthodontic spacer and floss set-ups are organized on a set-up holder which is a thin square or rectangular piece of plastic that has a plurality of complementary notches formed across opposite sides. The spacer is positioned more or less in between the notches on the set-up holder and one length of floss is disposed in one notch while the other length of floss is disposed in the complementary notch on the opposite side of the holder. In a supply of two or more spacer set-ups, the set-ups are separated from each other in this manner so that a particular one does not have to be untangled from a jumble of other set-ups. Kits provide pre-made set-ups already organized on a piece of notched plastic. |
| US08388339B2 |
Single micro-pin flame sense circuit and method
A flame sense circuit and method utilizing only a single pin of a microcontroller is provided. A flame sense circuit is used to vary the charge on a capacitor from a logic high indicating no flame to a logic low when a flame is detected. The microcontroller changes the state of the pin coupled to this circuitry from a high impedance input to detect when the capacitor is discharged indicating the presence of flame, to a logic high output to recharge the flame sense capacitor. Once this charging has been accomplished, the microcontroller again changes the status of the pin to a high impedance input and verifies that the capacitor has been charged. This pin is monitored to verify that the flame sense capacitor is again discharged to indicate the continued presence of flame. This process is repeated to ensure flame continues to be present during a combustion event. |
| US08388338B2 |
System for the injection moulding of plastic material, particularly suitable for being associated with a blowing unit of the moulded plastic material
An injection molding system of plastic material, includes a press having first and a second pressure plates, suitable for closing between them a mold, by applying a closing force, and a distribution and injection assembly suitable for distributing and injecting a fluid plastic material into the mold and in turn comprising an intermediate hot distribution plate interposed between a bottom plate and a nozzle-bearing plate, provided for cooperating into contact and in sliding relationship, along a respective sliding and contact surface with the end of one or more injection nozzles fixed on the nozzle-bearing plate, in order to distribute the fluid plastic material to be injected into the mold, wherein the distribution and injection assembly is arranged adjacent to and along a side of the mold, not associated with the first and the second pressure plates so as not to be subject to the closing force of the mold. |
| US08388337B2 |
Process and device for casting products intended for human consumption
The invention relates to a casting machine for producing a product intended for human consumption from a castable material, in particular a fat material such as chocolate, for example, having a heatable material container for receiving the castable material; at least one nozzle which is in fluid connection with the material container interior, and a pressure source for generating an overpressure in the material container interior. According to the invention, the nozzle has a nozzle orifice or a nozzle constriction, the open cross section or flow cross section of which is flexible. A process according to the invention for producing a product intended for human consumption from a castable material has the following steps: providing a heated castable material in a material container; generating an overpressure in the material container interior; forcing the material through a nozzle in fluid connection with the material container with simultaneous changing of the flow and/or open cross section of the nozzle. |
| US08388335B2 |
Blank containment device and methods
Embodiments of the invention provide improvements to dies used in the formation of pressware from blanks. In some embodiments, the die includes at least one stop that helps contain the blank as it is fed to the die and that allows for improved adjustability of the stop with respect to the die. In some embodiments, the die includes a defined recess that contains and centers the blank on the die as the blank is fed to the die. |
| US08388331B2 |
Liquid flow converging device and method of manufacturing multi-layer film
A liquid flow converging device and a method of manufacturing a multi-layer film. The converging device comprises an element (A) having a large number of slits for passing two liquid flows to be converged therethrough and an element (B) having a first converging part for converging, in a laminar form, a large number of laminar liquid flows formed by passing the liquid flows through the large number of slits to form a first laminar liquid flow. The converging device for the liquid flow comprises a first confluence forming device having two or more elements (A) installed independently of each other and two or more elements (B) installed independently of each other. |
| US08388328B2 |
Rotary pump and brake device in which rotary pump is provided
In an inner wall surface of a casing, grooves are formed that correspond to end faces of an outer rotor and an inner rotor, and seal members are disposed within the grooves, the seal members presses against the end faces of the outer rotor and the inner rotor. Inclined portions are provided in sealing portions of resin members of seal members, the sealing portions covering a closed portion. With this configuration, an internal pressure in the closed portion causes the inclined portions to separate from an outer rotor and an inner rotor when a brake fluid pressure within the closed portion increases to the point that the brake fluid is excessively compressed, releasing the brake fluid that is inside the closed portion. It is therefore possible to prevent the brake fluid pressure from increasing excessively within the closed portion. |
| US08388325B2 |
Piston pump for a vehicle brake system, having a piston rod
The invention relates to a piston pump for a vehicle braking system, having a housing section and a piston that is displacably guided into the housing section. A receiving cap is provided for receiving an inlet valve. A sealing element is connected to the receiving cap for sealing the piston and a piston rod that is joined to the sealing element. The piston rod has a first and a second piston rod element. In the first piston rod element, a fluid inlet for introducing the fluid into the inside of the piston is provided. The second piston rod element partially covers the fluid inlet in the axial direction of the piston. |
| US08388324B2 |
Device for metering out a flowable mass using a coaxial rotary piston and plunger
A device for metering out a flowable mass, especially a mass containing fat, for producing confectionery products, for example to a nozzle for extruding a mass into a mold. The mass traverses an inlet opening (13) and enters a chamber (8) from where it can be extruded through an outlet opening (14) by a plunger (7). A rotary piston (12) is associated with the plunger (7) and closes the outlet opening (14) in a position of use and the inlet opening (13) in a second position of use. The rotary piston (12) has a recessed portion (16 to 19) which extends from a front edge (15) of the rotary piston (12) towards its peripheral surface (25). |
| US08388323B2 |
Reagent dosing pump
A pump is provided for pumping a liquid. The pump includes an inlet, an outlet, and a pumping chamber for receiving the liquid from the inlet. An actuator arrangement is also included and is operable between a first position and a second position to pump the liquid from the pumping chamber into the outlet and includes a solenoid actuator having a solenoid coil, a pole element, and a coil former to carry the solenoid coil. The inlet and the pumping chamber are in fluid communication with a supply passage when the actuator arrangement is in the first position. The supply passage extends into or around the solenoid coil and is defined between the coil former and the pole element to allow transfer of heat from the actuator arrangement. |
| US08388320B2 |
Mount for compressor shell
The present invention discloses a compressor including a compressor main body (20) for compressing refrigerant, a shell (100) for accommodating the refrigerant and the compressor main body (20), and mounts (130) attached to the front and rear of the shell (100) for the installation of the shell (100), and having a natural frequency controlled according to a natural frequency of the shell (100) for the dynamic vibration absorption. In an assembly state where the compressor main body (20) and the shell (100) are completely coupled to each other, the shell (100) is exited by an impact hammer and the natural frequency of the shell (100) is measured. As the natural frequency of the mount (130) is controlled according to the natural frequency of the shell (100) to absorb vibration, Vibration of the shell (100) can be prevented. That is, the mount functions as a dynamic vibration absorber to suppress vibration and noise of the shell (100). |
| US08388319B2 |
Stator device, motor constructed thereby, and heat-dissipating fan including the stator device
A stator device includes a base having a shaft tube receiving a bearing. The shaft tube includes a top end having at least one groove. A stator unit is mounted around an outer periphery of the shaft tube. The stator unit includes at least one limiting member extending through the at least one groove into the shaft tube. The at least one limiting member prevents the bearing from disengaging from the shaft tube, enhancing assembling convenience. The stator can be coupled with a rotor to form a motor with enhanced assembling convenience and enhanced rotational stability. The base can be interconnected by connecting members to a housing having air inlet and outlet sides. Vanes can be formed on the hub of the rotor to form an impeller. Thus, a heat-dissipating fan can be formed from the stator device. |
| US08388318B2 |
Hermetic crankcase heater
A heater is provided inside a hermetic compressor to heat the fluid in an oil sump of the compressor. The heater can be substantially submerged in the fluid even at low fluid levels. The heater can raise the temperature of the fluid to a predetermined temperature to substantially maintain non-lubricant fluids in a gaseous state and prevent non-lubricant fluids from mixing with the lubricant in the sump. A feed through assembly in the compressor housing is used to supply power to both the compressor motor and the heater. |
| US08388314B2 |
Turbine inlet casing with integral bearing housing
A compressor inlet casing comprising an inner bellmouth and a bearing housing. The bearing housing may include an integrally cast first half connected to the inner bellmouth and a cavity positioned between the inner bellmouth and the integrally cast first half of the bearing housing. |
| US08388313B2 |
Extraction cavity wing seal
A pressure containing casing for a turbine engine. The pressure containing casing may include a first extraction cavity, a second extraction cavity, an interface between the first extraction cavity and the second extraction cavity, and a wing seal positioned within the interface. |
| US08388309B2 |
Gas turbine sealing apparatus
A sealing apparatus in a gas turbine. The sealing apparatus includes a seal housing apparatus coupled to a disc/rotor assembly so as to be rotatable therewith during operation of the gas turbine. The seal housing apparatus comprises a base member, a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and spanning structure. The base member extends generally axially between forward and aft rows of rotatable blades and is positioned adjacent to a row of stationary vanes. The first leg portion extends radially inwardly from the base member and is coupled to the disc/rotor assembly. The second leg portion is axially spaced from the first leg portion, extends radially inwardly from the base member, and is coupled to the disc/rotor assembly. The spanning structure extends between and is rigidly coupled to each of the base member, the first leg portion, and the second leg portion. |
| US08388307B2 |
Turbine nozzle assembly including radially-compliant spring member for gas turbine engine
Embodiments of a turbine nozzle assembly are provided for deployment within a gas turbine engine (GTE) including a first GTE-nozzle mounting interface. In one embodiment, the turbine nozzle assembly includes a turbine nozzle flowbody, a first mounting flange configured to be mounted to the first GTE-nozzle mounting interface, and a first radially-compliant spring member coupled between the turbine nozzle flowbody and the first mounting flange. The turbine nozzle flowbody has an inner nozzle endwall and an outer nozzle endwall, which is fixedly coupled to the inner nozzle endwall and which cooperates therewith to define a flow passage through the turbine nozzle flowbody. The first radially-compliant spring member accommodates relative thermal movement between the turbine nozzle flowbody and the first mounting flange to alleviate thermomechanical stress during operation of the GTE. |
| US08388306B2 |
Method for varying the geometry of a mid-turbine frame
A method for varying the geometry of a mid-turbine frame includes detecting a strain in a mid-turbine frame with a piezoelectric material; applying a deformation voltage to the piezoelectric material as a function of the detected strain; deforming the piezoelectric material to actuate an actuation plate; and repositioning an engine casing through the actuation of the actuation plate. |
| US08388305B2 |
Fan assembly with vibration absorbing member
A fan assembly includes a chassis and a fan bracket secured in the chassis. The chassis has a bottom wall. The fan bracket includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall perpendicular to the bottom wall, and it is configured for securing the fans. A securing flange extends from an edge of the first sidewall, and is secured to the bottom wall of the chassis. A plurality of securing slots is defined in the securing flange. A plurality of first members engages in the securing slots and isolates the bottom wall of the chassis from the securing flange. |
| US08388304B2 |
Turbine airfoil cooling system with high density section of endwall cooling channels
A cooling system for a turbine airfoil of a turbine engine having a trailing edge cooling region formed from endwall cooling channels having a higher density of cooling channels than other areas in order to cool the material forming the intersection between the trailing edge of the airfoil and the endwall to prevent premature cracking. The increased density of cooling channels in the endwall at the trailing edge forms a heat sink that draws heat from the airfoil, thereby lowering the temperature of the airfoil and increasing the useful life of the airfoil. |
| US08388300B1 |
Turbine ring segment
A ring segment for a turbine in a gas turbine engine, the ring segment having a backside impingement cavity to collect spent impingement cooling air, and a number of separate impingement chambers spaced around all four edges of the ring segment to provide impingement cooling for the edges. Each impingement chamber is connected to the central impingement cavity by a number of metering and impingement holes to supply cooling air and a number of cooling air exit holes to discharge the cooling air out the sides of the four edges. The trailing edge of the ring segment includes two rows of impingement chambers connected in series. |
| US08388299B2 |
Systems and methods to produce and sequence a plurality of different books
Systems and methods are described to produce and sequence a plurality of different books. An example system includes a plurality of signature feeders to deliver signatures to stations along a conveyor to simultaneously produce and sequence a plurality of different books in a first predetermined order to co-mail, wherein each of the different books has different content. Additionally, the example system includes one or more trimmers to trim the plurality of different books. Further, the example system includes a stacker to stack the plurality of different books in a second predetermined order, wherein the second predetermined order satisfies discount postage rate guidelines. Still further, the example system includes a controller to cause the plurality of different books to be produced in a first predetermined order. |
| US08388287B2 |
Single point release mechanism for adjustable decking
An adjustable cargo support system comprising: at least one pair of spaced apart tracks that are generally vertically oriented proximate at least one wall of a transport vehicle; at least one support cross member with two ends and an intermediate portion therebetween; and a means for adjusting a height of the support cross member, which includes one actuator device that is generally located between the support cross member ends, so that a user adjust the height of the support cross member at a central location, thereby allowing the support cross member to be moved generally vertically without the user alternatingly having to move one end of the support cross member and then the other end of the support cross member. |
| US08388282B2 |
Processing machine and associated processing method
This processing machine comprises a casing (4), a tool-holder spindle (6) which is to carry a machine tool, a positive feed drive mechanism for the spindle (6), which mechanism is suitable for driving the spindle (6) simultaneously in rotation and in translation relative to the casing (4) in accordance with an advance or return movement, and a system (12) for lubricating the machine tool, comprising a lubricant inlet (40), a lubricant duct (42) delimited by the spindle (6), the lubricant duct (42) opening out at an end of the spindle (6) carrying the machine tool, in order to supply the machine tool (7) with lubricant, and a lubricant-admission module (44) connecting the lubricant inlet (40) to the said lubricant duct (42). The lubricant-admission module (44) forms a lubricant pump drawing in the lubricant from the lubricant inlet (40) and supplying the lubricant duct (42) of the spindle (6), the advance and return of the spindle (6) activating the pumping of lubricant by the admission module (44). |
| US08388280B1 |
Step drill bit
A step drill bit includes a shaft for coupling the step drill bit to a drill and a drill bit portion coaxially coupled to the shaft. The drill bit portion has a plurality of step portions. The drill bit portion may further include three cutting edges wherein the cutting edges are spaced around the drill bit in substantially equal arc angles. The step drill bit further includes surface treatment having a first coating formed of first material and a second coating formed of a second material that is applied over the first coating. The step drill bit further includes a replaceable drill bit tip. |
| US08388278B2 |
Indexable drill and method for arranging inserts in the drill
An indexable drill which has cutting edges formed of a plurality of indexable inserts and which provides stable performance so that the accuracy of entrance hole diameter and exit hole diameter is improved and generation of burrs at the hole exit can be suppressed. Indexable inserts which form a center cutting edge and a peripheral cutting edge are attached to a drill main body at an end thereof. A ratio between a cutting contribution of the center cutting edge and a cutting contribution of the peripheral cutting edge is set such that the cutting contribution of the center cutting edge is larger. The indexable insert is disposed so at to project forward in the axial direction from the indexable insert so that an outer-end corner of the peripheral cutting edge engages a workpiece first. |
| US08388274B2 |
Round cutting insert with asymmetric chipbreaker feature
A round cutting insert includes a top surface, a clearance side surface and a bottom surface. The top surface includes an asymmetric chipbreaker feature adjacent a cutting edge that includes a finishing portion, a roughing portion, and a transition portion. The asymmetric chipbreaker feature includes a first rake face extending from the cutting edge, a second rake face between a bottom face and the first rake face, and a back face between a central island and the bottom face. The second rake face and the back face are sinusoidal waveforms with different periods to cause the distances from the cutting edge to the second rake face and back face to vary. The first and second rake faces are formed at different rake angles to provide effective chip control during machining operations. |
| US08388273B2 |
Metal cutting tool and cutting plate provided in the shape of a donut
A metal cutting tool has a supporting tool, which has a recess for accommodating a cutting plate. The cutting plate is provided with a clamping trough, which is held in the supporting tool by a clamping claw. The clamping claw is fixed against the supporting tool by a clamping screw. A pressure piece is placed on the clamping claw and its underside facing the cutting plate is provided with a cam, which is in contact with the clamping trough and the clamping claw pulls the pressure piece toward the clamping screw. |
| US08388269B2 |
Pin mirror cutter
A throw-away tip is mounted on a first tip mounting seat of a pin mirror cutter. In the throw-away tip, cutting edges are formed at intersecting ridgeline parts between a pair of oppositely disposed long side faces of a substantially trapezoidal flat-plate-shaped tip body, and upper and lower faces of the tip body. A thickness direction of the tip body is approximately aligned with a radial direction of the cutter body to provide curved edges formed in acute corner parts of the tip body for cutting. The tip is mounted on a second tip mounting seat of the pin mirror cutter such that the thickness direction of the tip body is approximately aligned with an axial direction of the cutter body to provide curved edges formed in obtuse corner parts of the tip body for cutting. |
| US08388266B2 |
Apparatus for and methods of stabilizing a leaking dam or levee
An apparatus 40 is used for stabilizing a leak in a dam 20, which was built adjacent a body of water 26 to prevent flooding of the water onto adjacent land areas 24a. Leaks in the dam 20 may occur because of a breach 38 developing undesirably in, and possibly through, the dam. The apparatus 40 includes an elastomeric sheet 44, which is wound onto a spool 48, when the apparatus is in a storage-and-handling mode. When the breach 38 is discovered, the apparatus 40 is placed adjacent the dam 20 and the sheet 44 is unfurled into a breach-sealing mode of the apparatus, where the breach 38 is covered and sealed by the unfurled sheet. |
| US08388264B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling engine speed of a self-propelled power trowel during high load conditions
A self-propelled concrete finishing trowel has an electronically controlled engine droop control to prevent stalling of the trowel's engine during overload conditions. The engine droop control includes an engine speed sensor that measures operating speed of the engine and a controller that adjusts operation of a hydrostatic drive system of the trowel based on feedback received from the engine speed sensor to reduce the power draw on the engine during overload conditions. The hydrostatic drive system is powered by the engine to rotate one or more finishing blade arrangements, and under normal operating conditions, is driven by a controller to rotate the blade arrangements at an operator desired speed, such as input by a foot pedal. During overloading conditions, the controller overrides the operator input to drive the hydrostatic drive system to match an operating speed supported by the overloaded engine to reduce the power draw on the engine and thereby prevent engine stalling. |
| US08388260B2 |
Water-permeable and water-absorbable ecological paving
A water-permeable and water-absorbable ecological paving is formed of a water-permeable material that is commonly used in pavement construction and is mixed with unique hollow bodies, whereby all constituent components of the engineering material are uniformly mixed and laid to form an ecological paving layer. In addition to the water permeability of the base material, the paving layer also provide the functions of absorbing water, storing water, and retaining water, so as to reduce the likelihood of occurrence of water accumulation on the surface flooding and also to allow water to be greatly retained in the interior of the paving layer, whereby water vapor can be released from the interior to alleviate heat island effect in case of high temperature of the atmosphere. |
| US08388259B2 |
Mechanism for absorbing kinetic energy from frontal impacts of vehicles
A rigid ram, joined to a structural element of a mechanism which receives and transmits the impact of a vehicle, is displaced along a deformable metallic profile of open section in the form of “U”, “C”, “Σ” or “Ω”, the ram having a partial or total intersection with the transversal section of the deformable metallic profile, and producing thereto plastic deformations which are propagated along the deformable metallic profile as the ram is longitudinally displaced along said deformable metallic profile. |
| US08388257B2 |
Connecting device for connecting separating elements for traffic areas
A connecting system (2) for connecting separating elements (1) for traffic areas has two connecting elements (3), each with two juxtaposed legs (5, 6). In each case, one leg (5) of a connecting element (3) is held between the legs (5, 6) of the other connecting element (3) in a positive-locking manner, as a leg (5) of the one connecting element (3) held between the legs (5, 6) of the other connecting element (3) has projections (9, 10) on both sides, which engage behind projections (9, 10, 11) disposed on the legs (5, 6) of the other connecting element (3). The legs (5, 6) of the two connecting elements (3) interlock with their projections (9, 10, 11) in hook form. In this way, the legs (5, 6) are not pushed apart when there is a tensile force acting on the connecting elements (3), but instead are held together or pushed towards one another. |
| US08388254B2 |
Adjustable positioning structure of a shaft member
An adjustable positioning structure of a shaft member contains an inner tube including a plane having plural holes, an outer tube including a cutout to receive the inner tube, an adjustable positioning device including a fixing seat, and a retaining block formed in a twisted piece shape and axially defined between two extending sides of the fixing seat. The retaining block includes a pressing portion and a bore fixed on one end thereof, and includes a lock tab extending outward from another end thereof. A stop switch is covered by the fixing seat and includes a shoulder to be inserted in the bore to stop the retaining block to be pressed and to operate. An resilient element is defined between the retaining block, and the stop switch to contact with the retaining block, so that the lock tab is retained in one of the holes. |
| US08388251B2 |
Writing instrument with a multivariate mechanical doll
A writing instrument with a multivariate mechanical doll consists of an elongated pen body having a seat mounted on an end thereof, a working piece and a doll. The action of the doll is in response to the mechanism of the working piece which is driven by extending and retracting the refill within the pen body. The doll which composes of a frontal and a rear casing incorporates a decorating object pin jointed to the working piece. Said seat includes a plate which attaches to the rear casing extended upwardly from a top thereof; and a rail is provided at a frontal portion of said plate and a locating post is provided at a rear portion thereof. The locating post is sheathed by a spring and engages to a male junction piece. Said junction piece connects to a female junction piece which fastened onto the frontal casing and engaged with a third driving element of the working piece which has a waving surface. The waving surface exerts and lifts the frontal casing allowing the decorating object to expose. The frontal casing can be replaced without any tool required. |
| US08388248B2 |
Medical liquid applicator system
A medical liquid applicator system that includes an applicator grip assembly, a flexible reservoir and an applicator head. The applicator grip assembly is composed of a first section with a first distal end and a second section with a second distal end, a longitudinal axis, a front side, a back side, a predetermined grip length, a predetermined grip width, a fold axis separating the first section and the second section, the fold axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a fold-activated dispensing slit located on the fold axis. The flexible reservoir is joined to a back side of the applicator grip assembly and is in liquid communication with the fold-activated dispensing slit. The applicator head is joined to the front side of the applicator grip assembly at the fold axis and is in liquid communication with the dispensing slit. The applicator grip assembly is folded at the fold axis to bring the back side of at least a portion of the first distal end of the first section and the back side of at least a portion of the second distal end of the second section together to define a grip handle having the predetermined grip length and the predetermined grip width. Folding the applicator grip assembly ruptures the fold-activated dispensing slit thereby defining a dispensing opening and also applies pressure to the flexible reservoir element in liquid communication with the dispensing slit to urge flowable medical liquid through the dispensing opening and into the applicator head. |
| US08388238B2 |
Ferrule, and method of producing an optical waveguide connector, and optical waveguide connector which use the ferrule
A method of producing an optical waveguide connector in which the productivity of a ferrule member can be improved, and the connection loss with a counter connector can be suppressed to a low level is obtained.An optical waveguide connector 11 is obtained by performing: an aligning step of restricting the position of the tip end of an optical waveguide 2 passed through an insertion hole 13b of a ferrule member 13, by a positioning portion of a positioning member 16 which is opposedly placed at the tip end of the ferrule member 13, thereby aligning the optical waveguide 2 to the ferrule member 13; and a bonding step of filing a gap between the optical waveguide 2 which is passed through the insertion hole 13b, and the insertion hole 13b, with an adhesive agent to fix the optical waveguide 2 to the ferrule member 13. |
| US08388234B1 |
One-piece optical fiber adapter
An optical fiber adapter includes a main body and a pair of inner housings. The main body has an accommodation room having opposing first and second openings in an axial direction. First through fourth stop blocks are positioned on the walls or within the accommodation room. Each inner housing is positioned within the accommodation room, and includes a flange having opposing front and back surfaces and a hollow cylinder extending from the front surface of the flange. The flanges of the two inner housings are attached to each other and are positioned between the first and second stop blocks, and between the third and fourth stop blocks. The first, second, third and fourth stop blocks are positioned to restrict a movement of the flanges in the axial direction. The first opening is configured for an optical fiber connector and the two inner housings to insert into the accommodation room. |
| US08388233B2 |
Axial bearing arrangement and method for manufacturing same
The invention relates to a first bearing arrangement (1) and a method for the manufacture thereof, with a first bearing ring (3) forming a structural unit (16) with a radially inwardly directed axial projection (11) with a radially outwardly directed resilient element (13) and a first running surface (5), and a second bearing ring (2) with a radially outwardly arranged axial projection (10) with a radially inwardly directed resilient element (12), with a second running surface (4), and a single-piece rolling body cage (6) which receives distributed over the circumference rolling bodies (8) which roll on the running surfaces (4, 5), wherein the rolling body cage (6) radially engages over the two resilient elements (12, 13).In order to be able to manufacture the axial bearing arrangement (1) without further post processing steps as a structural unit (16), the invention proposes to construct the rolling body cage (6) radially slotted, so that the cage can be radially elastically pulled over the resilient elements (12, 13) of the bearing rings (2, 3). |
| US08388230B2 |
Seal guard
A seal guard 12 for a wide inner ring bearing assembly 10 comprising an annular member 22 configured for attachment to an external surface 24 of a bearing outer ring 16, and which radially encloses the various seal components 18 disposed within an annular opening between the inner ring 14 and outer ring 16. The annular member 22 includes an angled external surface 22A adapted to deflect external contaminates away from direct impingement upon the seal components 18. |
| US08388225B2 |
Ultraviolet output stabilization by fluorescent bulb temperature monitoring
A controller measures a temperature at which an ultraviolet (UV) fluorescent lamp is operating and, in response, controls heat transfer between a heat-generating portion of the fluorescent lamp power supply circuitry, such as the ballast, and the interior of the curing chamber to maintain the fluorescent lamps operating at a stable temperature. |
| US08388218B2 |
Replaceable decorative cover for watches with digital display
The present invention relates to a replaceable decorative cover adapted to be snap-coupled with one of those watches formed of a monolithic rubber bracelet provided in the center with a tapering enlarged section that contains the display of the watch. |
| US08388216B2 |
Method and processing installation for devolatilizing polymer melts
A processing installation for devolatilization of polymer melts comprises a first extruder and a second extruder arranged downstream thereof in a direction of conveyance. The first extruder comprises several rotatably drivable first shafts which are provided with first treatment members and several devolatilization zones with associated devolatilization ports. Correspondingly, the second extruder comprises several rotatably drivable second shafts which are provided with second treatment members and several second devolatilization zones with associated devolatilization ports. The first treatment members have an external diameter which is smaller than or equal to that of the second treatment members. A devolatilization unit is arranged in a transfer zone which interconnects the extruders. The devolatilization unit comprises a perforated plate and a clearance arranged downstream in the direction of conveyance. A control unit is configured in such a way that when the processing installation is operated, the speed of the second shafts is lower than the speed of the first shafts. The processing installation allows a high devolatilization performance and a high polymer throughput to be achieved at the same time. A throttle is arranged in the transfer zone upstream of the devolatilization unit when seen in the direction of conveyance, with the position of the throttle being adjustable by means of the control unit. |
| US08388215B2 |
Asphalt reactor and blending system
A modified asphalt Contactor reactor for blending and reacting asphalt cement and modifiers is described; for example, a vertically oriented vessel having an outer shell having an internal surface and an external surface, a lower end and a flat flanged top; an internal circulation tube having a base, a top and an outside surface, wherein the outside surface of the internal circulation tube and the internal surface of the outer shell forms an annulus; a heating jacket having heating oil inlet and a heating oil outlet coupled to the external surface of the outer shell for circulation of heating oil; and a hydraulic head assembly having an impeller coupled to the lower end the vertically oriented vessel wherein the impeller is located near the base of the internal circulation tube, wherein the impeller and the annulus are of sufficient size to facilitate the flow of high viscosity fluids. |
| US08388213B2 |
Substantially inseparable LED lamp assembly
Disclosed are LED lamp assemblies that are substantially inseparable. The LED lamp assemblies use discrete components that are individually manufactured and then assembled in a manner that substantially prevents disassembly or disengagement of components. An interference fit can be used to substantially secure components of the LED lamp assemblies. Bonding techniques can also be used, including adhesive and solvent bonds, as well as thermal bonds, including sonic bonds. |
| US08388211B2 |
Display apparatus and manufacturing method thereof
A display apparatus includes a display panel and a light guide unit. The light guide unit includes a body portion and a support portion. The body portion includes a light outputting surface near the display panel, and the support portion is placed on the edge of the light outputting surface to support the display panel. The support portion has an inclined surface, and at least one groove is formed between the inclined surface and the display panel for accommodating glue that combines the display panel and the light guide unit. In addition to being disposed in the groove, glue may be further disposed in a gap between the display panel, a back bezel, and the light guide unit. |
| US08388207B2 |
Illuminating device and display device having the same
Provided is an illuminating device including a plurality of light sources. Micro prisms are provided in an opposed surface of a light guide plate. Each of the micro prisms is provided so that a reflective surface has a bottom side located at substantially 90 degrees with respect to an optical path of a beam from any one of the light sources. In a display device including a liquid crystal panel illuminated by the illuminating device, at least two micro prisms are provided in each area overlapped with aperture portions of the liquid crystal panel. |
| US08388206B2 |
Backlight device, display device and television receiver
There is provided a backlight device with which it is possible not only to prevent an assembly process from being complicated and the number of components from being increased, but also to connect a light source to a connector member satisfactorily and electrically. In this backlight device (20), a distance (W12) from the central axis (O1) of a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (23) to a connector terminal portion (240) is larger than a distance (W2) from the central axis of the cold cathode fluorescent lamp to an end portion of a contact portion (23d) of a cap portion (23a) in an F direction but is smaller than a distance (L2) from the central axis of the cold cathode fluorescent lamp to an end portion of the contact portion of the cap portion in an E direction. |
| US08388204B2 |
High speed, high resolution, three dimensional solar cell inspection system
An optical inspection system and method are provided. A workpiece transport moves a workpiece in a nonstop manner. An illuminator includes a light pipe and is configured to provide a first and second strobed illumination field types. First and second arrays of cameras are arranged to provide stereoscopic imaging of the workpiece. The first array of cameras is configured to generate a first plurality of images of the workpiece with the first illumination field and a second plurality of images of the feature with the second illumination field. The second array of cameras is configured to generate a third plurality of images of the workpiece with the first illumination field and a fourth plurality of images of the feature with the second illumination field. A processing device stores at least some of the first, second, third, and fourth pluralities of images and provides the images to an other device. |
| US08388200B2 |
Vehicle light with values corresponding to the CIE color space
A vehicle light can improve the visibility (noticeability) for pedestrians, roadside obstructs, other vehicles and the like in actual traffic environments. The vehicle light can be configured to project light beams with a predetermined white color, and can include a light source with a color temperature range of 4500 K to 7000 K. The light source emits light beams including four color light beams represented by four coordinate values of predicted colors including red, green, blue and yellow in the a* b* coordinate system corresponding to the CIE 1976 L*a*b* color space. The four coordinate values in the a* b* coordinate system can be encompassed by respective circle areas having a radius of, for example, 5, and each having center coordinate values of (41.7, 20.9) for red, (−39.5, 14.3) for green, (8.8, −29.9) for blue and (−10.4, 74.2) for yellow, for example. |
| US08388199B2 |
Adjustable lamp device and holding mechanism thereof
A lamp device includes a lamp seat defining a first through hole, a lamp main body defining a second through hole, and a holding mechanism. The holding mechanism includes a bolt, a first nut, and a second nut. The bolt includes a head and a spindle connecting to the head. The spindle defines first screw threads at the opposite end from the head and second screw threads adjacent to the first screw threads. The threads per inch of the first screw threads are smaller than that of the second screw threads. The spindle passes though the first through hole and the second through hole to connect with the lamp main body and the lamp seat. The first nut and the second nut are respectively fit over the first screw threads and the second screw threads. |
| US08388197B1 |
LED lamp
The instant disclosure relates to a lamp having a heat dissipating lamp shell particularly suitable for housing solid state light sources. The lamp comprises a lamp shell of stamping construction and a light source unit. The lamp shell comprises an outer pot portion and an inner tray portion substantially concentrically coupled to the outer pot portion. Externally, the lamp shell forms a substantial portion of the lamp. The light source unit comprises a light module disposed on the inner tray portion of the lamp shell, a controller placed at the rear portion of the lamp shell, and an electrical connecter arranged exposedly from the rear of the lamp. The lamp shell of stamping construction is beneficially characterized by the light weight and strong structural integrity, which attribute to the work hardening property of the stamping process. |
| US08388196B2 |
Heat dissipator and LED illuminator having heat dissipator
A heat dissipator having a heat-conducting substrate and a plurality of heat-dissipating columns is disclosed. The heat-conducting substrate is opened with a plurality of through-holes. Each of the heat-dissipating columns is discretely set on a surface of the heat-conducting substrate. An illuminator having the heat dissipator and an LED illuminating module is also disclosed. The LED illuminating module is fixed on the heat-conducting substrate and includes a circuit board and a plurality of LEDs arranged on the circuit board. This arrangement can increase the surface area for heat exchange with surrounding air and enhance the heat-dissipating efficiency of the heat dissipator. |
| US08388191B2 |
LED lamp
A LED lamp includes: a base body having a screw thread; a light emitting unit including a printed circuit board disposed on the base body oppositely of the screw thread, and a LED chip disposed on the printed circuit board; and a heat sink body having a plurality of heat sink fins and connected threadedly to the screw thread. |
| US08388184B2 |
Light emitting tufted carpet
The invention provides a light emitting tufted carpet (1). The carpet (1) comprises a primary backing layer (100), an optional secondary backing layer (200), an optional adhesive layer (300), a plurality of carpet integrated LEDs (40) arranged to generate carpet light (41), and a first electric conductor (10) and a second electric conductor (20). The first electric conductor (10) and the second electric conductor (20) are arranged to provide power from a power source (50) to the LEDs (40). The primary backing layer (100) comprises a first felt layer (30′), or the optional secondary backing layer (200) comprises second felt layer (30″), or both the primary backing layer (100) and the optional secondary backing layer (200) comprise felt layers (30′,30″). One or more of the first electric conductor (10) and the second electric conductor (20) are at least partially integrated in one or more of the first felt layer (30′) and the second felt layer (30″). |
| US08388182B2 |
Lamp strip covering structure
A lamp strip covering structure includes a first lead (10), a second lead (20) (10), an insulating body (30), LEDs (40), and a thermoplastic film (50). The insulating body (50) is provided with troughs corresponding to the first lead (10) and the second lead (20), thereby uncovering a first connecting section (11) of the first lead (10) and a second connecting section (21) of the second lead (20). The LEDs (40) are electrically connected to the first connecting section (11) and the second connecting section (21). The thermoplastic film (50) wraps the LEDs (40) and the insulating body (30) to cover the LEDs (40) and the insulating body (30) due to a thermal shrinkage. By this structure, the assembly and manufacturing of the lamp strip are simplified with a reduced cost. Further, the electrical connection between the LED (40) and the leads (10, 20) is maintained. |
| US08388181B2 |
Light source assembly using light emitting diodes and reflective sheet set
A light source assembly comprises a plurality of reflective sheets, a plurality of light emitting diodes and a printed circuit board. Each reflective sheet comprises a plate member and a plurality of openings formed on the plate member. The plurality of light emitting diodes are mounted on the printed circuit board. The plurality of reflective sheets are also mounted on the printed circuit board. The plurality of light emitting diodes are respectively located in the openings. The light emitted from the light emitting diodes is reflected by the surface of the plate member. |
| US08388178B2 |
LED cyclorama light
A cyclorama includes a generally enclosed housing having a normally horizontal housing axis and an open front. A reflector proximate the open front has an operative portion that has a substantially uniform cross-section along the housing axis. The reflector has a surface configuration and an LED array is arranged in relation to the reflector surface to provide a higher flux density directed toward a far end of a wall or surface to be illuminated and provide a lower flux density directed toward a direction of the near end of the surface to be illuminated, generating a transition flux density between the far and near ends of the surface to be illuminated. The LED array and/or the reflector have optical features for eliminating shadows in the projected light over the entire illuminated surface. |
| US08388174B2 |
Lighting arrangement
The invention relates to a lighting arrangement (1) for illuminating an area under mesopic conditions. The lighting arrangement has one or more LEDs (6) emitting substantially monochromatic light in a first wavelength region. The lighting arrangement further has one or more LEDs emitting (8) substantially-monochromatic light in a second wavelength region. Aforementioned combination of LEDs is such that, in use, the light provided by the lighting arrangement has an S/P-ratio greater than 2. |
| US08388173B2 |
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 to a mounting surface. |
| US08388172B2 |
LED lamp
An LED lamp includes a cylindrical tube and two lamp holders fixed on two ends of the cylindrical tube. The cylindrical tube comprises a lampshade, a lamp plate, and a heat dispersing plate. The heat dispersing plate further comprises a base portion and two fastening portions. Two free edges of the base portion comprise two supports extending toward each other. The fastening portions are connected to the supports correspondingly, and the lamp shape and the lamp plate are fixed to the fastening portions correspondingly. Two lamp holders are fixed to opposite ends of the cylindrical tube, and each of the lamp holders comprises a hollow shell and a protrusion formed on an inner wall of the hollow shell. The protrusion resists against one end of the supports to prevent the lampshade from rotating relative to the heat dispersing plate. |
| US08388167B2 |
LED lamps and LED driver circuits for the same
LED lamp has LEDs aimed rearwards with either a concave mirror to the rear of each LED, or one concave mirror to the rear of two or more LEDs, collecting the light from the LEDs to form a forward projecting beam. LEDs may be high power types that require heatsinking. LED lamp may have a lens forward of each LED to collimate the radiation produced by the LEDs into a beam, where at least one lens has at least one aspheric curved surface. LED lamp may have a transparent reflective optic to collimate the radiation produced by each LED into a beam. For an inspection lamp, the LEDs typically have a peak wavelength of 395 to 415 nanometers for seeing the area being irradiated but not so visible as to overwhelm fluorescence of fluorescent materials to be detected. Other wavelengths may be used. LED inspection lamp has a combination of LEDs of different wavelengths or a combination of at least one LED and at least one other light source such that the lamp produces radiation suitable for detection of materials to be detected and adequately illuminates the area being irradiated. LED lamp has LEDs that produce a beam of suitable radiation with a width of 10 degrees or less without additional optics. LED inspection lamp has head attached to a flexible member, with head serving as heatsink for one or more high power LEDs. Current regulator circuits are also disclosed. |
| US08388165B2 |
Displaying device and method thereof
The device comprises a visual effecter and a display, wherein the visual effecter comprises at least one encapsulated electronic-optical element; the display can be a 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional display or any combination thereof; the display locates outside the visual effecter; and the display is subject to the visual effect of the visual effecter. |
| US08388164B2 |
Hands-Free lighting devices
A variety of lighting devices are provided to provide hands-free illumination to enable illumination without needed to hold a flashlight. The hands-free lighting includes lighted headgear, lighted eyeglass frames, lighted clothing, or a lighted head band. |
| US08388162B2 |
Light source device and display device having the same
Disclosed are a light source device and a display device having the same. The light source device comprises light emitting modules comprising a light emitting device, a circuit termination module provided at a second end of the light emitting module, first and second connectors connected to a first end and the second end of the light emitting modules, respectively, and a fourth connector connected to the circuit termination module, and connected to the second connector of the light emitting module. |
| US08388161B2 |
Fixing mechanism for backlight module and backlight module
A fixing mechanism for a backlight module and a backlight module are provided in the present invention. The fixing mechanism comprises a plurality of retaining posts and a plurality of retaining sheets. The retaining posts are protruded from a back plate. The retaining sheet is engaged with an upper end of the retaining post for fixing an optical assembly. Moreover, the part of the fixing structure is made of elastic materials, so that it besides can steadily fix the optical film and make no clearance to be created, and also can prevent the optical film from escaping from orientation under the effect of hot-expansion and cold-shrinkage. |
| US08388159B2 |
Light guide plates and backlight module
A light guide plate includes a body having a bottom surface, a top surface opposite to the bottom surface, and at least one lateral side. A recess is defined at the top surface. The recess is concaved toward the bottom surface and has a reflective surface. Only one part of the reflective surface has reflective structure located thereon. A backlight module using the light guide plate is related. |
| US08388157B2 |
Light guide sheet and movable contact assembly including the same
A light guide sheet includes a material sheet having a film shape, first and second illuminations portion provided on the material sheet for diffusing light. The material sheet has a slit having substantially a strip shape provided therein and provided around the first illumination portion. The slit has a first edge and a second edge opposite to the first edge. The first edge faces the first illumination portion. The material sheet includes a first bridge and a second bridge linking the first edge of the first slit to the second edge across the first slit. This light guide sheet provides a movable contact assembly which is easily fabricated and provides preferable illuminating. |
| US08388153B1 |
Objective lens protector
A protection device for protecting an objective lens and other parts of a microscope from excess immersion oil is provided. The objective lens protector comprising a sheet of absorbent material and a retaining mechanism for releasably securing the sheet of absorbent material to the microscope. |
| US08388150B2 |
Optical element having a toric surface
An image forming system is described that includes a light source that provides a light beam and an anamorphic refractive optical element. A first outer surface of the anamorphic element faces the light source and includes a toric surface. The light beam is incident upon the first outer face and then an incident surface of the anamorphic element. The anamorphic element directs the light beam to an image forming device. An illumination system is also described where an anamorphic element includes a toric surface and a facet surface. |
| US08388146B2 |
Anamorphic projection device
An anamorphic projection device is described. In one aspect, the device includes at least one camera and a projector such as a pico projector. The device receives information from the camera to sense position and orientation of a projection surface independent of the device. Based on this received information, the device renders an anamorphic image for perspective viewing on the sensed projection surface. In one implementation, the device receives the image wirelessly, for example, from a website. In one aspect, the device includes a user interface or UI. The UI allows a device user to navigate a projected image (e.g., use a cursor control or other means to navigate a webpage), present/download a new projected image, lock a projected image to a coordinate space on the projection surface to reduce or eliminate movement of the projected image responsive to user or device movement, etc. |
| US08388142B2 |
Thermal management of very small form factor projectors with synthetic jets
A thermal management device (401) is provided which comprises a synthetic jet actuator (403) and a heat sink (405) comprising a fin (407). The fin has at least one interior channel (409) defined therein which has first and second openings that are in fluidic communication with each other. The synthetic jet actuator is adapted to direct a synthetic jet into said channel. |
| US08388141B2 |
Electric apparatus
An electric apparatus includes a centrifugal fan that includes an impeller in a casing, and is configured to draw air when the impeller rotates in the casing, and to have a blowoff channel of the air from the impeller in the casing, which spreads in a rotating direction of the impeller, and a first cooled part and a second cooled part that has a necessary cooling air capacity larger than that of the first cooled part, the first cooled part and the second cooled part being cooled by the air drawn by the centrifugal fan, wherein a drawing surface of the centrifugal fan has a first drawing area and a second drawing area that has a drawing speed higher than that of the first drawing area when the impeller rotates. |
| US08388139B2 |
Interactive projected sandbox
A method for creating an interactive display in which users/players can form the projection screen. The method includes providing granular display material, such as a layer of sand in a container, and storing a guide image and a display image in memory of a control system. Then, a projector is first operated to project the guide image on an upper surface of the display material. After a sculpting period or in response to a user or operator provided trigger, the method includes second operating the projector to project the display image on the upper surface which has been sculpted by the user into a 3D projection surface or screen during the first operating step. The projected guide image may include an outline of an object, and the display image may include an image element that is mapped to the location of the outlined object. |
| US08388135B2 |
Ophthalmologic biometric or image generating system and method for detection and evaluation of measured data
An ophthalmological biometric or image-producing system and method for detection and analysis of measurement data including a measurement arrangement with an illumination unit for illuminating the eye with at least one measurement beam, a signal detection unit for the detection of the light portions scattered or reflected back from the eye, a central control unit with an output unit, and a pattern generating unit which includes an optical scan unit, a control unit as well as a position sensor for measuring the realized deflections of the optical scan unit, whereby control unit, optical scan unit and position sensor can form a control circuit. Thereby, the position sensor, except for the connection within the possible control circuit, includes a connection to a unit of the measurement arrangement for optimizing measurement value logging or to the central control unit for correcting the biometric measurements or tomograms. |
| US08388133B2 |
Method for determining the shape of the bevel of an ophthalmic lens
A method for determining the shape of the bevel of an ophthalmic lens so as to have the ophthalmic lens fit a given spectacle frame, the method comprising the steps of: providing the three-dimensional (xi, yi, zi) internal profile of the groove of at least a rim of the spectacle frame expressed in the principal axes (Xf, Yf, Zf) of the spectacle frame and the length Pf of the periphery of the groove of the rim, providing the blocking point of the ophthalmic lens and the horizontal direction Xl of the ophthalmic lens, projecting the three-dimensional (xi, yi, zi) internal profile of the groove of the rim on the front face surface of the ophthalmic lens so as to obtain a three-dimension projected groove shape (xp, yp, zp), modifying the coordinates of each point of the two-dimensional groove shape (xp, yp) based on two correction coefficient, Rx for the coordinate xp and Ry for the coordinate yp, with Rx+Ry=1 so as to have the length Pp of the three-dimensional groove projected shape (xp, yp, zp) equal to the length Pf of the periphery of the internal profile of the groove of the rim. |
| US08388131B2 |
Disposable ophthalmic/medical apparatus with timed color change indication
A disposable ophthalmic or medical apparatus has a portion with a color changeable dye disposed thereon. The dye changes color after being exposed to oxygen for a controlled and predetermined period of time indicating that the apparatus should no longer be used. |
| US08388129B2 |
Flexible nose support and eyeglasses having the same
A flexible nose support and eyeglasses thereof are disclosed. The eyeglasses include an eyeglass body and the flexible nose support. The eyeglass body has a bridge portion, and the flexible nose support has a mounting pad, at least one engaging member, and two flexible support arms, where all are integrally formed in one piece. By mounting the flexible nose support upwardly onto the bridge portion, the flexible nose support is secured to the eyeglasses. |
| US08388126B2 |
Printing paper seasoning apparatus, method of seasoning of printing paper, and inkjet recording apparatus
A printing paper seasoning apparatus includes: a loading table on which a plurality of sheets of printing paper are stacked and loaded; a ceiling plate which is disposed above the loading table so as to oppose the loading table for covering over an upper side of a stack of the printing paper loaded on the loading table; an air blowing device which blows air from a side face side into a paper accommodating region formed between the loading table and the ceiling plate which are arranged so as to oppose each other; a side plate arranged in a side face portion of the paper accommodating region; and an exhaust section including openings formed in the side plate, wherein an opening ratio of the exhaust section varies in a vertical direction of the paper accommodating region in such a manner that the opening ratio on a lower side of the exhaust section is smaller than the opening ratio on an upper side of the exhaust section. |
| US08388125B2 |
Inkjet recording ink
An inkjet recording ink having a surface tension of 34 mN/m or more is provided. The inkjet recording ink contains an anionic self-dispersion pigment having an anionic functional group, a salt, and a water-soluble compound having a hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity coefficient of 0.26 or more. The ink contains a larger amount of cesium ion than the amount of the anionic functional group. The hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity coefficient is defined by equation (A). |
| US08388120B2 |
Integrated apparatus for supplying ink and regulating pressure
Disclosed is an integrated apparatus for supplying ink and regulating pressure, which comprises a chamber accommodating ink, a main chamber preliminarily storing ink to be supplied to the chamber, a nozzle communicating with the chamber and jetting ink transferred from the chamber to an outside, a first valve blocking or letting flow of ink between the main chamber and the chamber, a second valve blocking and letting flow of ink between the chamber and the nozzle, a piston placed above ink accommodated in the chamber and reciprocating rectilinearly while sealing ink inside the chamber, a piston driver providing a driving force to the piston, a sensor installed in the chamber and sensing pressure due to weight of ink, and a controller receiving a sensed signal from the sensor and outputting a signal for controlling the piston to the piston, wherein the piston moves down as a level of ink accommodated in the chamber is lowered when ink is discharged to the outside through the nozzle, and the piston moves up and the first valve and the second valve are respectively opened and closed when ink is filled in the chamber. |
| US08388112B2 |
Printhead and method of fabricating the same
Disclosed is a printhead having at least one ink drop generator region, which includes an ink chamber, an orifice through which ink drops are ejected, and a heating element positioned below the ink chamber. The heating element includes a resistor defined therein and a nano-structured surface that is exposed to the ink fluid supplied to the ink chamber. The nano-structured surface takes the form of an array of nano-pillars. The printhead is fabricated by a method that includes: forming a heating element having an oxidizable metal layer as the uppermost layer; forming an aluminum-containing layer on the oxidizable metal layer; anodizing the aluminum-containing layer to form porous alumina; anodizing the oxidizable metal layer so as to partially fill the pores in the porous alumina with metal oxide material; and removing the porous alumina by selective etching to produce a nano-structured surface. |
| US08388105B2 |
Image formation apparatus and inkjet recording apparatus
The image formation apparatus includes: a cylindrical conveyance member which conveys a recording medium in a conveyance direction while rotating in a state where the recording medium is held by suction on a circumferential surface of the cylindrical conveyance member; a liquid ejection head which ejects liquid from an ejection face thereof toward the recording medium being conveyed by the cylindrical conveyance member; and an ejection face protective device which includes a restricting member which restricts floating up of the recording medium by coming in contact with the recording medium at a position in a first region between the ejection face of the liquid ejection head and the circumferential surface of the cylindrical conveyance member or a second region adjacent to the first region, when the recording medium is released from the suction toward the circumferential surface of the cylindrical conveyance member while being conveyed by the cylindrical conveyance member. |
| US08388104B2 |
Determining encoder strip expansion
A system is provided that includes an encoder strip having encoder markings, first and second optical encoders positioned at a fixed distance from one another on a substrate and, responsive to being moved along the encoder strip, configured to generate first and second signals, respectively, that each indicate detection of the encoder markings on the encoder strip and processing circuitry configured to determine a current phase difference between the first and the second signals using a first portion of the first signal that corresponds to a first plurality of encoder markings and a second portion of the second signal that corresponds to a second plurality of encoder markings. |
| US08388096B2 |
Detecting and removing fibers
In one embodiment, a method to detect and remove fibers comprises identifying blocked nozzles in a grouping of nozzles within a printhead, and triggering a fiber removal event if it is determined that a plurality of adjacent nozzles are blocked. |
| US08388091B2 |
Tray for ink jet printer and method of manufacturing golf ball having mark
A tray 2 includes a holder 10 into which a golf ball is to be set. The holder 10 has: in an upper surface thereof and a lower surface thereof, openings 46 and 48 from which parts of the golf ball are exposed, respectively; and a contact portion 52 that comes into contact with the golf ball to fix in place the golf ball. The holder 10 is invertible. Preferably, the tray 2 further includes a base plate 12 on which the holder 10 is mounted. The base plate 12 has a stopper 72 that comes into contact with the golf ball set into the holder 10. The golf ball is fixed to the holder 10 such that the position of the center of the golf ball is caused to agree with the position of the center of the holder 10 in a thickness direction thereof due to this contact. |
| US08388089B2 |
Printing device, discharge test device and discharge test method
A discharge test device including: a head that includes a plurality of nozzles discharging liquid to a medium, a temperature obtaining section that obtains a temperature related to the head, a detection electrode that faces the head with a predetermined distance therebetween, an identification section that applies a predetermined voltage to the detection electrode and identifies an abnormal nozzle on the basis of voltage change of the detection electrode generated by liquid discharge from the nozzles, and a control section that controls the head and the identification section so that: when the temperature obtained by the temperature obtaining section is within a first temperature range, the head discharges the liquid to the medium after the identification section identifies the abnormal nozzle, when the temperature obtained by the temperature obtaining section is outside the first temperature range and within a second temperature range that is larger than the first temperature range, the head discharges the liquid to the medium without the abnormal nozzle being identified by the identification section, and when the temperature obtained by the temperature obtaining section is outside the second temperature range, the abnormal nozzle is not identified and the liquid is not discharged to the medium. |
| US08388084B2 |
Liquid ejection head, method for evaluation of liquid ejection head, and liquid ejection apparatus having liquid ejection head
The opening area and shape of ejection orifices provided in an ejection orifice member influence the amount of liquid droplet. Therefore, it is necessary to check the opening area and shape of the ejection orifices in detail. For this purpose, in a liquid ejection head having ejection orifices used for ejecting liquid using energy generated by energy generating elements and a dummy ejection orifice having the same shape as the ejection orifices and not used for ejection of liquid, an examination member is provided at a position facing the dummy ejection orifice. |
| US08388082B2 |
Fluid ejecting apparatus and fluid ejecting method
A fluid ejecting apparatus includes a rotatable drum that holds a medium on a periphery thereof, a head that ejects a fluid onto the medium held by the drum, a fixing portion that fixes the fluid ejected from the head onto the medium, an outer-radius measuring portion that measures an outer radius of the drum, an adjusting portion that adjusts a distance between the drum and the head, and a controller that causes the adjusting portion to adjust a distance between the head and the medium in accordance with a variation in the outer radius of the drum measured by the outer-radius measuring portion. |
| US08388081B2 |
Printing apparatus, printing method, and data generation apparatus
A printing apparatus and an inkjet printing method are provided that can a high-quality image without uneven glossiness and the like, without increasing the consumption of treatment liquid. The number of times of scans for applying treatment liquid to an image formed by a group of pigment inks with a large contact angle relative to treatment liquid is made to be smaller than the number of time of scans for applying treatment liquid to an image formed by a group of pigment inks with a small contact angle relative to treatment liquid. |
| US08388077B2 |
Refrigerator and hinge assembly of the same
The present embodiment provides a hinge assembly of a refrigerator. The hinge assembly includes a bracket; a shaft rotatably supported by the bracket and providing a rotation center of a door; a transfer unit transferring selectively rotatory power of the door to the shaft in order to move the shaft upward and downward; and an operating unit operating the transfer unit. |
| US08388069B2 |
Automobile seat and headrest thereof
A headrest for an automobile seat has a headrest body and an attachment member to be attached to a back of the seat to allow the headrest body to be moved up and down with respect to the seat back in a standing posture, while allowing the headrest body to be rotated about a pivot shaft to move a lower end of the headrest body in a frontward-rearward direction of the automobile. The headrest body has an expanded rear portion thereof to expand rearwardly and configured so that a distance between the surface of the expanded portion and the pivot shaft gradually decreases toward an upper edge of the expanded portion. The expanded portion is opposed to an upper surface of the seat back in the standing posture and contacts the upper surface when the attachment member is moved down. |
| US08388067B2 |
Seat apparatus
In a case where a manipulation switch is manipulated when a limit switch detects the fact that the seat back is in an upright position, an ECU controls driving of a motor until a sector gear turned in a second turning direction moves a lock lever in a lock release direction at a second abutting portion thereby to cause a lock member to be in a lock release state. Also, in a case where the manipulation switch is manipulated when the limit switch detects the fact that the seat back is not in the upright position, the ECU controls driving of the motor until the limit switch detects the fact that the seat back is in the upright position. |
| US08388064B2 |
Stackable chair with flexible back
A stackable chair having a back member may flex to allow for improved user comfort. An inline spring-to-frame configuration with a pair of spring members reinforced by steel plates on the top and bottom of each end of each spring is attached to the underside of the left and right members of the seat support frame. The spring-to-frame configuration may allow the back support frame to flex relative to the seat support frame. |
| US08388063B2 |
Child booster seat and height-adjustment mechanism thereof
A child booster seat includes a seat body, a seat base coupled to and vertically movable relative to the seat body, and a height-adjustment mechanism mounted between the seat body and the seat base. The height-adjustment mechanism includes a support structure mounted co-movably to the seat body and formed with a plurality of positioning holes that are vertically spaced apart. The height-adjustment mechanism further includes a latching component coupled movably to the seat base. The latching component includes a stop piece for engaging a selected one of the positioning holes to releasably lock the seat body at a desired height relative to the seat base. The height-adjustment mechanism also includes a manually operable part for moving the stop piece away from the positioning holes to release locking engagement between the seat base and the seat body. |
| US08388059B2 |
Actuating means for a crash-active head restraint
An actuating system for a head restraint of a vehicle seat is provided. The head restraint includes a part that can be shifted from a comfort position to a safety position, such as in the event of an accident. Limbs are expandable from an initial position as a consequence of pressure loading to bring about a lengthening which can be transmitted to force transmission means. The limbs are connected to one another and/or to fastening means by joints, each having a first and a second joint pin which can be inserted axially into holes to form the joints. |
| US08388056B2 |
Heated collapsible article of furniture
A heated collapsible article of furniture is provided. The article of furniture has a collapsible frame movable from an open orientation to a collapsed orientation. A heating element is formed integrally with the article of furniture and is configured for converting electrical energy to thermal energy. A rechargeable electrical storage device is couple to the heating element and configured to receive electrical energy photovoltaically and provide the electrical energy to the heating element. |
| US08388051B2 |
Sun roof having carriage element
A vehicle roof comprising at least one cover element, which selectively closes or at least partially exposes a roof opening and which, with respect to the vehicle longitudinal center plane, comprises a carrier element on either side, said carrier element being provided with a gate and interacting with an adjusting device, which is guided in a guide rail arranged in the vehicle longitudinal direction and comprises a carriage element, which interacts with the gate of the respective carrier element at least in order to pivot the cover element and comprises a guide section on which the carrier element rests. The guide section is formed by a wall of a plastic component, which can be elastically deformed and give way in a hollow space formed by the plastic component. |
| US08388048B2 |
Reinforcing structure for vehicle body front part
A reinforcing structure for a vehicle body front part has a reinforcing member 10 disposed at a corner portion 9 formed by a dash panel 5 and a dash side panel 6. The reinforcing member 10 includes a plate-like main body portion 11 that has a width in a horizontal direction and extends between the dash panel 5 and the dash side panel 6 near the corner portion 9, a first connection portion 12 that is provided at a first end portion 11a of the main body portion 11 and extends in a vehicle vertical direction, and a second connection potion 13 that is provided at a second end portion 11b of the main body portion 11 and extends in the vehicle vertical direction. The dash panel 5 and the first connection portion 12 of the reinforcing member 10 are connected to each other by welding, and the dash side panel 6 and the second connection portion 13 of the reinforcing member 10 are connected to each other by welding. |
| US08388047B2 |
Vehicle body
A vehicle body has a front or rear end region with a luggage compartment and an accessories compartment. The luggage compartment is bounded in the vehicle longitudinal direction by a first and second partition walls. The accessories compartment is bounded in the vehicle longitudinal direction by the second partition wall and a third partition wall. The luggage and accessories compartments are bounded in the transverse direction by two lateral longitudinal members. A sealing frame closes off from above the first partition wall, the second partition wall and the longitudinal members from the first partition wall to the third partition wall. |
| US08388046B2 |
Body structure for a motor vehicle
The body structure of a motor vehicle has a reinforcing support that runs directly adjacent to an upper cutout edge for the rear side window. The reinforcing support has a downwardly curved rear end held in a body-mounted supporting bracket and is connected to a reinforcing element. The reinforcing element is arranged adjacent to a rear edge of the rear side window and is connected to an inner side part. The reinforcing element forms a vertically oriented C pillar for force flux diversion into the body shell structure. |
| US08388044B2 |
Affixing structure for fixing a window glass to a carrier plate, and a window regulator using the affixing structure
This invention is to provide the affixing structure and the window regulator using the affixing structure, that has simple structure and that can smoothly fix the window glass to the carrier plate. The affixing structure 17 comprises a carrier plate 18 and a glass holder 16. The carrier plate 18 has a base portion 22a for placing the glass holder 16, a guide portion 22b which protrudes from the side edge of the base portion 22a and which has a inclined surface 22e slanted downwardly heading the placement face, and a fixing portion 22c which projects downwardly from other side edge of the base portion 22a. The glass holder 16 has a bottom part 16a to he placed on the base portion 22a, and a fixing part 16b which projects downwardly from the from the side edge and which contacts with a periphery of the fixing portion of the carrier plate. The bottom part 16aof the glass holder 16 meets the top of the inclined surface 22e before the edge of the fixing part 16bmeets the base portion 22a while lowering the glass holder 16. |
| US08388039B2 |
Trim part for a motor vehicle
A trim part for a vehicle has a base part (1) and a design part (2) including a bulge (16) adjacent a rim (15). |
| US08388038B2 |
Multiple use vehicle accessory
A multiple use vehicle accessory is provided that has a frame with first and second side members spaced from one another in a lateral direction of the accessory. The first side member carries first and second apertures that are spaced from one another in a longitudinal direction of the accessory and are both oriented in the lateral direction. The frame includes a plurality of cross members that extend in the lateral direction, and a first end that is attached to both the first and second side members. The first end at least partially defines a channel that extends in the lateral direction. |
| US08388035B2 |
Robot hand
A robot hand is configured such that a plurality of finger mechanisms are disposed on base and operate so as to cause fingertip portions thereof to get close to each other and separate from each other. At least one of the plurality of finger mechanisms is constituted by a Chebychev link mechanism including a driving link configured to be rotated about a base end portion thereof supported by the base, a driven link having a base end portion coupled to the base so as to be swingable, and an intermediate link having a base end portion coupled to a tip end portion of the driving link so as to be swingable and a center portion coupled to a tip end portion of the driven link so as to be swingable. The fingertip portions are respectively provided at tip end portions of the intermediate links. |
| US08388031B1 |
High strength shovel and trowels
Shovels and trowels are formed from metal and plastic for enhanced soil and sand penetration, and for cutting into roots. The shovels and trowels can each have one or more narrow tip teeth edges extending outward from the front end of the blade, the teeth edges each having embossed surface portions for strengthening the blade and disbursing stress during digging applications. The embossed portions can be indented. The embossed portions can be raised. A shovel version can also have foot brakes on both side of the handle above the rear end of the blade, to allow for a stable and safe foot placement. |
| US08388029B2 |
Lock having a single switch
The invention concerns a lock provided with a single switch to indicate the “open” or “closed” state of said lock, comprising an actuator (5, 6) acting on a kinematic chain (7) to produce the functions of the lock, a switch (19) adapted to indicate the states of the lock, a double-notched closure (2, 3) bolt (1), a pawl (9) including a pawl tooth (4) designed to be urged into engagement with the first (2) or second (3) notch for closing the bolt (1). The invention is characterized in that it comprises a mobile cam (12) for actuating the switch, said actuating cam (12) being mobile under the action of the bolt (1) and/or of the pawl (9) during the opening and/or closing phase of the lock. |
| US08388027B2 |
Conduit arrangement for a pressurized fluid, and method for the production thereof
A conduit arrangement for a pressurized fluid, in particular for connecting a gearbox to an oil cooler. The conduit arrangement comprises a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit which can be connected to a housing, such as a gearbox housing, by a connecting arrangement. The connecting arrangement has a first connecting part and a second connecting part which have a respective through-passage. At least one of the connecting parts is made of plastic, wherein at least one of the fluid conduits is made of plastic. The plastic connecting part and the plastic fluid conduit are integrally connected to one another. |
| US08388026B2 |
Repair coupling for piping systems
A repair coupling for joining a first pipe with a second pipe includes (a) a hollow body having a first open end, a second open end, and a passageway the interior surface of the body defining a peripheral, helical body edge terminating in a body edge locking lug, and (b) a hollow tubular insert slidably disposed within the body, the tubular insert having a first open end and a second open end, the tubular insert defining a passageway he exterior surface of the tubular insert defining a peripheral, helical insert edge terminating in an insert edge locking lug. The tubular insert is slidable between (i) a first insert position wherein the helical insert edge is in contract with the helical body edge and (ii) a second insert position wherein the helical insert edge is spaced apart from the helical body edge. |
| US08388020B2 |
Inflatable multilayer bolster and method of manufacture
Described is an inflatable multilayer bolster for a vehicle passenger compartment including a hollow body with back and front walls, an air chamber formed between them, and an inflator for injecting pressurized fluid to inflate the hollow body. Preferably, both the front and back walls have an inner layer made of a structural deformable material and an outer surfacing layer co-extruded with the inner layer. Also described is a method of manufacturing the multilayer bolster by co-extruding first and second polymers through a die to produce a parison, and then blow-molding the parison to form the hollow body. Thus the front wall and preferably the back wall as well have an inner layer made of the first polymer in a structural deformable condition and an outer surfacing layer made of the second polymer. This co-extruded multilayer constructed bolster allows efficient manufacturing, structural, inflation and aesthetic characteristics. |
| US08388016B1 |
Stroller device for transporting lounge chairs
A stroller device comprising a frame having a first end and a second end; a handle telescopically received in a handle attachment component disposed on the first end of the frame; a wheel shaft telescopically received in a wheel attachment component disposed on the second end of the frame, wherein a wheel is disposed on the wheel shaft; optionally a prop leg attached to the frame via an attachment mechanism, the prop leg functions to help prop up the stroller device in an upright position; and a first securing strap disposed on the frame for helping to secure an item atop the frame. |
| US08388015B2 |
Folding wagon with seats
A folding wagon has a folding frame with a stowed and open position. The folding frame has a pair of front vertical supports, and a pair of rear vertical supports. A lower front horizontal support connects between the pair of front vertical supports, and a lower rear horizontal support connects between the pair of rear vertical supports. An upper front horizontal support connects between the pair of front vertical supports, and an upper rear horizontal support connects between the pair of rear vertical supports. The folding frame has supplemental links that form a frame for seats including a front seat bar extending between a pair of front seat vertical members and including a rear seat bar extending between a pair of rear seat vertical members. Sidewall members have a pair of horizontal supports pivotally connected to the front vertical supports and the rear vertical supports. |
| US08388013B2 |
Heel piece for an alpine ski attachment
A heel piece for an alpine ski attachment comprises a base element (1), fastenable to a ski (S), an upper element (2), coupled to the base element (1), and a pair of rotatable arms for hooking to a shaped portion exhibited in a rear part of an alpine ski boot. A pair of pins (32) borne by the arms (31) project from the upper element (2). An elastic element (4) maintains the pins (32) at a predetermined reciprocal distance. The elastic element is stressed by a separation of the pair of pins (32), determined by a lowering of the ski boot onto the ski and by insertion between the pins (32) of the shaped portion. The pins (32), following complete insertion of the shaped portion between the pins, lock against an upper part of the shaped portion to hook the ski boot. |
| US08388011B2 |
Sound maker for use on a bicycle
A sound generating apparatus includes a substantially U-shaped member having first and second panels, inner surface and outer surfaces. An arcuate section can be positioned on the inner surface of the U-shaped member for receiving and frictionally engaging a part of a bicycle fork. Two hollow ear sections can be positioned on the outer surface of the U-shaped member, each of the ear sections having an outer side and an inner side whereby exerting pressure on the outer sides of the ear sections widens an opening defined by the arcuate section to receive the bicycle fork part, and releasing the pressure on the ear sections allows the arcuate section to tighten around the bicycle fork part and frictionally engage the bicycle fork part. The arcuate section can define an arc of about 220 degrees. |
| US08388010B2 |
Manual wheelchair power assist
A power assist apparatus for powering a manual wheelchair may include one or more wheels, one or more motors that drives the one or more wheels, a remote operable to control the one or more motors, and a connector operable to attach to the manual wheelchair. The power assist apparatus may be quickly and easily attached to, and removed from a manual wheelchair. |
| US08388004B2 |
Personal transportation device
A personal transportation device comprises a riding platform supported by one or more wheels, a steering mechanism at least partially embedded in the riding platform and a drive wheel assembly. A first wheel may be steerable while a second wheel is a slave wheel. The steering mechanism may be foot-operated. The drive wheel may be hand-propelled and non-steerable. The drive wheel is operatively connected to a drive sprocket and chain and is coupled to the riding platform by a platform frame. The personal transportation device may comprise one or more track arm assemblies coupled to the drive wheel assembly such that movement of the track arm assemblies operates the drive wheel assembly and rotates a drive wheel to propel the vehicle. |
| US08388000B2 |
Control arm, and method of producing a control arm
A control arm for installation to an axle of a motor vehicle includes a base body made of sheet metal and having three bearing zones. The base body has two suspension arms to define a base body plane. One of the bearing zones includes two bearing receptacles, each having a receiving opening disposed in an opening plane. The opening plane of one of the receiving openings and the opening plane of the other one of the receiving openings are disposed in spaced-apart relationship and oriented in substantial perpendicular relationship to the base body plane. |
| US08387998B2 |
Steering mechanism for a sugarcane harvester
A steering mechanism for a sugarcane harvester having pivotable forward frame sections and a pivotal topper assembly for maneuverability. The steering mechanism includes arms extending from the respective frame sections and topper assembly. Steering links pivotally interconnect the arms in a way that the topper steering arm is sandwiched between a pair of links. An eccentric pivotal connection between the topper steering arm and the links is provided to accommodate the change in radius. Actuators connect to the links to provide movement of the steering arms. |
| US08387997B2 |
Steering arrangement for vehicles
In a steering arrangement for vehicles, in particular underground transport vehicles, including at least four steerable wheels (2), wherein, during cornering, a respective curve-inner wheel is turned more sharply than the respective curve-outer wheel, at least two wheels (2) located opposite each other in respect to the longitudinal center plane of the vehicle are coupled with each other via angle levers (21) and a tie rod (22) connected to the angle levers (21). Curve-inner or curve-outer wheels consecutively arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle are coupled to common pivotal movement via a gear. The angle levers (21), via a coupling rod (24), are each connected with a steering lever (13) each connected with a steerable wheel (2) via a steering rod (10). |
| US08387996B2 |
Vehicle including extendable auxiliary wheels
A vehicle including: a vehicle body for supporting an intended user, the vehicle body defining a body front end, a body rear end and a body longitudinal axis; a front wheel and a rear wheel, the front and rear wheels being rotatably mounted to the vehicle body respectively substantially adjacent the body front and rear ends so as to be rotatable respectively about a front wheel rotation axis and a rear wheel rotation axis orientable substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the body longitudinal axis; an auxiliary wheel mounted to the vehicle body so as to be rotatable about an auxiliary wheel rotation axis angled with respect to the front and rear wheel rotation axes; the auxiliary wheel being movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the vehicle body, wherein, when the vehicle is operatively supported on the ground surface by the front and rear wheels, the auxiliary wheel is closer to the ground surface in the extended position than in the retracted position. |
| US08387994B2 |
Surface seal as well as method for producing sealed joints with this surface seal
A surface seal for sealing a riveted and/or screwed joint between a first and a second component of an aircraft. The surface seal is arranged in the region of joining surfaces of the first and the second component. The surface seal is formed with a pressure-resistant plastic film that is provided with a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on both sides. The surface seal 1 may furthermore comprise elements for detecting cracks.A method for producing a riveted and/or screwed joint between a first and a second component of an aircraft is also provided, with the joint being sealed with the surface seal. |
| US08387990B2 |
Seal assembly
A seal assembly, includes a seal element including at least one seal lip, a wiper element including a wiper lip, and a structural element attached to the seal element and the wiper element, the seal assembly being configured for functioning under pressure in an amount greater than 500 pounds per square inch. |
| US08387989B2 |
Stacking block tower building game
A multi-player, multi-level stacking block game is formed from cubes of non-uniform size and is scored in such a fashion as to reward bold play but penalize the player that causes the stacked tower to fall down. The game includes 72 pieces which comprise six (6) sets of 12 pieces each. A player is selected to begin and rolls a die to determine which piece he or she plays. The piece is placed on a 3×3 grid having 9 squares. Players ultimately take turns placing a piece on the grid, and above it, until the tower either falls down or, if all 72 pieces are used, the player with the highest score wins. The playing pieces are uniquely structured so that at least one dimension of the subset of player pieces is not a multiple of another piece in that subset in order to enhance the instability factor of the game. The score that the player receives is an accumulation of the scores based upon piece location and how many levels a player piece occupies as well as if the player can occupy all 9 cubes on a particular level. |
| US08387976B2 |
Sheet conveyance apparatus and printing apparatus
A sheet conveyance apparatus includes: a guide unit for guiding the side end of the sheet; a first roller pair arranged on the downstream side of the guide unit for conveying the sheet, including a driven roller held in contact with a whole sheet in a sheet width direction; and a second roller pair having a conveyance roller arranged on the downstream side of the roller and adapted to convey the sheet, and a plurality of pinch rollers pinching the sheet in cooperation with the conveyance roller, wherein each of the plurality of pinch rollers applies to the sheet a conveyance force inclined toward a conveyance path side end, which is nearer to the pinch roller, and wherein the smaller the distance between the pinch roller and the conveyance path side end, the greater the inclination of the conveyance force thereof. |
| US08387974B2 |
Sheet stacking apparatus and image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus has a sheet stacking apparatus including a tray on which sheets are stacked, and an aligning member aligning the sheets stacked on the tray. The aligning member aligns sheets stacked, on a sheet previously stacked on the tray, with a displacement in an aligning direction of the aligning member with respect to the sheet previously stacked. An aligning operation of the aligning member is changed on the basis of whether or not the number of the sheets stacked on the sheets previously stacked is a predetermined number or less. |
| US08387969B2 |
Sheet feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet feeding apparatus includes a sheet stacking portion for stacking a sheet, a sheet feeding roller for feeding the sheet stacked on said sheet stacking portion, a supporting member, rotatably supported by a base member, for rotatably supporting said sheet feeding roller, and a spring stretched between the base member and an acting portion of the supporting member. The acting portion of the supporting member is located downward with respect to a rotation center of the supporting member when a sheet stacking amount is small, and the acting portion of the supporting member is located upward with respect to a rotation center of the supporting member when a sheet stacking amount is large. |
| US08387965B2 |
Stapler system for an image forming apparatus
A stapler system for an image forming apparatus according to one example embodiment includes a housing and a mounting device for mounting the housing to the image forming apparatus. A staple head is positioned within the housing for stapling media. A media sheet path is disposed within the housing for directing media received from the image forming apparatus to the staple head for stapling. When the housing is mounted on the image forming apparatus, a portion of the housing extends above an output bin of the image forming apparatus to permit delivery of stapled media from the housing to the output bin of the image forming apparatus. |
| US08387963B2 |
Clamp
A device is provided for use to securely clamp a medical mechanism to a person carrier, such as a lifter, stretcher, gurney, or the like, to facilitate providing medical treatment to a person during transport of the person to a medical facility, The device has an open condition released from the person carrier and a closed condition whereupon it clamps very securely to a rail of the person carrier; with the material of the person carrier facilitating securing to the person carrier the device as well as the medical mechanism to be secured to the person carrier. The medical mechanism may, by way of example, be a relatively heavy mechanism for providing infusate to the person or a relatively heavy control for the infusate providing device. No matter what it could be severely damaging to the person on the carrier, medical personnel and transport personnel if a relatively heavy mechanism loosened from the person carrier and moved uncontrolled around the transport. |
| US08387962B2 |
Portable board holding apparatus for martial arts
A board holding apparatus for martial arts which includes a body having handles, elongate attachment member anchor points and at least one pair of board support mountings. A pair of collapsible board supports are movably secured normal to the body at the board support mountings. |
| US08387960B2 |
Clamping sleeve
A clamping sleeve is of generally cylindrical shape with a hollow interior and comprises an upper crown, a lower crown, and a tubular sidewall. The upper crown is positioned at an upper end of the clamping sleeve. The lower crown is positioned at a lower end of the clamping sleeve. The tubular sidewall is positioned between the upper and lower crown and includes one or more corrugations that utilize spring like principles such that pressure applied to the external surface of the tubular sidewall circumferentially flexes the clamping sleeve in order to reduce the diameter of the clamping sleeve and apply a clamping force to an object within the clamping sleeve. The clamping sleeve may be utilized in a work support that includes a plunger positioned within the clamping sleeve, wherein a pressurized flowable medium provides pressure to the exterior of the tubular sidewall thereby causing the clamping sleeve to apply a clamping force to the plunger. |
| US08387954B2 |
System for the simultaneous introduction of two items into a conduit
A system (10) for simultaneously introducing a cable (11) and another item (21) into a conduit (12) includes a pushing machine (13) and an air blower (15) which introduces the cable (11) into the conduit (12). The conduit (12) is split near the pushing machine (13) so that the item (21) may be attached to the cable (11) by means of an attachment device (25) carried by a bullet head (23) at the leading end of the cable (11). A block (18) then connects the split ends (16, 17) of the conduit (12), and the cable (11) and other item (21) may then be moved together through the conduit (12) by the pushing machine (13) and air blower (15). |
| US08387952B2 |
Staple remover
A staple remover, with a staple removing blade, for removing a staple from a stack of sheets of paper. The staple remover prevents staple jams by providing a means for automatically discarding removed staples from the staple removing blade. The staple remover comprises a storage compartment and an elongate staple removing blade. The elongate staple removing blade comprises a longitudinally extending staple pulling surface and a laterally flared portion located at the apex of the staple pulling surface. The geometry of the elongate staple removing blade substantially resiliently deforms the legs of the staple, allowing the legs to spring back towards each other and project the staple into the storage compartment. |
| US08387946B2 |
Electromagnetic valve
An electromagnetic valve, which has a magnet armature chamber, a pressure medium chamber, a pressure medium inlet channel and a pressure medium outlet channel respectively connected to the pressure medium chamber, a valve seat, and a valve closure member that, upon bearing contact on the valve seat, blocks the connection between the pressure medium inlet channel and the pressure medium outlet channel, and a valve guide extending between the magnet armature chamber and the pressure medium chamber. A sealing ring made of a polymer, which surrounds the valve closure member and separates the magnet armature chamber from the pressure medium chamber, extends between the valve closure member and the valve guide. The geometric design of the sealing ring to the valve guide provides wear resistance for the sealing ring. |
| US08387945B2 |
Method and system for a magnetic actuator
The system contains a top permanent magnet and a bottom permanent magnet. The bottom magnet is axially aligned with the top magnet. The top magnet and the bottom magnet have substantially opposing magnetization. A top coil is positioned substantially enclosing the top magnet. A bottom coil is positioned substantially enclosing the bottom magnet. A ferromagnetic spacer is positioned between the top magnet and the bottom magnet. A slug is slidably positioned within the top coil and bottom coil. The slug has an opening formed therein. The slug opening is sized and positioned to slidably receive at least one of the top magnet, the bottom magnet, and the ferromagnetic spacer. An actuating member is integral with the slug. |
| US08387943B1 |
Pinch valve
A pinch valve for controlling fluid flow through flexible tubing is disclosed. The valve has a frame for accommodating flexible tubing and a tube-constricting arrangement, which arrangement includes a pair of arc sections on one side of the frame forming a throat or crimping channel transverse to the tube axis and a blade member extending correspondingly and transversely on the other side. An actuator reciprocally positions the blade member between an open and closed position. When the blade member is in the closed position, flexible tubing is crimped within the throat, preventing fluid flow therethrough. When the blade member is moved away from the tubing in an open position, the flexible tubing reverts to a relaxed condition and allows fluid flow therethrough. The pinch valve is utilizable with a bladder that provides a closed system and assists in throttling the flow of the fluid. |
| US08387940B2 |
Adjustable boat seats and accessories
Relocateable boat accessories, such as seats having a second extension that can be positioned through a second extension slot, and then pivoted to position a locking member through a finger slot. The locking member can have a tip that is positioned under a floor so secure the seat to the floor. The floor may have several second extension slots and several finger slots to accommodate various accessory or seat position possibilities. |
| US08387939B2 |
Mounting support with light
A mounting support for mounting an object, such as a light, flashlight or the like, to a mounting surface is disclosed. The support comprises a body to which may be coupled the object, at least two legs projecting from the body, the legs comprising opposed divergently arcuate inner surfaces each providing at least one abutment point for abutting the legs upon the mounting surface, and a fastener for maintaining the abutment. The object or light may be integrally, fixedly, pivotally or otherwise coupled to the body. |
| US08387936B2 |
Slide locking mechanism for seat
Disclosed is a slide locking mechanism for a seat, which comprises at least five locking pieces, a plurality of first latch portions and a plurality of second latch portions. An opening width of a hole of each of the first latch portions in a longitudinal direction of a lower rail is equal to a width of each of the locking pieces in the longitudinal direction, and an opening width of a hole of each of the second latch portions in the longitudinal direction is greater than the opening width of each of the holes of the first latch portions. The first latch portions and the second latch portions are alternately arranged along the longitudinal direction. |
| US08387934B2 |
Over-the-door game hanger system
An over-the-door game hanger system having a pair of first and second hooks capable of receiving a top edge of a standard door. An attachment plate is removably attached between the first and second hooks. A game support strap is operably secured to the attachment plate at one end and to a game panel at the other end. A balance block may be provided which is removable mounted proximate an upper edge of the game panel. The strap is disposed to extend from the game panel over the forward end of the balance block such that the strap extends at an angle therefrom toward the attachment plate proximate the top edge of said door thereby generating a moment and a force in a direction toward the door face such that the game panel hangs substantially vertically flush against the substantially vertical door face. In an alternative embodiment wherein the balance block is used, the game support strap may be supported or secured by any means proximate a top edge of a standard door. |
| US08387933B2 |
Cable management apparatus
A cable management member is mounted between two slide rail apparatuses. The cable management member includes an arm assembly and a support member. The arm assembly includes a rear arm, a front arm, and a connecting member pivotably connected to the rear arm and the front arm. First ends of the rear arm and the front arm opposite to the connecting member are correspondingly pivotably connected to a stationary rail and a movable rail of one of the slide rail apparatuses. Opposite ends of the support member are correspondingly connected to the two slide rail apparatuses, and slidable relative to the stationary rails of the corresponding slide rail apparatuses. The connecting member is slidably supported on the support member. The connecting member includes a first positioning button and a second positioning button to restrict the support member therebetween, thereby preventing the support member from disengaging from the connecting member. |
| US08387930B2 |
Display stand
Various embodiments are directed to stand for a display. One embodiment includes a base, a display, and a mounting arm that includes a first end connected to the base and a second end pivotally connected to the display. |
| US08387926B2 |
Clamping cam tube support
A support arrangement, operable to clamp a cam tube for a drum brake assembly in position relative to an adjacent vehicle component, includes a first jaw having a first pair of arms, each of which has an one opening in an inclined end section, a second jaw having a second pair of arms, each of which has an opening in an inclined end section, and a base associated with the vehicle component and having a third pair of arms. Each of the third pair of arms also has an opening in its end section. Bolts or other such fastener elements are receivable within aligned sets of openings in the first, second, and third pairs of arms, permitting displacement of the first and second jaws relative to the base upon adjustment of the fasteners so that the jaws grip the tube and clamp the tube in its proper position. A clamping process is also described. |
| US08387925B2 |
Track circuit
A track circuit for railway systems or the like includes a track segment of predetermined length electrically insulated from an adjacent track segment by an electric joint, which includes a conductor and forms two loops arranged in a longitudinal S-shape within the space between the rails. Units are provided that transmit and receive electric signals and that are operatively coupled with the electric joints. The transmitting/receiving units include a unit transmitting and receiving a high-frequency signal to detect a train on the a track segment, and a unit transmitting and receiving a low-frequency signal which provides the carrier encoded with information to be transmitted to a train-based receiving unit. Units are further provided that enable/disable the high-frequency signal transmitting/receiving units, and units that enable/disable the low-frequency signal transmitting/receiving units, which are alternately actuated. The electric joint includes an internal impedance disposed between the two loops. |
| US08387923B2 |
Method for increasing the lift of aerodynamic surfaces and for reducing the drag
A jet of air is impelled on to the upper surface of a flap in order to increase its lift. Part of the air in this air jet is drawn, through air intakes, from the air stream flowing over an upper surface of the fixed part of the wing, located upstream of the flap. The air jet drawn in by suction by the air intakes is reinforced by a jet of compressed air blown through a passage which opens immediately downstream of the air intakes. This creates a combined jet of the air sucked in and the blown jet, which is ejected on to the upper surface of the flap through outlet apertures located on the rear edge of the fixed part of the wing. |
| US08387919B2 |
Conveyor apparatus for an aircraft cargo hold
A conveyor apparatus for use in an aircraft cargo hold a plurality of direction-independent conveyor elements such as ball elements or similar, on which an item of freight such as a container can be transported in a transport plane linearly and with a change of direction. In order to improve the handling of items of freight, in particular to avoid damage, the apparatus comprises at least one brake element, for example in a door region of the cargo hold, in order to brake movement of the item of freight with a predetermined, finite braking force while it is being transported into the cargo hold or out of the cargo hold. |
| US08387918B2 |
Multi-directional support arm
A compartment for a transportation device is provided. The compartment may include a one-piece basin, an inflatable wall member, and multi-directional support arms to attach the basin within the transportation device. The one-piece basin may fit through an opening in the transportation device. Methods of installation for installing the compartment within the transportation device are also provided. |
| US08387915B2 |
Skid rail for aircrafts and its production method
A skid rail for aircrafts comprising (i) a base member comprising a long board fixed to a bottom surface of an aircraft fuselage, and bosses integrally projecting from an outer surface of the long board with longitudinal intervals, (ii) cores bonded to the long board between the bosses to form a rail-shaped, integral structure, and (iii) a skin covering the bosses and the cores, the base member and the skin being formed by a first fiber-reinforced plastic having fabrics of glass fibers and/or carbon fibers, and the cores being formed by a second fiber-reinforced plastic having fabrics of fibers having higher wear resistance than that of fibers in the first fiber-reinforced plastic. |
| US08387913B2 |
Compact aircraft wing folding systems and methods
An aircraft wing is equipped with asymmetric wing folding hinges to achieve a highly compact folded footprint. One or more of the hinges is advantageously placed at angle with respect to an aircraft centerplane such that the wing tips can fold over the centerplane without touching each other. Preferred aircraft have hinge angles that differ by several degrees such that one wing tip lies in front of the other in a folded configuration. Other asymmetries such as asymmetric hinge placement and asymmetric hinge seam length can be used concomitantly to enhance the compactness of the folded aircraft. Special application to wide span aircraft, high aspect ratio aircraft, and flying wing aircraft is contemplated. |
| US08387911B2 |
Ducted fan core for use with an unmanned aerial vehicle
A ducted fan core for an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided that accommodates a wide variety of payloads. The ducted fan core comprises a frame, attached to which are an engine, gearbox assembly, fan, and a plurality of control vanes. A first surface on the frame comprises a plurality of connects or electrical traces. The plurality of connects are used to removably attach a variety of pods carrying various payloads. Thus, a wide variety of payloads may be delivered using the same unmanned aerial vehicle, simply by removing and attaching different pods to a fixed vehicle core. These pods may be shaped so as to form part of the vehicle exterior, and when the pods are attached to the frame, they enhance the aerodynamics of the vehicle. |
| US08387910B2 |
Rotary seal
A rotary seal having first and second parts mobile relative to each other about a rotation axis. The first and second mobile parts each include an interface area having a plurality of protruding and recessed members with complementary shapes, the protruding and recessed members of one part engaging the protruding and recessed members of the other part in order to define decompression chambers with an increasing volume. The interface areas are located at a distance from each other without any friction between them. |
| US08387901B2 |
Jet for use in a jet mill micronizer
The current invention provides an improved jet nozzle suitable for use in a micronizing jet mill or retrofitting to an existing jet mill. The improved jet nozzle incorporates a coanda effect inducing element to enhance entrainment of particles to be ground within the vortex created by the micronizing jet mill. When the jet mill uses steam to generate the jet, use of the improved nozzle will reduce energy costs by increasing the efficiency of the jet mill. |
| US08387897B2 |
Vaporization water distribution plant
A vaporization water distribution assembly in particular for the feeding of gas turbines consisting of at least one feeding collector with nozzle-holder ramps (15) equipped with a series of nozzles (14), in which there are tighteners (18,24) both for the assembly and blockage of the nozzle-holder ramps (15) with respect to at least one collector and also of the nozzles (14) to the nozzle-holder ramps (15), both blockages being effected with the interposition of washers. |
| US08387893B2 |
Structure and method for constructing 2-ply upper board of dry heating system
A structure of a dry heating system, and a method for constructing the same are disclosed. An upper board stacked on a heat radiator has a double-layer structure comprising first upper board elements and second upper board elements in order to prevent steps from being formed at seaming portions formed on the upper portion of the dry heating system, thereby maintaining flatness of the upper board, and reducing any bending of the upper board, in which the first upper board elements constitute a lower portion of the double-layer structure, and serve to protect the heat radiator while supporting a weight load, and the second upper board elements constitute an upper portion of the double-layer structure, and serve to maintain the flatness of the upper board by removing the steps, thereby ensuring excellent quality in construction of the dry heating system. |
| US08387888B2 |
Reduced-ink barcodes
A reduced-ink barcode is disclosed in which the barcode has printed dot foreground and non-printed background element regions assembled into a detectable pattern on a document and is printed with each of the printed dot foreground element regions having less than a maximum printed dot density. |
| US08387886B2 |
Security document with electrically-controlled display element
The invention concerns a security document comprising a flexible carrier and a multi-layer flexible film body which is applied to the flexible carrier and which provides one or more optical security features. The flexible multi-layer film body has an electrically controller display element for generating an optical security feature with associated electrical current source for operation of the display element in combination with an optically active diffractive structure. |
| US08387881B2 |
Terminal with screen reading mode
An indicia reading terminal is disclosed that includes an illumination subsystem operative for projecting of an illumination pattern, an imaging subsystem, a housing, a memory, and a processor, in a variety of embodiments. The memory may be capable of storing a frame of image data from an image sensor array of the imaging subsystem. The indicia reading terminal may be operative to activate a screen reading mode in which the terminal, in response to activation of a trigger signal, activates an illuminated exposure and an unilluminated exposure. During the illuminated exposure, the illumination subsystem projects the illumination pattern while the imaging subsystem exposes an illuminated frame of image data for a first duration of time. During the second exposure period, the illumination subsystem refrains from projecting the illumination pattern while the imaging subsystem exposes an unilluminated frame of image data for a second duration of time, and the illumination subsystem projects the illumination pattern after the imaging subsystem exposes the unilluminated frame of image data and prior to the imaging system making a subsequent exposure. The processor is operative to attempt to decode a decodable indicia represented in at least one of the illuminated frame of image data or the unilluminated frame of image data. |
| US08387880B2 |
Imaging apparatus for reading information
A position Z of an image sensor is moved to an initial position A (image forming position) in a Z axis direction. An exposing operation is performed at a position A, and it is determined whether or not an exposing time counted by a timer has reached ta. If the exposing time has reached ta, an image sensor 27 is moved to a position B. The exposing operation is performed at the position, and it is determined whether or not a total exposing time has reached ta+tb. If the total exposing time t has reached ta+tb, the image sensor is moved to a position C, and the exposing operation is performed at the position. Thus, the output distribution of the image sensor can be assigned a desired low pass filter characteristic. |
| US08387879B2 |
Magnetic sensor for checking value document
The invention relates to a magnetic sensor for checking documents of value and an apparatus and a method, wherein there are used a magnetization device for magnetizing a document of value and the magnetic sensor for detecting magnetic signals of the document of value. The magnetic sensor has two sensor lines which have several magneto-sensitive elements with different main sensitivity directions which are oriented in particular perpendicular to each other. The first sensor line selectively detects first magnetic areas of the document of value of a first coercive field strength and the second sensor line selectively detects second magnetic areas of the document of value of a second coercive field strength. Since the differently coercive magnetic areas of the document of value are detected independently of each other, there can be ascertained reliably and independently of each other two magnetic codings from differently coercive magnetic areas, which are arranged on the same document of value. |
| US08387876B2 |
Activation system and method for activating an optical article
An equipment comprising a receptacle for receiving an optical article; a first set of electrical connectors configured to be in direct contact with a second set of electrical connectors disposed on the optical article, when the optical article is received by the receptacle; an activation device operably coupled with the first set of electrical connectors; wherein the activation device is configured to generate an activation signal which is transmitted to the second set of electrical connectors by the first set of electrical connectors, wherein an electrical device is configured to provide a power component to the optical article via the first set of electrical connectors and the second set of electrical connectors which are in direct contact. A system comprising the equipment is also provided. Also provided is a checkout device. |
| US08387873B2 |
System and method for mass transit merchant payment
Methods, systems and computer program products are provided for enabling payment of transit system fees using a financial transaction instrument. Entry is permitted onto a transit system by recognition of information included in an identification number stored on a financial transaction instrument. The identification number stored on the financial transaction instrument is associated with a transit system fee registered for each use of the transit system. A plurality of transit system fees associated with the same identification number from use of the financial transaction instrument is aggregated, and payment for the aggregated transit system fees is requested from a transaction account associated with the financial transaction instrument. |
| US08387872B2 |
Vending machine memory key and/or card reader
A memory key and/or card reader, which can be fitted to an outer casing of a vending machine, and has a memory key and/or card electronic read circuit, in turn having an internal electric connector connectable to an external electric connector of a communication cable. The reader also has a housing housing the electronic read circuit; and a cable-clamping device which has a click-on fastening mechanism for fixing the cable clamping device firmly, but in easily removable manner, to the housing to maintain connection between the external connector and the internal connector, and a semicylindrical portion for housing an end portion of the communication cable. |
| US08387871B2 |
Tamper resistant RFID tag circuit apparatus and method
A tamper pool RFID tag apparatus, system and method for keying the RFID tag in association with an object. An oscillator circuit configured on an RFID tag substrate enables the RFID tag to be keyed with respect to the object. One or more capacitors that are operatively connected in association with the RFID tag substrate via a substrate vias determine an oscillator frequency pulse when placed on the object. A comparator compares the oscillator frequency pulse with a predetermined pulse count stored in a latch/storing unit. The RFID tag circuit can accept the object in, for example, a vending machine, if the frequency pulse matches the predetermined pulse count in order to effectively handle object returns in a wide range of commercial applications. |
| US08387870B2 |
Methods and systems for fabricating a transaction card incorporating a memory
A secure card is described that includes a front surface, a back surface, a memory operably placed between the surfaces, the memory having an interface to an external device, a removable image transfer film having a releasable coating disbursed thereon, at least one digitally created image originally applied to the releasable coating in reverse image format, and an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is operable such that the at least one digitally created image is between the releasable coating and the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is applied adjacent one or more target surfaces associated with at least one of the surfaces, a selective release transfer process utilized such that the portions of the adhesive layer adjacent the at least one digitally created image remain on the surfaces when the image transfer film is removed from the card. |
| US08387869B2 |
Protecting electronic cards
A device, a system, and methods of securing an authentication device are disclosed. A security system includes an authentication device configured for transmitting a second signal to deactivate the authentication device, in response to receiving a first signal. The authentication device further includes a receiver, a transmitter, an activation device, and a power source, and wherein the second signal includes a unique identifier of the authentication device. The security system further includes an authentication device reader configured for receiving the second signal from the authentication device, extracting the unique identifier from the second signal, and transmitting the extracted unique identifier. The security system further includes an identification data management system configured for storing stored unique identifiers corresponding to authentication devices, storing validity status indicators corresponding to the stored unique identifiers, validating a transaction of the at least one authentication device in response to a combination of the corresponding stored unique identifier and the corresponding validity status indicator, receiving the extracted unique identifier from the authentication device reader, matching the extracted unique identifier with the plurality of stored unique identifiers, and deactivating the authentication device corresponding to the at least one matched stored unique identifier, wherein the deactivation is performed by modifying the corresponding validity status indicator, if a match is found between the extracted unique identifier and at least one stored unique identifier. Also disclosed are a device and methods for securing the authentication device. |
| US08387865B2 |
Banking system that operates responsive to data read from data bearing records
An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data bearing records. The automated banking machine includes a card reader that is operative to read data from user cards corresponding to a financial account. The automated banking machine further includes a sheet accepting device that is operative to receive at least one of notes and checks. A note acceptor includes at least one validator that includes at least one ultrasonic detector. The at least one validator is operative to identify suspect counterfeit notes produced by assembling pieces of genuine notes by identifying seams or other fastening features in the notes where such pieces are joined. The note validator may further include image sensors and/or radiation transmission sensors which are further usable to identify the presence of seams or other fastening features that can distinguish valid and suspect counterfeit notes. |
| US08387857B2 |
Outer sleeve for a double walled cup and a process for manufacturing same
An outer sleeve for a double-walled cup and a process for manufacturing the outer sleeve are described, in which a flat-lying blank made from a paper material is joined in a tube shape by means of the overlapping of two longitudinal edges of the blank, and in which the outer sleeve in this form is provided with an inwardly rolled curled part. The curled-in part is glued or sealed onto the inside of outer sleeve in the area of the overlap. |
| US08387856B1 |
Packaging box with hinged panel
A shipping box is disclosed having a rotatable panel associated with the lid. The rotatable panel allows the hinge of the shipping box to be displaced outwardly from the box. As a result, the shipping box can contain a display box that can be opened while in the shipping box, without increasing the size of the shipping box. |
| US08387854B2 |
Method for mounting a three-axis MEMS device with precise orientation
This invention uses surface tension to align a z-axis MEMS sensing device that is mounted onto a substrate or lead frame oriented in an xy-plane. According to the teachings of the present invention, the height of the z-axis sensing device is less than or substantially equal to its width (y-dimension) while the length of the device in the longitudinal direction (x-dimension) is greater than either of the y- or z-dimensions. As a result, instead of being thin and tall like a wall, which configuration is extremely difficult to align vertically, the elongate z-axis sensing device is mounted on a short z-axis, making it easier to align vertically. |
| US08387853B2 |
Method of restoring a metallic component
A component is repaired by removing a damaged region to form a cavity, in which layered repair inserts are installed. The profile of the cavity, and of the exposed surface of each repair insert is measured to serve as the basis for the contact surface of each subsequent repair insert. The repair inserts are fused to the wall of the cavity and to each other in a process in which heated locations of each repair insert are successively heated to minimize heat transfer within the repair inserts and in the underlying substrate material. The repair inserts may be made in a powder bed process from an alloy powder having the same composition as the material of the substrate. |
| US08387841B2 |
Collapsible rear mounted load carrier for a vehicle
A load carrier for a rear end of a vehicle includes a load supporting member, a mounting member including a hub connecting arm and a vehicle contacting portion, and a releasable pivot locking member. The hub connecting arm and the vehicle contacting portion are pivotally coupled to one another and the releasable pivot locking member, in a locked state, prevents pivoting movement of the hub connecting arm and the vehicle contacting portion such that the hub connecting arm and the vehicle contacting portion are disposed at an angle with respect to one another. In an unlocked state, the releasable pivot locking member allows pivoting movement of the vehicle contacting portion with respect to the hub connecting arm such that the vehicle contacting portion may be pivoted toward the hub connecting arm, e.g., as may be desired to collapse the load carrier for storage. |
| US08387840B1 |
Belt holder for a tool
Apparatus and method for a clip-like device for attaching the head of a hammer or like tool to the belt which is being worn about the waist of a user. Various embodiments are shown wherein the clip may be attached to the head of the hammer in various ways. |
| US08387839B2 |
Spare tire bike mount
A rack for mounting on a spare tire assembly of a vehicle includes a mounting plate engagable to a spare tire mounting bracket of the vehicle, and a mast connected to the mounting plate in a substantially vertical position. The rack also includes a shoulder member connected proximate a top end of the mast and mountable proximate the top end of the mast using a connector at more than one position along a horizontal axis relative to the mast. A hub assembly is connected to the shoulder member, and a pair of arms are connected to the hub assembly that are configured to carry one or more bikes. |
| US08387829B2 |
Nozzle assembly for a bar gun
A bar gun assembly for receiving a multiplicity of fluid carrying tubes carrying a multiplicity of fluids, for example, flavored syrup and soda water, therein. The bar gun assembly has a handle having a handle body. The handle body is a multiplicity of ports and fluid channels therein. A supply line connector assembly engages the supply lines and the handle body. A backing plate assembly engages openings in the fluid chambers of the handle body to seal fluid therein. A nozzle assembly engages at least some of the fluid channels in the handle and provides for mixing the syrup and the soda water. The nozzle assembly includes walls adapted to substantially coat an inner wall of a nozzle housing with a first fluid and a lower portion of the inner wall with a second fluid. |
| US08387828B2 |
Cooling or heating beverage display dispenser
A device for dispensing a beverage includes a main body. A first vertically-extending opening formed in the main body receives and displays a display bottle in an upright configuration. A second vertically-extending opening formed in the main body receives an inverted dispensing bottle. A dispensing tap spigot is in valved fluid communication with the inverted dispensing bottle. Opening the dispensing tap spigot enables liquid fluid within the inverted dispensing bottle to flow from the dispensing tap spigot under the influence of gravity and closing of the dispensing tap spigot terminates the flow. A thermoelectric temperature control member selectively generates cold or heat and is positioned in heat transfer relation to the inverted dispensing bottle. The main body is aesthetically designed to provide a connotation of coolness when a cooled beverage is to be dispensed and of heat when a heated beverage is to be dispensed. |
| US08387821B2 |
Food container
A food container includes a body and a lid. The body has a first containing space which has a first opening and a first rim on the edge of the first opening. The lid has a second rim coupled to the first rim. The first rim is extended to form a first horizontal section which is extended to form a first bent section. The first bent section further is extended to form a first latch section. The second rim is extended to form a second horizontal section, a second bent section and a second latch section. The first and second latch sections have respectively a first and second positioning portion. When the lid covers the body, the second horizontal section presses the second bent section in contact with the first bent section so that the first and second positioning portions are engaged, thereby to enhance coupling strength and sealing tightness. |
| US08387816B2 |
Dual use beverage cup
A stackable beverage cups and, in particular to a dual use stackable beverage cup that can be used both as a standard size cup and as a smaller shot size cup. |
| US08387813B2 |
“Fish crate” collapsible container for transporting fresh fish
The invention is a collapsible container for transporting fresh fish or the like, in particular ice-cooled goods or foodstuffs. This “fish crate” is essentially manufactured by means of plastic injection molding, i.e. by injection-molding the side walls and the base of the collapsible container using an injection-molding tool. In particular the four side walls are implemented to be double-walled, a closed air cushion being created by welding on a footing after the injection molding process. In the area of the slightly tray-shaped base, openings for the passage of liquid are provided; in particular, the melt water of the ice-cooled fresh fish is to be drained off to the outside. Besides these base openings, further additional openings which join the base and the side walls in a foldable manner may be provided in the area of the hinges. |
| US08387808B2 |
Garment hanger management device
A garment hanger management device provides convenient, secure, and organized storage for garment hangers, including garment hangers having various sizes of hook portions, such as for use in a retail clothing environment. The device includes locking mechanisms with movable pins or mounting members that support a retainer element in spaced arrangement relative to a hanger support rod on which the garment hangers are hung. The pins and retainer element are positionable between a fully open configuration and a fully closed configuration, or substantially any position in between the fully opened or closed configurations, and are lockable or fixable in a desired configuration by a locking tab that is capable of engaging the pins substantially anywhere within a region along the length of the pins. |
| US08387805B2 |
Pipeline pig storage rack apparatus
A pipeline pig support rack apparatus includes a frame having a plurality of supports mounted thereon, each extending upwardly from the frame. Each pipeline pig support includes clamps that are comprised of first and second u-shaped members that are attached with a hinge. A bolted connection opposite the hinge is provided for holding the u-shaped members together in a closed position when securing a pipeline pig. Lifting eyes on the frame are provided for enabling the frame, its pig supports and any contained pipeline pigs to be lifted as a unit. A basket receptacle optionally is provided that receives the frame. The frame and basket receptacle are each independently liftable. The basket receptacle prevents spillage of hazardous materials that might be residing upon the pigs after they have been used to clean a particular pipeline. |
| US08387803B2 |
Particle sorting
A particle sorting cell (10) comprises a cavity (12), an inlet (16) of a fluid flow (14) into the cavity, a first outlet (18) of a first part (22) of the fluid flow out from the cavity and a second outlet (20) of a second part (24) of the fluid flow out from the cavity. The second outlet is displaced from the first outlet in a first direction (Y) transverse to the flow direction (X). An acoustic generator (40) is arranged to apply an acoustic standing wave. The standing wave is transverse to the flow direction as well as to the first direction. A controller (42) is arranged to control a selective operation of the acoustic generator in dependence of an input data signal (44) associated with a particle (32) comprised in the fluid flow. The particle (32) can selectively be separated into the first outlet or the second outlet. |
| US08387797B1 |
Multi-wall package
A package comprising at least one paper layer, the paper layers being biodegradable, and a sheet of film adherent to one of said layers, said film sheet being leak-proof, and biodegradable. |
| US08387795B1 |
Combined beverage lid plug and bookmark
A combined beverage lid plug and bookmark is disclosed. The beverage lid plug and bookmark has an elongated bookmark section, a plug section configured to be received into an opening in a beverage container lid, and a flexible bookmark tab. The beverage lid plug and bookmark has a banner section for display of desired advertising. |
| US08387794B2 |
Container to hold gifts
A container to hold gifts or beverage bottles is described. The container provides a unique and customizable gift for a recipient of the container. The container includes two or more compartments. The compartments are configured to hold gifts or a beverage bottle. Two or more panels removably engage to the container to close the compartments. The panels include a first side and a second side. The first side of at least one of the panels includes a first message and the second side of the at least one panel includes a second message. The first message is visible when the panel is engaged to the container, and the second message is concealed when the panel is engaged to the container. |
| US08387786B2 |
Packaging for extemporaneous products, particularly medicinal, pharmaceutical, cosmetic products and the like
The packaging for extemporaneous products, particularly medicinal, pharmaceutical, cosmetic products and the like, comprises a container (2) of a first substance which extends into a neck (4), a mouth (5) defined at the top of neck turned towards the outside of the container, a receptacle (6) of a second substance which is at least partially housed in said neck and a tubular body (7) with its end turned towards the inside of the container closed by a bottom and the opposite open end and which features at least one window (10) defined in its side walls, the receptacle being fitted axially sliding in the neck between a containment configuration of the second substance, in which it is retracted in the neck, and a release configuration of the second substance, in which it is at least partially protracted beyond the end of the neck turned towards the inside of the container with the window at least partially uncovered. |
| US08387785B2 |
Two chambered baby bottle attachment for storing and dispensing infant formula
An infant formula storage and dispensing assembly that attaches to a baby bottle. The assembly is made up of two parts. The top half having external threads to accept a baby bottle ring with nipple and including slots that form a chamber to store infant formula to be mixed with water stored in the baby bottle. The bottom half having internal threads allowing it to be screwed onto a baby bottle including also slots that align with the top half and allow above mentioned sealing or dispensing action. The two halves fit together by the bottom half sliding into the top half and being attached by a center located bolt and nut. |
| US08387780B2 |
Cord and polymer jacket assembly having an adhesion enhancer in the polymer jacket material
An exemplary assembly includes at least one elongated tension member (32). A jacket covers at least some of the tension member (32). The jacket comprises a polymer material (68,64) including an adhesion enhancer (62) that facilitates adhesion between the tension member and the jacket. |
| US08387774B2 |
Apparatus for spacing boards
An apparatus for providing spaced boards is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a receiving section, a spacing section and a delivery section. The apparatus is characterized by the presence of overlapping providing means and conveying means, releasable stopping means and vertical pushing means which are operatively connected for releasing one board at a time. Repeated stopping and releasing of boards result in a continuous and regular flow of evenly spaced boards. |
| US08387770B2 |
Charging telescope for charging coke ovens
The invention relates to a charging telescope for charging coke ovens, having a vertically oriented inlet funnel and a telescope lower part which is suspended with hanging elements on a vertically adjustable lifting device. A tubular intermediate part is arranged between the inlet funnel and the telescope lower part, which intermediate part is suspended in a movable manner on hanging elements and surrounds the outlet cross section of the inlet funnel with enough free space to allow lateral compensating movements. The intermediate part has an annular flange which is sealed on an annular face of the inlet funnel. The telescope lower part also encloses the jacket of the tubular intermediate part. |
| US08387755B2 |
Lubrication system and method of control
A lubrication system is provided that includes a pump operatively connected to one or more supply lines for delivery of a lubricant, the system including a first pressure sensor associated with the supply line at a first position, and a second pressure sensor associated with the supply line at a second position downstream of the first position and pump, a controller configured to receive pressure signals and control operation of the pump based upon the pressure differential between the pressures at the first position and second position. The pressure differential may be employed to determine when a pressure at a third position downstream of the second position has been achieved. At least one of the pressure sensors may be positioned adjacent to the pump, the controller further being operable to deactivate the pump in the event that a maximum pump pressure has been met. |
| US08387754B2 |
Method and device for oiling the axial approaches of loose wheels disposed on a shaft
A method for oiling the axial stops (10) on components (6, 17, 18) fixed on a shaft (1), provided for loose wheels (2, 3) arranged on the shaft. According to the method, oiling of the axial stops (10) occurs by supplying oil through an axially extending bore or oil duct (5) of the shaft (1) and through grooves (11, 12) formed on the axial stop (10) with the grooves being in fluid flow connection with the oil duct (5). |
| US08387753B2 |
Ergonomic extendable/retractable ladder
An extendable/retractable ladder assembly includes a first column and a second column, the first column nesting in the second column, and a first rung coupled to, and extending from the second column. A ladder assembly bracket includes a collar portion, which extends about the second column, and a rung portion, which extends from the collar portion into the first rung. The collar portion may be gripped by a hand of an operator in order to position a thumb of the hand in engagement with a button to retract a locking pin of a latch assembly mounted within the rung portion of the bracket. |
| US08387747B2 |
Soundproof panel and soundproof structure
A soundproof panel comprising a nonwoven structural member and a board member is prepared. The nonwoven structural member comprises a thermal adhesive fiber under moisture which is melt-bonded to a fiber of the structural member to fix the fibers. The soundproof panel may be a soundproof panel 1 comprising a nonwoven structural member 2 and a honeycomb member 3 stacked thereto. Moreover, the soundproof panel may be a soundproof panel comprising a board-like nonwoven structural member and first and second surface members stacked to first and second sides of the board-like nonwoven structural member, respectively. Further, the soundproof panel may be a soundproof panel having first and second surface members stacked through a square-pole rail member comprising a nonwoven structural member. The soundproof panel of the present invention has toughness for the lightweight design and has excellent sound absorption and sound insulation properties. |
| US08387746B2 |
Systems and methods for the reduction of underwater acoustical noise
The inventive subject matter describes systems and methods for the implementation of an aquatic acoustical barrier, the aquatic acoustical barrier having a multiplicity of acoustical layers, the acoustical layers further having a multiplicity of acoustical leafs, such that when the acoustical barrier surrounds a noise source in the water there is an attenuation created by the noise source. |
| US08387743B2 |
Systems and methods for acoustically measuring bulk density
Formation density is calculated from acoustic logging measurements. This technique does not require a radioactive source and in fact it may offer better precision particularly in rugose boreholes. In at least some embodiments, the technique exploits an observed relationship between a transmission coefficient T(pb, Vc, pmVm) and a breakdown resistance μB(pb, Vc, Vs) to enable determination of the formation density pb from measurements of the formation's compressional wave velocity Vc, the formation's shear wave velocity Vs, and the borehole fluid's acoustic impedance pmVm. The desired measurements can be acquired by attaching or integrating a fluid cell with an acoustic logging tool that measures acoustic wave propagation velocities. Real-time density logs can be obtained from both wireline and logging-while-drilling implementations. |
| US08387742B2 |
Vehicular steering device
In a center-takeoff-type steering apparatus for a vehicle, radiant heat from a heat source such as an engine is shut off reliably. The bracket is fixed to a central portion of a rack bar for unitary movement, the rack bar moving in the lateral direction in accordance with a steering operation of a steering wheel. Ball joint mechanisms are assembled to the bracket. The ball joint mechanisms rotatably support the inboard ends of the tie rods, swing tie rods in accordance with the movement of the rack bar to thereby steer the left and right front wheels. The heat insulator is integrally formed to have an upper plate portion and a lower plate portion facing each other, and fixed to the bracket so as to cover the ball joint mechanisms. |
| US08387736B2 |
Fuel supply apparatus and motorcycle including same
A fuel supply apparatus is provided having an increased curvature of radius of a fuel pipe. The fuel supply apparatus is provided with a pressure regulator, disposed at a middle portion of a fuel supply pipe interconnecting a fuel pump and an injector, in which fuel is supplied to the pressure regulator from the fuel pump via the fuel pipe, and is then supplied from the pressure regulator to the injector via a fuel pipe and extra fuel is returned from the pressure regulator to a fuel tank via a return pipe. The pressure regulator is disposed in front of a storage box, the fuel pipe and the return pipe are disposed on opposite sides of the storage box, respectively, the pressure regulator is disposed in front of the storage box, and the fuel pipe and the return pipe are disposed in a substantially U-shaped configuration. |
| US08387735B2 |
Method and apparatus for remotely disabling vehicles
Method and apparatus for remotely disabling a vehicle using modulated microwave energy. The modulation characteristics are preferably tailored for different types of vehicles. This approach enables the use of a low power radiation source, which minimizes injury to people and property and which enables the use of portable devices, such as for use on law enforcement or military vehicles. |
| US08387733B2 |
Battery pack and vehicle
The battery pack of the present invention includes a bipolar secondary battery used as a power source of a vehicle, and a cooling passage allowing flow of a cooling medium. The cooling passage is integrated with a casing. The cooling passage includes an inlet passage provided along that one of a plurality of battery modules which is positioned at one end of the plurality of battery modules for introducing the cooling medium from an input port, an outlet passage provided along that one of the plurality of battery modules which is positioned at the other end of the plurality of battery modules for discharging the cooling medium from an outlet port, and a direction changing portion provided between the inlet passage and the outlet passage changing the flow direction of cooling medium coming from the inlet passage and passing the cooling medium to the outlet passage. According to the present invention, the cooling medium is discharged to the same side as the introducing side. Specifically, the direction of cooling medium flowing in the inlet passage is opposite to the direction of cooling medium flowing in the outlet passage. As the cooling medium is caused to flow in this manner (a so-called counter flow method), temperature distribution in bipolar secondary battery can be made uniform. |
| US08387731B2 |
Control apparatus and method for operating a combined hybrid drive and brake system
A combined hybrid drive and brake system for use with a rotatably driven mechanism includes a hybrid drive system that is adapted to decelerate a rotatably driven mechanism, accumulate the energy resulting from such deceleration, and use the accumulated energy to subsequently accelerate the rotatably driven mechanism. A brake system is adapted to decelerate the rotatably driven mechanism. A control apparatus is responsive to a request for braking torque for decelerating the rotatably driven mechanism by either (1) the hybrid drive system operating alone, (2) the brake system operating alone, or (3) both the hybrid drive system and the brake system operating in combination. |
| US08387727B2 |
Front drive assembly
A vehicle front drive assembly includes a housing supporting a plurality of belt driven pulleys, including an input pulley driven by an engine of the vehicle, a first driveshaft, a front PTO drive, and a second driveshaft. The first driveshaft can be connected directly between the engine and the input pulley. The front PTO drive has a housing rotatably supporting an input member, an auxiliary drive member and a PTO driveshaft, and enclosing a PTO transmission. A second driveshaft can be coupled between the engine and the auxiliary drive member. The first driveshaft is removable from the assembly when the second driveshaft and the front PTO drive are connected between the engine and the input pulley. The second driveshaft and the front PTO drive are removable from the assembly when the first driveshaft is connected between the engine and the input pulley. |
| US08387726B2 |
Legged mobile robot
A robot 1 is equipped with a leg 2 including a knee joint 16 connecting a thigh link 32 and a crus link 34. The knee joint 16 is equipped with a connecting rod 44, one end of which is connected so as to be freely rotatable with respect to an axis 40 of the crus link 34 and the other end of which is connected so as to be freely rotatable to an axis 42 of the thigh link 32, and a distance varying mechanism 50 which changes the distance between an axis 60 of the crus link 34 and an axis 56 of the thigh link 32 by a driving force of an electric motor 40. When a bending angle of the knee joint 16 is 0 degree, a sum of the distance between the axis 40 and axis 42 and the distance between the axis 60 and the axis 56, is smaller than the distance between the axis 40 and the axis 56. |
| US08387725B2 |
Percussion drilling assembly and hammer bit with gage and outer row reinforcement
A hammer bit for drilling a borehole in earthen formations comprises a bit body having a bit axis and a bit face. The bit face includes an inner region extending from the bit axis to about 50% of the bit radius and an outer region extending from the inner region to the outermost radius. In addition, the bit comprises a plurality of gage cutter elements mounted to the bit face in a circumferential gage row in the outer region. Further, the bit comprises a plurality of adjacent to gage cutter elements mounted to the bit face in a circumferential adjacent to gage row in the outer region. The cutting profile of at least one cutter element in each row in the outer region radially overlaps with the cutting profile of at least one other cutter element in a different row in rotated profile view. |
| US08387721B2 |
Orientation head
A core orientation head (12) comprises a substantially cylindrical body (28) having a first end (30) and an opposite end (34). A core face profile recording system (41) is carried by the body (28) to record a profile of the face of a core cut by a core drill in which the orientation head (12) is disposed. The system (41) comprises a plurality of pins (42) housed with an interference fit inside respective axially extending holes (38) provided in the body (28). A bearing scale (48) is marked on an outer circumferential surface 50 of the body (28). A cap (74) is demountably connectable to either of the ends (30) and (34). When connected to the end (30), the caps (74) protects the system (41). The caps (74) is also provided with a vernier scale (110) which, when the cap (74) is connected to the end (34), co-operates with the bearing scale (48) to facilitate marking of the core sample (46). |
| US08387720B1 |
Drilling rig with a control system for rotationally rocking a drill string with a top drive
A drilling rig for automatically executing rocking of a drill string with a moveable top drive using a control system having a processor and data storage connected to a torque pin sensor, a speed sensor; a remote control enabling a user to actuate automatic remote rocking, drilling, orienting and making up of a drill string using the top drive that provides simultaneous right hand and left hand torque applied to the drill string while simultaneously controlling speed of turning of the drill string. A drilling rig for orienting drill pipe, drilling with drill pipe and making up drill pipe into a drill string using the automated control system. |
| US08387719B2 |
Mechanical assembly for a power tool
A mechanical assembly for a power tool, and a power tool incorporating the mechanical assembly are provided. The mechanical assembly includes (i) a first member having a first axis and a first engagement portion inclined relative to the first axis, (ii) a second member having a second axis and a second engagement portion inclined relative to the second axis, wherein the first and second engagement portions engage each other by movement of the first and second members relative to each other in the direction of at least one of the axes; and wherein the first member is a ring gear and the second member is a central gear and the first and second engagement portions engage and disengage each other by movement of the second member within a space defined within the first member. |
| US08387712B2 |
Fire sprinkler with ball-type cutoff valve and tamper-resistant features
The present invention relates to a fire sprinkler head that once activated can be shut off via a built-in ball-type cutoff valve without requiring the flow of fire retardant in the feeding pipe to be cut off. |
| US08387711B2 |
Extended coverage ordinary hazard horizontal dry type sprinkler and system
A dry sidewall sprinkler and system and methods of installation provide extended coverage for ordinary hazard commodities. The preferred sprinkler and systems provide for sidewall ordinary hazard fire protection beneath a sloped or horizontal overhang extending from a structure by at least ten feet proximate to a garage or loading dock in accordance with applicable sections of NFPA-13 (2007). |
| US08387709B2 |
Method of expanding a tubular element in a wellbore
A method for radially expanding a tubular element in a wellbore formed in an earth formation comprises arranging the tubular element in the wellbore such that a lower end portion of the wall of the tubular element extends radially outward and in an axially reverse direction so as to define an expanded tubular section extending around a remaining tubular section of the tubular element, and axially extending the expanded tubular section by moving the remaining tubular section a selected distance downward relative to the expanded tubular section so that said lower end portion of the wall bends radially outward and in an axially reverse direction. The remaining tubular section is axially extended at an upper end thereof with an extended tubular portion of a length at least equal to said distance of downward movement of the remaining tubular section. |
| US08387708B2 |
Packoff with internal lockdown mechanism
A packoff is located within a wellhead housing and a casing hanger. The packoff has an internal ratchet ring that engages a threaded profile on the exterior of the casing hanger thereby allowing installation of the packoff to be achieved by simply stabbing the packoff over the protruding neck of the casing hanger. This ratchet ring significantly reduces the rotation required during installation, decreasing potential for damage to seals. The casing hanger has an external lock ring that is inwardly biased. During installation of the packoff, the packoff acts to activate the lock ring to thereby force it outward. The lock ring is forced outward and into a recess formed in the interior of the wellhead housing. The lock ring and the ratchet ring locks the packoff and casing hanger into place with the wellhead housing without the need of external lockdown screws, thereby minimizing leak paths. |
| US08387707B2 |
Bellows type adjustable casing
A tieback connection between an offshore production platform and a wellhead on the sea floor has a riser and a tubular expandable and contractable member within the riser. The expandable and contractable member compensates for axial movement within the riser while maintaining axial tension in the riser. The expandable and contractable member is of uni-body construction having a wall configured to correspondingly expand and contract to compensate for the riser movement. In cross section, the member wall comprises folds formable by alternating slots formed into the inner and outer wall surface or an undulating surface. |
| US08387705B2 |
Systems and methods for running casing into wells drilled with dual-gradient mud systems
Systems and methods for running and cementing casing into wells drilled with dual-gradient mud systems include running casing through a subsea wellhead connected to a marine riser, the casing having an auto-fill float collar, and connecting a landing string to the last casing run. The landing string includes a surface-controlled valve (SCV) and a surface-controlled ported circulating sub (PCS). The SCV and PCS are manipulated as needed when running casing, washing it down while preventing u-tubing on connections and prior to cementing to displace mixed density mud from the landing string and replace it with heavy-density mud prior to circulating below the mudline thus maintaining the dual gradient effect. |
| US08387703B2 |
Tube buoyancy can system
A tube buoyancy can system for tensioning a top tension riser. In some embodiments, the system includes a tubular can coupled to the top tension riser and a pressurized gas system configured to selectably inject pressurized gas into the tubular can. The tubular can includes an enclosed upper end having at least one closeable opening therethough, an open lower end configured to allow seawater to flow freely into and out of the tubular can, and an inner surface extending therebetween. The inner surface is devoid of structural obstructions which substantially inhibit the free flow of seawater through the lower end. When the opening is open, the tubular can is ballasted by seawater. When the opening is closed and pressurized gas is injected into the tubular can, the tubular can is de-ballasted of seawater. |
| US08387702B2 |
Multicoupler
A multicoupler, particularly for gas or oil production, comprises at least one male and one female part. Said parts comprise a plurality of fluid coupling members which can be assigned to one another and which are in engagement with one another when male part and female part are in the coupling position. One of the parts comprises a connecting means including a spindle, which connecting means in the coupling position is in engagement with a mating connecting means on the other part.To improve a multicoupler of this type such that with a simplified constructional configuration and without destruction of parts of the multicoupler a coupling position can also be reliably maintained upon further rotation of the spindle, the connecting means comprises a threaded section rotatable by said spindle and the mating connecting means comprises a mating threaded section and a free-rotating chamber, the threaded section being helically movable along the mating threaded section up into the free-rotating chamber while occupying the coupling position. |
| US08387696B2 |
Delayed breaker
A process that includes pumping a first wellbore fluid comprising an oxidative degradable polymer into a wellbore through a subterranean formation; pumping a second wellbore fluid comprising a pH-activated oxidative breaker into the wellbore; pumping a third wellbore fluid comprising a delayed acid source into the wellbore; and allowing the delayed acid source to acidify at least a portion of the wellbore to a pH of less than 7 so as to activate the pH-activated oxidative breaker at the lower pH and degrade the oxidative degradable polymers is disclosed. |
| US08387695B1 |
Compositions and processes for downhole cementing operations
The present invention relates to methods of cementing, for example, an oil or gas well. The method may involve pumping a suspension of a filler mixture and at least about 5 weight percent of a thermosetting resin based on the total weight of resin and filler mixture. Advantages may include superior properties and reliability as compared to conventional cementing operations often involving Portland cement. |
| US08387693B2 |
Systems and methods for using a passageway through subterranean strata
Systems and methods usable to urge a passageway through subterranean strata, place protective lining conduit strings between the subterranean strata and the wall of said passageway without removing the urging apparatus from said passageway, and target deeper subterranean strata formations than is normally the practice for placement of said protective lining conduit strings by providing apparatuses for reducing the particle size of rock debris to generate lost circulation material to inhibit the initiation or propagation of subterranean strata fractures. |
| US08387692B2 |
Method and apparatus for a downhole gas generator
A downhole steam generation apparatus and method of use are provided. The apparatus may include an injection section, a combustion section, and an evaporation section. The injection section may include a housing, injector elements, and injector plate. The combustion section may include a liner having channels disposed therethrough. The evaporation section may include conduits in fluid communication with the channels and the combustion chamber, and a nozzle operable to inject a fluid from the channels to the combustion chamber in droplet form. A method of use may include supplying fuel, oxidant, and fluid to the apparatus; combusting fuel and oxidant in a chamber while flowing the fluid through a plurality of channels disposed through a liner, thereby heating the fluid and cooling the liner; and injecting droplets of the heated fluid into the chamber and evaporating the droplets by combustion of the fuel and the oxidant to produce steam. |
| US08387687B2 |
Method and apparatus for cooling electronic enclosures
An enclosure containing heat-producing equipment includes an air inlet for admitting air from an environment containing the enclosure. The equipment is situated relative to the air inlet such that the air absorbs heat from the equipment, increasing the temperature of the air. An air-to-liquid heat exchanger is mounted on an outside surface of the enclosure adjacent to an air outlet. The heat exchanger is connectable to an external cooling source such that heat from the heated air exiting the enclosure absorbed by the heat exchanger is expelled outside the environment containing the enclosure. |
| US08387682B2 |
Twin roll continuous caster
In a twin roll continuous caster, the contour of the strip cast is controlled during casting by regulating the temperature of temperature-regulating medium circulated through temperature-regulating passages in the casting rolls spaced inward of cooling passages in the circumferential portion adjacent the casting surfaces. The temperature-regulating passages may be positioned in the circumferential portion or in the inner portion of the casting rolls, or both. |
| US08387681B2 |
Strand guiding apparatus for continuous casting equipment
A strand guiding apparatus includes a plurality of pairs of rollers arranged along a moving direction of a strand, a plurality of drive motors for generating driving forces to drive the pairs of rollers, a plurality of worm reducers for transmitting the driving forces of the drive motors to the pairs of rollers while reducing the rotational speed of the drive motors, each worm reducer having a worm extending in a direction orthogonal to an axis of the corresponding roller, and operable to transmit a load occurring at the roller to the corresponding drive motor, and a control unit for controlling the respective rotational speeds of the rollers and/or the respective driving forces of the drive motors based on the load to the drive motors. The reliable control for drive rollers can be attained to have a proper rotational speed without causing a reduction in surface quality and chatter in a strand guiding apparatus for continuous casting equipment using worm reducers. |
| US08387680B2 |
Position-controlled or pressure-controlled device for the hydraulic positioning of components
A device for the hydraulic positioning of structural component parts, in particular rollers of strand guide segments of a continuous casting installation, with hydraulic cylinders, each of which is divided into a cylinder space and an annular cylinder space by a piston having a piston rod. The cylinder spaces can be connected to a pressure source by of control members. Hydraulic connection lines are reduced or components used are reduced. Either the annular cylinder space is acted upon by a pressure which is adjustable but which then remains constant, while the pressure applied to the piston in the cylinder space is position-controlled or pressure-controlled, or the cylinder space is acted upon by a pressure which is adjustable but which then remains constant, while the pressure applied to the piston in the annular cylinder space is position-controlled or pressure-controlled. |
| US08387675B1 |
Tire changing machine with automated tire bead pressing devices, controls and methods
Tire changing machines with automated positioning and control of bead pressing devices are described to maintain a tire bead in a desired location on the wheel rim during tire mount and de-mount procedures utilizing a tire bead locating tool. Sequenced motion of the bead pressing devices are also described that ensure optimal tire change operations. Methodology is also disclosed. |
| US08387674B2 |
Chip on wafer bonder
The present disclosure provides a bonding apparatus. The bonding apparatus includes a cleaning module designed for cleaning chips; and a chip-to-wafer bonding chamber configured to receive the chips from the cleaning module and designed for bonding the chips to a wafer. |
| US08387672B2 |
Pneumatic tire with built-in sealant layer composite
The present invention is directed to a pneumatic tire with a built-in sealant layer composite where the composite is composed of polyurethane with a thin layer of at least one of particulate filler, short fibers and non-woven microfiber. In one embodiment, said polyurethane sealant composite is comprised of a plurality of circumferentially extending layers comprised of a first polyurethane sealant layer, a second polyurethane sealant layer and a thin layer of polyurethane sealant-containing non-woven microfiber positioned between said first and second polyurethane layers. In another embodiment, said polyurethane sealant is a composite comprised of a polyurethane sealant layer containing a thin layer of at least one of particulate filler and short fibers. |
| US08387671B2 |
Purge valve for mounted assembly
A purge valve for a mounted assembly for a vehicle consisting of a wheel comprising a rim and of a tire, the valve comprising a body associated with the rim and a piston able to move with respect to the body between a closed position and a purge position and the valve being normally closed. The opening of the valve is obtained by the moving of the piston into the space radially external to the rim, the opening being obtained by action of a control force on the piston, exerted from the space radially internal to the rim, and provided by compressed air led from the space radially internal to the rim to the radially interior surface of the piston and the compressed air led from the space radially internal to the rim to the radially interior surface of the piston being at a pressure lower than or equal to that of the mounted assembly. |
| US08387669B2 |
Golf club head covers and related methods
Embodiments of golf club head covers are described herein. Other embodiments and related examples comprising magnetic elements are also described herein. |
| US08387667B2 |
Yarn tuft holder
A yarn tuft holder (11) for holding yarn tufts received from one or more yarn tuft inserting devices (2) prior to removal by grippers (13) of a carpet manufacturing machine, comprising a resiliently deformable comb portion (17) for receiving and holding yarn tufts and a rigid comb portion (16) disposed adjacent the resiliently deformable comb portion and for guiding grippers configured to remove yarn tufts held by the resiliently deformable comb portion. Also, a loom for making carpet, comprising one or more of the yarn tuft holders, and a method for making carpet using the loom. |
| US08387664B2 |
Vehicle mountable arm for valve operating machine
A valve operating device includes a mounting for attachment to a vehicle and an elongate arm, the free end of which is only moveable across the underlying ground. The joints of the arm pivot around vertical axes and the arm is locked into a desired orientation by a brake at each joint. A valve turning machine is at the free end of the arm. The brakes are engaged and released by a control on the valve turning machine. |
| US08387660B2 |
Split flow valve arrangement
A split flow valve arrangement comprising a first valve portion having an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet; and a second valve portion having a first inlet coupled to the first outlet, a second inlet coupled to the second outlet, a main outlet and a secondary outlet. The inlet is selectively coupled to none, one or both of the first and second outlets; the first inlet is selectively coupled to the main outlet and the second inlet is selectively coupled to the secondary outlet. The first and second valve portions are constrained to move in synchronicity to therefore selectively direct fluid to flow from the inlet to none, one or both of the main and secondary outlets. |
| US08387652B2 |
Water saver fill valve and assembly
An improved fill valve has a pivot valve body that is pivotally suspended immediately below a float housing and is movable between two positions. In a first position, the pivot valve body blocks the flow of water from the float housing. In a second position, the pivot body allows the flow of water from the float housing. The pivot valve body has two top compartments, each separated from the other by a wall. The first compartment retains an amount of water in it. The second compartment functions as a water flow restriction apparatus and includes an upwardly-extending member for sealing off a check valve that is disposed within the bottom of the float housing. The fill valve also includes a pressure compensating drip emitter that allows water to trickle into the float housing at a very slow rate. |
| US08387650B1 |
Auto decompression valve
An auto compression valve, comprising a rear housing with an air release hole; a front housing screwed with the rear housing; a taper piston moveably mounted in the rear housing; a spring mounted in the front housing, wherein one end of the spring is placed in the cavity of the front housing, another end is sleeved on the cylinder end of the taper piton; a lock ring with an air release groove fixed between the rear and front housings. Air release is realized through the air release hole and the air release groove, thus all parts of the valve can be assembled more tightly to prevent coming loose, maintaining the necessary pressure for inflating tires and controlling the air leaking flow in deflation. |
| US08387649B2 |
Tank condensation drain
A drain for a pressure vessel includes a valve, a knob, a tube, a passageway, and a drain cup. The valve is coupled between an interior surface and an exterior surface of a tank. The knob is coupled to the valve for opening and closing the valve. The tube has a top end and a bottom end and is coupled to the valve at an interior surface of the tank at the top end and extends into a bottom of the tank at the bottom end. The passageway extends through the valve and has an opening coupled to the tube at a first end and an exit at a second end. The passageway is openable and closeable by the knob. The drain cup is associated with the exit of the passageway and is positioned on an exterior surface of the tank for collecting condensation from the interior of the tank. The valve is positioned at a height that is vertically higher than the bottom end of the tube. |
| US08387642B2 |
Door for fabric enclosure
In a fabric enclosure such as a tent wall there is provided an opening in the fabric panel with a fabric closure panel for closing the opening having a hinge line along one side connecting the closure panel to the wall panel. The opening and the closure panel each define an edge thereof opposite to the hinge line which is curved from an end at the hinge line around to an opposite end separated from the hinge line by a non-flexible rod with the edge of the closure panel overlapping the edge of the opening for closure thereon and a flexible bowing strip attached to the edge of the closure panel which is forced into a bowed shape to apply tension to the closure panel tending to maintain the panel flat. |
| US08387641B1 |
Motor operated wheelchair umbrella
An electrically-operated personal canopy apparatus is configured for attachment to the back of a wheelchair to provide rain protection for a user. The movements of various mechanical elements of the apparatus are controlled so that a single user input causes a free end of a spine to extend from a storage container to a position above the user and a fan-fold canopy to then open. |
| US08387636B2 |
Device for cleaning substrates on a carrier
An apparatus for cleaning substrates on a carrier, which has in the interior thereof a plurality of longitudinal passages, which run parallel to one another and are connected to the outside at the underside of the carrier via openings. There is provided a plurality of elongated pipes, which are arranged on a pipe holder and are connected in a fluid-conducting manner to a fluid supply. A centering template is provided, which encompasses the pipes and is displaceable in the longitudinal direction thereof between an attachment position in the end region of the pipes away from the pipe holder and a working position, which lies between the attachment position and the pipe holder. The centering template bears against the carrier, such that the pipes are then aligned exactly with the longitudinal passages. |
| US08387635B2 |
Barrier structure and nozzle device for use in tools used to process microelectronic workpieces with one or more treatment fluids
The present invention provides a tool for treating microelectronic workpieces with one or more treatment materials, including liquids, gases, fluidized solids, dispersions, combinations of these, and the like. |
| US08387631B1 |
HDA vacuum cleaning machine for manufacturing of HDD
A machine for cleaning a head-disk assembly (HDA) of a hard disk drive (HDD) includes a nest that seals the HDA between an upper and lower portion during cleaning. An inlet port receives a gas and an exhaust port exhausts the gas and entrained particles. A shock drive delivers mechanical shocks to the nest and the HDA while the gas is flowing through the HDA. A blower may circulate the gas from the exhaust port to the inlet port. A filter may be coupled to the inlet port. The HDA nest may be movable along an axis of the mechanical shocks delivered by the shock drive. A blow tube may deliver gas to a screw hole and a coaxial vacuum tube may rest against a surface around the screw hole to encapsulate the blow tube during cleaning and remove the gas and particles from the screw hole. |
| US08387630B2 |
Protective film removing device, mixed chemical solution recovering method and program storage medium
The present invention improves recover percentage at which a mixed chemical solution discharged from a protective film removing device.The protective film removing device includes: a recovery line communicating with an atmosphere surrounding a substrate to recover a mixed chemical solution, an intermediate tank connected to the outlet end of the recovery line, a volatilization preventing liquid supply means for supplying a volatilization preventing liquid having a specific gravity smaller than that of the mixed chemical solution into the intermediate tank in advance, a transfer line having an inlet end connected to the intermediate tank and provided with a valve, a recovery tank connected to an outlet end of the transfer line, a liquid quantity monitoring means for monitoring a quantity of a liquid contained in the intermediate tank, and a control means for opening the valve of the transfer line to transfer the liquid contained in the intermediate tank to the recovery tank when it is decided that the quantity of the liquid contained in the intermediate tank reached a predetermined quantity on the basis of a signal provided by the liquid quantity monitoring means. |
| US08387624B1 |
Hookah suspension assembly
An apparatus includes a hookah having a bottom surface, hookah hose and a hookah bowl; a hookah suspension assembly for containing and suspending the hookah from an elevated structure; a hookah support structure on which a bottom surface of the hookah can rest; a number of flexible support members each engaging the support structure; a guide ring; the support members extending upwardly from the support structure to and engaging the guide ring preventing the guide ring from sliding down the support members below a predetermined point and forming a circumferential series of the support members, the support members extending further upwardly from the guide ring and converging above the guide ring for engaging a suspension member secured to an elevated structure; so that the hookah and the hookah suspension assembly is elevated and suspended and the hookah is accessible for use and so that the hookah bowl is accessible between the support lines. |
| US08387618B2 |
Oxygen emergency supply device
An oxygen emergency supply device for an aircraft includes an oxygen pressure vessel, which is in fluid connection with at least one oxygen mask. Means for closing and opening the oxygen pressure vessel, means for pressure reduction, a pressure regulation device, and a flow throttle are provided in the conduit connection between the oxygen pressure vessel and the oxygen mask. The oxygen emergency supply device further includes a control device. A controllable shut-off valve forms the means for closing and opening the oxygen pressure vessel, the means for pressure reduction and a part of the pressure regulation device. |
| US08387616B2 |
Ergonomic and adjustable respiratory mask assembly with elbow assembly
A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having a front surface and a rear surface adapted in use to face the patient. The frame includes a main body providing an aperture therethrough for the introduction of breathable gas into a nasal breathing cavity. An elbow assembly is swivelably coupled to the front surface of the frame. The elbow assembly includes a swivel elbow that defines an intake port and an exhaust port separated from the intake port using a baffle. The elbow assembly includes an end portion that interfaces with the aperture of the frame. |
| US08387611B2 |
Barbecue grill with sear section
Various embodiments of a gas valve and a sear-zone gas burner are described and claimed herein. One embodiment described herein relates to a cooking chamber with a cooking surface, which has at least two portions including a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions of the cooking surface each have at least one heat source disposed underneath. The at least one heat source for each cooking surface in turn has a highest setting such that a first maximum heat output is provided to the first portion of the cooking surface when set at the highest setting and a second maximum heat output is provided to the second portion of the cooking surface when set at highest setting, wherein the second maximum heat output provided to the second portion is greater than the first maximum heat output provided to the first portion of the cooking surface. |
| US08387606B1 |
Air rifle pellet loader
A hand-held device for storing and loading pellets in an air rifle includes a pair of sawtooth members, a second member overlying the first. The second sawtooth member is mounted for axial movement in a U-shaped housing, while the first sawtooth member is mounted for vertical movement in the housing, with a pair of springs biasing it into engagement with the second member. A cam plate pushes the first member downwardly to accommodate the movement of pellets from a first storage chamber to a second chamber positioned seriatim. A loader extends from the back of the loader to the front, ejecting a pellet into the firing chamber of an air rifle and flaring the skirt to make the exit velocity consistent for improved marksmanship. |
| US08387604B1 |
Compound bow
A compound bow, recurve bow, long bow, or crossbow with two idler pulleys that allow for a faster decrease in bowstring angle in relation to the arrow thereby increasing the amount of stored energy during the draw stroke and decreasing the distance required to reach peak draw weight. The two idler pulleys also allow the force draw curve to be designed around the human body kinematic strengths as opposed to the limitations of the bow geometry. |
| US08387601B1 |
Disk launching apparatus and method
A disk launching apparatus that employs a handle connected to a flexible shaft that is connected to a launching head. The head includes a first arcuate portion and a second arcuate portion arranged in a semi-circular configuration to define a space in which a disk is retained in contact with the first and second arcuate members. At least one securing point is located on the first arcuate member and a plurality of securing points located on the second arcuate member. An elastic band is attached between the first securing point on the first arcuate member and one of the plurality of securing points located on the second arcuate member, thereby crossing a disk held within the launching head. |
| US08387599B2 |
Methods and systems for reducing the formation of oxides of nitrogen during combustion in engines
The present disclosure is directed to various embodiments of systems and methods for reducing the production of harmful emissions in combustion engines. One method includes correlating combustion chamber temperature to acceleration of a power train component, such as a crankshaft. Once the relationship between acceleration/deceleration of the component and combustion temperature are known, an engine control module can be configured to adjust combustion parameters to reduce combustion temperature when acceleration data indicates peak combustion temperature is approaching a harmful level, such as a level conducive to the formation of undesirable oxides of nitrogen. Various embodiments of the methods and systems disclosed herein can employ injectors with integrated igniters providing efficient injection, ignition, and complete combustion of various types of fuels. |
| US08387588B2 |
Control apparatus and control method for direct injection spark ignition internal combustion engine
An ECU controls an internal combustion engine that creates a tumble flow in each engine cylinder and intensifies the tumble flow using fuel injected at a timing near the intake stroke bottom dead center during homogeneous combustion. The ECU includes a fuel property identifying mechanism identifying the property of fuel and combustion state changing mechanism changing the combustion state. When the fuel has a property that requires a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio lower than the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio for gasoline, the combustion state changing mechanism changes the combustion state by, for example, retarding the ignition timing, so that the combustion progresses moderately. This prevents an excessive increase in the combustion speed. |
| US08387586B2 |
Fuel injection control apparatus of internal combustion engine
In one embodiment, a determination is made of whether or not in a condition in which a compressed gas temperature will reach a fuel self-ignition temperature by only a compression operation in the compression stroke, and in a case where the compressed gas temperature will reach the fuel self-ignition temperature, pilot injection is judged to be unnecessary, so this pilot injection is prohibited. |
| US08387585B2 |
Piston of an internal combustion engine with an increased inclination of the box walls of the piston
A piston of an internal combustion engine has a piston crown with annular grooves and a shaft part disposed on the piston crown. The shaft part has bearing shaft wall sections which are connected to one another via inclined connecting walls which are retracted with respect to the outer diameter of the piston. Piston-pin bosses for accommodating a piston pin are disposed in connecting walls. The connecting walls are retracted at such an angle that, in progressing from the lower edge over an intermediate region which lies further back than the lower edge, into an end region which lies further back than the intermediate region the connecting walls to over flush into a hub supporting region below the piston crown. |
| US08387581B2 |
Assembly and method for controlling an air intake runner
A subassembly for a valve device for controlling air flow in an intake manifold. The subassembly includes a cartridge including a plurality of compartments having partially open opposing sidewalls, wherein adjacent partially open side walls of adjacent compartments are spaced apart a distance to define a groove therebetween, a plurality of partitions each having a through-hole therein and being disposed in the grooves defined between adjacent partially open side walls of the adjacent compartments. The partitions complete the formation of the opposing side walls of the adjacent compartments and each compartment is alignable with an air intake runner of an intake manifold. |
| US08387579B2 |
Valve drive train arrangement
In a valve drive train arrangement for an internal combustion engine having a camshaft with a cam element axially displaceable supported on the camshaft and having a stop for limiting the axial movement of the cam element, the stop has at least one stop element extending radially from the camshaft for engagement with the cam element. |
| US08387577B2 |
Phase changing device for automobile engine
A phase changing device for automobile engine, the device comprising curved first guide grooves formed in the control rotor, each groove skewed with respect to a circumference of a circle centered at the rotational axis; oblique guide grooves each groove formed in the middle rotor and extending at an angle with respect to a radius crossing the groove; second guide grooves formed in the drive rotor and skewed with respect to the circumference of a circle centered at the rotational axis, block sections each extending along, and movable in, the respective first guide; first slide members each protruding from the respective block section for engagement with, and for movement in, the respective skewed guide groove; and phase varying members each having a second slide member that extends through an escape groove formed in the middle rotor and engages the respective second guide groove to move in the second guide groove. |
| US08387574B2 |
Venting mechanism to enhance warming of a variable cam timing mechanism
The present invention increases cold temperature oil flow through the variable cam timing (VCT) phaser to reduce the amount of time it takes to replace this oil with warmer low viscosity oil and thereby improve performance. Furthermore the oil flow through the VCT phaser is reduced once the oil temperature reaches the minimum operating temperature for the VCT phaser to operate and the VCT phaser is commanded to move from the park position. Therefore, the VCT phaser is charged with hot engine oil and is commanded to move from the parked position. The VCT phaser reduces oil flow through the phaser at high oil temperatures and low oil viscosity while adding the benefit of increased oil flow through the phaser at low oil temperatures and high oil viscosity to facilitate getting warmer oil into the VCT phaser sooner for increased VCT performance. |
| US08387571B2 |
Oil delivery system
Systems and methods for delivering oil to an engine are provided herein. According to one embodiment, the oil delivery system includes an oil supply, a feeder passage fluidically coupled to the oil supply and a cylinder head, the feeder passage coupled to a pump and a filter positioned downstream from the pump. The oil delivery system further includes a squirter passage in fluidic communication with a plurality of piston squirters and the feeder passage at a position between the pump and the filter. In this way, less-filtered oil is selectively routed through a cooling circuit to reduce engine warm-up time. |
| US08387569B2 |
Raptor perch apparatus and system
A raptor perch apparatus for use at the top of a power pole for raptors to perch and nest without contacting the power lines supported by the power pole. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a hub bracket having a center member received over the top of the power pole and a plurality of socket-like lateral brackets extending outwardly from the center member to support a plurality of lateral support members extending outwardly from the pole, preferably at a slight upward angle. The proximal end of the lateral support members is received in the lateral brackets. A guy wire or the like is received through a ring member on an end cap at the distal end of each lateral support member to circumvent the distal ends thereof. If needed, a pole top extension can be used to raise the apparatus above the top of the power pole. |
| US08387565B2 |
Milking parlour and method for operating the same
An apparatus for milking an animal and provides a milking parlor (1) including first and second robotic manipulation devices (100, 200) and a plurality of milking stalls (5) provided on a platform (3) moveable relative to the robotic manipulation devices (100, 200) wherein the robotic manipulation devices (100, 200) are positioned so as to be capable of simultaneously servicing neighboring milking stalls (5) on the platform (3). |
| US08387560B2 |
Plasma processing unit
The present invention provides a plasma processing unit comprising: a processing vessel having an opening on a ceiling side thereof, and capable of creating a vacuum therein; a stage disposed in the processing vessel, for placing thereon an object to be processed; a top plate made of a dielectric, the top plate being hermetically fitted in the opening and allowing a microwave to pass therethrough; a planar antenna member disposed on the top plate, the planar antenna member being provided with a plurality of microwave radiating holes for radiating a microwave for plasma generation toward an inside of the processing vessel; a slow-wave member disposed on the planar antenna member, for shortening a wavelength of a microwave; and a microwave interference restraining part disposed on a lower surface of the top plate, the microwave interference restraining part separating the lower surface into a plurality of concentric zones and restraining a microwave interference between the zones. |
| US08387555B2 |
Apparatus and method for electroless nickel coating of tubular structures
Tubular structures, for example pipes, are coated at least in an interior thereof with a nickel containing coating via at least one distribution manifold with ports which are received in the interior of the tubular structure. An electroless nickel coating solution may be pumped or supplied via gravity feed to the distribution manifold. The tubular structure may concurrently be immersed in electroless nickel coating solution in a tank. A second distribution manifold may deliver electroless nickel coating solution to the interior of the tubular structure in an opposite direction from the first. The two distribution manifolds may be used as part of a support structure to lift or move the tubular structure. Additional tanks may hold other solutions, for instance cleaning solutions, etching solutions and rinses. |
| US08387550B2 |
Offshore floating platform with motion damper columns
A semi-submersible floating platform for use in offshore applications having a semi-submersible hull structure including motion damping support columns, a pontoon structure adjoined to the motion damping support columns at a lower end thereof, and a deck structure supported at an upper end of thereof for supporting equipment mounted thereon above the water surface. Each motion damping support column has an inner water trapping damper chamber of closed base or open base construction that allows natural flooding of said inner water trapping damper chamber during installation and before reaching an operating draft of the platform, and which when flooded provides hydrodynamic mass, damping, and in-water weight to said platform during operation. A plurality of smaller columns are disposed on the perimeter of the upper portion of each support column and surround the upper portion of the inner water trapping damper chamber. |
| US08387549B2 |
Assembly of turret and disconnectable buoy
Assembly of turret and disconnectable buoy, in which the turret at its lower end and the buoy at its upper end are provided with mating coupling provisions. The coupling provisions comprise an annular projection protruding from one of the turret and buoy towards the other of the turret and buoy and a correspondingly shaped annular recess on the other of the turret and buoy for receiving the annular projection. The annular projection has a base which is wider than a top thereof, whereas the annular recess has a top which is wider than a base thereof. |
| US08387542B2 |
Ski-chair-lift display apparatus and method
A display system is easily attached to the safety bar of a chair on a chair lift system at the beginning of a season. The display system includes brackets formed of rails holding clamp portions that may be fastened together to clamp the display system to a chair, such as to the safety bar across the lap of a rider. At the end of a season, the display system may be removed from each chair, the clamp portions removed, and the display systems stacked. In one simplified system, adjacent displays may be stacked back to back, and such adjacent pairs may be stacked with the displays in adjacent pairs positioned face-to-face. Thus, metal brackets on the backs need not scratch up the reading faces or surfaces. Meanwhile, the displays may be stored in minimal space, with great stability, while minimizing wear and damage. |
| US08387533B2 |
Downhole perforating gun switch
A downhole perforating gun switch is located in the sub housing and has first, second and intermediate contacts, with the intermediate contact located between the first and second contacts. In an initial position, the intermediate and second contacts are in contact with each other, while the intermediate and first contacts are out of contact with each other. A thermoplastic plug is positioned between the intermediate and second contacts. A conductive sleeve or enclosure provides the electrical contact between the intermediate and second contacts. When the switch is subjected to detonation effects from the perforating gun, the second contact, the plug, and the intermediate contact are moved toward the first contact, wherein the first and intermediate contacts contact each other and the intermediate and second contacts are out of contact with each other. |
| US08387528B2 |
Self-sealing stamping device
A self-sealing stamping device suitable for use with non-alcohol based inks is described. The stamping device includes an applicator that has raised features for providing a stamped design. The applicator also includes sealing features that mate with sealing features on an inkpad housing to provide one or more airtight seals therebetween. The inkpad housing provides an enclosure for an inkpad with one or more apertures. Sealing features are provided circumscribing the apertures for mating with sealing features of the applicator. In a closed position, the stamping device provides an airtight enclosure for the inkpad comprised of the inkpad housing and the applicator. |
| US08387522B2 |
Apparatus and method for trimming the surface of meat as well as apparatus for processing meat having an apparatus for surface trimming
The invention relates to a device for trimming the surface of meat, in particular fish fillets, comprising a transporting element by means of which the products which are to be processed are conveyed continuously in the transporting direction T into the region of a knife head, also comprising an element for detecting the position of the products, as well as a knife head for trimming the products and a means of controlling the movement of the knife head in dependence on the information and data determined by the position-detecting element, the device being distinguished in that the knife head is designed for automatically executing free trimming cuts along the surface contour of the products. The invention also relates to an apparatus for processing meat using a device mentioned above, and to a corresponding surface-trimming method. |
| US08387521B2 |
Kneaded dough dividing apparatus
A kneaded dough dividing apparatus has a divider vessel body having a dough inlet and two dough outlets for discharging kneaded dough as two streams of dough. The divider vessel body is provided therein with an outlet control member that simultaneously partially closes the two dough outlets. The outlet control member is displaceable relative to the two dough outlets to reduce the opening area of one of the two dough outlets when enlarging the opening area of the other of the two dough outlets and to reduce the opening area of the other dough outlet when enlarging the opening area of the one dough outlet. |
| US08387520B2 |
Devices and methods to disintegrate foods
The subject application is directed to a food processing device to extract juice. The device includes an inlet coupled to a disintegrator. The inlet is configured to accept food items and the disintegrator configured to disintegrate food items passed through the inlet. The device further includes a separator that accepts the disintegrated food items and separates out the liquid components from the food item. The device further includes a reservoir that is coupled to the separator for accepting and holding the liquid components. The reservoir includes a translucent member for viewing of liquid levels within the reservoir, and a valved outlet. The valved outlet is configured to allow or prevent the flow of liquid from the reservoir through the valved outlet. |
| US08387515B2 |
Fluid pressure cylinder with trunnion support fitting
A pair of trunnion support fittings is installed on a cylinder tube, and the trunnion support fittings have main fittings placed along vertical outer surfaces of the cylinder tube and also have fastening fittings connected to arm sections of the main fittings by screws. Installation projections formed on the fastening fittings are engaged with engagement grooves formed in lateral outer surfaces of the cylinder tube. Also, particle layers are formed on the trunnion support fittings and are in contact with the vertical outer surfaces and lateral outer surfaces of the cylinder tube. |
| US08387513B2 |
Self loading firearm bolt carrier with integral carrier key and angled strike face
A bolt carrier for use with the ARI5/MI6 family of firearms is provided. The bolt carrier includes an integrally formed carrier key and spherical strike face surrounded by a cylindrical counterbore made with a downward angle to act against the tilting force imparted by the operating rod of the firearm's gas operating system. The outer surface of the carrier includes upper and lower running rails that all extend fully to the front face of the carrier to lengthen the carrier's rail support or bearing surfaces against the receiver. |
| US08387512B2 |
Reactive armor system and method
A reactive armor that may include multiple layers. The reactive armor may include a self-healing outer layer, a ceramic tile layer and a backing layer. The ceramic tile layer may include a plurality of ceramic tiles and explosive material. The ceramic tiles may be hexagonal. The ceramic tiles may each define a hollow space in which the explosive material is deposited. The reactive armor may be combined with non-reactive armor. |
| US08387509B1 |
Railgun system
A system for accelerating an armature to launch a projectile by injecting liquid aluminum between the armature and a pair of electrically conductive rails. A system for accelerating an armature by injecting liquid metal between the armature a plurality of electrically conductive rails and collecting the liquid metal. The liquid metal or liquid aluminum can comprise solid particles. A railgun structure with mechanical guide rails. A railgun structure with a film stack of alternating copper and nickel layers. An armature with guide rail supports. A method of using the system by placing liquid metal in the armature, placing the armature between conductive rails, and applying an electric current to the rails. |
| US08387504B2 |
Fiber-reinforced Al-Li compressor airfoil and method of fabricating
A metal matrix composite lightweight compressor airfoil. The airfoil comprises a braided fabric embedded in a lightweight aluminum-lithium alloy. The airfoils are fabricated by forming a plurality of fiber tows by twisting filaments or fibers. The tows are then braided into a fabric. The fabric may be impregnated with an optional fugitive polymer that temporarily occupies interstices of the fabric to facilitate handling of the pre-formed braided fabric, but which is subsequently removed. The airfoil may then be formed as a MMC by one of two separate methods. In the first method, aluminum-lithium alloy is pressure augmented casting into a die that includes a preform of fabric impregnated with fugitive polymer. In a second method, a preform is formed using a tool and mandrel by impregnating fabric with aluminum-lithium alloy. Then aluminum-lithium alloy is pressure augmented cast into a die that includes the alloy-impregnated preform. |
| US08387501B2 |
Method and apparatus for rapid severance of a decoy towline
A method and apparatus for rapidly severing a decoy towline extending from an aircraft by a mechanical spring actuated cutting blade and a thermal fuse type of release mechanism eliminating a pyrotechnic actuation device. The cutting blade is biased toward cutting engagement with the towline by a preloaded coil compression spring retained in the loaded position by a length of a polymer cord. The polymer cord has a heater wire wrapped about a portion of the cord which is connected to a DC voltage supply. The heater wire melts the cords when electrically connected to the DC power supply which releases the restraint on the spring which then drives the cutting blade into severing engagement with the towline. |
| US08387500B2 |
Slug float-up preventing mechanism
A scrap floating prevention mechanism comprises: a die holder formed with a first communication pipe which sends compressed fluid; a mounting table formed with a second communication pipe which comes into communication with the first communication pipe and which sends compressed fluid to the first communication pipe, the die holder being placed on and fixed to the mounting table; and a fluid injecting member which is formed with a plurality of inclined injecting pipes for injecting compressed fluid from the first communication pipe and which is provided below the die. |
| US08387498B2 |
Method for cutting stacks of sheet material
A method for producing stacks of sheet material transversely and longitudinally cuts rectangular starting stacks using a single cutting machine and short travel paths for the material being cut. The starting stack arranged on a rear table is pushed forward under a cutting blade and is separated into at least two partial stacks which are aligned, rotated 90 degrees and pushed back under the cutting blade to form a plurality of finished partial stacks. |
| US08387495B1 |
Portable cutting tool, kit, and methods for removing damaged surfaces
A cutting tool apparatus, methods, and kit for removing damaged surfaces, more specifically, a portable cutting tool for removing cracked inner wing spars from hard to access surfaces. |
| US08387493B2 |
Modular lathe bed system
A modular lathe bed system is provided including various lathe designs for incorporating the modular lathe bed into a lathe. The bed system includes a machine mounting block design which may be used to support the lathe headstock, cross-slide, and tailstock. A sliding lock system secures and stabilizes the machine mounting blocks, allowing them to slide or be locked in place. The machine mounting blocks move on a modular way bed including two upright bed tracks. The bed tracks and their connecting structure allow for a modular and extendible way bed. |
| US08387492B2 |
Hand tool set combination
A hand tool set includes two housings each having a chamber formed by a pair of side walls and a base wall, and each having an orifice formed in the base wall, and each having an anchoring member and a pivot axle, two or more tool members pivotally attached to one of the housings, and two or more tool elements pivotally attached to the other housing, and the tool elements are extendible out through an orifice of the other housing when the tool elements are perpendicular to the housing, and the tool members are extendible out through the orifice of the other housing when the tool members are perpendicular to the housing, the tool members and the tool elements are selectively useable by the users. |
| US08387489B2 |
Multi-size ratchet wrench
A multi-size ratchet wrench, which is easy to operate and is of multiple sizes, includes a wrench handle having two ends, at least one of which forms a head that receives and retains therein a fitting assembly that effect single direction driving. The fitting assembly rotatably supports a rotatable block that has a rotational axis substantially perpendicular to a rotational axis of the fitting assembly. The rotatable block has a circumferential surface forming one or multiple fitting sections that are substantially normal to the rotational axis of the rotatable block. This arrangement allows a user to select among differently-sized fitting sections through direct rotation of the rotatable block. Thus, the number of sockets to be carried and times of replacing sockets are both reduced. Further, the single direction driving allows the wrench handle make loaded driving of the fitting assembly in one direction and load-free rotation in an opposite direction. |
| US08387487B2 |
Tactical entry tool
A tactical entry tool for creating an entry point through a building structure is provided. The tool includes a shaft portion including a shaft, and a head portion attached to a first end of the shaft. The head portion includes two heads, with each head including a head shaft extending from the shaft to form a ‘Y’ shaped structure and a break head portion attached to the head shaft at an opposite end from which the head shaft is connected to the shaft. Each break head portion includes a plurality of teeth surrounding the perimeter of the break head portion and a plurality of breaker tips extending from the break head portion. |
| US08387486B2 |
Striking tool
A hammer that that reduces vibration and provides advantageous balance and mass distribution having a handle portion comprising an I-shape sectional profile and a head comprising a cavity formed therethrough. The hammer may further comprise various nail or other fastener removal structures, such as a claw, slots, notches, or the like. The hammer may further include a nail-starter with magnetic nail retention. |
| US08387482B2 |
Method and system to control movement of a body for nano-scale manufacturing
Systems to control movement of a template during an imprint lithography process are described. The systems include an orientation stage having an inner frame, and outer frame, and a plurality of actuators coupled between the inner frame and the outer frame to vary translational motion and impart angular motion about a plurality of axes. |
| US08387479B2 |
Dual clutch transmission control device
A dual clutch transmission includes a first and second input shaft, an output shaft, a dual clutch having a first clutch and a second clutch, a first and second gear transmission mechanisms, and a control device connected to an accelerator opening degree sensor, detecting an accelerator opening degree, and a rotational speed sensor, detecting a rotational speed of an engine, and is provided with a pre-shift control device pre-selecting the shift stage gear set for establishing the shift stage, which is one stage upper or lower than the shift stage established by the selected shift stage gear set from one of the first and second gear transmission mechanisms, when values of the accelerator opening degree, the rotational speed, and the rotation acceleration, becomes equal to or more than predetermined upper shift stage pre-shift setting values or equal to or less than predetermined lower shift stage pre-shift setting values. |
| US08387475B2 |
Continuously variable transmission
A continuously variable transmission comprises an input shaft and an output shaft, a drive wheel, a toothed wheel or a chain wheel, an endless sleeve, a ring wheel, at least one linking member, wedge teeth or a chain, wherein the drive wheel is provided with an annular recess in which a plurality of reversal wedge teeth run, and the wedge teeth are connected with a head portion of the linking member connected with the ring wheel, the spread of axles between the drive wheel and the ring wheel is adjusted via the swinging of the endless sleeve; and with the aid of the locking and releasing operations of the wedge teeth, the linking members are urged to drive the ring wheel, whereby changing the input and output transmission ratio. The continuously variable transmission can be used in a bicycle, wherein the spread of axles between the ring wheel and the drive wheel can be adjusted by regulating a wire, and the magnitude of speed variation is not restricted, the variation range is large, and the power could be synchronously input during the speed variation. |
| US08387474B2 |
Lubricating device for motion guide apparatus
A motion guide device includes an elongated shaft having a groove formed on an outer peripheral surface, a movable member attached onto the shaft and having a bore for receiving the shaft, a housing attached to the movable member and having a space for receiving a lubricating oil, the housing includes a passage communicative with the bore and the space of the housing for allowing the lubricating oil to flow from the space into the groove of the shaft, and an oil applying member is rotatably engaged in the passage of the housing to carry and to apply or distribute the lubricating oil through the passage of the housing and then into the groove of the elongated shaft. |
| US08387471B2 |
Diluter for exhaust gas sampling and method therefor
A diluter apparatus and a method for sampling of exhaust gas of engines, wherein the diluter has a primary capillary connected to a primary stabilizing chamber. The primary stabilization chamber is kept at a pressure below ambient by means of a vacuum pump connected to the primary stabilization chamber by means of a primary outlet duct and where dilution air in the primary stabilization chamber is introduced by means of a primary dilution air duct through a primary mixing tip, wherein there is provided an excess flowrate arrangement for providing an exhaust gas flowrate in excess of the sample flowrate in the capillary. Exhaust gas flowrate totally surrounds the capillary inlet tip, wherein the primary capillary is immersed in the exhaust gas flowrate with flowrate arrangement, and wherein the diluter receives the exhaust gas via said primary capillary. |
| US08387466B2 |
Electric part protection member and assembling method therefor
An electric part protection member for a projecting contact terminal which projects from a supporting portion of an electric part, includes a bottomed cylindrical cap portion, adapted to be detachably placed over the supporting portion, wherein: the cap portion is formed of a conductive member; and when the cap portion is placed over the supporting portion, the cap portion is electrically connected to a housing of the electric part, and the contact terminals are spaced apart from the cap portion. |
| US08387465B2 |
Carbon nanotube vacuum gauges with wide-dynamic range and processes thereof
A miniature thermal conductivity gauge employs a carbon single-walled-nanotube. The gauge operates on the principle of thermal exchange between the voltage-biased nanotube and the surrounding gas at low levels of power and low temperatures to measure vacuum across a wide dynamic range. The gauge includes two terminals, a source of constant voltage to the terminals, a single-walled carbon nanotube between the terminals, a calibration of measured conductance of the nanotube to magnitudes of surrounding vacuum and a current meter in electrical communication with the source of constant voltage. Employment of the nanotube for measuring vacuum includes calibrating the electrical conductance of the nanotube to magnitudes of vacuum, exposing the nanotube to a vacuum, applying a constant voltage across the nanotube, measuring the electrical conductance of the nanotube in the vacuum with the constant voltage applied and converting the measured electrical conductance to the corresponding calibrated magnitude of vacuum using the calibration. The nanotube may be suspended to minimize heat dissipation through the substrate, increasing sensitivity at even tower pressures. |
| US08387462B2 |
Method and apparatus for ultrasonic testing of weld zones
Provided are an ultrasonic testing method and an ultrasonic testing apparatus capable of accurately detecting flaws present in a weld zone of a test object, such as a welded pipe, regardless of the position of the flaws. An ultrasonic testing apparatus 100 includes an ultrasonic probe 1 which is provided with n (n≧2) transducers 11 arranged along a direction orthogonal to the weld line of a weld zone P1 of a test object P and is arranged so as to face the weld zone, and transmission/reception control means 2 which selects m (n>m≧1) transducers from the n transducers, causes the selected transducers to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves to and from the weld zone, and switches the selected transducers one after another. The transmission/reception control means switches the selected transducers one after another so that the range of an effective beam width of each of the selected transducers that have been switched for a flaw to be detected has an overlapping portion, and in the transmission/reception control means, the flaw detection sensitivity is adjusted beforehand for each of the selected transducers so that maximum echo intensities from a flaw to be detected, which are each received by each of the selected transducers that have been switched, become substantially equal to each other. |
| US08387461B2 |
Inspection method
A method of monitoring the condition of a flexible pipeline comprising the step of scanning the pipeline with an ultrasonic scanner to produce and/or record a signal indicative or the level of flooding within the annulus of the pipeline and/or indicative of the integrity of the layers of the pipeline. |
| US08387455B1 |
Beverage dispenser with capacitive level sensor and display and method
A beverage dispenser (10) with a beverage quantity indicating display (30) controlled by a microprocessor (66) in response to variations in capacitance of a plurality of sensing capacitors (72) detected by a capacitive sensing circuit (70) including one of a general purpose input/output integrated capacitive touch-key sensor, and a general purpose, integrated, input/output port expander with an integrated capacitive touch-key for reduced power consumption, sensitivity and reliability. A reference capacitor (C8) is located above the maximum height (52) of the beverage (74) to keep it spaced from the beverage (74) in air is used to compensate for changes in capacitance of the sensing capacitors (72) due to variations in temperature. All the capacitors (72, C8) are formed from pairs of planer conductive plates (54, 56) respectively mounted to opposed parallel interior surfaces (58, 60) of a sensing tube (36) attached to a down tube (34). |
| US08387453B2 |
Digital tire pressure gauge with bleed valve
A digital tire pressure gauge has a housing having a first and a second end. A port at the first end of the housing is adapted to engage with and open a needle valve of a tire valve stem. The gauge also includes a pressure sensor and a processor in electronic communication with the pressure sensor. A bleed valve is disposed in the housing and a bleed lever is in contact engagement with the bleed valve. When the port is coupled to the tire valve stem, in a first operational mode, the bleed valve is closed and an air pressure measurement is obtained. In a second operational mode, pressing the bleed lever causes the bleed valve to open and to allow air to be bled out from the tire via the pressure gauge. |
| US08387452B2 |
Method and system for generating electrical energy within a vehicle tyre
A tire includes a flexible piezoelectric element associated with an energy storage device (e.g. a capacitor). The flexible piezoelectric element is mounted in cantilever-beam fashion within a housing so that a first end thereof is fixed to the housing. A loading mass is associated with the second end of the flexible piezoelectric element. A small gap is formed between the inner walls of the housing and the outer surface of the loading mass in order to allow limited flexure of the piezoelectric element. The housing, including the piezoelectric element, is mounted in a crown portion of the tire, preferably on the inner surface of the tire. The piezoelectric element flexes under the action of the longitudinal acceleration when the tire rotates. Sufficient electrical power for powering an electronic device included within the tire is obtained, together with a long durability of the piezoelectric element. |
| US08387450B2 |
Chassis dynamometer
A chassis dynamometer for a vehicle has a base seat, a fixed shaft having one end thereof attached to the base seat, a rotary proximal portion rotatably supported to the fixed shaft, a roller connected to the rotary proximal portion, for loading a wheel of a vehicle, and a motor connected to the roller so that power can be transmitted therebetween. The roller has a single flange portion connected to the rotary proximal portion and extending obliquely to the axis, and an outer peripheral portion extending both axial directions from an outer periphery of the flange portion and disposed outward in the radial direction of the motor. |
| US08387449B2 |
Method and device for testing of a combustion engine or an associated structure and a rig
A method and a device for performing tests on an internal combustion engine or a structure which is associated with the engine by measuring output parameter values on at least one output shaft (3LF, 3RF) which is connected to the engine, is distinguished by producing a representation of variations in said output parameter values during operation of the engine, and evaluating the representation for determining an operating parameter value for the engine or the structure. The invention also concerns a dynamometer testing rig. |
| US08387444B2 |
Method of modeling steam generator and processing steam generator tube data of nuclear power plant
An improved method of inspecting the tubes of a steam generator of a nuclear reactor involves modeling the steam generator and comparing signals of a tube from an eddy current sensor with aspects of the model to determine whether further analysis is required. The model can advantageously include exception data with regard to particular regions of interest (ROIs) of particular tubes that is based upon historic data collected from the steam generator. |
| US08387438B2 |
Flow measurement devices having constant relative geometries
Systems and methods are disclosed for differential pressure meters having a constant beta edge boundary defined by fluid displacement members of the meter. In some embodiments, a differential pressure meter may have an interchangeable fluid displacement member, such that each fluid displacement member replaced in the meter maintains a constant beta edge boundary. In other embodiments, a family of differential pressure meters having permanent fluid displacement members may maintain a constant beta edge boundary for each meter of the family of differential pressure meters. |
| US08387435B2 |
Elbow material production device and production method thereof
A method and a device for bending a metal hollow thick walled member to a predetermined angle without deviation of the bending center position and without separation from a half die when presser die moves up. With a pair of guide plates (GP1 and GP2) turnably attached to a center pin CP kept horizontal and the axis center of the center pin intersecting with the axis center of the metal hollow thick walled member PM, the member PM is mounted on a half die (82a). When die holding members (80a and 80b) fixedly connected to the above guide plates and kept horizontal are inclined and separated from each other as the center pin lowers, the member PM is bent to the predetermined angle and held on the half die (82b). When the center pin that can be moved vertically by a guide member moves down to a predetermined position, a contact portion (96b) contacts the inclined surface of a stopper (92b) to allow a base plate (16) to receive a pressing force from an upper die via the stopper. |
| US08387434B2 |
Push bench and method of manufacturing small diameter tubing
The present invention involves cost effective, efficient systems and methods for sizing pipe. In an embodiment of the present invention, a pipe sizing system includes a die having an opening operable to size the pipe, a hydraulic cylinder having at least one rod attached thereto, the hydraulic cylinder and the at least one rod cooperating with each other to push the pipe through the die, and a receiver to guide the pipe as the pipe exits from the die. |
| US08387432B2 |
Method and apparatus for dispensing sheets of foil
A dispenser for dispensing folded sheets (160) of foil comprises first advancement means (119, 121) for controllably advancing a strip (161) of foil in a feed direction (F); folding means (147, 135, 139, 129) for folding a leading edge of said strip of foil (161); cutting means (141, 133) for cutting said strip (161) of foil to form a sheet (160) of foil; second advancement means (123, 125) for flattening the fold formed in the leading edge of said sheet (160) of foil and dispensing said folded sheet (160) of foil. |
| US08387431B2 |
Expansion adaptor and device for coiling thin metal strip
A device for coiling thin metal strip, especially hot-rolled or cold-rolled thin steel strip, includes a drivable coiler mandrel which can be adjusted in diameter by expandable segments and can be adjusted to a coil inside diameter and to a diameter for detaching the finished coil. The device further includes an expansion adapter which can be inserted into the open eye of the coil and is mounted on a holder with a guide. |
| US08387429B2 |
Regenerative laying pipe
A laying pipe configured for rotation about its axis in a rolling mill laying head, comprises a metal outer tube having an entry section aligned with its axis, an intermediate section curving away from its axis, and a delivery section having a constant radius measured from its axis. A metal inner tube has entry, intermediate and delivery sections respectively lining the entry, intermediate and delivery sections of the outer tube. The inner tube is constrained against movement relative to the outer tube solely by frictional contact with the outer tube. The inner tube is movable incrementally within the outer tube in one direction in response to heating and cooling cycles during rotation of the laying pipe about its axis. |
| US08387407B2 |
Condenser for an air conditioning system, especially an air conditioning system of a vehicle
The invention relates to a condenser for an air conditioning system, especially an air conditioning system of a vehicle, said condenser comprising a gill block and laterally arranged headers, the gill block comprising horizontal pipes, a condensing section and a supercooling section arranged above the condensing section. Said condenser also comprises a collector (5) arranged parallel to one of the headers and receiving a drier (16), a filter (18), a downpipe (15) and a rising pipe. The collector (5) is connected to the condensing section by means of a first overflow opening (8) and to the supercooling section by means of a second overflow opening (9) in such a way that a coolant can circulate. The downpipe (15) communicates with the first overflow opening (8), on the inlet side, by means of an inflow chamber (10) arranged in the collector (5). |
| US08387402B2 |
Methods and systems for cryogenic cooling
Methods and systems are provided for cooling an object with a cryogen having a critical point defined by a critical-point pressure and a critical-point temperature. A pressure of the cryogen is raised above a pressure value determined to provide the cryogen at a reduced molar volume that prevents vapor lock. Thereafter, the cryogen is placed in thermal communication with the object to increase a temperature of the cryogen along a thermodynamic path that maintains the pressure greater than the critical-point pressure for a duration that the cryogen and object are in thermal communication. |
| US08387396B2 |
Airfoil, sleeve, and method for assembling a combustor assembly
A method for assembling a combustor assembly is provided. The method includes providing at least one sleeve having a plurality of inlets, and coupling at least one airfoil to at least one of the plurality of inlets defined in the at least one sleeve. The airfoil includes a pair of opposing sidewalls coupled together at a leading edge and at a trailing edge and at least one channel is formed between the airfoil sidewalls for channeling cooling air. The cooling air is directed to flow substantially perpendicularly to a direction of air flowing around the airfoil in a portion of the combustor assembly that is to be cooled. The method also includes coupling the at least one sleeve around the portion of the combustor assembly to be cooled. Also provided are a sleeve and an airfoil for use in a combustor assembly. |
| US08387395B2 |
Annular combustion chamber for a turbomachine
An annular combustion chamber for a turbomachine is disclosed. The chamber includes an inner wall, an outer wall, and a chamber end wall disposed between the inner and outer walls in the upstream region of the chamber. The chamber end wall presents an outer fastener rim and/or an inner fastener rim, and the outer and/or inner wall presents a respective upstream fastener rim. The chamber end wall and the outer and/or inner wall are fastened together via their fastener rims. Cooling channels are made between the fastener rims and open out to the inside of the combustion chamber. Advantageously, a spacer is placed between the fastener rims, and the channels are formed in the thickness or in the sides of the spacer. |
| US08387394B2 |
Gas-turbine burner
A gas-turbine burner having a plurality of main swirl generators, each having an inlet flow opening formed by the main swirl generator edge, is provided. In order to achieve a uniform flow of combustion air through the main swirl generator, the gas-turbine burner has an inlet-flow guide means with a flow guide surface which runs from one of the inlet-flow openings to an adjacent inlet-flow opening, to which the main swirl generator edges which form the inlet-flow openings are connected, and the flow guide surface widens from there radially upwards. The main swirl generators are central-symmetrically arranged around a pilot burner and the flow guide surface runs radially outside the main swirl generators. |
| US08387393B2 |
Flashback resistant fuel injection system
A fuel injector assembly includes a fuel injector that provides fuel to be mixed with air for ignition in a combustor. The fuel injector assembly includes a fuel shroud and a plurality of spanning members. The spanning members are spaced circumferentially on the fuel shroud between the fuel shroud and a base plate assembly, which supports the fuel injector assembly within the combustor. The spanning members space the fuel shroud from the base plate assembly such that an annular gap is formed therebetween. The gap permits a flow of purge air therethrough to be mixed with compressed air entering the fuel shroud and with fuel provided by the fuel injector. The spanning members comprise elongate members having upstream ends that are circumferentially offset from opposed downstream ends so that the spanning members provide tangential velocity to the purge air flowing through the annular gap. |
| US08387391B2 |
Aerodynamically enhanced fuel nozzle
A gas turbine engine fuel nozzle assembly includes a pilot fuel injector tip substantially centered about a centerline axis in an annular pilot inlet to a pilot mixer. A cross over arm extends across inlet to tip. Arm includes an arm fairing surrounding at least one fuel transfer tube to tip. A pilot nose cap is at an upstream end of tip. At least one of the cross over arm and the pilot nose cap includes a rounded forebody followed by a straight afterbody. Rounded forebody of pilot nose cap includes a substantially rounded dome extending forwardly from a rounded nose base and straight afterbody includes a substantially cylindrical nose afterbody parallel to a pilot nose centerline normal to nose base. An arm fairing surrounding fuel transfer tubes to tip includes rounded leading and trailing edges and a rectangular middle section therebetween having flat first and second sides. |
| US08387389B2 |
Gas turbine engine
A gas turbine engine includes a first flow passage and a main combustion arrangement in the first flow passage. The engine further includes a second flow passage and a first catalytic combustion arrangement in the second flow passage, wherein the second flow passage can communicate with the first flow passage at at least one upstream passage junction upstream of the main combustion arrangement and upstream of the first catalytic combustion arrangement, and the second flow passage can communicate with the first flow passage at at least one downstream passage junction downstream of the main combustion arrangement and downstream of the first catalytic combustion arrangement. |
| US08387385B2 |
Efficient bypass valve for multi-stage turbocharging system
A turbocharger system includes first and second turbines arranged such that exhaust gas passes through the first turbine then the second turbine. A bypass channel is configured such that exhaust gas entering the channel passes only through the second turbine. A valve positioned in the bypass channel regulates the flow of gas therethrough. The valve accelerates a stream of gas and focuses the stream toward the second turbine such that a large part of the added velocity of the stream is preserved as it enters the second turbine. Operation of the valve may be controlled so as to maintain the valve in a closed position while exhaust gas pressure above the first turbine pressure is below a first threshold, to progressively open the valve as the pressure increases above the first threshold, and to maintain the valve in a full-open position while the pressure is above a second threshold. |
| US08387380B2 |
Catalytic burner apparatus for Stirling Engine
The invention provides an apparatus and a method for transferring heat by conduction to the internal heat acceptor of an external combustion engine. Fuel and air are introduced into a combustion chamber and mixed to form an air/fuel mixture. The air/fuel mixture is directed into a catalytic reactor that is positioned in direct contact (non-spaced-apart relation) with the heater head. Heat is transferred via conduction from the catalytic reactor to the heater head; and the catalytic reaction products are exhausted with heat recuperation. |
| US08387378B2 |
Hydraulic system having automated ride control activation
A hydraulic system for a mobile machine having an implement is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a hydraulic actuator configured to move the implement, a storage device configured to store pressurized fluid, and a valve operable to fluidly communicate the storage device with the hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic system may also have a sensor associated with the mobile machine to generate a signal indicative of a speed of the mobile machine, and a controller in communication with the valve and the sensor. The controller may be configured to compare the speed of the mobile machine to a setpoint and to determine an amount of time elapsed while the speed of the mobile machine exceeds the setpoint. The controller may further be configured to selectively operate the valve to fluidly communicate the storage device with the actuator based on the elapsed amount of time and the speed to cushion movement of the implement. |
| US08387377B2 |
Hydrostatic multi-motor drive
The invention relates to a hydrostatic multi-motor drive (1) with a hydraulic pump (2) and at least one first pair of hydraulic motors. The two hydraulic motors (6, 7) of the first pair of hydraulic motors are connected to one another in series by means of a first working line section (12). A bypass line (15) is provided which connects a first connection (11; 10) of the hydraulic motor (7; 6), which is upstream in relation to a volumetric flow generated by the hydraulic pump (2), to a second connection (9; 8) of the downstream hydraulic motor (7; 6). A first valve unit (18) which interrupts the first bypass line (15) is arranged in the bypass line (15). A first minimum pressure maintaining device (25; 26) for maintaining a minimum pressure at the upstream connection (11; 10) of the downstream hydraulic motor (7; 6) is also arranged in the bypass line (15). |
| US08387376B2 |
Hydraulic system with improved complex operation
A hydraulic system with an improved complex operation is provided, which can prevent the generation of shock in a boom by delaying pressure supply during start and end of pilot signal pressure supplied to a spool for controlling an option device when a boom ascending operation and an operation of an option device are simultaneously performed or when such a simultaneous operation of the boom and the option device switches over to an independent operation of the boom. The hydraulic system with an improved complex operation includes main hydraulic pumps and a pilot pump; a boom cylinder and an option device; a main control valve including a boom spool and an option device spool which are shifted by a pilot signal pressure from the pilot pump; an operation lever which controls the boom spool; an option operation pedal which controls the option device spool; a confluence spool for controlling the option device; and a controller which outputs an electric control signal to a proportional control valve for the option device so as to delay pilot signal pressure supplied to the confluence spool during start and end of the pilot signal pressure supply when a complex operation for simultaneously operating the boom cylinder and the option device is performed. |
| US08387372B2 |
Particulate filter system
A device for filtering particulates from an exhaust gas feedstream of an internal combustion engine includes a filter substrate having a multiplicity of alternately closed parallel flow passages having porous walls oriented parallel to a flow axis of the exhaust gas between an inlet and an outlet thereof, wherein subsets of the flow passages are associated with respective ones of a plurality of zones, a flow control valve to control flow of exhaust gas to each of the plurality of zones, a multi-zone heating element including a plurality of individually activated heating elements each corresponding to one of the plurality of zones. |
| US08387370B2 |
System for regenerating a particulate filter and controlling EGR
A system for regenerating a particulate filter is disclosed. In one example, oxygen is pumped from the intake system of a direct injection turbocharged gasoline engine to the exhaust system by a compressor. Simultaneously, exhaust gases may be pumped from the exhaust system to the intake system for the purpose of reducing NOx while regenerating a particulate filter. |
| US08387369B2 |
Straddle-type vehicle
A secondary air supply device that increases a supply amount of secondary air is provided in a straddle-type vehicle and includes a plurality of secondary air supply pipes respectively communicated with an exhaust passage of an engine and reed valves. The plurality of reed valves are arranged to be spaced apart in the vehicle width direction so as to increase the supply amount of secondary air. |
| US08387367B2 |
Reducing coking over Ag/Al2O3 HC-SCR catalyst
The present invention relates to a method of reducing coking over a Ag/Al2O3 hydrocarbon selective catalytic reduction catalyst in an exhaust stream of a lean burn internal combustion engine, the exhaust stream including hydrocarbon and NOx. The method includes controlling the hydrocarbon to molar NOx ratio of the exhaust stream so as to be within certain limits at certain temperatures. An exhaust system for a lean burn engine suited to the above method, and a lean burn internal combustion engine, or a vehicle or stationary power source including such an exhaust system are also included. |
| US08387361B2 |
Hybrid rocket system with moveable combustion control member
The present invention describes a hybrid rocket motor that includes a first solid reactant and at least one thrust nozzle and at least one moveable combustion control member within the hybrid rocket motor that restricts the contact of a first fluid reactant in the combustion chamber. In this way, it is then possible to regulate the exposure of the solid reactant to the fluid reactant and thus control thrust. |
| US08387355B2 |
Gas turbine exhaust gas cooling system
A gas turbine exhaust gas cooling system includes a conduit for a primary gas turbine exhaust gas extending from the primary gas turbine to an inlet of a desired industrial process apparatus, a work producing thermodynamic cycle in which a working fluid is heated and expanded, and at least one heat exchanger by which heat is sufficiently transferred from the primary gas turbine exhaust gas to the working fluid to produce a low temperature heating medium downstream of the heat exchanger at a predetermined temperature and energy level which are sufficient for effecting a desired industrial process. |
| US08387351B2 |
Harvester header bat reel assembly tensioning member
A harvesting machine having a ground contacting propulsion system, a chassis connected to the ground propulsion system, and a header. The header has a bat reel assembly rotatingly attached to the header. The bat reel assembly includes at least one reel structural assembly, a plurality of bat rods, a tensioned member, and at least one moveable pivotal member. The at least one reel structural assembly is configured to rotate about an axis. The plurality of bat rods are pivotally connected to the at least one reel structural assembly. The plurality of bat rods include a first bat rod and a second bat rod. The tensioned member is drivingly coupled to the first bat rod and the second bat rod. The at least one pivotal member is in contact with the tensioned member. The at least one moveable pivotal member is located between the first bat rod and the second bat rod along a path of the tensioned member. |
| US08387350B2 |
Grass treatment device
A grass treatment device 801 that comprises a first roller 701 configured to contact a grass surface 802, a second roller 805 configured to contact the grass surface 802, a treatment tool 804 capable of treating the grass surface 804. The grass treatment device 801 further comprises adjustment means 303, 305 configured to allow an adjustment of a distance between the treatment tool 804 and the first roller 701, the adjustment capable of affecting a distance 807 between the tool 804 and the grass surface 802. The adjustment means 303, 305 further comprises graduation means configured to indicate to a user predetermined quantized intervals of the distance 807 between the tool 804 and the grass surface 802. |
| US08387347B2 |
Process for producing and sterilizing a catheter
A process for producing a catheter comprises mixing ETFE and PTFE in a mass ratio of from 99:1 to 45:55 to form a mixture, forming the mixture into a tubular body, forming a reinforcement layer and a resin layer on said tubular body to form a catheter configured to be positioned in a lumen of a living body, sealingly packaging the catheter to produce a packaged catheter, and sterilizing the packaged catheter with electron beam irradiation. |
| US08387340B2 |
Anchor for a lightweight construction panel and its installation in the panel
In an anchor installation in a lightweight construction panel including first and second cover plates with a support core structure disposed between the cover plates, wherein the anchor is installed in a bore so as to extend at least through the first cover plate and the support core to the second support plate, the anchor includes engagement structures for engagement with at least the first cover plate and the support core and also cement containing balloons which are crushed upon insertion of the anchor thereby releasing the cement which solidifies forming a firm connection between the anchor and the first and second cover plates and the support core. |
| US08387334B2 |
LNG containment system and method of assembling LNG containment system
An LNG system generally comprises a primary container, and a secondary container positioned around the primary container. The secondary container generally comprises a first end wall, a second end wall, and at least two side walls. At least one of the walls is fabricated from a plurality of prefabricated wall panels. Each of the wall panels is fabricated from a combination of concrete and steel. The wall panels are preferably prefabricated offsite, and then transported to the construction site where they are adjoined together in end-to-end fashion to form walls. A method for constructing a full containment LNG system is also provided. In one embodiment, walls and a roof for a secondary container are assembled, but leaving an end open. At least one primary tank is brought into the secondary container. A second end wall is then erected to form the enclosure for the secondary container. |
| US08387330B2 |
System, method and device for producing a supporting framework or rigid girder structure
A system for making a truss from joinable bar elements. The bar elements are at least in part of plant material from high-growing plants. The system further includes connecting elements to interconnect at least two of the bar elements, the bar elements and connecting elements being adapted to be connected to each other to form the truss. |
| US08387329B2 |
Rebar cage stiffener ring
A stiffener ring, and associated method and program product. A stiffener ring is provided having a generally annular shape for supporting a rebar cage, including: a plurality of primary cutouts spaced about an exterior edge of the stiffener ring, wherein each primary cutout is configured to receive a transversely mounted steel bar; a plurality of secondary cutouts spaced about an edge of the stiffener ring, wherein each of the secondary cutouts is configured to received an instrumentation pipe; and a set of flow holes cut into the stiffener ring to facilitate a flow of concrete through the stiffener ring. |
| US08387322B2 |
Movable partitions, header assemblies for movable partitions, and related methods
A header assembly for a movable partition includes an overhead track and a header pan. The header pan is configured to extend from the overhead track to an adjoining structure. The header pan, the overhead track, or a combination of both may form a fire-resistant barrier extending from a wall of the adjoining structure to an opposing wall of the adjoining structure. Movable partition systems may include header assemblies. Methods of forming header assemblies include positioning a header pan proximate to an overhead track and extending the header pan between a first wall and a second wall to at least substantially occlude a section of space therebetween. Methods of installing a movable partition include securing an overhead track to an overhead support structure, securing a retainer clip to an adjoining structure, extending a header pan from the overhead track to the retainer clip, and suspending a partition from the track. |
| US08387319B1 |
Solar panel securing assembly for sheet metal sloping roofs
A U-shaped spacer element supporting and retaining a photovoltaic panel assembly spacedly over a rooftop corrugated sheet; one shorter side leg thereof having an oblong bore, the other side leg having an intermediate ridge section. A screw engages into the ridge web and axially clears the shorter leg, anchoring the main body to the supporting rooftop frame elements through the corrugated sheet. The ridge section conformingly abuts against a longitudinal rib of the corrugated sheet. An L-shape bracket inner leg abuts against the main body short leg, the bracket outer leg abutting sideways against a registering portion of the photovoltaic panel assembly. A second oblong bore is made into the outer leg and extends parallel to the plane of the main body base leg. Two bolts engage the oblong bores and adjustably interlock the L-shape bracket to the spacer element main body and to the photovoltaic assembly. |
| US08387314B2 |
Electrified lockable double sided storage cabinet
A storage cabinet with two electrified back-to back, separated compartments extending through an office partition with a first compartment open to a first side of the partition and another, second compartment open to a second side of the partition, and with one lockable door on each side of the partition to close the compartment opening on that side. The electrified back to back compartments have a depth less than the side to side depth of the cabinet and, preferably have a cavity intermediate the two compartments via which electrical power is directed to an electrical outlet in each compartment. |
| US08387313B2 |
Stretched cable membrane attachment system
The system and method of securing a single ply membrane to a roof deck or structure described herein is of a system that utilizes sections of cable that are completely protected or surrounded by the single ply membrane. There may be a set of perimeter cables or interior cables that secure the membrane according to the needs of the building and the necessary specifications on the roof. The cables are secured at their endpoints and, possibly, additional fasteners may be provided along their lengths. Flashing of the cables provides that they be completely protected from the elements, as are most fasteners in flat or low slope roofing systems. |
| US08387307B2 |
Vegetation base soil and a method for growing vegetation on a sloped surface
Slope surfaces of land can be eroded by rain and wind. It is necessary to vegetate a bared slope surface of land for the purpose of erosion control and environmental conservation. The present invention provides a vegetation base soil composition and a method of growing vegetation on a sloped surface for erosion control and vegetating on cut rock slope surface, such as weathered rock surface and barren soil surface. The vegetation base soil includes peat, bio-solids formed by the treatment of urban sewage, for example water treatment plant sediment, woodchip, bark, animal waste compost and clay or loam. The vegetation base soil with a microbes active material, a root activation fertilizer, an adhesive material and seeds are applied over a mesh that is secured over the sloped surface. Plants are grown in the layer of vegetation base soil. |
| US08387304B2 |
Rodent management system having bait supports
A rodent management system includes a housing having a base and a lid together at least in part defining an interior space of the housing. The lid is positionable relative to the base between a closed configuration of the station in which the interior space in substantially enclosed, and an opened configuration of the station in which the interior space is accessible for servicing. The housing has at least one entry opening through which rodents enter the interior space of the housing. The base has an inner surface at least in part defining an interior floor of the housing. A bait support is positionable within the interior space of the housing and configured for supporting bait above the floor of the housing. The bait support is further configured for releasable connection with at least one of the base and the lid. |
| US08387303B2 |
Powered fishing lure with buoyant and submersible components in electrical communication
A fishing lure having a buoyant housing containing a power source and an electronic controlling element. A pair of conduction lines may connect the power source with a submersible module which contains an actuator, a means for propelling the submersible module through the water, and a hook. An elongate member or cable may also be used to connect the buoyant housing with the submersible module. A means for increasing/decreasing the length of conduction lines (and optional cable) between the buoyant housing and the submersible module may also be used. Some embodiments operate an electric motor with a propeller, fin, or tail. Some embodiments utilize contacts which may be bridged by water in order to energize the submersible module. |
| US08387295B2 |
Handgun
A handgun having a device for ascertaining the shot count has electronics having a microprocessor (18) and a memory which may be read out, as well as an acceleration sensor (22), which detects the acceleration of the firearm in at least one spatial direction. Reference values for the intensity curve of the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor (22) upon firing the weapon are stored in the memory. The microprocessor (18) is designed in such a way that it outputs a count pulse to the memory in the event of positive comparison of an intensity curve of the acceleration measured using the acceleration sensor to the reference values stored in the memory. |
| US08387293B2 |
Print medium, wristband, and method of creating a wristband
A print medium and methods are provided for producing a die-cut portion easily separable from the print medium, thereby shortening the required time to separate the die-cut portion and reducing wasted consumption of print media. The print medium may include die-cut portions having a contour of a wristband, such as those used in a hospital on the wrist of a patient. The die-cut portions are formed sequentially at a constant interval on the print medium, and die-cut lines are formed between each die-cut portion as lines connecting adjacent die-cut portions. The print medium may be automatically cut at the position of a severance line perpendicular to the die-cut line referenced by a cut mark on the print medium. Because the edges of the severed print medium piece are perpendicular to the die-cut lines, separating the die-cut portion from the print medium can be easily started along the die-cut line. |
| US08387290B2 |
Connector pin assembly with dual function outer end portions, and associated ground engaging apparatus
A connector pin assembly is insertable into aligned openings in telescoped ground engaging wear and support members to releasably hold the wear member on the support member. The assembly has a tubular outer housing that is nonrotatably received in the openings. A connector pin longitudinally extends through the housing and is rotatable relative thereto among selectively variable rotational orientations in which the pin is releasably locked to the housing by cooperative detent structures carried by the housing and the pin. Outer end portions of the pin perform two functions which are controlled by rotating the pin relative to the housing. First, outer pin member end portions are rotatable to selectively hold the wear member on the support member or release it therefrom. Second, the outer pin end portions are rotatable to adjustably tighten the wear member onto the support member. |
| US08387288B2 |
Rotary snow tiller for grooming ski slopes
A rotary snow tiller, for grooming the snow covering of ski slopes, which advances in a traveling direction along the ski slope, and has a frame; and a shaft fitted with teeth and rotated with respect to the frame about an axis crosswise to the traveling direction; each tooth being fitted movably to the shaft and selectively adjustable in length with respect to the shaft. |
| US08387279B2 |
Shoe sole for increasing instability
A shoe sole and shoe are provided for offsetting a wearer's side-to-side balance to encourage a wearer's conditioning and toning. The shoe sole includes a midsole width that underlies and supports a wearer's foot, and an upper midsole portion undercut at its peripheral sidewall around the heel to define a horizontal indentation. A lower midsole portion has a corresponding “undercut” in its upper surface that angles downward and outward from the indentation. The depth of the indentation forms a balancing portion between the medially and laterally placed indentations that is narrower than the midsole width, thereby forcing the wearer to adjust one's walking gait to maintain balance over the balancing portion. A structure with a base portion can be disposed along the indentation with upward and or downward extending extensions disposed along the peripheral sidewall. The structure can include leaf springs extending transversely over a central midsole portion. |
| US08387273B2 |
Heat-pump clothes drying machine
The present invention relates to a heat-pump clothes drying machine, in particular a heat-pump arrangement for removing moisture from and heating up the drying air; said heat-pump arrangement comprises a plurality of separate closed-loop circuits, each one of said separate closed-loop circuits comprising at least one compressor (20, 30; 220, 230; 320, 330), at least one evaporator (22, 32; 222, 232; 322, 332), at least one expansion valve (24, 34; 224, 234; 334, 324), and at least one condenser (26, 36; 226, 236; 336, 326). |
| US08387265B2 |
Sundial
Various embodiments of the sundials disclosed herein may be used to determine the time of day based on the position of the sun. The sundial may utilize a curved reflector to reflect the image of the sun onto a dial-face. The curved reflector may be disposed, at least in part, behind the dial-face. A portion of the curved reflector behind the dial-face may be used to reflect an image of the sun onto a back surface of the dial-face. The reflected image of the sun received on the back of the dial-face may, in some embodiments, be visible on the front surface of the dial-face. The dial-face may have a plurality of time markings positioned thereon. The position of the image of the sun on the dial-face may be compared to the plurality of time markings to determine at least an approximation of the time of day. |
| US08387264B1 |
Aluminum can puncturing device
The aluminum can puncturing device is a hand-held device that resembles a shot gun shell and of which is capable of puncturing an air vent into a side of an aluminum can in order to “shotgun” a beer. The aluminum can puncturing device includes a spring-loaded pin that retracts within a shotgun shell. The aluminum can puncturing device is placed onto an outer surface of an aluminum can and pushed thereon in order to extend the pin out from under the shotgun shell in order to pierce a vent hole into the aluminum can. |
| US08387262B2 |
Ice axe shaft equipped with a grip with a double intermediate gripping brace
An ice axe gripping shaft comprises a grip made of plastic equipped with a bottom stop for the hand to press on, located opposite an intermediate brace. An auxiliary lever articulated on the intermediate brace comprises a locking cam and a curved part acting as finger brace in the locked position. |
| US08387258B2 |
Insulated bearing assemblies
Insulation assemblies that are useful with bearing assemblies that fit in openings in bearing brackets of rotating machines, such as large synchronous motors or generators. |
| US08387253B2 |
Method for the production of piston-type accumulators
A method produces piston-type accumulators, including an accumulator housing (10) and a separating piston, which can be displaced in a longitudinal direction inside the accumulator housing (10) and separates two working spaces located in the housing. One end face of the accumulator housing is sealed by cover part (20). The cover part (20) is fixed on one side (40) via the free longitudinal edge (32) of the accumulator housing (10). The edge is displaced towards the cover part (20), such that a functionally and positionally secure connection of a cover part is ensured within the housing of a piston-type accumulator without using standard threaded connections. |
| US08387252B1 |
Boiler tube clamp and method of using same
A boiler tube clamp including a first portion having a first substantially U-shaped midsection with a first inner surface configured for receiving and pressing against one side of a boiler tube, a first hinge member arranged on one end of the first midsection, and a threaded bolt hingedly attached to the other end of the first midsection, and a second portion having a second substantially U-shaped midsection with a second inner surface configured for receiving and pressing against the other side of the boiler tube. The clamp further includes a second hinge member arranged on one end of the second midsection and hingedly connected to the first hinge member so that the first inner surface and the second inner surface close toward one another. An open slot is arranged at the other end of the second midsection configured for detachably receiving the threaded bolt. A lip extends radially out from an outer surface of the second midsection and arranged adjacent to an edge thereof. A jackscrew extends through the lip for adjusting the distance a boiler tube contained by the clamp extends into a boiler through a boiler header. |
| US08387250B2 |
Method for embedding heat pipe into heat-conducting seat
A method for embedding a heat pipe into a slot of heat-conducting seat is disclosed. The method has the exposed portion of the heat pipe be flat and coplanar with the surface of the heat-conducting seat after the heat pipe is embedded into the slot of the seat. The method utilizes a power press machine with multiple stamping dies to progressively press the heat pipe. |
| US08387249B2 |
Apparatus and method for facilitating servicing of a liquid-cooled electronics rack
Apparatus and method for facilitating servicing of a liquid-cooled electronics rack are provided. The apparatus includes a coolant tank, a coolant pump in fluid communication with the coolant tank, multiple parallel-connected coolant supply lines coupling the coolant pump to a coolant supply port of the apparatus, and a coolant return port and a coolant return line coupled between the coolant return port and the coolant tank. Each coolant supply line includes a coolant control valve for selectively controlling flow of coolant therethrough pumped by the coolant pump from the coolant tank. At least one coolant supply line includes at least one filter, and one coolant supply line is a bypass line with no filter. When operational, the apparatus facilitates filling of coolant into a cooling system of a liquid-cooled electronics rack by allowing for selective filtering of coolant inserted into the cooling system. |
| US08387247B2 |
Method for manufacturing heat radiator having plate-shaped fins
A gouging tool is introduced at a slope angle θ to form small, low fins at a position shifted inward from an edge of a surface of a metal plate having a high coefficient of thermal conductivity; and the small fins are sequentially formed in a plural number at a fixed pitch until a blade section of the gouging tool reaches a prescribed depth. A fin formation step in which plate-shaped heat-radiating fins are integrally formed upright by the gouging tool is subsequently repeated in sequential manner following formation of the small fins, and the heat-radiating fins are continuously formed in a plural number in the metal plate. Heat-radiating fins of a heat radiator can be formed by a gouging tool without generating scrap. |
| US08387242B2 |
Manufacturing method of an electrical connector
An electrical connector includes a fixing member having a support seat; a plurality of terminals, each having an embed section embedded within the fixing member along an extension direction via an insert-molding process and a contact section exposing from the support seat of the fixing member; and an insulated body for seating on the support seat of the fixing member. The insulated body has an insert face formed with a plurality of terminal holes. The insert face is dented inwardly so as to form a plug reception chamber in spatial communication with the terminal holes. When the insulated body is seated on the support seat of the fixing member, the contact sections of the terminals pass through the terminal holes in the insulated body and are retained within the plug reception chamber. |
| US08387238B2 |
Processes and structures for IC fabrication
The present invention discloses methods and apparatuses for the separations of IC fabrication and assembling of separated IC components to form complete IC structures. In an embodiment, the present fabrication separation of an IC structure into multiple discrete components can take advantages of dedicated IC fabrication facilities and achieve more cost effective products. In another embodiment, the present chip assembling provides high density interconnect wires between bond pads, enabling cost-effective assembling of small chip components. In an aspect, the present process provides multiple interconnect wires in the form of a ribbon between the bond pads, and then subsequently separates the ribbon into multiple individual interconnect wires. |
| US08387233B2 |
System for assembling components on a circuit board
A circuit board assembling system includes a circuit board whereon a slot is formed. The circuit board includes a first region and a second region. The circuit board assembling system further includes a component placement machine, a positioning rod, wherein a first width of the unadjusted positioning rod is larger than a width of the slot so that the unadjusted positioning rod can not pass through the slot, a conveying device for driving the circuit board to a positioning point in a first direction and driving the circuit board to an assembling position in a second direction, and a control unit for controlling the conveying device to drive the circuit board to the assembling position in the second direction and controlling the component placement machine to assemble a first component set and a second component set on the first region and the second region respectively. |
| US08387229B2 |
Profile of interfacing projections
A method of joining a first component to a second component, the method comprising preparing the first component by forming an array of projections extending from a bond surface of the first component, each projection having a base, a tapered tip and a tapered overhang beneath the tip, wherein the overhang has an undercut surface which is inclined and faces towards the local bond surface; bringing the components together so as to embed the projections in the second component; and hardening the second component after the array of projections has been embedded into it. Also, a joint so formed. |
| US08387227B2 |
Method for making transmission electron microscope micro-grid
A method for making a TEM micro-grid is provided. The method includes the following steps. A carrier, a carbon nanotube structure, and a protector are provided. The carrier defines a first through opening. The protector defines a second through opening. The protector, the carbon nanotube structure and the carrier are stacked such that the carbon nanotube structure is located between the carrier and the protector. The second through opening at least partly overlaps with the first through opening. |
| US08387226B2 |
Method and apparatus for removing blind fasteners
A method and apparatus are present for removing a blind fastener from a structure. A first hole is drilled in a guide located around a center of a head of a core bolt in a body of the blind fastener to form a pilot hole. A second hole is drilled in the pilot hole in the head of the core bolt. The head of the core bolt is separated from the shaft of the core bolt. The core bolt is separated from the body. The core bolt is moved out of the body after the core bolt has been separated from the body. A head of the body is separated from a shaft of the body. The shaft of the body is moved out of the structure. |
| US08387224B2 |
Device and method for measuring and machining spectacle lens, spectacle lens manufacturing method, and spectacles manufacturing method
A mounting part for mounting spectacle frame components such as lugs can be machined after confirming that a lens thickness at a mounting part-machined portion where the mounting part is machined is equal to or larger than the specified value, and can be installed the spectacle lens components on the spectacle lens with a requested strength. The device, the method for the above, a spectacle lens manufacturing method, and a spectacles manufacturing method are given. The spectacle lens (1) is fed to a lens thickness measuring device (70) by a lens feeder. The fed amount of the spectacle lens in this feeding is based on the measured results of a distance between a frame center forming a block center by a lens holder in an edging for manufacturing the spectacle lens (1) from a raw material lens and the edge face of the spectacle lens (1) where the mounting part is to be machined. The thickness of the lens at the mounting part-machined portion can be accurately measured by the measuring device (70) even if an error produced in the edging is included in the distance. |
| US08387221B2 |
Device and method for finishworking of a forming tool for an auto body sheet metal part
The invention relates to a device for finishworking of a forming tool for an auto body sheet metal part in which, in a first working step for identifying a surface region of a tool surface to be remachined, a sheet metal part which has been coated with a marking paint can be formed in a pressing process by means of the tool and, using the color impression of the sheet metal part on the tool surface, the surface region which is to be remachined is acquired, and then in a second working step the surface region to be remachined can be remachined by a corresponding surface treatment. According to the invention, the device has a machining apparatus which electronically acquires the tool surface with the color impression and, depending on the intensity of the color impression, determines the location and/or dimension of the surface area to be remachined and remachines it accordingly. |
| US08387220B2 |
Method of manufacturing a piezoelectric element
Providing a manufacturing method of a piezoelectric element which contains at least a substrate, a piezoelectric film and an electrode provided between the substrate and the piezoelectric film. The method includes providing an electrode on a substrate, and baking a piezoelectric film after forming the piezoelectric film on the electrode. The electrode includes a mixture layer having an electroconductive oxide and a metal mixed therein. The concentration of the electroconductive oxide in the substrate side of the mixture layer is higher than that in the piezoelectric film side of the mixture layer, and the concentration of the metal in the piezoelectric film side of the mixture layer is higher than that in the substrate side of the mixture layer. |
| US08387214B2 |
Hidden type hood gas lifter device
A hidden type hood gas lifter device may include a gas lifter, a hood hinge arm having one end portion fixed to a hood, a hinge bracket having one end portion fixed to a vehicle body, wherein the other end portion of the hood hinge arm is rotatably coupled to the other end portion of the hinge bracket, and a gear unit coupling the other end portion of the hood hinge arm and one end portion of the gas lifter. |
| US08387213B2 |
Furniture hinge
A furniture hinge, comprising a fitting part, a hinge cup that is articulated thereto for fastening to furniture parts, and a cushioning apparatus for cushioning a relative movement between the fitting part and the hinge cup, wherein the cushioning apparatus is disposed in or on the hinge cup, wherein the cushioning apparatus comprises a housing having first fastening means, and second fastening means are disposed on the hinge cup, wherein the housing of the cushioning apparatus can be inserted from above into the hinge cup and in the installed position is disposed substantially completely inside the hinge cup, wherein the housing of the cushioning apparatus and the hinge cup can be connected to each other in said installed position by the first and second fastening means. |
| US08387212B2 |
Device for fastening a hinge to an extruded profile
A device for fastening an object, preferably a hinge, to an extruded profile. The device includes a sliding block that is connected in a known way with the a hinge arm via webs on the upper surface of the block, and having one lateral surface on the bottom side ended by a longitudinal snap tooth, and another lateral surface ended in an undergrabbing prong. The fastening device includes at least one pair of resilient elements. The resilient elements are arranged in cutouts formed on the bottom side of the sliding block symmetrically with respect to the main axis of the hinge. The resilient element is arranged in the cutout in a way to protrude from the said the sliding block in the area of the lateral wall of the sliding block. |
| US08387211B2 |
Arrester for a vehicle door or vehicle hatch
An arrester (1) for locking a vehicle door or vehicle flap or the like in the open position has a male arrester part (2) for fastening to a first vehicle part, with a locking bolt (4), and a female arrester part (3) for fastening to a second vehicle part. The locking bolt (4) can be inserted into female arrester part. The second arrester part has a rotary latch mechanism for latching the inserted locking bolt (4) and a blocking element (118) for locking the rotary latch mechanism in the position latching the locking bolt (4). Both the male arrester part (2) and the female arrester part (3) have a pushbutton mechanism for releasing the locking of the rotary latch mechanism, the locking of the rotary latch mechanism being releasable by actuating either one of the pushbutton mechanisms. |
| US08387210B2 |
Automatic door closing hinge and double swing door structure
An automatic door closing hinge is configured in such a manner that first balls (43) are engaged with a first cam groove (35) formed on an outer peripheral surface of an operating rod in a cylinder (2) at opposed positions so as to have a substantially V-shape at opposed positions thereof, the first balls (43) are engaged with a compression ring (4) urged downward by a compression coil spring (5), the movement of the first balls (43) with respect to the first cam groove (35) is in conjunction with the movement of the compression ring, second balls (65) are engaged with a second cam groove (36) formed under the first cam groove (35) and having substantially the same shape as the first cam groove (35), the second balls (65) are engaged with the piston (6), the movement of the second balls (65) with respect to the second cam groove (36) is in conjunction with the movement of the piston, and air on the lower side of the piston (6) in the cylinder is gradually flowed out according to the movement of the piston. |
| US08387209B2 |
Caster with dual offset orbital mounting assembly
A caster assembly has a dual pivot assembly in the caster mounting that is laterally offset, whereby the caster wheels may not only pivot about a wheel pivot axis that extends through the plane of the caster wheel, but also revolve orbitally about a mounting pivot axis that is laterally offset from and parallel to the wheel axis. A transfer plate supports a pair of bearing assemblies, one of them securing a mounting post secured to the bottom of an object. The other bearing assembly supports a cylindrical head post that extends to a clevis-like bracket that supports a caster wheel. |
| US08387204B2 |
Handheld cleaning appliance
A handheld cleaning appliance includes a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet and separating apparatus for separating dirt and dust from an airflow in an airflow path leading from the air inlet to the air outlet. The cyclonic separator is arranged in a generally upright orientation. A base surface of the main body and a base surface of the cyclonic separator together form a base surface of the appliance for supporting the appliance on a surface. By providing a base surface of the appliance which is made up of the base surface of the main body and the base surface of the cyclonic separator, the appliance is provided with a substantial base surface on which the appliance can be stably and reliably supported. This is also achieved without substantially increasing the size of the appliance as a whole. |
| US08387203B2 |
Vacuum attachment tool
A vacuum attachment tool is provided for use with one or more vacuum systems and with a source of pressurized cleaning fluid, the tool adapted for removing fluids, solids, debris and produced substances from a hydrocarbon-producing well from a surface, such as a drilling rig floor. The tool can include a brush head having a vacuum orifice, the brush head adapted for loosening fluids and solids from the surface so they can be vacuumed up through the orifice to the vacuum system. The tool can further include an orifice disposed on the brush head for dispensing pressurized cleaning fluid, and a valve mechanism for controlling the flow of the pressurized cleaning fluid. |
| US08387195B2 |
Educational toothbrush
Some embodiments of the present invention describe an educational toothbrush that includes a brush head with bristles, a brush neck, and a body. The body includes a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion of the body and the bottom portion of the body are configured to operably connect to each other to form the body. The body also includes a button configured to activate the educational toothbrush and deactivate the educational toothbrush. |
| US08387193B2 |
Autonomous surface cleaning robot for wet and dry cleaning
An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface. |
| US08387186B2 |
Assembly kit group
A kind of assembly kit group, for use as a back cushion, a sitting cushion, and a sitting cushion having a rotatable base, with a sitting cushion cover set to cover the outside section of a cushion body, and this cushion body having a concave hole in the central section, then a combining element combines to the inside of the concave hole in the central section position of the cushion body, so as to allow the central section position of this sitting cushion cover to slide into the inside of this concave hole. |
| US08387185B2 |
Space saver pillow system and method for making the same
A space saver pillow system comprises a space saver pillow and a bag. The space saver pillow includes a fill and a covering surrounding and enclosing the fill. The fill of the space saver pillow is adapted to generally rebound back to its natural state after being compressed. The bag encloses the space saver pillow and an amount of air. The space saver pillow enclosed in the bag is compressed no more than about 80% of its original size. |
| US08387177B2 |
Partially deflatable transfer mattress and method for transporting a patient in comfort
A transfer mattress includes an upper mattress having three longitudinally oriented plenums and three separate inlet/outlet valves that are each arranged in airflow communication with their respective plenum. First and second of the plenums are arranged in airflow communication with one another while a central plenum is arranged in airflow isolation from the first plenum and the second plenum so that the first and second plenums may be inflated and deflated independently of the central plenum. A lower inflatable mattress is separated by a common wall from the upper mattress. A lower inlet/outlet valve is arranged in airflow communication with a lower plenum defined by the lower inflatable mattress. A bottom wall defines a plurality of perforations so that when the lower plenum is charged with pressurized air, it escapes under pressure through the perforations to create an air bearing under the mattress. A method for transporting a patient in comfort is also provided by the invention. |
| US08387175B2 |
Soaking basin having disposable liner and support frame
A soaking basin is provided having a base unit, a disposable liner, and a frame nested therebetween to enable removal of the liner from the base unit, even when filled with liquid. In this manner, a user can remove the liner filled with liquid to pour out the liquid and discard the liner, after a treatment has been completed. Thus, the user need not lift the entire soaking basin to pour out liquid. In addition, the user can use the frame to support the new liner while filling it with liquid, and to transport the filled liner to the base unit to service clients. |
| US08387173B2 |
Cistern assembly
A cistern assembly for a flush toilet includes a cistern housing including a cistern lid and a cistern base, a cistern member pivotally attached within the cistern housing, and an actuator to pivot the cistern member relative to the cistern housing to discharge the stored water. The cistern member has a base wall that forms a chamber to store the water and a passageway to discharge the water from the chamber, the passageway has an internal inlet and a cistern outlet and is shaped to siphon water through the passageway. The actuator tilts the cistern member to actuate discharge of water through the passageway so that when the cistern member is pivoted and the passageway is moved below the water level of the stored water of the chamber, water is drawn through the passageway to the cistern outlet until air within the chamber enters the passageway preventing further water from being drawn into the passageway. |
| US08387167B2 |
Method for forming resin surface, method for manufacturing article which forms recessed portions different in size randomly on surface thereof and article manufactured by the method, and method for manufacturing gloves and gloves manufactured by the method
A method for forming a resin surface on which recessed portions different in size are formed randomly includes: forming first recessed portions by allowing all or some granular and/or powdery adhering material to adhere to a surface of an unset resin composition containing air bubbles so that at least a portion of the granular and/or powdery adhering material bites into the surface and by removing the adhering material after the resin composition is set; and forming second recessed portions smaller than the first recessed portions in size by allowing some of the air bubbles contained in the unset or set resin composition to open on the aforementioned surface of the resin composition. |
| US08387164B2 |
Plastic foam helmet pad
A protective pad for a sports helmet having a shell for covering at least part of the head of a wearer, the pad including a first resilient shock absorbing member of plastic such as thermoplastic polyurethane, the first member having a sheet portion with a plurality of hollow protrusions, tapering side walls of the protrusions extending substantially to an inside surface of the side area of the shell and being compressible for absorbing shocks applied to the shell. The pad includes a second resilient shock absorbing member of a monolithic block of foam fixed to the sheet portion of the first member for engaging the wearer's head. A plastic cover covers the second shock absorbing member and a plurality of fasteners removably connects the pad at to the shell by at least some of the protrusions. |
| US6044965C1 |
Troughing idlers for belt conveyors
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| US08393009B2 |
Sensor for noncontact profiling of a surface
A sensor for scanning a surface with an oscillating cantilever (12), made from piezoelectric material that is suitable for a transverse oscillation of the free end of a beam, holding an electrically conductive probe tip (14) on the free end of the beam in transverse direction, a first deflection electrode (26A, 26B) and an inversely phased second electrode (28A, 28B, 28C) being provided to collect charges that are separated within the space of the deflection electrodes (34, 36). The cantilever (12) is provided with at least one electrode (30) in addition to the deflection electrodes (26A, 26B, 28A, 28B, 28C) that provides electrical contact to the tip (14), the at least one additional electrode being located in a region on the deflecting beam where the surface charge density due to the strain caused by beam deflection (34, 36) is smaller than in the region where the deflection electrodes are located. |
| US08393005B2 |
Recording medium, and device and method for recording information on recording medium
A recording medium (100) for storing content that can be read and written by a host device stores a content key (a key that is used for encrypting content) (805a) encrypted in a first format, and a content key (805b) that is encrypted in a second format for content that is the same as the content related to the content key (805a) encrypted in the first format. The first format is, for example, a format used for distributed content, and the second format is a format used with local content. |
| US08393003B2 |
Obfuscating computer program code
A computer-implemented method of tamper-protecting computer program code. The method comprises: obtaining an input representation of the computer program code; identifying a conditional program statement for causing a data processing system to selectively execute one of at least a first and a second sets of program statements when said computer program is executed by a data processing system; replacing said identified conditional program statement and the first and second sets of program statements with a set of transformed program statements to obtain obfuscated program code, wherein the set of transformed program statements is adapted to cause the data processing system to execute at least a part of each of the transformed program statements when said computer program is executed by the data processing system. |
| US08393001B1 |
Secure signature server system and associated method
A system, method and computer program product are provided for securely generating signatures. Initially received is a request to generate a signature at a secure server. Then, the signature is automatically generated at the secure server utilizing a private key stored at the secure server. The signature is then transmitted from the secure server. Such signature is capable of being used to verify an authenticity of an update (i.e. data and/or software) for a computer utilizing a public key. |
| US08392997B2 |
Value-adaptive security threat modeling and vulnerability ranking
Among others, techniques and systems are disclosed for analyzing security threats associated with software and computer vulnerabilities. Stakeholder values relevant for a software system are identified. The identified stakeholder values are quantified using a quantitative decision making approach to prioritize vulnerabilities of the software system. A structured attack graph is generated to include the quantified stakeholder values to define a scalable framework to evaluate attack scenarios. The structured attack graph includes two or more nodes. Based on the generated structured attack graph, structured attack paths are identified with each attack path representing each attack scenario. |
| US08392995B2 |
Network management
A method of operating a computing entity in a network having a log mapping computing entity network addresses to vulnerabilities, the method comprising the steps of: using the entity's network address, searching the log to establish what vulnerabilities the entity has; and if the log indicates the entity has a vulnerability, sending data identifying a user of the entity to an administrator of the network. |
| US08392993B1 |
Systems and methods for delaying termination of a process to capture data relating to a potential threat
A computer-implemented method for delaying termination of a process to capture data relating to a potential threat is described. A process that executes an event that indicates a threat is monitored. The event is allowed to execute on the process until a predetermined indicator is triggered. Data associated with the execution of the event is recorded when the predetermined indicator is triggered. The recorded data is transmitted to a processing system for analysis. The process is terminated from continuing to execute the event. |
| US08392989B2 |
Anti-malware scanning in parallel processors of a graphics processing unit
A method of anti-malware scanning includes providing, in a computing system including a central processor, a multimedia processor including a number of processors to operate in parallel with one another. The anti-malware scanning further includes executing an anti-malware algorithm using the multimedia processor to free the central processor for a non-anti-malware related task. |
| US08392983B2 |
Trusted labeler
A cryptographic device and method are disclosed for processing different levels of classified information. Input and output ports are physically isolated on the cryptographic device. Within the cryptographic device, each port has its packets labeled in such a way that it can be processed differently from other packets by a cryptographic module. High-assurance techniques are used to assure labeling and proper processing of the packets. These labeled packets are intermixed on common pathways regardless of level of classification. Despite intermixing, separation of the packets is assured through the process. |
| US08392979B2 |
Document processing automated system and image forming apparatus
It is facilitated to execute a workflow requiring user authentication. When an IC card reading/writing apparatus reads information recorded in an IC card owned by a user, an image forming apparatus transmits user credential information included in the read information to an authentication server. The authentication server performs authentication of the user based on the user credential information transmitted from the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus transmits workflow program information included in the information recorded in an authentication token and parameter information for the workflow program to an application server. The application server controls the image forming apparatus based on the workflow program information. |
| US08392977B2 |
Systems and methods for using a client agent to manage HTTP authentication cookies
Systems and methods are described for using a client agent to manage HTTP authentication cookies. One method includes intercepting, by a client agent executing on a client, a connection request from the client; establishing, by the client agent, a transport layer virtual private network connection with a network appliance; transmitting, by the client agent via the established connection, an HTTP request comprising an authentication cookie; and transmitting, by the client agent via the connection, the connection request. A second method includes intercepting, by a client agent executing on a client, an HTTP communication comprising a cookie from an appliance on a virtual private network to the client; removing, by the client agent, the cookie from the HTTP communication; storing, by the client agent, the received cookie; transmitting, by the client agent, the modified HTTP communication to an application executing on the client; intercepting, by the client agent, an HTTP request from the client; inserting, by the client agent in the HTTP request, the received cookie; and transmitting the modified HTTP request to the appliance. Corresponding systems are also described. |
| US08392971B1 |
Techniques for authenticating access to a private account at a public computing device using a user's mobile computing device
A computer-implemented method technique is presented. The technique can include selectively initiating, at a mobile computing device including one or more processors, communication between the mobile computing device and a public computing device. The technique can include transmitting, from the mobile computing device, authentication information to the public computing device. The authentication information can indicate access privileges to a private account associated with a user of the mobile computing device. The technique can include receiving, at the mobile computing device, an access inquiry from the public computing device. The access inquiry can indicate an inquiry as to whether the user wishes to login to the private account at the public computing device. The technique can also include transmitting, from the mobile computing device, an access response to the public computing device. The access response can cause the public computing device to provide the user with access to the private account. |
| US08392968B2 |
Stateless cryptographic protocol-based hardware acceleration
According to one embodiment of the invention, a method comprises an operation of commencing a first phrase and transfer processing of an authentication handshaking protocol. The first state is commenced for establishing a secure communication path by a first processor within a first network device. The first phrase comprises an exchange of data during a networking protocol. The transfer of processing for the networking protocol by the first processor to a second processor is conducted to complete the networking protocol. |
| US08392966B2 |
Limiting the availability of computational resources to a device to stimulate a user of the device to apply necessary updates
Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture for limiting the availability of computational resources to a device to stimulate a user of the device to apply necessary updates. Indication of the n update to the device is received and a determination is made as to whether the update has been applied to the device. The availability of computational resources at the device to use to execute processes at the device are limited in response to determining that the update has not been applied to the device. Processes are executed at the device using the limited available computational resources after the limiting of the availability of the computational resources. A determination is made as to whether the update has been applied to the device after limiting the availability of the computational resources. The limiting of the availability of the computational resources at the device is reversed in response to determining that the update to the device was applied. |
| US08392964B2 |
System and method for authenticating a powered device attached to a power sourcing equipment for power provisioning
A system and method for authenticating a powered device attached to a power sourcing equipment for power provisioning such as power over Ethernet (PoE) enabled device communicating with a PoE enabled switch. Powered devices such as computing devices, security cameras, VoIP phones, wireless access points, or the like, can be detected by a PoE switch upon connection. Power applied to the powered device is restricted until information received from the powered device is authenticated. |
| US08392960B2 |
Receiving apparatus
A receiving apparatus contains a local area network interface for communication, a signal-processing device that decodes program information received by the local area network interface, and an encoding device that encodes the decoded program information to reconstitute program information to which a synchronizing signal is added and to generate any one of a composite signal and a separate signal. The receiving apparatus also contains an output terminal that the encoding device supplies with any one of a composite signal and a separate signal. |
| US08392957B2 |
Automatic content tagging, such as tagging digital images via a wireless cellular network using metadata and facial recognition
Described in detail herein are systems and methods for automatically generating tags for digital content, such as digital images from a digital camera or camcorder. Further, the system can automatically determine who or what may be in digital content. Further details and features are described herein. |
| US08392953B2 |
Broadcasting signal receiver and method for transmitting/receiving broadcasting signal
A broadcasting signal receiver and a method for transmitting/receiving a broadcasting signal are disclosed. An identifier of a cell is configured in second program table information or signaling information of the broadcasting signal. If the cell is changed, channel information of the changed cell can be obtained from second program table information in which transmission channel information of each cell for a broadcasting program is configured. Accordingly, the broadcasting signal receiver can continuously output the program although the cell is changed. |
| US08392952B2 |
Programming content processing and management system and method
In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a technique is implemented to effectively receive streaming multimedia content in digital form, parse and segment the received transport stream and process the segmented content. Such treatment of received programming content provides for efficient storage of such programming content, and effectively provides for access to such content by administrators of a broadband system as well as users of such systems. In accordance with the invention, a technique enables, among other things: the creation of reference frames for, e.g., effective segmentation of programming content; encapsulation of programming content data as a UDP/IP datagram; associating programming content with provider and dedicated resource attributes; monitoring staging processor activity; effectively segmenting programming content that is scrambled; developing a unicast and multicast; compensating for missing or delayed programming content; and propagating video servers of varying manufacturers. |
| US08392950B2 |
Architecture for delivery of video content responsive to remote interaction
Systems and methods pertaining to a client-server architecture for communicating video frames across a network are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a first engine residing on a first device, with the first engine adapted to encode a succession of video frames of a user interface of a program for transmission across the network. The encoding of the video frames is based on one or more feedback parameters and includes video compression techniques. In the same embodiment, the system includes a first command process engine operatively coupled to the program. In the same embodiment, the system includes a second engine residing on a second device, the second engine adapted to decode the succession of video frames after transmission across the network. In the same embodiment, the system includes a second command process engine operatively coupled to the first command process engine and adapted to communicate user input of the second device to the program via the first command process engine. |
| US08392946B2 |
Method of recommending local and remote content
A method of recommending local and remote content, comprising: receiving, at a television apparatus, a first set of content items and linking information linking each of the content items of the first set to a respective subset of the first set; providing a second set of further content items, the content items of the second set being locally available at the television apparatus; and determining for each content item in a unified set including the first and second sets further linking information linking the content item to a further subset from the unified set; wherein for a certain content item of the first set, the further subset is determined by adding content items of the second set to the respective subset of the certain content item, the content items added being determined by comparing meta data associated with the certain content item with meta data respectively associated with all content items of the second set. |
| US08392942B2 |
Multi-coded content substitution
Multiple segment identifiers associated with a single item of content and substitute content associated therewith can be utilized as a mechanism to provide content substitution using multiple content formats by utilizing a segment routing state machine. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US08392940B2 |
Television distribution of product/service coupon codes
A device receives an advertisement, a code, an encryption key, and information associated with a product and/or service, and provides the advertisement to a set-top box (STB) for display on a television. The device receives, from the STB, a request for a promotion associated with the advertisement and an identification associated with the STB, and provides the code associated with the product and/or service to the STB for display on the television. The device receives, from a user device, a claim for the code and the identification associated with the STB, and validates the claim for the code and the identification associated with the STB based on an identification associated with the user device. |
| US08392938B2 |
System for providing a distributed audience response to a broadcast
A method and system for providing a distributed audience response for a broadcast records a response from a participating client of a broadcast and transmits the response to an audience server. The audience server combines the response with responses from other participating clients of the broadcast, and the combined response is then transmitted to a receiving client for playback in synchronization with the broadcast. Intelligible speech can be removed from the combined response. The participating client can be part of a group of clients of the broadcast, where the responses from the group of clients are combined and played back. A participant can invite certain other participants to “sit next to” him or her, where the responses of the invitees are configured to be intelligible over the combined response. |
| US08392937B2 |
Suspension arm actuator for a scanning device including a magnet for field optimization
A suspension arm actuator for a scanning device includes a suspension arm which is designed as a two-arm lever having a first and second arms. The second lever arm includes a component for a magnetic drive for a swivel motion of the suspension arm. The component is arranged at a recess having the shape of a circular arc, with an inner leg of a yoke being permanently attached to a support projecting into the recess and forming a magnetic yoke, wherein the yoke is provided with a shell-like magnet on its outer leg in order to form the magnetic drive. A magnet for field optimization, which is magnetized perpendicularly in relation to the shell-like magnet, is arranged on the yoke in the region between the inner leg and the shell-like magnet to increase the sensitivity of the suspension arm actuator. |
| US08392935B2 |
Uniform event handling across multiple computing devices
A capture module is configured to provide input events of a particular type to an object of an application executing on a computer. The capture module receives an input event directed to the object of the application executing on the computer. The input event is generated responsive to a user interaction with an input device of the computer. If the input event is of the first type, the capture module translates the input event to a second type. The first type may be a touch input event and the second type may be a mouse input event. The capture module also selectively filters the input event of the second type and dispatches the input event of the second type to the object of the application responsive to the filtering. |
| US08392934B2 |
VXML browser control channel
A system to allow external applications to interact with an operating VXML browser include a VXML browser operating on a processor having a VXML interpreter. A control is operably interconnected between the external application and the VXML interpreter using a communication channel. The control inserts the commands into the VXML interpreter, which are processed by the VXML browser in a conventional manner to allow the external application to interact with the operating VXML browser. |
| US08392929B2 |
Leveraging memory isolation hardware technology to efficiently detect race conditions
One embodiment includes method acts for detecting race conditions. The method includes beginning a critical section, during which conflicting reads and writes should be detected to determine if a race condition has occurred. This is performed by executing at a thread one or more software instructions to place a software lock on data. As a result of executing one or more software instructions to place a software lock on data, several additional acts are performed. In particular, the thread places a software lock on the data locking the data for at least one of exclusive writes or reads by the thread. And, at a local cache memory local to the thread, the thread enters the thread's memory isolation mode enabling local hardware buffering of memory writes and monitoring of conflicting writes or reads to or from the cache memory to detect reads or writes by non-lock respecting agents. |
| US08392928B1 |
Automated workload placement recommendations for a data center
Automatically recommending workload placement in a data center. Historical data and workload constraints of a plurality of workloads are received. A plurality of resources of the data center available for placement of the plurality of workloads is identified. Resource constraints of the plurality of resources are received. Headroom ratings are assigned to the plurality of workloads based on the historical data, the workload constraints and the resource constraints. A consolidation recommendation of the plurality of workloads on the plurality of the resources in said the center is automatically generated based on an analysis of the historical data, the plurality of workloads, the plurality of available resources in the data center and the headroom ratings. |
| US08392925B2 |
Synchronization mechanisms based on counters
A method and apparatus which maintain a plurality of counters to synchronize a plurality of requests for a lock independent of interlocks. The plurality of counters include a lock counter and an unlock counter. The requests wait in a wait queue maintained separately from the counters without direct access between the counters and the wait queue. The lock counter indicates a cumulative number of lock requests to acquire the lock. The unlock counter indicates a cumulative number of unlock requests to release the lock acquired. One or more requests waiting for the lock are selected according to the counters to be granted with the lock when the lock is released. A request corresponds to a task performing synchronized operations when granted with the lock. |
| US08392923B2 |
Dynamic polling for completion of asynchronous tasks based on historical task completion times
A method, system, and computer program product for computing an optimal time interval between polling requests to determine whether an asynchronous operation is completed, in a data processing system. A Polling Request Interval (PRI) utility determines the optimal time interval between successive polling requests, based on historical job completion results. The PRI utility first determines an average job time for previously completed operations. The PRI utility then retrieves a pair of preset configuration parameters including (1) a first parameter which provides the minimum time interval between successive polling requests; and (2) a second parameter which provides the fraction of the average task time added to the first parameter to obtain the time interval between (successive) polling requests. The PRI utility calculates the optimal time between polling requests based on the average job time and the retrieved configuration parameters. |
| US08392921B2 |
Apparatus and method of coordinating operation action of robot software component
Provided are an apparatus and a method of controlling the execution of components without an additional port or messaging for applying the dependency among the components. The apparatus comprises: a profile analyzing unit analyzing execution dependency information of components defined in an execution coordination profile; a component managing unit arranging the components in accordance with the execution sequence of the components caused by the execution dependency information; an execution coordination managing unit determining whether or not each of the components executes the operation on the basis of the execution dependency information of the corresponding component managed by the execution coordination units allocated to the components, respectively; and an operation executing unit executing the operation of each of the components in accordance with the determination result of the execution coordination manager. |
| US08392920B2 |
Parallel query engine with dynamic number of workers
Partitioning query execution work of a sequence including a plurality of elements. A method includes a worker core requesting work from a work queue. In response, the worker core receives a task from the work queue. The task is a replicable sequence-processing task including two distinct steps: scheduling a copy of the task on the scheduler queue and processing a sequence. The worker core processes the task by: creating a replica of the task and placing the replica of the task on the work queue, and beginning processing the sequence. The acts are repeated for one or more additional worker cores, where receiving a task from the work queue is performed by receiving one or more replicas of tasks placed on the task queue by earlier performances of creating a replica of the task and placing the replica of the task on the work queue by a different worker core. |
| US08392917B2 |
Timer access from user mode through a shared memory page
A computing system in which a software component executing on a platform can reliably and efficiently obtain state information about a component supported by the platform through the use of a shared memory page. State information may be supplied by the platform, but any state translation information needed to map the state information as supplied to a format as used may be provided through the shared page. In a virtualized environment, the state translation information can be used to map the value of a virtual timer counter or other component from a value provided by a virtual processor to a normalized reference time that will yield the same result, regardless of whether the software component is migrated to or from another virtual processor. Use of a shared page avoids the inefficiency of an intercept into a virtualized environment or a system calls in native mode operation. |
| US08392913B2 |
Method and apparatus for threaded background function support
The present invention provides a computer implemented method and apparatus for a built-in function of a shell to execute in a thread of an interactive shell process. The data processing system receives a request to execute the built-in function. The data processing system determines that the request includes a thread creating indicator. The data processing system schedules a thread to execute the built-in function, in response to a determination that the request includes the thread creating indicator, wherein the thread is controlled by the interactive shell process and shares an environment of the interactive shell process. The data processing system declares a variable based on at least one instruction of the built-in function. Finally, the data processing system may access the variable. |
| US08392912B2 |
Java application framework for use in a content delivery network (CDN)
An application deployment model for enterprise applications to enable applications to be deployed to and executed from a globally distributed computing platform, such as an Internet content delivery network (CDN). According to the invention, application developers separate their Web application into two layers: a highly distributed edge layer and a centralized origin layer. In a representative embodiment, the edge layer supports a servlet container that executes a Web tier, typically the presentation layer of a given Java-based application. Where necessary, the edge layer communicates with code running on an origin server to respond to a given request. In an alternative embodiment, the edge layer supports a more fully-provisioned application server that executes both Web tier (e.g., presentation) and Enterprise tier application (e.g., business logic) components. In either case, the inventive framework enables one or more different applications to be deployed to and executed from the edge server on behalf of one or more respective entities. |
| US08392908B2 |
Standardized procedures for implementing software changes
A change to a tenant-independent content item identified as a target for changes as part of an update process of a core software platform provided by a multi-tenant system can be registered, and one or more customer tenants of the multi-tenant system can be analyzed to identify tenant-specific content items to which the registered change are relevant. A sequence can be established for processing a modification to the tenant-specific content item resulting from the registered change. The sequence can be based on at least one dependency of the tenant -specific content item on the tenant-independent content item affected by the registered change. Related articles and systems are also disclosed. |
| US08392906B2 |
Enabling parallel websphere runtime versions
A computer implemented method, a tangible storage medium, and a data processing system build a runtime environment of a system. A profile manager receives a service request containing a profile identifier. The profile identifier specifies a required version of at least one software component. The profile manager identifies a complete installation of the software component, and at least one delta file. The profile manager dynamically constructs a classpath for the required version by preferentially utilizing files from the at least one delta file followed by files from the complete installation. The runtime environment is then built utilizing the classpath. |
| US08392897B2 |
Safe computer code formats and methods for generating safe computer code
An inherently safe code format for representing computer programs is disclosed. The format provides incorruptible referential integrity and uses type separation to achieve intrinsic type safety. The format preserves a safety guarantee found in a source code language representation of the computer program while the computer program proceeds through various stages of the code compilation process. |
| US08392894B2 |
Method and system for translating between disparate data object models
A method and system is provided for using an active server page program in a universal web-based active server page framework. The active server page program has associated recordset objects within an active server page framework. The universal web-based active server page framework has associated dataset objects with data structure requirements which are incompatible with data structure requirements associated with the recordset objects. The method and system communicate recordset objects from the active server page program to a recordset-dataset translation mechanism. The dataset objects communicate between the universal web-based active server page program environment and the recordset-dataset translation mechanism. Translating dataset objects to corresponding recordset objects occurs within the recordset-dataset translation mechanism for transmitting data within the dataset objects to the active server page program of the active server page framework. |
| US08392891B2 |
Technique for finding relaxed memory model vulnerabilities
A system and method capable of finding relaxed memory-model vulnerabilities in a computer program caused by running on a machine having a relaxed memory model. A relaxed memory model vulnerability in a computer program includes the presence of program executions that are not sequentially consistent. In one embodiment, non-sequentially consistent executions are detected by exploring sequentially consistent executions. |
| US08392886B2 |
System, program product, and methods to enable visual recording and editing of test automation scenarios for web application
Systems to provide automated testing of a markup software application, program product, and methods are provided. An example of a system can include a network, at least one computer including memory and a processor, and application testing program product stored in the memory of the at least one computer. The application testing program product can include instructions that when executed by the processor of the respective computer causes the respective computer to perform various operations to include receiving a user selection identifying a target element of an application; determining a command describing an action being performed; identifying a translator responsive to a captured command; and generating at least one of the following: an abstract script describing the action being performed by the target element, a context-sensitive verification available for the target element, or a context sensitive synchronization available for the target element. |
| US08392883B2 |
Integration of information distribution systems
An integration component assists in the integration of information distribution systems (IDSs). The integration component may help to identify the scope of the systems that are to be integrated using a multi-level top-down approach. The multi-level top-down approach may include five levels: a system software level, a business process level, a business rule level, an interface function level, and a data level. A fault detection component may then check the identified systems to identify potential faults. This check can be performed by representing the business rules as a Transition-Directed-Graph (TDG) and then processing the TDG using generic depth-first search (DFS)-based algorithms. |
| US08392882B2 |
Engine state-based control of software functions
Systems and methods provide engine state-based control of software functions. In one implementation, a system is provided that includes an engine and an engine control module. The engine control module determines a state of the engine and stores the determined state as an engine state variable. The engine state variable is interpretable by a plurality of components. |
| US08392876B2 |
Cooperative execution of graphical data flow programs in multiple browsers
System and method for performing program-related operations over a network via a web browser. A network connection is established between a server computer and a client computer over a network. A universal resource identifier (URI) is sent from the client computer to the server computer over the network, where the URI indicates a program, e.g., a graphical program (GP), or at least a portion of a graphical program interactive development environment (GPIDE), e.g., a graphical program editor, an execution engine, a static or dynamic analyzer, and/or compiler. The at least a portion of the GPIDE is received from the server computer over the network in response to the URI, and executed in a web browser of the client computer to perform some specified functionality with respect to the GP. |
| US08392875B2 |
Content management framework for use with a system for application development
A dynamic data-modeling system and a content management framework combined into a high-level application development framework is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system for application development, comprises a data-modeling framework configured to enable a user to define a logical data model. The data-modeling framework dynamically translates the logical data model into a corresponding physical data model. The changes to the logical data model are automatically adjusted in the physical data model accordingly. A content management framework is coupled to the data-modeling framework. The content management framework is configured to provide tools to enable the user to manage content associated with the physical data model based on the logical data model. |
| US08392870B2 |
Two-chip co-design and co-optimization in three-dimensional integrated circuit net assignment
A method of generating optimized input/output (IO) pair and inter-chip connection combinations for two chips is described. In this method, first and second designs for two chips can be specified. Then inter-chip signals based on the first and second designs can be specified. IO pairs for the first and second chips can be determined based on the inter-chip signals. At this point, electrical contacts between micro-bumps (MBs) of the first and second chips can be formed. Inter-chip paths with through-silicon-vias (TSVs) and MBs of the first and second chips can also be formed. At this point, the costs of assigning the IO pairs to the inter-chip paths can be determined. A cost matrix can be built based on these costs. A bipartite matching algorithm can be applied to the cost matrix to determine the optimized IO pair and inter-chip path combinations. |
| US08392868B1 |
Method and apparatus to use physical design information to detect IR drop prone test patterns
A method is provided to evaluate whether one or more test patterns is power safe for use during manufacturing testing of an integrated circuit that includes a nonuniform power grid and that includes a scan chain, the method comprising: assigning respective toggle count thresholds for respective power grid regions of the non-uniform power grid; and determining whether respective numbers of toggles by scan elements of the scan chain within one or more respective power grid regions meet respective toggle count thresholds for the one or more respective regions during at least one scan-shift cycle in the course of scan-in of a test pattern to the scan chain. |
| US08392865B2 |
Semiconductor device metal programmable pooling and dies
A pool of die designs includes die designs having metal programmable base layers. Die designs from the pool are selected for use in fabricating dies. Die designs are added to the pool by customization of die designs already in the pool or by preparing custom die designs that incorporate a metal programmable base layer. In some embodiments multi-tile dies are provided with I/O slots configurable for either inter tile communication or inter die communication. |
| US08392864B2 |
Method and system for model-based routing of an integrated circuit
Disclosed is a method, system, and computer program product for implementing model-based floorplanning, layout, placement, and routing. Models are used to guide the placement and routing of polygons on the IC layout based upon predictions of manufacturing variations. |
| US08392859B2 |
Method and system for debugging using replicated logic and trigger logic
A method and system for debugging using replicated logic and trigger logic is described. A representation of a circuit is compiled. One or more signals are selected for triggering and trigger logic is inserted into the circuit. A portion of the circuit is selected for replication. The selected portion of the circuit is replicated and delay logic is inserted to delay the inputs into the replicated portion of the circuit. The representation of the circuit is recompiled and programmed into a hardware device. A debugger may then be invoked. One or more of the triggering signals are selected. For each selected triggering signal, one or more states are selected to setup a trigger condition. The hardware device may then be run. The replicated portion of the circuit will be paused when the trigger condition occurs. The states of registers in the replicated portion of the circuit and the sequence of steps that led to the trigger condition may then be recorded. |
| US08392852B2 |
Information processing apparatus
An user interface for facilitating user operation. At time of an initial setup, the user selects a desired character, a room, images of items to be installed in the room, such as a television receiver set, a personal computer apparatus, etc. After selection, a user interface is formed in which images of the character and an item are incorporated into an image of the room, such as for example a living room selected by the user. The user may virtually reproduce his or her room at the user interface by imagining his or her room so as to select a room and install items. As a result, it becomes possible to provide the user with a user interface which allows an intuitive and simple operation. |
| US08392849B2 |
Mobile terminal and method of combining contents
A mobile terminal and method for combing contents is provided. The mobile terminal includes a memory, a display configured to display a plurality of icons, each icon representing separate content stored in the memory, an input unit configured to sense a user touch input, and a controller configured to select at least two of the plurality of icons in response to the user touch input causing the at least two of the plurality of icons to be at least partially overlapped, and to combine the content represented by the at least two of the plurality of icons according to a specified order to generate a new icon representing the combined contents. |
| US08392844B2 |
Retaining style information when copying content
An illustrative implementation is described for copying an identified portion of source content along with style information associated with the portion. The implementation allows the identified portion to be pasted into target content. By virtue of the extraction and retention of style information, the identified portion that is pasted into the target content visually resembles the identified portion as it appears in the source content. The implementation can identify relevant style information to be preserved based on a contextual analysis of style information applied to the source content. In one illustrative case, some of the style information may be revealed by parts of the content that are not directly demarcated by the identified portion. |
| US08392842B1 |
Quick search for replacement of portion of image
In one example embodiment a system and method is illustrated to receive image data identifying a characteristic of a portion of a first image, the first image displayed as part of a Graphical User Interface (GUI). The system and method may also include generating a search request for a second image based upon the characteristic. Further, the system and method may include receiving an image search result including at least the second image, the second image displayed as part of an image array within the GUI. Moreover, the system and method may include augmenting the first image with the second image, based upon the characteristic, to create an augmented image. |
| US08392841B1 |
Web page composition tool with browser page size guide
A computer-implemented method includes, on a client system, displaying a translucent overlay over a first web page displayed in a browser. A plurality of visually distinct sections of the first web page is displayed on the translucent overlay. Each section corresponds to a plurality of hypothetical browser sizes used to view the first web page. In each respective section a percentage corresponding to one of a portion of the community of users that can see or cannot see at least the respective section is displayed. |
| US08392838B2 |
Accessing virtual disk content of a virtual machine using a control virtual machine
Methods, systems, and techniques for facilitating access to content stored remotely, for example, as part of a virtual machine infrastructure or elsewhere in a networked environment, using a uniform mechanism are provided. Example embodiments provide an Enhanced Virtual Desktop Management Server/System with a Content Abstraction Layer which enables users to access their data stored as part of a virtual machine environment, or replicated otherwise on a network, using a generic API. The API can be incorporated into a web browser or other third party interface to provide access to the users' data without needing to remote a bitmap representation of a virtual desktop display. Accordingly, users can access their data, applications, and settings regardless of the type of access device and regardless of whether the corresponding virtual desktop is running in the data center, provisioned in the datacenter but running on a client device, or not running at all. |
| US08392836B1 |
Presenting quick list of contacts to communication application user
Methods and systems of presenting a quick list of contacts to an instant messaging user are disclosed. A set of contacts is identified. From the set of contacts, a first subset is selected based on first predefined criteria and a second subset is selected from second predefined criteria. The first and second predefined criteria may include contact interaction criteria, user activity criteria, and connectedness criteria. From the first and second subsets, one or more lists of contacts are generated. The one or more lists may be displayed in a display region of an instant messaging application. |
| US08392834B2 |
Systems and methods of authoring a multimedia file
Systems and methods of authoring a multimedia file are described. In one method of authoring a multimedia file, a collection of media objects, including a reference media object of indexed temporally-ordered data structures, is accessed. The reference media object is rendered. While the reference media object is being rendered, a media object in the collection is linked to the reference media object with a rendering time synchronized to the rendering of the reference media object. In another multimedia file authoring method, a collection of inter-linked media objects is accessed. Media objects are sequentially rendered in accordance with a sequence of media object links selected by a user while media objects are being rendered. The sequence of selected media object links and synchronization data are stored to enable reproduction of media object rendering experienced by the user. |
| US08392833B2 |
Image forming apparatus
Provided is an image forming apparatus having a preview function and an original paper size automatic detection function, capable of displaying a preview of original image data immediately next a detected original paper size has been switched with a simple operation. On receipt of an operation of a next skip button by a user, a preview image display control portion refers to a paper size recording table and displays a preview of image data of a top page in the group (unit) next to the group in which the preview of the image data of the top page is currently displayed, the group being different in a paper size from the other group. |
| US08392825B2 |
Document processor and re-aggregator
A method and system for implementing a document processor and re-aggregator is described herein. A document is divided into one or more sections and formatting is removed. A condensed document is generated that includes one or more links to the one or more sections. The condensed document is transmitted to a mobile device to be displayed for a user. The user may choose to download one or more of the sections by selecting one or more of the links. Once downloaded, a section may be modified by the user. The one or more modified sections may be transmitted from the mobile device. The one or more modified sections may then be re-aggregated with the unmodified sections to form a revised document. |
| US08392824B2 |
Method and apparatus for hardware XML acceleration
A method and apparatus for accelerating processing of a structured document. A hardware XML accelerator includes one or more processors (e.g., CMT processors), one or more hardware XML parser units, one or more cryptographic units and various interfaces (e.g., to memory, a network, a communication bus). An XML document may be processed in its entirety or may be parsed in segments (e.g., as it is received). A parser unit parses a document or segment character by character, validates characters, assembles tokens from the document, extracts data, generates token headers (to describe tokens and data) and forwards the token headers and data for consumption by an application. A cryptographic unit may enforce web security, XML security or some other security scheme, by providing encryption/decryption functionality, computing digital signatures, etc. Software processing, bus utilization and latencies (e.g., memory, bus) are greatly reduced, thereby providing significantly improved XML processing and security processing throughput. |
| US08392822B2 |
Deploying privacy policy in a network environment
An authoring application enables an administrative user to generate, validate, and deploy one or more privacy notices and legal notices in web pages that may be retrieved by a client user via a web browser. Two or more of the privacy notices generated by the authoring application may be deployed in a web page, and may be selectively presented to the client user via the web browser in accordance with the notification setting selected at the web browser. Two or more of the legal notices generated by the authoring application may be deployed in the web page or in a second web page. The legal notices may be selectively presented to the client user via the web browser in accordance with the notification setting. |
| US08392815B2 |
Method for the operation of a microcontroller and an execution unit and microcontroller and an execution unit
A microcontroller which can be coupled to an execution unit. For the operation of the microcontroller, a program in the microcontroller generates a message as a function of input data and transmits said message to the execution unit. For the operation of the microcontroller, accompanying the message, a check code is generated as a function of the execution of the program and is transmitted to the execution unit. For the operation of the execution unit, a test determines whether the check code is logically predefined and/or received within a predetermined time interval, wherein in the case of a positive test result, the message is designated as valid, and in the case of a negative result, the message is designated as invalid. |