| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08439468B2 |
Inkjet print apparatus and inkjet print method
In a print apparatus for performing a print by a scan of a print head with heaters generating thermal energy for ejecting ink, a temperature of the print head is detected before the scan of the print head, and when the detected temperature exceeds a threshold temperature, the print head is controlled to wait. Information relating to the cumulative number of drives of the heater in the print head is acquired and, based upon this information, the threshold temperature is changed to a lower temperature as the cumulative number of the drives increases. An excessive temperature rise of the head is restricted and also a throughput reduction is reduced as much as possible. |
| US08439465B2 |
Printing method, computer-readable medium, and printing apparatus
A printing method etc. capable of suppressing degradation in image quality of border sections between regions respectively printed by a plurality of nozzle rows that eject ink droplets is achieved. The printing method includes a step of setting, when at least two print heads that move in a movement direction intersecting a carrying direction and that include a plurality of nozzle rows each including a plurality of nozzles arranged in the carrying direction are moved in the movement direction, one ejecting method, of among a plurality of ejecting methods in which the nozzles for actually ejecting ink droplets are appropriately changed between an upstream-side nozzle and a downstream-side nozzle, for each of a plurality of aligned nozzle sections that are arranged such that the downstream-side nozzle of one print head and the upstream-side nozzle of the other print head, of the nozzle rows provided in different print heads, are aligned in the movement direction; and a step of ejecting ink droplets from the aligned nozzle sections according to the one ejecting method that has been set. |
| US08439458B2 |
Housing for at least partially accommodating a furniture fitting
A housing for at least partially accommodating a furniture fitting is designed such that it can be changed in length along a longitudinal axis of the housing. |
| US08439457B2 |
Adjustable dressing mirror assembly
An adjustable dressing mirror assembly includes a support, a mirror-mounting unit, and a positioning device. The positioning device includes a guiding seat connected pivotally to the support, a driving plate connected pivotally to the mirror-mounting unit, a sliding block, a movable member, a positioning rod, and a resilient member. The guiding seat includes an accommodating chamber and a plurality of positioning grooves. The driving plate and the sliding block are movable in the accommodating chamber. The positioning rod is disposed fixedly on the movable member. Engagement between the positioning rod and the positioning grooves is allowed with assistance of the resilient member during movement of the driving plate within the accommodating chamber from a rear limit position to a front limit position, and is prevented during movement of the driving plate within the accommodating chamber from the front limit position to the rear limit position. |
| US08439452B2 |
Paint brush with reinforced ferrule construction
A method for making a paint brush includes coupling a plurality of filaments to a handle inside a sleeve with the handle extending out of the sleeve. At least a portion of the handle and the sleeve are coated with a substantially impermeable coating to form a seal around an interface between the sleeve and the handle without covering the plurality of filaments. |
| US08439449B1 |
EZ dump lawn vacuum
1. My EZ DUMP lawn vacuum container has a capacity of over 48 bushels or 60 cubic feet of debris which can be backed up to a dump site, blower engine turned off, debris dumped by means of my EZ DUMP interior dump bed system, container closed and blower engine started all within under 3 minutes without leaving the seat of the lawnmower and without pulling any levers or ropes or any other manual means. Since the dump bed is a contained within the container there is no need to remove the flexible blower hose which is connected to the front of the container. The dumping of debris is accomplished with only four moving parts powered by an inexpensive 12 volt lift device. These features make my EZ DUMP lawn vacuum low maintenance and a pleasure to use, even for a 79 year old like me. |
| US08439448B2 |
Buckle for center occupant for bench seat with extended travel
A 60/40 bench seat is provided allowing for increased sliding travel along a set of tracks to allow for easier ingress and egress of a vehicle passenger accessing the rear of a bench seat. The 60/40 bench seat assembly allows for increased travel along the tracks without adding significant increases in assembly parts, cost, or weight. The 60/40 bench seat assembly is provided including a profile member and a buckle. The 60/40 bench seat assembly is divided into a 40% section seat and a 60% section seat. The 60/40 seat assembly further includes a profile member operable to push down the buckle to allow for increased travel of the 60% seat. The buckle includes a first surface and the profile includes a second surface contacting the buckle first surface thereby pushing the buckle towards a vehicle floor. |
| US08439447B2 |
Convertible swing seat
A convertible child seat includes a seat frame that presents a seat cavity and an open front to allow cavity ingress and egress by the child. The seat also includes a front restraint shiftably attached to the seat frame and shiftable between a storage position and a child-restraining position. In the storage position, the front restraint extends along the bottom wall so as to be positioned below the seated child and thereby permit cavity ingress and egress through the open front. In the child-restraining position, the front restraint at least partly spans the open front to restrict cavity ingress and egress through the open front. |
| US08439445B2 |
Vehicle seat backs
In the field of vehicle seats there is a need for an improved vehicle seat back tilt adjustment assembly that allows a user selectively to make small or large adjustments to the inclination of a vehicle seat back. A vehicle seat back tilt adjustment assembly comprises a guide member securable to a vehicle body; and an intermediate mechanism moveably coupled to the guide member. The intermediate mechanism includes first and second locking elements. The first locking element is moveable between a first configuration in which it is engagable with a vehicle seat back to secure the seat back to the intermediate mechanism and a second configuration in which the seat back is disengagable therefrom to allow the seat back to move independently of the intermediate mechanism. The second locking element selectively engages the guide member to secure the position of the intermediate mechanism relative to the guide member. |
| US08439443B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat includes an operating member that is provided for a seat back. The operating member is operated to release locking of a seat cushion to a floor and to release rotation-sopped state of a reclining device. By operating the operating member, a first link rotatably provided for the seat back is operated in one rotation direction to thereby turn a second link rotatably provided for a base frame so that locking of the seat cushion to the floor is released. When the seat back is tilted forward, the first link is moved together with the seat back in a direction to be separated from the second link, that is, in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first link turns the second link. |
| US08439442B2 |
Method and apparatus to enhance proprioception and core health of the human body
The present disclosure provides a lockout mechanism for use with a dynamic therapeutic assembly having a pivot bar pivotally coupled to an upper pivot plate such that the upper pivot plate is moveable with respect to the pivot bar about a first pivot axis and pivotally coupled to a lower pivot plate such that the pivot bar is moveable with respect to the lower pivot plate about a second pivot axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis. The lockout mechanism includes a pushrod assembly that is moveable between a first position, wherein a portion of the pushrod assembly is engageable with the pivot bar to prevent substantial movement of the pivot bar about the second pivot axis, and a second position, wherein the portion of the pushrod assembly is disengaged from the pivot bar to allow movement of the pivot bar about the second pivot axis. |
| US08439438B2 |
Push-push cup holder
A cupholder has a substantially tubular shell configured to be mounted with a longitudinal axis oriented substantially vertically. A floor received in the shell is vertically movable along the longitudinal axis for defining a variable depth cup well. A ring coaxially atop the shell has a plurality of vertical guide extensions disposed around a periphery of the shell. The ring is vertically movable. A linkage is provided between the floor and the guide extensions providing reciprocal motion of the floor and the ring wherein pushing down the floor raises the ring and wherein pushing down the ring raises the floor. |
| US08439433B2 |
Single motor structure for operation of panorama sunroof glass and roll blind at the same time
A single motor structure for operation of a panorama sunroof glass and a roll blind may include a motor supplying a motive power to the panorama sunroof glass and the roll blind, a rotating shaft rotatably connected to a side of the motor, a first actuating gear and a second actuating gear, which may be spaced symmetrically from the rotating shaft with a predetermined distance, a first actuating member combined with the first actuating gear so as to rotate with the first actuating gear to control open-shut of the panorama sunroof glass, a second actuating member combined with the second actuating gear so as to rotate with the second actuating gear so as to control open-shut of the roll blind, and a first actuating relay member and a second actuating relay member, which may be combined with each of the first actuating member and the second actuating member respectively. |
| US08439432B2 |
Roof structure for a vehicle with no center pillar
A vehicle roof system enabling elimination of the B-pillar is disclosed. A particular aspect of the invention is to transfer vertical roof loads onto an enhanced rear structure of the vehicle. An additional aspect of the invention is to employ a rear upper cap reinforcement to directly assume roof crush loads applied at front of the vehicle during testing. A specific load transfer mechanism is disclosed. Vertical roof crush force applied near the front of the vehicle is transferred into both a torsional load upon a rear header of the vehicle, and a bending moment upon the C-pillar of the vehicle. |
| US08439424B1 |
Bracket assembly for modular bows in a tarp system and methods of assembling the same
A bracket assembly for securing tarps to a modular bow in a tarp system includes a curved base member that is adapted to be secured to a frame member having adjacent dual channels that extend along an outer surface thereof. A tarp guide is supported on the curved base member. The tarp guide has adjacent dual channels that are separated by a partition. The adjacent dual channels of the tarp guide are adapted to be aligned with the adjacent dual channels of the frame member when the curved base member is secured to the frame member. |
| US08439423B2 |
Tonneau cover assemblies
Elongated side rails for attachment to a sidewall of a truck cargo box as a portion of a tonneau cover assembly. Each assembly includes a flexible cover that can be operatively secured to side rails. One side rail includes a securing portion that can be operatively connected to the sidewall; an inclined portion extending from the securing portion, the inclined portion having first and second sides; a connecting member extending downwardly away from the inclined portion from a position located between the first and second sides; and a longitudinal portion extending from the connecting member opposite the inclined portion. To secure the cover to the side rails, hook fastener is preferably attached to loop fastener on the cover. One preferred side rail has a ridge to prevent premature engagement of the fasteners. Another preferred side rail has directional hook fastener to prevent premature engagement of the fasteners. |
| US08439422B2 |
Tarp with multiple attachment points
What is provided is a new and innovative multiple attachment point tarpaulin and method that enables the tarpaulin to be flexibly connected at multiple attachment points, and more securely fastening of the tarpaulin. The present invention achieves the above advantages and benefits by having multiple attachment points at strategic locations. |
| US08439421B2 |
Fuel lid
A vehicle fuel lid apparatus may include a lid and a linkage assembly that pivotally attaches the lid to the vehicle. The lid may be movable about the pivotal attachments between closed and open conditions. |
| US08439419B2 |
Flipper panel assembly
A flipper panel assembly for covering a gap between a seat assembly and a cargo load floor. The seat assembly is movable forward and rearward and includes a pivotal seat back. The flipper panel assembly includes a main panel slidably disposed on the cargo load floor and fixedly secured to the seat assembly. A flipper panel is pivotally coupled to the main panel. The flipper panel assembly translates along the cargo load floor in response to moving the seat assembly forward and rearward. The flipper panel pivots in response to pivotal movement of the seat back. |
| US08439417B2 |
Multi functional device for a center stack
A multi-functional device for a center stack of a vehicle and a center stack include, but are not limited to a storage room and a control panel, which is movable in an opened position and in a closed position. In the closed position the storage room is covered by the control panel. The storage room provides a connection element for multimedia devices and the multimedia devices are detachable from the connection element. |
| US08439413B2 |
Gripping device for automatic bottle-topping machines
A gripping device for automatic bottle-topping machines comprising an anti-rotation blocking element, mobile between an opening position and a gripping position, a first mechanism, provided for actuation of the anti-rotation blocking element, a first actuation element, operatively connected to the first mechanism a gripping element, mobile between an opening position and a gripping position, a second mechanism, provided for actuation of the gripping element, and a second actuation element, operatively connected to the second mechanism, wherein the anti-rotation blocking element and the gripping element are provided for engaging on a bottle. |
| US08439411B2 |
Bumper beam with integrated energy absorber
The present invention is directed to an energy absorbing component externally mounted to a vehicle having a beam structural member and at least one energy absorber operably connected to the beam structural member. The energy absorber absorbs energy when the vehicle undergoes a collision. Also included is a beam cover plate connected to the beam structural member through the use of resistive implant welding, which simplifies the manufacturing process, and improves manufacturing costs. There are two vehicle attachment plates which are overmolded to the beam cover plate, the vehicle attachment plates allow for the beam cover plate to be attached to a vehicle. The beam cover plate, beam structural member, and energy absorber form a component that is operable to function as a bumper that is connected to a vehicle, which absorbs energy during a collision. |
| US08439410B2 |
Prehung door jamb insert with security and adjustment features
A prehung door jamb assembly is provided that includes a strike plate mounting assembly configured to fasten to a door jamb. The strike plate mounting assembly includes a longitudinal extending support plate, a longitudinal extending second plate, first and second strike plate supports, a spacer, at least one adjustment fastener, and at least one fastener. |
| US08439409B2 |
Door unit
A door panel of a side door of a machine has a latching mechanism, and a frame of the machine includes a striker. The striker includes a pair of vertically arranged mounting base portions, a pair of slanted shimmy-stopping surface portions formed on the mounting base portions so as to protrude in a V-like shape towards the latching mechanism, and a metal hooking portion protruding from a flat end portion that is provided between the slanted shimmy-stopping surface portions. The latching mechanism includes a mechanism body portion including main body plates. A U-shaped latch groove portion for engaging the metal hooking portion of the striker is formed by cutting away a part of each main body plate, and shimmy suppressing portions that are vertically arranged in a V-like shape are provided at the open end of each latch groove portion. |
| US08439408B2 |
Pipe clamp
A pipe repair clamp includes a flexible strap having ends that are brought together when the clamp is closed. A thrust plate is secured near the first end of the flexible strap. A lug is secured to the thrust plate. A lug plate is secured near the second end of the strap. A threaded stud is secured to the lug plate and is used to tighten the clamp. A lug cover plate is secured to the lug and the thrust plate and receives the threaded stud. The lug cover plate includes a curved end portion covering at least a portion of the lug. A locking plate receives the threaded stud. The locking plate slides along a top surface of the lug and over the lug cover plate when the first and second ends of the strap are pulled toward each other when the clamp is tightened around a pipe. |
| US08439406B2 |
Shoulder ring with axial retention
A shoulder ring, for installation in a threaded pipe coupling between the installed pin ends of two pipes being connected by the coupling, has opposing end faces and a central opening, and may be lobate or circular in shape. The shoulder ring provides enhanced axial retention within the coupling by incorporating a thread element which engages the internal threads of the coupling to prevent or deter displacement of the ring from the coupling. Alternatively, enhanced axial retention may be provided by means of an interference or interlocking fit that is plastically induced during the ring installation process. The shoulder ring may be of lobate or circular configuration, with the axial retention of lobate embodiments being further enhanced by forces acting radially outward against the coupling due to elastic deformation of the ring during installation. Also disclosed are tools for installing the shoulder rings in a threaded coupling. |
| US08439405B2 |
Crimped or swaged couplings for cable reinforced hoses
A hose coupling for fitment to an end of a cable reinforced hose includes a unitary stem having a cable trap groove portion having an outside diameter greater than an inside diameter of a tube of the hose and less than an inside diameter of the hose with the tube skived from the hose. A unitary ferrule defines at least one cable trap rib corresponding to the cable trap groove and having an inside diameter less than the outside diameter of the cable reinforced hose and greater than an outside diameter of the hose with material covering the cable skived from the hose. The groove width is at least the width of the rib plus twice the diameter of cable reinforcing the hose. Epoxy may be disposed between the hose tube and the stem for sealing or injected between the ferrule and the stem permeating the cable. |
| US08439403B2 |
Printed article with special effect coating
A printed article is disclosed having a light transmissive substrate having a reverse printed region on a surface thereof in the form of a plurality of very closely spaced printed lines or regions. The printed regions and spaces therebetween are subsequently flood coated with special effect ink such as optically variable ink wherein the ink particle size is on average greater than the gap between reverse printed regions. The image is viewed from the non-printed side of the substrate and very fine lines of the special effect flood coated special effect ink appear as very clear sharp lines having a fine resolution. This eliminates the typical jagged edges that would otherwise be seen if the inked region was not present. This effect is due to the first printed inked regions or lines forming a mask through which the flood coated ink is seen. |
| US08439400B2 |
Impact absorber
An impact absorber is provided in a trim of a vehicle for protecting a waist portion of a passenger. The impact absorber includes: a first portion corresponding to the pubis of the passenger; and a second portion corresponding to the ilium of the passenger. Stress generated in the first portion when the passenger hits the trim has a first predetermined value or less, and stress generated in the second portion when the passenger hits on the trim has a second predetermined value or more, the second predetermined value being greater than the first predetermined value. |
| US08439398B2 |
Inflator connectors for inflatable personal restraints and associated systems and methods
Inflator connectors for inflatable personal restraints and associated systems and methods are described herein. An inflator connector configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology, for example, can include a body having an attachment portion and a sleeve portion and a coupling rotatably received in the sleeve portion. The attachment portion of the body can include a first bore having a first engagement feature positioned toward a first opening for operably engaging at least one of an inflator and a gas tube. The sleeve portion can include a second bore in fluid communication with the first bore. The coupling can include a second engagement feature positioned toward a second opening for operably engaging the other of the inflator and the gas tube. |
| US08439393B2 |
Attachment device
An attachment device is provided for securing a cladding element covering an airbag to a motor vehicle body. The airbag is designed to deploy during and/or after activation of the airbag, predominantly in a main direction of force exertion, encompassing a mount that is attachable or attached to the motor vehicle body in an assembly direction, and an insert that is attachable or attached to the cladding element. The insert is connectable or connected with the mount by means of a first connection device and the attachment device is designed to open in an opening direction during and/or after activation of the airbag by releasing the first connection device. The opening direction coincides with and/or mirrors the main direction of force exertion. |
| US08439391B1 |
Baby jogger
A baby jogger includes an upper frame unit, two coupling members, two stop members, two rear frame bars, a rear wheel axle, a plurality of rear wheels, two linking devices, two side bars, a lower frame unit, a mud fender, a front wheel frame and a front wheel. The front wall of each coupling member is connected between the two sidewalls thereof; the rotary members at the two distal ends of the lower frame unit are respectively accommodated in the accommodation space in the two coupling members; the two distal ends of the U-shaped handlebar of the upper frame unit are respectively accommodated in the locating hole in each of the two coupling members. This arrangement avoids accidental finger jam when collapsing the upper frame unit and the lower frame unit, assuring a high level of safety. |
| US08439390B2 |
Three-wheeled collapsible golf cart
A three-wheeled golf cart having collapsible mechanism to fold the cart down for storage and transport where the three wheels are placed evenly around the compact volume of the collapsed unit and a button-control unit allows for the front wheel to turn 180 degrees so that the front wheel will be turned and rotated to an offset position away from the center line of the main tube frame, resulting in a small and compact size storage and transport. |
| US08439386B1 |
Name plate motorcycle exhaust guard
A name plate motorcycle exhaust guard that includes a name plate having a plurality of letters wrought three-dimensionally thereupon, a pair of fasteners disposed perpendicularly from an inward surface, wherein the name plate is removably attachable to a mounting bracket, said mounting bracket configured to be removably attachable to a highway peg mount of a motorcycle, whereby the name plate motorcycle exhaust guard extends rearwards in a vertical plane to shield a rider from contact with the exhaust pipe when the motorcycle is in use. |
| US08439375B2 |
Portable cleaner with axle mount
A new dolly can be used for making either a vacuum cleaner supported by casters or one supported by wheels. Casters can be mounted in sockets in bosses near the dolly perimeter. Alternatively, axle mounts can be fitted over the bosses. Upright walls on the mounts engage corresponding walls on the underside of the dolly, forming spaced supports. An accessory component with molded upright walls is mounted onto the dolly, and its walls engage corresponding walls under the dolly. One fastener seats against one fastener surface on the accessory component, and extends into a hole in that fastener surface, an aligned opening in the corresponding axle mount, and into the dolly. |
| US08439374B1 |
Lightweight high load capacity folding utility cart with unique support structure and ergonomic handle
A lightweight cart which weighs less than three pounds but has a structural design which enables the cart to retain and transport objects which weigh over one hundred and ten pounds. The cart can fold down to two inches for storage, a flat thickness which is at least one inch less thick than conventional foldup carts. |
| US08439373B2 |
Systems and methods for raising a section of a vehicle off the ground without a jack
Described herein is a hydraulic suspension system mounted on a vehicle, including a plurality of hydraulic suspension units having a section of the vehicle corresponding thereto, and a hydraulic power device in communication with the plurality of hydraulic suspension units for providing a hydraulic fluid under pressure to actuate the plurality of hydraulic suspension units. The hydraulic suspension system mounted on a vehicle further includes a plurality of hydraulic valve assemblies associated with each of the plurality of hydraulic suspension units, wherein the plurality of hydraulic valve assemblies are in fluid communication between the plurality of hydraulic suspension units and the hydraulic power device, and a control device for controlling each of the hydraulic valve assemblies associated with each of the plurality of hydraulic suspension units. |
| US08439372B2 |
Hydraulic protection of a rolling stabilization system
A device for the protection of a rolling stabilization system for motor vehicles, having at least two stabilization devices includes at least one first hydraulically triggerable safety valve for locking at least the first stabilization device. |
| US08439370B2 |
Stair-climbing device
A stair-climbing device including a support unit, a climbing unit driven by a motor and a control unit for controlling operation of the climbing unit, wherein a detection unit is provided for detecting the current position of the support unit with respect to one or several steps of a stair which includes at least one non-contact sensor, wherein the detection unit provides signals to the control unit, which signals contain information about the current position of the support unit with respect to one or several steps of the stair, and wherein the control unit is adapted to control operation of the climbing unit depending on signals of the detection unit. |
| US08439363B2 |
Dynamic radial shaft seal assembly with combination dust exclusion thrust pad
A dynamic radial shaft seal assembly includes an inner wear sleeve having a cylindrical inner wall with a bore sized for receipt about a shaft and an outer running surface. The inner wear sleeve has a flange extending radially outwardly from the running surface. The assembly further includes an outer case having cylindrical outer wall configured for receipt in a housing and a rim extending radially inwardly from the outer wall. An elastomeric body is attached to the rim. The elastomeric body includes a main seal lip configured to engage the outer running surface of the inner wear sleeve and a plurality of thrust pads extending axially from the rim for engagement with the flange. The thrust pads are spaced circumferentially from one another by gaps. The elastomeric body further includes a first dust exclusion lip extending axially from the leg and bridging the gaps. |
| US08439362B1 |
Method and system for playing a casino game
A casino game method and system is set forth for house banked games such as Blackjack, Baccarat, Pai Gow and the like where each participating player makes a first wager to participate in the house banked game and a second wager to form a player competition pot. The first wagers are resolved according to the rules of the game. The second wagers are combined into a pot which is awarded to the player having the highest or lowest hand ranking. In the event of a tie the pot may be shared or carried over to subsequent hands until there is a single winner. The system provides for a host processor communicating with player terminals from which the players can control the game action. To provide a profit to the casino, at least a portion of the pot is awarded if the house hand has a certain holding. |
| US08439360B2 |
Roulette game device
It is possible to arrange a plurality of wheel pins 281 on an inclined face 28 formed so as to follow an outer circumferential direction of a plurality of pockets 23 formed in a roulette device 2. These wheel pins 281 include threaded holes 282 and insertion pins 283, and match positions of through holes 284 formed in the inclined face 28 and the threaded holes 282, and are fastened with screws 286 inserted from a back surface side of the inclined face 28 to be detachable. In addition, concave portions 285 formed according to a distance between the threaded holes 282 and the insertion pins 283 in the wheel pins 281 are formed in the inclined face 28, and the insertion pins 283 are inserted and cause a direction of the wheel pins 281 to be fixed. |
| US08439359B2 |
Shuffleboard playfield assembly
The present invention is directed to a two-piece shuffleboard playfield having two rectangular planar members forming the overall playfield, two bracket members and adjustment members. The two elongated planar playfield members are attached to each other with the bracket members. Each bracket member is mounted to the lower surface of one of the elongated planar members at the point of joinder of the two elongated playfield members. When the playfield members are placed in abutting relationship to each other, the bracket members are likewise placed adjacent to each other for securely attaching the same to each other with a plurality of fastener members. An adjustment bolt is position at each respective end portion of each bracket member for leveling the top surface of the elongated planar members at their point of joinder. Each end portion of one rectangular planar member adjacent the point of joinder or joint edge can be moved up and down with respect to the other end portions of the rectangular planar members by adjusting the adjustment members. The adjustment bolts are used to raise one corner of each of the elongated playfield members independently of each other at the point of joinder. |
| US08439358B2 |
Sheet conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet conveying apparatus, including: a first conveying portion; a second conveying portion arranged downstream of the first conveying portion; a shutter member rotated by the pressure of the sheet and including a plurality of abutment surfaces against which a leading edge of the sheet conveyed by the first conveying portion abuts to correct a skew feed of the sheet; and an urging portion which provides the shutter member with an urging force for positioning one abutment surface at an abutment position at which the leading edge of the sheet abuts against the one abutment surface, the urging portion providing the shutter member with an urging force for rotating the shutter member to position another abutment surface at the abutment position after the leading edge of the sheet is nipped by the second conveying portion. |
| US08439355B2 |
Sheet feeder having movable supporter for supporting sheets stacked on a sheet tray and image recorder having the same
A sheet feeder includes a sheet tray configured to support one or more sheets stacked thereon in a slanted state, a feed roller disposed to face a lower end of a top one of the sheets stacked on the sheet tray, the feed roller being configured to feed the sheets, a supporter disposed under the sheet tray movably relative to the feed roller, the supporter being configured to support, on an upper surface thereof, lower ends of the sheets stacked on the sheet tray, and a displacement mechanism configured to displace the supporter farther from the feed roller depending on a pressure which the feed roller applies to the sheets when rotating. |
| US08439354B1 |
Self cleaning nudger roll in a sheet media pick system
A fixed cleaning pad is configured and positioned such that that a media feed nudger roll will rub against it periodically to clean it of debris to improve mis-feeding performance. |
| US08439351B1 |
Measuring amount of media during stack compression
A method of determining an amount of media in a stack of media that is disposed within a media holding receptacle of an imaging system, the method includes providing a stack-compressing element configured to contact a first piece of media in the stack of media; providing a sensor to detect a position of the first piece of media; applying a first compressive force to the stack of media via the stack-compressing element in contact with the first piece of media; applying a second compressive force to the stack of media via the stack-compressing element in contact with the first piece of media, the second compressive force being greater than the first compressive force; and using the sensor to detect the position of the first piece of media after the second compressive force is applied to the stack of media. |
| US08439349B2 |
Sheet feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet feeding apparatus and an image forming apparatus are provided. Timing when a subsequent sheet is adsorbed by an adsorbing and conveying mechanism of a sheet feeding device which adsorbs and conveys sheets blown up by air blowing is controlled, and the subsequent sheet is conveyed while being overlapped partially at an overlapping amount with a preceding sheet Sa adsorbed by the adsorbing and conveying mechanism earlier regardless of the size, basis weight, and kind of sheets. |
| US08439345B2 |
Image forming device
An image forming device including a pickup roller and a scraper roller configured to send out a print sheet to a feed route, a before-registration roller configured to send out a print sheet to a registration roller, and a control unit configured to independently control the transfer speed of the print sheet at each point based on operation patterns relating to the pickup roller and the scraper roller, and an intermediate transfer roller configured to transfer the print sheet between the before-registration roller and itself, wherein the operation pattern is set based on a relationship between a distance from the intermediate transfer roller to the before-registration roller or a distance from the intermediate transfer roller to the registration roller and a length of the print sheet. |
| US08439340B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming system
A finisher includes an intermediate tray that collects sheets to form a sheet bundle, a sheet gripping member that grips one end of the sheet bundle in a conveying direction and a positioning member that grips the other end of the sheet bundle in a conveying direction, a moving portion that moves the sheet gripping member and the positioning member to come close to each other, a pair of folding rollers that folds the sheet bundle while conveying the sheet bundle, a projecting member that projects a part between the one end and the other end of the gripped sheet bundle toward the pair of folding rollers, and a controller that controls the moving portion, such that the sheet gripping member and the positioning member come close to each other in synchronization with an operation of projecting the projecting member toward the sheet bundle. |
| US08439338B2 |
Rotary table device provided with cooling structure and rotary bearing provided with cooling structure
A rotary table device includes a cooling structure and a rotary bearing provided with a cooling structure. A rotary table device provided with a cooling structure includes a hollow motor as a drive source, a table rotated by the hollow motor, and a rotary bearing supporting rotational motion of the table, in which the rotary bearing includes an outer ring having an inner peripheral surface to which a rolling surface is formed, an inner ring having an outer peripheral surface to which a rolling surface facing the rolling surface of the outer ring is formed, and a number of rolling members in a rolling passage formed by the rolling surface of the outer ring and the rolling surface of the inner ring, and a heat sink is formed to either one of the inner and outer rings. |
| US08439337B2 |
Wing positioning and mounting system
A positioning system is provided for mounting a wing of an aircraft to a fuselage of the aircraft. The positioning system includes, but is not limited to a programmable mounting unit that can perform a final adjustment and alignment of the wing with respect to the fuselage without user interaction. |
| US08439334B2 |
Spring-mounted vibration system to reduce vibration
Spring-mounted vibration system to reduce vibration with a first spring-mounted part and a second spring-mounted part, wherein the first spring-mounted part and the second spring-mounted part can oscillate relative to each in at least one vibration direction and at least one of the spring-mounted parts can be exposed to a return force on a vibration movement. A control unit is arranged with at least one travel linkage which is connected with at least one of the spring-mounted parts and in which is arranged displaceably at least one guide element connected with a spring element generating the return force and/or the other spring-mounted part. |
| US08439333B2 |
Removable misting array assembly for an abatement system
Various methods and apparatus are disclosed that relate to one or more aspects of an abatement system that removes heat and/or one or more byproducts of combustion from a gas flow. In various aspects a misting array assembly is provided that includes at least one nozzle tubing having at least one nozzle coupled thereto. |
| US08439328B2 |
Fluid control valve and fuel cell system
An inlet shut valve or an outlet shut valve has a main diaphragm and a sub-diaphragm, wherein a valve closing pressure chamber and a valve opening pressure chamber are provided, respectively, on the upper surface side and the lower surface side of the main diaphragm. Furthermore, an atmospheric pressure chamber and a pressure chamber constituting a channel are provided, respectively, on the upper surface side and the lower surface side of the sub-diaphragm. A drive shaft constituting a valve element is driven in the direction for bringing about a valve open state by both forces, i.e. a first force acting by pressure difference between the valve closing pressure chamber and the valve opening pressure chamber and a second force acting by pressure difference between the atmospheric pressure chamber and the pressure chamber constituting a channel and acting in the same direction as the first force. |
| US08439327B2 |
Shear block and blade interface and method
A blowout preventer having a first elongated cavity extending along a first axis and a second elongated cavity extending perpendicular to and intersecting the first elongated cavity, a shear block provided in the first elongated cavity and configured to slide along the first axis, where the shear block has a frontal face facing the second elongated cavity and configured to slide towards the second elongated cavity; and a shear blade configured to be attached to the shear block and also configured to shear a tool provided in the second cavity when the shear block slides towards the tool. The frontal face of the shear block has at least a pin region configured to enter a tail region of the shear blade such that the pin region and the tail region form a dovetail joint or the shear block has the tail region and the shear block has the pin region. |
| US08439325B2 |
Clamp structure
A clamp structure includes a clamping component for clamping a tube, and at least one bridging component disposed on a lateral surface of the clamping component. A pivoting portion is disposed on the bridging component, and the bridging component pivots with an antenna module via the pivoting portion, so that the antenna module can pivot relative to the clamping component along a radial plane of the clamping component. |
| US08439323B1 |
Display hanging system
Aspects of the present invention include an apparatus for hanging a display device. In one implementation, the apparatus for hanging a display device, includes an upper mount plate suitable for attaching to a flat surface having a left cable extending downward and approximately normal to a longitudinal axis of the upper mount plate and a right cable extending downward and approximately normal to the longitudinal axis of the upper mount plate. In addition, the apparatus further includes a lower mount plate attachable to a back portion of a display device. The left cable is coupled to at least two approximately vertically aligned receiving points on a left portion of the lower mount plate. The right cable is coupled to at least two approximately vertically aligned receiving points on a right portion of the lower mount plate. |
| US08439322B2 |
Apparatus and method for mounting of cabinets
A mounting post for supporting a plurality of electronic cabinets, each having different bolt patterns, comprising a hollow post configured to receive a hollow mount at the upper end, a stabilizer plate attached to the lower end of the post, and a hollow mount selected from a plurality of hollow mounts, each having a lower end configured to mate to the post, and having a substantially planar upper surface with openings formed therein corresponding to a unique bolt pattern for an electronics cabinet. |
| US08439320B2 |
Extracting apparatus for storage module
The extracting apparatus includes a bracket, a holder extractably mounted to the bracket, a locking member, an elastic member connecting the bracket with the locking member, and a handle pivotably connecting to the bracket. The locking member is pivotably engaged with the bracket. The handle includes a cam, and the locking member includes a latch portion. When the extracting apparatus is at a locked position, the latch portion of the locking member extends through the bracket to securely engage with the holder. When the handle is pivoted to move toward the bracket, the cam of the handle drives the locking member to rotate relative to the bracket for releasing the holder. |
| US08439319B2 |
Standalone, mobile and adjustable stand and tray
The invention is a self-supporting, mobile or fixed, adjustable stand for items such a computer keyboard, mouse or laptop computer for use while sitting on a recliner, sofa or chair, standing, sitting or kneeling on the floor. The assembly consists of an articulated arm mechanism with supporting gas spring piston that allows the tray to be raised or lowered effortlessly. The arm assembly swivels sideways to allow the user to sit or stand more freely. The tray assemblies also swivel for added practicality. The stand may be movable or fastened to a floor or another firm location. Movable base assembly options are included and four adjustable foot pegs or casters may be used to level the stand perfectly to the floor and to improve the mobility. The stand can be used with a wired or wireless keyboard and mouse when viewing a large monitor or television from a distance. |
| US08439312B2 |
System and methods for simultaneous momentum dumping and orbit control
The present system and methods enable simultaneous momentum dumping and orbit control of a spacecraft, such as a geostationary satellite. Control equations according to the present system and methods generate accurate station-keeping commands quickly and efficiently, reducing the number of maneuvers needed to maintain station and allowing station-keeping maneuvers to be performed with a single burn. Additional benefits include increased efficiency in propellant usage, and extension of the satellite's lifespan. The present system and methods also enable tighter orbit control, reduction in transients and number of station-keeping thrusters aboard the satellite. The present methods also eliminate the need for the thrusters to point through the center of mass of the satellite, which in turn reduces the need for dedicated station-keeping thrusters. The present methods also facilitate completely autonomous orbit control and angular momentum control using. |
| US08439309B2 |
De-icer, a fixture and a method of adjusting the position of a de-icer
A de-icer including a bracket arranged on a structural member and a de-icer module mounted on the bracket. The de-icer module is adjustable arranged on the bracket such that a position of the de-icer module is adjustable in relation to the bracket. Also a fixture and a method of adjusting a position of a de-icer. |
| US08439304B2 |
Energy absorber system for an undercarriage, and an aircraft provided with said energy absorber system
An energy absorber system (10) provided with a shock absorber (11) extending from a first end (12) suitable for being connected to a rocker arm (5) of an undercarriage (3) housed in a wheel bay (4), towards a second end (13). In addition, the system includes a fitting (20) connected to said second end (13), and guide means (30) for guiding said fitting (20) in translation that is suitable for being fastened to a flank (4″) of said wheel well (4), said system (10) including deformable energy absorber means (40) fastened to said fitting (20) and suitable for being fastened to a structure (4″) of said bay (4) and also to fusible retention means (50) suitable for fastening said fitting (20) to said flank (4″), said fusible retention means (50) rupturing from a predetermined threshold in order to allow said fitting (20) to move under guidance from said guide means (30) so as to deform said energy absorber means (40). |
| US08439301B1 |
Systems and methods for deployment and operation of unmanned aerial vehicles
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system provides for UAV deployment and remote, unattended operation with reduced logistics requirements. The system includes a launcher that can include one or more launch tubes, each launch tube configured to house a UAV in a canister and one or more gas generators operatively connected to each canister and configured to push the UAV out of the launch tube by releasing gas into the canister. A controller for activating the gas generators can sequentially, and with a predetermined time delay, expel the UAV with a desired velocity and acceleration. The system further includes a UAV recovery device, a power supply, a security subsystem, a command and control subsystem and a communications subsystem. Command, control and communications can be provided between a remote station and the UAV. |
| US08439295B2 |
Aircraft engine inlet pivotable barrier filter
An inlet barrier filter system for an aircraft engine includes a filter panel (35) including filter media for filtering air prior to intake (15) into the engine. The filter panel has a forward edge (F). The system further includes an actuator for selectively pivoting the panel to form an opening around the panel for allowing air to bypass the filter. The opening is rearward of the forward edge of the filter panel. |
| US08439290B2 |
Method and device to control certain functioning of a multiplier/bait casting reel
A method and a device for computer-aided regulation of rotational speed of a reel spool, when paying out (and reeling in) an on-wound line. The line surface is surveyed by digital imaging and/or an electronic distance measuring device; and incidents of line rising from the spool are captured and reported to an on-board computer which, proportionally to such input, orders variable engaging/releasing of braking force to the brake(s) of the reel to avert backlash. |
| US08439289B2 |
Cheese shredding apparatus
A cheese shredding apparatus has a table top with a rolling platform that uses 2 pairs of beveled wheels. A partitioned hopper for containing blocks of cheese. A pair of cutting grids located at opposite ends of a cutting block. A pair of push cube modules. A motor powers the rolling platform by way of a cam which converts a rotational motion from the motor into a linear motion which actuates the back and fro motion of the rolling platform.The beveled wheels roll on a pair of tracks which are held within the table top frame. The beveled wheels maintain a very precise and accurate tracking motion of the rolling platform as they move back and forth as guided by the tracks. |
| US08439288B2 |
Feed device with two rotary valves which are variable independently of each other
A feed device for a high-pressure roller press for the high-pressure comminution of material to be ground, the feed device feeding the material to be ground in a controlled manner into the roller nip between two rollers of the high-pressure roller press. The feed device has at least two rotary valves, the position of which is variable independently of each other. In a refinement of the invention, the feed device also has a shaft which is variable in height above the roller nip. By means of the rotary valves which are variable independently of each other and by means of the height-variable shaft, the feeding behavior of the feed device can be varied during the starting of the high-pressure roller press and during the operation of the high-pressure roller press in order thereby to prevent the high-pressure roller press from vibrating and to ensure optimum operation of the high-pressure roller press. |
| US08439281B2 |
Modular coatings sprayer
A modular coatings sprayer includes a valve housing in which there is defined a nozzle orifice and a valve-shaft bore opposite the nozzle orifice. A housing side wall extends between the orifice and bore and defines an internal fluid passage. The side wall includes an opening through which pressurized fluid is introduced into the fluid passage. A valve including a valve shaft with opposed back and nozzle-closing ends is sealably supported within the bore such that (i) the nozzle-closing end is situated within the housing and the back end is situated external to the housing and (ii) the valve shaft can axially reciprocated between a first position in which the nozzle-closing end does not seal the nozzle orifice and a nozzle-closing position in which the nozzle-closing end seals the nozzle orifice such that pressurized fluid within the fluid passage is prevented from exiting through the nozzle orifice. The valve housing is configured for selective cooperative coupling to a valve-actuating assembly having a body and a lever mounted for pivotable movement relative to the body. The lever selectively engages a portion of the valve shaft external to the valve housing such that (i) when the lever is pivoted in a first direction, the valve shaft is axially displaced in order to open the nozzle orifice and (ii) when the lever is pivoted in a second direction, the valve shaft is axially displaced toward the nozzle-closing position. |
| US08439279B2 |
Stone waterfall with integrated planter and water distribution system
A decorative portable natural stone waterfall containing an integrated planter and a water distribution system is disclosed. The waterfall is made of natural stone, but is small enough to be portable. The waterfall contains a planter integrated within the main body of the waterfall which is designed to contain a living plant. There is also a water distribution system that contains a water inlet, a distribution chamber and a multiplicity of water distribution tubing that supplies water to the face of the waterfall. In one configuration there is also a pump and a means for recirculation the water, and in another the water is supplied by an external source. In one configuration the water is supplied to the top section of the waterfall, and in another configuration the water is supplied directly to the face of the waterfall. The invention also consists of a kit comprising the planter with integrated water distribution system, along with stone and mortar for constructing the waterfall. |
| US08439274B2 |
Financial card with a per-transaction user definable magnetic strip portion
A financial card having a body with a front surface and a back surface and a primary account number associated with a primary account of a user of the financial card, the card including a magnetic strip positioned on the back surface configured for magnetic encoding including the primary account number. The magnetic strip includes a user definable portion for providing a selectable discretionary encoding thereto. The card also includes a user interface having at least one user input device positioned on the body of the financial card. The user interface is configured for receiving input from the user at a time of use of the financial card selecting a particular account indicator from among a plurality of account indicators each of which is associated with the primary account. The user interface is coupled to the user input device and to the user definable portion of the magnetic strip for providing the selectable discretionary encoding to the user definable portion of the magnetic strip responsive to the selected particular account indicator as received by the user interface at the time of use by the user. |
| US08439273B2 |
Contactless electronic tag
The contactless electronic device (12) comprising a near-field communication antenna (18), a microcircuit (20) connected to the antenna (18) and a magnetic shielding layer (24) arranged so as to extend substantially facing the antenna (18). The antenna (18) and the microcircuit (20) are combined into a module (26) and the device (12) comprises a body (16) comprising and open cavity (30) on one of its faces in which are housed the module and the shielding layer in such a way that the shielding layer closes off the cavity. |
| US08439272B2 |
Resonant circuit structure and RF tag having same
A RF tag includes a resonant circuit structure and a RF device. The resonant circuit structure includes a first conducting layer; a second conducting layer spaced apart from the first conducting layer; and two conducting base portions respectively connecting two ends of the first conducting layers and two ends of the second conducting layers. A slit is formed on the first conducting layer and the RF device is electrically coupled to the first conducting layer and disposed over the slit. |
| US08439265B2 |
Camera applications in a handheld device
A hand held device containing at least one camera can perform various functions. In some embodiments, digitized images taken with two or more camera lenses having different fixed focal lengths may be combined to emulate a high-resolution optical zoom, and may also permit the device to perform 3D applications. In other embodiments, a device containing a camera may perform as a bar code reader, and may wirelessly transmit and/or visually present a bar code to other devices. Movable optics may permit the same camera to focus on either distant objects or on a close-up bar code. |
| US08439264B2 |
Reading apparatus having partial frame operating mode
A method for decoding a decodable symbol using an optical reader having a 2D image sensor that is configured to operate in a partial frame capture operating mode. In a partial frame operating mode, the reader clocks out and captures at least one partial frame of image data having image data corresponding to less than all of the pixels of an image sensor pixel array. In one embodiment, the reader operating in a partial frame operating mode captures image data corresponding to a linear pattern of pixels of the image sensor, reads the image data, and attempts to decode for a decodable bar code symbol which may be represented in the image data. |
| US08439263B2 |
Handheld electronic article surveillance (EAS) device detector/deactivator with integrated data capture system
A portable, cordless hand-held device for locating an active electronic article surveillance (EAS) device, managing the activation/deactivation status of the EAS device and logging information relating to alarm events triggered by the EAS device. The device includes an EAS detector for detecting the presence of an EAS tag or label, a state manipulator for manipulating the activation/deactivation state of the detected active EAS label, at least one data capture device for capturing data related to the alarm event, and a memory for storage of the captured data. |
| US08439262B2 |
Image capture apparatus and method
There is provided an image capture apparatus and method. An image capture device can be used in the decoding of a decodable indicia, e.g., bar code symbols and/or text characters and can further be used in the capture of one or more images that may or may not be subjected to decoding processes. In one embodiment, an image captured with use of an image capture device is an image of an item bearing a decodable indicia. In one embodiment, an image capture device can have a plurality of user selectable modes of operation. |
| US08439261B2 |
Method for producing an electronic object comprising a data transfer stage and the obtained object
A method for producing a portable electronic object having contact pads arranged on a plane with a thickness which differs from the thickness of a standard smartcard. The object is electrically connected to data transfer station connectors, by delivering a data transfer station having an electric probe connector and submitting the object to the data transfer station in such a way that the contact pads thereof are accessible to the electric probes in a direction perpendicular to the plane. Objects obtainable include UBS keys or PCMCIA cards or readers. |
| US08439259B2 |
Code reading apparatus, sales registration processing apparatus, and code reading method
According to one embodiment, a code reading apparatus includes an image capturing unit, a determining unit, and a notifying unit. The image capturing unit captures an image picked up by an image pickup unit. The determining unit determines whether the image captured by the image capturing unit satisfies a condition for extracting code data from a code symbol. The notifying unit notifies, if the determining unit determines that the image does not satisfy the condition, a cause that prevents satisfaction of the condition or a method of improving the image pickup. |
| US08439258B1 |
Counterfeit detection system and method
An anti-counterfeit system comprises an item with at least one marker affixed thereto. The marker comprises a chemical signature having at least one chemical, and indicates the source of the item. The marker is detectable in the item to reveal whether the item is authentic or counterfeit. In at least one embodiment, the marker comprises a chemical signature that is unique to a particular entity and is affixed to items authentic to that entity. Further, a method of determining the authenticity of an item comprises isolating an item for testing, determining the presence of a marker, analyzing the marker for a chemical signature, comparing the results of the analysis to a chemical signature unique to a particular entity, and determining from the comparison whether the item is authentic or counterfeit. In some embodiments, the method further comprises quantifying the results of the analysis, such as the chemical(s) discovered therein. |
| US08439257B2 |
User control of the display of matrix codes
An electronic device determines to transmit an image including a matrix code to a display, receives input specifying to alter the matrix code, generates an updated image according to the input, and transmits the updated image to the display. The device may alter a size and/or position of the matrix code, a display duration and/or complexity of the matrix code, and so on. The device may generate the matrix code and modify it in response to input, receive different matrix code versions and select a different version in response to input, receive the image including the matrix code and generate a replacement to overlay over the image, and so on Additionally, independent of input, the device may receive an image, detect an included first matrix code, generate a second matrix code based on the first, and generate an updated image by adding the second matrix code to the image. |
| US08439255B2 |
Remote code reader system
A remote code reader system sends a code read by a code reader to an appropriate function by utilizing identification information assigned specific to a client in order to select a function. A barcode reader and a host computer connected to a network are included therein. An ID (pen ID) of the barcode reader 1 and a barcode as read are transmitted to the host computer through a terminal connected to the network. The host computer decodes the received pen ID to select a CGI which conforms to the pen ID, and sends the barcode to the CGI 9 as selected in order to make the CGI process it. |
| US08439254B2 |
Fully enclosed carton
A fully enclosed paperboard carton having a top, a base, a pair of oppositely disposed sides and a pair of oppositely disposed end panels. Each end panel being substantially planar and perpendicular to the base and top. Each side having a lower portion that is substantially planar and perpendicular to the base and an upper portion that is substantially planar and tapers inwardly towards its edge connection with the top. |
| US08439248B2 |
Methods and associated apparatus of constructing and installing rigid riser structures
Disclosed is a method of fabricating and installing a riser tower structure, preferably in a welding chamber, and a welding chamber suitable for the method. The method includes fabricating sections of the riser tower structure at a site remote from the site of installation; transporting the sections of the riser tower structure to within the vicinity of the installation site; and assembling together the sections of the riser tower structure in the vicinity of the installation site. The welding chamber includes a plurality of guide means, each providing a guide for one of the elongate elements of the riser tower structure, and floats on the sea surface when in use. |
| US08439245B2 |
True multi-fire endocutter
An exemplary surgical endocutter may include a staple holder; at least one feeder belt having two lateral edges, at least part of at least one feeder belt extending into the staple holder; and staples, wherein each said staple may include a first end frangibly affixed to a corresponding feeder belt, wherein each first end is affixed to the feeder belt at a location laterally spaced from the longitudinal centerline of the feeder belt, and a second free end; and wherein the staples form at least one row, each row including at least two said staples; wherein staples in least one row are staggered relative to said staples in at least one other row. Another exemplary surgical endocutter may include a feeder belt; staples frangibly connected to the feeder belt; and at least one wedge movable relative to the staples in a direction substantially longitudinal relative to the feeder belt; wherein at least one wedge both directly engages a plurality of staples and disconnects a plurality of staples from the feeder belt in a single continuous motion of the wedge. |
| US08439241B2 |
Apparatus and method for detaching portions of glass rods
The invention is based on the object of improving the detachment of portions of a glass rod to the extent that a very planar, uniform fracture surface is produced. For this purpose, an apparatus according to the invention for detaching portions of glass rods comprises a device for the parallel holding and lateral fixing of a number of glass rods, a scoring wheel holder with a scoring wheel rotatably mounted parallel to the axis of the glass rods, at least one pressing spring for pressing the scoring wheel and the glass rods against one another, a device for guiding the glass rods and the scoring wheel past one another in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the glass rods, a holddown means for pressing against the glass rods, a breaking bar and a breaking beam, the breaking bar being arranged opposite, between the holddown means and the breaking beam. |
| US08439233B2 |
Spray head assembly
A spray head assembly includes a head, a main tube, a link, a piston, a reception member, a mount piece and a spring. The parts made of metal such as the spring is isolated from the liquid to ensure that the liquid is not affected by the metal. The main tube can be stopped by the extension portion of the mount piece so as to adjust the length of the mount piece to control the travel distance of the main tube so as to control the volume of each spray. |
| US08439232B2 |
Manual pump type fluid dispenser and a method of manufacturing such a dispenser
A manual pump action dispenser for dispensing at least one liquid from a container, the dispenser comprising a base and a cap (114) having an outlet (144) for the liquid, the base being mountable to or forming part of a container and the cap (114) being mountable to the base for movement relative to the base between a rest position and an actuated position, the dispenser further comprising a flexible insert (116) locatable between the base and the cap (114) to define a first pump chamber (122) for dispensing said at least one liquid, the insert being adapted to engage with the base to define an inlet through which said at least one liquid to be dispensed can enter the first pump chamber, the dispenser further comprising an inlet valve operable to enable liquid to enter the first pump chamber (122) through the inlet and an outlet valve arrangement operable to control the release of liquid from the first pump chamber through the outlet, in which the insert also defines a second pump chamber (123) for dispensing a second fluid. |
| US08439228B1 |
Multi-chambered container and associated method
A multi-chambered container for selectively storing and dispensing a plurality of items may include predetermined quantities of first and second items and a container having a divided cavity formed therein. The container may further have a spout formed at a top end thereof and in fluid communication with the cavity. Additionally, the container may have first and second mutually exclusive passageways extending from the cavity and terminating at the spout. A mechanism may be included for selectively dispensing one of the first and second items from the spout. Such a mechanism may channel one item along a corresponding passageway while prohibiting another item from being dispensed. The mechanism may be operated by rotating a cam and semicircular disc to position an opening on a simultaneously rotated wheel over the desired passageway. The mechanism may rotate the opening 180 degrees for every 360 degree rotation of the cam. |
| US08439223B2 |
Base cup for a supportable pressurizable container
A container having a curved bottom and base cup which allows the container to stand upright. The container and base cup are fitted together by a mechanical engagement having portions on the container and base cup. The mechanical engagement of the container is disposed within the bottom cone of the container. The mechanical engagement of the base cup is cantilevered from the bottom of the base cup. Such disposition reduces stress at the interface between the side wall of the container and edge of the base, providing for a smoother transition and better appearance. Also, this disposition provides resistance to separation of the container and base cup during drop impact. The bottom of the container may be curved and have a well therein for receiving the contents of the container and a dip tube. |
| US08439221B2 |
Beverage container with chill sleeve
A round beverage container with a chill sleeve is provided having a molded plastic wall in the shape of a cup, a mug, or a pitcher. A sleeve containing a chill medium is in the shape of a truncated conical cylinder, and is positioned in the container to be lodged therein at a selected mounting location and secured by snap-action sealing and retaining rings. A bottom disk, also containing the chill medium, snaps into the container's bottom edge to form the bottom of the container. This bottom disk is sealed to the inside wall of the container by snap-action sealing and retaining rings. Sonic welding can be employed as an alternative to sealing and securing rings. A quantity of water-based chill medium is metered into the hollow cavities when the sleeve and the bottom disk are charged, taking into consideration the expansion of the chill medium (water) upon a change of phase. The wall of the container is tapered and the side walls of the sleeve and of the bottom disk are each tapered to match the taper of the container wall. A bottom face (wall) for each of the insertable chill sleeve and the bottom disk is first separate from the remainder and then snapped into place to seal the respective chill sleeve and bottom disk after they are filled. The bottom face of the chill sleeve is toroidal-shaped. |
| US08439212B2 |
Tamper-evident container closure with flip-top cap
A closure includes a body adapted to mount on a container having a discharge outlet and a cap configured to move relative to the body from a closed position covering the discharge outlet to an opened position uncovering the discharge outlet. The closure also includes frangible links coupled to the body and cap that break in response to first-time movement of the cap from the closed position to the opened position to alert an observer that the cap has been opened once before. |
| US08439211B2 |
Visual organization and display apparatus and system
A system includes a panel, a holder removably connected to the panel. The holder includes at least one connecting portion. A removable slide hanger has a first portion rotatably connected to the panel and slidably connected to a frame. Content placed in the holder is viewable. |
| US08439210B1 |
Wig and hairpiece holder
A storage unit for wigs. The unit is attached to a door and hangs from the top of the door. The unit has head-shaped pedestals on which wigs are mounted as well as a ventilated accessory storage container and accessory supporting hooks which are pendently supported from the accessory storage container. |
| US08439207B2 |
Drapery display hanger
The drapery display hanger comprises a plurality of drapery arms and a support surface. The support surface can be easily and reversibly mounted to a pre-existing display fixture without the need for special hardware. The support surface can include brackets having opposing surfaces angled from vertical for ease of installation and protrusions for securing the support surfaces in place once installed. Additionally, the drapery arms can be reversibly attached to the support surface using attachment devices at the end of each arm. The attachment devices may include segments that are inserted into the holes in the support and then secured against the walls of the support for bearing the weight of drapery on the drapery arms. Sliding and pivoting functionality is also provided. The drapery arms are sized so that full-sized draperies can be displayed facing the customer and without compressing the drapery in the display. |
| US08439201B2 |
Nanoparticle separation using coherent anti-stokes Raman scattering
The invention provides methods and systems for separating particles that exhibit different Raman characteristics. The method can include introducing nanoparticles, on which Raman-active molecules are adsorbed, into a photopolymerizable resin and exposing to excite Raman active vibrational modes of the molecules to generate Raman-shifted radiation suitable for polymerizing the resin such that the Raman-shifted radiation causes selective polymerization of a resin surrounding nanoparticles if the nanoparticles provide a Raman enhancement factor greater than a threshold. In addition, methods for electrically isolating nanoparticles, or selectively removing one type of nanoparticles from collections, are disclosed. These methods rely on generation of blue-shifted anti-Stokes photons to selectively expose portions of a photoresist covering the nanoparticles to those photons. Such exposure can cause a change in the exposed portions (e.g., polymerize or increase solubility to a developing agent), which can be employed to achieve isolation of the nanoparticles or their selective removal. |
| US08439200B1 |
Dining tray and method
A dining tray for use in preventing accidents and possibly food spillage. The tray includes a central T-shaped member and a pair of opposing L-shaped side members which engage rotated lateral members affixed to food containers. The method of use includes the steps of placing the lateral members of the food containers onto the inside, upper bottom surface of the tray and then by rotating the food container the lateral members engage the T-shaped member and L-shaped members whereby the containers are then held securely in place. After eating the food containers can be rotated in an opposite direction to release the lateral members for removal and cleaning purposes. In an alternate embodiment of the invention a locking clamp engages the tray and secures it to a table top or other surface. |
| US08439199B2 |
Bedding set organizer and method
Provided herein is a linen set organizer with a set of perpendicularly oriented intersecting straps having fastening elements on the distal ends to releasably fasten the straps around a linen set and secure the set and wherein the straps bear identifying indicia for easy identification of the bundled content. |
| US08439198B2 |
Blank
A blank of cardboard or plastics, the blank comprising a transverse fold line dividing the blank into a bearing portion and a support portion, the bearing portion having an aperture to accommodate the neck of a bottle or wall of a drinking glass or cup, the support portion being foldable under the bearing portion and terminating in at least one leg which is foldable relative to the support portion and arranged to co-operate with an underside of the bearing portion and to bear against a side of the neck or wall of the bottle or glass whereby the bearing portion is supported to extend laterally from the bottle or glass. |
| US08439196B2 |
Food storage container system
A food storage container system including a plurality of food containers and a tray is provided. Each food container includes a container body defining an interior space for holding a product therein and a lid configured to open and close the interior space. The container body is formed from a material including a silicone elastomer. The tray includes a plurality of holders. Each holder defines a recess sized and shaped to removably hold one container of the plurality of containers therein. |
| US08439191B1 |
Cell phone protector case having the combination of an interior soft silicone shell and a hard exterior shell with aligned retaining members
A cell phone protector case comprising a combination of an interior soft silicone shell and a first and second hard shell press fit retained on opposite surfaces and sides of the interior soft silicone shell with the hard shell having matching retaining closing member mating flanges. |
| US08439190B2 |
Attachment guide comb organizer
A dummy hair clipper head, or dummy blade, which is a form conforming to those dimensions of a hair clipper's stationary blade which are necessary for its compatibility with attachment guide combs, is employed in an attachment guide comb organizer which comprises a plurality of interconnected forms, whereby a plurality of attachment guide combs can be stored and organized. By interconnecting the forms with either a rigid, contoured or flexible means, with the options of placing them within a container and of making them releasable, the organization and storage of a set of attachment guide combs can be customized. For the purposes of storage the form can be flexible and have a reduced structure from that of the stationary blade. The use of the form also makes possible a variety of new uses for attachment guide combs including a scissor comb, razor comb, and conduit comb. |
| US08439186B2 |
Endless carrier belt for conveyor system and conveyor system fitted therewith
An endless carrier belt for a conveyor system, which carrier belt is produced flat from a flexible material, includes a flat body of width L, of central longitudinal plane X and of thickness e, whose top face is designed to support a product to be carried. The flat body contains in its thickness a plurality of longitudinal reinforcing members located in only two regions of the width of the flat body, situated at about a quarter of the way across the width, on each side of the central plane. When formed into a tube, the reinforcing members can be positioned on the horizontal diameter of the cross section of the tube, thus limiting the internal stresses on the structure, especially when the structure is following non-straight paths (corners or curves) in a plane perpendicular to the axes of the endmost rollers of the conveyor on which it is used. |
| US08439183B2 |
System and method for trimming wood blocks
There is disclosed a system, apparatus and method for preparing wood blocks. The embodiments disclosed may comprise paddle designs, trimming unit designs and methods, scanner unit designs and methods, for use in the trimming of wood blocks. The blocks may be used for finger jointing. |
| US08439181B2 |
Method and device for holding containers
A device having a holder for holding a container such as a bottle of a size and with a second other holder for holding a container such as a bottle of another size. In addition, a method for loading a device with containers such as bottles, whereby the containers of one size are placed in a first holder and the containers of another size are placed in a second other holder to allow easy adjustment to a different size of container without requiring any time-consuming retooling work. |
| US08439180B2 |
Conveyor cargo handling system and method of use
A conveyor cargo handling system for the synchronized, computerized loading and unloading of cargo containers from a vessel is comprised of at least two conveyor lines. Individually powered conveyor units, idler conveyor units, translate powered conveyor modules (“TPCM”), and rotate powered conveyor modules (“RPCM”), are remotely computer coordinated to operate in concert to safely and efficiently control traffic flow on the container terminal. The system eliminates much of the ground transportation conventionally utilized to move cargo containers to their storage destination. |
| US08439178B2 |
Proximity sensor enabled mechanical power coupling system
Systems and components for providing or receiving a mechanical power service through a mechanical power coupling system. A mechanical power service switch is provided for selectively communicating the mechanical power service between a first mechanical power service communicating device, such as a host or other mechanical power service source and a first mechanical power service communicating device, such as a mechanical power service consumer. The mechanical power service switch is activated to transfer a mechanical power service in response to detection of a contactless proximity target associated with one of the mechanical power service communicating devices by a proximity sensor associated with the other of the mechanical power service communicating devices. |
| US08439174B1 |
Combined suitcase and cushion apparatus
The combined suitcase and cushion apparatus provides a typical appearance for a portable suitcase, exteriorly. Within the top section provided by the first closure the second closure allows flap opening to reveal and release the mat. The mat is extendable from the top section to provide a cushioning material disposed above an inflatable chamber. Combining both forgiving resilient features provides a much more comfortable mat. Importantly, the first closure allows selective total separation of the top section. With this feature, the top section can be retained or separated for mat use. The apparatus provides all portability features to which users have become accustomed. |
| US08439164B1 |
Heavy duty, knock-down sawhorse with leveling capability
A knock-down sawhorse has a support beam supported above a surface by at least two pairs of legs, each pair of legs supporting opposing ends of the beam. The beam has at least four connectors, at least a first pair of connectors arranged on opposing lateral side walls at one end and at least a second pair of connectors arranged on opposing lateral side walls at the other opposing end. Each connector has a tab downwardly depending from a top wall of the beam for engaging an axially-extending recess in an upper end of each leg. Each pair of legs is interconnected by an adjuster for adjusting a lateral spacing therebetween. Manipulation of the lateral spacing between each pair of legs allows a working height of the sawhorse to be manipulated, allowing the sawhorse to be leveled. |
| US08439162B1 |
Tree mounted ladder assembly
A tree mounted ladder assembly provides adjustable spacing between steps to facilitate climbing into a tree. The assembly includes an elongated bar, an upper support coupled to the bar; and a lower support coupled to the bar. A connector is also coupled to the bar and a strap is coupled to the connector. The strap is configured for coupling around a tree to hold the upper support and the lower support against the tree. A plurality of steps is coupled to the bar. |
| US08439160B2 |
Acoustic suppression systems and related methods
An acoustic suppression system for absorbing and/or scattering acoustic energy comprising a plurality of acoustic targets in a containment is described, the acoustic targets configured to have resonance frequencies allowing the targets to be excited by incoming acoustic waves, the resonance frequencies being adjustable to suppress acoustic energy in a set frequency range. Methods for fabricating and implementing the acoustic suppression system are also provided. |
| US08439158B2 |
Acoustic resonator and sound chamber
An acoustic resonator adaptable to a sound chamber is designed to decrease a sound pressure while increasing a particle velocity of medium particles in a low frequency range without increasing the overall size thereof. The acoustic resonator is constituted of a pipe member having one opening end and a resistance member embracing a high resistance region and a low resistance region. The resistance member is inserted into the pipe member such that one end thereof matches the opening end of the pipe member while the other end thereof is disposed at a predetermined position inside a hollow cavity of the pipe member. The high resistance region embraces an antinode region of the particle velocity distribution with respect to a standing wave occurred in the hollow cavity at a resonance frequency, thus causing an acoustic phenomenon decreasing the resonance frequency compared to a single unit of the pipe member. |
| US08439155B2 |
Firearm sound suppressor
A suppressor for a firearm is provided, wherein the suppressor can be selectively oriented relative to the firearm. The suppressor has an elongate body, a piston assembly and a cam assembly. A piston of the piston assembly can be fixedly attached to the barrel of a firearm. An indexing ring is radially fixed relative to the piston. The cam lever is selectively movable between a second position, in which the indexing ring is fixed relative to the elongate body, and a first position, in which the indexing ring can rotate relative to the elongate body. |
| US08439152B2 |
Vehicle drive transmission and steering system
On an amphibious ATV, a triple-differential transmission is combined a continuously-variable drive. The gearbox can be set at a low ratio, for negotiation of difficult terrain, and at a high ratio for cruising trails. The high-low shift mechanism is located upstream, in the drive train, of the forward-reverse shift mechanism. Both mechanisms are located upstream of the steer-differential and of the two wheel-differentials. Main power from the engine is passed, through the mechanisms, directly to a wheel-ring that is common to both wheel-differentials. The common wheel-ring is bearing'd, not from the gearbox housing, but from the wheel-shafts, which are themselves bearing'd into the gearbox housing. Similarly, the steer-diff-housing is bearing'd, not from the gearbox housing, but from the steer-shafts, which are themselves bearing'd from the gearbox housing, which makes for a compact, narrow, layout of the gearbox—well suited to the ATV. The steer-brake-disks are located on the steer-shafts, and are positioned outside the gearbox housing. |
| US08439149B2 |
Brake equipment of vehicle with driver seat whose direction is changeable
A brake equipment of the driver-seat-direction changeable vehicle includes: a driver-seat-direction detector configured to detect whether the driver seat is facing the one or the other side, in the travel direction, of the wheel-side vehicle body; a braking unit configured to brake one-side wheels, which are located closer to the one side, in the travel direction, of the wheel-side vehicle body, and other-side wheels, which are located closer to the other side, in the travel direction, of the wheel-side vehicle body, while controlling brake-force distribution between brake forces of the one-side wheels and the other-side wheels in such a manner that the brake-force distribution becomes a set brake-force distribution based on ideal brake-force distribution characteristics; and a switching unit configured to change the set brake-force distribution in accordance with the direction of the driver seat detected by the driver-seat-direction detector. |
| US08439144B2 |
Electric vehicle
An electric vehicle includes a vehicle frame, a frame connector, a battery compartment, a battery stopper and an anti-connection portion. The battery compartment is provided for receiving a battery unit which has a cable connector connected thereto by a power cable. The battery stopper is mounted to the vehicle frame and movable between a closed position where the battery unit is stopped from removing and an open position where the battery unit is removable. The anti-connection portion is provided on the battery stopper. When the battery stopper is placed in the open position, the anti-connection portion is located at an anti-connection position thereby to prevent the cable connector from being connected to the frame connector. When the battery stopper is placed in the closed position, the anti-connection portion is spaced away from the anti-connection position thereby to allow the cable connector to be connected to the frame connector. |
| US08439143B2 |
Over bulkhead air intake system
A vehicle air intake system includes a grille disposed along a forward end of a vehicle. The grille has one or more inlet apertures for admitting airflow. A bulkhead extends laterally across the vehicle rearwardly of the grille. An intake enclosure having an intake port is disposed over the bulkhead. A bulkhead cover extends from the bulkhead to the grille. The bulkhead cover has louvers defining airflow passages therebetween for allowing the airflow admitted by the grille to pass to the intake port while inhibiting the passage of particles entrained in the airflow. |
| US08439142B2 |
Straddle type vehicle
Air flowing through a secondary air inducting conduit of a motorcycle is effectively cooled to enhance combustion efficiency of exhaust gas in a catalyzer. A part of the secondary air inducting conduit is exposed to a space behind a front wheel and in front of an engine, and thus acts as a secondary air cooling conduit section for cooling down secondary air flowing through the secondary air inducting conduit. |
| US08439140B1 |
Energy converter assembly
An assembly structured to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy for a wheeled vehicle such as an automobile. A current generating assembly is mounted on the vehicle and an adaptor is connected between and in engaging relation with a vehicle wheel and a tire/rim assembly connected to the vehicle wheel. The adaptor includes a drive portion disposed in an accessible, partially exposed orientation relative to the vehicle wheel. A drive linkage, such as a drive belt, is disposed in driven relation to the drive portion of the adaptor and in driving relation to the current generating assembly. Rotation of the wheel during normal operation of the vehicle results in driving or powering of the current generating assembly and the generation of current to an electronic drive assembly of the vehicle and/or electrically powered components thereof, at least partially through the battery assembly associated with the vehicle. |
| US08439136B2 |
Drill bit for earth boring
Embodiments of the present invention include a drill bit comprised of a plurality of blades. A first plurality of the blades has cutting elements positioned substantially within the cone section of the drill bit. A second plurality of blades has cutting elements positioned substantially within the blade flank section and the blade shoulder section. Another embodiment of the first plurality of blades in which the blades end or truncate at a radial distance substantially less than the radial distance of the blade shoulder section from the center of the drill bit. |
| US08439135B2 |
Down-the-hole drill hammer having an extendable drill bit assembly
A down-the-hole drill hammer assembly includes a casing, a drill stem, a drilling lug segment and a pilot drill bit is provided. The drill stem is housed within the casing and includes an abutment surface. The drilling lug segment is slidably engaged with a distal end of the drill stem and movable between an initial configuration and an extended configuration. The drilling lug segment includes a proximal end engageable with the abutment surface of the drilling lug segment. The drill stem is movable between first and second positions within the pilot drill bit. In moving to the second position, the drill stem slidingly engages the drilling lug segment and moves the drilling lug segment to the extended configuration. |
| US08439132B2 |
Microtunnelling system and apparatus
A microtunnelling apparatus and system that includes an external drive system having rotational and linear thrust drive means, a drill head section having drill rotor and drill rod and connecting to intermediate drill rods allowing extension of the boring hole created by the drill head section driven by the drive system. The drill head includes a modular construction having a plurality of circular disc like elements, a bearing module, a steering module, a spacer module, and a mounting module, for axial alignment and abutment and mounting within a cylindrical steering shell. Directional steering of the drill head includes a plurality of substantially radially extending channels in steering module, each with an hydraulically movable protuberance movable by control means to redirect the outer steering casing and thereby redirect the drill head section mounted on the distal end of the drill rods. |
| US08439128B2 |
Device for cleaning and doping equipment for threads
A device for cleaning and doping (lubrication) equipment for threads (3b, 4b) of the type used to join pipes (4) to a pipe string (3), especially in connection with petroleum production, where cleaning fluid and dope (lubricant) are sprayed at the threads (3b, 4b) at relatively high pressure from at least one nozzle (5, 6) mounted in the rotatable make-up section (1) of a power tong, and where at least one injection pump (7, 8) arranged to supply cleaning fluid or dope to the at least one nozzle (5, 6) is located in the rotatable make-up section (1). |
| US08439125B2 |
Apparatus, method and system for deep earth grounding
An apparatus and method for deep earth grounding includes positioning a power driver at a site, the power driver comprising a frame and an impact hammer operatively connected to the frame, adjusting placement of the impact hammer, raising the impact hammer, driving 10 foot sectioned grounding rods down into the ground at the site using the hammer, testing resistance, and determining if more additional grounding rods are necessary based on the resistance. A power driver device includes an open frame, guide rails operatively connected to the frame, an impact hammer operatively connected to the guide rails and moveable along the guide rails, and a hand crank assembly operatively connected to the frame and configured for raising the guide rails and the impact hammer up and down along the frame. |
| US08439122B2 |
Radial spring latch apparatus and methods for making and using same
New locking connector assemblies and telescoping extension/retraction assemblies are disclosed that operate on the natural spring rate constraints of radial protrusions or radially constrained rings as they interact with engaging members to provide the locking force and permit the connector and extension retraction assemblies to be engage and disengaged or extended and retracted. |
| US08439119B2 |
Latching mechanism for changing pump size
A latching mechanism for selectively disengaging an upper pump from a motor in an ESP. The latching mechanism comprises barbs formed on an upper end of an upper shaft that are engaged by a tool to lift the upper shaft until a lower end of the upper shaft disengages from an upper end of a motor shaft. When the upper pump is disengaged from the motor shaft, only a lower pump is driven by the motor and flow of well fluid is circulated past the disengaged upper pump via a bypass line. The upper pump shaft may reengage the motor shaft if additional lift is required. |
| US08439118B2 |
Pressure vortex device to allow flapper closure in high velocity fluid applications
The problem of flappers that will not close due to high velocity gas rushing past and creating a vortex that has zones of high pressure pressing the flapper against the force of the torsion spring is reduced or overcome with modifications in the passage through a subsurface safety valve so as to reduce the intensity of the vortex to allow the torsion spring to pivot the flapper to closed position. Various shapes are inserted adjacent the flapper base to create turbulence to minimize or prevent the vortex and the associated pressure increases that would otherwise prevent flapper closure with the flow tube retracted. Inserts that create turbulence are placed in a recess that in part holds the flapper when it is rotated to the open position. |
| US08439117B2 |
Vortex controlled variable flow resistance device and related tools and methods
A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations. The characteristics of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths. A hardened insert in the outlet of the vortex chamber resists erosion. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill sting and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit. |
| US08439116B2 |
Method for inducing fracture complexity in hydraulically fractured horizontal well completions
A method of inducing fracture complexity within a fracturing interval of a subterranean formation comprising characterizing the subterranean formation, defining a stress anisotropy-altering dimension, providing a wellbore servicing apparatus configured to alter the stress anisotropy of the fracturing interval of the subterranean formation, altering the stress anisotropy within the fracturing interval, and introducing a fracture in the fracturing interval in which the stress anisotropy has been altered. A method of servicing a subterranean formation comprising introducing a fracture into a first fracturing interval, and introducing a fracture into a third fracturing interval, wherein the first fracturing interval and the third fracturing interval are substantially adjacent to a second fracturing interval in which the stress anisotropy is to be altered. |
| US08439114B2 |
Method and apparatus for orienting perforating devices
The present invention provides an apparatus and method of orienting perforating gun strings conveyed on a tool string. One embodiment of the present invention provides an orienting weight provided in a portion of the perforating device, such as the shaped charge, the loading tube or the gun housing. An adapter is provided intermediate the tool string that facilitates conveyance of the gun string downhole. Additionally, the adapter enables the gun string to rotate independent of the tool string. |
| US08439111B2 |
Hydrocarbon recovery process
Hydrocarbons are recovered from subterranean formations by waterflooding. The method comprises passing an aqueous displacement fluid via an injection well through a porous and permeable sandstone formation to release oil and recovering said released oil from a production well spaced from said injection well, wherein (a) the sandstone formation comprises at least one mineral having a negative zeta potential under the formation conditions; (b) oil and connate water are present in the pores of the formation; and (c) the fraction of the divalent cation content of the said aqueous displacement fluid to the divalent cation content of said connate water is less than 1. |
| US08439108B2 |
Application of degradable polymers in sand control
Degradable polylactic or polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers may be used to viscosify aqueous fluids for use in wells, Sand control screen or liner can be coated with a solid degradable polymer during placement in a well. Mechanical changes or flow changes in a well can be caused by solid degradable polymer that changes physical properties after it is placed in a well. Parts of devices or entire devices can be made of solid degradable polymer that converts to a fluid after selected times in an aqueous environment in a well. |
| US08439106B2 |
Logging system and methodology
A technique facilitates the logging of hot, subterranean environments with a variety of logging tools. Logging tools with temperature limit ratings may be employed in environments that would otherwise be detrimental to operation of the logging tool due to the heat. The logging tool may be protected through placement of the tool at a desired location within a non-metallic flask. The logging tool also is surrounded with an insulating material and/or a material with a high heat of fusion disposed within the non-metallic flask to increase the time span for operating the logging tool in the hot, subterranean environment. |
| US08439105B2 |
Completion system for subsurface equipment
An apparatus for creating multiple and isolated well flow paths operating at different pressures in the wellbore is described. These multiple flow paths establish a full circulation loop with the surface and a remaining isolated flow channel produces reservoir fluids to the surface. Heat is transferred from the produced reservoir fluid into the circulated loop via a unique down-hole heat exchanger. The flow of reservoir fluid through the isolated annular well channel allows for more efficient and extensive extraction of heat from the reservoir fluid compared with merely heating the circulating loop via the well bore exterior surface. |
| US08439104B2 |
Multichannel heat exchanger with improved flow distribution
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems and heat exchangers are provided that include multichannel tube configurations designed to reduce refrigerant pressure drop through a heat exchanger manifold. In certain embodiments, tubes inserted within the manifold adjacent to a refrigerant inlet have non-rectangular or recessed end profiles configured to increase flow area near the inlet, thereby reducing a pressure drop through the manifold. In further embodiments, insertion depths of the tubes within the manifold vary based on distance from the inlet. This configuration may establish a larger flow area adjacent to the inlet, thus reducing the pressure drop and increasing heat exchanger efficiency. |
| US08439102B1 |
Vector tile, refractory assembly unit including same and refractory array including same
A refractory brick assembly unit is provided, including a refractory brick member having an inner passageway extending therethrough from a first opening at an inlet end face to an opposed second opening at an outlet end face thereof. A vector tile is also included, having an annular portion that is coaxially arranged with respect to a longitudinal extension axis of the inner passageway of the refractory brick member positioned in a portion of the inner passageway of the refractory brick member and located proximate the second opening at the outlet end face thereof, and having a domed portion extending from a first surface of the annular portion at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal extension axis of the inner passageway of the refractory brick member so as to occlude at least a portion of the second opening of the refractory brick member at the outlet end face thereof. |
| US08439099B1 |
Dual curtain closure system having uni-directional securing hooks
A dual curtain closure system for reversibly covering a portal opening, wherein the upper end of each curtain is attached across an upper margin of the opening and the lower end of each curtain is folded back on itself to form an upwardly opening pocket. Each pocket supports an elongated rod, the ends of which are engaged by opposing channel members defining the lateral margins of the portal opening. The sides of each curtain comprise loop fastening material and the channel members comprise hook fastening material such that the curtains are sealed to the channel members when activated to cover the opening. The hook fastening material has only downwardly facing hooks to prevent curtain hang up and promote proper operation of the closure system. |
| US08439091B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire including: a tread portion and a belt layer on an outer periphery of a carcass layer that extends between left and right bead portions and a plurality of circumferential main grooves extending in a tire circumferential direction provided on an outer surface of the tread portion, wherein on a tire cavity side surface of the tread portion, a ridge (Ra) protruding into the tire cavity side in a direction opposite to a tire radial direction is formed that extends in the tire circumferential direction in a position offset from a tire center towards a well side of a mounting rim so as to encompass an entire width of a well and an entire width of a circumferential main groove positioned farthest to a shoulder side. |
| US08439090B2 |
Tyre equipped for attaching an object to the wall thereof and fastener therefor
A tire is described that includes a casing designed to be inflated to a service pressure and equipped to accept a functional object, such as an electronic circuit, for example, by means of a two-part fastener 10, such as a touch-close fastener, for example. A first part of the fastener is attached to a wall of the casing, while the second part can be joined to the first part when placed in contact with the first part to attach and keep the object on the casing when the tire is in service. The first part of the fastener includes a thin backing fixed to the wall of the casing and possessing a structural elongation capacity greater than or equal to that of the wall to which the thin backing is fixed. The presence of the thin backing does not significantly hinder the elongation of the wall of the casing when subjected to the stresses encountered during use of the tire and, where relevant, during its manufacture. Connection elements between the first and second parts give these parts a certain looseness with respect to each other so that the object held by the second part of the fastener is not subjected to all or some of the stresses occurring in the wall during operation. |
| US08439088B2 |
One-way valve for a fuel-tank filling conduit
A one-way valve for a fuel-tank filling conduit deters siphoning and prevents back flow of fuel. The one-way valve comprises a blocking element arranged in the conduit and pivotable between a flow-blocking, object-insertion blocking first position and a flow-admitting, object-insertion blocking second position. In the second position the blocking element divides the conduit into flow areas of comparable width. The one-way valve further comprises a bias element that biases the blocking element to the first position. |
| US08439086B2 |
Tubular structure
A tubular structure having a multi-layer, strength-enhanced first end segment, a multi-layer, strength-enhanced second end segment, and a flexible segment intermediate said multi-layer strength-enhanced first end segment and said multi-layer, strength-enhanced second end segment is provided. Methods for manufacturing tubular structures are also provided. |
| US08439084B2 |
Flexible conduit with locking element
A flexible conduit for insertion into a body lumen comprises a plurality of elements coupled end to end to define a conduit lumen. A first one of the elements includes a male portion and a female portion. A second element includes a female portion having an inner surface configured to engage a male portion of an outer surface of the first element to form a first ball joint. A third element includes a male portion, an outer surface of the male portion of the third element configured to engage an inner surface of the female portion of the first element to form a second ball joint. The male and female portions of the first element are adapted to frictionally engage the female portion of the second element and the male portion of the third element to establish a rigid connection therebetween. |
| US08439080B2 |
Pressure compensator
A pressure compensator is configured to compensate for volume variations of an insulation medium or other liquid of a subsea installation. The pressure compensator includes a first bellows chamber having a first bellows part. The first bellows chamber is in flow connection with an insulation medium or liquid chamber of the subsea installation, and the walls of the first bellows chamber are configured to separate the insulating medium from surroundings. The first bellows chamber is surrounded by a second bellows chamber having an end wall, a side wall and a second bellows part formed by a diaphragm. The second bellows chamber is configured to form a closed intermediate space around the first bellows chamber. The walls of the second bellows chamber are configured to separate at least the bellows parts of the first bellows chamber from the surrounding water. The second bellows chamber is filled with an intermediate medium. |
| US08439076B2 |
Faucet module
A faucet module has a base, a valve chamber formed in the base, a cold water inlet port, a hot water inlet port and an outlet port in communications with a cold water inlet pipe, a hot water inlet pipe and an outlet pipe respectively, a first threaded section formed at an outer periphery of an opening of the valve chamber, a flange formed around all the pipes at a predetermined position away from the bottom face of the base, a protrusion having a second threaded section respectively formed at an end of each pipe below the flange, each of the base, the valve chamber, the cold water inlet port, the hot water inlet port, the outlet port, the cold water inlet pipe, the hot water inlet pipe, the outlet pipe, the first threaded section, the flange, the protrusion and the second threaded section formed as an entire unit. |
| US08439075B2 |
Outlet of a spigot
An outlet of a spigot has a bottom seat, a neck, a head and a flow passage. The bottom seat has a flat bottom face. The neck is curvedly formed on and protrudes upward from the bottom seat. The head is formed on and protrudes forward from the neck and has a front side. The flow passage is formed in the outlet between the bottom seat, the neck and the head and has an inlet hole and an outlet hole. The inlet hole is formed through the bottom face of the bottom seat and communicates with the flow passage. The outlet hole is formed through the front side of the head and communicates with the flow passage and has a width and a length. The length of the outlet hole is wider than the width of the outlet hole. |
| US08439074B2 |
Plastic construction for decorative spout
A faucet spout and method of manufacturing the same in which a layer of structural plastic is injection molded in two or more pieces and joined to form an armature having a waterway through it. A platable plastic layer is overmolded on some or all of the armature to provide a detailed decorative surface that is plated by deposition of a metal or metal alloy coating. |
| US08439068B2 |
Fluid flow control valve
A fluid-flow control valve includes an inlet (E) for connecting to a feed duct; an outlet (S) for connecting to an evacuation duct; a valve member (1) that, at rest, bears against a valve seat (2) to isolate the inlet (E) from the outlet (S); and an actuator mechanism (5, C) for moving the valve member (1). The actuator mechanism includes a chamber (C), which communicates with the inlet (E) via a hole (11) and is disposed relative to the valve member (1) on its side facing away from the seat (2), in such a manner as to urge the valve member against its seat; and a bypass (5) that connects the chamber (C) to the outlet (S), the bypass being controllable between an open state for passing fluid, and a closed state. |
| US08439067B2 |
Kitchen machine comprising means for discharging impurities
A kitchen machine having a housing that includes a housing base; a channel molded in a periphery of the housing and running in a direction of the housing base; a housing recess connected to the channel; and a coupling arranged in the housing recess to couple working apparatuses to the kitchen machine, wherein the housing recess includes means to discharge impurities. |
| US08439066B2 |
Double seat valve capable of cleaning the seat and having a cleaning device for a housing penetration
The invention relates to a double seat valve capable of cleaning the seat and having a cleaning device for a housing penetration critical for cleaning, According to the invention, a double seat valve of generic type ensures cleaning of the housing penetration of the pipe shaft or the pipe shaft expanded into a pressure compensation piston of the independently driven first closing element, starting from the valve housing part to an axial extension length of at least the entire opening stroke of the double seat valve, and the related relevant prior art is thus improved. This is achieved according to the invention in that, when a first closing element (3) is moved downward by the first partial stroke (T1), a freely penetrable ring gap (S21) is formed between an outer surface (K) of the pipe shaft (3b/3c) and a first rod seal (21) disposed in the first valve housing part (1a). |
| US08439063B2 |
Heat and/or steam activated valve and method therefor
A valve (10) is disclosed which is operable to automatically transition from a closed state to an open state in response to heat. The valve (10) includes: a cover (12) having at least one opening (12a) therein; at least one adhesive layer (32, 36) for sealing a perimeter of the cover (12) to a wall (22) of a food cooking package (20) on which the valve (10) is positioned; and, a deformable element (14) that shrinks in response to being exposed to heat, the deformable element (14) having a perimeter which is sealed by an adhesive when the valve (10) is in its closed state, wherein shrinking of the deformable element (14) pulls the perimeter of the deformable element (14) away from a site where it is sealed by the adhesive, thereby breaking the seal about the perimeter of the deformable element (14) and transitioning the valve (10) from its closed state to its open state. |
| US08439058B2 |
Anchoring system for portable shelters and the like
Disclosed is an anchoring system for a portable shelter that includes a plurality of anchor assemblies each having a support surface for supporting one of the legs of the portable shelter above the ground when the leg rests on the support surface such that the anchor assemblies are positionable under the legs of the portable shelter to support the portable shelter above the ground. Each anchor assembly includes a container, a retainer and an attachment. The container forms a hollow interior space for holding weighting material and has a removable lid forming the support surface. The retainer blocks the leg from sliding off of the support surface. The attachment includes an anchor plate located within the hollow interior space and below the weighting material and a cable extending from the anchor plate and out of the container for attachment to the tensioning line. |
| US08439057B2 |
Walking stick
A walking stick (10) having a shaft (12) having a first portion (34) and a second portion (36) received within the first portion (34) such that the second portion (36) can slide relative to the first portion (34). A first transverse handle (18) is provided at an upper end of the shaft (12) and a second handle (20) is provided pivotable between a retracted position in which the second handle (20) is generally parallel to the shaft (12) and an extended position in which the second handle (20) extends transversely to the shaft (12). A spring member (48) is provided for biasing the second portion (36) of the shaft (12) to slide outwardly from the first portion (34) and a locking mechanism is provided having a trigger (38) adjacent the first handle (18). The locking mechanism secures the first portion (34) of the shaft (12) relative to the second portion (36) of the shaft (12) and actuation of the trigger (38) releases the locking mechanism such that the second portion (36) of the shaft (12) can slide outwardly from the first portion (34) of the shaft (12) under the force of the spring member (48). |
| US08439053B2 |
Paint caddy
An apparatus for cleaning and storing painting tools is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a bucket member having a bottom wall and a side wall extending vertically from the bottom wall to an upper periphery wherein the side wall surrounds an open cavity. The apparatus also comprises a manifold nested within the bucket member. The manifold substantially bifurcates the open cavity into a first volume within the manifold and a second volume between the side wall and the manifold. The manifold extends vertically between an upper end disposed closer to the upper periphery than the bottom wall and a lower end disposed closer to the bottom wall than the upper periphery. The apparatus comprises at least one retaining member projecting into the second volume from one of the side wall and the manifold. The apparatus comprises at least one drain extending through one of the bottom wall and the side wall. |
| US08439048B2 |
Device for applying a cosmetic composition that includes magnetic particles, and an assembly including the device
A device for applying a cosmetic composition including magnetic or magnetizable particles, said applicator device comprising handle means and an applicator head including an applicator surface and a magnetic device suitable for generating a magnetic field, and the applicator head further including a setback forming a reservoir suitable for containing said cosmetic composition, said reservoir being located in the applicator surface and having a bottom. The bottom of the reservoir is movable relative to the applicator surface by an adjuster device associated with the applicator head. |
| US08439046B2 |
Filter cigarette
In a filter cigarette having a tobacco strand, a wrapping and a filter, the filter possesses at least one gas phase-active filter part which contains at least one gas phase-reducing substance. The gas phase-reducing substances are embedded in a filter material matrix. They are introduced in a quantity of at least 75 mg per filter and at least 5 mg/mm of the length of the gas phase-active filter part. The filter cigarette exhibits a filter ventilation of at most 30% (or of from 30% to 70%). The NFDPM value is between 4 and 10 mg/cigarette (or in the range of from 2 to 4 mg/Cigarette), as measured in accordance with ISO smoking conditions. The gas phase quotient Q1, defined as (μg of benzene per cigarette)/(mg of CO per cigarette) and measured in accordance with ISO smoking conditions, is less than 1.5, preferably less than 1. |
| US08439045B2 |
Thermally mediated tissue molding
A method and device to modify tissue in a manner such that it will take on a permanent new shape. Subdermal tissue is heated to approx 60° C. at which point it becomes pliable and moldable and will take on a permanent new shape if allowed to cool and heal in a new position. |
| US08439044B2 |
Dental appliance for minimizing effects of bruxism
A dental appliance for maintaining a separation between the occlusal plane surfaces of the posterior teeth in order to avoid or minimize the adverse effects of bruxism, especially while sleeping. The appliance comprises bitepad assemblies, side assemblies for adjustably receiving the bitepad assemblies, and a strap assembly for connecting the side assemblies. Bitepad cores are provided with solid projections and mechanical locks that enhance bonding with associated overmolds for improved durability. Side assembly flanges are divided to achieve independent flexibility and improved conformity for enhanced stability and comfort. A mesial area of the connecting strap assembly is thickened and rigidified to create a flare in the areas of the cuspid roots to minimize irritation and discomfort to the gum tissue. |
| US08439040B2 |
Forehead-contacting device for a breathing mask and method for making the same
A forehead-contacting device for a breathing mask includes a support element made from an elastomer material. The support element forms a support face which in an application position is adapted to seat on a forehead area of a user. The support element includes a jacket that defines a hollow chamber adapted to be filled with a viscous medium. |
| US08439037B2 |
Exhalation valve assembly with integrated filter and flow sensor
An exhalation valve assembly that controls the pressure of exhaled gas in a ventilation system is described. The exhalation valve assembly includes an actuator module that may be fixed to the ventilation system and a valve module, removable for cleaning or disposal, through which the exhaled gas flows and that controls the pressure and release of the exhaled gas to the environment. Other components may also be incorporated into the assembly including a filter module, a flow meter and a condensate trap. |
| US08439035B2 |
Flow regulation vent
A flow regulation vent includes a fixed portion adapted to engage a gas supply conduit and a spring force biased movable portion connected by a hinge to the fixed portion and flowingly connected to the pressurized gas supply. The fixed portion includes a gas flow orifice. The movable portion is pivotally movable between 1) a relaxed position, whereby at a specified minimum operating pressure, the movable portion is pivoted by the spring force away from the fixed portion to a position to establish a first gas washout flow area between the movable portion and the gas flow orifice; and 2) a fully pressurized position, whereby at a specified maximum operating pressure, the pressurized gas offsets the spring force to pivot the movable portion to a position adjacent the fixed portion to establish a minimum gas washout flow area between the movable portion and the gas flow orifice. |
| US08439034B2 |
Oxygen conserving oxygen delivery system
The present invention extends to methods, systems, computer program products, and circuits for conserving oxygen during the delivery of oxygen to a user. Embodiments of the invention use a microphone to detect breathing sounds indicative of different portions of a breathing cycle. Sounds not related to the breathing cycle are filtered out of the signal. Using the breathing sounds, a microprocessor differentiates inspiration from other portions of the breathing cycle. When inspiration is detected, a valve is transitioned to permit the flow of oxygen from an oxygen source to a user to deliver an appropriate bolus of oxygen. The microprocessor can also detect fault conditions, such as, for example, apnea, failure to deliver a bolus of oxygen, and restrictions in the flow of oxygen from the oxygen source to a user. |
| US08439032B2 |
Wireless communications for a breathing assistance system
A system for wireless data communication for use with a breathing assistance system configured to provide breathing assistance to a patient is provided. The system includes a wireless notification module, one or more wireless repeaters located remote from ventilation system, and a wireless receiver located remote from the one or more wireless repeaters. The wireless notification module is coupled to a ventilation system and configured to wirelessly transmit data received from the ventilation system. The one or more wireless repeaters are configured to receive the data wirelessly transmitted by the wireless notification module, and wirelessly transmit the received data. The wireless receiver is configured to receive the data wirelessly transmitted by the one or more wireless repeaters, and communicate the received data to a user remote from the ventilation system. |
| US08439030B2 |
Nebulizer device
An improved tee type nebulizer unit for medicinal use that delivers a mist of properly sized aerosol particles of medicament to the patient. A uniquely configured air flow baffle assembly, which is strategically positioned within the tee of the nebulizer unit, markedly increases the rate of liquid-to-aerosol conversion compared to prior art tee type nebulizer units. More particularly, due to the positioning and sizing of the air channeling pathways within the air flow baffle assembly, an increase in rate of aerosol mist production by factors of 200%-300% is realized. |
| US08439019B1 |
Compressed air delivery system with integrated cooling of a continuous variable transmission
A compressed air delivery system in which power from a power supply is transmitted to a rotary air compressor through a dry running, continuous variable transmission (CVT) utilizing a belt coupled between two pulleys enclosed within a CVT housing. The air pressure differential created by the rotary air compressor is used to urge cooling air through the CVT to cool the CVT belt. The pressure differential may be utilized to push cooling air into the CVT housing or to draw cooling air through the CVT housing. In one embodiment, a portion of the compressed air discharged from a supercharger may be routed through a bleed line and into the CVT housing. |
| US08439018B2 |
Heated fuel injector system
A heated fuel injector system and controller that includes a temperature sensing means to provide closed-loop control of a heating element heating fuel dispensed by a heated fuel injector. Closed-loop control provides more accurate temperature control of the heating element so that fuel heating is provided as quickly as possible while also protecting the fuel from being boiled and protecting the heated fuel injector from being damaged by excessive temperature. By monitoring how the signal from the temperature sensing means varies over time, fault conditions such as a lack of fuel flow, and fuel ethanol percentage may be detected. |
| US08439014B2 |
Fuel system diagnosis via fuel pressure switch
An engine system for a vehicle and its method of operation are provided. In one embodiment, a control system is configured to indicate a clogging of a fuel filter based on a period of time that a fuel pressure switch remains in a low pressure state. In some embodiments, the control system may respond to an indicated clogging of the fuel system by limiting one or more of fuel pressure, fuel flow rate, and vehicle speed. By limiting the flow rate and/or the pressure at which fuel is delivered to the engine during conditions when the low pressure fuel sub-system is unable to provide sufficient fuel pressure and/or flow, degradation and/or damage to the fuel system, including the high pressure pump, may be reduced or eliminated. |
| US08439013B2 |
Wound hydrocarbon trap
An air induction system hydrocarbon trap is provided. In one example, the hydrocarbon trap includes an adsorber roll including an adsorbing material and a corrugate support, where the corrugate support is rolled with the adsorbing material to form a wound adsorber roll. A housing is further provided to retain the adsorber roll. A housing cap may be coupled to the housing. |
| US08438997B2 |
System for uniquely identifying subjects from a target population
The system for uniquely identifying subjects from a target population operates to acquire, process and analyze images to create data which contains indicia sufficient to uniquely identify an individual in a population of interest. This system implements an automated, image-based process that captures data indicative of a selected set of external characteristics for subjects that are members of a target population of a predetermined species. |
| US08438996B2 |
Micro layering pest control system
A micro layering pest control system that includes combining generally immiscible ingredients in a container, maintaining the ingredients in a combined state by substantially continuously agitating and homogenizing the combined ingredients under pressure, and discharging the combined ingredients in one or more applications. |
| US08438994B2 |
Disposable litter device and system
A disposable litter device comprising a liner layer including closure means; litter; and a litter enclosure region about a portion of the liner layer, wherein the litter enclosure region includes a closure layer and the liner layer such that the litter is retained between the closure layer and the liner layer, and wherein the enclosure region includes opening means. |
| US08438993B2 |
Portable, multi-access container
A container for storing or delivering a consumable liquid or semi-solid to an animal, such as a human or domesticated pet, includes a receptacle for holding its contents and two or more openings. At least one opening is an elongated opening formed in the side of the walls of the container to allow lapping or licking of the contents by the animal, when the container is laid on its side. The opening in the walls is covered by a corresponding cover, which is affixed using adhesives, mechanical devices, or a combination thereof. The cover prevents spilling of the contents when in place. The container is manufactured so that the opening in the walls can be opened by manually removing the cover, either partially or completely. The cover may be reattached to the container using a fastening technique or device. |
| US08438991B2 |
System for connecting a teat cup to a teat
The invention provides a system for connecting a teat cup to a teat, including a teat cup with an opening for receiving a teat, a robot arm for moving the teat cup, a teat cup positioning system with a 3D-sensor and a sensor device for measuring a control quantity, and for connecting the teat cup under the control of the 3D-camera and the control quantity. The sensor device includes at least two electrodes around the opening and a capacitive sensor configured to measure a quantity connected with the capacitance between the electrodes, in particular the capacitance between two electrodes. This system provides a reliable positioning with respect to a teat by, for example, maximization of the measured capacitance. The positioning system supports an optical 3D-sensor for the first, global positioning. |
| US08438989B2 |
Surface feed-in electrodes for deposition of thin film solar cell and signal feed-in method thereof
The present invention discloses a surface feed-in electrode structure for thin film solar cell deposition, relating to solar cell technologies. The surface feed-in electrode structure uses a signal feed-in component with a flat waist and a semicircular feed-in end to connect the signal feed-in port by surface contact. The signal feed-in port is located in a hallowed circular area of a center of the backside of a cathode plate, and feeds in an RF/VHF power supply signal. An anode plate is grounded. The cathode plate is insulated with a shielding cover, and a through-hole is configured on the shielding cover. The effects include that, by using the surface feed-in at the center of the electrode plate, the feeding line loss of single-point or multi-point feed-in configurations can be overcome. Uniform large area and stable discharge driven by the RF/VHF power supply signal can be achieved, and the standing wave and the skin effect can be effectively removed. The production efficiency can be improved and the cost can be reduced. |
| US08438988B2 |
Powdering device for powdering printed sheet
A powdering device includes: a powder placing member having a placing section on which a powder fed from a storage container is placed; a first scraping member for scraping the powder on the placing section of the powder placing member, so that a constant amount of the powder remains on the placing section; and a second scraping member for scraping off the resultant constant-amount powder remaining on the placing section, and the powdering device transfers the scraped powder with an air flow, and sprays the powder thus transferred onto a printed sheet. |
| US08438987B2 |
Operating device having a bundle of light guides
An operating device for selecting shift positions of a gear-changing transmission, for example an automatic transmission. The operating device comprises a shift operating device and a console arrangement with an operating lever and a shift position indicator device with illuminatable shift position designations. The shift position indicator device includes an electronics unit and a light-emitting device. The electronics unit and the light-emitting device are integrated into the shift operating unit. An ordered fiber-optic bundle for the selective illumination of shift position designations is disposed between the light-emitting device and shift position indicator device. The operating device enables cost savings in production and assembly by eliminating, for example, the electronic module in the region of the shift gate. Flexible, selective illumination of the illuminated symbols or shift position designations in the region of the shift gate becomes possible. |
| US08438985B2 |
Unitary twin pontoon hull float boat
A “float boat” with a unitary twin pontoon hull comprising a pair of inflatable pontoons, each shaped, when inflated to have a fully curved rocker bottom surface and a substantially straight upper surface and with pontoons being interconnected at rigid ends by an inflatable transom that together with the pontoons forms a raised V-hull stern; a platform extending between the pontoons and adjacent to the transom and at least one foot rest for a user sitting on the platform. |
| US08438977B2 |
Projectile having deployable fin
A supercavitating projectile is disclosed that has deployable fins. The fins are pivotally coupled to the body of the projectile. The fins have two primary states: stowed within a recess at the surface of the projectile and deployed to a radially-extended position relative to the body of the projectile. The fins deploy as the projectile leaves its launch tube. The fins function as a control surface, interacting with the wall of the vapor cavity in which the supercavitating projectile travels. |
| US08438969B2 |
Apparatus and method for dissolving gases in a beverage
Disclosed is an apparatus for dissolving gases in a beverage, the apparatus including a product conduit that is fluidly communicable with a product supply and a product dispenser, a gas conduit configured to transport gas from a gas supply to the product conduit, the gas conduit including at least one flow control mechanism; and at least one additional gas conduit configured to transport an additional gas from at least one additional gas supply to the product conduit, the gas conduit including an additional flow control mechanism. |
| US08438967B2 |
Piston portion for a piston assembly and a piston assembly
A piston portion (102) for a piston assembly (100) is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The piston portion (102) includes a substantially cylindrical head portion (103) including a mating face (105). The piston portion (102) further includes a substantially annular insert chamber (126) formed in the mating face (105) and adapted for receiving a portion of a substantially annular insert (120). |
| US08438965B2 |
Mounting device for weapon
A mounting device for mounting an accessory to a rail of a weapon includes a base portion and first and second side portions. One side portion is movable to grip the rail. An elongated connecting member has a first end engaging the first side portion and a second end connected to a camming device. The camming device engages the second side portion and pulls the elongated connecting member to move the side portions to an engaged position. A locking mechanism locks the camming device in the closed position. The locking mechanism includes a locking element that is movable between a lock position and an unlock position. The locking element has an engagement portion that selectively engages the camming device when the locking element is in the lock position thereby locking the camming device in the closed position. |
| US08438963B2 |
High density ceramic bodies and composite armor comprising the same
An integrally formed high density ceramic pellet, for use in a ballistic armor plate, has a longitudinally extending body portion and an impact receiving end face. The impact receiving end face includes an impact receiving proximal segment that is convexly curved and a distal segment that merges with a top surface of the body portion. The distal segment has lateral surfaces that have a region including at least a portion which is concave in configuration or a region including a substantially smooth angled configuration. A cross-sectional area of the distal segment at the area of merger is greater than a cross-sectional area taken across a nominally designated base of the proximal segment. The length of the contour line of the outer surface of the distal segment is between 5 and 25% of that of the entire integrally formed impact receiving end face. |
| US08438958B2 |
Detection system for power equipment
Woodworking machines including conductive cutters adapted to cut workpieces, and motors adapted to drive the cutters are disclosed. The machines also include a contact detection system adapted to detect contact between a person and the cutter, and to distinguish contact between the person and the cutter from contact between the workpiece and the cutter. The machines further include a reaction system adapted to cause a predetermined action to take place upon detection of contact between the person and the cutter by the contact detection system. |
| US08438953B2 |
Hammering tool with buffer design
A hammering tool with buffer design includes: a hammering member, a protrusion block section extending from a lower side of the hammering member, a right side of upper section of the protrusion block section being notched to form a first receiving space; a handle member having a grip section, a first plate section, a second plate section and a third plate section being disposed at an upper end of the grip section to define a receiving chamber for inserting the protrusion block section therein; a pivot member for pivotally connecting the protrusion block section of the hammering member with the handle member; and a buffer assembly including a first compression spring received in the first receiving space. A right end face of the protrusion block section of the hammering member is spaced from a left face of the first plate section by a predetermined buffering distance. |
| US08438952B2 |
Cut and strip machine for producing cable-sections
A cut and strip machine (1) for producing cable-sections by processing a passing cable, especially coaxial or optical cable (2). Cable-sections are cut off from the cable, and on both ends of each cable-section at least one insulating layer can be notched/cut and stripped off. The machine comprises at least one cable feeding device (3, 4), and a cable processing unit, preferably cutting unit (6) arranged adjustably transverse to a cable axis, as well as a first cable guiding unit arranged—in a feeding direction (5) of the cable (2)—in front of said cable processing unit (6). A second cable guiding unit is arranged behind said cable processing unit (6). These first and second cable guiding units may be formed as fixed, non-rotating first and second cable centering units (7, 8). These are arranged in the immediate vicinity of the cable processing unit (6), and are suitable for centering, preferably straight-line centering, of the cable (2) on both its sides. At least one of the cable centering units (8) can be adjusted transversely to the cable axis for effecting its adjustment to the current diameter of the cable to be processed. |
| US08438950B2 |
Method for manufacturing disposable rotary cutting tools for dental or medical applications
The shank (12) of a disposable rotary cutting tool (10) comprises a pipe section (16) cut from a drawn metal pipe. The tool head (14) is formed from a cut-out (18a, 18b) of a drawn metal sheet or a section of a metal tube by non-cutting machining. The pipe section (16) and the tool head (14) are advantageously attached by force fitting. |
| US08438948B2 |
Vehicle drive
A vehicle drive including a transmission-engine arrangement with two drive units that are operatable independently of each other and include drive shafts arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and with two transmission units, a respective one of the drive units forming a partial drive train with one of the transmission units, and a respective clutch device being arranged between the drive units and the transmission units within the partial drive trains. The clutch devices of the two partial drive trains are arranged to be offset relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to be capable of being arranged with an overlap as viewed in the transversal direction of the vehicle. |
| US08438947B2 |
Bicycle crank arm
A bicycle crank arm has a body member and a cover member that at least partially overlies a peripheral surface of the body member. The body member includes a crank axle attachment portion that has a crank axle receiving opening. A slit extends from the peripheral surface of the body member to the crank axle receiving opening. A fastener bore extends transversely through the slit for adjusting the crank axle receiving opening in size. The peripheral surface of the body member has abutments located on opposite sides of the slit. The abutments are arranged relative to the slit such that the abutments move closer together as the crank axle attachment portion is squeezed to decrease the crank axle receiving opening in size. The cover member contacts the abutments and moves with the abutments as the crank axle attachment portion is squeezed to decrease the crank axle receiving opening in size. |
| US08438946B2 |
Handlebar for a bicycle
The present invention generally pertains to a handlebar assembly for a bicycle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a handlebar assembly comprising a hollow body in which are routed control cables needed for breaking and gear shifting. |
| US08438945B2 |
Electronic organ type accelerator pedal
An electronic organ type accelerator pedal apparatus, may include a pedal housing having a pedal arm receiving space therein and a carrier fitting hole, a pedal pivotally hinged to a hinged portion of the pedal housing, a pedal arm pivotally mounted to an inner surface of the pedal housing, wherein one end portion of the pedal arm is elastically biased by an elastic member and the other end portion of which is pivotally coupled to the pedal through the carrier fitting hole to transfer an activating force of the pedal to the other end portion of the pedal arm, and a damping stopper fixed to the inner surface of the pedal housing in the pedal arm receiving space and selectively engaged with the other end portion of the pedal arm to limit a rotation of the pedal arm when the pedal arm is rotated by the elastic member. |
| US08438942B2 |
Vehicle transmission gear locking mechanism
A vehicle transmission comprises a locking mechanism selectively preventing an at least one shift drum disposed on a shift drum shaft from rotating. The locking mechanism is movable between a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the locking mechanism prevents the at least one shift drum from rotating in the first direction to engage a first locked position. When in the second position, the locking mechanism prevents the at least one shift drum from rotating in the second direction to engage a second locked position. The second locked position is sequentially before the first locked position in the first direction. |
| US08438935B2 |
Smooth bore, chordal transit-time ultrasonic meter and method
An apparatus for analyzing fluid flow in a pipe includes an ultrasonic flowmeter having a plurality of transducers. The apparatus includes a flow element having a completely smooth bore through which the fluid flows, and a plurality of cavities, each of the cavities has one of the plurality of transducers disposed in it and which is in communication with the fluid flowing through the bore. An apparatus for analyzing fluid flow in a pipe includes an ultrasonic flowmeter having a plurality of transducers. The apparatus includes a flow element having a bore with an internal diameter and a surface through which fluid flows, a plurality of cavities each of which has an opening in the surface. Each of the cavities has one of the plurality of transducers disposed in it. |
| US08438933B2 |
Flowmeter and manifold therefor
An acoustic displacement flowmeter for determining flow rate of a fluid has a fluid flow line defining a flow path for the fluid. The fluid flow line has an inlet and an outlet. A controllable valve is positioned along the fluid flow line for opening and closing the flow path as desired, and an acoustic displacement transducer having a fluid port is coupled to the fluid flow line upstream from the controllable valve. The outlet of the fluid flow line extends through a wall isolating fluid exhausted from the outlet of the fluid flow line from electrical and/or mechanical components residing inside the flowmeter, thereby preventing the exhausted fluid, if explosive, from contacting such electrical and/or mechanical components which may act as potential ignition sources. Preferably, a manifold having a rigid body is provided in which the fluid flow line is formed. An acoustic displacement transducer (ADT) chamber wall is formed on the manifold body, and has an ADT chamber inlet port formed therein, and the fluid flow line has a branched portion connecting the fluid flow line to the ADT chamber inlet port. The outlet of the fluid flow line extends through a wall formed in the manifold body to isolate fluid exhausted from the outlet of the fluid flow line from electrical and/or mechanical components residing inside the flowmeter. |
| US08438932B2 |
Instrument for torsion moment test of single-pole cylindrical foundation
The present invention relates to an instrument for measuring torsion moment per a single-pole cylindrical foundation, including: a force-applying means that applies horizontal force to structures protruding from the ground; a tension means that is connected with the force-applying means to apply tensile force to the structures; a measuring unit that is disposed inside the structures to measure strain per depth and portion due to force applied from the force-applying means and the tension means; and a controller that analyzes moment per depth of the structures from horizontal force measured by the measuring unit. |
| US08438926B2 |
Method of evaluating fastening state of threaded joint of pipes or tubes, method for fastening threaded joint of pipes or tubes, and apparatus for evaluating fastening state of threaded joint of pipes or tubes
The present invention provides a method which allows simply, easily and accurately evaluating the fastening state of shoulder parts of a threaded joint for use as a joint of pipes or tubes, such as OCTG, during fastening or after fastening. The fastening state evaluation method for a threaded joint 100 of pipes or tubes according to the present invention is characterized in that it transmits ultrasonic surface waves from the internal surface of either one of the pin 1 and the box 2 toward the internal surface of the other one of the pin 1 and the box 2 through the shoulder parts 13, 23 of the pin 1 and the box 2, and on the basis of the transmitted wave intensity or the reflected wave intensity thereof, determines whether or not the fastening state of the threaded joint 100 is satisfactory. |
| US08438923B2 |
MEMS device with opposite polarity spring bimorph
A MEMS device has a mass supported at least in part by a spring. Among other things, the spring has first and second layers, and first and a second electrodes. The first and second layers are between the first and second electrodes, and the first and second layers, which are oppositely polarized, form a bimorph. |
| US08438922B2 |
Oscillation angular velocity sensor
Each of first and second oscillators includes a detector portion and a driver portion. The detector portion includes a stationary detector electrode and a detector weight, which includes a movable detector electrode opposed to the stationary detector electrode. The driver portion includes a driver weight having a movable driver electrode, which oscillates the detector portion, and a stationary driver electrode opposed to the movable driver electrode. The driver weights of the first and second oscillators are directly connected through a driver joint beam. The detector weights of the first and second oscillators are directly connected through a detector joint beam. |
| US08438918B1 |
Method for pressure testing a pressure foot assembly
An apparatus for the testing of downhole an injection assembly prior to installation of the injection assembly in the completion string is disclosed. The apparatus is comprised an injection tubing, an injection sub, an injection valve, an injection sub test block, a pressure foot, a pressure foot test block, and means for introducing pressure at a desired level. The injection sub test block, pressure foot, pressure foot test block are interchangeably engageable with the injection sub for testing in a sequence to allow the pre-testing of the connections of components of the injection assembly at the surface of the well. |
| US08438914B2 |
Apparatus for measuring the unconfined yield strength and time unconfined yield strength of bulk granular material
An apparatus is provided for measuring the unconfined yield strength and time unconfined yield strength of bulk granular materials and powders. A sample of bulk material is consolidated under controlled pressure in a sample cup with a hole or holes in the bottom. A moveable base smaller than the internal cup dimensions covers the hole(s) to prevent material from escaping the cup and to provide a base for removing the consolidated sample from the cup. After a predetermined time, the consolidated sample is removed from the cup by lifting the base relative to the cup walls through the hole(s) in the bottom of the cup. Once removed from the cup, the strength of the consolidated sample is measured by applying pressure to the top of the sample until the sample breaks. For time tests, the sample is consolidate with weights over predetermined time periods. |
| US08438912B2 |
Detection device
A detection device (10) includes: covers (1-3); an oscillator (4); antennas (9, 11, 12), a testing space (13), and a minute space (14). The testing space (13) and minute space (14) are formed in the covers (1-3). The minute space (14) is open to the testing space (13). The oscillator (4) is disposed in the testing space (13) such that its edge portions are inserted into the minute space (14). The antenna (9) works together with the antenna (12) to apply an electromagnetic field to the oscillator (4). The antenna (11) works together with the antenna (12) to receive a reception signal composed of a vibration signal from the oscillator (4). |
| US08438911B2 |
Chromatography system with fluid intake management
A method of determining a leak in a pumping system includes determining a metered flow rate of a fluid through a first channel, determining a measured flow rate within the channel, and identifying an amount of a leak in the pumping system as the difference between the metered flow rate and the measured flow rate. |
| US08438908B2 |
Leak detection system and method
A leak detector (1) adapted to detect a leak (40) of a first material by detecting a change in a physical/chemical property of a second material. The leak detector includes a quantum cascade laser (5) and a detector (35). |
| US08438906B2 |
Apparatus and method for the detection of knocking combustion
A device for directing combustion anomalies of an internal combustion engine, comprising at least one power supply, at least one ion current amplifier, at least one signal filter, at least one ion current signal output, at least one ignition coil actuating electronic system, at least one ignition coil, at least one ion current adapter, and at least one ion current sensor. |
| US08438905B2 |
Method and apparatus for vapor signature with heat differential
A method for sensing analyte. The method includes the steps of sensing one or more parameters in reaction to the presence of one or more analytes and outputting a current therefrom in accordance with level of the sensed parameter by each of a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors being provided in one or more sensor array columns, selectively heating one or more of the sensor array columns by a heating element, and receiving an output current from one of the plurality of sensors from each of the plurality of sensor arrays by a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) arranged in a VCO array. The method further includes the steps of generating an output oscillation frequency by each VCO in accordance with the level of the received output current, and counting a number of oscillations over a predetermined time received from each of the plurality of VCOs in the VCO array by a plurality of counters arranged in a counter array. |
| US08438904B2 |
Method and apparatus for vapor signature with heat differential
An apparatus for sensing analyte is provided. The apparatus may include a plurality of sensor array columns, each sensor array column including a plurality of sensors, each sensor being adapted for sensing one or more parameters in reaction to the presence of one or more analytes and output a current therefrom in accordance with level of the sensed parameter, a heating element for selectively heating one or more of the sensor array columns, a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) array including a plurality of VCOs, each VCO adapted to receive an output current from one of the plurality of sensors from each of the plurality of sensor arrays and for and generating an output oscillation frequency in accordance with the level of the received output current, and a counter array including a plurality of counters, each counter adapted to receive an output from a corresponding VCO and count a number of oscillations over a predetermined time. |
| US08438903B2 |
Molecule detection device formed in a semiconductor structure
Semiconductor devices, chromatography devices and integrated circuits for detecting one or more molecules and methods for forming a semiconductor device for detecting one or more molecules are presented. For example, a semiconductor device for detecting one or more molecules includes a channel formed within a semiconductor structure, and at least one detector formed within the semiconductor structure. The at least one detector detects the one or more molecules in the channel. The semiconductor device may optionally comprise one or more additional channels formed within the semiconductor structure. The semiconductor device may, for example, be operative to detect a single molecule. |
| US08438899B2 |
Method for evaluating degradation of a particulate matter sensor
A system for improving operation of an engine having a particulate matter sensor is presented. The system may be used to improve engine operation during cold starts especially under conditions where water vapor or entrained water droplets are present in vehicle exhaust gases. In one embodiment, degradation of a particulate matter sensor is indicated after a temperature of a substrate of the particulate matter sensor exceeds a threshold temperature and an output of the particulate matter sensor is below a threshold value. |
| US08438897B2 |
Forming device
A forming device for cup-shaped hollow bodies, including a machine frame, a drive device, a workpiece turntable and a tool holder, wherein the drive device (15) is designed to provide a rotational step movement and a cyclic linear movement between the workpiece turntable and the tool holder, and wherein the workpiece turntable is assigned at a locking position a first actuating means for triggering a locking movement on the respective workpiece holder and at an unlocking position a second actuating means for triggering an unlocking movement on the respective workpiece holder. A third actuating means is arranged along a curved machining path for the hollow bodies between the locking position and the unlocking position so as to trigger a combined unlocking and locking movement on the respectively associated workpiece holder in order to at least partially unlock, optionally move and then lock once again the hollow body held in the respective workpiece holder during one cycle of the cyclic linear movement of the tool holder. |
| US08438889B2 |
Shaped top pin for bump resistant cylinder
The present invention provides a pin and tumbler cylinder lock and a retrofitted cylinder lock which minimizes unauthorized openings of the lock by bumping. The cylinder lock utilizes specially designed driver pins which are correlated in size to the largest possible stack height of the tumbler pins with a bump key inserted in the plug portion of the lock and the shear line height of the lock. All the driver pins are about the same height and preferably symmetrical with a lip on each end. The invention also provides a method for retrofitting existing locks by removing at least one of the driver pins and replacing the removed driver pin or pins with the driver pins of the invention. |
| US08438886B2 |
Device for locking the doors of a showcase
The invention provides a showcase having at least two glass doors, a first door being fastened to a front ferrule and a second door being fastened to a rear ferrule, each of the ferrules moving along a respective rail, said locking device comprising a lock for locking the two doors together, wherein the showcase includes a locking device comprising a slider mounted to move in said front ferrule transversely relative thereto, and having a rotor of the lock installed thereon, wherein said rear ferrule includes an opening that comes into line with said rotor in a position for locking the two doors together, and that is suitable for receiving a bolt mounted at the end of said rotor, and wherein said slider includes a relatively flat face plate coming substantially flush with said ferrule in the locked position of said doors. |
| US08438885B2 |
Security apparatus
The present invention, relates to an apparatus for securing cassettes housed within an automatic teller machine (ATM). The apparatus comprises at least one barrier and a supporting structure for supporting at least one barrier. Each barrier is formed and arranged to be associated with a pair of adjacent cassettes and to be movable between a first position in which the barrier prevents removal of a pair of adjacent cassettes in use of the apparatus along their respective removal paths. The barrier is moveable to a second position in which the barrier prevents removal of one cassette of the pair of adjacent cassettes along its removal path and to a third position in which the barrier prevents removal of the other cassette of the pair of adjacent cassettes along its removal path. In use, only one cassette of a pair of adjacent cassettes is removable along its removal path when the barrier is in the second or third position. The apparatus is further formed and arranged so that the barrier (or barriers) can be moved to a ‘service’ position so that both cassettes can be accessed and removed along their removal paths and for servicing of the ATM. |
| US08438884B1 |
Padlock protective cover
A protective cover for an outdoor padlock or another lock which secures a hasp to a door, has a base, a housing dimensioned to accommodate the lock and the hasp, and a flexure hinge, preferably a living hinge. When the base of the protective cover is attached to the door protected by the padlock, the housing abuts and presses against the door. |
| US08438878B2 |
Control unit of laundry processing apparatus
A control unit of a laundry treatment apparatus is provided in which shaking of a knob may be reduced or prevented and a tactile manipulation response of the knob may be improved. The control unit may include a board provided in a control panel of the laundry treatment apparatus, an encoder mounted in the board and having a projected rotation shaft, a supporter mounted in the board or the control panel and having a hollow unit disposed outside the rotation shaft, a knob having a connecting shaft coupled to the rotation shaft, and a bushing mounted in the hollow unit and rotatably supporting at least one of the connecting shaft or the rotation shaft. |
| US08438877B2 |
Knitting system with flattened guide channels
A knitting device (10) comprising a needle bed (12) and knitting tools (16), wherein the needle bed (12) is designed so as to be without joints and seams in view of the configuration of its channel walls (18, 19) as well as perpendicularly to the floor (23) of the channel through the base body (20) of the needle bed (12). The channel depth of the individual guide channels (13, 14, 15) is preferably less than three times the channel width. Consequently, in particular in the case of extremely fine needle divisions, the resultant channel walls (18, 19) are robust and stable and can be subjected to a hardening or coating treatment. The reduced overall weight, the smaller friction surfaces, and the sturdier design of the knitting device enable the operation at greater knitting speeds and with greater rotational accelerations, in particular in reciprocating mode, and an overall savings of lubricants and energy. |
| US08438868B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator includes an ice maker to make pieces of ice and an ice storage bin to receive the pieces of ice made by the ice maker. A plurality of blades is rotatably disposed at a bottom portion of the ice storage bin and an ice separating device to separate clumped pieces of ice discharged from the ice maker is disposed in the ice storage bin between the ice maker and the plurality of blades, where the ice separating device is disposed on at least a rear wall, a front wall, or a side wall of the ice storage bin. |
| US08438865B2 |
Cooling system and method for cooling an aircraft device
A cooling system (10) for cooling an aircraft device (12) comprises an evaporator (14, 16, 18) for receiving a fluid (F) which is to be evaporated, a first adsorber (24) which contains a medium (28) for the adsorption of the fluid (F) which is evaporated in the evaporator (14, 16, 18), as well as a second adsorber (26) which contains a medium for the adsorption of the fluid (F) which is evaporated in the evaporator (14, 16, 18). A control system (22) is adapted to establish or to interrupt a fluid connection between the evaporator (14, 16, 18) and the first and/or the second adsorber(s) (24, 26). |
| US08438863B2 |
Climate controlled beverage container
A cooling system comprises a container that is conductively coupled or convectively coupled to a thermoelectric device to selectively cool and/or heat the container. A climate controlled container system for a vehicle includes a container or cavity and a conduction element configured to cool the cavity. In some embodiments, the cooling system comprises a housing, a housing inlet, a fluid passage and one or more thermoelectric devices and fluid transfer devices positioned within the housing. |
| US08438862B2 |
Thermally-protected chamber for a temperature-sensitive consumer electronic device
A thermal-protection apparatus disposed in a vehicle cabin or storage compartment includes a housing enveloping a chamber in which a thermally-sensitive consumer electronic device is received, a thermoelectric module mounted in a wall of the housing, and a remote electronic controller and power source coupled to the housing via an electrical cable for activating the thermoelectric module, and optionally the consumer electronic device, in a manner to prevent the temperature in the chamber from exceeding a prescribed maximum operating temperature of the consumer electronic device or falling below a prescribed minimum operating temperature of the consumer electronic device. |
| US08438859B2 |
Integrated bypass engine structure
One form of the present invention contemplates an apparatus including a gas turbine engine core, wherein a gearbox accessory is mounted to the engine core and is substantially enclosed by an inner fairing. The apparatus can further include a nacelle having a plurality of panels, wherein the nacelle panels substantially enclose and overlap at least a portion of the inner fairing. The apparatus can further include a bypass duct defined between an exterior surface of the inner fairing and an interior surface of at least some of the nacelle panels. In additional and/or alternative forms a number of frame rods can also be used internal to the nacelle or nacelle panel. In some forms the frame rods can be connected between a front and rear frame. |
| US08438858B1 |
Rotational system for an expendable gas turbine engine
A rotational system for a miniature gas turbine engine includes a rotor shaft rotationally mounted to a forward bearing and an aft bearing. The rotor shaft is located axially with a single threaded rotor nut which provides an axial preload maintained by a fixed compressor wheel and spacers. A preload spring provides dynamic compensation for tolerance variation and undesirable axial movement during rotation of the shaft. A permanent magnet generator is mounted to the rotor shaft behind the forward bearing to generate electrical power for the engine and other accessories. The rotor shaft is inertia welded to a turbine wheel to form a cavity which provides a thermally conductive path away from the aft bearing. A seal ring mounted within a groove within the rotor shaft provides a pneumatic seal to further protect the aft bearing from thermal transfer between the turbine section and the compressor section. |
| US08438857B2 |
Aircraft engine inlet having zone of deformation
An inlet assembly for an aircraft engine nacelle includes an inner barrel, an outer barrel radially spaced from the inner barrel, and a rear support for supporting the outer barrel relative to the inner barrel. The rear support includes at least one radially extending stiffener and at least one energy absorber defining a zone of deformation adjacent the inner barrel. The rear support is deformable in the zone of deformation in response to forces applied during a fan blade-out event to prevent fracture of the rear support. |
| US08438856B2 |
Effusion cooled one-piece can combustor
A combustor for an industrial turbine includes a single transition piece transitioning directly from a combustor head-end to a turbine inlet. The transition piece includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface bounds an interior space for combusted gas flow from the combustor head-end to the turbine inlet. The outer surface at least partially defines an area for compressor discharge air flow. The transition piece includes a plurality of apertures configured to allow compressor discharge air flow into the interior space. Each of the plurality of apertures extends from an entry portion on the outer surface to an exit portion on the inner surface. |
| US08438849B2 |
Multi-level organic rankine cycle power system
A waste heat recovery system includes a high pressure turbine and a low pressure turbine, in which the high pressure turbine receives high pressure working fluid vapor, the low pressure turbine receives low pressure working fluid vapor and the high pressure turbine also supplies low pressure working fluid vapor to the low pressure turbine. A recuperator receives working fluid vapor from the low pressure turbine. The recuperator produces heated condensate, at least a portion of which is provided to a high pressure vaporizer. The high pressure vaporizer is configured to receive from a high temperature heat source and produces high pressure working vapor used to power the high pressure turbine. The remaining condensed fluid is provided to a low pressure vaporizer which is configured to receive heat from a low-temperature heat source, thereby producing low pressure working fluid vapor used to power the low pressure turbine. |
| US08438847B2 |
Heat-pipe electric power generating device and hydrogen/oxygen gas generating apparatus and internal combustion engine system having the same
A heat-pipe electric power generating device includes a heat pipe having an evaporating end and a condensing end, a non-magnetic shell connected to the condensing end, a generator stator coil disposed at the outer of the non-magnetic shell, a turbine disposed in the heat pipe, a driving axle connected to the turbine and extended into the non-magnetic shell, and a magnetic element disposed at the driving axle and located in the non-magnetic shell. A vapor flow flowing to the condensing end is generated at the evaporating end. The vapor flow drives the turbine to move the magnetic element, such that the generator stator coil generates an induced current. In addition, a hydrogen/oxygen gas generating apparatus and an internal combustion engine system having the heat-pipe electric power generating device are also provided. |
| US08438846B2 |
Hydraulic drive apparatus
The present invention provides a hydraulic drive apparatus which can flexibly be set. The hydraulic drive apparatus which drives a variable displacement hydraulic motor 20 by a pressure oil discharged from a variable displacement hydraulic pump 10 and outputs a driving force of the hydraulic motor 20 to outside. The hydraulic drive apparatus includes torque upper limit setting unit which sets an upper limit of an output torque with respect to the hydraulic motor 20, and control unit which sets a maximum capacity limit value of the hydraulic motor 20 in accordance with the upper limit of the output torque when the upper limit of the output torque is set by the torque upper limit setting unit, and which sets a maximum capacity limit value of the hydraulic pump 10 in accordance with the upper limit of the output torque. |
| US08438845B2 |
Hoseless hydraulic system
A hoseless hydraulic system is provided which addresses certain safety and efficiency issues known in the art. The hydraulic system includes a shell, an accumulator disposed within the shell, a hydraulic pump at least partly disposed within the shell, and at least one hydraulic motor at least partly disposed within the shell. High pressure fluid communication conduits are substantially located within the shell. The only communication across the shell boundary is mechanical power in, mechanical power out, control signals in, and sensor signals out. |
| US08438844B2 |
Floatable wave energy converter and a method for improving the efficiency of a floatable wave energy converter
A wave energy converter includes a housing having a forward end and an aft end. Three upstanding air chambers are located in the housing and three corresponding water accommodating ducts extend aft from the air chambers and terminate in aft water accommodating openings for accommodating water into and out of the air chambers as the housing oscillates by pitching in response to passing waves. An air accommodating duct communicates with the air chambers through a manifold for accommodating air into and out of the air chambers as the water level falls and rises within the air chambers as the housing oscillates. A self-rectifying turbine in the air accommodating duct powers an electrical generator. A first stabilizing plate extends forwardly and downwardly from the forward end of the housing for controlling the oscillating motion of the housing. |
| US08438842B2 |
Exhaust gas purification device
An exhaust gas purification device is provided. The device includes: in an exhaust gas passage for a combustion exhaust gas containing a nitrogen oxide, a hydrocarbon, and an oxygen in a larger amount than a theoretical reaction amount with respect to the hydrocarbon to flow therethrough, in order from upstream, a first catalyst part for selectively reducing a nitrogen oxide; a plasma discharge part for generating a plasma; a second catalyst part for selectively reducing a nitrogen oxide; and a purifying catalyst part for purifying a reducing agent. |
| US08438839B2 |
Exhaust gas stream vortex breaker
An exhaust gas treatment system for reducing emissions from an engine includes an exhaust conduit adapted to supply an exhaust stream from an engine to an exhaust treatment device. An injector injects a reagent through an aperture in the conduit into the exhaust stream. A vortex breaker includes a mount having a cylindrical sleeve extending through the aperture as well as a flared tube fixed to and positioned within the cylindrical sleeve. A window extends through an upstream portion of the cylindrical sleeve exposing the flared tube to the exhaust stream. The sleeve includes a downstream aperture in fluid communication with the window. |
| US08438833B2 |
Partial filling of a pulse detonation combustor in a pulse detonation combustor based hybrid engine
An engine contains at least one pulse detonation combustor having a combustion chamber and an exit nozzle coupled to and downstream of the combustion chamber. During operation of the at least one pulse detonation combustor a detonation occurs within the combustion chamber and at least one of a fuel fill fraction and purge fraction of the at least one pulse detonation combustor are utilized to offset a temperature peak of said detonation from a pressure peak of said detonation. The fuel fill fraction is defined as 1−purge fraction, and the purge fraction is the ratio of the purge time of the at least one pulse detonation combustor to a sum of the purge time of the at least one pulse detonation combustor and a fuel fill time of the at least one pulse detonation combustor. |
| US08438831B2 |
Piezo-resonance igniter and ignition method for propellant liquid rocket engine
An ignition system for a combustor includes a resonance system which generates an oscillation pressure force by a resonant flow interaction between two parallel interconnected flow passages which carry an incompressible flow. A piezoelectric system driven by said resonance system. An igniter powered by said piezoelectric system. |
| US08438830B2 |
Primary manifold dual gas turbine fuel system
The present application provides a dual gas fuel delivery system and a method of delivering two gas fuels. The dual gas fuel delivery system may include (a) a low energy gas delivery system comprising a low energy gas inlet, a gas split, a low energy gas primary manifold outlet, and a low energy gas secondary manifold outlet; (b) a high energy gas delivery system comprising a high energy gas inlet and a high energy gas primary manifold outlet; (c) a primary manifold; and (d) a secondary manifold, wherein the low energy gas primary manifold outlet and the high energy gas primary manifold outlet are coupled to the primary manifold, and wherein the low energy gas secondary manifold outlet is coupled to the secondary manifold. |
| US08438829B2 |
Turboprop propulsion unit with pusher propeller
A turboprop propulsion unit includes at least one pusher propeller 5, 6 driven by an aircraft gas-turbine engine, with the aircraft gas-turbine engine being arranged in front of the pusher propeller 5, 6 in a direction of flight. A turbine outlet area 9 is arranged at the front in the direction of flight and a compressor area 14 faces towards the pusher propeller 5, 6. |
| US08438827B2 |
Block lock for a round link chain
The block lock for round link chains includes two approximately L-shaped lock halves connected with each other by pins. Each lock half has a longitudinal leg with a center rib, which faces away from its continuous back portion and separates bearing shells for chain links, and a cross leg arranged on one end of the longitudinal leg. Projections and receiving pockets are provided on the front ends of the longitudinal legs facing away from the cross legs, and receiving pockets and projections matching the projections and receiving pockets on the longitudinal legs are provided on the sides of the cross legs facing the center ribs. The center ribs are mutually offset in the longitudinal direction of the identically constructed lock halves. |
| US08438826B2 |
Four strand blackened wire rope
The present invention is directed to a wire rope having a blackened finish designed for theatrical productions. The wire rope includes a plurality of strands that have a closed spiral arrangement with each other and are compacted. Each strand includes a center wire spirally surrounded by a plurality of inner wires that are spirally surrounded by a plurality of outer wires so that the outer wires completely encompass the inner wires. The center wire and the inner wires are made from a galvanized material and coated with a lubricant. The outer wires are made from a non-coated steel material. Each strand is compacted so the outer wires create a tight mechanical seal to protect the inner wires. The blackened finish on the wire rope is due to a black oxide coating treatment and provides for low visibility of the wire rope during theatrical performances. |
| US08438821B2 |
Harvester having an adjustable transfer means
A harvester (1), and in particular a forage harvester, has an engine and machinery housing (2) and a discharge chute (10) which is mounted to be movable at a discharge opening (9) from the engine and machinery housing (2). The discharge opening (9) is able to be adjusted in height at the engine and machinery housing (2). |
| US08438819B2 |
Process for the preparation of a package containing compacted composition and the package obtained with this process
A process for the preparation of a package containing a compacted particulate composition, comprises wrapping a compacted particulate composition with a first film and treating the wrapped compacted particulate composition at an elevated temperature to shrink the film such that it clings to said composition. The resulting packages may be made using low compaction pressures and consequently may have low friability and be fast dissolving. |
| US08438815B2 |
Tower foundation
Non-cementitious tower foundations and structures, kits and methods for making the non-cementitious tower foundations. Aspects of the present invention operate to decouple the required mass for the foundation from the structural components needed to resist compression and tension forces. Aspects of the present invention include a foundation structure made of structural components for resisting the expected forces transferred from the tower. This foundation structure may be filled with non-cementitious fill of any type to provide the required mass to stabilize the foundation and the tower. A non-cementitious tower foundation structure includes a central shaft; a storage tank; and structural members coupling the central shaft to the storage tank. The storage tank comprises one or more voids for containing non-cementitious fill as ballast to stabilize the central shaft. The total volume capacity of the voids may be at least a threshold volume. |
| US08438812B2 |
Shingles and methods of applying shingles
In one embodiment, a shingle includes a first layer having at least one full tab and at least one full cut-out. A second layer is positioned under the first layer. The full tab width to first layer length ratio is greater than 8.5/36. The full cut-out width to first layer length ratio is greater than 8.5/36. A method that includes applying such shingles to a roof. |
| US08438808B2 |
Reinforced structural member and frame structures
Disclosed are frame members and mullions for a window frame that comprise a reinforcing member that is surrounded by an outer plastic layer. The outer plastic layer is held securely to the reinforcing member as a result of a waist banding effect that comprises an inward force created by the outer plastic layer as it cools and contracts around the reinforcing member. In addition, lobes are formed in the reinforcing member that assist in holding the outer plastic layer to the reinforcing member. Window inserts can be removed and replaced using adapters and removable brackets. Frame members and mullions can be built sufficiently strong to provide structural support. The frame can also be used to hold photovoltaic cells and protective coverings for photovoltaic cells. Structural members are also disclosed that have reinforcing members with apertures, debossing, scarification and/or indentations that secure the thermoplastic layer to the reinforcing member. |
| US08438807B1 |
Firestop drain assembly
A firestop drain assembly for mounting in a partition to prevent fire on one side of the partition from moving through the firestop drain assembly to the other side of the partition. The firestop drain assembly can achieve an F-rating and a T-rating of at least one (1) hour. |
| US08438794B2 |
Columbarium construction and shutter mounting system
A columbarium having a framework of a plurality of horizontally spaced vertical risers and a plurality of vertically spaced horizontal members defining a plurality of niches arranged in substantially horizontal rows and substantially vertical columns. Each of the horizontal members has a substantially planar web extending between a front rail and a back flange. A plurality of shutters is removably mounted over the plurality of niches by a concealed mounting system. The concealed mounting system permits the shutters to be movable about three axes of rotation as well as vertically and horizontally with respect to the horizontal members. |
| US08438792B2 |
Rigid insulation product
Rigid insulation products are provided, including a single unitary insulating member having slots for receiving the ends of floor joists. The insulating member may be pre-attached to a wood member, which functions as a joist header, or may be attached to a joist header during construction. |
| US08438790B2 |
Support structure for solar collector
Support structure for solar collector for use in cylindrical parabolic collectors to support a cylindrical parabolic reflector and an absorbing tube The structure includes a main bearing structure on which a plurality of support arms for the parabolic mirrors are supported The main bearing structure is formed by two rectangular lattice grids, a top one and another bottom one, in a parallel and overlaying arrangement, linked together by four laterally-disposed mini-lattices, in twos at each end, and by a plurality of external lateral ties bars and internal diagonal tie bars. |
| US08438788B2 |
Apparatus for harvesting rainwater
A rainwater collection apparatus is formed with an outer sleeve member that is adapted to connect with upper and lower downspout portions, and with an internal colander that is operable to collect and filter the rainwater flowing through the upper downspout portion. The colander has an upper flanged edge that removes water flowing along the inside surface of the downspout, a filter area including a plurality of apertures for the passage of rainwater into a catch basin, and a support flange that rests on a base ledge formed on the outer sleeve to define the catch basin. A discharge spout drains the collected rainwater from the catch basin to a remote storage container. An internal opening in the colander allows the passage of debris and the overflow of rainwater from the catch basin through apertures in the colander for discharge through the lower downspout portion. |
| US08438778B2 |
Cane-type plant chemical dispenser
Apparatus for selectively applying a liquid plant chemical such as a herbicide to a plant includes a hollow tubular reservoir, an integrated funnel handle at the upper end of the reservoir, and an applicator tip at the lower end of the reservoir. The applicator tip includes a valve and a wick that allows the chemical to be dispensed in a controlled manner onto a specific plant, avoiding chemical drift. A protective cap fits over the applicator tip during storage, while retainer tabs keep the protective cap from squeezing the wick. The retainer tabs may be sharp enough to prick the plant to place the chemical internally. |
| US08438775B2 |
Foldably segmented weapon sight
A weapon sight removably mountable on a weapon provides a plurality of weapon sight segments coupled in end to end linear relation including a front weapon sight segment configured to receive a front sight and a rear weapon sight segment configured to receive a rear sight which disposes the front sight at a fixed distance from the rear sight allowing alignment of the front sight with the rear sight to aim the weapon at a target. |
| US08438773B2 |
Articulating mount for weapon sight accessory
A mount for mounting an accessory to a weapon has a base portion and an upper portion each with fore-aft axes. A first and a second link interconnect the upper portion and the base portion for articulation between a use position and a storage position. The upper portion in the use position is disposed above the base portion and the upper portion in the storage position is disposed to a side of the base portion. The fore-aft axis of the base portion and the fore-aft axis of the upper portion are parallel to one another in both the use position and in the storage position. |
| US08438769B1 |
Weapons foregrip
A foregrip for a firearm includes a grip formed to fit in a palm of a hand having a first cavity for receiving an index finger disposed at a forward portion on a first side of the grip and a second cavity for receiving a thumb disposed on a second side of the grip, the first cavity being substantially vertical and the second cavity being substantially horizontal. In a first embodiment, the foregrip further includes a plurality of horizontal grooves for receiving a middle, ring, and little finger disposed at a back portion on the first side of the grip. In a second embodiment, the foregrip further includes a cavity for receiving a ring and little finger disposed at a back portion of said first side of said grip and a notch for receiving a middle finger. |
| US08438764B1 |
Bereavement artifact
A bereavement artifact comprising a molded body of any desired shape simulating a religious ornament comprising an object in the form of a cross, rock or tablet or other configuration having a surface or opening therein upon or within which a degradable piece of paper including printed or written words of endearment is located such that when the artifact is exposed to the atmosphere the degradable paper will substantially dissolve or disintegrate upon contact with water over a relatively short time period. |
| US08438763B2 |
Three dimensional illuminated greeting cards
A three-dimensional illuminated greeting card which combines a unique card construction having a 3D pop-out structure with one or more lights contained therein. The 3D pop-out structure forms an internal cavity in which illumination means and other electronic components are contained. One or more sides of the 3D structure are made of translucent or semi-translucent material, creating a screen that can be illuminated from behind by one or more miniature lights, such as LED lights. The light or lights may be connected to an integrated circuit chip that can be programmed with various lighting effects. The greeting card may optionally include other electronic components which are configured to play sound or music or perform other electronic effects. |
| US08438756B2 |
Articles of footwear
Articles of footwear that include a flexible or rigid sole portion with a shape and size as to correspond to a foot of a wearer, a sole portion having a periphery, a toe region in the front area of the sole portion, a heel region in the back area of the sole portion, and an instep region between the toe and heel regions. Also included is an upper portion connected to the sole portion to form a partially open enclosure for receiving and containing a part of the foot of the wearer and a flexible tubular sleeve which is attached to the sole portion's instep region. The flexible sleeve includes an attachment portion for attaching the flexible sleeve to the instep region of the sole portion, an outwardly opened toe portion for containing the front part of the foot and the toes of the wearer, an outwardly opened heel portion for containing the back part of the foot and the heel of the wearer, and an insertion portion for enveloping the ankle of the wearer. |
| US08438749B2 |
Drive mechanism for article dehydration
A drive mechanism for dehydrating a mop. The drive mechanism includes a base (10); a driven gear (12) rotatably mounted on the base; a propeller shaft (121) having a lower end rotated by the driven gear and an upper end to rotate a rotation barrel (21); a driving gear (11) meshing with the driven gear; a spinning shaft (111) to rotate the driving gear; a drive member (13) having a spinning shaft hole (131) meshing with the spinning shaft; an elastic member (14) biased between the drive member and a housing (20) to move the drive member downward relative to the spinning shaft; and a pedal (15) pivotally mounted on the base to move the drive member upward relative to the spinning shaft. The driving gear has a diameter greater than that of the driven gear to drive the driven gear to rotate the rotation barrel easily and quickly. |
| US08438744B1 |
Ruler and method of use
A ruler includes a base which has a plurality of one-inch wide measurement stations which include numerical indicia. The numerical indicia can be selectively exposed or covered by an associated pivoting flap. When a measurement is made, the appropriate flap is opened so the numerical indicia can be utilized in making a measurement. The numerical indicia can include both fractional numbers and decimal numbers. |
| US08438743B2 |
Resolver type skew sensor with gimbal attachment
A disclosed sensor assembly for detecting movement and a position of a wing flap includes a sensing device that generates a signal corresponding to a position of the flap. The sensor assembly includes a linkage that is attached to the movable flap for mechanically communicating movement of the flap to the sensing device. The linkage includes a first pivot shaft mounted to the flap that is disposed about a first axis and a second pivot shaft attached to the first pivot shaft for movement about a second axis transverse to the first axis. |
| US08438737B2 |
Fruit and vegetables slicing apparatus structure
A handheld fruit and vegetables slicing apparatus having a plurality of linked together rotatable knives connected to a frame. One of the knives being attached to a rotatable adjustment element on the frame, such that when the adjustment element is rotated the plurality of knives rotate from an original upright state to a flat state for rinsing. |
| US08438736B2 |
Safety razor with improved guard
A shaving blade unit has a plastic housing having a front portion and a rear portion and two side surfaces extending from the front portion to the rear portion. A shaving blade is disposed between the front portion and the rear portion and has a blade length extending along a blade axis. A guard is disposed at the front portion of the housing. The guard includes an elastomeric member forming at least one passage extending between an upper surface and a lower surface of the elastomeric member. |
| US08438735B2 |
Razor
A razor which includes a head, at least two spaced apart razor blades mounted to the head, and structure for expelling a shaving composition from the head, at least between the blades, onto a surface to be shaved. |
| US08438734B2 |
Rail vehicle assembly system and method
There is provided a method for assembling a rail vehicle. The method includes positioning a plurality of motor combos on a fixture frame. The fixture frame may be adapted to hold each of the plurality of motor combos positioned for an assembly into a rail vehicle truck. The method further includes positioning a plurality of springs on each of the plurality of motor combos. The plurality of springs are positioned for the assembly into the rail vehicle truck. Additionally, the method includes simultaneously lifting a plurality of motors such that a truck frame may be coupled to the motors. The plurality of motors corresponds to the plurality of motor combos. The method also includes connecting the truck frame to the plurality of motors, attaching a spring compression fixture to the truck frame and the fixture frame, and compressing the plurality of springs for assembly into the rail vehicle truck. |
| US08438732B2 |
Method of assembling a differential gearset
A method of assembling a differential gear set includes installing a first bushing into a carrier, installing a second bushing into the carrier, and inserting a first planet gear into an interior portion of the carrier. The first planet gear includes a first planet gear shaft. A second planet gear including a second planet gear shaft is inserted into the interior portion of the carrier. The first and second planet gear shafts are installed into the first and second bushings. A third planet gear including a third planet gear shaft is inserted into the interior portion of the carrier and a fourth plant gear including a fourth planet gear shaft is inserted into the interior portion of the housing. The third and fourth planet gear shafts are passed into corresponding bushing receptors in the carrier. Third and fourth bushings are installed on the third and fourth planet gear shafts. |
| US08438730B2 |
Method of protecting printhead die face
A method of assembling an inkjet printhead comprising providing a printhead chassis; providing a support surface; affixing a printhead die to a die location portion of the support surface; affixing a portion of an attachment surface of a flexible circuit to the support surface adjacent to the die location portion of the support surface; electrically connecting the printhead die to the flexible circuit; affixing a spacer member to a surface of the flexible circuit that is opposite the attachment surface; applying an encapsulating material in contact with the printhead die, the flexible circuit, and the spacer member; and curing the encapsulating material. |
| US08438725B2 |
Method of moving a board imaging device and a mounting apparatus
A mounting apparatus mounts a component (A) on a board (W). The mounting apparatus is provided with a head unit (40) wherein a plurality of heads (41) for picking up components (A) are arranged in a prescribed direction, a head unit transfer device (4) for moving the head unit (40), a board imaging camera (21) (board imaging device) disposed on the head unit (40) for capturing an image of the board (W), and a camera moving device (25) (imaging device moving device) which moves the board imaging camera (21) relative to the head unit (40) in the arrangement direction of the heads (41). |
| US08438724B2 |
Method for producing substrate for mounting device and method for producing a semiconductor module
Methods for producing a substrate for mounting a device and for producing a semiconductor module are provided. The methods comprise preparing a metal plate on one major surface of which a plurality of projected electrodes are provided. An insulating resin layer is formed on the major surface so as to cover the top surface of the projected electrodes. The top surface of at least one of the plurality of projected electrodes is exposed by removing the insulating resin layer so that a major surface of the insulating resin layer opposite to the metal plate is level. A plurality of counter electrodes is arranged having a counterface to face the top face of the plurality of projected electrodes or a semiconductor device having a plurality of device electrodes is arranged to face the top face of the plurality of projected electrodes. The at least one of the plurality of projected electrodes, the top surface of which is exposed, is electrically connected with at least one of the plurality of counter electrodes facing the projected electrodes, by pressure-bonding the metal plate with the counter electrode. A wiring layer is formed by selectively removing the metal plate. |
| US08438721B1 |
Method to assemble disk drive
A disk drive is assembled to have a cover that includes a hole therethrough, and an annular gasket continuously encircling the hole and being adhered to an undersurface of the disk drive cover. A breather filter is adjacent the disk drive base. The breather filter includes a breather filter housing having a top surface and an entrance port. The annular gasket is in compressive contact with, but not adhered to, the top surface of the breather filter housing. The annular gasket encircles the entrance port. In certain embodiments, this method of assembly may facilitate disk drive rework. |
| US08438720B2 |
Coil component and method of manufacturing the same
A coil component, in which a space on an outer periphery of a winding interposed between a pair of flange portion is coated with a resin with magnetic powder, has a problem of long-term reliability that a thermosetting resin expands and contracts due to change in a temperature and the flange portions are fatigued to be broken. An object of the present invention is to provide the coil component of which core is hardly broken even when the resin with magnetic powder expands and contracts and a method of manufacturing the same. In order to solve the above-described problem, the method of manufacturing the coil component according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method of manufacturing a coil component including a drum-shaped core including a winding core portion and a pair of flange portions provided on both ends in an axial direction of the winding core portion, and a winding wound around the winding core portion, including applying a mold releasing agent for providing a gap on at least one of opposed surfaces of the pair of flange portions, winding the winding around the winding core portion, applying a resin with magnetic powder formed of a thermosetting resin to a space on an outer periphery of the winding interposed between the pair of flange portions, and thermally curing the resin with magnetic powder. |
| US08438717B2 |
Method for tolerance compensation between two components and a tool for execution of the method
A method for tolerance compensation in an overlap joint between a first and a second body section of adjacent fuselage rings includes introducing a plurality of holes into a first body section corresponding to a pattern of rivets; arranging the first and second body section in an overlapping configuration so as to form an overlap; injecting a filler mass through the plurality of holes into a gap formed in the overlap; and hardening the filler mass. |
| US08438716B2 |
Integrated base assembly
A method of manufacturing furniture, such as sofas, that have a lower exposed front rail with corner block portions. The method including injection molding the front rail with the corner block and assembling it to side rails and a rear rail whereby there are no exposed junctures at the corner blocks on the front rail. |
| US08438715B1 |
Methods of installing a snap ring with respect to an anvil of an impact wrench
A method of installing a snap ring, having opposed inner and outer diameters, onto an O-ring located in an annular groove of an anvil of an impact wrench includes providing a deformable base formed with an annular seat, seating the snap ring in into the annular seat, and applying the anvil of the impact wrench through the snap ring and into the deformable base applying the snap ring over the anvil and onto the O-ring located in the groove, wherein the anvil interacts with the snap ring in response to applying the anvil into and through the snap ring enlarging inner and outer diameters of the snap ring deforming the annular seat of the base allowing the snap ring to be received over the anvil and onto the O-ring located in the annular groove. |
| US08438713B2 |
Pin changing device and method
A pin removal assembly for use with an upper block of a crane includes a sheave support and a pin support. The upper block includes a frame, a plurality of sheaves, and a removable sheave pin that defines and axis of rotation for the sheaves and supports the sheaves within the frame. The pin removal assembly includes a sheave support mountable to the frame of the upper block and a pin support mountable to the frame of the upper block. The pin support is configured to support the sheave pin when the sheave pin is removed from the upper block. |
| US08438712B2 |
Floating collar clamping device for auto-aligning nut and screw in linear motion leadscrew and nut assembly
An auto-aligning linear motion apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a leadscrew. The apparatus also includes a nut arrangement configured to surround the leadscrew, wherein the nut arrangement includes at least a nut, a nut bracket, and a floating collar. A shoulder screw is inserted through a nut bracket slot of the nut bracket and a nut slot of the nut to rest at least partially within the floating collar. One dimension of the nut bracket slot is larger than a dimension through a cross-section area of the shoulder screw to enable the shoulder screw to move within the nut bracket slot to adjust the nut arrangement as the leadscrew is rotated to maintain a concentric relationship between the nut arrangement and the leadscrew. |
| US08438708B1 |
Shoe lace cover
A shoe lace cover helps keep singled knotted laces tied and uses a pair of generally coextensive panels with one panel positioned in the tongue opening of a shoe between the tongue and laces and the other panel is positioned atop the laces, the panels removably secured to one another at their respective sides using cooperating hook and loop material. Each panel also has a tail that is secured to the other tail below the bottom of the laces and a strap is attached to the upper panel overwraps the knot of the laces and secures to the lower panel. |
| US08438707B2 |
Fastener with ribbed flange
A fastener is provided with a snap-fitting leg to be pushed through an opening of a panel, the snap-fitting leg including a flat rigid core which extends in an axial direction and at least one curved flexible flange having an inner longitudinal edge running alongside the core which is separated from a free outer longitudinal edge of the flange by a web with a concave inner surface. A stiffening rib is provided on the concave surface of the web of the flange. The rib connects to the free outer longitudinal edge of the flange at two remote points substantially aligned in the axial direction. |
| US08438700B2 |
Dual stage cyclone vacuum cleaner
The present disclosure provides a home cleaning appliance including a housing having a nozzle, which includes a main suction opening. An airstream suction source is mounted to the housing and includes a suction airstream inlet and a suction airstream outlet. A cyclone main body is mounted to the housing and communicates with the nozzle main suction opening. The cyclone main body includes a first stage separator and a plurality of second stage separators. A dirt cup is connected to the cyclone main body for collecting dust particles separated by the first stage separator and the plurality of second stage separators. An air manifold is mounted to the first stage separator for fluidly connecting the first stage separator to the plurality of second stage separators. |
| US08438699B2 |
Surface treating appliance
An upright surface treating appliance includes a main body having a user operable handle, and a support assembly for allowing the appliance to be rolled along a surface using the handle. The support assembly includes a yoke and a pair of wheels rotatably connected to the yoke, the yoke being shaped so that a section of the yoke lies between the rims of the wheels. A surface treating head is connected to the yoke. The main body is pivotably connected to the yoke for movement about a pivot axis passing between the wheels, and so that a part of the main body is located between the rims of the wheels. As the main body is pivoted about said axis from an upright position to a reclined position, the spacing between said section of the yoke and said part of the main body increases, and so a shield is provided for covering the gap so formed between said section of the yoke and said part of the main body to prevent dirt and dust from passing into the support assembly through the gap. |
| US08438697B2 |
Vacuum cleaner
A vacuum cleaner is provided. A vacuum cleaner includes a main body with a suction motor, a dust collecting unit, a main body frame, a locking member, a detaching button, and a pushing member. A suction port assembly is connected to the main body and an extension pipe assembly is detachably attached to the main body; each fluidly connects selectively with the dust collecting unit. The locking member selectively locks the extension pipe assembly to the main body frame, the detaching button selectively detaches the locking member from the extension pipe assembly, and the pushing member moves the extension pipe assembly according to the locking member being detached from the extension pipe assembly. |
| US08438695B2 |
Autonomous coverage robot sensing
An autonomous coverage robot detection system includes an emitter configured to emit a directed beam, a detector configured to detect the directed beam and a controller configured to direct the robot in response to a signal detected by the detector. In some examples, the detection system detects a stasis condition of the robot. In some examples, the detection system detects a wall and can follow the wall in response to the detected signal. |
| US08438692B2 |
Wiper blade with connector and method for making such blade
The invention relates to a wiper blade (1) that comprises a bearing structure (20) in which a flexible vertebra (23) is longitudinally inserted and on the sides of which are formed openings (25a, 25b, 26a, 26b, 27a, 27b) exposing the side edges (23a) of the vertebra (23), as well as a connector (50) that is fitted substantially transversally onto the bearing structure (20) at the level of the openings (25a, 25b, 26a, 26b) and that is blocked in terms of movement in the fitting direction thereof by the portions of the side edges (23a) protruding from said openings (25a, 25b, 26a, 26b). The invention is characterized in that the connector (50) includes at least one deformation (70a) extending inside a notch (71a) formed in the vertebra (23) at a portion of a side edge (23a) and accessible via an opening (27a). |
| US08438691B1 |
Grill cleaning assembly
A grill cleaning assembly for cleaning the bottom side of a grill includes an arm that has a first end and a second end. A blade has an attached end, a free end, a top side, a bottom side, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The blade has a trapezoidal cross-section taken perpendicular to a line which extends through the attached and free ends such that the top side has a lesser width extending between the first and second lateral edges than the bottom side. Each of the first and second lateral edges slopes from a top end to a bottom end of the trapezoidal shape. The free end is configured to be inserted between a pair of bars of a grill and such that either the first or second lateral edges abuts and is moved across a lower side of the bars. |
| US08438687B2 |
Heated food preparation surface cleaning system
A system for cleaning a hot food preparation includes a cleaning tool including a handle and a detachable base. The handle and detachable base comprise a polymeric material, where the melting point of the polymeric material in the handle is lower than the melting point of the polymeric material in the base. The system includes a scrubbing pad support member that is configured to engage and secure a scrubbing pad and connect the scrubbing pad to a handle or a base of a cleaning tool. The handle of the tool is constructed to be reused numerous times whereas the detachable accessories, e.g., the scrubbing pad support member and/or a scrubbing pad, are disposable. A method of molding the scrubbing pad support member is also provided. |
| US08438684B2 |
Apparatus for cleaning an immersed surface with gyration using at least one laterally offset non-driving rolling member
The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning a surface which is immersed in a liquid, comprising a hollow body, members which are integral with the hollow body and which come into contact with the immersed surface, a filtration chamber, at least one electric motor which is carried by the hollow body, and a control unit which is configured to control the motor. For at least one movement configuration of the apparatus, at least one non-steering non-driving rolling member in contact with the immersed surface is arranged relative to the instantaneous drive orientation so as to apply a gyration torque of the apparatus only due to such an arrangement. |
| US08438678B2 |
Bedding foundation having corner guards and multiple piece border
A bedding foundation has a wire core which may be nestably stacked with numerous other such assemblies for transportation, thereby avoiding the need to compress and tie multiple assemblies for shipping. The wire core which includes an upper wire grid made of four distinct border wires and support wires extending between two opposing border wires. Each support wire has flattened valleys below the plane of the upper wire grid, each flattened valley being adapted to be secured to a wooden base frame. The wire cores, wooden bases and corner guards may be shipped separately. |
| US08438673B2 |
Removable and interchangeable soap dish and/or other bathroom fixtures assembly
A removable and interchangeable soap dish and/or other fixture which has a wall mount segment having a male connector with screw holes. The mount is L-shaped with the wall side and connector both rectangular shaped and connected perpendicularly. Protruding out from the mount and perpendicular to the male connector is a handle. The mount is attached to any wall using standard screws which fit into the screw holes. A female slot which is shaped and designed to receive the male connector is molded inside the fixture. A securing devise at the end of the slot allows the male end to slide in then lock into place. Attach the fixture to the wall mount by lining up the female slot and male connector and apply pressure to push them together. The locking device is deactivated by applying minimum pressure to the fixture as it is pulled away from the mount. |
| US08438672B2 |
Integrated electronic shower system
An integrated bathroom electronic system including a plurality of sensors to detect conditions within a bathroom and to provide signals indicative thereof to a controller. A plurality of distinct and exclusive modules or subsystems are illustratively provided for integration into the system. Such modules may include a quick hot water module, a roman tub module, a custom shower module, a hands free faucet module, and a tub shower module. In certain illustrative shower modules, a user interface includes a plurality of user defined presets, each preset including a shower setting stored in memory. |
| US08438663B2 |
Face protector lens assembly and method of use
A lens assembly for securing in an opening in a face plate of a face protector has a first, retainer lens of shape and dimensions configured to be secured in the front opening of a face plate and having a curvature substantially matching the curvature of the face plate. A second lens of smaller dimensions is secured behind the first lens to provide a lens-in-a-lens configuration. The lens assembly may be releasably secured in the face plate opening and the second lens is interchangeable with sets of lenses having different properties such as lens shade. The retainer assembly has a back cover and a gasket or spacer between the back cover and second lens to allow second lenses of different depths to be secured in the assembly. |