| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08632578B2 |
System for providing heat treatment and heat loss reduction for treating meibomian gland dysfunction
A system for treating meibomian gland dysfunction comprising a heating element that applies heat to the tissue proximate the patient's meibomian glands to provide conductive heat transfer to the meibomian glands, which assists in the expression of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands to restore sufficient sebum flow to the lipid layer to treat dry eye. A force application device may also apply force to tissue proximate the patient's meibomian glands during the application of heat to improve conductive heat transfer and reduce blood flow in tissue that causes convective heat loss, and to help express obstructions from the meibomian gland, including from a channel of the meibomian gland, with reduced discomfort to the patient. Reaching increased temperature levels may improve the melting, loosening, or softening of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands. |
| US08632575B2 |
Low profile fastening assembly
In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a fastener assembly that can be used for the fixation or anchoring of orthopedic devices or instruments to bone tissue. In particular, the present invention preferably provides a low profile variable angle or fixed angle fastener assembly that is able to securely connect the orthopedic device to bone tissue. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a fastener assembly having a locking mechanism that will quickly and easily lock the fastener assembly with respect to the orthopedic device. |
| US08632574B2 |
Reduced component bone plating system
An orthopedic screw system includes a screw with a locking head that can both lockingly engage in a fixed angle threaded screw hole to secure a plate to a bone without compression, and non-lockingly engage at a compression screw hole to provide compression between the plate and the bone. The structure of the system is particularly well adapted to plates and screw of small dimensions, such as screws smaller than 3.5 mm and is capable of providing high compressive force, on the order of 120 lbs of axial load, without significant plastic deformation between the screw and plate. |
| US08632568B2 |
Suture anchor having a suture engaging structure and inserter arrangement
A suture anchor and inserter arrangement, including a suture anchor for implanting in hard tissue, such as bone, and an inserter device for installing the suture anchor in hard tissue. The suture anchor carries thereon a suture-engaging structure formed from suture, which structure cooperates with working suture associated with the inserter device so as to attach the working suture to the suture anchor. |
| US08632562B2 |
Embolic protection device
An embolic protection device for deployment in a body vessel is provided for filtering emboli within the body vessel. The embolic protection device generally includes a filter having a plurality of openings formed therethrough and an extraction element configured to be movable with respect to the filter between a non-extraction position and an extraction position. The extraction element is located distally of the filter when in the non-extraction position so as to allow the filter to open into an expanded state to collect the emboli. Additionally, the extraction element is disposed about at least a portion of the filter when in the extraction position so as to close the filter into a collapsed state and to permit the embolic protection device to be extracted from the body vessel. |
| US08632558B2 |
Systems and methods for removal of intravascular leads
Systems and methods for extraction of implanted articles are disclosed. According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a system for extraction of an implanted article that includes an elongated member, guide member disposed at a distal section of the elongated member and having a pathway in substantially parallel relationship to the elongated member, through which pathway an implanted article can be accommodated, and a cutting mechanism, situated between the distal section of the elongated member and the guide member, for severing a fibrous adhesion about the implanted article to allow the implanted article to be extracted. |
| US08632557B2 |
Rotational atherectomy device and method to improve abrading efficiency
The invention provides a rotational atherectomy system, device and method having, in various embodiments, a flexible, elongated, rotatable drive shaft with at least one eccentric abrading head attached thereto, wherein the abrading head comprises at least one groove thereon. The eccentric grooved abrading comprises a tissue removing surface—typically an abrasive surface and/or at least one groove. Preferably the eccentric enlarged abrading head has a center of mass spaced radially from the rotational axis of the drive shaft, facilitating the ability of the device to open the stenotic lesion to a diameter substantially larger than the outer diameter of the enlarged abrading head when operated at high speeds. The groove(s) provide improved efficacy in the abrasion of non-calcified and/or soft tissue as well as provide a means for breaking the hydraulic wedge between the abrading head and the stenotic tissue. |
| US08632552B2 |
Method of preparing a femur and tibia in knee arthroplasty
A method of preparing a femur and tibia in surgery on a knee joint using a navigation system and a robotic system. The navigation system tracks movement of the femur and tibia during the surgery. The navigation system may include a plurality of locating devices. The robotic system includes a base, a plurality of arms, and a cutting tool. |
| US08632550B2 |
System and method for providing surgical access to a spine
A system for accessing a spine from a curved postero-lateral approach may include a curved cannula positioned along a curved path from an opening in the skin to a location proximate the spine. A guide member may be first inserted to establish the path between the tissues and fascia, and one or more intermediate cannulas may be temporarily inserted over the guide member to dilate the tissues prior to insertion of the main cannula. An interbody device may be implanted in an intervertebral space through the cannula. The system may include a guide bar removably coupled to a targeting post. The targeting post may be inserted adjacent the spine to provide a target, and the guide bar may be removably attached to the guide member, to guide it along the path to the target location. An external support arm may be secured to any other component of the system. |
| US08632549B2 |
Surgical tool for pectus bar extraction
A pectus bar extraction tool for removing a pectus bar having posterior and anterior sides includes a handle, an engagement member fixed to and extending from the handle for extending from the anterior to the posterior sides of the pectus bar to engage the posterior side of the pectus bar, and a lever arm fixed to and extending from the handle opposite to the engagement member for engaging the pectus bar on the anterior side of the pectus bar. A system and method for removing a pectus bar are also disclosed. |
| US08632545B2 |
Bone plates and bone plate assemblies
The invention relates to bone plate assembly having bone plate and bone screws for compressing and locking of bone plates for stabilizing fractured fragments of a bone. |
| US08632542B2 |
Bone distraction system
A multi-plane bone distraction system including an elongated member with an anchor, slot, rail and anchoring means for use as a distraction device in cutting and either lengthening or shortening a bone. The system is capable of being anchored to one or more bones. |
| US08632538B2 |
Invasive ablation probe with non-coring distal tip
A medical device for delivering RF energy to a target tissue region includes an elongate delivery cannula having a lumen in communication with a distal opening. A deployment member is positioned and longitudinally movable in the lumen. An array of electrode elements are secured to a distal end of the deployment member, the deployment member being movable from a delivery position, in which the electrode elements are positioned within the lumen, to a deployed position, in which the electrode elements extend distally out of the cannula distal opening. A sealing member formed from a bio-compatible material sufficiently rigid to penetrate solid body tissue partially extends from, and substantially seals, the distal cannula opening when the deployment member is in the delivery position. |
| US08632537B2 |
Electrosurgical devices for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
Monopolar electrosurgery devices adapted for resecting tonsil and adenoid tissue. The devices minimize thermal injury by employing a plasma generated by pulsed electrical signals to precisely and effectively cut or coagulate the tissues. Suction may also be applied to the tissues to enhance the cutting, coagulation, and tissue manipulation functions. The devices include an interchangeable tip that may be switched for another tip, depending on which tip may be more suitable for tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy. |
| US08632535B2 |
Interlock and surgical instrument including same
A surgical instrument is disclosed. The instrument includes an end effector comprising a moveable cutting instrument to cut an object and a motor coupled to the end effector. The motor actuates the cutting instrument in response to a current therethrough, causing the cutting instrument to move between a proximal-most position and a distal-most position. The instrument includes an interlock coupled to the end effector and to the motor to prevent actuation of the cutting instrument based on the current through the motor. |
| US08632533B2 |
Fluid-assisted electrosurgical device
The invention provides an electrosurgical device and methods of use thereof. The device comprises a first electrode, a second electrode and at least one fluid outlet. In one embodiment, the first electrode has a distal portion with an electrically conductive spherical surface, the second electrode has a distal portion with an electrically conductive spherical surface, and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode have a blade portion. |
| US08632532B2 |
Catheter with tissue protecting assembly
A medical probe includes an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end, an ablative element mounted to the distal end of the elongate member, and a cage assembly mounted to the distal end of the elongate member, the cage assembly at least partially covers the ablative element. A method of treating tissue in a body includes inserting an ablative element in the body, placing the ablative element adjacent the tissue, and maintaining a distance between the ablative element and the tissue using a protective catheter element that circumscribes at least a portion of the ablative element. |
| US08632529B2 |
Ablation devices and methods of use
Described herein are various methods and devices for delivering cryoablative therapy. One such device includes a cryoablation chamber and a volume displacement chamber. In use, the volume displacement chamber can be expanded to occupy a non-therapeutic volume. |
| US08632527B2 |
Method for generating control data for eye surgery, and eye-surgical treatment device and method
A method for generating control data for an eye-surgical treatment device, which separates tissue layers in the eye cornea by application of a laser device, wherein a contact glass having a contact surface deforms the cornea to conform to the shape of the contact surface during the operation of the laser device. The contact surface is first placed on a cornea apex at a contact surface apex and is then pressed against the same for deforming the cornea. The method includes: generating the control data of the laser device such that the data specifies coordinates of target points located in the cornea for the laser device, and upon generation of the target point coordinates the deformation of the cornea which is present during the operation of the laser device as a result of the contact glass is taken into consideration. The invention provides that the several steps are carried out in consideration of the deformation in order to determine a displacement of a point P in the undeformed cornea caused by the deformation. |
| US08632526B2 |
System and method of interfacing a surgical laser with an eye
A system for interfacing a surgical laser with an eye includes a first sensing element to couple to an output surface of the laser, an interface lens having second sensing element coupled to a first surface of the interface lens, and a detector coupled to the first sensing element. A second surface of the interface lens contacts the eye. The detector determines when the first sensing element contacts the second sensing element. A method for aligning the laser with the eye includes coupling the laser to the patient interface, sensing an electrical change indicating a position of the output surface with the interface lens, comparing the electrical change with a predetermined value to produce a correction, and re-positioning the laser with the correction. |
| US08632522B2 |
Catheter with directed flow design
A catheter includes an elongated catheter body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. A first longitudinally accessible lumen and a second lumen extend side by side within and along the proximal portion, and the first lumen and the second lumen form a single common lumen within the distal portion which extends to a distal end of the distal portion. The first lumen and second lumen are co-axial within the distal portion prior to forming a single common lumen. |
| US08632521B2 |
Syringe assembly
A syringe assembly comprises a syringe barrel having an elongated body defining a chamber for retaining fluid, an open proximal end, a distal end and a frusto-conically shaped tip extending from the distal end and having a passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber. The chamber has an inside diameter of at least 13.5 mm. A stopper is in fluid-tight engagement inside the barrel. An elongated plunger rod extends proximally from the stopper through the open proximal end of the barrel. A flange is positioned at the proximal end of the plunger rod. The flange is shaped and positioned to limit the distal motion of the plunger rod in the barrel by contacting the proximal end of the barrel. A tip cap is releasably connected to the tip for sealing the passageway and the chamber contains injectable liquid. |
| US08632520B2 |
Vein closure and injection kits and methods
Kits, apparatus, devices and methods for treating varicose veins caused by an incompetent venous junction (e.g., the saphenofemoral and/or saphenopopliteal junctions) are disclosed. The kits may include a sheath, a vein closure device, and an injection device. Alternatively, a vein closure device may include an integral injection channel and injection device. Methods may include injecting a vein with a sclerosing agent through a needle that extends in a direction that is not aligned with a longitudinal axis of a sheath or shaft. |
| US08632514B2 |
Laminate with indicia for an absorbent article
The present invention relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid impervious backsheet formed from a laminate. The liquid impervious backsheet may include at least three layers, a first layer forming the wearer facing side of the backsheet, a second layer forming the garment facing side of the backsheet, and a third layer partially but not fully covering the garment facing surface of the second layer. The first layer may include at least one first indicium on a garment-facing surface thereof and only present on a front half of the backsheet, the at least one first indicium being visible through said second and third layers when looking at the absorbent article from the garment facing side of backsheet. |
| US08632512B2 |
Apparatuses, methods, and compositions for the treatment and prophylaxis of chronic wounds
According to an illustrative embodiment a method to promote healing of a wound is provided comprising contacting the wound with a biologically active composition comprising a lipoic acid derivative and gelatin. In another embodiment a wound dressing is provided comprising a scaffold coated with a biologically active composition comprising a lipoic acid derivative. In a further embodiment, a system is provided for treating a tissue site of a patient, the system comprising a reduced-pressure source to supply reduced pressure, a manifold to distribute reduced pressure to a tissue site and a scaffold coated with a biologically active composition comprising a lipoic acid derivative. Methods for producing such a system and scaffold are also disclosed. |
| US08632510B2 |
Nanochanneled device and related methods
A capsule configured for in vivo refilling of a thereapeutic agent. In certain embodiments, the capsule may contain methotrexate. |
| US08632509B2 |
Injection device with electronic detecting means
An injection device for injecting a dose of drug, e.g. insulin for diabetes treatment, in which energy is stored in a spring member during dose setting. The stored energy is released and used for driving an injection mechanism during injection of a previously set dose. The injection device further comprises means for electronically detecting the amount of a set dose and/or means for electronically detecting the amount of an injected dose. The electronic detecting means allows storage and/or logging of data relating to injections performed using the injection device. |
| US08632508B2 |
Mechanism for injection device
A pressurized injection device comprises a mechanical loading mechanism comprising a double set of rackets (17,18) and ball bearings/pins running in a curved track (20) which enables a resilient element (7) to be pre-stressed by—twisting the two outer house parts of the device relative to each other back and forth. When twisted in one direction one set of rackets (17) engages the teeth of the piston rod (9) connected to the resilient element and when twisted in the opposite direction, the other set of rackets (18) engages same piston rod. The resilient element is set off to engage a plunger of a container holding a drug to be injected by pressing the release button (1), which can be secured by a safety switch. |
| US08632502B2 |
Anchor deployment apparatus
An anchor deployment apparatus for deploying an anchor about a therapy delivery element includes an anchor receiving element having an elongate member having a distal opening and a lumen extending proximally in the elongate member from the distal opening. The lumen of the elongate member is configured to slidably receive at least a portion of a therapy delivery element. The anchor deployment tool further includes an anchor engagement element having (i) a body forming a channel in which the elongate member of the anchor receiving element is axially movable, and (ii) an engagement feature forming at least a part of the channel. The engagement feature is configured to engage the anchor when the anchor is disposed about the elongate member and the elongate member is moved distally relative to the engagement element, and to cause the anchor to move distally along the elongate member when the feature is engaged with the anchor and the elongate member is moved distally relative to the engagement element. The anchor deployment tool also includes an alignment element secured relative to the elongate member and configured to secure the elongate member relative to the body of the anchor engagement element to restrict movement of the elongate member orthogonal to the axis of the channel. The anchor receiving element and the alignment element may be formed from the same or different parts. |
| US08632501B2 |
Device for the rapid injection of local anesthesia through a plurality of needles
This device is a compressible chamber designed to inject a liquid medication through a plurality of needles. It is a self-contained, rapidly deployed device that replaces a classic syringe. It consists of a shallow chamber that is closed on one end and sealed on the other with a sliding elastomeric seal. A rigid ring slides up into the chamber that has multiple small double-ended needles mounted through the periphery of the ring perpendicularly so as to be able to perforate the seal of the chamber with the proximal end and simultaneously penetrate the subcutaneous tissues with the distal end thus allowing medication to flow from the chamber into the tissues when pressure is applied to the top of the chamber. The needles are also imbedded in, or juxtapose to a ring of compressible dye-containing material that serves to conceal the needles and provide demarcation of the area injected. |
| US08632499B2 |
Infusion pump assembly
An infusion pump assembly includes a locking tab and a pump barrel inside a pump barrel housing, where the pump barrel accommodates a reservoir assembly. The reservoir assembly includes a reservoir and a plunger rod. The infusion pump assembly also includes a locking disc at a terminus of the pump barrel. The locking disc includes a clearance hole for the plunger rod. The locking disc also includes at least one locking tab notch in close proximity with the locking tab. The locking tab is in moveable engagement with the locking tab notch, and the reservoir moves the locking tab from a locked position to an unlocked position when the plunger rod is inserted through clearance hole. The locking disc rotates upon torque being applied to the reservoir assembly, the locking disc rotating from a non-loaded position to a loaded position with respect to the plunger rod and a drive screw. |
| US08632495B2 |
Control valve for a medical suction device, and medical suction device
In a control valve (3) for a medical suction device (1), it is provided that a coupling location (4) of the control valve (3) is includes a guide (8) which, when the control valve (3) is being plugged or fitted into a coupling seat (5) of the medical suction device (1), cooperates with a mating guide piece (9) of the coupling seat (5) for axial guiding and which, in a position turned away from the plugging-in orientation, cooperates with the coupling seat (5) for axially locking the control valve (3) on the coupling seat (5). |
| US08632490B2 |
Insufflation gas warmer and humidifier
An insufflation gas warmer and humidifier apparatus and methods are provided. Insufflation gas is received from a bulky insufflation tubing. Insufflation gas received travels through, in one aspect, a channel or winding flow path, in a passage. The configuration of the passage ensures that the insufflation gas, which travels through the passage, receives sufficient heat and moisture. A humidifying reservoir humidifies the insufflation gas as the insufflation gas is passed to the passage. In one aspect, an oxygenator introduces slight amounts of oxygen into the insufflation gas. A warmer connected to the passage warms the gas in the passage. The warmer, in one aspect, contains a reactive agent that when exposed to air produces heat that is transferred to the passage to warm the insufflation gas within the passage. |
| US08632489B1 |
Implantable medical assembly and methods
An implantable medical assembly includes a cover having a porous chamber. Enclosed within the chamber is a medical device through which aqueous body fluid flows from an outlet of the device into the chamber. The chamber is formed at least in part from a porous material that promotes vascularization and inhibits fibrotic encapsulation upon implantation and that allows aqueous body fluid in the chamber to flow through the porous material into body tissue in which the assembly is implanted. The chamber has a pair of walls that are spaced apart at a first portion of the chamber at or near the outlet and converge at a second portion of the chamber downstream of the outlet. |
| US08632483B2 |
Systems, devices, and methods for mechanically reducing and fixing bone fractures
A frame is sized and configured to support a reduced bone fracture of an individual. A guide assembly on the frame carries a bone fixing device guide that defines a guide path along which a bone fixing device can be advanced into a region of the reduced bone fracture. A linkage system couples the bone fixing device guide to the frame for articulation of the guide path among a plurality of desired orientations with respect to the reduced bone fracture. A guide bushing is included. Which includes packaging that maintains the guide bushing in a sterile condition prior to insertion into the bone fixing device guide. |
| US08632481B2 |
Therapeutic shoe
A therapeutic shoe includes a main body, a sole located at one side of the main body, a vibration layer, and a power generating module. The vibration layer is located between the main body and the sole. The power generating module includes a power generating unit, a rectifying circuit and a vibration device, which are electrically connected in series. The power generating unit generates and induces induced current. The rectifying circuit receives, rectifies, amplifies and processes the induced current from the power generating unit. The vibration device is located at the vibration layer and receives the processed induced current from the rectifying circuit to vibrate according to a predetermined vibration frequency in the vibration layer. |
| US08632480B2 |
Orthopaedic device
A jointexercising device suitable for both lying and sitting patients comprises a tubular frame (11) having an inclined surface (20, 21), and a leg support (31) movable on the surface via an axle (39) and wheels (40). The support is attachable to the axle either via foot portion (33) or leg portion (32), and in either orientation. The inclination of the frame (11) is adjustable. Fences (51) allow leg lifting exercises without disengagement of the wheels (40). |
| US08632479B2 |
Walking trainer
A walking trainer having at least one orthotic, with holding devices for the foot or leg area of a user, which is moved along a preset motion track to execute a natural walking movement. Devices in the form of rolling or gliding means are provided on the underside of the orthotic for allowing the orthotic to glide on a surface below the walking trainer. |
| US08632478B2 |
Pillow with mechanism for simulated respiration
A pillow with simulated respiration includes a pair of impervious panels that are joined together to form a rectangular shaped enclosed body and a mechanism for inflating/deflating the body periodically to simulate an individual's breathing. The pillow may also include a cushion on top of the body with an electric heating pad on top of the cushion together with a pair of vibrators. The vibrators each have an elongated shape and are constructed and dimensioned to message an individual's neck and upper shoulders when the individual's head is placed on the cushion. The pillow also includes a textile cover with a zipper on one side thereof and a satin pillow case. |
| US08632475B2 |
Non-invasive, bedside intra-cranial pressure and brain shift/herniation monitoring unit utilizing early onset auditory evoked responses
An intracranial pressure monitoring system and method. The system includes an auditory stimulation and recording unit, which includes a stimulation controller, a memory for storing waveforms, a device for comparing received waveforms with stored waveforms, and an alarm operable based upon that comparison. The system includes at least one cranial electrode attachable to a patient, and an auditory stimulation device, operable by the stimulation controller. The stimulation device is a pair of acoustic ear inserts, each of which is connected to and operated by an auditory stimulator activated by the stimulation controller. In the method, a patient is auditorially stimulated to evoke a received waveform indicative of intracranial pressure, a comparison is generated by comparing the received waveform with one of an established patient baseline waveform and an established normal waveform, and an alarm is generated responsive to that comparison. |
| US08632473B2 |
Detecting worsening heart failure based on fluid accumulation with respiratory confirmation
A medical device monitors a level of fluid accumulation, e.g., pulmonary edema, and one or more respiratory parameters of the patient to detect worsening heart failure. The medical device may use intrathoracic impedance measurements to monitor both the fluid accumulation and the one or more respiratory parameters. Respiration rate and volume, also referred to as the tidal volume, are examples of respiratory parameters. The medical device examines the one or more respiratory parameters after determining that the fluid accumulation indicates worsening heart failure. In this manner, the medical device uses the one or more respiratory parameters to confirm a determination of worsening heart failure that was made based on the fluid accumulation. |
| US08632472B2 |
Method and apparatus for detection of venous pulsation
Methods and systems for detecting venous pulsation are provided. In one embodiment, a metric of the pulse shape of one or more plethysmographic signals is derived and the presence of venous pulsation is detected based on the metric of pulse shape. Examples, of metrics of pulse shape include a skew metric and a ratio of a minima-to-maxima time over a pulse period interval. In an exemplary embodiment, the presence of venous pulsation is detected based on a metric of the pulse shape of one or more plethysmographic signals and on a phase comparison of the plethysmographic signals. |
| US08632470B2 |
Assessment of pulmonary vascular resistance via pulmonary artery pressure
Methods and systems for assessing pulmonary or systemic vascular resistance in a patient using pressure measurements are disclosed. An illustrative method of measuring pulmonary vascular resistance includes electrically inducing a retrograde pressure pulse within the heart, sensing at least one arterial pressure parameter in response to the retrograde pressure pulse using a pressure sensor located within a pulmonary artery, and computing a value of the pulmonary vascular resistance using the at least one sensed arterial pressure parameter. Data from multiple pulmonary vascular resistance assessments can be taken over an extended period of time within the patient to aid in detecting an underlying cardiac or pulmonary condition such as cardiogenic pulmonary edema. |
| US08632466B2 |
System for processing patient monitoring power and data signals
A device interface selectively acquires patient physiological parameter data. An acquisition processor acquires physiological data from a patient. A communication processor is coupled to an optical communication pathway for receiving optical signals from a source. A conversion processor electrically coupled to the acquisition processor and communication processor converts a first optical power signal at a first frequency and received via the optical communication pathway using the communication processor, to a first electrical signal for providing power to the device interface. The conversion processor converts an optical control signal at a second frequency different from the first frequency and received via the optical communication pathway using the communication processor, to a second electrical signal for providing control data to the acquisition processor directing the acquisition processor to acquire at least one physiological parameter from a patient. |
| US08632461B2 |
System, method and apparatus for navigated therapy and diagnosis
The invention provides an image-guided medical instrument that utilizes a tracking device to track the location of at least a portion of the instrument on at least one image of a patient's anatomy. The instrument may include a handle having an operating element, an elongated flexible body member connected to the handle, wherein the body member includes a lumen, a transmission element housed within the lumen of the body member, and a treatment apparatus connected to end of the transmission element, wherein actuation of the operating element actuates the treatment apparatus via the transmission element. The body member also includes at least one sensor element that is utilized by the tracking device to determine position information regarding the treatment apparatus that is used to display the location of the treatment apparatus on the at least one image of the patient's anatomy. |
| US08632460B2 |
Surgical instrument for injecting a drug into prostate tissue
Method and surgical instrument for treating prostate tissue including a surgical instrument having a main body, a needle deployment port, a needle, first and second handles and a lockout release mechanism to limit needle extension. Additionally, a kit includes the surgical instrument, together with a cystoscope, and optionally a syringe and reservoir of ethanol. The method includes needle-less injection and visualizing the ethanol injection by delivering both an echogenic agent and ethanol either by needle or needle-less injection or by providing an ultrasonically visible marker near the tip of the ethanol delivery cannula. The method also includes extending the needle transversely of the instrument housing using a link assembly. |
| US08632458B2 |
Gentle hemorrhoid treatment offering a substantially painless healing
The teachings provided herein are directed to a methods and devices for treating a hemorrhoid in a subject in a manner that produces substantially less post-procedural pain in the subject, the method minimizing or avoiding a removing or a necrosis of a rectal tissue fold. |
| US08632453B2 |
Spacer for sling delivery system
The invention features systems, methods, and devices relating to delivering a sling to an anatomical site in the body of a patient. |
| US08632447B2 |
Chain-type tool magazine
A chain-type magazine includes a box, a chain-type conveyor and a spinning unit. The box includes a port defined therein. The chain-type conveyor includes links connected to one another so that each of the links can be pivoted relative to the other links about two axes in parallel to each other. A tool can be inserted in a holder inserted in each of the links. The spinning unit includes a mounting assembly, an elevating assembly, a rotary claw assembly and a connecting rod. The mounting assembly is connected to the box. The elevating assembly is movably connected to the mounting assembly. The rotary claw assembly is rotationally connected to the mounting assembly for catching a selected one of the links. The connecting rod connects the elevating assembly to the rotary claw assembly. The driving element drives the elevating assembly to spin the rotary claw assembly. |
| US08632446B2 |
Collapsible exercise chair
An exercise chair of the type wherein a user can sit on a seating platform and extend and retract his legs while his feet are resting on a spring-resisted foot rod includes a structure which permits the chairs to be stacked in nested relationship or a structure using foldable support legs for a seating platform allowing the seating platform to be folded into close relationship with a base frame for storage purposes. |
| US08632442B2 |
Weight control apparatus for a weight training machine
Disclosed is a weight control apparatus for a weight training machine. The weight control apparatus includes a plurality of stacks which are fitted to a pair of guides standing upright between supports on a base such that the stacks slidably move up and down, and which have rectangular locking holes; a body arranged on a front surface of the base, in which the body has a plurality of insertion holes corresponding to the locking holes of the stacks and is provided at an upper portion thereof with a holder; and a cover arranged on the front surface of the body and having a plurality of locking pin members inserted into the insertion holes. Each locking pin member includes a rectangular stopper having a recess inwardly recessed, protrusions protruding from both sides of the recess, and locking protrusions protruding from both sides of the stopper; a shaft pin connected to a front end of the stopper; a button arranged on a front end of the shaft pin; and a conical coil spring arranged between the button and the shaft pin. |
| US08632441B2 |
Multi-function exerciser
A multi-function exerciser includes a main frame. Two first universal joint units and two second universal joint units are respectively provided at two sides of the main frame. Two action units are pivotally connected to the first and second universal joint units. The two axes of the first and second universal joint units at the same side are at the same level and perpendicular to each other. Thus, the user can swing forward and rearward as well as left and right when standing on the footrests of the two action units for a forward split and a side split. Besides, because the two axes are at the same level and perpendicular to each other, the user can stand with one foot and lift another foot to do an oval turning for getting strong muscles in the legs. |
| US08632440B2 |
Proprioception training and exercise device
An exercise apparatus includes a substantially flat, rigid platform for supporting a person's weight. A first inflatable tubular support includes a fastener for clamping the platform to a top surface of the first tubular support. A second inflatable tubular support includes a fastener for fastening a top surface of the second inflatable tubular support to a bottom surface of the first inflatable tubular support. The first inflatable tubular support is inflatable to a first inflation pressure and the second inflatable tubular support is inflatable to a second inflation pressure separately and independently from the first inflation pressure to effect a vertical instability and a horizontal instability of the rigid platform relative to a support surface under the second tubular support. |
| US08632436B2 |
Motor assembly for medical equipment
A motor assembly for use in a surgical tool, has a motor and a gear train. The gear train has an output shaft, a fixed ring gear, a movable ring gear, a cover, and a multi-stage planetary gear set. Each gear stage has a sun gear, a carrier, and planet gears mounted on one side of the carrier. The planet gears are in mesh with a sun gear and either the fixed ring gear or the movable ring gear. The movable ring gear has inner teeth formed on an inner peripheral surface and one of the carriers has outer teeth formed on an outer peripheral surface. The movable ring gear is movable between a first position where the movable ring gear is engaged with and non-rotatable relative to the cover and is disengaged from said one carrier, giving the gear train a higher gear reduction ratio, and a second position where the movable ring gear is disengaged from the cover and is engaged with and rotatable with said one carrier and the planet gears adjacent to the other side of said one carrier giving the gear train a lower gear reduction ratio. |
| US08632432B2 |
Flat-belt-like supporting and drive means with tensile carriers
A supporting and drive belt including a belt body or sheathing which encloses tensile carriers. The running surface of the belt can be flat and parallel to the belt back or have trapezium-shaped or semicircular ribs and grooves, wherein the profile of a drive pulley or of a deflecting pulley is approximately complementary to the running surface of the belt. One or more tensile carriers are provided for each rib, wherein the tensile carriers are laid or stranded alternately in the “Z” direction and the “S” direction. |
| US08632430B2 |
Panel configuration for a game ball
A game ball, which may be a soccer ball or a variety of other types of ball. The game ball includes a plurality of pentagonal panels, with each of the pentagonal panels having five convex edges. The game ball also includes a plurality of hexagonal panels, with each of the hexagonal panels having three substantially linear edges and three concave edges. The pentagonal panels and the hexagonal panels are connected along abutting concave edges and convex edges, and the hexagonal panels are connected each other along abutting linear edges. |
| US08632429B2 |
Training basketball
A training game ball is described having cues for visually indicating the rotational alignment of the ball when it is thrown. If the ball is improperly thrown so that the axis of rotation does not stay perpendicular to the direction of flight, then the rotational alignment cue line will appear to wobble as the ball travels. The ball also has a rotational speed cue formed from a plurality of spaced panels arranged parallel with the alignment cue. If the ball is thrown with a high rotational speed, the panels will appear to the player as a solid line. Still further, the ball also includes hand alignment cues for assisting a player in properly positioning his or her hands for throwing the ball. Each of the cues may have a different appearance, so that they may be visually distinguished. |
| US08632426B2 |
Golf ball dimple profile
The present invention concerns a golf ball having dimples with a cross-sectional profile comprising a conical base shape and a spherical cap with a prescribed point of tangency to the cone sidewall. More particularly, the conical profiles of the present invention are defined by three independent parameters: dimple diameter (DD), edge angle (ΦEDGE), and saucer ratio (Sr) which is a measure of the relative curvature of the dimple bottom. These parameters fully define the dimple shape and allow for greater flexibility in constructing a dimple profile versus conventional spherical dimples. Further, conical dimples provide a unique dimple cross-section which is visually distinct. |
| US08632425B2 |
Golf ball
Golf balls including at least one modified dimple group are disclosed. The modified dimple group comprises one or more modified dimples forming an axially symmetric pattern about a Correction Area Centroid located on an axis of symmetry at a latitude greater than 0°, where 0° represents the hemispherical pole and 90° represents the equator. The modified dimples can be altered, for example, by changing dimple coverage, dimple diameter, dimple depth, dimple edge angle, dimple volume, dimple cross-sectional shape, and/or dimple plan shape. Such modifications preferably produce a golf ball that flies more consistently regardless of orientation when struck than a corresponding golf ball without such modifications. |
| US08632421B2 |
Golf club head
A golf club head according to one or more aspects of the present invention may include a main cavity having at least one auxiliary cavity and a base surface. An insert may be associated with the base surface and may comprise at least two contact elements, with a bridge member disposed therebetween. Different contact elements of the insert may be disposed in separate respective auxiliary cavities, such that each contact element may be associated with the base surface. The bridge member of the insert may be dissociated from the base surface. Moreover, a surface coating may be selectively applied to the head to permit a durable adhesive bond between the insert and the base surface. |
| US08632412B2 |
Video game title profile awards
Techniques for recognizing the accomplishments of a game player are disclosed herein. In particular, a user identification profile is provided so that digital items awarded to the user for meeting specified performance criteria in a video game or some other event may be associated with such user identification profile. The digital item may be something that is usable within the current video game title, in a later version or the next generation of a particular video game title, or even in a different video game by the same developer. One technique involves receiving an identification representative of the digital item awarded to the user, associating the digital item with the user identification profile corresponding to the user, and storing an indication that the digital item is associated with the user identification profile. In this way, the indication may be utilized to display the digital item in the user identification profile. |
| US08632404B2 |
Game system, game apparatus, storage medium storing game program and game data exchange method
A game system including a plurality of mobile game apparatuses, and a mobile game apparatus that can communicate with another game apparatus that exists within a communicable range by use of a radio communications unit. When a communicated state is established, exchanging conditions for exchanging game data are received and transmitted, and in a case the exchange conditions are coincident with each other, the game data are exchanged. |
| US08632403B2 |
Apparatus and methods for wireless gaming communications
A gaming communication apparatus may include a wireless transceiver and a controller operatively coupled to the wireless transceiver. The controller may be programmed to establish a bidirectional wireless communication link with a gaming apparatus when in proximity to the gaming apparatus, receive a voice command relating to a first gaming function, transmit first gaming function data to the gaming apparatus via the wireless transceiver, and receive data relating to a second gaming function from the gaming apparatus via the wireless transceiver. The gaming apparatus may include a second wireless transceiver and a second controller operatively coupled to the second wireless transceiver. The second controller may be programmed to receive the first gaming function data via the second wireless transceiver, execute a first gaming function based on the first gaming function data, and transmit the second gaming function data to the wireless communication device via the second wireless transceiver. |
| US08632400B2 |
Gaming device with personality
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gaming devices that provide audio-visual animated characters in response to game play. The character has a personality that may be encouraging, taunting or another quality. A plurality of expressions of the personality is presented, between one extreme and another, dependant upon the history of game outcomes. |
| US08632393B2 |
Gaming machine with loyalty bonus
A gaming machine is provided, which awards loyalty points to players playing the game who have identified themselves to the machine. The machine is arranged to award loyalty points to the player and to play two game means wherein, the first or base game may be provided by the slot machine game as a stand alone function with no dependence upon a supporting communications network, the second game may be linked game in which a plurality of network connected machines (50) participate with control of the game being provided by a central game controller (60), while the communications network (62) is controlled by a network controller (61). A first game mode is available to all players and a second enhanced game mode is made available to players who have reached a predetermined threshold of loyalty points. |
| US08632388B2 |
Gaming device and method of providing an adjusted paytable for a number of future plays of a game
One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a game operable upon a wager by a player which initially employs an initial or default paytable. The gaming device enables a player to place wagers on plays of the game. The gaming device displays the game outcomes and provides the player with any awards based on the game outcomes in accordance with the default paytable. Upon an occurrence of a triggering event, a bonus mode is triggered. In one embodiment, when the bonus mode is triggered, the gaming device offers to replace the default paytable with a different one of the paytables for a limited number of future plays of the game, if the player agrees to make an additional wager on each of those future plays of the game. If the player chooses to accept the offer, the gaming device determines outcomes and provides any awards for the limited number of future plays in accordance with the new paytable, as long as the player continues placing the additional wager for each of those plays. If the player chooses not to accept the offer to replace the default paytable with a new paytable, the gaming device displays the number of future plays of the game without requiring the additional wager and provides any awards for those plays in accordance with the default paytable. |
| US08632385B2 |
Gaming system with increasing odds of winning
A system and method for operating gaming systems, such as casino gaming systems and methods, is provided with increasing or improving odds of winning. A display device displays a play area or game board having a plurality of interactive regions some of which are winning regions with others being losing regions. A player may select a region for wagering a fixed wager amount. When the player selects a winning region, the player may elect to take the payout or play at least one additional round of play with the payout. The probability of winning in each additional round of play is increased while increasing the payout by the fixed wager amount. When a losing region is selected, the payout accumulated from the rounds of play is lost. The game mechanic provides for long sequences of wins, or winning streaks, to attract players while reducing variance caused by large jackpot payouts. |
| US08632384B1 |
Card game
A method of card game includes a main game and a side game. The main game includes the steps of dealing two cards to a banker and each player; determining a hand strength of each two-card hand and categorizing it in one of a highest special hand class, a paired hand class, and a standard hand class; dealing a third card if necessary; determining a hand strength of each three-card hands; ranking the hand strength; and determining a winner of the main game. After the main game is completed, the side game includes the steps of determining a category of the hand of the banker; determining a single valuation card of the banker; determining the point value and suite of the single valuation card; and determining a winner of the side game. |
| US08632383B2 |
Gaming machine accepting side bet and control method thereof
The gaming machine of the present invention provides a gaming machine that executes the processing of: determining, for each station, a normal game result based on a player card for the station; accepting via each input device an input for a side bet on a normal game in a station other than the station having this input device; determining, when a side bet is placed, a side game result according to the determined normal game result of the station as the side bet target; and offering a first payout based on the normal game result, and a second payout based on the side game result. |
| US08632382B2 |
Vehicle air system assemblies with aircap assemblies
An air system assembly for a vehicle includes a carpet module and an HVAC unit above the carpet module. A floor aircap assembly is associated with the carpet module and has a vertical portion extending upwardly above the carpet module and a horizontal portion extending below the carpet module. |
| US08632381B2 |
Lightweight cabin pressure thrust recovery outflow valve
An aircraft cabin pressure control system outflow thrust recovery valve includes a frame, a valve element, and actuation hardware. The frame, valve element, and at least a portion of the actuation hardware are made of composite material. The actuation hardware is disposed external to the frame. |
| US08632380B2 |
Method and apparatus for removing a sleeve of meat from an animal part having bone with knuckles on each of its opposite ends
A method of removing a sleeve of meat (D) from an animal part having a bone with a first knuckle (B) on one of two opposite ends of an elongate bone shaft (A) and a second knuckle (C) on another of the two opposite ends. The method includes the steps of engaging the bone of the animal part with a part of a meat stripper (13) between its first knuckle (B) and the sleeve of meat (D) and engaging the bone by a knuckle gripper (71) between the part of the meat stripper (13) and the first knuckle (B). The method continues with moving the meat stripper (13) and the knuckle gripper (71) away from one another, while stripping and gathering the sleeve of meat (D) towards the second knuckle (C). In a subsequent step the method discontinues moving away the meat stripper (13) and knuckle gripper (71) from one another upon the part of the meat stripper (13) engaging the second knuckle (C). |
| US08632379B2 |
In-line batching
An installation for processing slaughtered animal parts of slaughtered animals and forming batches each containing one or more slaughtered animal parts includes a conveying system with a single conveying device or with a plurality of conveying devices, at least one slaughtered animal treatment device positioned along the path of the conveying device, a first weighing device for determining the weight of the one or more slaughtered animal parts carried by a product carrier, an installation control device including slaughtered animal part position determining device and memory device, and a batching device which is positioned along the path of the conveying device for forming batches each containing one or more slaughtered animal parts. |
| US08632376B2 |
Robotic game systems and methods
A vehicle chase game includes a first game object and a second game object. A second game object scans for a projected spot on an overhead surface. The second game object detects the projected spot on the overhead surface and gathers location information based on the detected projected spot. The second game object generates a position of a first game object based on the location information. The second game object transfers the position of the first game object to the chase game application program. The chase game application program selects a behavior based on the position of the first game object, where a goal of the behavior is to drive the second game object to intercept the first game object. The chase game application program sends instructions to the second game object's mechanical and electrical systems to execute the selected behaviors. |
| US08632374B2 |
Salvage suit for shipwrecks
The present invention relates to a salvage or safety suit worn by a person escaping a shipwreck. The suit includes a receptacle structured to receive and enclose a person's body and a head opening for entering the receptacle. The receptacle is layered to provide flotation and thermo-insulation properties to the suit. |
| US08632373B2 |
Foldable watercraft fin
Foldable or collapsible watercraft fins are described. Preferred examples of such fins are foldable surfboard, paddleboard, and kayak fins, one or more of which can be attached to a surfboard, paddleboard, or kayak. |
| US08632370B2 |
Amphibious vehicle
An amphibious vehicle includes: a hull (1) having a longitudinal axis; an aquatic propulsion element; a terrestrial propulsion element (5a, 5b) mounted on arms (4a, 4b) pivoting about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hull, and capable of assuming a stowed position when the vehicle moves over water using the aquatic propulsion element, and an extended position in which the vehicle can move on the ground using the terrestrial propulsion element. In the stowed position, the arms (4a, 4b) extend into cavities (3a, 3b) formed in the hull (1), and a portion of the arms (4a, 4b) defines a lid that at least partially closes the cavity (3a, 3b) in the longitudinal direction of the hull bottom (2). |
| US08632366B2 |
Socket with integrated damping resistor
This invention provides a socket for a circuit board that adds function of electrical resistive element to a contact. A socket includes a socket body extending at a longitudinal direction; and a plurality of contacts disposed in two lines along the longitudinal direction of the socket body. When a memory module is connected to the socket body, terminals formed on opposite surfaces of the memory module are electrically and elastically connected by the contacts. The contact includes a contact portion which contacts the terminal, a bent portion for generating an elastic force, and a base portion. The contact is made of a conductive metal having elastic properties, and the contact used for carrying signal is provided with a resistor of an electrical resistive material that is different from the conductive metal. The resistor is connected in a current path between the base portion and the terminal of the memory module. |
| US08632364B2 |
Socket for wedge bulb
Disclosed is a socket for a wedge bulb to maintain excellent grounding performance despite vibration encountered in use. The wedge bulb includes a light emitting element and a connector protruding from a lower end of the light emitting element and provided at each of a front surface and a rear surface thereof with a pair of parallel elastic terminals. The socket includes an elastic supporting terminal unit provided at an inner wall surface of a coupling recess defined in the socket and serving to elastically support the connector inserted into the coupling recess while achieving electrical connection with the electric terminals. Any one of each pair of the electric terminals is pressed and supported by the elastic supporting terminal unit at a different height from the neighboring electric terminal provided at the same surface of the connector and the other electric terminals provided at the opposite surface of the connector. |
| US08632362B2 |
Method and system for improving crosstalk attenuation within a plug/jack connection and between nearby plug/jack combinations
This application describes a jack for improving crosstalk attenuation. The jack has a housing, a foil at least partially surrounding the housing, wherein the foil is made up of a first section separated and conductively isolated from a second section by a gap or made up of a first metalized section separated and conductively isolated from a second metalized section by a non-metalized section whereby common mode noise caused by the capacitive coupling between foils of a series of adjacent jacks is reduced. |
| US08632361B2 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector is provided in the present invention, including a plurality of electrical terminal groups, a metal housing, a metal positioning seat and a fixing member. The metal housing has a plurality of terminal-receiving grooves, each of which can accommodate two electrical terminal groups. A contact end of the electrical terminal group extends forward within the metal housing, and a connection end of the electrical terminal group extends downward out of the metal housing. The fixing member has a first bending sheet and a second bending sheet, which are perpendicular to each other and respectively connected to the metal housing and the metal positioning seat for fixing the metal positioning seat to the metal housing. The electrical connector of the present invention uses the metal housing to enhance the electromagnetic shielding effect, have a better heat dissipation efficacy and improve the stability of the connection structure. |
| US08632359B2 |
Power input terminal block housing and cover
In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a housing and a cover. The housing can include a surface to receive a terminal block to transmit power to an electrical component. A shroud to be inserted within the electrical component can extend away from the housing surface. The cover can have an end for hingedly attaching to the housing. The cover is pivotable relative to the housing between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the cover and the housing together form an enclosure for the terminal block. |
| US08632353B2 |
Motor programming tool
A motor programming tool is disclosed for associating with a connection block of a motor and sending signals to a programmable controller of the motor, where the connection block includes a plurality of terminals coupled to the controller. The programming tool includes a tool body with an interface generally corresponding with the connection block of the motor, wiring operable to carry the signals, and a plurality of terminal connecting assemblies to associate with the motor terminals. The tool body includes a shiftable locking mechanism operable to selectively secure the tool body relative to the electrical connection block of the motor. The locking mechanism includes a pivotable latch moveable between an open position, wherein the connecting assemblies are freely moveable into and out of contact with the motor terminals, and a closed position, wherein at least a portion of the pivotable latch is in contact with the motor and the connecting assemblies are restricted from moving out of contact with the motor terminals. |
| US08632351B2 |
Cable assembly with a floating connector
A cable assembly (100) comprises a first connector (1), a second connector (2), a housing shroud (3) positioning the first connector (1) and the second connector (2) and a cable (4) connecting with rear ends of the first and the second connectors (1, 2). The cable assembly (100) further comprises two resilient members (15) abutting against an outside of the first connector, a gap (30) is defined between the housing shroud (3) and the first connector (1) so that the first connector can float under a condition that the resilient member resists the first connector. |
| US08632348B2 |
Electrical cord with tamper resistant mechanism
An electrical cord including a plug on a first end and at least one socket on a second end opposite the first end, a protective shutter assembly disposed within the at least one socket, the shutter assembly including a first and second shutter members positioned proximate the cover assembly and each of the first and second shutter members is at least partially aligned with separate cover openings in the cover assembly and being configured to move from a closed position to an open position in response to engaging at least one plug blade, a third shutter member positioned behind the first shutter member, a fourth shutter member positioned behind the second shutter member, and wherein the first and second shutter members pivot from the closed position to the open position and the third and fourth shutter members slide from the closed position to the open position. |
| US08632347B2 |
Safety socket with protective door
The invention discloses a safety socket with protective door comprising a socket panel, a reset spring, a protective door, and a protective door casing installed on the socket panel, wherein the socket panel and the protective door casing are provided with jacks, a partition is arranged inside the protective door casing, the protective door is provided with a through cavity and sleeved on the partition, the reset spring is located in the through cavity and between the partition and the protective door, slopes are arranged on the inner walls of the protective door, two bottom inclined walls are arranged on the lower end of the protective door, a fulcrum is formed at the intersection of the two bottom inclined walls, and limiting lug bosses matched with the jacks on the protective door casing are arranged on the left and right lower ends of the protective door, respectively. |
| US08632343B2 |
Demonstration mannequin for simulating catheter malposition
A demonstration mannequin for simulating insertion of a catheter or other medical device into the body of a patient is disclosed. The mannequin is useful for training clinicians in the placement of a catheter into the patient's vasculature and includes the ability to provide a malposition scenario in which the catheter is deviated from an intended path within the vasculature, resulting in a simulated malposition thereof. In one embodiment, the mannequin comprises a torso body portion and a simulated vasculature disposed within the body. The simulated vasculature is accessible by a medical device, such as a catheter, which can be advanced within the simulated vasculature. The mannequin further includes at least one diversion element that selectively obstructs a portion of the simulated vasculature to block advancement of a distal end of the catheter along an intended path and instead causes diversion of the catheter, thus simulating a catheter malposition scenario. |
| US08632342B2 |
Training system for an article of footwear
A training system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The training system includes a method of training an athlete to use an article of footwear with a shape correcting member to perform various types of skills including passing a ball. The method can be implemented on a computer, mobile device or as an instruction booklet. The training system provides a total training solution for an athlete that is designed to enhance specific athletic skills. |
| US08632341B2 |
Products and methods for providing education with a virtual book
A product and method for providing a read along educational activity to a user are provided. The product is a single data storage medium containing both book information and associated, coordinated audio narration information. The book information comprises visual images of a book, including pages of a book, moving images of the pages being turned, text on the pages of the book, and pictures or illustrations related to the book or story. The user views the book information on a video screen, as if it were an actual book, while listening to the associated and coordinated audio narration. The product also comprises supplemental features to enhance the read along activity and assist in learning. |
| US08632338B2 |
Combat training system and method
A target acquisition apparatus for use in association with a target, includes a weapon activation sensor, an image detector, a modulated light detector, a weapon processor, and a weapon transceiver for detecting activation of the weapon and producing a triggering signal. The weapon processor identifies a predetermined modulation characteristic from detected light radiation, identifies a predetermined spatial configuration within a predetermined portion of an acquired image, determines a local coordinate system, and produces a hit indication. |
| US08632337B2 |
Method and marker element to determine the position of a dental implant
A method and marker element to determine the position of a prosthetic element (2) which is fixed to the jaw (13) of a person, such as a dental implant. An image is formed of the jaw of a reproduction model of this jaw which is provided with the prosthetic element (2), by means of X-rays or magnetic resonance. At least one marker element (3) is then provided on the prosthetic element (2) which produces a strong contrast in imaging techniques. The position of the marker is then formed by X-rays or by magnetic resonance, and the position of the prosthetic element (2) is then derived from the observed position of the marker element (3). |
| US08632325B2 |
Apparatus for shaping plastics material pre-forms with a sterile room
An apparatus for shaping plastics material pre-forms to form plastics material containers includes a conveying device on which a plurality of blowing stations are arranged. Each of these blowing stations has a blow mold inside which a plastics material pre-form is capable of being shaped to form a plastics material container. The apparatus has a clean room inside which the plastics material pre-forms can be conveyed. The region of the conveying device on which the blowing stations are arranged is situated in the clean room, and at least one further region of the conveying device is arranged outside the clean room. |
| US08632324B2 |
Optimized helix angle rotors for roots-style supercharger
A Roots-type blower has first and second meshed, lobed rotors disposed in first and second chambers of a housing. Each lobe has first and second axially facing end surfaces defining a twist angle that is a function, at least partially, of the number of lobes on each rotor, and each lobe further defines a helix angle that is a function of the twist angle and an axial length between the first and second axially facing end surfaces of said lobe. The lobes cooperate with an adjacent surface of the housing to define at least one blowhole that defines a control volume, occurs in a cyclic manner, and moves linearly in a direction toward the outlet port. The blowhole provides communication between adjacent control volumes. |
| US08632321B2 |
Fully submerged integrated electric oil pump
A submersible electric pump includes a housing adapted to be submerged within a fluid to be pumped having apertures extending therethrough. An electric motor stator is positioned within the housing in communication with the apertures and is adapted to be in contact with the fluid. Inner and outer pump rotors are positioned within the housing in meshed engagement with one another to pump fluid when rotated. A plurality of permanent magnets are fixed for rotation with the outer rotor. |
| US08632316B2 |
Air motor having drop tube with knuckle ends
An air motor for a pump assembly including a drop tube communicating between an upper chamber port and a top plate port and including a longitudinal axis that is at an angle of between about 0° and 10° with respect to each of the upper chamber longitudinal axis and the top plate port longitudinal axis. The drop tube has a substantially constant internal diameter, a first generally bulbous end, a second generally bulbous end, and first and second slots defined in the respective first and second bulbous ends. First and second seals are positioned in the respective first and second slots, and the first and second seals air-tightly seal an outer surface of the drop tube within the upper chamber port and the top plate port. |
| US08632314B2 |
Cooling fan driving device and fan rotational speed control method
The invention reduces waste of flow volume of pressurized oil discharged from a hydraulic pump when the rotational speed of a cooling fan is increased to the target rotational speed. The target rotational speed of the cooling fan is set at a target rotational speed setting portion. An acceleration pattern for increasing the cooling fan to the target rotational speed is set at an acceleration pattern setting portion based on the rotational speed of the cooling fan, the target rotational speed set at the target rotational speed setting portion, and magnitude of force due to inertia of the cooling fan and the hydraulic motor. The rotational speed command value calculation portion controls the pressurized oil to be supplied to the hydraulic motor at a flow rate required. Thus, it is possible to reduce wasted relief flow volume. |
| US08632312B2 |
Reinforced blade for wind turbine
The invention introduces a reinforcement of a box girder of a wind turbine blade. The reinforcement prevents the transverse shear distortion of the blade structure, when the blade is loaded during operation. The reinforcement connects the corners diagonally opposite inside the girder, and fixes them in relation to each other. The reinforcement increases the blade's resistance to overall collapse. The reinforcement comprises one or more individual element, such as rods or plates. |
| US08632311B2 |
Flared tip turbine blade
A turbine blade includes an airfoil terminating in a tip. The tip includes a first rib conforming with a concave pressure side of the airfoil, and a second rib conforming with a convex suction side of the airfoil. The second rib is flared outwardly from the suction side. |
| US08632308B2 |
Fluid elastomeric damper assembly including internal pumping mechanism and volume compensator
Rotary wing system with a rotating blade rotating about a rotation axis. The system includes a fluid damper with a damper fluid for controlling a troublesome motion. The fluid damper has an inboard end and an outboard end, the damper inboard end attached to a first rotary wing system inboard member proximate the rotation axis and the outboard end attached to a second rotary wing system outboard member distal from the rotation axis. The fluid damper contains a damper fluid volume in at least a first working chamber which is worked by a relative motion between said first rotary wing system inboard member and said second rotary wing system outboard member to control the troublesome motion. The damper includes a volume compensator channel in fluid communication with the damper fluid, the volume compensator channel including a centrifugal force mass member movable along a volume compensating length of the volume compensating channel, wherein a rotation about the rotation axis forces the centrifugal force mass member towards an outboard end of the volume compensating channel and pushes damper fluid from the volume compensator channel towards the at least first working chamber. |
| US08632305B2 |
Fan assembly
A fan assembly includes a fan, and a fan holder for receiving the fan. The fan holder includes a first mounting member and a second mounting member. A first side of the second mounting member is pivotably attached to the first mounting member. A second side of the second mounting member is locked to the first mounting member to receive the fan between the first and second mounting members. |
| US08632303B2 |
Wind turbine generator
A wind turbine generator includes a tower, at least one blade, a hub supporting the blade, a nacelle supported by the tower and having a duct part with an intake port and an exhaust port, and a heat exchanger provided in the duct part and cooling a cooling medium for a heat-producing component inside the tower or nacelle. The wall of the nacelle has a double wall structure constituted of an inner wall and an outer wall in an area where the duct part is provided. The inner wall forms a bottom surface of the duct part and has a curved portion which curves inward toward a center line of the nacelle with increasing distance from the hub. The duct part increases in cross-section from a side of the intake port to a side of the exhaust port at least in an area where the curved portion is formed. |
| US08632296B1 |
Method and apparatus for loading vessels using rotation
A method and apparatus for rapid loading stacks of items aboard vessels which can include rotating palletized items to depalletize the items, and then placing the items on a lifting robot, lifting the robot and items into the hold of a vessel, removing the items from the robot using a load push lift truck, and then using the load push lift truck to stow the items in a stowage location. The empty robot can be removed from the hold of the vessel and put in a position to receive a another depalletized stack of cartons. In one option the robot has a plurality of fork channels for receiving the blades of a load push lift truck along with receiving the blades or a rotating lift truck. |
| US08632295B2 |
Transporting system, and teaching method in the transporting system
A transporting system includes: a track portion; a plurality of loading platforms, disposed along the track portion, whose positions differ from each other in at least one direction; a plurality of transporting vehicles, each having a travelling device travelling along the track portion and a loading device, for loading transported objects; a first detecting device for detecting a first reference position, of the loading device when a reference transporting vehicle loads the transported object; a second detecting device for detecting a second reference position, of the loading device when each of the other transporting vehicles other than the reference transporting vehicle loads the transported object; and a teaching device for providing information on the position of the loading device with respect to each of the other loading platforms when each of the other transporting vehicles loads the transported object, on the basis of the detected first and second reference positions. |
| US08632293B2 |
Cart for transport and storage of items
A cart for storage of items, such as air passenger luggage, and transport thereof between, e.g., airport sorting apparatus and aircrafts, comprises a chassis and a storage section. The storage section comprises one or more shelves, each of which is inclined with respect to the chassis, to allow items to be moved under the action of gravity between a loading end and an unloading end of the cart. A releasable closure structure is provided at the lower end of the shelf. The closure structure may form a continuation of the shelf when in its non-closing position. The cart is suited for automatic or manual loading and unloading of items. |
| US08632287B2 |
Fastener retainer
A fastener retainer is provided capable of retaining a fastener to a part prior to and during assembly. A first portion engages a fastener flange while leaving a fastener head exposed for assembly tool access. A second portion has flanges that engage the edges of the part. |
| US08632286B2 |
Transportation unit for a wind turbine rotor blade
A transportation system for a wind turbine rotor blade is provided. The transportation system includes a root fixture adapted to receive the root end of the wind turbine rotor blade, and a tip end fixture adapted to receive a tip end of the wind turbine rotor blade. The root fixture and the tip end fixture are provided as separate transportable units. |
| US08632283B2 |
Machine tool
In a machine tool, a support member to which a headstock is mounted movably in an upward-downward direction is movable so as to change a position thereof in a horizontal direction relative to that of a bed. A guide member is provided on the bed and configured to guide the support member. An engageable portion at which the support member is supported by the guide member is located in the support member at a level within a range of upward-downward movement of the headstock along the support member. |
| US08632281B2 |
Mechanically stabilized earth system and method
A system and method of constructing a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure is provided. A wire facing is composed of horizontal and vertical elements, where a soil reinforcing element is coupled to the wire facing at one or more crimps formed in either of the horizontal or vertical elements. A connection device may be inserted through an opening defined between the soil reinforcing element and the one or more crimps such that the soil reinforcing element may be coupled to the wire facing. A strut may be coupled to the top-most cross wire of the vertical element and the terminal wire of the horizontal element to maintain the vertical element at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal element as backfill is added to the wire facing. |
| US08632277B2 |
Retaining wall soil reinforcing connector and method
An apparatus and method of connecting an earthen formation to a concrete facing of a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure. A one-piece connector having a stem and a tab, wherein the stem is connected to a soil reinforcing element embedded within the earthen formation and the tab is connected to a facing anchor attached to the concrete facing. The connection allows soil reinforcing mats to swivel in a horizontal plane, but also to shift vertically in reaction to MSE settling or thermal expansion/contraction of an MSE structure. |
| US08632275B2 |
Excavation machine with a pivotable kelly bar
An excavation machine including —a mast having a longitudinal direction, —a bar presenting a first end provided with an excavation tool, and —a carriage movable along the longitudinal direction of the mast and including a first holder member for holding the bar relative to the carriage, the carriage being suitable for moving the bar along the longitudinal direction of the mast. The first holder member is pivotable relative to the carriage and by the fact that the first holder member presents a locked state in which the bar is prevented from moving in translation relative to the carriage, and an unlocked state in which the bar is free to move in translation relative to the carriage. |
| US08632274B2 |
Deployment method for ocean bottom seismometers
A deployment method and system for ocean bottom seismometers (OBS) includes providing a plurality of circular shaped, wireless, self-contained OBS units. The circular shaped OBS units are loaded into a carrier and transported from a surface vessel to the ocean floor where a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) is utilized to individually place the plurality of circular OBS units on the ocean floor. Placement of each OBS unit is accomplished by utilizing suction mechanism attached to a robotic arm. The suction mechanism is defined about an axis and employs a suction cup to individually engage each circular shaped OBS unit so that the suction mechanism is coaxially aligned with the OBS unit, and move the OBS unit from a first location to the ocean floor. |
| US08632273B2 |
Water draining pipe and draining method thereof
A water draining method comprises water draining adapted for roads, mountains, mountainsides, protective hillsides, retaining walls, grass slopes, airport runways, highways, football fields, grass slopes, stone dams, embankments, landfills, farms, irrigating and draining systems, characterized in that: a. installing receiving members in a pervious bed; b. arranging draining pipes in the receiving members; c. disposing draining ditches on one or two ends of a drain tube; d. drawing excessive water to the draining pipes by using drawing ports of the drain tube and draining the water into the draining ditch via an end portion of the drain tube. Thereby, the present invention allows to obtain rain collecting, impurities filtering, irrigating, draining, anti-leaking, and warning functions. |
| US08632272B2 |
Outside wrap post coupler accommodating beam rivet
A post coupler is provided with a pair of coupler flanges having rivet receiving apertures for receiving rivets extending from horizontal shelf-supporting beams to facilitate vertical shelf placement in a shelving unit unfettered by the vertical disposition of the post couplers. Apertures in the coupler index with apertures in abutting corner post sections to permit rivet extension therethrough. The reverse bend flanges of the coupler have a length shorter than the overall length of the coupler. |
| US08632270B2 |
Retractable lamp pen
A lamp pen includes a pen body, a refill, a conductive rotating slide, a lamp, and a cartridge holding a battery. The rotating slide is electrically connected to the battery. A conductive bar on a surface of the slide abuts an end of the cartridge, which comprises a helical surface forming higher and auxiliary higher slots disposed at a highest point of the surface. A first lead of the lamp is connected to the battery, and a second lead is affixed within the higher slot. Rotating the slide causes the conductive bar to engage either the higher slot or auxiliary higher slot, pushing the cartridge downward so that the refill extends out of the pen tip. When the higher slot is engaged, the second lead of the lamp connects to the conductive bar, the electric circuit completes, and the lamp illuminates. |
| US08632269B2 |
Oral care instrument including an oral care agent
An oral care instrument includes at least one oral care agent. In one embodiment, the oral care agent can be provided on one or more surfaces of the oral care instrument or included within cavities within the head or in one or more surfaces of a head. In other embodiment, the oral care agent can be provided in or on a thin slab subsequently bonded onto a surface, or applied as a stable coating. The oral care instrument can also be provided with a wear indicator. The oral care agents can be released during one use, during multiple uses, or throughout the life of the instrument. Water, oral secretions and/or chemicals within the mouth can activate the oral care agents. |
| US08632267B2 |
Carbon ribbon recovery device and a printer having the same
A carbon ribbon recovery device includes a carbon ribbon supply roller (100) and a carbon ribbon recovery roller (200). The carbon ribbon recovery roller (200) includes a first clutch plate (211), a second clutch plate (212), a friction element (213), a recovery gear (214) and a spindle (215); the spindle (215) is provided on a frame (400) of a printer to support a carbon ribbon (700); the first clutch plate (211), the second clutch plate (212), the friction element (213) and the recovery gear (214) are arranged in turn on the spindle (215), the first clutch plate (211) rotates in synchronism with the spindle (215); the recovery gear (214), the friction element (213) and the second clutch plate (212) can rotate around the spindle (215); the recovery gear (214) is rotated by a carbon ribbon driving device (300), and to drive the friction element (213) rotating, then to proceed to give the second clutch plate (212) a rotating force in the same direction; the second clutch plate (212) is matched with the first clutch plate (211) when the second clutch (212) rotates in a predetermined direction; the second clutch plate (212) is not matched with the first clutch plate (211) when the second clutch (212) rotates in a direction opposed to the predetermined direction. The present invention also relates to a thermal transfer printer having the carbon recovery device. |
| US08632265B2 |
Shutter device capable of preventing foreign matter from adhering to magnetic sticking surface and camera including shutter device
A shutter device capable of preventing foreign matter from adhering to an attracting surface of an armature to a yoke, without providing an additional member. In a state of the shutter device assembled to a camera body, an attracting surface of the armature, provided on a drive lever, to the yoke that magnetically attracts the armature extends perpendicularly to a bottom surface of the camera body and is disposed closer to the bottom of the camera body than is a pivotal axis of the drive lever. The shutter device releases the armature of the drive lever from a state attracted and held by the yoke to thereby allow the drive lever to pivot by the urging force of a drive spring, whereby said shutter blade is driven in the direction of closing an opening formed in a base plate. |
| US08632263B2 |
Optical module mounting unit and optical module
An optical module includes a module housing body including an electrical connection section for electrically connecting the electronic substrate and the optical module to each other and a housing section for housing the optical module, where the module housing body is mounted on the electronic substrate in such a manner that an electrical connection terminal of the electronic substrate and the electrical connection section is connected to each other and a fixing member for maintaining a state in which an electrical connection terminal of the optical module has contact with the electrical connection section in the module housing body. The optical module is housed in the housing section and is fixed in a removable manner by the fixing member, and the optical waveguide and the optical element are configured to be optically coupled to each other in a state in which the optical module is fixed. |
| US08632261B2 |
Integrated and sealed opto-electronic device assembly
An opto-electronic device assembly adapted for mounted on a mother board includes a case and opto-electronic devices. The case has multiple cavities opening forwards and downwards. Each opto-electronic device includes an optical engine module and an electrical socket. The optical engine module includes an optical engine, an optical transmission interface and an electrical transmission interface with electrical pads. The electrical socket has a plurality of terminals with one ends contacting with PCB and another opposite ends contacting with the electrical pads. Each electrical transmission interface is removeably assembled in the electrical sockets to complete electrical connection between the substrate and the mother board. The opto-electrical devices are received in the cavities in a condition that the optical transmission interfaces exposes to a front open of the case. |
| US08632260B2 |
Strain relief system
A bend limiting system (strain relief (200)) that may be retrofit onto a cable connector (142). The bend limiting system includes a latching ring (102) configured to fit over the cable connector's mating face so that the bend limiting system may be placed into position after the connector is connected to another device. The bend limiter (200) includes three sections. These sections include a latching ring (202) in the front, an elongated cable guide (204) in the middle and a cable retainer (206) at the end. The latching ring portion (202) is of a generally circular shape to engage the mating face of a round complementary connector. |
| US08632258B2 |
Optical connector adapter with shutter
An optical connector adapter allowing a stopper member to be arranged at ends of an insertion hole while being overlaid on a shutter member is provided.In the optical connector adapter, a first base plate of the shutter member is fitted into a bottom wall recess, a second base plate of the stopper member is fitted into the bottom wall recess while being overlaid on the first base plate of the shutter member, first both side plates of the shutter member are fitted into a sidewall recess, and the second both side plates of the stopper member are fitted into the sidewall recess while being overlaid on the first both side plates of the shutter member. |
| US08632255B2 |
Bearing assembly
A bearing assembly includes a first bearing comprising a first inner ring and a second bearing comprising a second inner ring. A sleeve-shaped spacer is disposed between and axially separates the first and second inner rings. An adhesive connects the spacer to the first and second inner rings. |
| US08632254B2 |
Bearing sump with bi-directional stiffness
A bearing sump includes an annular housing having a first axial length that is substantially equivalent to an axial length of the bearing sump; an annular bearing support disposed concentrically within the annular housing and having a second axial length that is less than about 50% of the first axial length; an annular space between the housing and the bearing support; and first and second axial ribs in the form of annular segments having a central angle of less than about 60 degrees and connecting with both the housing and the bearing support. |
| US08632253B2 |
Bearing unit of a shaft of a pressure generating device
A bearing unit rotatably supports a shaft of a pressure generating device, such a boost pressure generating device of an internal combustion engine. The bearing unit includes at least a first rolling-element bearing and a second rolling-element bearing, each rolling-element bearing having an inner ring and an outer ring. An annular space is defined between the respective inner and outer rings and rolling elements are disposed in the annular space. At least one volume element is disposed in the annular space and at least partially fills the annular space in an axial area. |
| US08632251B2 |
Bearing closure/shield for current passage in electric equipment
At least one closure element is arranged between an outer ring and an inner ring of a bearing. The closure element aids in ensuring electric current is kept away from the rolling elements by diverting electric current from the outer ring to the inner ring of the bearing and onto a shaft of an associated machine. The closure element can take the form of either a seal or a shield. The closure element is arranged in the outer ring and contacts at least one of the notches of the inner ring. Preferably, more than one closure element is used. |
| US08632250B2 |
Hybrid lubricating module
A hybrid lubricating module includes a housing and an assembly which consists of at least two elements and has an axial hole run through by a shaft. At least one of the elements has one set of multiple notches on one end surface communicating with an axle hole. The housing has a through axial cavity to encase the assembly. An outer wall surface of the assembly and an inner wall surface of the housing are assembled to each other to form at least one storage chamber to store lubricating media. Multiple notches on at least one adjacent element form at least one set of passages communicating with the axial hole and the at least one storage chamber. |
| US08632245B2 |
Temperature sensor
A temperature sensor is provided that can easily make possible stuffing with the filler or burying of the temperature detector element so that faster temperature response can be achieved. A temperature sensor has a closed-bottom tubular shaped case, a temperature detector element inserted and accommodated in the case, and a filler filled in the case and sealing the temperature detector element. The temperature sensor is provided with a filler flowing portion formed in a relative gap between the case and the temperature detector element along an insertion direction of the temperature detector element and having a gap relative to the temperature detector element larger than that relative to the remainder portion of the gap. |
| US08632236B2 |
LED lighting module and lighting device comprised thereof
A lighting module and lighting device are described. Embodiments of the lighting modules comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs), a power supply, and a waveguide that disperses light from the LEDs to illuminate a lighted side of the lighting module. In one embodiment, the lighting module comprises a substrate, on which the LEDs and power supply are mounted. The substrate includes an interface that permits the lighting module to communicate with an adjacent lighting module when positioned in an array that forms an LED lighting device. |
| US08632235B2 |
Light curing device
The invention relates to a light curing device for dental purposes having a plurality of semiconductor light sources, each light source includes a light-emitting chip, wherein said chips are mounted on a common and chip-cooling substrate. Each chip is surrounded by an individual reflector body connected to the substrate and/or the chip associated therewith, and the reflector bodies of at least two chips are arranged next to one another but are not connected with one another. |
| US08632234B1 |
LED and fiber optic ring pathway light
Pathway and landscape lights, in particular to devices, apparatus, systems and methods of using ground directed pathway and landscape lights with a single or perimeter spaced apart LED (light emitting diode) light sources on a disc mount, with or without an optical fiber arranged in a ring pattern about a perimeter edge of the mount. A light shade lens can have an upper end attached to the lower face of the disc mount, and a bottom end attached to a ground engaging post, so the light emitted from the mount is directed in a 360 degree outwardly expanding direction expanding outward on the ground surface where the ground engaging post is in the center of the 360 degree expanding illumination. A low voltage power source can be used. Alternatively, the light can be solar powered. The light forms uniform light beam emissions without shadow spots effects. |
| US08632232B2 |
Vehicular headlamp having a columnar light guide
A vehicle lamp includes, within a lamp chamber formed by a lamp body and a front cover, a light source, a columnar light guide having an incident portion at the end thereof in the vicinity of the light source, and an annular reflecting portion arranged in the vicinity of the light source side of the incident portion. The columnar light guide guides incident light from the light source, which enters via the incident portion, and irradiates the incident light from a light-emitting portion on a front side. The annular reflecting portion reflects light with a large emission angle, which has not been able to directly enter the incident portion from the light source, toward the incident portion. The light source is arranged on a central axis of the annular reflecting portion. |
| US08632229B2 |
Vehicle headlamp system
A vehicle headlamp system includes a headlamp having multiple control devices and an ECU. Each of the control devices controls a light irradiation condition of the headlamp. The ECU stores vehicle constants, error code information and initialization information corresponding to different types of vehicle, and controls the control devices. When a vehicle type is changed, the ECU selects at least one of the vehicle constants corresponding to the changed vehicle type, clears the stored error code information and the initialization information after selecting the at least one of the vehicle constants, stores initialization information corresponding to the changed vehicle type, and initializes the control devices. The ECU recognizes dependencies between the control devices and, if the control devices include a first control device that is independent, executes normal control by the first control device directly after initializing the first control device. |
| US08632228B2 |
Vehicle headlamp
A vehicle headlamp includes: a lamp outer casing; a lamp unit; a stationary frame; a movable frame that is supported by the stationary frame to be rotatable about a first rotating shaft extending in a lateral direction or a second rotating shaft extending in a vertical direction; a lens unit disposed in the lamp outer casing and supported by the movable frame; a first aiming operation shaft that adjusts an optical axis, and a second aiming operation shaft that adjusts the optical axis. A focal point of the light reflected by a reflector is coincident with a center of the first or second rotating shaft. The lens unit is rotated about the first or second rotating shaft such that a distance between the focal point and the projection lens is constant. The heat sink is positioned on the outside of the lamp outer casing. |
| US08632225B2 |
Optical lens, LED module having the optical lens, and lighting apparatus having the LED module
An optical lens includes: a lens body having an outer surface extending in a longitudinal direction (a first direction) and formed to be symmetrical in a lateral direction (a second direction); and a cavity formed at a lower portion of the lens body and having inner side faces asymmetrical in the longitudinal direction. |
| US08632222B2 |
LED lighting equipment with radiating structure having increased surface area and high ventilation efficiency
Disclosed is LED lighting equipment formed with a radiating structure which can improve the heat radiation effect by having good ventilation and an increased surface area. According to the present invention, the LED lighting equipment comprises: a printed circuit board; a plurality of LEDs which are mounted on the front of the printed circuit board; a radiating structure which supports the printed circuit board, and radiates the heat generated from the plurality of LEDs; a power supply unit which is formed on the rear of the radiating structure, and supplies power to the plurality of LEDs through the printed circuit board; and a cover which protects the plurality of LEDs from the outside, wherein the radiating structure comprises a plate-shaped upper member, a lower member, and a plurality of intermediate members combined between the upper member and the lower member, and each of the plurality of intermediate members includes a body of which the inner part is hollow and a plurality of protrusions which are radially formed on the body. |
| US08632215B2 |
Light emitting diode replacement lamp
In various embodiments, an illumination device includes a housing, a power connector for connecting the illumination device to a power socket and receiving input power, a light emitter for direct illumination disposed within the housing, a circuit for regulating the input power and providing the regulated power to the light emitter, and a decorative illumination element for providing decorative illumination. |
| US08632209B2 |
Hybrid source lighting system
A lighting fixture system, comprising a first illuminant, a secondary illuminant; and a sensor configured to detect a predetermined condition, the sensor being coupled to the first illuminant and the secondary illuminant, the first illuminant and the secondary illuminant comprising different light sources, the sensor configured to cause modulation of the first illuminant and the secondary illuminant in response to detection of the pre-determined condition. |
| US08632205B2 |
LED lighting module using AC power
The present invention relates to an LED lighting module using AC power, where an AC-driven LED lighting is implemented by a simplified rectifier circuit and by adjusting the number of LED elements, without using a dedicated circuit configuration such as SMPS, and the LED modules are arranged in a way to enable a multiplicity of unit modules to be driven with a single power supply. The LED lighting module using AC power contains a power supply which receives AC power; unit modules, each having at least two LED sets connected together, each having one LED element or plural interconnected LED elements driven by an input power; and rectifier circuits, each being separately installed to which the power is input, for rectifying AC power which is input through the power supply when a multiplicity of unit modules form a loop. |
| US08632198B2 |
Flexible LED lighting systems, fixtures and method of installation
A low-voltage LED lighting system, LED lighting fixtures, and a method for installation thereof in which the system includes: (a) at least one LED lighting fixture each having one or more LEDs; (b) at least one remotely-located power driver; and (c) interconnections between the at least one LED fixture and the at least one driver using communication network cabling and standard 8P8C network connectors. Preferred lighting fixtures are recessed lighting fixtures adapted for ceiling mounting. |
| US08632194B2 |
Device for controlling temperature of an optical element
A device serves for controlling temperature of an optical element provided in vacuum atmosphere. The device has a cooling apparatus having a radiational cooling part, arranged apart from the optical element, for cooling the optical element by radiation heat transfer. A controller serves for controlling temperature of the radiational cooling part. Further, the device comprises a heating part for heating the optical element. The heating part is connected to the controller for controlling the temperature of the heating part. The resulting device for controlling temperature in particular can be used with an optical element in a EUV microlithography tool leading to a stable performance of its optics. |
| US08632193B2 |
Active display imaging system provided with an eyecup
An imaging system comprises an active display and a flexible eyecup made of a light-proof material, arranged around the active display and intended to eliminate the leakages of light between the active display and an observer. The imaging system comprises: pumping means capable of creating an air pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the eyecup, means for switching on the active display when a threshold pressure difference, called switching-on pressure Pa, is reached between the inside and the outside of the eyecup. |
| US08632189B2 |
Multiple source high performance stereographic projection system
Multiple source high performance stereographic projection systems are described. One projection system described comprises a first projection channel, a first light source capable of providing light for the first projection channel, and a second light source capable of providing light for the first projection channel, wherein when the projection system is in a first presentation mode the first and second light sources are on, and wherein when the projection system is in a second presentation mode the first light source is on and the second light source is at a reduced power. |
| US08632188B1 |
Scleral contact lens manufacturing
The different illustrative embodiments provide a method, computer program product, and apparatus for manufacturing a scleral contact lens. A number of dimensions for the scleral lens is generated based on a shape of an eye. An alteration to a first wavefront of light caused by the first wavefront of light traveling through a pupil of the eye is identified. A modification configured to be made to a posterior surface of the scleral lens is generated based on the alteration. The modification removes the alteration for a second wavefront of light traveling through the scleral lens and the pupil of the eye. |
| US08632186B2 |
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for detecting and predicting a progression of retinal pathologies
One aspect of the invention provides a method for training a classification algorithm to detect a retinal pathology. The method includes: for a plurality of pseudo two-dimensional data sets of one-dimensional data points, each pseudo two-dimensional data point representing RNFL thickness values for a subject and corresponding index values for the data points: performing fractal analysis on the data set to calculate a plurality of fractal dimensions and calculating a plurality of slopes between each fractal dimension; combining the plurality of slopes for subjects labeled as pathologic into a pathologic data set; combining the plurality of slopes for subjects labeled as healthy into a healthy data set; and applying a linear discriminant function the pathologic data set and the healthy data set; thereby training a classification algorithm to detect the retinal pathology. |
| US08632185B2 |
Intraoperative estimation of intraocular lens power
Apparatus for performing intraocular implant surgery, including surgical apparatus for performing intraocular implant surgery, an autorefraction device associated with the surgical apparatus, wherein the autorefraction device is configured to perform autorefraction on the aphakic eye to provide one or more aphakic refraction measurements, and a processor connected to the autorefraction device, wherein the processor is configured to process the aphakic refraction measurements and provide the user of the apparatus with information regarding the power of the intraocular lens. |
| US08632181B2 |
SS OCT interferometry for measuring a sample
An SS OCT interferometry device for measuring a sample, in particular from an eye. The device interferometrically generates a measuring signal and from the signal a depth-resolved contrast signal of the sample by spectral tuning of the central wavelength of the measurement radiation of a measuring signal, and has a control unit for this purpose. The device includes a sample motion detector, which provides a motion signal indicating movement of or in the sample, the control unit uses the motion signal to correct the measuring signal with respect to measuring errors that are caused by a movement of or in the sample before or during the generation of the depth-resolved contrast signal. |
| US08632180B2 |
Automated detection of uveitis using optical coherence tomography
Systems and methods for automatically detecting, classifying and quantifying clumps indicative of inflammation in the eye using optical coherence tomography images are described. Clump detection relies on both intensity and geometric thresholding. Applications of the invention include improved diagnosis, classification and monitoring of inflammatory disease. |
| US08632179B2 |
Diagnostic, prescriptive, and data-gathering system and method for macular pigment deficits and other eye disorders
A macular health measurement and storage system comprises a plurality of macular-pigment measurement machine for measuring macular pigment density in humans, a plurality of computers each of which is associated with a corresponding one the macular-pigment measuring machines, and a central host. The plurality of macular-pigment measurement machines include a device for receiving macular pigment data from a patient, at least one data transfer port, and at least one processor that enables the transfer of the macular pigment data from the transfer port. The plurality of computers include a first port coupled to the data transfer port of the corresponding macular-pigment measurement machine for receiving the macular pigment data. Each of the computers includes a second port for transferring patient data. The central host is coupled to the second ports on each of the plurality of computers. The central host includes a storage device for storing the patient data. |
| US08632178B2 |
Determining physical lengths in an eye using multiple refractive indices
In certain embodiments, determining physical lengths of an eye includes determining an optical length of each segment of a plurality of segments of an axis of the eye, where each segment corresponds to a portion of the eye. A refractive index is determined for each segment. A physical length of each segment is determined according to the optical length and the refractive index of the segment. |
| US08632177B2 |
Method for determining the inset of a progressive addition lens
A method for determining the value of the inset of a progressive addition lens according to a wearer comprising the steps of: providing convergence data, determining from the convergence data the inset of the progressive addition lens considering at least the convergence data and the prismatic effect of the progressive addition lens. |
| US08632176B2 |
Reading glasses with a book compatible temple and hinge combination
Reading glasses are used as a book mark and are framed so that one temple is longer than the opposite temple. This offset permits one arm of the frame to be inserted into the pages of a book from above as a book mark. The elongated temple accommodates the thickness of the spine so that the lens frame sits flat against the spine. Friction between the pages of the book and the inserted arm keep the glasses in place and prevent them from being misplaced. |
| US08632173B2 |
Manifold for a printhead
A printhead assembly is described including multiple printheads, a manifold and multiple inlet tubes. The printheads each include: a fluid inlet to receive fluid into the printhead; and a set of one or more nozzles to deposit fluid on a substrate. The manifold is connected to the printheads and includes: a fluid inlet duct configured to receive fluid for delivery to the printheads; multiple fluid inlet channels for connecting the fluid inlet duct to the printheads; and multiple fluid inlet valves configured to control a flow of fluid from the fluid inlet duct to each of the fluid inlet channels. The inlet tubes each have a proximal end integral to either the manifold or one of the printheads, and a distal end connected to either the manifold or said printhead with a single fluid-tight connection. |
| US08632172B2 |
Ink jet printing
An ink jet printer includes a print head, a gutter, an ink supply system, and a fluid cartridge. The fluid cartridge includes an inner collapsible container for containing a printing fluid. The container includes an outlet for connection to the printer, an outer housing, an electronic storage device, and at least one electrical contact. |
| US08632169B2 |
Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus, piezoelectric element, and method for evaluating piezoelectric layer
A liquid ejecting head includes a piezoelectric element including a piezoelectric layer made of a piezoelectric material and an electrode disposed on the piezoelectric layer. The piezoelectric material is such that when a diamond conical indenter having an angle α of 136° between opposite faces is pressed into the piezoelectric layer at a load of 5 gf for 5 seconds to form cracks extending from an indentation, using a micro Vickers hardness meter, the length of the cracks from four corners of the indentation is 15 μm or less. |
| US08632166B2 |
Printing device and method of manufacturing a light emitting device
A first pressure generating chamber, which is sealed by a first elastic plate mounted with a first piezoelectric element at one surface, and a second pressure generating chamber, which is sealed by a second elastic plate mounted with a second piezoelectric element at one surface are formed in a casing. The second pressure generating chamber is formed with an opening which is a discharge port. A mixture is discharged from the discharge port. A nozzle formed with an opening jets gas toward a substrate surface, and is provided in the vicinity of the discharge port of the ink head. |
| US08632164B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a platen disposed with a gap from a nozzle plate of a recording head and supporting a recording medium in ejecting, and an platen application voltage generating unit generating an electric field having a direction different from an electric field generated between an individual external electrode of a piezoelectric vibrator and nozzles, between the nozzle plate and the platen, in which the intensity of the electric field generated by the applied-to-plate voltage generating unit is set in between the maximum electric field intensity and the minimum electric field intensity between the individual external electrode and the nozzles. |
| US08632163B2 |
Liquid ejecting head and method for manufacturing the same
A liquid ejecting head includes a liquid ejecting port for ejecting a liquid and a nozzle layer having a liquid channel communicating with the liquid ejecting port. The nozzle layer has two layers: a first layer at the side of the liquid channel having a resin film formed with an acid and a second layer. The first layer has a smaller static contact angle of water as compared with that of the second layer. |
| US08632161B2 |
Liquid ejection head and image forming apparatus including the liquid ejection head
A liquid ejection head includes a common-chamber formation member including a common chamber to supply liquid to pressure chambers communicating nozzles for ejecting liquid droplets, a flexible thin-film member to form part of a wall face of the common chamber, and a thin-film support member bonded to the thin-film member with glue. The support member has an opening or a recessed portion at least partially having a shape that is broad in an area proximal to a first surface of the support member bonded to the thin-film member and becomes narrower as an area of the opening or the recessed portion is more distant from the first surface. The opening or the recessed portion is sealed with the thin-film member. A portion of the thin-film member corresponding to the opening or the recessed portion has the glue on only a periphery area of the portion that contacts the support member. |
| US08632160B2 |
Image forming apparatus including recording head for ejecting liquid droplets
An image forming apparatus includes recording heads, head holders, a carriage, a guide member, a reference member, and a pressing member. The recording heads have nozzles to eject liquid droplets. The holders hold the recording heads. The carriage is reciprocally movable in a main scanning direction and holding the holders. The guide member is disposed along the main scanning direction to guide the carriage along the main scanning direction. The reference member is disposed parallel to the guide member in the carriage to hold the holders. The pressing member presses at least one of the holders toward at least another of the holders. The holders have reference faces to contact each other in the main scanning direction to determine relative positions of the holders. With the recording heads positioned based on the reference faces of the holders, the recording heads are held by the holders. |
| US08632159B2 |
Mist collection device and liquid ejection device
A mist collection device is adapted to collect a mist of liquid generated by ejecting the liquid from nozzles. A suction section of a suction container includes a suction port having an elongated shape whose length in an arrangement direction of the nozzles is greater than a width in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction. A tube section of the suction container is in communication with the suction section and having a hollow tube shape whose longitudinal direction is parallel to the arrangement direction. An outlet section of the suction container is in communication with an inside of the tube section through a discharge port formed at a lower part of the tube section. A collection container collects the mist by turning it into liquid droplets. A suction device generates an air flow flowing from the suction container to the collection container. |
| US08632158B2 |
Liquid ejection apparatus
A liquid ejection apparatus is provided. The liquid ejection apparatus includes two line-type heads, each of which includes an ejection surface having a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting liquid to a recording medium; and two covers provided for the two heads, respectively, and each of the covers being movable relative the corresponding head between a protection position where the cover covers the ejection surface of the corresponding head and a retraction position where the cover does not cover the ejection surface of the corresponding head. Each of the heads includes a first side close to a head other than the corresponding head and a second side away from the head other than the corresponding head. The retraction position of each of the covers is located at the second side of the corresponding head. |
| US08632157B2 |
Inkjet recording device
An inkjet recording device for ejecting ink onto a recording medium to form an image on the recording medium while a recording head is moved with relative movement to the recording medium in a direction along an upper surface of the recording medium, including: a recording head for ejecting ink onto a recording medium; a heating device for heating the recording medium; a conveyance device for conveying the recording medium having been heated by the heating device to under the recording head; and a cooling device which is provided in a state of insulation from the recording head, and has a cooling surface which is cooled to a temperature lower than a temperature of a nozzle surface of the recording head, wherein the cooling surface and the nozzle surface of the recording head are disposed along a direction of the relative movement and to face the recording medium. |
| US08632149B2 |
Inkjet printhead and method of printing with multiple drop volumes
A printhead and a method of ejecting liquid droplets are provided. The method includes providing a printhead operable to eject liquid drops having a plurality of drop volumes Vi, for i equal to 1 through n, where n≧2, with Vj>Vi when j>i. One of the plurality of drop volumes is a minimum drop volume Vmin, and a difference in drop volumes between successively larger drops equals (Vk+1−Vk) which is less than Vmin, for k equal to 1 through n−1. The method also includes ejecting liquid drops through the printhead. |
| US08632145B2 |
Method and apparatus for printing using a facetted drum
The disclosure generally relates to a method and apparatus for printing from a rotating source. In an exemplary embodiment, the disclosure relates to a facetted drum for simultaneously printing multiple pixels. The facetted drum includes a support structure and a plurality of printheads affixed to the support structure, each printhead having at least one microporous structure for receiving a first quantity of liquid ink having dissolved or suspended film material in a carrier fluid and dispensing a second quantity of ink material substantially free of the carrier fluid. The plurality of printheads are positioned proximal to a substrate to simultaneously print a plurality of spatially-discrete and image-resolved pixels on the substrate. |
| US08632143B2 |
Sliding supports
The present invention relates to sliding supports and particularly sliding supports having two elongate members of channel section and an intermediate member positioned between the elongate members. The invention provides a sliding support with improved manufacturability and load bearing capability by providing an intermediate member of alternative cross-section. |
| US08632142B2 |
Undermount-type sliding apparatus equipped with automatic closing device
A undermount-type sliding apparatus having an automatic closing device includes a movable rail provided under a receptacle and a fixed rail slidably coupled to the movable rail. A housing body is disposed on the fixed rail. A guide wall includes a curved guide portion, which has a curved shape and is spaced apart from one end of a housing space. A linear guide portion is connected to the curved guide portion. A rotary stopper is inserted into and guided by the guide wall while being caught by and released from the movable rail. An elastic member is disposed in the housing body, and is elastically coupled to the rotary stopper. In a closing operation, the rotary stopper catches the movable rail, and is thus automatically closed by elasticity. When positioned in the opening direction, the movable rail is released from the rotary stopper to enable an opening operation. |
| US08632140B2 |
Computer housing structure
A housing structure includes a main cabinet and a fixing mechanism. The main cabinet has an opening formed thereon and includes a side panel and a front panel. A groove is formed on the edge portion of the front panel adjacent to the side panel. A receiving slot is formed on the front panel and adjacent to the groove. The fixing mechanism includes a latch and an elastic member. The latch may be movably disposed on the side panel. A first hook is formed on the latch. When covering the opening with the side panel, the latch is abutted by the front panel. The restoration of the elastic member interlocks the side panel to the front panel securely to close the housing structure. |
| US08632133B2 |
Water sprays for dust control on mining machines
This invention refers to innovative water sprays applications to significantly improve coal and quartz dust control around a continuous miner. Significant dust control is achieved through utilizing different types of sprays at locations on the top and sides of the miner chassis to create water curtains or shrouds of water around zones of high dust concentration and zones of high concentration dust transport. This is called “multiple lines of defense” spray system (MLD.) This invention also provides a method of reducing dust around a continuous miner by configuring a spray system, located at the top or sides of the cutter boom, thereby improving control of respirable dust. |
| US08632132B2 |
Adaptive advance drive control for milling machine
A control system for a construction machine senses the reaction forces applied by the ground surface to a milling drum, and in response to the sensed changes in those reaction forces controls the rate of feeding the milling drum into the ground surface. |
| US08632130B2 |
Chair-specific adjustment device
A chair-specific adjustment device is provided. The device includes a seat support and a base support linked to a gas column on which there is a rotating user-controlled handle. The handle controls the selection of the adjustment device's angular position as well as a safety limit clutch. The rotation of the handle generates traction of a tensional element that moves a limit switch. The limit switch runs transversely to the seat support and is shaped with steps that selectively interact with a limit appendage linked to the base support. The device includes a torsion bar that elastically limits the movement of the base support. As such, the device provides quick and easy adjustment of the backrest extension into various positions. |
| US08632128B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat includes a reclining mechanism having a lock member, which is engaged with a ring member when it is pressed by a cam body, and a walk-in mechanism. A rotating arm, which is rotated by operation of a reclining lever or a walk-in lever, is secured to a center shaft. The reclining lever operates the rotation of the rotating arm by a link lever having a slot. The walk-in lever operates the rotation of the rotating arm independently of the reclining lever. When a seatback is tilted forward by the operation of the walk-in lever, the slide mechanism of the vehicle seat is unlocked, and the entire seat is moved forward. |
| US08632126B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat is provided that includes a seat back frame, a headrest, a pressure receiving member that supports the body of the occupant and moves independently from the headrest, and pivoting members that are disposed in at least one of side portions of the seat back frame, are linked to the pressure receiving member, and can move independently from the headrest under a predetermined impact load. The entirety of the pressure receiving member moves toward the rear of the vehicle under a predetermined impact load that is greater than a normal seating load. |
| US08632125B2 |
Headrest device, method of adjusting headrest position, and vehicle seat
There is provided a headrest device including: a headrest main body that is provided at an upper end portion of a seat back of a seat in which a passenger sits; a pressure/flexure detecting section that is provided at a vehicle front side of the seat back; a headrest moving section; and a control section that estimates a current back-set, that is a distance between a head portion of a passenger and the headrest main body in a horizontal direction, on the basis of at least one of pressure and flexure detected by the pressure/flexure detecting section and a predetermined relationship between back-set and the at least one of pressure and flexure, and controls the headrest moving section to move the headrest main body such that the back-set becomes a predetermined amount. |
| US08632124B2 |
Reclining ride down child seat
The child safety seat includes a seat body having a seat bottom and a seat back. The seat bottom is slidably connected to a first portion of the base and the seat back is slidably connected to a second portion of the base. The seat body is movable relative to the base, namely, between a resting position and ride down position. A dampening member is connected between the seat body and the base for dampening/retarding the movement of the seat body from the resting position to the ride down position. The dampening member is preferably partially oriented yarn that is no longer usable after use, such as in the event of an accident. The recline angle of the seat body relative to the base is adjustable. |
| US08632123B2 |
Ganging cup-holder
A ganging cup-holder 10 is described herein and illustrated by the accompanying figures. The ganging cup-holder 10 is intended for use with two adjacent temporary seating chairs 102 to (1) temporarily secure the two adjacent chairs 102 in a substantially fixed position relative to one another and (2) to provide a convenient location for the placement of items, to prevent damage or loss of items or to prevent spillage of the contents of an item. |
| US08632120B2 |
Universal latch mechanism
A latch mechanism for removably coupling at least one transparent armor assembly being in a vehicle window sill, the at least one transparent armor assembly including a frame that supports at least one transparent armor pane, the latch mechanism includes a latch mechanism assembly, the latch mechanism assembly being selectively operable by a vehicle occupant for effecting release of the at least one transparent armor assembly, such release permitting shifting of the at least one transparent armor assembly from the vehicle window frame to define an egress portal and the latch mechanism having an engaging member for selectively engaging the vehicle window frame, latch mechanism assembly being shiftable relative to the transparent armor assembly frame for accommodating a plurality of varying transparent armor assembly to vehicle window frame relationships. A method for removably coupling at least one transparent armor assembly to a vehicle window sill is further included. |
| US08632116B2 |
Anti-theft device for an access door
A door includes an exterior-facing surface, an inner structure, and a latch mechanism. The door also includes a key-cylinder attached to and accessible from the exterior-facing surface, and adapted to selectively lock and unlock the latch mechanism, and a pawl adapted to be rotated by the key-cylinder to unlock the latch mechanism. Furthermore, the door includes a feature arranged on the inner structure and aligned with the key-cylinder, and a component connected to the key-cylinder, aligned with and extending into the feature without contacting the inner structure. The component is configured to not impede the rotation of the pawl when the component is aligned with the feature. Additionally, the component is configured to restrict angular movement of the key-cylinder with respect to the door, when the key-cylinder is forcibly manipulated thereby causing the component to contact the inner structure. |
| US08632112B2 |
Workpiece displacement system
A method of operation of a workpiece displacement system includes: providing a head including a conduit, a recess port, and a channel, the conduit configured such that its major axis intersects the recess port and the channel; inserting a force distribution member into the recess port; and supplying a negative pressure state through the head and the force distribution member. |
| US08632111B2 |
Apparatus and method for facilitating handling pipe
An apparatus for handling a pipe having a body, the body defining an open throat that is adapted to receive a pipe, a plurality of jaws hingedly mounted to the body that are adapted to engage a pipe while preventing the pipe from engaging the body, each of the jaws defining a concave portion that is adapted to engage the pipe, the apparatus further including respective over-center mechanisms that are arranged between and operatively coupled to the body and each one of the plurality of jaws, each respective over-center mechanism being adapted to inhibit a respective one of the plurality of jaws from closing when jaws are open and to inhibit a respective one of the plurality of jaws from opening and disengaging from a pipe when the jaws are closed on the pipe. |
| US08632109B2 |
Waste retrieval and disposal device and method
A method for disposing of waste material, where the head of a frame is inserted in a bag until a closed front edge of the bag receives a leading edge of the head and the head is at least substantially contained within the bag, with the head fitting loosely within the bag along its side edges. The rear edge of the top panel of the bag is connected to the frame. After the waste material is received on the top panel, and while maintaining the connection between the rear edge of the top panel and the frame, the bag is inverted by moving the rear edge of the bottom panel frontwardly of the head and of the front edge of the bag before moving the rear edge of the bottom panel rearwardly over the top panel, the head and the waste material. |
| US08632108B2 |
Crash box
A crash box for arrangement between a bumper and a longitudinal beam of a motor vehicle body is provided. The crash box is able to be arranged with a fastening profile at least partially overlapping to a mount profile of the longitudinal beam. The crash box has a support element, which penetrates the fastening profile transversely to its profile longitudinal direction (x) and is able to be brought into abutment in a supporting manner with an end section of the mount profile. |
| US08632106B2 |
Drive unit comprising a blocked functional element for a central locking mechanism
A drive unit (1) comprising at least one electric drive motor (2) that moves a functional element (3), wherein the functional element (3) assumes, during its movement, a stop position (4) for switching off an electric drive motor (2), and at least one frictional element (6) cooperating with the functional element (3), wherein the frictional element (6) is disposed along a segment of a motion pathway (5) before the functional element (3) reaches the stop position (4). In addition, a motor vehicle lock (10) having a central locking mechanism (11) with such a drive unit (1). |
| US08632105B2 |
Tension clamp
Tension clamp and a method of clamping with the tension clamp. The tension clamp includes a clamping band formed in an annular manner with two ends adjacent to one another, and a clamping fixture, structured and arranged to connect the two ends to one another, comprising a tightening screw with a screw head and a mounting section and a mating thread element into which the tightening screw is screwable. The mounting section includes at least one flexible region along its length. |
| US08632103B2 |
Lock for cam-and-groove coupler
A lock for a cam-and-groove coupler comprises a collar member positionable around the cam-and-groove coupler. The collar member comprises at least first and second wall portions. The first wall portion is positionable adjacent the first lever arm of the cam-and-groove coupler to prevent movement of the first lever arm to an unsecured position. The second wall portion is positionable adjacent a second lever arm of the cam-and-groove coupler to prevent movement of the second lever arm to the unsecured position. The lock further comprises at least one projection extending inwardly from the collar member and configured to engage the cam-and-groove coupler to prevent the collar member from sliding off of the cam-and-groove coupler. At least one securing member is coupled to the collar member and configured to releasably secure the collar member around the cam-and-groove-coupler. |
| US08632099B2 |
Tank trailer having an air actuated handrail assembly
A handrail assembly for a tank trailer and a yoke assembly for the same. Handrail assembly provides a safety device for an operator walking along a top wall of the tank trailer. The handrail assembly includes a top rail, a plurality of vertical members, a safety wire and, sometimes, a bottom rail. Each yoke assembly secures one of the top and bottom ends of the vertical members to either of the top and bottom rails or to a mounting bracket on the tank. Each yoke assembly includes a base member engaged partially in a bore of the vertical member, and a cradle member engaged with an exterior wall of the top or bottom rails or mounting bracket. Base and cradle members are secured together by a pivot pin. Fluid-actuated cylinders extending between the vertical members and the tank move the handrail assembly between collapsed and expanded positions. |
| US08632098B2 |
Improvements relating to steering assemblies
An adjustable steering column assembly includes a first shroud portion comprising an outer tube, a second shroud portion which comprises an inner tube, and a clamp mechanism that includes a part that is fixed relative to the outer tube, the first and second shroud portions being releasably engaged by the clamp mechanism to selectively permit an amount of relative movement between the first and second shroud portions that is required during adjustment of the steering column assembly, the assembly further including an energy absorbing member which includes a strap that interconnects the inner tube and the part of the clamp bolt assembly, the assembly being so arranged that upon collapse the inner tube moves relative to the clamp assembly whereupon the energy absorbing member is deformed beyond its elastic limit, thereby absorbing energy in the system to control the collapse of the assembly. |
| US08632093B2 |
Airbag protection device for a vehicle occupant restraint system and method of manufacturing an airbag protection device
The invention relates to an airbag protection device (10) for a vehicle occupant restraint system that includes an airbag mounting device (12). The airbag mounting device (12) includes first and second mounting members (14) which are mounted to the vehicle (100) spaced apart from each other and a cross-member (16) made of bent wire. An airbag (22) is mounted to the cross-member (16) in the folded state. |
| US08632092B2 |
Rollator having an adjustable seat orientation
A rollator includes a support frame assembly, a seat having first and second positioning notches, and a backrest unit including a backrest frame having two opposite ends pivoted to the support frame assembly, and a positioning frame having two opposite ends pivoted to the backrest frame. The positioning frame is engageable with a selected one of the first and second positioning notches. The backrest frame cooperates with the seat unit to define a seating space that faces rearward when the positioning frame is engaged with the first positioning notch, and cooperates with the seat unit to define a seating space that faces forward when the positioning frame is engaged with the second positioning notch. |
| US08632091B2 |
Drawbar pin retention device
In an example embodiment, an automatic engaging drawbar pin retention device includes a biased locking plate configured to retain a drawbar pin within a drawbar bore. The locking plate may be movably coupled to a drawbar clevis between a pin-lock to at least partly cover the bore and prevent removal of the drawbar pin and a pin-unlock condition. |
| US08632089B1 |
Mechanism for converting reciprocal motion to rotary motion
A mechanism for converting reciprocal motion to rotary motion. A pair of driving members are mounted to undergo reciprocal up-and-down movement about a first axis. A pair of driving chains are drivingly connected to the respective driving members so that reciprocal up-and-down movement of the driving members transmits respective driving forces to the driving chains. A driven member is mounted for undergoing rotational motion in one direction of rotation about a second axis different from the first axis. A drive unit transfers, via the driving forces of the driving chains, reciprocal up-and-down movement of the driving members to rotational motion of the driven member in the one direction of rotation. |
| US08632087B2 |
Energy coil system for vehicles
Exemplary embodiments of a bicycle are provided comprising a bicycle frame having a front wheel support section, a rear wheel support section and a center section. The bicycle includes a rear wheel rotatably coupled to the rear wheel support section. The bicycle further includes a front wheel having a hub rotatably coupled to the front wheel support section, the hub being configured and integrated with an energy coil system that stores energy during a forward revolving movement of the front wheel, and when the energy is fully stored, the energy coil system is locked until selectively released. |
| US08632083B2 |
Drift scooter
A drift scooter comprising a longitudinal frame including opposed leading and trailing end portions. A steering assembly is pivotably disposed on the leading end portion and includes a transverse member with two wheels rotatably supported on opposite ends of the transverse member. A stem is fixed in perpendicular orientation relative to the transverse member and a handlebar is connected to the stem. A rear wheel assembly is pivotably disposed on the trailing end portion, wherein the wheel assembly pivots about an upwardly extending pivot axis. The rear wheel assembly is preferably biased toward a centered position, aligned with a centerline of the frame. A resilient member is connected between the frame and a leading portion of the caster. The resilient member may be in the form of an extension spring. Means for adjusting the tension of the extension spring may also be included. |
| US08632082B2 |
Pallet truck with lift indicator assembly and associated methods
A lift indicator assembly for a pallet truck includes a lift sensor assembly, and a lift status display for determining a lift condition of a load wheel of the pallet truck. The lift sensor assembly is to be carried by a fork of the pallet truck and includes a housing section, and a primary sensor assembly. The primary sensor assembly includes a first primary arm coupled to the housing section, and a first primary contact switch carried by the housing section and adjacent the first primary arm. The first primary contact switch has an engaged position and a disengaged position based on position of the first primary arm. The lift status display determines the lift condition of the load wheel based on position of the first primary contact switch. |
| US08632081B2 |
Transport car with anti-theft protection
A transport car with rollers, all of which are steerable, for which an activatable anti-theft protection is provided. With the anti-theft protection, two or more of the rollers may be fixed in a predetermined steering position whereby the angle which the rollers are fixed at relative to a longitudinal axis of the transport cart is different between the two or more rollers. |
| US08632078B2 |
Vehicle with a leaf spring element for the spring suspension of the vehicle
A vehicle, such as a passenger car, is provided with a vehicle frame having a leaf spring element for the spring suspension of the vehicle, which is mounted on the vehicle frame with two bearing points, which are designed in a manner to adjustably set a spring rate and/or a standing height of the leaf spring element. The leaf spring element is mounted on a frame of the vehicle with the two bearing points and the bearing points are designed adjustable for setting a spring rate and/or a standing height of the leaf spring element. |
| US08632074B2 |
Method of forming a brush seal
This invention relates to a method of forming brush seals and to brush seals themselves. Thus a back plate 10, which defines an anchor recess 11, a reservoir recess 12 and a land 13 is laid horizontally. A bristle pack 14 is then laid on top of the back plate 10, so that one end 15 overlies a recess 11 and the other, 16, projects beyond the land 13. The bristles are then clamped in position by clamp 21 and epoxy resin is poured into the recess 11 as indicated by the arrows. A mold is introduced over the recess. Once the resin is cured, the mold can be removed and it will be noted that excess epoxy resin has fallen into the recess 12 preventing resin wicking beyond the land 13 and interfering with the performance of the bristles. |
| US08632071B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus is provided that, even when a recording material is conveyed with a short interval between papers, reduces mistaken detection of a jam without reducing throughput of image formation. To accomplish this, when an interval between papers is not detected by a sensor that is disposed upstream in a conveyance direction but is detected by a sensor that is disposed downstream in the conveyance direction, there is a high possibility of determining that a jam has been generated in which recording material wraps around a fixing roller, but even in such a case, discharge processing is executed normally without a determination that a jam has been generated in which recording material has wrapped around a fixing roller, by using a recording material size and a time period of detection of the interval between papers. |
| US08632069B2 |
Image forming device with recarrying path
An image forming device, comprising: a main body; an image formation unit; and a re-carrying path along which a sheet-like medium on which the image has been formed is carried again to the image formation unit. In this configuration, the re-carrying path comprises: a first path formed to extend downward; a bending part formed to bend from a lower end of the first path toward an upstream side of the image formation unit; and a second path formed to extend from the bending part toward the upstream side of the image formation unit. A pair of re-carrying rollers which carry the sheet-like medium are provided on the second path. A recessed part formed to be recessed downward with respect to a common tangential line of the pair of re-carrying rollers is provided on the second path between the bending part and the pair of re-carrying rollers. |
| US08632059B2 |
Dispersing fragrances
A fragrance disperser in one form includes a single fan that passes air over a wicked single or double fragrance. A second form has the fan reversible to provide two different airstreams that evaporate respective different fragrances one after the other. Where two fragrances are provided, the evaporation may be by respective electrical heaters. A fragrance source may be formed by two sheets joined together to form two chambers each receiving a respective wick and having respective exposed wick portions. The source may incorporate a source of electrical power. An alternative source has a reservoir for fragrance and a wick located in an air passage forming part of the source so that an air flow is guided through the passage past the wick to evaporate fragrance. Where two fragrances are provided, the fragrance sources may be located side-by-side and matching fragrances may have, for example, matching indicia on the sources so that the match can be easily determined visually. |
| US08632057B2 |
Diaphragm carburetor
The present invention provides a diaphragm carburetor wherein heat transferred from the engine to the carburetor through the insulator is reduced to lower the temperature of the carburetor unit and reduce the occurrence of bubbles in the fuel. The carburetor of the present invention is a diaphragm carburetor in which a fuel channel that extends from a pump chamber of the carburetor to a constant-pressure fuel chamber is divided into two branches to form one branch as a main fuel channel connected to the constant-pressure fuel chamber, and the other branch as a fuel circulation channel for passing the fuel through the body side surface of the carburetor on the insulator side, or the body side surface of the insulator on the carburetor side, causing the fuel to make a circuit around the carburetor, and returning the fuel to the fuel tank. |
| US08632055B2 |
Combined car jack and lug wrench assembly
A combined car jack and lug wrench assembly is provided that includes a driving lever configured to be used both to engage a driving head for operating a hydraulic system of the car jack and to be used as a spanner of a lug wrench assembly. The assembly can include a car jack body, a socket storage assembly disposed on the body for housing wrench sockets, and a lever storage assembly disposed on a sidewall of the body configured to secure the driving lever along a sidewall of the body, when not in use. |
| US08632050B2 |
Electromagnetic actuating unit
An electromagnetic actuating unit for a hydraulic valve with a housing and a closure element. The housing at least partially delimits the electromagnetic actuating unit in relation to the surroundings. The closure element is arranged within an introductory opening of the housing. A sealing-means receptacle is formed on a boundary surface between the housing and the closure element. Furthermore, at least one first channel leads into the sealing-means receptacle and is open towards the surroundings of the actuating unit. A sealing element, which is arranged in the sealing-means receptacle is placed into the sealing-means receptacle via the first channel. |
| US08632046B2 |
Mounting apparatus for fan
A mounting apparatus for a fan includes a bracket, two fixing members, two screws, and a shield plate. The bracket includes a fixing plate defining a vent and two first through holes adjacent to opposite ends of a top of the vent. The screws extend through the fixing members and the first through holes of the bracket, in that order, for engaging in an upper portion of the fan arranged behind the fixing plate, with the vent aligning with the fan. A top of the shield plate is rotatably connected between the fixing members. The shield plate hangs vertically by gravity to cover the vent upon a condition that the gravity of the shield plate is not overcome by airflow passing through the vent. |
| US08632045B2 |
Movable base with wheels deployable by reversible driving assembly
A ratchet assembly includes an elongated shaft, a gear housing, a ratcheting member, and an arm. The elongated shaft can have a gear and be supported by the gear housing to allow rotation about a primary axis of the shaft. The ratcheting member can mount in the housing and be biased toward the gear to engage with the gear hindering relative rotation about the shaft axis in a first direction and allowing rotation about the shaft axis in a second direction opposite the first direction. The ratcheting member can rotatably mount within the housing about a second axis. The arm can couple to the gear housing in a first configuration to provide torque to rotate the housing about the shaft axis in the first direction when the arm is pressed downward. The arm can also be coupled to the gear housing in a second configuration to rotate the housing about the shaft axis in a second direction opposite the first direction when the arm is pressed downward. |
| US08632044B2 |
Picture anchor and method
A picture anchor may include a fastener such as a pin, nail or tack and a non-metallic bumper pad connected to the non-sharp end of the fastener. The anchor is adapted so a back surface of the bumper pad may be attached to a back surface of an object for hanging. A user may then press the object for hanging against the mounting surface, such as a drywall surface, to force the sharp end of the fastener to penetrate the surface thereby anchoring the object to the wall. The bumper pad(s) will provide a uniform space between the hanging object and the mounting surface and serve as a shock absorber to prevent the hanging object from vibrating or rattling. |
| US08632042B2 |
Tilt and swivel mounting for monitors and other devices
A tilt and swivel mounting device may include a base member, a first disc in contact with the base member, and a second disc in contact with the first disc. The first disc may be restricted to moving substantially in a first direction relative to the base member. The second disc may be restricted to moving substantially in a second direction, wherein the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction relative to the first disc. A cover may be attached to the base member for housing the first and second discs in an assembly compressible in response to a user rotatable control. A support base may be attached to an axial shaft, and the axial shaft may be axially coupled to the assembly. |
| US08632040B2 |
Low profile mounting of electronic devices
An apparatus that includes a support beam that spans a distance along a first surface of a planar object. The apparatus also includes a mounting bracket that includes a channel shaped to receive at least a portion of the support beam to suspend the mounting bracket from the support beam. The mounting bracket also includes at least one mounting point configured to attach the mounting bracket to an electronic device. The apparatus further includes a trim bezel configured to attach to the electronic device. The trim bezel includes a trim bezel surface. The apparatus additionally includes a set screw coupled to the channel and the support beam. The set screw is configured to adjust a gap between the mounting bracket and the support beam to adjust the bezel surface with respect to a second surface of the planar object. |
| US08632032B2 |
Inverted airfoil pylon for an aircraft
An aircraft including a wing and a pylon, wherein the pylon provides an airfoil inverted for an airfoil of the wing, and an improvement and method for improved flight dynamics for 20 and 30 Series LEARJET® is provided. The improvement includes an increased distance between a leading edge of a wing and an intake of an engine of the aircraft, which reduces drag and increases lift for improved flight dynamics of the aircraft. The inverted airfoil of the pylon negates an influence of the pylon on flight dynamics for improved overall flight dynamics of the aircraft. The method includes steps of removing an original engine from an original pylon, removing the original pylon from the fuselage of the aircraft, and mounting a new pylon in a new location adjacent to the fuselage, wherein the new location is aft of the original location. |
| US08632029B1 |
Material crusher
A material crusher system including a body, a lid, an outlet, and a feed tube disposed through the lid for receiving particulate. The system can include a centrifugal assembly within the body for receiving and crushing the particulate. A motor can be connected to the centrifugal assembly for controlling a rotating plate. A variable frequency drive can be connected to the motor for optimizing a rotation speed of the rotating plate, thereby preventing over-crushing of the particulate. The system can include a plurality of anvil holders disposed around an anvil ring with an anvil in each anvil holder. Each anvil can be impacted by the particulate and a downdraft can carry the particulate from the anvil to the outlet. The system can include a gas purge system for pressurizing a shaft bearing on the motor, enabling for continuous use of the ultrafine material crusher system. |
| US08632023B2 |
Push button mechanism for showerhead control
A shower head includes a push-button operated rotatable valve having a plurality of positions including; a first position in which the shower head allows water to flow to a first function, a second position radially offset from the first position in which the shower head allows water to flow to a second function, a third position radially offset from the first position and the second position and to the first position, in which the shower head allows water to flow trickle through the shower head. |
| US08632021B2 |
Pump head assembly and pressure washer with such pump head assembly
The patent application relates to a pump head assembly. The pump head assembly includes a pump head which at least has a water inlet and a first water outlet between which a pressurizing unit is provided, and the pump head further includes a second water outlet, a throttle orifice is provided between the water inlet and the second water outlet, the throttle orifice is provided with a water outlet end and a water inlet end, the throttle orifice is provide with a liquid suction port, and a one way valve is provided on the liquid suction port. The pump head assembly realizes cleaning liquid suction by self-pressure of tap water, which lowers energy consumption, and effectively and reasonably saves energy sources. |
| US08632016B2 |
RFID chip employing an air gap buffer
An RFID tag incorporating an arched buffer such that the RFID inlay containing the RFID transponder is held away from the mounting surface. This has the advantage of reducing RF signal degradation caused by the electromagnetic properties of the material. |
| US08632013B2 |
Information retrieval using decoded machine-readable optical codes
A method is disclosed for reading a machine-readable optical code encoding information formed in an image that is presented to a user. The method includes using a processor to receive the image with the machine-readable optical code; using a graphic user interface to visually present the received image on a display; using the graphic user interface to receive a user selection of the machine-readable optical code; using a processor to decode the selected machine-readable optical code; and using the graphic user interface to present information referenced by the decoded information on the display. |
| US08632012B2 |
Focus adjustment with MEMS actuator in imaging scanner
A method and apparatus for using in an imaging scanner. The apparatus includes a solid-state imager, an imaging lens assembly comprising a base lens and a MEMS lens, and an electric circuitry operative to transfer the image captured by the solid-state imager to a decoding circuitry. The imaging lens assembly is configured to focus light reflected from the target object onto the array of photosensitive elements in the solid-state imager by passing the light reflected from the target object through the base lens followed by the MEMS lens. |
| US08632009B2 |
Near field magnetic coupling antenna and RFID reader having the same
A near field magnetic coupling antenna may include a plurality of annularly arranged radiators and an annular conductive portion. The annular conductive portion may include a plurality of conductive segments. A first gap may be formed between any two adjacent radiators. Each conductive segment may partially overlap two adjacent radiators and any two adjacent conductive segments may be separated by a second gap. Two adjacent radiators may be associated with a feed point and a ground point, respectively, and the feed point and the ground point may be disposed in the proximity of the first gap. |
| US08632006B2 |
Transaction card package assembly having enhanced security
A transaction card package assembly comprising a transaction card connected to a first panel via a releasable interface, wherein the first panel is affixed to a second panel such that upon releasing the interface, the first panel remains affixed to the second panel and the transaction card is released from the package assembly. |
| US08632003B2 |
Multiple persona information cards
A computer-implemented method can include selecting an information card from a group of identified information cards, selecting a persona from a group of identified personae that are associated with the selected information card, and generating a Request for Security Token (RST) based on the selected information card and the selected persona. |
| US08632002B2 |
Real-time security verification for banking cards
Embodiments of the invention provide a means for verifying that a person using a bank card at a point-of-sale merchant location is in fact a person authorized to use the bank card. In one embodiment of the invention, verification may involve communicating with the mobile device 103 associated with the person authorized to use the bank card. The person authorized to use the bank card may be required to send verification data to the bank card verification system via the mobile device to confirm a purchase. The bank card verification system may not authorize the purchase if the proper verification data is not received from the mobile device. In another embodiment, the bank card verification system may be configured to determine a proximity of the mobile device to the merchant point-of-sale location to verify the purchase. |
| US08631999B2 |
System and method for accepting closed loop cards and codes at a merchant point of sale
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for redeeming a closed loop card/code funded with an amount of money. The system receives from a merchant point of sale an indication of use of a closed loop card/code not issued by the merchant and presented by a consumer, queries and receives a confirmation of an amount of money in an account associated with the closed loop card/code, presents the consumer with an offer to buy the closed loop card/code at a discount price, and upon accepting the offer, closes out the closed loop card/code and pays the discount price to the consumer. Paying the discount price can include applying the discount price to a purchase by the consumer at the merchant. The merchant can provide cash back to the consumer for excess value of the discount price over the consumer's purchase. Merchants can apply more than the discount price. |
| US08631996B2 |
Composite of sheet metal parts
A composite of sheet metal parts on or for a vehicle comprises a first sheet metal part forming a first outer shell region and comprising a first joining region which projects from the first outer shell region via a bent transition towards an inner side of the composite. The composite further comprises a second sheet metal part forming a second outer shell region and comprising a second joining region which projects from the second outer shell region towards the inner side of the composite, the second joining region facing the first joining region. The composite also comprises a welding or soldering seam along which the sheet metal parts are connected, wherein the seam runs along or alongside a flange edge formed in the first joining region at a distance from the first outer shell region, a flange deviating from the first joining region along the flange edge. |
| US08631995B2 |
Method and device for mirrors position adjustment of a solar concentrator
The present invention consists of developing a technology with different processes to realize an optimal solar approach using a solar concentrator where distance screws are used that, when moving, allow the positioning of the mirrors whereby the reflected solar beam is directed to a focal point; the advantage of these processes is that each movement of the screws involves adjusting the position of all the neighboring mirrors, which allow a perfect alignment and adjustment of the mirrors. |
| US08631991B2 |
Surgical instrument
A surgical instrument for fastening tissue with a staple. The instrument includes a cartridge adapted for containing the staple. The cartridge includes a mechanism adapted to selectively advance the staple toward a forward end of the cartridge so the ends of the staple protrude from the cartridge and to selectively close the staple. The cartridge includes a mount connected to the cartridge and adapted for mounting the cartridge to an end of an endoscope. The cartridge includes a linkage connected to the cartridge for actuating the mechanism to advance and close the staple and a remote actuator connected to the linkage a predetermined distance from the cartridge for actuating the mechanism from a position remote from the cartridge. |
| US08631990B1 |
Staple trap for surgical stapler
An exemplary staple holder of a surgical stapler may include a cavity defined therein, staples held within that cavity; an upper surface; apertures defined through the upper surface through which staples are deployable, at least one wedge movable within the cavity, and at least one staple trap including a strip and arms extending from and bent relative to the strip, where at least one arm resides in a neutral position directly underneath a corresponding aperture. |
| US08631988B2 |
Surgical stapler having an articulation mechanism
An articulation mechanism for use with a surgical instrument includes a shaft, a first member disposed in mechanical cooperation with the articulation shaft, a second member disposed in mechanical cooperation with the shaft, and a flexible shaft having proximal and distal portions. The flexible member is operatively coupled to the first and second members. Upon rotation of the articulation shaft, at least one of the first and the second members moves longitudinally with respect to the other of the first and second members between a first position where the first and second members are approximated to each other and a second position where the first and second members are spaced apart from each other. This longitudinal motion causes the distal portion of the flexible member to articulate relative to the proximal portion. |
| US08631984B2 |
Harness and chest plate therein
A harness including a back portion, two shoulder straps (2) a support strap (6) for the tool, a side strap (4) for distributing the weight of the tool, and a chest plate (1). A fastening device (10) for the side strap (4) is detachable from the chest plate (1) and is attachable on the support strap (6) below the chest plate (1). |
| US08631980B2 |
Apparatus for supporting handheld electronic device
There is provided an apparatus for supporting a handheld electronic device including a holster and a clip. The holster defines a pocket for receiving a handheld electronic device and supporting the received handheld electronic device. The clip is coupled to the holster and is configured for movement between an open position and a gripping position and is biased towards the gripping position. In the open position, spacing is provided between the clip and the holster so as to receive an article. In the gripping position, the clip is disposed such that, when an article is disposed between the clip and the holster, the article is gripped by the clip against at least one gripping surface portion of the holster under the force effecting biasing of the clip towards the gripping position. When the clip is disposed in the gripping position, and a handheld electronic device is received and supported by the pocket, coupling of the handheld electronic device to the article is thereby effected. When the coupling of the handheld electronic device to the article is effected, the minimum distance between the handheld electronic device each one of the at least one gripping portion of the holster is at least eighteen (18) millimetres. |
| US08631975B2 |
Airless pump and cosmetic container having the same
An airless pump and a cosmetic container including the same. The airless pump includes a nozzle of a head and a compression cylinder disposed between the storage container and the nozzle. A sealing cap fixes the compression cylinder. A piston valve and a piston are fastened into an inner compression chamber inside the compression cylinder. An operation pipe is disposed above the sealing cap in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which an operation button is pushed. The operation pipe is actuated and drives the piston and piston valve in the perpendicular direction. A spring is disposed between the operation pipe and the sealing cap. A slider axially is axially coupled to the operation pipe in the perpendicular direction. The slider is actuated by the operation button to horizontally reciprocate in a direction, thereby driving the operation pipe in the perpendicular direction. |
| US08631972B2 |
Metering system with component support
A dispensing system for the interior of a dishwashing machine includes a component carrier on which components are detachably or nondetachably arranged, including at least a dispensing chamber, an actuator, and a closing element as well as an energy source and/or a control unit and/or a sensor unit. The closing element is coupled with the actuator such that movement of the actuator displaces the closing element into a closure or a release position. The at least one dispensing chamber is connected in communicating manner with at least one cartridge chamber and includes an inlet for inflow of washing or cleaning agent from a cartridge chamber and an outlet for outflow of washing or cleaning agent from the dispensing chamber into its surrounding environment. The outlet of the dispensing chamber is closable or openable by the closing element. |
| US08631971B2 |
Bag in box packaging having an insertable tray
A bag in box packaging comprising an outer box, an inner bag and a tray member. The outer box includes an opening at the lower end of the front wall and onto the bottom wall. A pair of opposing slits extend along the lower edge on opposing sides of the opening thereat. The spout and/or the tap extend through an opening in the base so that the tap and the inner bag are on opposite sides of the base. A pair of opposing channels are defined between the respective flange and the dispensing wall interfacing surface of the tray. The tray member can be slid into position by extending the front wall between the respective flange and the dispensing wall interfacing surface and into the respective opposing channels defined thereby, to, in turn, secure the tray to the outer box. |
| US08631967B2 |
Sensor protector
A method for preventing recalibration of an automated product dispenser, a sensor protector for a product dispenser, and a product dispenser including a housing having a sensor area, a capacitive sensor adjacent a first surface of the sensor area of the housing, where the sensor has a target sensing area extending through the first surface and beyond a second surface of the housing opposite the first surface in a direction away from the first surface and a sensor protector which includes a plurality of spaced apart projections extending from the second surface in the direction away from the first surface. |
| US08631962B2 |
Container in metal sheet
The container includes a peripheral side wall, whose upper peripheral edge defines a retention hook with a profile in the form of an inverted U, having an inner side leg, an arched base leg (lib) and an outer lateral leg (lie). An upper end wall of the container includes a median panel and a peripheral upper skirt having an end edge defining a closure hook with a profile in the form of an inverted U, having an inner side portion, an arched base portion, and an outer side portion which incorporates an upwardly projecting end flange. The closure hook is fitted onto the retention hook and radially inwardly deformed, compressing an elastic sealing element between the two hooks and maintaining the end flange projecting upwardly to the interior of the retention hook. |
| US08631960B2 |
Transport and storage container for liquids
A transport and storage container for liquids, which can be used as a single-use or multiple-use container, has as its principal components an exchangeable parallelepiped-shaped inner container of plastic material with a front wall, a rear wall and two side walls, a lower and an upper bottom, a filling socket integrally formed on the upper bottom and closable by means of a cover, and a discharge socket to be connected to a discharge fitting, wherein the discharge socket is integrally formed or welded to an indentation in the lower portion of the front wall. The container further includes an outer casing constructed as a grate casing with intersecting horizontal and vertical grate rods of metal for receiving the inner container, and an underframe constructed as a pallet with skids. |
| US08631959B2 |
Canister with lever actuated latch
A canister includes a body having a shell, a lid, and a handle mechanism. The handle mechanism includes a lever that actuates to engage and disengage a latch pivoted on the lever for locking and unlocking the lid to the body. The lever mates to a fixed handle portion to complete a handle for facilitating handling of the canister. The canister can further include wheels for transporting the canister. The lid can include an elastic portion to press against the body to create a seal. The canister can further include a utensil attached to the underside of the lid, for use to scoop the content from the canister. |
| US08631957B2 |
Recloseable lid with closure plug
The invention is a recloseable lid for a drinking cup comprising a cap with a dispensing aperture through which liquid can pass. A plug is movably mounted to the cap and is sized to seal the dispensing aperture when a portion of the plug is inserted into the dispensing aperture. |
| US08631953B2 |
Closure for container for holding biological samples
A closure for a container, e.g., a tube, for a sample, e.g., a biological sample. The closure comprises a cap having a first opening and a second opening, the first opening capable of communicating with the mouth of a container, the second opening sealed by an exterior seal, and intermediate the first opening and the exterior seal, an interior seal. The invention also provides an assembly comprising the closure of this invention and a container. The invention also provides a method for preparing the closure. |
| US08631952B2 |
Knuckle formed without a finger core
A railcar coupler knuckle includes a tail section, a hub section, and a nose section. The tail, hub, and nose sections define internal cavities including (i) a kidney cavity, (ii) a pivot pin cavity, and (ii) a finger cavity. The kidney and pivot pin cavities are formed using at least one internal core during manufacturing of the coupler knuckle. The finger cavity is formed from a finger section of cope and drag mold portions of a mold used during manufacturing of the coupler knuckle, wherein the finger section of the mold defines the entirety of the finger cavity of the coupler knuckle. |
| US08631943B2 |
Packaging component
A package component for holding a personal care device is described. The package component has a first section and a first section cover with a first fold line therebetween. The package component also has a second section and a second section cover with a second fold line therebetween. An eccentric cover is configured to allow the first section and the first section cover to be folded with respect to the second section and the second section cover, the eccentric cover being disposed between the first section and the second section or between the first section cover and the second section cover. |
| US08631938B2 |
Easy opening packaging for liquid or gel products
The present invention proposes a packaging (1) for a food product such as a gel comprising a first sheet (2) comprising at least one folded portion (4) of sheet material which runs across the first sheet, the sheet material in the folded portion (4) being joined together in a peelable seal (6), a second sheet (3) comprising at least one folded portion (5) of sheet material which runs across the second sheet, the sheet material in the folded portion (5) being at joined together in a peelable seal (7). The first and second sheets (2,3) are joined together defining a product cavity (8), the first and second sheets (2,3) are positioned such that two folded portions (4,5) protrude outwardly and are arranged opposite such that by pulling in a direction transverse to that of the folded portions, the two peelable seals (6,7) are peeled apart and an aperture (9,10) be created in each side of the packaging providing access to the product cavity (8). The invention also relates to a method for making such a packaging. |
| US08631936B2 |
Recyclable drum having inwardly folded end portions
A wire container having a housing consisting essentially of recyclable material is provided. The housing has a peripheral wall defining a boundary leading from a first end to a second end of the housing, a plurality of end portions folded inwardly at the second end to define an end wall, and a plurality of support structures coplanar with and coupled to the end wall and extending across the plurality of end portions. A welding wire and container assembly is also provided, in which a coil of welding wire is disposed in the housing and support by the base. |
| US08631935B2 |
Catheter tray, packaging system, and associated methods
A tray (100) for accommodating a coiled medical device, such as a catheter assembly (700), includes a first compartment (101), a second compartment (102), and a third compartment (103). The catheter assembly (700) and devices associated with a catheterization procedure, such as syringes (701,702) containing sterile water and lubricating jelly and a specimen container (703) can be disposed within the tray. A first barrier (105) and second barrier (106) separate the compartments. The barriers can have openings (121,122) therein to accommodate large syringes or to enable the first compartment (101) to be used as a lubricant applicator for the catheter. The first compartment (101) can include a stair-stepped contour (115) such that the syringes are held at different depths to facilitate ease of use. The various devices can be disposed within the tray (100) in accordance with their order of use in the catheterization procedure. |
| US08631928B2 |
Conveyor for printed sheet material with air assisted drop
A sheet material conveyor includes a pocket conveyor with at least one moving pocket for collecting printed sheet material, the pocket conveyor having a release area for releasing the printing sheet material in the pocket. The sheet material conveyor also includes an air supply device providing air to the pocket at the release area. A pocket with air supply holes and a method for releasing printed sheet material using pressurized air is also provided. |
| US08631925B1 |
Adjusting mechanism for rolls on a roll stand assembly
A roll stand assembly for processing a sheet product and having a frame and a plurality of rolls operatively position on the frame so as to define a plurality of nip locations between cooperating pairs of the rolls. The roll axes are substantially parallel with the plurality of rolls operatively positioned on the frame. Two of the rolls are relatively repositionable by guided relative movement therebetween along a first path to vary a gap between the two rolls. The two rolls are relatively repositionable by guided relative movement therebetween along a second path that is different than the first path to vary the gap between the two rolls. A control system is provided through which the two rolls are relatively repositioned by causing guided relative movement between the two rolls in the first and second paths. |
| US08631924B2 |
Conveying device and pusher shoe for use in the device
The invention relates to a conveying device for objects. The device comprises a frame provided with a series of carriers (1) that are movable in a conveying direction, the carriers being aligned parallel to each other with a certain gap and transverse to the conveying direction (A), wherein at least some of the carriers bear pusher shoes (3) that are shiftable along said carriers through the gap. The device is characterized in that the gap between successive carriers is at least partly bridged by gap closure means (50), designed such that a pusher shoe can run through the gap relatively unhindered, while an object other than a pusher shoe is prevented from falling into the gap. The conveying device has less down-time than the known device. The invention also relates to a pusher shoe for use in the device. |
| US08631923B1 |
Device sorting apparatus
A device sorting apparatus 100 is disclosed herein. In a described embodiment, the device sorting apparatus 100 comprises a plurality of bin connectors 120 for coupling to respective bins for storing sorted devices and a rotary distribution module 102 for receiving a device 200 to be sorted and for discharging the device 200 selectively into one of the bin connectors 120 to enable the device 200 to be unloaded to the respective bin. The device sorting apparatus 100 further comprises a sensor 110 coupled to the rotary distribution module 102 for detecting the discharge of the device 200, and which is rotatable together with the rotary distribution module 102; and a rotary transformer 400 for powering the sensor 110. |
| US08631922B2 |
System, apparatus, and method for object edge detection
A system, apparatus, and method for detecting overlapped items in a sequence of items moving along a conveying path based on rigidity and thickness contour measurements. |
| US08631919B2 |
Automatic transmission shift quality via selective use of closed-loop pressure feedback control
A method to control a hydraulically actuated clutch in a transmission of a vehicle includes monitoring a pressure in a hydraulic circuit providing pressurized fluid to the hydraulically actuated clutch with micro-electromechanical pressure sensor, providing a closed-loop feedback control command for a hydraulic control device providing the pressurized fluid to the hydraulic circuit based upon the monitoring pressure, and controlling the control device based upon the closed-loop feedback control command. |
| US08631918B2 |
Torque transmission assembly with clutches
A torque transmission assembly is disposed between a power source and a vehicle transmission and includes an annular housing, a pump member of a fluid coupling, a turbine member of the fluid coupling, a lockup clutch, a first shaft, a first selectable clutch, a second shaft, and a second selectable clutch. The turbine member opposes the pump member and the lockup clutch is selectively engaged between the pump member and the turbine member. The first selectable clutch is selectively engaged between the turbine member and the first shaft. The second selectable clutch is selectively engaged between the turbine member and the second shaft. |
| US08631916B2 |
Apparatus for the parking lock of an agricultural vehicle
An apparatus for the parking lock of a vehicle, in particular, of an agricultural tractor. The apparatus comprises a parking lever mechanically linked to a braking lever by a cinematic chain. The braking lever comprises a tooth apt to engage at least a braking element vehicle. The braking lever is provided with a yielding device placed in correspondence to its own hinge. The yielding device is able to ease the engagement of the tooth with a gap comprised between two teeth of a driveline gear in order to guarantee a reliable parking lock of the vehicle. |
| US08631915B2 |
Brake disc rings with perforation holes
Brake disk rings which have perforation holes perpendicular to the plane of the friction surfaces, characterized in that the perforation holes each have a distance from their nearest neighbors which is always at most 30 mm and on average is at least twice the average hole diameter. |
| US08631914B2 |
Opposed high pressure hydraulic system
Braking systems and methods having above atmospheric pressure applied to the working hydraulic fluid of the braking system. In certain preferred arrangements, the braking system includes at least one source of pressure, which pressurizes a fluid. The pressurized fluid acts on respective pressure surfaces of the master plunger(s) and the slave piston(s) that are opposite the active or working surfaces of the master plunger(s) and the slave piston(s). |
| US08631913B2 |
Brake assembly for final drive
A braking system for a final drive for a wheel assembly of an independently powered wheeled vehicle. The system includes a service brake having a displaceable element actuatable to retard rotation of the individual wheel assembly. A park brake is positioned closely adjacent to the service brake and is actuatable independently of the service brake to displace the displaceable element to retard rotation of the wheel. Both the service brake and park brake are accessible without disturbing an electric motor with which they are associated. |
| US08631912B2 |
Brake caliper
A brake caliper for a disk brake is disclosed. The brake caliper includes a caliper housing defining a bore that extends along a bore axis. A piston of an actuating device is mounted within the bore so as to be movable along the bore axis in an application direction and a return direction. A sealing arrangement is at least partially provided between the piston and the bore. The sealing arrangement includes a sealing ring positioned in a radial groove. A base surface of the groove is formed in the direction of the bore axis and oriented antiparallel with respect to the bore axis such that the groove base surface approaches the bore axis in the application direction. |
| US08631908B2 |
Elevator system and associated method including power control for operating an elevator in an emergency mode
An elevator system and associated method includes power control for operating an elevator (2) in an emergency mode wherein the elevator (2) includes a car (4), a drive motor (10), a motor drive unit (26) which supplies power to the drive motor (10) and controls the same and an emergency power supply (42). The motor drive unit (10) has a predetermined normal operation switching frequency. In an emergency mode, power is supplied to the motor from the emergency power supply (42) while the motor drive unit is in an emergency mode. An actual emergency operation condition characteristic is determined for setting the switching frequency of the motor drive unit (46) dependent on the actual emergency operation condition characteristic. |
| US08631895B2 |
Exhaust device for work vehicle
An exhaust device for a work vehicle including: an exhaust pipe for guiding exhaust to a vehicle exterior. The exhaust pipe includes: an exhaust guide pipe into which exhaust from an engine is introduced, a bending section for changing an exhaust direction; an external protective pipe that externally fits onto a downstream-side guide pipe; an ejector section for suctioning and introducing external air between an outer periphery of the exhaust guide pipe and an inner periphery of the external protective pipe; and an external air introduction section provided to an upstream-side end section of the external protective pipe. |
| US08631893B2 |
Driver drowsiness detection and verification system and method
A method and steering wheel for determining and verifying a state of driver alertness includes receiving a response at a steering wheel. The method includes selectively energizing at least one stimulus annunciator in the wheel in order to present a first stimulus to a driver. A processor in the wheel generates a signal indicative of a stimulus annunciator onset time indicating the moment the stimulus annunciator provided the first stimulus to the driver. A sensor array arranged on the wheel responds to a first grip pressure the driver exerts at a first grip location on the wheel. The processor generates a response signal indicative of a response onset time. The processor calculates a time interval between the stimulus annunciator onset time and the response onset time. |
| US08631892B2 |
Load and/or transport cart
A load and transport cart includes, under a loading platform, a triangular steering plate and, therebelow, a front part of a footboard, wherein the steering plate has a bore, an annular-segment shaped groove, an elongated hole and two opposing first ball heads. The first ball heads each lie in an articulated manner in a respective bearing at one end of a respective steering lever and, at the other end of each lever is a bearing for a respective further ball head of a respective triangular swinging fork on a stub axle of which a respective front wheel is rotatably mounted, wherein each of the swinging forks is rotatably mounted on the loading platform via pivot pins, and wherein the steering axis is located in front of an imaginary axis and can be deflected to the left or right by the steering angle of 45°. |
| US08631891B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling a hybrid powertrain system
A vehicular powertrain system includes an engine, an electro-mechanical transmission and an electric machine arranged in an input-split hybrid configuration. A control system for the powertrain system includes a control module signally connected to a plurality of input devices and configured to execute program code stored on a computer readable medium to control the powertrain. The program code monitors operator inputs, determines an intent to service the vehicle based upon the operator inputs, commands the electric machine to generate a net torque output of zero, and controls the engine speed correlative to an operator depression of an accelerator pedal. |
| US08631879B1 |
Compact floating row cleaner
A floating row cleaner assembly comprising a tool arm row cleaner mount, a row cleaner frame mounting plate, a row cleaner frame pivotally attached to the tool arm row cleaner mount and the row cleaner frame mounting plate. The periphery of the u-shaped row cleaner frame is composed of a combination of angled and curved portions to reduce the length and width of the frame to allow row cleaners to be used in combination with a coulter, or other tillage tool, and planter row unit spacing below 30 inches, while allowing necessary clearance between the row cleaner(s) and the coulter for terrain responsive operation. |
| US08631869B2 |
Methods useful for controlling fluid loss in subterranean treatments
Provided are methods of using fluid loss control additives that comprise a water-soluble polymer with hydrophobic or hydrophilic modification. In one embodiment, a method of providing at least some degree of fluid loss control during a subterranean treatment is provided. In an example of such a method, the method may comprise providing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous liquid and a fluid loss control additive, the fluid loss control additive comprising a water-soluble polymer with hydrophobic or hydrophilic modification; and introducing the treatment fluid into a well bore that penetrates a subterranean formation, wherein there is at least a partial reduction in fluid loss into at least a portion of the subterranean formation from the treatment fluid and/or another aqueous fluid introduced into well bore subsequent to the treatment fluid. |
| US08631866B2 |
Leak detection in circulated fluid systems for heating subsurface formations
A method of treating a subsurface formation includes circulating at least one molten salt through at least one conduit of a conduit-in-conduit heater located in the formation to heat hydrocarbons in the formation to at least a mobilization temperature of the hydrocarbons. At least some of the hydrocarbons are produced from the formation. An electrical resistance of at least one of the conduits of the conduit-in-conduit heater is assessed to assess a presence of a leak in at least one of the conduits. |
| US08631862B2 |
Self-sealing chemical injection line coupling
A chemical injection line connector includes first and second couplings configured to automatically seal shut when the members are disengaged. A method for blocking contamination or pressure transfer of chemical injection lines includes securing first and second couplings to corresponding ends of a chemical injection line and automatically sealing the couplings shut when the couplings are disengaged. |
| US08631859B1 |
Modular heat exchanger
A heat exchanger includes an adapter header plate having a row of coolant openings, an adapter tank having a lip aligned with a heat exchanger core header and tubular protrusions corresponding to the coolant openings of the adapter header plate. Elastomeric grommets are inserted into the coolant openings of the adapter header plate for sealing the coolant openings to the tubular protrusions of the adapter tank. The heat exchanger includes an elongated filler frame member having an opening extending therethrough and opposing lips extending around each end of the opening. At least one tab of adjacent heat exchanger cores are secured to the filler frame member lips to connect at least two of the heat exchanger cores. A pair of opposing side members and a core support member centered between two heat exchanger cores are adapted to direct air flow to the fins and tubes of the heat exchanger cores. |
| US08631858B2 |
Self cooling heat exchanger with channels having an expansion device
An inexpensive heat exchanger is disclosed, wherein the heat exchanger is made up of a plurality of plates and each plate has at least one channel defined in the plate. The plates are stacked and bonded together to form a block having conduits for carrying at least one fluid and where the exchanger includes an expansion device enclosed within the unit. |
| US08631857B2 |
Finned air-guiding heat-dissipating structure and heat-dissipating module having the same
A finned air-guiding heat-dissipating structure includes a heat sink having heat-dissipating fins arranged at intervals. At least one heat-dissipating channel is formed between the heat-dissipating fins. The heat-dissipating fins form an intake side and a first exhaust side and a second exhaust side in communication with the intake side through the heat-dissipating channels. The first exhaust side and the second exhaust side are located on both ends of the intake side and on both sides of the heat sink. A first exhaust trough and a second exhaust trough are provided on the other two sides of the heat sink and in communication with the intake side through the heat-dissipating channels. The heat sink is connected to a fan to form a heat-dissipating module. With this arrangement, the heat sink can guide airflow toward plural sides, so that the heat can be dissipated outside rapidly to achieve an excellent heat-dissipating effect. |
| US08631856B2 |
Stress equalized heat sink unit with tightening device
A stress equalized heat sink unit includes a radiating fin assembly having a plurality of radiating fins and a stress equalizing element. A vertical receiving hole extends from a top of the radiating fin assembly to a predetermined depth. The stress equalizing element is positioned on the bottom of the receiving hole with one side facing away from the bottom of the receiving hole that serves as a pressure receiving face. When a tightening device fitted on fin assembly applies a downward pressure on the pressure receiving face, the applied pressure is uniformly dispersed via the pressure receiving face and the radiating fins to avoid deformation of the radiating fins due to stress concentration. |
| US08631855B2 |
System for dissipating heat energy
A sustainable system for cooling at least one electronic device, for example a Light Emitting Diode (LED), and preferably a plurality of electronic devices, using at least one heat absorbing material contained within a housing that it is in thermal communication with the electronic devices. The heat absorbing materials may be present individually or in combinations thereof in order to achieve the desired heat absorption effect; the housing may include multiple chambers containing heat absorbing materials or combinations thereof. |
| US08631853B2 |
Strip casting apparatus for rapid set and change of casting rolls
An apparatus and method for continuously casting thin steel strip include a pair of counter-rotatable casting rolls in a roll cassette laterally positioned to form a nip there between through which thin cast strip can be cast, adapted to support a casting pool of molten metal on the casting surfaces, an enclosure to support a protective atmosphere immediately beneath the casting rolls in the casting position, and an upper cover positioned below the casting rolls to move between a closed position covering the upper portion of the enclosure maintaining the protective atmosphere in the enclosure in the closed position and a retracted position enabling cast strip to be cast into the enclosure. A scrap receptacle positioned beneath the casting position movable in either direction to a discharge stations. Further, a movable tundish adapted to be transferred from a heating station to the casting position. |
| US08631848B2 |
Apparatus and method for producing waterproof structural corrugated paperboard
Two paper webs saturated with an A-phase phenolic resins and dried to a B-phase are conveyed through separate low melting point metal alloy baths, one web after being corrugated, to convert the resin to a fully cured C-phase, whereafter the webs are joined to form a waterproof single face corrugated web. |
| US08631847B2 |
Pneumatic tire
Protruding ridges on a surface of a side wall portion extending in a tire radial direction for a predetermined range in the tire radial direction and being provided in a plurality in a row arrangement in a tire circumferential direction, wherein the ridges are formed continuously in the predetermined range from a first edge in the tire radial direction to a second edge; and characters are formed by the ridges including reference parts provided on a reference line that connects the first edge in the tire radial direction to the second edge, and curved parts that depart from and return to the reference line by bending or curving. |
| US08631846B2 |
Pneumatic tyre with built-in self-sealing ply
A pneumatic tire with a built-in self-sealing layer includes an outer rubbery tread, a carcass reinforcement, a gastight layer located at an inside position relative to the carcass reinforcement, a protective layer located at an innermost position, and a self-sealing layer adjacent to the protective layer and located at an inside position relative to the gastight layer. The protective layer is a thermoplastic film that includes a copolymer formed of at least hard blocks and soft blocks corresponding to a formula: -(BR-BS)n-, where: BR represents a hard block composed of a polyamide or of a blend of polyamides; BS represents a soft block composed of a polyether, a blend of polyethers, or a polyether/polyester copolymer; and n represents a number of (BR-BS) units of the block copolymer, such as, for example, a poly(ether-block-amide) copolymer. |
| US08631841B1 |
Collection funnel
A funnel having a collection area disposed at one end of the funnel. A base surface of the collection area is flat. A flange surrounding an inlet opening is positioned spaced from the collection area. When the funnel is placed in a vertical orientation with the base surface of the collection area contacting a horizontal surface, a lowermost edge of the flange surrounding the inlet opening is aligned with the base surface of the collection area. The funnel is thereby supported in a vertical orientation on the horizontal surface by two contact points. In this position, the residual fluid in the funnel is transferred by gravity to collect within the collection area. No residual fluid is allowed to escape from the interior of the funnel. |
| US08631839B2 |
Apparatus for bottling multi-component beverages
An apparatus for filling liquids and in particular beverages into containers, including a filling device for filling the liquid into the containers, including a liquid line which supplies the liquid to the filling device, wherein the liquid in the liquid line flows in a first flow direction and wherein a flow measuring device is disposed in the liquid line, which flow measuring device determines the quantity of the liquid passing through the flow measuring device in the first flow direction. According to the invention, the flow measuring device is designed in such a way that it also determines the quantity of the liquid passing through the flow metering device in a second flow direction which is opposite to the first flow direction. |
| US08631834B2 |
Spin improvement string tool
The spin improvement string pliers is a pivotally secured together plier device used to manually restructure and roughen the surface of a synthetic or a polyester string on a strung tennis racquet by means of plastic deformation. The line grids on the pliers depress the string, leaving a series of indentations on the string surface that increases the friction between the string and the ball so that the tennis player can more easily generate top or under spin on a tennis ball. |
| US08631833B2 |
Yoga towel
A yoga towel comprising a first layer for standing poses made of woven nylon threads and fibers made from skin-polishing cloth, and an opposite second layer for sitting, kneeling and lying poses made of waffle-woven microfiber fabric. The yoga towel has an edge made of sailcloth. The yoga towel is constructed to prevent a participant from slipping during standing yoga poses, and the exterior remains dry to the touch during use. |
| US08631829B1 |
Composite repair for pipes and monitoring assembly
A method and assembly for monitoring at least one condition outside of a containment device containing a gaseous or fluid substance and an inlet and outlet attached to the containment device. The method includes the steps of providing a monitoring system having a housing surrounding the containment device extending an inlet and outlet through openings in the housing; sealing the housing and sealing around the inlet and outlet so that a cavity internal to the housing is sealed from the exterior environment; providing at least one sensor located in the cavity between the containment device and the housing; connecting the sensor to a unit for monitoring the sensor; sensing at least one parameter indicative of a leak or potential leak of the containment device or attachment of the containment device to the inlet or outlet; and providing alerts of the leak or potential leak. |
| US08631827B2 |
Fluid flow control device
A fluid flow control device that controls a flow of fluid within the flow control device has a flow path to convey the fluid. A cross-sectional area of the flow path varies along the flow path. At least a portion of the length of the fluid flow control device includes an active surface capable of influencing the fluid flow through the flow path to cause vortical motion of the fluid within the fluid pathway. |
| US08631825B2 |
Piezo valve
A piezo valve actuated by an electric voltage. The piezo valve includes a valve body having at least one port for introducing a fluid therethrough, an internal chamber communicating with the port, at least one valve seat for allowing the fluid to pass therethrough, and a circuit board for supplying an electric voltage; a valve unit opening or closing the valve seat of the valve body; a piezo plate bending-strained to either of opposite sides in response to the electric voltage, thus moving the valve unit; and a fastener fastening an end of the piezo plate to the valve body in a state in which a position of the piezo plate can be adjusted. Because the end of the piezo plate is fastened by the fastener, it is possible to fasten the piezo plate in a state in which the fastened position of the piezo plate can be adjusted. |
| US08631824B2 |
Apparatus, method and system for dispensing liquid products to two or more appliances
An apparatus, method and system provides for dispensing liquid products to two or more appliances. Liquid diluent is communicated through an anti-siphon valve (64) connected in fluid communication to an aspirator (14). A mixed solution from the aspirator (14) is communicated to a distribution valve (36) for directing flow of a liquid product to two or more appliances using a single aspirating dispenser (12). |
| US08631822B2 |
Dual-flow valve and swivel
A dual-flow valve includes an inner valve body defining a first flow path and an outer valve body circumscribing the inner valve body. The outer valve body and the inner valve body define a second flow path. The dual-flow valve includes a valve element disposed across the first flow path and the second flow path. The valve element has a first passage for selective flow alignment with the first flow path and a second passage for selective flow alignment with the second flow path. A dual flow swivel includes an upper and lower swivel body, with the lower body adapted to rotate relative to the upper body. Two separate flow paths extend through the swivel bodies allowing upwardly and downwardly directed flows through the swivel bodies. |
| US08631821B2 |
Flexible sump
Described are flexible sumps including a sump cavity comprising flexible walls and a platform coupled to an upper edge of the sump cavity. Some examples of the flexible sumps may also include a flange having a coupling section and an exposed section and/or an interface coupled to a lower surface of the sump cavity. In some examples, at least two coupling tabs are coupled to the platform and are configured to couple the platform to a lower surface of a fuel structure, which may include a sump aperture that is configured to surround the flexible walls of the sump cavity when the platform is coupled to the lower surface of the fuel structure. |
| US08631820B2 |
Hydraulic control valve for construction machinery
It is addressed to provide a hydraulic control valve for preventing high-speed rotation of a valve body of a check valve incorporated in the hydraulic control valve of a type that pressure oil is supplied from a tandem, path and a parallel path via the check valve. A check valve unit is constituted by a main unit and a valve body of a first check valve. A throttle is provided on a right side of an O-ring groove. On a main unit side, there is formed a cylindrical housing portion in which a threaded portion is formed on an outer peripheral portion for fixation to a casing of the hydraulic control valve. On an inner peripheral surface of the housing portion, a groove is formed in an axial direction. Meanwhile, the valve body of the first check valve has a rib. At a time of assembly, the rib, is inserted into the groove of the main unit as indicated by an arrow. After the valve body is assembled to the main unit and fixed to the casing, even with imbalance such as phase shift of the pressure-oil path, the rib having fit into the groove, namely the valve body, is prevented to rotate while it is slidable in the axial direction. Thus, the casing of a seating part of the valve body is not abraded. |
| US08631817B2 |
Central vacuum inlet valve assembly
A subassembly for use in a vacuum inlet valve assembly for a central vacuum system, the subassembly having a valve body with a wiring compartment and at least one press connection detent means and a reversible mounting flange for connecting to the valve body. The mounting flange includes an attachment portion, a mounting flange wall sized and shaped to cover an open side of wiring compartment and press catch connection elements sized and shaped to interact with the detent to secure the mounting flange to the valve body. Also disclosed is a vacuum inlet valve assembly comprising the above subassembly in combination with a cover plate having a rectangular door, a hinge located on a long side of the rectangular door, and a face plate with a vacuum connection opening. In an alternate embodiment the valve body includes a perimeter wall, attachment openings internal but adjacent to said perimeter wall and a snap fit cover to close an open wall of a wiring compartment. |
| US08631815B2 |
Pump attachment interface providing a fixed link between a pump line coupled to a mobile tank and a line disposed in a reservoir
A pump attachment interface provides a fixed link between a first line in communication with a fluid reservoir, and a second line in communication with a mobile storage tank via a pump of a pump truck. The interface includes an interface body with a sloping surface that supports a fixed conduit such that a lower end of the conduit is at a height that is lower than an upper end of the conduit. The lower end is for coupling to the first line, and the second end is for coupling to the second line. The attachment interface also has a spill containment catch basin over which the second end of the conduit is located so as to catch any spillage from the second line when it is coupled to the conduit. The body can be a concrete block, or be molded plastic filled with sand or water. |
| US08631814B2 |
Flow control device
A flow control device for use in a supply line between a pressurized liquid container and a dispenser for the liquid, the flow control device comprising a chamber (200) having an inlet (114) for receiving liquid from the container; a base section (102) comprising a chamber outlet (122) for supplying liquid to the dispenser; a vent valve (110) for venting gas from the chamber (200); a float valve (106) comprising a float section (142) and a seat section (146) and movable to and from an open position wherein the chamber outlet (122) is open to liquid flow and a closed position wherein the chamber outlet (122) is closed to liquid flow; and a float valve opening mechanism (120) Wherein the float section (142) of the float valve (106) comprises a plurality of protrusions (143), at least some of which engage the inside (138) of the chamber (200) so as to locate the float valve (106) substantially in line with the chamber outlet (122). In this way, the float valve can guide itself into the correct position without the need for additional guiding components. |
| US08631813B2 |
Method for producing a microfluidic system
A method for producing a microfluidic system, containing at least one microfluidic component having at least one microfluidically active surface is disclosed. The method includes providing a microfluidic composite substrate having a connection side, comprising at least one microfluidic component introduced into a polymer composition, wherein the microfluidically active surface of said component forms a part of the connection side of the microfluidic composite substrate. The method further includes providing a mating substrate having a connection side for connection to the microfluidic composite substrate. Also, the method includes providing microfluidic structures at least on the connection side of the composite substrate and/or on the connection side of the mating substrate at least for the purpose of forming a microfluidic channel structure in the microfluidic system. In addition, the method includes connecting the microfluidic composite substrate and the mating substrate by their connection sides to form a microfluidic channel structure. |
| US08631810B2 |
Walking/wading staff with integral fishing net
A telescopic wading staff with a full size, integral fishnet is disclosed. The preferred embodiment includes a retractable, extensible pole that can be moved between a first, fully compacted (retracted) configuration for transport or storage and second, fully extended configuration for wading, especially when traversing a stream or riverbed for fly-fishing. Other embodiments include a hook extension from the lower staff end for retrieving tangled lines, lures and the like. |
| US08631809B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus
An interface block is constituted by a cleaning/drying processing block and a carry-in/carry-out block. The cleaning/drying processing block includes cleaning/drying processing sections and a transport section. The transport section is provided with a transport mechanism. The carry-in/carry-out block is provided with a transport mechanism. The transport mechanism carries substrates in and out of an exposure device. |
| US08631808B1 |
Beveled toothpick
An apparatus for intrasulcular cleaning and dental maintenance includes a toothpick preferably made from a non-splintering wood. A first end of the toothpick includes a sloping (i.e., beveled) curvature that extends below a center longitudinal axis of the toothpick and terminates at a thin rounded tip. The rounded tip includes a radius designed for ease and comfort once inserted within a gingival sulcus between a tooth and a gum. The second end of the toothpick may include any desired shape. One or more grooves or geometric shapes are provided to help properly orient the toothpick and provide a tactile indication that the toothpick is properly oriented. The user traces around the tooth with the rounded tip to remove plaque and food debris. The toothpick may disposable or reusable and packaged together or individually wrapped. |
| US08631806B2 |
Mascara system with thickening benefits
A mascara system comprising, in combination: (a) a mascara applicator comprising a substantially longitudinal stem having a major axis A and a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom, wherein at least two adjacent protrusions are spaced from one another at a distance R at the base of the stem; (b) a mascara composition comprising primary particles that are at least about 5 microns in equivalent diameter; and (c) a dermatologically acceptable carrier. The mascara applicator is a molded applicator, the distance R is from about 0.75 mm to about 3.0 mm, and at least one of the primary particles is a wax primary particle composed primarily of one or more waxes. |
| US08631801B2 |
Pressure regulating systems for expandable insertion devices
Earpieces and expandable insertion devices are provided. An earpiece includes an ambient sound microphone (ASM); an ear canal microphone (ECM); an ear canal receiver (ECR); and an inflatable sealing section. The sealing section includes at least one pressure valve. The at least one pressure valve opens when the pressure in the sealing section is greater than an ambient pressure. |
| US08631798B2 |
Valving a respiratory gas pathway with a catheter balloon
A respiratory valve device includes a catheter balloon configured for being disposed in a respiratory gas pathway and valving the respiratory gas pathway. |
| US08631794B2 |
Gas mask
A gas mask is provided for normal-pressure and overpressure operation with at least one breathing port, an expiration valve with a valve spring, an adjusting element affecting the prestress of the valve spring and a pushing element having a first switching position and a second switching position. The pushing element is designed to act on the adjusting element during a translatory motion from the first switching position into the second switching position. A change in the prestress of the valve spring can be brought about and a switchover from a “normal pressure” mode into an “overpressure” mode can thus be carried out. |
| US08631792B2 |
Cushion for a patient interface
A respiratory mask is provided having an outer shell coupled to a cushion for the delivery of a gas to a user. The cushion of the respiratory mask has at least one pleat disposed in the cushion in order to provide varying degrees of flexibility and support about the cushion. |
| US08631784B2 |
Flange device and intake system
A flange device for an air induction device of an internal combustion engine may include a housing of plastic having at least one inlet channel for each cylinder of the internal combustion engine. A fuel distribution rail of metal may have a connection for each cylinder for connecting a fuel injector, wherein the housing may have a flange that surrounds the outlet openings of the inlet channels and be configured to fasten the housing on the internal combustion engine. The housing may have a plurality of bridge sections that overlap the fuel distribution rail on a side facing away from the flange. Each bridge section may have a support sleeve arranged distally to the inlet channels and be configured to fasten the respective bridge section on the internal combustion engine. |
| US08631775B2 |
Multi-mode valve control mechanism for cam-driven poppet valves
A multi-mode valve control mechanism for an engine includes a primary cam follower rotatably mounted within a mount and having one end engaging a camshaft. One or more secondary cam followers are rotatably mounted within the mount and having one end engaging the camshaft. Each secondary cam follower is operatively coupled to a shaft. A follower is dedicated to each cam lobe. A frequency and a duration at which valves in a valve train are actuated is changed by activating only the primary cam follower in a first mode of operation, or activating both the primary cam follower and the one more than one secondary cam followers in a second mode of operation, depending on whether the control mechanism has been activated or not. In either mode of operation, the entire valve train assembly is actuated. |
| US08631774B2 |
Valve timing control apparatus and valve timing control mechanism
A valve timing control apparatus includes a partitioning portion in a driven-side rotary member for partitioning the fluid pressure chamber into an advance angle chamber and a retard angle chamber, a restricting member in the driven-side rotary member and projectable and retractable relative to a driving-side rotary member, a restricting recess in the driving-side rotary member and restricting a relative rotational phase to a predetermined range in association with projection of the restricting member therein, a locking member disposed in the driven-side rotary member and projectable and retractable relative to the driving-side rotary member, a locking recess formed in the driving-side rotary member and locking the relative rotational phase to the predetermined phase in association with projection of the locking member therein, a communication passage formed between the restricting member and the locking member, and an urging passage for feeding fluid for projecting the restricting member into the restricting recess. |
| US08631772B2 |
Transmission fluid warming and cooling method
A method for controlling the temperature of transmission fluid in a motor vehicle includes operating in an automatic transmission fluid cooling mode, a heater priority mode entered by disabling automatic transmission fluid heating, and an automatic transmission fluid heating mode which includes sending hot engine coolant to a heat exchanger for heating the automatic transmission fluid by transferring heat from the hot engine coolant to the automatic transmission fluid. The method switches to from a heater priority mode to a transmission heating mode base on a number of sensed conditions including sensed automatic fluid transmission temperature. The method also includes an automatic transmission fluid temperature regulating mode including measuring an automatic transmission fluid temperature and switching between the cooling mode and the heating mode based measured temperature. |
| US08631771B2 |
Cooling system for a vehicle subsystem and a vehicle incorporating such a system
In a system for cooling transmission oil in a vehicle with a hydraulic oil cooling circuit 20, an engine cooling subsystem 18 which uses cooling fluid, and a transmission oil cooling circuit 22, the transmission oil circuit 22 comprises first and second heat exchangers 28, 38. The first heat exchanger 28 is provided with cooling fluid from the engine cooling subsystem 18 to cool the transmission oil and the second heat exchanger 38 is provided with oil from the hydraulic oil cooling circuit 20 to cool the transmission oil. |
| US08631769B1 |
Firetube steam boiler having improved efficiency
An improved boiler for generating steam includes a housing that has a proximal end and a distal end, with a water-entry port at the proximal end. A plurality of firetubes are disposed lengthwise in the housing, and the firetubes extend substantially the length of the housing between the proximal end and the distal end. The firetubes are used to pass the heated flue gas through the housing. A pair of side baffles are affixed to the inner surface of the housing that extend at least partially down the length of the housing to separate a portion of the last pass of firetubes near the housing from the remaining firetubes in the housing. At least two cross-sectional baffles are positioned adjacent the side baffles to direct the flow of water opposite to the flue gas flow in the separated part of firetubes. |
| US08631765B2 |
Device for dispensing a fluidic consumable for an animal
Described is a fluidic consumable dispensing device for reliably and consistently dispensing uniform animal consumables. More specifically, the device dispenses animal consumables having the viscosity of a fluid such that the consumables are not broken or malformed and do not become oriented within the device such that they clog the flow of consumables from the device. |
| US08631762B2 |
Plasma CVD apparatus, method for manufacturing semiconductor film, method for manufacturing thin-film solar cell, and method for cleaning plasma CVD apparatus
A plasma CVD apparatus includes: a film forming chamber; a holding member that holds a substrate to be processed that is set in the film forming chamber; a shower head that is set in the film forming chamber to face the holding member, and supplies raw material gas and generates a plasma of the raw material gas; a radical generation chamber that is set at an opposite side of the shower head relative to the holding member and generates radicals of process gas; and an openable and closable shutter that is provided between the shower head and the radical generation chamber. |
| US08631760B2 |
Coating tool
Provided is a coating tool for forming a film having uniform thickness on a target by controlling precisely a flow-rate of a coating liquid, even if its viscosity is high. In the coating tool, a coating head 1 includes a pair of head members 10 and 20; a slot 3 is formed between a pair of interior surfaces 11 and 21, facing each other, of the head members 10 and 20; and a coating liquid flows through the slot 3 and is discharged from the tip of the coating head 1. An internal flow-rate control mechanism 60 is provided to control the flow-rate of the coating liquid in the slot 3 by adjusting a convexity and/or a concavity. |
| US08631759B2 |
System and method for depositing thin layers on non-planar substrates by stamping
An elastomeric stamp is used to deposit material on a non-planar substrate. A vacuum mold is used to deform the elastomeric stamp and pressure is applied to transfer material from the stamp to the substrate. By decreasing the vacuum applied by the vacuum mold, the elasticity of the stamp may be used to apply this pressure. Pressure also may be applied by applying a force to the substrate and/or the stamp. The use of an elastomeric stamp allows for patterned layers to be deposited on a non-planar substrate with reduced chance of damage to the patterned layer. |
| US08631757B2 |
Solution deposition assembly
Methods and devices are provided for improved deposition systems. In one embodiment of the present invention, a deposition system is provided for use with a solution and a substrate. The system comprises of a solution deposition apparatus; at least one heating chamber; at least one assembly for holding a solution over the substrate; and a substrate curling apparatus for curling at least one edge of the substrate to define a zone capable of containing a volume of the solution over the substrate. In another embodiment of the present invention, a deposition system for use with a substrate, the system comprising a solution deposition apparatus; at heating chamber; and at least assembly for holding solution over the substrate to allow for a depth of at least about 0.5 microns to 10 mm. |
| US08631754B1 |
Articulating base water sports tower
A water sports tower is pivotably attached to a watercraft through an articulating base structure. A joint is supplied joining lower ends of uprights of the tower to gunwales of the watercraft. The joints are configured to join each of the lower ends of the uprights through the joint to the gunwale. The joint includes a follower element opposite a reference element with the reference fixed to the gunwale of the watercraft and the follower element fixed to the lower ends of the uprights of the tower. A pair of links, including a short link and a long link, join portions of the reference and portions of the follower. A driver is preferably provided between at least two of the elements of the joint, such as between the follower and the reference. The driver can supply an additional force to assist in raising and lowering of the tower relative to the watercraft. |
| US08631753B2 |
Variable trim deflector system and method for controlling a marine vessel
A method and a system for controlling a marine vessel having first and second trim deflectors is disclosed. The first and second trim deflectors have a first surface having a first area and a second surface having a second area, wherein the second planar surface is coupled to the first surface. The method and system control the first and second trim deflectors to induce any of a net yawing force, a net rolling force, and a net trimming force to the marine vessel without inducing any other substantial forces to the marine vessel by controlling the first and second trim deflectors. |
| US08631752B2 |
Tender stowage method and apparatus
The present invention provides a singlehanded means, by the use of a lift arm mechanism, to lift a small yacht tender or dinghy from the water and stow and retrieve the tender or dinghy from the roof (or suitable support structure) above the yacht's cockpit. The lift arm mechanism includes a pair of lift arm members which are connected with a pivotable connection between the stern of the host vessel and the transom of the tender. Pivot connections permit upward and downward pivoting of the lift arm members with respect to the stern of the host vessel as well as permit pivoting upward and downward of the tender relative to the lift arm members. The mechanism permits the outboard motor of the tender to be easily removed and allows full use of the swim platform when the tender is in the stowed position. |
| US08631751B2 |
Sewing or looping head, particularly for automated closing of tubular knitted articles at an axial end thereof
A sewing or looping head, particularly for the automated closing of tubular knitted articles at one of their axial ends comprising a pair of sewing elements, which can move along corresponding actuation paths and cooperate with each other in forming a sewing chain stitch, and a cutting element, which can be actuated to cut the sewing chain stitch; in the sewing or looping head, the cutting element can engage the sewing chain stitch proximate to the crossing point of the paths of the pair of sewing elements or the point where the sewing chain stitch is formed, so as to minimize the length of the sewing chain stitch that exceeds the length needed to sew or loop the article and so as to reduce the time required to perform the sewing or looping operation. |
| US08631750B2 |
Sewing machine
A sewing machine includes a needle bar, a needle bar base, a base frame, a guide member, and a fixing member. A sewing needle is attachable to a lower end portion of the needle bar. The needle bar base is configured to support the needle bar to allow the needle bar to be moved in an up-down direction. A first engagement portion is provided to a lower end portion of the needle bar base. The base frame is configured to swingably support an upper end portion of the needle bar base. A second engagement portion is provided to a lower end portion the base frame. A guide member includes a third engagement portion configured to engage with the first engagement portion and guide movement of the first engagement portion in a predetermined direction and a fourth engagement portion configured to engage with the second engagement portion. |
| US08631744B2 |
Method of blasting multiple layers or levels of rock
A method of blasting plural layers of material (38, 40, 42, 44) in a blastfield (16) that reduces the amount of mechanical excavation required to expose a lower layer of material. The method includes using rows of equally spaced blastholes (18, 20, 22, 24) that pass through all of the layers and additional intermediate rows of blastholes (26, 28) that pass down only through top layer (40). Each blasthole is capped with stemming material and includes one or more decks of explosives material (46) and detonators (48), with air decks or inert stemming (45) separating adjacent explosives decks (46). The detonators in layer (40) are detonated first in order from row (18) rearwards to throw a substantial amount of the blast material from layer (40) forwardly of free face (12) onto floor (34). In the same blasting cycle and within seconds of the throw blast, explosives material in layers (42, 44) is detonated in a stand-up blast in which material in layers (38, 42, 44) is broken up but otherwise minimally displaced or thrown forwardly. Layers (38, 44) may be coal seams which are separated by interburden layer (42) and covered by overburden layer (40). |
| US08631732B1 |
Window covering sizing method and apparatus
An apparatus for cutting a window covering and methods of cutting a window covering are provided. A method of operating a window covering cutting machine comprises a) packaging a window covering comprising components in a package such that first ends of the components extend beyond a first end of the package and second ends of the components extend beyond a second end of the package; b) automatically moving the package and components in a first direction of travel against a first squaring surface such that the first ends of the components are in a common plane; c) cutting the first ends of the components; d) automatically moving the package and components in a second direction of travel against a second squaring surface such that the second ends of the components are in a common plane; and e) cutting the second ends of the components. |
| US08631731B2 |
Safety holder for a microtome knife
A knife holder device for a microtome having a blade guard constituted as a pivotable bow, wherein, in a protective position, the blade guard is disposed on the side of the knife facing away from the sample at a distance such that access to the cutting edge is not possible. The blade guard can be positioned in three different defined positions and is provided with elements that have the following effects depending on the position: in the upper, protective position, simultaneous fixing of the position of the knife holder in the guideway; in the central, knife-holder-sliding position, accessibility to the knife holder with simultaneous release of the position fixture of the knife holder in the guideway; and in the lower, knife-changing position, free accessibility to the knife holder with simultaneous fixture of the position of the knife holder in the guideway. |
| US08631730B2 |
Apparatus for cutting and ejecting noodles, and noodle scraper
A noodle scraper including a plate body having a bent section extending along a longitudinal direction; a plurality of first scraping tines having a longest tine-length; and a plurality of second scraping tines having a tine-length which is shorter than that of the first scraping tine, wherein the plurality of first and second scraping tines are alternately provided at one of the long sides of the plate body in a comb form; the second scraping tine including a tine-base or tine-middle section; and the tine-base or tine-middle section is formed in a folded or curved shape, a tine-edge section of the first or second scraping tine including a face that is sloped in a vertical cross-section orthogonal to a direction in which the tine-edge section extends. |
| US08631729B2 |
Knife for a pouch machine and method of using same
An adjustable knife for a pouch machine is selectively provided with changeable knife hub sets each including a major and minor knife hub with respective major and minor axes. The hub sets have respectively differing diameters or different spacing between the respective major and minor axes to handle a variety of pouch sizes where a filler wheel alternately first fills and seals pouches in a train. A gear linkage including a four gear anti-lash arrangement with a movable gear accommodates variation in distance between hubs of different sets. A method of using the knife is also described. |
| US08631725B2 |
Ratchetable open-ended wrench
A ratchetable open-ended wrench includes a handle H for a hand to grasp, a wrench head 100 located on one end of the handle, and a fastener room 160 located in the wrench head 100 for accommodating a workpiece W to be rotated. The wrench head 100 further includes a first jaw 110 having a first driving wall 114, a second jaw 120 having a second driving wall 124 facing the first driving wall 114, an inner wall 126 extending from the second driving wall 124 into the second jaw 120, a fastener-jaw room 128, an auxiliary jaw retracting opening 13, an auxiliary jaw 140 capable of longitudinally sliding into the auxiliary jaw retracting opening 130 in an elastic way, and an auxiliary jaw limiting member 150 coupled to a limiting slot 148. The auxiliary jaw 140 further includes an exterior end 142 having a pillow 142 in contact with the driving wall 126 and a pushing surface 144 for working together with the first jaw 110 to grip the workpiece W under operation, an interior end 146, and a limiting slot 148. |
| US08631724B2 |
Fastening sockets, washers and fasteners used with the washers and the fastening sockets
A fastening socket B includes an inner socket portion including engaging means for engaging a nut or the like, and an outer socket portion for engaging a washer A with an outer edge portion 2, which includes a tapered surface and engaging teeth. The tapered surface is gradually inclined outwardly and toward a bottom surface of the outer edge portion. The inner socket portion 21 and the outer socket portion 22 are coupled together with a mechanism so as to be rotated in opposite directions. The outer socket portion is provided with engaging claws for engaging the engaging teeth, and a tapered bottom end surface of each of the claws 24 is gradually inclined radially inwardly and toward a base end side. A surface of a bolt head that is brought into contact with a surface of objects is provided with frictional coefficient increasing treatment. |
| US08631722B1 |
Multi-functional bartender's tool and related methods
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for a combination tool useful for bartending or the like. The tools combined for efficiency, convenience, and other purposes include one or more zesters, bottle openers, corkscrews, juicers, jiggers or measuring cups, knives, pouring spout, and/or others. In one embodiment, the combined tools are in a shape that is safe to the user, a size that is relatively portable and lightweight, and from materials that are non-contaminating and readily cleaned. Methods include using the tool for bartending or similar activities. |
| US08631712B2 |
Method for detecting plugging in a coriolis flow measuring device
A method for detecting complete or partial plugging of a measuring tube of a Coriolis flow measuring device, which is insertable into a pipeline, and which has a measuring transducer of the vibration type having at least two measuring tubes connected for parallel flow. The method includes, in such case, the steps of measuring a subset flow occurring in a subset of the measuring tubes, and comparing a subset flow value obtained from this measurement with a reference value to be expected for this subset. The reference value is, in such case, determined from a total mass flow determined in the context of a Coriolis mass flow measuring. Additionally, the method includes the step of detecting plugging of at least one measuring tube of the measuring transducer, if the subset flow value deviates from the reference value by more than a limit value. |
| US08631711B2 |
MEMS composite transducer including compliant membrane
A MEMS composite transducer includes a substrate, a MEMS transducer, and a compliant membrane. Portions of the substrate define an outer boundary of a cavity. A first portion of the MEMS transducing member is anchored to the substrate. A second portion of the MEMS transducing member extends over at least a portion of the cavity and is free to move relative to the cavity. The compliant membrane is positioned in contact with the MEMS transducing member. A first portion of the compliant membrane covers the MEMS transducing member and a second portion of the compliant membrane is anchored to the substrate. |
| US08631710B2 |
Sensor
The invention relates to a measuring apparatus for measuring a measurement variable of a fluid, in particular a sensor, such as a pressure sensor or a travel sensor. The measuring apparatus has a housing, a diaphragm which is arranged in and/or on the housing and an elastic element, which is designed in the manner of a leaf spring, for restoring the diaphragm. A signal transmitter is operatively connected to the diaphragm and/or to the elastic element, and a signal receiver interacts with the signal transmitter. Structures for providing reinforcement are arranged in the edge region and/or in the center of the elastic element. |
| US08631708B2 |
Apparatus and method for minimizing drift of a piezo-resistive pressure sensor due to the progressive release of mechanical stress over time
An absolute piezo-resistive pressure sensor system and method employing multiple pressure sensing elements operating simultaneously to detect pressure. Both pressure sensing elements being subject to a common reference pressure within a sealed cavity. The first pressure sensing element detecting an offset voltage resulting from the progressive release of mechanical stress at an assembly interface between the sensing element and a base plate on which the sensing elements are assembled. Electronic circuitry compensates the pressure measured by the second pressure sensing element based on the offset voltage detected by the first pressure sensing element. |
| US08631707B2 |
Differential temperature and acceleration compensated pressure transducer
A dual diaphragm pressure transducer, or sensor, with compensation for non-pressure effects is disclosed. The pressure sensor can include two pressure transducers located on separate portions of a chip. The first pressure transducer can be a differential pressure transducer, which produces a signal proportional to one or more applied pressures and includes other non-pressure effects. The second pressure transducer can be sealed in a hermetic chamber and thus can produce a signal proportional only to non-pressure effects. The signals can be combined to produce a signal proportional to the applied pressures with no non-pressure effects. The first and second pressure transducers can be physically and/or electrically isolated to improve sealing between the two pressure transducers and prevent pressure leaks therebetween. |
| US08631706B2 |
Noise suppressor for semiconductor packages
One or more decoupling capacitors are coupled to a low inductance mount that is connected to the bottom layer of a printed circuit board (PCB) on which a semiconductor module is mounted. The low inductance mount includes a magnetic planar structure with vias that are coupled to the one or more decoupling capacitors and to like vias positioned on the PCB. |
| US08631705B2 |
Pseudorandom binary sequence apparatus and method for in-line inspection tool
An in-line inspection tool is disclosed for inspecting the wall of a pipeline while traveling therethrough. The in-line inspection tool may include a transmitter, a signal generator, one or more receivers, and a decoder. The signal generator may generate a pseudorandom signal, generate an inspection signal, and drive the transmitter with a convolution of the pseudorandom signal and the inspection signal. The transmitter may transmit the convoluted signal to the wall of the pipeline. One or more receivers may receive from the wall of the pipeline a received signal comprising at least one of the convoluted signal and a reflection of the convoluted signal. The decoder may identify the inspection signal within the received signal by cross correlating the received signal and the pseudorandom signal. |
| US08631703B2 |
Sensor
A sensor includes: a first polymer sensor element generating a first voltage corresponding to a deformation thereof; a second polymer sensor element generating a second voltage corresponding to a deformation thereof; a fixing member fixing a first end of each of the first and the second polymer sensor elements while electrically insulating the first ends from each other; and a detector detecting an acceleration and an angular acceleration based on the first voltage derived from the first polymer sensor element and the second voltage derived from the second polymer sensor element. |
| US08631701B2 |
Sensor device, motion sensor, and electronic device
A sensor device includes a first electrode disposed on active surface side of a silicon substrate, an external connecting terminal electrically connected to the first electrode, at least one stress relaxation layer disposed between the silicon substrate and the external connecting terminal, a connecting terminal disposed on the active surface side of the silicon substrate, and a vibration gyro element having weight sections as mass adjustment sections, the vibration gyro element is held by the silicon substrate due to connection between the connection electrode and the external connecting terminal, and a meltage protection layer formed in an area where the stress relaxation layer and the mass adjustment section overlap each other in a plan view is provided. |
| US08631698B2 |
Test slot carriers
A test rack for a storage device testing system includes a plurality of test slot carriers. Each of the test slot carriers includes a plurality of test slot assemblies. The test slot assemblies are configured to received and support storage devices for testing. The test rack also includes a chassis. The chassis includes a plurality of carrier receptacles for releasable receiving and supporting the test slot carriers. The test slot carriers are interchangeable with each other among the various carrier receptacles. |
| US08631697B2 |
Measuring device, container and system for monitoring and managing a container
A measuring device for detecting a filling status of a containing cavity suitable for containing non-homogenous objects of various nature includes a capacitive device that is positionable near the containing cavity and configured for detecting a variation in electric capacity caused by the presence of the objects so as to determine the filling status. A container is provided with the measuring device. A system is provided including the measuring device and a station configured for receiving and processing data provided by the measuring device, the system being configured for managing and monitoring the filling status and planning intervention activities on the containing cavity. The system is used for monitoring and managing urban waste. |
| US08631696B2 |
Apparatus and method for monitoring tanks in an inventory management system
A method includes lowering a sensor unit in a tank, where the tank is capable of receiving a material. The method also includes determining a first distance between the material and the sensor unit and determining a second distance between the sensor unit and a main unit that lowers the sensor unit. In addition, the method includes determining a level of the material in the tank using the first and second distances. The method could further include calibrating the sensor unit to compensate for variations in a medium within the tank, where the sensor unit transmits wireless signals through the medium to determine the first distance. Determining the first distance could include using an ultrasonic measurement technique, and determining the second distance could include using a non-contact servo measurement technique. |
| US08631695B2 |
Extended valve stem Cap
The disclosed embodiments include a valve stem assembly for a tire pressure monitoring system sensor. The assembly can comprise a valve stem body, and a grommet for purposes of engaging a vehicle wheel. The valve stem body can comprise an attachment end to be attached to a pressure sensor to determine tire air pressure. The valve stem assembly can further comprise a cap that is releasably engaged to the valve stem body which can limit movement of the valve stem assembly relative to the vehicle wheel, the cap having a closed end to cover an air transfer end of the valve stem, and a second open end to overlay the valve stem body and grommet. |
| US08631694B2 |
Connecting element for measuring an actuating force of a vehicle brake system
A connecting element connects a brake pedal to a brake force amplifier of a vehicle brake system. A helical compression spring as a first spring element and a rubbery-elastic reaction disk as a second spring element are disposed between a pedal rod and a piston rod of the connecting element, the spring elements being installed in series due to the arrangement thereof. Due to the higher spring rate of the reaction disk preferably increasing with load, the connecting element has a progressive spring characteristic line. As soon as the pedal rod contacts the reaction disk the helical compression spring and the reaction disk act in parallel and serially such that the progression of the total spring characteristic line further increases. |
| US08631689B2 |
Method and device for the functional testing of a pressure switch of a tank vent system for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle
A method for the functional testing of a pressure switch of a tank vent device for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, enables the testing of the pressure switch even while the crankshaft is rotating. The pressure switch is located in a low pressure position if the pressure in the tank vent device is lower than a pressure threshold, and is otherwise in a high pressure position. In a rotating operating state of the crankshaft in which the pressure in an intake pipe exceeds the pressure threshold, a tank vent valve being disposed in a connecting line between a fuel vapor reservoir and the intake pipe is actuated such that the tank vent device and the intake pipe are pneumatically connected to each other. The pressure switch is assessed as defective if it is in the low pressure position after actuation of the tank vent valve. |
| US08631688B1 |
System and method for detecting a fault in a pressure sensor that measures pressure in a hydraulic valve actuation system
A system according to the present disclosure includes a pressure estimation module and a fault detection module. The pressure estimation module estimates a pressure of hydraulic fluid in a valve actuation system that actuates at least one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve of an engine. The fault detection module compares the estimated pressure to a pressure measured by a pressure sensor disposed in the valve actuation system and detects a fault in the pressure sensor based on a difference between the estimated pressure and the measured pressure. |
| US08631686B2 |
System to measure the absorptive capabilities of porous materials used in oil spill remediation
Traditional porous material testing does not provide a measure of how well the porous material will perform in oil spill conditions. We disclose a new system that can analyze and determine the absorptive capability and oil-selectivity of a porous material in a moving mixture of oil and water, under different environmental conditions of pressure and wind. Our system allows the porous material under test and the mixture of oil and water to experience complex motion trajectories, and we measure the absorption capacity as well as the rate of oil absorption under different environmental conditions. |
| US08631682B2 |
Calibratable pipette
The invention relates to a pipette having a piston and a barrel with variable diameter at least in the portion passing by the sealing point. |
| US08631681B2 |
Apparatus and method of calculating a wheel speed by using a tire force sensor and chassis control system using the same
An apparatus for calculating a wheel speed is described herein which includes a tire force sensor, a time measurement unit, an angular velocity calculation unit and a wheel speed calculation unit. The tire force sensor outputs a signal in accordance with an amount of modification of a bearing. The time measurement unit measures a time interval between peak values of the signal output from the tire force sensor. The angular velocity calculation unit calculates an angular velocity by dividing an angle between balls positioned within the bearing by the time interval measured by the time measurement unit. The wheel speed calculation unit calculates the wheel speed by multiplying a distance from a center of the bearing to a center of the ball by the angular velocity calculated by the angular velocity calculation unit. |
| US08631680B2 |
Method for the calibration of a flow measurement in a flow system, and flow system for carrying out the method
A flow rate of a fluid in a flow system is determined based on one or more parameters of the flow system, the parameters not including the flow rate itself. The flow rate is also measured with a calibration sensor, and the measured flow rate is used to calibrate how the flow rate is determined. |
| US08631677B2 |
Production method of rotating device having thrust dynamic pressure generating site on which a thrust pressure pattern is formed and rotating device produced by said production method
A thrust dynamic pressure pattern is marked on a rotating member or fixed member set on a rest table. A pressure for marking is applied to a member to be marked in a cycle of applying and releasing the pressure, and a supplemental force for keeping the member to be marked, still is separately applied. According to the present embodiment, a rotating device can be provided that narrows down a bearing gap and improves the efficiency of raking up a lubricant so as to increase the dynamic pressure by reducing the deformation of the shape of the protrusions of a thrust dynamic pressure pattern and the variation in the height of the protrusions when forming the thrust dynamic pressure pattern in a method of producing a rotating device. |
| US08631675B2 |
Method and apparatus for forming flanges during hot-forming
A method for hot-forming and hardening a sheet-metal component with flanges in a cooled forming tool and an apparatus for carrying out the method are disclosed. A heated sheet-metal blank is inserted in a forming tool having a hollow form, with the sheet-metal blank projecting over the hollow form in marginal regions. The sheet-metal component formed from the sheet-metal blank is hardening of in the hollow form. A first flange having an X-bending axis is formed in a first marginal region with an auxiliary tool, and a second flange having a Y-bending axis is formed in a second marginal region with the auxiliary tool. The auxiliary tool has a plurality of dies, and the X- and Y-bending axes are not collinear and may be orthogonal to each other. Bending axes with a substantially perpendicular mutual orientation can be produced simultaneously in a single forming step. |
| US08631674B2 |
Devices, systems and methods for automated wire bending
Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to a wire bending apparatus capable of both on and off-plane nose and mandrel bends. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention incorporate a center turret cluster with a plurality of radii possible, a nose-bending mandrel, and a mandrel-bending mandrel. This apparatus forms a bending head that is attached to a CNC wire bending machine. This combination allows increased flexibility in forming complex wire forms and cuts down secondary operations, such as operations from robot arms, sometimes associated with CNC wire bending. In addition, the turret cluster position in the center allows for bending support with mandrel bends or nose bending on the back side of the bending head, usually 180 degrees away from the normal bending area. This allows the manufacturing of double end-loop forms without the addition of external clamps or robotic manipulation. |
| US08631673B2 |
Severe plastic deformation of metals
A method of treating a metal billet to change its mechanical and/or physical properties by reducing grain size, the method involving feeding the billet through a first passage and into a second passage inclined to the first passage and deforming the billet by repeatedly loading and unloading it using a reciprocating die at a junction between the first and second passages. |
| US08631672B2 |
Apparatus for continuous corrugation of a metallic tube
An apparatus is specified for continuous corrugation of a metallic tube (1) which apparatus has a tool holder (13), which can rotate about the initially smooth tube and has a tool (14) which is mounted eccentrically with respect to the tube and forces a corrugation into the tube during operation of the apparatus, which corrugation runs transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the tube. A first hollow shaft (12) is attached to the tool holder (13), projects in the pulling-off direction from it, surrounds the tube after the corrugation process and can be rotated about its axis with the tool holder (13) by an electric motor. A second hollow shaft (16) is arranged at a distance from the first hollow shaft (12) and coaxially about the end, facing away from the tool holder (13), of the first hollow shaft (12), which second hollow shaft (16) is mounted such that it can rotate about its axis and can be driven by the electric motor. In order to transmit force between the first hollow shaft (12) and the second hollow shaft (16), a magnetic coupling is fitted, which consists of two annular permanent magnets, which are arranged concentrically with respect to one another and which are separated from one another by an air gap, and of which the first permanent magnet (15) is attached on the outside to the first hollow shaft (12) and the second permanent magnet (19) is attached on the inside to the second hollow shaft (16). |
| US08631664B2 |
Air conditioner with automatic air filter cleaner
There are provided a first guide channel 240 for making a U-turn of a leading end of a filter 3 at a front side of a main unit cabinet 1 during forward movement of the filter 3 and a second guide channel 141 for drawing a rear end of the filter to a rear surface side of the main unit cabinet 1 during backward movement of the filter 3. |
| US08631663B2 |
Power failure controller for an electronically controlled expansion valve in a refrigeration system
The present application relates to a power failure controller for an electronically controlled expansion valve in a refrigeration system. The valve is controlled by a valve controller configured to close the valve as a part of a power-up routine when the valve controller is first powered-up from a powered-down state. The power failure controller includes a circuit configured to allow the valve controller to enter the powered-down state when a power failure is detected and to subsequently provide power to the valve controller from a capacitor bank coupled to the circuit so that the valve controller conducts the power-up routine and closes or mostly closes the valve. |
| US08631661B2 |
Energy recovery enhanced condenser reactivated desiccant refrigerant dehumidifier
A method and apparatus for conditioning ambient air for use in an enclosure is disclosed which cools the ambient supply air stream in sensible energy recovery device or cools and dehumidifies the ambient supply air stream in an enthalpy energy recovery device. The thus cooled air is then cooled by a cooling coil of a refrigerant cooling system to reduce its temperature and humidity. The thus cooled and dehumidified air is then passed through a segment of a rotating desiccant wheel or through a different type of desiccant dehumidification device under conditions which reduce its moisture content and increases its temperature. The supply air is then delivered from the desiccant wheel to the enclosure. The desiccant wheel is regenerated by heating a separate regeneration air stream, provided by the exhaust air from the space and using the condensing coil of the refrigerant system to increase the regeneration air stream temperature. The thus heated regeneration air stream is then passed through another segment of the rotating desiccant wheel to regenerate the wheel and is exhausted to the atmosphere. |
| US08631658B2 |
Method and system for enhancing power output of renewable thermal cycle power plants
A steam reheat process is provided to enhance a thermal power cycle, and particularly a renewable steam thermal cycle. An oxyfuel combustion gas generator is provided which combusts a hydrogen and/or carbon containing fuel with an oxidizer of primarily oxygen to generate products of combustion including steam and/or carbon dioxide. Water from the thermal cycle is directed to the reheater for mixing with the products of combustion within the reheater to generate a working fluid containing steam. This steam is routed through a turbine or other expander and power is outputted from the system. The water is optionally thereafter condensed and at least partially routed back to the thermal cycle. Any carbon dioxide within the working fluid can be separated in a condenser downstream of the expander for capture of the carbon dioxide, such that increased power output for the thermal power cycle is achieved without atmospheric emissions. |
| US08631652B2 |
Heat engine system
A heat engine system configured for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy includes a source of thermal energy provided by a temperature difference between a heat source having a first temperature and a heat sink having a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature. The heat engine is configured for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy and includes an element formed from a first shape memory alloy having a crystallographic phase changeable between austenite and martensite at a first transformation temperature in response to the temperature difference between the heat source and the heat sink. The heat engine system also includes a start-up mechanism configured for inducing initial movement of the element in a desired operational direction to thereby start the heat engine. |
| US08631651B2 |
Hydraulic system thermal contraction compensation apparatus and method
An apparatus for compensating for fluid contraction in a hydraulic powered telescoping boom may include a monitor determining the elevation angle of the telescoping boom, a supply of hydraulic fluid, and a fluid control responsive to the monitor. The fluid control provides the hydraulic fluid from the supply to a hydraulic cylinder controlling extension of the telescoping boom when the elevation angle exceeds a predetermined threshold angle to compensate for thermal contraction of hydraulic fluid and thus prevent uncommanded boom retraction. A method in accordance with the invention is also disclosed. |
| US08631647B2 |
System and method for regenerating an engine exhaust after-treatment device
A system and method for regenerating a device in an engine exhaust after-treatment system is provided. To regenerate the device, a syngas stream is introduced into the engine exhaust stream and combusts in the presence of a catalyst in the after-treatment system, raising the temperature. A supplemental liquid fuel stream is then selectively introduced into and is vaporized by the syngas stream to form a combined fuel stream. Combustion of the combined fuel stream with the engine exhaust in the presence of the catalyst further heats the device bringing it to a temperature suitable for regeneration. The catalyst can be upstream of or within the device being regenerated. |
| US08631643B2 |
Regeneration assist delay period
A power system comprising an engine that produces exhaust, a particulate filter that traps soot from the engine, and a controller that switches the power system from a first operation mode into a second operation mode to regenerate the particulate filter in response to a load on the engine changing and a threshold amount of time greater than zero passing after the load on the engine changed. |
| US08631638B2 |
Method, system and apparatus for providing water to a heat engine via a dammed water source
A method, system and apparatus are provided that provide water to a heat engine via a dammed water source. The water may be tapped for cooling of and/or injection into a heat engine. Further, steam from operation of the heat engine and/or directing exhaust gases of a heat engine into a water flow in an exit channel may be collected and harnessed for power generation in a steam-driven power generator, for industrial heating purposes and other industrial uses, and/or for cooling and subsequent use as potentially more pure water. Additionally, water mist may be sprayed into the exhaust gases for sound suppression purposes. |
| US08631635B2 |
Decoring mechanism with mechanized harvester
A mechanical harvester for harvesting produce with a core planted in a field is provided. The mechanical harvester includes a chassis, a positioning apparatus, a decoring device, and a transport assembly. The positioning apparatus is connected to the chassis and configured to position the produce in the ground for harvesting and decoring. The decoring device is connected to the positioning apparatus and configured to sever the core of the produce while the produce is in the ground. The transport assembly is connected to the chassis and configured to lift the cut produce from the ground and transport the cut produce to a processing unit or a storage container. |
| US08631634B2 |
Agricultural harvester with automatic header coupling
Automatic coupling of a header to a feeder in an agricultural machine. The agricultural machine comprises a feeder (1) and a detachable header (2), the feeder comprising at least one or more rotatable cams (15) and hooks (16), rotatable around a common axis (14), the cams being arranged to gradually lower the distance between the feeder and the header, by rotating the cams (15) away from the header, the hooks being arranged to grip a bar or pin (18) located on the header as the cams are being rotated away from the header, thereby securing the header to the feeder. |
| US08631632B2 |
Container pressurizing and sealing apparatus and methods of pressurizing containers
A process for pressurizing a container assembly includes engaging the outer container around a neck of the outer container at a location between a shoulder of the outer container and a mouth of the outer container with a neck clamp device. The neck clamp device is used to support the outer container as the outer container moves from one location to a different location. An at least partial seal is formed about the neck of the outer container by engaging the neck clamp device with an outer bell member of a crimper-pressurized fluid fill head. |
| US08631631B2 |
Packaging solutions
Packaging systems for storing ophthalmic devices such as contact lenses and to methods for packaging such ophthalmic devices with solutions to improve the comfort of the lenses during wear are disclosed. A packaging system includes an ophthalmic device stored in an aqueous packaging solution comprising a brush copolymer comprising (a) monomeric units derived from an ethylenically unsaturated monomer containing one or more boronic acid moieties; and (b) monomeric units derived from an ethylenically unsaturated-containing hydrophilic macromonomer. |
| US08631628B1 |
Tilt-up concrete spandrel assemblies and methods
A system and method of tilt-up or tiltwall concrete building construction using concrete spandrels cast on-site together with permanent steel columns that are integrally attached to unite the spandrels into a lightweight and versatile tilt-up assembly that is strong and durable and that can be safely and efficiently made and maneuvered into final position for cost-effective building construction, the resulting assembly also allowing for continuous horizontal spans of ribbon-like window glass with minimal obstruction, thereby maximizing visibility and natural lighting and enabling easy accommodations for architectural requirements. |
| US08631625B2 |
Floor covering
Hard panels formed from a wood-based material and having a decorative layer for floor coverings are provided, at least on two opposite edges, with coupling devices made in one piece with the panels wherein similar panels may be coupled together to form a floor covering, wherein these coupling devices provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of coupled panels, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges concerned and parallel to the plane of coupled panels. These coupling devices are constituted of a tongue and a groove. The top side of the tongue has a protrusion that cooperates with a meshing recess located in the lower side of the upper lip of the groove of the coupling devices, and a portion extending generally parallel with the plane of the panel to form a contact surface cooperating with the lower side of the upper lip of the groove. |
| US08631622B2 |
Non-squeaking wood flooring systems and methods
Wood-based flooring systems with click-type interlocking joint systems include a protective film system covering the contact surfaces of the click system. The protective film system includes one or more sheets of a material with low moisture transmissivity and a low coefficient of friction. In this way, the contact surfaces of the click system are protected against undue humidity absorption and frictional rubbing to thereby avoid squeaking after installation. In some embodiments there are four film sheets covering the entirety of all four click surfaces, in others there is one film sheet covering the entirety of all four click surfaces, in others there is film covering the entirety of only the two longitudinal click surfaces, in others there is film covering the entirety of only the two tongue click surfaces, and in others there is film covering only the contact surfaces of the click surfaces. |
| US08631621B2 |
Panel and fastening system for such panel
A fastening system for floor panels, which has profiles on small faces of the panels. Opposite retaining profiles match so that similar panels can be interlinked. The panels have opposite first retaining profiles configured so on a panel in first line, a new panel can be locked in second line by attaching the new panel to the installed panel at an angle relative to the installed panel and then swiveling it down into the plane of the installed panel. The panel has opposite second retaining elements that have corresponding hook elements. A hook connection can be established by a hook element of the new panel and hook element of a panel already installed in second line by swiveling the new panel. Every hook connection is associated with an additional locking element that prevents the release of the hook connection in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the installed panels. |
| US08631620B2 |
Advanced building envelope delivery system and method
A building wall system includes first and second barrier panels, and an exterior facade system. Each panel includes an inner sheet and an outer sheet with a foam core positioned between the inner and outer sheets. Each of the inner and outer sheets defines an inner surface and an outer surface, respectively. A joint is defined by the first and second barrier panels. The exterior facade is secured to the first and second barrier panels via a fastener extending through the outer and inner sheets of the first barrier panel and the inner sheet of the second barrier panel without penetrating the inner surfaces of the first and second barrier panels. |
| US08631619B2 |
Window and door grille attachment system
A grille attachment system is provided for releasably attaching a grille made of crisscrossing grille components to a window or door having a frame and a glazing unit. The attachment system includes grille clips on the ends of the grille components that are each movable between a first or inactive position and a second or active position in which they engage the frame of the window or door to hold the grille in place. Movement of the grille toward engagement with the glazing unit of the window or door causes the clips to move to their second positions, thereby engaging the frame and holding the grille in place. Pulling the grille away from the glazing unit causes the clips to move back to their first positions, thereby releasing the grille from the frame and the window or door. |
| US08631617B2 |
Wall panel system
A wall paneling system including at least one finish wall panel configured to prevent moisture from entering an interior of the wall panel and having a finish with a predetermined finished characteristic thereon and a drainage system configured to remove moisture directed into the drainage system by the at least one wall panel. |
| US08631616B2 |
Precast wall panels and method of erecting a high-rise building using the panels
Precast wall systems and methods for constructing a high-rise building using the precast wall system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of interconnected precast panels, each having a top end plate, a bottom end plate, a plurality of vertical bars disposed between the end plates and a cementitious material encasing the vertical bars and defining a plurality of sides of the respective panel. A first of the precast panels has a first column member half defining a right side of the first panel, a second of the precast panels has a second column member half defining a left side of the second panel such that, when the right side of the first precast panel and the left side of the second precast panel are disposed horizontally adjacent to each other, the first column member half and the second column member half collectively form a column member. |
| US08631613B1 |
Interlocking lips on building integrable photovoltaic module edges
Provided are novel building integrable photovoltaic (BIP) modules and methods of installing thereof. A module may include a photovoltaic insert having at least one photovoltaic cell, a channel provided on one edge of the insert, and an extension provided on the opposite edge. The extension is configured to fit snugly into a corresponding channel of an adjacent module during installation. The two modules may have the same design and form a photovoltaic array, which may involve interconnecting with additional modules. The interconnection prevents lifting of one module with respect another. Therefore, each module needs to be attached to a building structure only along one edge, while the opposite edge is supported by another module. Attachment to the building structure may be in a concealed area of the module, such as a moisture flap, to prevent exposed though holes. This configuration improves moisture sealing properties of the resulting array. |
| US08631608B1 |
Vehicle latch system with over-slam bumper
A latch system for securing a panel assembly in a closed position relative to a body of a vehicle includes a striker and a latch mechanism positioned relative to each other within an allowable assembly variance measured along a lateral axis. A bumper is fixed in position relative to the latch mechanism to engage the striker in abutting engagement when the striker is disposed in the closed position. The bumper includes a contact surface having an axial length measured along the lateral axis. The contact surface completely contacts the striker along the entire axial length of the contact surface when the striker is disposed in any position within the allowable assembly variance relative to the latch mechanism. |
| US08631607B2 |
Window regulator assembly for a vehicle
In an aspect, the invention is directed to a combination of a carrier and a pulley assembly. The pulley assembly includes a pulley having an associated pulley rotation axis, a pulley bearing member and a pulley fastener. The pulley fastener connects the pulley assembly to the carrier. The pulley bearing member includes a pulley assembly bending load bearing surface. The carrier is mountable to a vehicle and includes a pulley fastener mount for receiving the pulley fastener. The carrier further includes a carrier bending load bearing surface that engages the pulley bending load bearing surface. The pulley assembly bending load bearing surface is generally conical about the pulley rotation axis and tapers outwardly in a direction axially towards the pulley. The carrier bending load bearing surface is generally inner-conical about the pulley rotation axis. |
| US08631605B1 |
Multi-pane insulated glass unit assembly incorporating a pet door
A glass assembly for a dwelling having a first pane and a second pane integrated together with at least one spacer for encapsulating an inert gas forming an insulated glass unit. The first and second panes define an outer periphery and an internal periphery. The internal periphery defines a pet channel and the two panes have openings for receiving a pet door. A pet is enabled to pass from one side of the glass assembly, through the glass assembly, and exiting on the other side of the glass assembly while the inert gas is maintained within the insulated glass unit. |
| US08631604B2 |
Apparatus and methods for the illumination of fishing rods
A fishing light stringer system having: a multiplicity of lights, each light configurable to attach to a fishing rod eyelet, an electrical distribution system connected to the multiplicity of lights, wherein the electrical distribution system has a battery pack and wires, such that the electrical distribution system forms a complete circuit with the lights, so that when the electrical distribution system is connected to the multiplicity of lights and the multiplicity of lights are attached to the fishing rod eyelets, each eyelet is illuminated. |
| US08631600B2 |
Releasing device
A releasing device for a spring-loaded firing pin (1) or a spring-loaded firing-pin piece, in particular of a firearm, with at least one release trigger (2) that can be activated by hand, in particular, with at least one finger, and with a control body (3) acting on the firing pin (1) or the firing-pin piece. A transmission mechanism is arranged and/or acts between the release trigger (2) and the control body (1), and the transmission mechanism has a series of roller bodies (4) lying one on the other, advantageously balls and/or cylinders. |
| US08631598B2 |
Light emitting sign and display surface therefor
A light emitting sign comprising a plurality of blue LEDs operable to generate blue excitation light and a light emitting display surface comprising a light transmissive substrate and at least one phosphor overlaying at least a portion of one face of the substrate. The phosphor is configured to absorb at least a portion of the blue light generated by the LEDs and, in response, to emit light of a selected color other than blue. Regions of the display surface intended to generate blue light do not include the phosphor. |
| US08631594B1 |
Variable width screed attachment
An improved variable width screed device that attaches to an industrial vehicle, such as an excavator, having a push blade and controlled arm mechanism. The position of the controlled arm mechanism determines the width of the screed. The screed width can be instantaneously adjusted along a spectrum of widths by modifying the radial position of the controlled arm mechanism. |
| US08631593B1 |
Snow removal device
A manually driven, skid mounted removal device for clearing accumulated snow has a structural member with a generally “U” shaped handle. A handle first end is located on a first anterior vertical support middle. A handle second end is located on a second anterior vertical support middle. The handle is located at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees with respect to a ground surface. The device has a generally wedge shaped blade located on a top of the structural member. |
| US08631592B2 |
Adjustable athletic positioning apparatus and applications thereof
An apparatus for use as at least part of a sole of a shoe or as at least part of an insole of the shoe, the apparatus comprises a fixed section that provides a positioning of a big toe area at a lower position than a heel area and/or at a lower position than an outer edge area, and an adjustable section associated with the fixed section, wherein the adjustable section adjusts at least one of the lower positioning of the big toe area with respect to the heel area and the lower positioning of the big toe area with respect to the outer edge area. |
| US08631589B2 |
Article of footwear incorporating floating tensile strands
An article of footwear may have a sole structure and an upper that includes at least one layer and a plurality of strands. The layer extends from a lace region of the upper to a lower region of the upper. The strands are located adjacent to the layer and in contact with the layer, and the strands extend from the lace region to the lower region. Additionally, the strands are unsecured to the layer for a distance of at least five centimeters in an area between the lace region and the lower region. |
| US08631585B2 |
Home laundry drier
A home laundry drier (1) having a casing (2), a laundry drying tub (3) housed inside the casing (2), and a hot-air generator (5) for circulating hot air into the drying tub (3) along a drying circuit (4). The drier (1) has an air filter (11) fitted stably, but easily removably, inside a pocket (12) located along the drying circuit (4). And the filter (11) has a first mesh (18) defining a mesh wall of the filter (11), and the openings (18a) of which are sized to filter fluff/fibers of a size greater than or equal to a first size threshold (S1); and a second mesh (19) defining another mesh wall of the filter (11), and the openings (19a) of which are sized to filter fluff/fibers of a size greater than a minimum second size threshold (S2) lower than the first size threshold (S1). |
| US08631576B2 |
Method for attaching rotor of wind turbine generator and method for constructing wind turbine generator
A method for attaching a rotor of a wind turbine generator and a method for constructing a wind turbine generator are provided, with which the rotor blades can be prevented from breaking and with which the construction costs can be reduced. The present invention includes: an assembly step (S1) in which a plurality of wind-turbine rotor blades are attached to a rotor head to assemble the rotor on the ground; a wire attaching step (S2) in which a first wire is attached to a first hoisting portion provided on a rotation axis of the rotor and in which a second wire is attached to a second hoisting portion provided at a position away from the rotation axis; a hoisting step (S3) in which the rotor is hoisted with the first wire; a rotor raising step (S4) in which the first wire is extended so that the rotor is hoisted with the second wire; and a rotor attaching step (S6) in which the rotor hoisted with the second wire is attached to the nacelle. |
| US08631574B2 |
Method for molding products adapted for use in different applications
A method is provided for forming intake manifolds for an internal combustion engine and for fastening such manifolds to the engines. The method includes: molding a plurality of identical ones of the intake manifolds, each one of the intake manifolds being molded with at least one hollow projection extending outwardly from an outer surface of the manifold, each one of the projections being molded with a cap at the distal end to seal the distal end of the hollow projection; removing the cap at a selected one or ones of the projections while leaving the cap on unselected one or ones of the projections; fastening each one of the intake manifolds to a corresponding one of a plurality of internal combustion engines; and for each one of the fastened intake manifolds, attaching a hose or hoses to the distal end or ends of the selected one or ones of the plurality of projections. |
| US08631572B2 |
Method for the production of a piston for an internal combustion engine
A method for the production of a piston for an internal combustion engine, in which a piston blank is forged, which is subsequently separated into two parts, to form an upper piston part and a lower piston part, after which the lower piston part and the upper piston part are machined and then welded to one another. Subsequently, the piston is finished. During forging of the piston blank, the top of the piston blank is partly given the shape of the underside of the upper piston part, and the underside of the piston blank is given the shape that corresponds to the interior of the lower piston part. After forging of the piston blank and before separation of the upper piston part from the lower piston part, the top of the piston blank is given the finished shape of the underside of the upper piston part by a cutting machining method. |
| US08631566B2 |
Circuit board structure comprising an electrical component and a method for manufacturing a circuit board structure comprising an electrical component
A method for manufacturing a circuit board structure comprising at least one electrical component. The method comprises the steps of fabricating a conductive pattern on the surface of an essentially plane-like layer on the back side of the plane-like layer, and forming an electrical contact between the at least one electrical component and the conductive pattern. The method further comprises the steps of attaching the at least one electrical component to the back side of the plane-like layer after the fabrication of the conductive pattern, molding encapsulation material on the back side of the plane-like layer so that the encapsulation material at least partly encloses the at least one electrical component attached to the back side of the plane-like layer, and forming holes through the conductive pattern at positions where terminals of the at least one electrical component is attached to the back side of the plane-like layer and become positioned when the at least one electrical component is attached to the circuit board structure. |
| US08631561B2 |
Method for electrically connecting an energy source to a head of a disk drive
The present invention generally relates to fabricating a bond pad for electrically connecting a laser diode to a slider and a TAR head in a HDD. The bond pad is deposited on a surface of the head that is perpendicular to the air bearing surface (ABS). The head is diced and lapped to expose the bond pad on a top surface of the head and mounted on a slider. The laser diode and a sub-mount may be coupled to the top surface of the slider—i.e., the surface opposite the ABS—by connecting to the bond pads. Specifically, both the laser diode and the sub-mount have electrodes thereon that are perpendicular to the bond pads. Conductive bonding material is used to bond the laser diode and the sub-mount to the bond pads. |
| US08631560B2 |
Method of forming a magnetic device having a conductive clip
A method of forming a magnetic device by providing a conductive substrate and placing a magnetic core proximate the conductive substrate with a surface thereof facing the conductive substrate. The method also includes placing a conductive clip proximate a surface of the magnetic core and electrically coupling ends of the conductive clip to the conductive substrate to cooperatively form a winding therewith about the magnetic core. |
| US08631559B2 |
Method of assembling induction rotors
A method of assembling an induction rotor includes inserting a plurality of conductor bars into a stack of disks, placing first and second end rings onto respective axial ends of the stack, thereby inserting ends of the conductor bars into corresponding slots in the respective end rings, compressing the slots against the conductor bars by impacting the end rings, and applying an electric current through the end rings and conductor bars. The compressing and the applying of current bond end rings and conductor bars together by simultaneous mechanical and electrical heat. |
| US08631556B2 |
Process for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank equipped with a pump
A process for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank including: introducing a parison into mold cavities; introducing a core inside the parison, where the core is first fitted with a swirl pot having a housing for the pump; closing the mold so that the cavities come into leaktight contact with the core; pressing the parison against the cavities by blowing through the core and/or applying a vacuum behind the cavities; fastening the swirl pot to the parison using a device attached to the core; molding the parison by blow molding and/or thermoforming; unmolding the tank, and mounting a pump in the housing of the swirl pot. The mounting of the pump is achieved by way of an intermediate part, the external shape of which is standard and complementary to that of the housing, and the internal shape of which is adapted to the pump. |
| US08631555B1 |
Sealing shrink wrap machine
There is provided a method for manufacturing and shipping a multi-station packaging machine to an ultimate customer by manufacturing the machine as individual modules, each of which has a weight limitation not exceeding 35 pounds and a size limitation not exceeding 24 inches in length, 18 inches in height and 24 inches in width. Each module is manufactured with disengageable engagement means to permit the modules to be easily interconnected into a working packaging machine, and individualized custom power supply connectors to insure proper power supply to each of the modules requiring power. |
| US08631554B2 |
Blind rivet nut setting device
The device includes pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders, a switch valve connecting the pneumatic cylinder either to an outlet channel or a pressure supply, and an actuating element to switch the switch valve into a second position connecting a control line, open to the environment until closed by reaching a setting limit, to a pressure supply via a throttle and the switch valve. A pressure control valve having a control chamber connected to the pressure supply is structured so that pressures in the control chamber and the control line act on first and second control surfaces in the first and second switch position directions, respectively. The actuating element relieves pressure on the control chamber to move the pressure control valve into the second switch position to connect a motor line and switch channel of the switch valve to the pressure supply, which switches the switch valve into the first position. |
| US08631551B1 |
Readily installable fence system, and method therefor
A fence includes a plurality of posts, and fence panels having rails which extend across the plurality of posts, and are secured thereto. Jambs may be formed onto the fence system, and one or more gates may be hung to the jambs. |
| US08631550B2 |
Tool for attaching/removing a mower blade cutting insert
An impact tool for removal and attachment of a mower blade cutting edge insert of the type demountably attached with a press fit wedging connection in a recessed end surface of the mower blade, the tool body having a U-shaped slot permitting the slot to receive and straddle adjacent edges of the mower blade and the insert when the latter is in the recessed end surface portion, sliding movement of the tool along the edges causes a contacting abutment in the bottom of the U-shaped slot to engage one or the other ends of the edge insert to drive the insert into or detach it from an operative press fit attachment. |
| US08631549B2 |
Method for manufacturing multilayer electronic component
A method for manufacturing a laminated ceramic capacitor includes a step of preparing a laminate which has a first principal surface, a second principal surface, a first end surface, a second end surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface and which includes insulating layers and internal electrodes having end portions exposed at the first or second end surface; a step of forming external electrodes on the first and second end surfaces such that plating deposits are formed on the exposed end portions of the internal electrodes so as to be connected to each other; and a step of forming thick end electrodes electrically connected to the external electrodes such that a conductive paste is applied onto edge portions of the first and second principal surfaces and first and second side surfaces of the laminate and then baked. |
| US08631547B2 |
Method of isolation for acoustic resonator device
A method of isolating piezoelectric thin film acoustic resonator devices to prevent laterally propagating waves generated by the device from leaving the device and/or interfering with adjacent devices or systems. Specifically, this isolation technique involves the manipulation or isolation of the piezoelectric material layer between the acoustic resonator devices, in an effort to limit the amount of acoustic energy which propagates in a lateral direction away from the device. In one aspect, at least a portion of the piezoelectric material not involved in signal transmission by transduction between RF and acoustic energy is removed from the device. In another aspect, the growth a piezoelectric material is limited to certain regions during fabrication of the device. In a further aspect, the crystal orientation of the piezoelectric material is disrupted or altered during device fabrication so as to form regions having excellent piezoelectric properties and regions exhibiting poor piezoelectric characteristics. |
| US08631544B1 |
Cable clamp strap
A device for handling or storing one or more items including a first jaw having a ratcheting engagement member, a second jaw having a ratcheting engagement member, a pivot rotatably connecting the first jaw and the second jaw, a strap proximate the pivot, and wherein manipulating the strap imparts movement on the pivot. |
| US08631542B2 |
Torque-adjustable hinge
A hinge includes a pivot shaft defining a friction surface and a positioning surface on the periphery thereof in such a manner that the radius between the center of axis of the pivot shaft and the friction surface is greater than the radius between the center of axis of the pivot shaft and the positioning surface, an upright bearing portion extended from one side of the base portion, a circularly curved constraint portion, an elastic buffer portion connected between the upright bearing portion and the circularly curved constraint portion, an opening defined between the free end of the circularly curved constraint portion and the base portion remote from the upright bearing portion and a flexible space defined between the elastic buffer portion and the friction surface for absorbing stress generated upon displacement of the circularly curved constraint portion due to rotation of the pivot shaft relative to the knuckle. |
| US08631537B2 |
Method for manufacturing a windshield wiper blade
A method of manufacturing a windscreen-wiper blade for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The blade includes at least one mounting element in which a housing and an attachment rail are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mounting element, an elastically deformable spine arranged inside the housing of the mounting element, and a wiping strip, including a heel interlocked inside said rail of the mounting element. The method involves hot deformation of at least one longitudinal end of the mounting element, so as to immobilize the spine and the wiping strip longitudinally inside the housing and the rail of the mounting element, respectively. |
| US08631536B1 |
Windshield wiper control system
A windshield wiper control system includes a movable element configured to move in a first direction and an opposing second direction and one or more actuation devices configured to cause the movable element to move in the first direction. The windshield wiper control system also includes a rotatable cam configured to cause the movable element to move in the opposing second direction when the rotatable cam contacts a stationary surface as the rotatable cam rotates about a cam axis and a wiper mechanism configured to move in the first and second directions and pivot in an arc motion responsive to the rotation of the rotatable cam. The wiper mechanism is further configured to cause the one or more windshield wipers to move across a surface of a windshield in a more linear motion than the arc motion of the wiper mechanism. |
| US08631535B2 |
Articulated, multiple cleaning surface cleaning tool and method
An extendable cleaning tool with multiple, cleaning, agitating and wiping implements, each being simultaneously in ready-for-use configuration and proximity during a waterless cleaning operation, requiring axial rotation of the tool's pole for positioning for use and without requiring multiple repositioning of the tool's distal end between the user's location and the proximity of a to-be-cleaned surface area during waterless cleaning of that surface area. |
| US08631529B1 |
Operable step
A step assembly provides access between a lift platform and an alighting surface. The step assembly includes a tread and a panel rotatably connected to the tread about a first axis. An actuator assembly is operably coupled to the panel to selectively move the step assembly between a raised position and a lowered position. In the raised position, the tread is substantially horizontal, and the panel is orthogonal to the tread. In the lowered position, the tread and the panel are substantially parallel and form a predetermined angle with respect to a horizontal plane. |
| US08631524B2 |
Hospital bed
A patient support incorporates a lying surface and at least one siderail on at least one side of the support. The siderails are operable between a raised position, an intermediate position, and a lowered position. The siderails are biased along a first range of motion by a first biasing member, and are biased along a second range of motion by a second biasing member. In the intermediate position, the siderails may define a gap through which a patient can ingress or egress the bed. In the raised and intermediate positions, the siderails may define gaps between each other and/or between the siderails and a headboard and footboard, that are sufficiently small to prevent accidental egress, and sufficiently large to prevent pinching and entrapment. |
| US08631521B1 |
Toilet seat hinge
A toilet seat hinge and a toilet seat assembly including the toilet seat hinge are disclosed. The disclosed toilet seat hinge can be configured to reduce or eliminate gaps, edges, sharp corners, and/or exposed surfaces found in and around conventional toilet seat hinges. This can be done, for example, without compromising simplicity or manufacturability. Several features of the disclosed toilet seat assembly make it easier to clean than conventional toilet seat assemblies. The seat and lid, for example, can be attached to rotatable elements that are cradled in a base and rotate on substantially the same axis. The profile of the hinge can be streamlined with numerous concave surfaces. Portions of the seat and lid that are not connected to one of the rotatable elements can, for example, slide against other elements so as not to create gaps or sharp corners. |
| US08631519B1 |
Toilet cleanser and deodorizer dispenser
A toilet cleanser and deodorizer dispenser adapted for placement inside a toilet tank that includes a hanger for hanging the dispenser from the top of the sidewall of the tank, a dispenser housing into which a liquid cleanser and/or deodorizer obtained from any source is inserted into a collapsible bag, and means for controlling the rate at which cleanser and/or deodorizer is dispensed from the dispenser into a toilet bowl as water entering the dispenser forces cleanser and/or deodorizer out of the dispenser. |
| US08631516B2 |
Hood for protective garment
The invention relates to a hood (1), particularly for a clothing item (2), preferably for protective and/or military purposes, such as an NBC protective garment (suit) or the like, wherein the hood (1) comprises a circumferential (i.e. peripheral) elastic hem (3) for forming a face opening (4), said face opening (4) being provided for receiving a respirator (5), and the hem (3) abutting the respirator (5) in the use state. To achieve or improve the sealing of the transition area between hem (3) and respirator (5), the side of the hem (3) that faces into the face opening (4) is provided with at least one circumferential sealing element (6) for closeout abutment of the respirator (5). |
| US08631515B2 |
Bikini top with friction locking cord adjustment system
Swim tops having a friction locking cord adjustment system are described. The swim top may have a pair of friction locking adjustment terminal ends. Each friction locking adjustment terminal end may be secured to an end of one of a pair of neck cords of the swim top. The friction locking adjustment terminal ends may be slidably affixed to the opposing neck cord of the swim top to permit the fit of the top to be adjusted. The friction locking adjustment terminal ends may be comprised of adjustment buckles or slidable knots. Adjustment buckles may include two or more silicone coated pads having holes for threading the cords of the swim top. A friction enhancing pattern may be proximate to the holes of the adjustment buckles. The friction enhancing pattern may engage the cord passing through that hole when the swim top is worn to enhance the secure fit of the swim top. |
| US08635708B2 |
Apparatus, systems and methods for parental control synchronization with mobile media devices
Systems and methods are operable to enforce parental controls at a mobile media device. An exemplary embodiment establishes a communication link between the mobile media device and a local media device, receives parental control setting information from the local media device at the mobile media device, receives at least one media content event and rating information associated with the received media content event at the mobile media device, compares at the mobile media device the rating information associated with the received at least one media content event with the parental control setting information received from the local media device, and prevents presentation of the at least one media content event by the mobile media device if the rating information associated with the received media content event violates the parental control setting information. |
| US08635699B1 |
Performance optimization for scanning of digital content on read-only optical media
A collection of stored data concerning digital content on read-only optical media is maintained. The data collection comprises signatures identifying specific releases of digital content stored on optical media, and results of scanning the specific releases for malware. The coupling of optical media to a computing device is detected. In response, an identifying signature of the digital content on the optical medium is created, and the data collection is searched for the signature. Where the signature is found in the data collection, the stored scanning result for the corresponding digital content is retrieved. Instead of scanning the coupled optical medium, the retrieved scanning result is used to determine its malware infection status. Where the signature is not found in the data collection, the optical medium is scanned for malware. |
| US08635695B2 |
Multi-method gateway-based network security systems and methods
Systems and methods for detecting and preventing network security breaches are described. The systems and methods present a gateway-based packet-forwarding network security solution to not only detect security breaches but also prevent them by directly dropping suspicious packets and connections. The systems and methods employ multiple techniques to detect and prevent network security breaches, including stateful signature detection, traffic signature detection, and protocol anomaly detection. |
| US08635691B2 |
Sensitive data scanner
A method and system of scanning a client for sensitive data. A server may receive, from the client, a request to scan the data stored in the data storage of the client for sensitive data. In response to receiving the request, the server may provide the client with a scanner, which causes the client to carry out functions including: (a) scanning the data stored in data storage to identify sensitive data; (b) collecting data based on the identified sensitive data; and (c) reporting the collected data. The server may then receive the collected data from the client and responsively analyze the data. The server may also provide feedback about the identified sensitive data to the client or another server. |
| US08635690B2 |
Reputation based message processing
Methods and systems for processing electronic communications based upon reputation. Reputation of an entity associated with the electronic communication can be generated. The communication can be placed in a queue based upon the reputation. The queued communication can be processed based upon updated information about the entity. |
| US08635687B2 |
Method and device for control by consumers over personal data
There is provided a method and device for providing personal data of first party to a second party. The personal data is stored in an electronic device comprising a mechanism for locking and unlocking access to the personal data and/or condition data stored therein associated with conditions for accessing said personal data. The second party receives the personal data dependent on whether the personal data is in a locked state and/or whether the conditions associated with the condition data are satisfied. |
| US08635686B2 |
Integrated privilege separation and network interception
Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to receive an attack request comprising operating system privilege use instructions associated with a gateway and slave process exploit code instructions. The attack request may be contained by processing the request as a user associated with an assigned slave module processing on the gateway. The slave module is prevented from connecting to or scanning any internet protocol address and port that is not specified in a policy database having network interception policy rules and file system privilege rules associated by a key comprising a slave module operating system identifier associated with the slave module. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US08635683B2 |
Method to improve fraud detection on conference calling systems by detecting re-use of conference moderator passwords
An embodiment of the invention provides a method for detecting fraudulent use of a moderator passcode in a conference calling system. The method sets a threshold number of moderator passcodes permitted in a conference call. The total number of moderator passcodes entered into the conference call is determined and compared to the threshold number with a processor. The conference call is allowed to continue if the threshold number exceeds the total number of moderator passcodes entered into the conference call. If, however, the total number of moderator passcodes exceeds the threshold number of moderator passcodes, the processor performs validation actions and/or alert actions. |
| US08635682B2 |
Propagating security identity information to components of a composite application
Various methods and systems for propagating identity information in a composite application are presented. State data of a composite application, as executed for a particular entity, may be transferred to and stored by a computer-readable storage medium. The state data may include a portion of a set of subject information linked with the entity. A security attribute of the subject may not be present in the portion of the set of subject information in the state data transferred to the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. After a period of time, such as an hour or a day, the state data of the composite application as executed for the entity may be retrieved and the security attribute of the set of subject information linked with the entity may be determined. The composite application may then continue to be executed for the entity. |
| US08635681B2 |
Method and system to authorize and assign digital certificates without loss of privacy, and/or to enhance privacy key selection
A method and system for public key infrastructure key and certificate management provides anonymity to certificate holders and protects the privacy of certificate holders from the compromise of a certificate authority. Functional separation is provided in the authorization of a certificate request and the assignment of certificates and key pairs. The authorizing certificate authority approves or denies each certificate request from a requestor whose identity is not made available to the assigning certificate authority. The assigning certificate authority, upon approval from the authorizing certificate authority, issues one or more certificates and optionally generates and provides the associated key pairs to the requester without disclosing these certificates and key pairs to the authorizing certificate authority. In another aspect, a distributed method is disclosed that allows individual nodes and/or units in a network to select certificates for broadcasting messages to a community of interest with a non-unique key. |
| US08635674B2 |
Social content monitoring platform methods
The SOCIAL CONTENT MONITORING PLATFORM METHODS (“Social-Watch”) transforms social media contents via Social-Watch components, into ad effects data. A method is disclosed, comprising: identifying a request to access user social media content; obtaining user authorization credentials to access user social media content; sending an access request with the obtained user authorization credentials to a social media platform; receiving social media content data from the social media platform; determining a type of the received media content data; tagging the received media content data based on the type according to a progressive taxonomy mechanism; receive a social media analytics request for an item; querying the tagged media content data based on key terms related to the item; and determining impression heuristics for the item based on query results. |
| US08635670B2 |
Secure centralized backup using locally derived authentication model
A system and method for performing backup operations is provided. Mechanisms facilitate a secure centralized backup system with a locally derived authentication model. A local centralized storage server may generate an authentication model, including credentials, and create a share/directory for each client. Clients store their credentials and use them to access centralized storage. Credentials are maintained and provisioned locally. A remote host server may establish trust by providing a list of clients in a circle. |
| US08635669B2 |
Method and system for execution monitor-based trusted computing
A system and method to ensure trustworthiness of a remote service provided by a service provider. The method includes monitoring runtime dependencies invoked during execution of a service transaction associated with the remote service, the service transaction being requested by a service requester. The method further includes determining whether a deviation exists between the runtime dependencies and a trusted list of dependencies associated with the remote service. The method also includes blocking execution of the service transaction based on determining that the deviation between the runtime dependencies and the trusted list of dependencies exists. |
| US08635664B2 |
Method and system for securing application program interfaces in unified extensible firmware interface
A method and system for securing an unified extensible firmware interface application program interface includes establishing a software hook for the application program interface during a pre-boot phase of a computing device and granting or denying access to the application program interface based on a comparison of a user token, which identifies the user, and an access control entry of an access control list associated with the application program interface. |
| US08635661B2 |
System and method for enforcing a security policy on mobile devices using dynamically generated security profiles
A system and method for enforcing security parameters that collects information from a source relating to a mobile device (104). Based on the collected information, an identity status for the mobile device (104) is determined that uniquely identifies the mobile device (104) and distinguishes it from other mobile devices. The identity status of the mobile device (104) can be determined when the mobile device (104) connects to a computing node source (102) or when the mobile device (104) accesses a resource (124) within the network. A security profile based on the identity status of the mobile device (104) is generated and the security profile is applied to the mobile device (104). |
| US08635647B2 |
Program guide apparatus
A method acquires program guide information in an image signal receiver, and program guide method and apparatus using the same. In the program guide apparatus, information immediately required by a user is obtained first, and information of less preferential channels is obtained next, thus presenting a smooth interface to the user. The method of acquiring program guide information for channels includes acquiring the program guide information for each channel by scanning accessible channels while a received program is not displayed. The program guide apparatus includes a tuner tuning a channel, a program guide information detector, a memory, a key input, a microprocessor, and a character signal generator. |
| US08635640B2 |
System, method and computer program product for verifying triggers in a video data stream
A method is disclosed for logging triggers in a video data stream the method including but not limited to monitoring a video data stream at an multimedia processor end user device; receiving from a data distribution server, the video data stream at the multimedia processor end user device; detecting a trigger in the video data stream at the multimedia processor end user device; logging a time for the trigger detected in the video data stream in a trigger log at the multimedia processor end user device; and sending the trigger log an advertising verification system in the data distribution system for correlating the time the trigger occurred with an Advertising Schedule. |
| US08635638B2 |
Method of determining profiles for widget channel viewers
In a digital content entertainment system, attributes vectors storing values for attributes of each of a plurality of widgets installed in the digital content entertainment system are obtained. A profiler component automatically creates at least one profile of a viewer of the digital content entertainment system by performing a spectral clustering process on the attributes vectors. The digital content entertainment system proactively obtains and presents digital content of interest to the viewer on a display of the digital content entertainment system based on the automatically generated viewer profile. |
| US08635632B2 |
High performance and resource efficient communications between partitions in a logically partitioned system
A mechanism is provided for communicating between a plurality of applications. An application programming interface (API) associated with an originating application running on a first logical partition in a plurality of logical partitions of a logically partitioned data processing system receives a request to send data to a destination application. The API sends a request to identify a location of the destination application to a virtualization management mechanism. Responsive to receiving a response from the virtualization management mechanism, the API determines whether the location of the destination application is in a second logical partition in the plurality of logical partitions of the logically partitioned data processing system. Responsive to the location being in the second logical partition, the API uses a bypass protocol to send the request from the originating application to the destination application. |
| US08635623B2 |
Multi-layer print workflow architecture job ticket generation utilizing user selectable real-time device capabilities
A multi-layer workflow architecture for a print shop is disclosed. The workflow architecture includes a workflow front end, service bus, and service providers. The workflow front end provides an interface to print shop operators. The service providers are each associated with a device in the print shop. The service bus represents the layer between the workflow front end and the service providers. In operation, the service providers report device capabilities for devices to the service bus. The workflow front end receives the device capabilities from the service bus, and provides the device capabilities to a user to allow the user to define a job ticket based on the device capabilities. The service bus identifies the processes defined in the job ticket, and identifies the service providers operable to provide the processes. The service bus then routes process messages to the identified service providers to execute the processes on the devices. |
| US08635619B2 |
Schedule virtual interface allowing resynchronization requests for lock tokens before attachment of a scheduling element triggered by an unlock request
A mechanism is provided for scheduling virtual interfaces having at least one virtual interface scheduler, a virtual interface context cache and a pipeline with a number of processing units. The virtual interface scheduler is configured to send a lock request for a respective virtual interface to the virtual interface context cache. The virtual interface context cache is configured to lock a virtual interface context of the respective virtual interface and to send a lock token to the virtual interface scheduler in dependence on said lock request. The virtual interface context cache configured to hold a current lock token for the respective virtual interface context and to unlock the virtual interface context, if a lock token of an unlock request received from the pipeline matches the held current lock token. |
| US08635616B2 |
Virtualization processing method and apparatuses, and computer system
A virtualization processing method and apparatuses, and a computer system are provided. Where a computing node includes: a hardware layer, a Host running on the hardware layer, and at least one virtual machine (VM) running on the Host, the hardware layer includes an I/O device, several corresponding virtual function (VF) devices are virtualized from the I/O device, the Host has several VF software instances, the several VF software instances and the several VF devices are in one-to-one correspondence; the Host further has a back-end instance (BE) of an I/O virtual device having the same type with the I/O device, the VM has a front-end instance (FE) of the I/O virtual device; the BE in the Host is bound with an idle VF software instance. The solutions of the embodiments of the present invention are beneficial to optimization of the performance and compatibility of a virtualization system. |
| US08635615B2 |
Apparatus and method for managing hypercalls in a hypervisor and the hypervisor thereof
In one embodiment, an apparatus for managing hypercalls in a hypervisor having an interrupt handler and a schedule is described. A deferrable low-overhead hypercall (DLH) module is configured to assign a separate DLH queue to each of a plurality of virtual machines when the virtual machine is initialized. Each entry in the separate DLH queue represents a hypercall routine. When one of the virtual machines notifies the interrupt handler of at least a deferrable hypercalls to be executed, the scheduler selects at least a virtual CPU (VCPU) and assigns them to the virtual machine to run on at least a physical CPU (PCPU). The DLH module executes the at least a deferrable hypercall inserted in a DLH queue assigned to the virtual machine before restoring the VCPU context to the virtual machine having the at least an assigned VCPU. |
| US08635610B2 |
Management system and management method
A system for managing a component or application determines whether to allow changeover of a component, which is used by an application, or launch of an application in accordance with amount of resources set for a component and used by the component. |
| US08635609B2 |
Software certification and update process
An update service is provided for maintaining software of one or more users, or an enterprise. On behalf of users or enterprises, the update service collects information from various software vendors about the certification and updates for their software. Dependencies or issues between the software are determined based on the information collected from the software vendors. A set of applicable updates for particular users or enterprises may then be determined based on the dependencies or issues. The update service may then broker various aspects of the delivery and installation of these updates. |
| US08635606B2 |
Dynamic optimization using a resource cost registry
Technologies are generally described for runtime optimization adjusted dynamically according to changing costs of one or more system resources. Multicore systems may encounter dynamic variations in performance associated with the relative cost of related system resources. Furthermore, multicore systems can experience dramatic variations in resource availability and costs. A dynamic registry of system resource costs can be utilized to guide dynamic optimization. The relative scarcity of each resource can be updated dynamically within the registry of system resource costs. A runtime code generating loader and optimizer may be adapted to adjust optimization according to the resource cost registry. Information regarding system resource costs can support optimization tradeoffs based on resource cost functions. |
| US08635605B2 |
Automated deployment implementation with a deployment topology model
Although a modeling language can be used to create a deployment diagram to graphically depict a deployment model, the utility of the deployment diagram is limited to easing understanding of the model. A semantically correct deployment topology model can be processed to automate deployment of a product, add-on, update, configuration, etc. A semantically correct deployment topology model can be processed to generate activities that conform to the deployment model. The activities have executable code units associated with them. Calls to the executable code units are written into one or more files in accordance with an order of the plurality of activities that conforms to the semantically correct deployment topology model. |
| US08635603B2 |
Handling debugger breakpoints in a shared instruction system
A debugger debugs processes that execute shared instructions so a breakpoint set for one process will not cause a breakpoint to occur in the other processes. A breakpoint is set by recording the original instruction at the desired location and writing a trap instruction to the shared instructions at that location. When a process encounters the breakpoint, the process passes control to the debugger for breakpoint processing if the breakpoint was set at that location for that process. If the trap was not set at that location for that process, the cacheline containing the trap is copied to a small scratchpad memory, and the virtual memory mappings are changed to translate the virtual address of the cacheline to the scratchpad. The original instruction is then written to replace the trap instruction in the scratchpad, so the process can execute the instructions in the scratchpad thereby avoiding the trap instruction. |
| US08635599B2 |
System and method for evaluating adherence to a standardized process
A checklist process system and method for measuring adherence to a process defined in accordance with a standardized model, such as CMMI®—Capability Maturity Model Integration. A system is provided that includes: a database of checklists, wherein each checklist includes a set of requirements defined in accordance with the process; a weight assignment system for assigning a weight to each requirement in each checklist; an evaluation system for evaluating a checklist, wherein the evaluation system awards the weight associated with each requirement if the requirement has been met; and an adherence value generation system that calculates an adherence value for the checklist based on all the weights awarded in the checklist. |
| US08635598B2 |
Automatic code decoration for code review
The automated generation of code decoration for a body of code under review. Upon accessing the body of code, the system evaluates portions of the code for context. For at least some of those portions of code, the system identifies a decoration corresponding to that context, and adds the identified decoration to the body of code in a manner that the decoration is visually associated with the corresponding portion of the code. |
| US08635597B2 |
Method for determining the processing order of modules in a function plan and electronic data processing system for carrying out the method
There is described a method for determining the processing sequence of components of a function plan for a sequentially operating automation system. Each component is allocated a component code in a reversible unambiguous manner and, while the components have a signal input and output connection, these should be applicable to a number of various function plans and thus minimize the reaction time of an automation system to process signals. The above is achieved, whereby the signal path in the function plan commences at an initial component in a recursive procedure in the forward direction and returns in the backward direction. A given set of propagation rules for the forward direction and for the backward direction are defined, the components reached in the course of a forward propagation are allocated to a sequence list, the list elements of which include the component codes and during each run through the recursive loop the sequence list obtained on the previous run is updated by means of the current sequence list. |
| US08635595B2 |
Method and system for managing non-compliant objects
A method and a corresponding system for managing non-MBeans (250) in the JMX architecture (215) are proposed. In the method of the invention, each non-MBean is supplied to a converter (255) that generates program code for defining a standard MBean (260m) implementing an interface (260i) named after itself. The interface exposes getter/setter methods, which are designed to return/assign corresponding public fields of the non-MBean. Moreover, the interface exposes methods for managing notifications (wrapping corresponding public methods of the non-MBean). Remaining public methods of the non-MBean are associated with corresponding operations of the MBean; support is also provided for relationships between non-MBeans. In this way, the MBean wraps the non-MBean making possible its management in the JMX architecture. |
| US08635594B1 |
Script language for storage management operations
Described are techniques for configuring a target data store. Code written in a scripting language is provided. The scripting language includes environment blocks that retrieve data used in a subsequent block and execution blocks that execute an operation to configure said target data store. The retrieved data includes data from said target data store. The code is processed and includes retrieving data in accordance with environment blocks included in the code, and updating said target data store in accordance with execution blocks included in said code. |
| US08635592B1 |
Method and system for tailoring software functionality
Systems and methods for tailoring the functionality of software applications are disclosed. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention may tailor the functionality of a software application by tailoring the features of the interfaces of the software application presented to a user based on one or more maturity levels of the user. In this manner, the set of features, and thus the functionality or complexity of a software application, may be tailored to the maturity levels of a user. |
| US08635587B2 |
Automatic restoration of tool configuration while navigating layers of a composition
A selection of a layer is received from a plurality of layers of a composition. A tool type and one or more tool setting(s) are obtained based at least in part on the selected layer, where in the event the selected layer was previously selected at least once, the obtained tool type and tool setting(s) were in use a last time the selected layer was selected. A tool is automatically configured using the obtained tool type and tool setting(s), where the tool is associated with manipulating the composition. |
| US08635583B2 |
Standard cells having transistors annotated for gate-length biasing
A standard cell library is disclosed. The standard cell library contains cells wherein at least one transistor in at least one cell is annotated for gate length biasing. Gate length biasing includes the modification of the gate length, so as to change the speed or power consumption of the modified gate length. The standard cell library is one used in the manufacturing of semiconductor devices (e.g., that result as semiconductor chips), by way of fabricating features defined on one or more layouts of geometric shapes. The annotations serve to identify which ones of the transistor gate features are to be modified before using the geometric shapes for manufacturing the semiconductor device. |
| US08635581B1 |
Method and apparatus for single event upset (SEU) detection and correction
A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for performing single event upset detection and correction are disclosed. For example, the method comprises: setting, by a processor, at least one starting address for each of a plurality of rows of a design for an integrated circuit, setting, by the processor, at least one ending address for each of the plurality of rows of the design, and performing, by the processor, the single event upset detection and correction scan in parallel, from the at least one starting address for each of the plurality of rows to the at least one ending address for each of the plurality of rows. |
| US08635576B2 |
Method for determining wire lengths between nodes using a rectilinear steiner minimum tree (RSMT) with existing pre-routes algorithm
A method for the creation of rectilinear Steiner minimum trees includes determining a set of candidate connections from a terminal node to a different terminal node or to a graph edge. The length of each candidate connection may be used to determine the set of candidate connections that span the graph with a minimum total length. |
| US08635574B1 |
Method and mechanism for implementing extraction for an integrated circuit design
An improved method and system for performing extraction on an integrated circuit design is disclosed. Extraction may be performed at granularities much smaller than the entire IC design, in which a halo is used to identify a geometric volume surrounding an object of interest to identify neighboring objects and generate an electrical model. The extraction approach can be taken for Islands, Nets, as well as other granularities within the design. Re-extraction of a design can occur at granularities smaller than a net. Some approaches utilize Island-stitching to replace an island within a net. An approach is also described for improving cross-references for cross-coupled objects. |
| US08635573B2 |
Method of fabricating a semiconductor device having a defined minimum gate spacing between adjacent gate structures
A device, and method of fabricating and/or designing such a device, including a first gate structure having a width (W) and a length (L) and a second gate structure separated from the first gate structure by a distance greater than: (√{square root over (W*W+L*L)})/10. The second gate structure is a next adjacent gate structure to the first gate structure. A method and apparatus for designing an integrated circuit including implementing a design rule defining the separation of gate structures is also described. In embodiments, the distance of separation is implemented for gate structures that are larger relative to other gate structures on the substrate (e.g., greater than 3 μm2). |
| US08635571B1 |
Integrating multiple FPGA designs by merging configuration settings
This disclosure relates generally to field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). Some implementations relate to methods and systems for transmitting and integrating an intellectual property (IP) block with another user's design. The IP developer can design the IP block to include both a secret portion and a public portion. The IP block developer can send or otherwise provide the IP block to another IP user without disclosing the functional description of the secret portion of the IP block. In some implementations, the IP developer provides the public portion to the IP user at the register-transfer-level (RTL) level, as a hardware description language (HDL)-implemented design, or as a synthesizable netlist. In some implementations, the IP developer provides the secret portion of the IP block to the user in the form of programming bits without providing an HDL, RTL, or netlist implementation of the secret portion. |
| US08635568B2 |
Semiconductor device and designing method of the same
A semiconductor device includes a control target circuit section and a voltage control section configured to dynamically control a supply voltage to the control target circuit section. The control target circuit section includes a delay monitor circuit configured to measure a delay in the control target circuit section as a monitor delay and a target delay register configured to store target delay data for a target value of the monitor delay and which is set before the measuring of the delay, based on an external signal. The delay monitor circuit compares the monitor delay and the target delay and sends a comparison resultant signal to the voltage control section to show a result of the comparison. The voltage control section controls the supply voltage based on the comparison resultant signal such that the monitor delay approaches to the target delay. |
| US08635567B1 |
Electronic design automation tool for guided connection assistance
A method of circuit design includes receiving a user input selecting a first interface of a circuit block of a circuit design as a source interface in creating a connection within the circuit design and selecting a second interface of the circuit design as a candidate destination interface for the connection using a processor. The method further includes determining compatibility between the second interface and the first interface and indicating compatibility of the second interface with the first interface for the connection. |
| US08635563B2 |
Mask data producing method and mask data producing program
Obtaining a function by convoluting a function representing a light intensity distribution formed by an illumination apparatus on a pupil plane of a projection optical system and a pupil function of the projection optical system. Calculating a Fourier transformed function by Fourier transforming the product of the obtained function and a diffracted light distribution from a pattern on an object plane of the projection optical system. Producing data of the pattern of the mask based on the Fourier transformed function. |
| US08635562B2 |
Data flow branching in mask data preparation
Branching of the data-flow in a mask data preparation processes is described herein. In various implementations, the output stream from a first mask data processing operation is branched. Subsequently, the branched output stream may be connected to the input stream of a first independent mask data preparation operation and a second independent mask data preparation operation. This provides that the first and the second independent mask data preparation operations may operate in parallel. Furthermore, this provides that the first and the second independent mask data preparation operations may operate upon discrete “portions” of the data processed by the first mask data preparation operation. |
| US08635559B2 |
On-screen cursor navigation delimiting on a handheld communication device
A handheld communication device and method for affecting movement of a highlighting cursor amongst an array of icons on a display screen is described. In an embodiment, the handheld communication device includes a lighted display, a keyboard and an auxiliary user input, e.g. a trackball, located essentially between the display and keyboard. The auxiliary user input is used to move the highlighting cursor from a first icon located on the display screen, to a second icon located on the display screen. In operation, the highlighting cursor is prevented from moving from a first row of icons to a successive second row of icons when a cross-wise directed force is applied to the auxiliary user input and the highlighted cursor has reached a terminal icon of the first row. |
| US08635557B2 |
System to navigate within images spatially referenced to a computed space
A system for navigating images spatially referenced to a plurality of location coordinates from at least one coordinate location within a computed space provides travel with a non-linear itinerary. Specifically, serial navigation of a plurality of geographic images spatially referenced to location coordinates of a geo-planar space from a selected coordinate location within each prior geographic image. |
| US08635552B1 |
Display device capturing digital content and method of controlling therefor
A method of controlling a display device according to one embodiment of the present specification includes the steps of displaying a digital content, displaying a capturing window in a manner of overlapping the digital content, wherein the capturing window captures an inside area of the capturing window, detecting a first control input moving the digital content on an inside of the capturing window, moving the digital content according to the first control input and including the digital content, which moved to the inside of the capturing window, in a capturing object, detecting a second control input moving the digital content on an outside of the capturing window, and moving the digital content according to the second control input and excluding the digital content, which moved to the inside of the capturing window by the second control input, from the capturing object. |
| US08635551B1 |
Graphic user interface and software for processing large size signal data samples in a small buffer using automatically adjusted decimation ratio
A method for rapidly analyzing and editing data files with a number of GUI's and an adaptive decimation ratio in a computer allows processing data files and signal data files within a given data segment for a better fit into a limited-size working space buffer and provides improved resolution of data segments in a simplified way using GUI's that allow the user to point and click at a computer screen instead of performing manual calculations. A large data segment is adaptively decimated to a smaller size automatically so that a lower resolution version of the data segment will be loaded into a fixed-size small buffer in hardware working space for further data editing. The decimation and loading process will be repeated until the user finds the desired data-section of interest. |
| US08635550B2 |
GUI for goal programming and goal weighting in optimization based applications
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to mathematical programming for optimization based applications systems and provide a method, system and computer program product for providing an interface for generating and customizing optimization-based applications. A method for providing an interface for generating and customizing optimization-based applications can include generating an initial user interface having an objectives and sequences panel, the objectives and sequences panel can include a basic objective table, an aggregate objective table and an objective sequence table in a goal programming and goal weighting controller module executing in memory by a processor of a host computer. The method also includes rendering in the basic objective table a list of goals with corresponding indexes provided by the optimization application. The method further includes receiving selection of a subset of objectives to generate a new aggregate objective in the aggregate objective table. |
| US08635547B2 |
Display device and display method
A display device of present invention includes an operation input portion from which operation information is input by a user, a selection portion that selects a predetermined region on a display screen based on the operation information, and a scroll portion that scrolls the display screen in a state where a position of the selected predetermined region is held at a predetermined position. |
| US08635546B2 |
Zero fixed placement ads
Techniques for zero fixed placement (ZFP) ads are described. ZFP ads may be triggered independently of a fixed placement for the ad in a user interface. In an implementation, data describing a user interface includes a trigger associated with a ZFP ad. The ZFP ad may be configured to set various modifiable attributes of the user interface. Setting the modifiable attributes of the page enables a ZFP to modify both the appearance and layout of elements and modules included in the user interface. A client may load the data having the trigger and render the user interface without presenting the associated ZFP ad or including a placeholder for the ZFP ad. When the trigger is detected, the client executes the associated ZFP ad, modifies attributes of the user interface in accordance with the ZFP ad, and outputs the modified user interface to present the ZFP ad. |
| US08635545B2 |
User interaction method and apparatus for electronic device
An interaction method and apparatus for an electronic device is proposed for providing the user with interactive audio/video/haptic effects. An interaction method for an electronic device according to the present invention includes outputting an event object in response to an input action to an event element; detecting a user interaction to the event object; and outputting an effect object in response to the user interaction. |
| US08635541B2 |
Indicating pending asynchronous updates in a graphical user interface (GUI)
The present invention provides a mechanism to display exactly which parts of a GUI are being updated by non-blocking or asynchronous interaction with a server. It also allows the user to continue to interact with unaffected portions of the display and therefore can be used to provide a superior user experience. Specifically, the present invention displays a busy or progress indicator at the element level of granularity, indicating that the value of the element is currently undergoing a non-blocking or asynchronous update. |
| US08635539B2 |
Web-based language translation memory compilation and application
Suggested edits to translated text are enabled to be provided by users. The suggested edits are associated with the translated text in a content database. A subsequent user may view the translated text and any associated suggested edits. The subsequent user may be enabled to approve a suggested edit to the translated text. The translated text is enabled to be displayed as modified according to the approved suggested edit. This may include enabling multiple instances of the translated text to be displayed as modified according to the suggested edit if the translated text occurs multiple times (e.g., appears multiple times in one or more documents) in the content database. Further users that attempt to view the translated text in a document of the content database will be provided with the modified version of the translated text. |
| US08635538B2 |
Display apparatus and information update method thereof
A display apparatus includes: a displaying unit; a signal processing unit which performs signal processing for displaying images on the displaying unit; a first controlling unit which controls the signal processing unit to perform signal processing; a first storing unit which saves a first control program for operating the first controlling unit; a connecting unit to which an outer storing apparatus is connected; and a second controlling unit which compares reference information related to the first control program saved in the first storing unit with reference information related to a first control program saved in the outer storing apparatus, and updates the first control program saved in the first storing unit to the first control program which is saved in the outer storing apparatus and received through the connecting unit if the first control program saved in the first storing unit needs to be updated. |
| US08635535B2 |
Third-party-secured zones on web pages
A computer-implemented method is provided, including storing, in an authentication server system, unique identification codes assigned to respective entities. Secure zone HTML code elements are provided for placement on a web page in association with respective identifiers of the entities, the HTML code elements specifying (a) respective ones of the codes for the respective associated identifiers of the entities, and (b) creation of respective inline frames on the page. Upon opening of the page, execution of a server-side program is triggered at the system, which program receives the codes specified by the code elements. The received codes are authenticated by comparing the received codes to the codes stored in the system. For each match found between one of the received codes and one of the stored codes, the system delivers web content to or via the one of the inline frames associated with the one of the received codes. |
| US08635533B2 |
Method and device for scheduling follow-up events
A device and method for scheduling follow-up events in relation to an existing event record. The device receives an input follow-up request associated with the existing event record and automatically generates a follow-up event record having information in its field populated using the information contained in the existing event record. The date of the follow-up event is automatically generated based upon the date of the existing event record. If the existing event record is a recurring event, then the date of the follow-up event is based on the frequency of recurrence. The follow-up event record may be displayed for user editing and may be transmitted to the attendees to propose scheduling of the follow-up event. |
| US08635532B2 |
User interface to automatically correct timing in playback for audio recordings
Exemplary embodiments of methods to automatically correct timing of recorded audio in GUI are summarized here. One or more controls to adjust resolution of timing and degree of correction for the audio are displayed. The resolution of timing relates to heats on a grid and is affected by the degree of correction. The degree of correction is mapped to a time interval at each beat along the grid. Next, a user manipulation of one or more controls selecting a resolution and a degree of correction is received. Correction of timing is performed according to the selected resolution and degree of correction. Correcting of timing may include aligning a transient of the audio to the beat by compressing or stretching a portion of the audio. Compressing or stretching the portion of the audio depends on a length of the portion relative to a distance between adjacent beats. |
| US08635525B2 |
Systems, methods and computer readable media for creating and updating electronic documents
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for preparing for creating and updating electronic documents are provided. According to one aspect, a method for updating electronic documents having a first section of information includes receiving an update to the first section of information and parameters associated with the electronic documents to be updated. Upon receiving the update to the first section of information and receiving the parameters associated with the electronic documents to be updated, the electronic documents including the updated first section of information and the parameters associated with the electronic documents are automatically updated. |
| US08635524B2 |
System and/or method for document conversion
Embodiments of methods, apparatuses, devices and systems associated with document conversion are disclosed. In one particular implementation, an apparatus is provided which includes a document conversion program capable of generating at least a portion of a first document based at least in part on one or more portions of data from a second document. |
| US08635523B2 |
Layout editing device and computer program product
A layout editing includes a display portion, an operation portion, a template storage portion, a template acquiring portion that acquires a similar template, an area displaying portion that displays a candidate area on the interactive screen, a setting determination portion that determines whether the candidate area that is displayed will be set on the interactive screen, a object disposing portion that sets the candidate area as the image object area and disposes the object in the set image object area, and an image generating portion that generates image data that describe the image for which the layout has been edited. |
| US08635519B2 |
System and method for sharing content based on positional tagging
Systems and methods for sharing digital content based on positional tagging on a digital platform. For example, in one embodiment, the systems and methods generally include: (a) providing a first user with an interface to tag content on a first digital platform; (b) creating a positional identifier that identifies the location of the tagged content on the first digital platform; and (c) posting, on a second digital platform, a link to the first digital platform. When a second user on the second digital platform activates the link on the second digital platform, the second user is directed to the first digital platform. The systems and methods thereafter include: (d) identifying when a second user has accessed the first digital platform via the link on the second digital platform; and (e) highlighting the tagged content on the first digital platform. |
| US08635517B2 |
Methods and apparatus for fast synchronization using quasi-cyclic low-density parity-check (QC-LDPC) codes
For use in a wireless communication network, a transmitter is configured to encode information. The transmitter includes a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) encoder configured to encode a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) message using a cyclic redundancy check. The transmitter also includes a timing dependent cyclic shift block configured to encode information in the PBCH message. The transmitter further includes a quasi-cyclic low-density parity-check (QC-LDPC) encoder configured to encode the PBCH message using a QC-LDPC. |
| US08635516B2 |
Method and apparatus for joint equalization and decoding of multidimensional codes transmitted over multiple symbol durations
A method and apparatus are disclosed for performing joint equalization and decoding of multidimensional codes transmitted over multiple symbol durations. An RSSE scheme is disclosed that cancels the intrasymbol interference caused by other symbol components within the same multidimensional code symbol. The disclosed RSSE technique for multidimensional codes applies where the number of trellis code dimensions exceeds the number of channels. The disclosed RSSE decoder computes the intersymbol interference caused by previously decoded multidimensional code symbols and subtracts the intersymbol interference from the received signal. In addition, a branch metrics unit compensates for the intrasymbol interference caused by other symbol components within the same multidimensional code symbol. |
| US08635514B2 |
Error control in memory storage systems
A method includes calculating a first syndrome of a codeword read from a memory location under a first set of conditions and calculating a second syndrome of the codeword read from the memory location under a second set of conditions. The method also includes analyzing the first and second syndromes and applying one of the first and second syndromes to the codeword to find the codeword having a minimum number of errors. |
| US08635511B2 |
Data processing apparatus, control device and data storage device
When write data D is high rewritten data, a PC 10 controls a DRAM 24 to store the write data D (steps S100 and S110). When the write data D is not the high rewritten data, the PC 10 outputs an RRAM write request signal and the write data D to an SSD (step S100 and S120). A memory controller of the SSD input the RRAM write request signal controls the RRAM and an SRAM to store the write data D in the RRAM or the SRAM. This treatment enables data stored in the DRAM to be rewritten frequently. Therefore, the decrease of number of times of refresh operation of the DRAM and the decrease of power consumption are accomplished. |
| US08635510B2 |
Non-systematic coded error correction
Methods are described that facilitate the detection and correction of data in memory systems or devices by encoding the data bits of a memory row or block in a non-systematic ECC code. Reduced complexity error detection and correction hardware and/or routines detect and correct corrupted user data in a segment of memory, such as a sector, word line row, or erase block. User data is not stored in a plaintext format in the memory array. The ECC code is distributed throughout the stored data in the memory segment. |
| US08635509B2 |
Method of operating memory controller and memory system including the memory controller
According to example embodiments, a method of controlling a memory controller includes executing an error correction code (ECC) on first page data that has been read from a non-volatile memory device using a first read voltage level, estimating a second read voltage level for reading the first page data using metadata of second page data when an uncorrectable error is detected in the first page data according to a result of executing the ECC. |
| US08635508B2 |
Systems and methods for performing concatenated error correction
A system and method is provided for performing concatenated error correction. In one implementation, an apparatus for encoding data includes an outer encoder to generate a code word corresponding to received input data and a parity circuit to compute parities of logical cells of data, the logical cells of data being obtained from the code word and having a first logical cell. The apparatus also includes an inner encoder to generate an error correction bit for the first logical cell based on a first parity corresponding to the first logical cell, and to insert the error correction bit in the first logical cell. |
| US08635507B1 |
System and method for using pilot signals in non-volatile memory devices
A memory system includes a memory having a plurality of cells. To perform a writing operation to store user data among the plurality of cells, the memory system further includes a pilot generator module, a multiplexer module, and a write module. The pilot generator module is configured to select between first and second schemes by which pilot data is to be stored, along with the user data, among the plurality of cells. The second scheme is different from the first scheme, and the pilot data includes a known predetermined sequence. The multiplexer module is configured to combine the pilot data and the user data in accordance with the selection of the first scheme and the second scheme. The write module is configured to write the pilot data and the user data, as combined by the multiplexer module, among the plurality of cells. |
| US08635502B2 |
Debug card and method for diagnosing faults
A debug card for diagnosing a motherboard and a power supply unit (PSU) of a same computer includes a plurality of first nixie tubes, a plurality of second nixie tubes, a first port, a second port, and a control unit. The control unit is electronically connected to the plurality of first nixie tubes, the plurality of second nixie tubes, the first port, and the second port. The first port is electronically connected to the motherboard, and the second port is electronically connected to the PSU. Under the control of the control unit, fault codes of the motherboard are displayed by the plurality of the first nixie tubes, and fault codes of the PSU are displayed by the plurality of the second nixie tubes. |
| US08635501B2 |
Detecting memory hazards in parallel computing
A computer-implemented method, computer-readable media, and a computerized system to track and detect data hazards are provided. The computerized system includes processors configured to execute instructions associated with a multithreaded program. The computerized system allocates memory for the multithreaded program and creates threads for execution on the processors. The memory may include a reserved area for tracking information. The threads access the allocated memory in accordance with the multithreaded program and the memory including the tracking information is updated based on the threads' memory access. In turn, the processors generate notifications of data hazard based on the tracking information stored in the allocated memory. |
| US08635500B2 |
System and method for powering redundant components
Various exemplary embodiments relate to a telecom system. The telecom system may include at least one actively operating telecom component and at least one redundant telecom component. The redundant telecom component may be placed in a low power state based upon a first criteria, and in a high power state based upon a second criteria. |
| US08635496B2 |
Trouble analysis apparatus
A trouble analysis apparatus is provided which includes: a system topology storing portion; an error detection information receiving portion which collects error detection information; and a trouble source determination portion which, based on both the error detection information collected by the error detection information receiving portion and system topology information stored in the system topology information storing portion, determines a trouble source functional element that is presumed as a functional element which is a source of a system trouble. Links included in the system topology information have information indicating spreading directions of error operations between the functional elements when trouble occurs. When the trouble source detection portion receives the error detection information with regard to multiple error functional elements, the trouble source determination portion sequentially selects one of the multiple error functional elements. The trouble source detection portion determines whether or not directions from the selected error functional element to other error functional elements conform to the spreading directions included in the system topology information. The trouble source determination portion determines the selected error functional element as the trouble source functional element when the spreading directions are conformable. |
| US08635495B2 |
Systems and methods for classifying power network failures
Systems and methods for classifying a possible failure in a power network are provided. In one embodiment, a method may include receiving network device status information for multiple network devices in communication with a communications network and capable of receiving primary power from a power network; and determining that a possible power network failure exists based on a first portion of the network devices associated with an inactive status and a second portion of the network devices associated with an active status, wherein the first portion comprises network devices without battery back-up capabilities and the second portion comprises network devices with battery back-up capabilities. |
| US08635493B2 |
High availability system allowing conditionally reserved computing resource use and reclamation upon a failover
In one embodiment, a method attempts, by a computing device, to determine a placement of a set of virtual machines on available hosts upon failure of a host. The placement considers the set of virtual machines as being not powered on any of the available hosts. The method further determines, by the computing device, a placed list of virtual machines in the set of virtual machines as a recommendation to power on to the available hosts. The determination of the placed list of virtual machines is used to determine a power off list of virtual machines in the set of virtual machines to power off, wherein virtual machines in the power off list of virtual machines are currently powered on available hosts but were considered to be powered off to determine the placement. |
| US08635488B2 |
Implementing ultra high availability personality card
A method and circuit for implementing an enhanced availability personality card for a chassis computer system, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. The personality card includes a first erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM) and a second EPROM, each EPROM storing Vital Product Data (VPD) and a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor sensing temperature. A primary bidirectional bus and a redundant bidirectional bus are respectively connected between the first EPROM and the first temperature sensor and the second EPROM and the second temperature sensor, and a pair of chassis management modules. Each chassis management module includes a switch connected to both the primary bidirectional bus and the redundant bidirectional bus providing redundant paths, enabling continued function with failure of any critical personality card component. |
| US08635487B2 |
Memory interface having extended strobe burst for write timing calibration
Methods and systems for calibrating parameters for communication between a controller and a memory device. A memory controller may be configured to calibrate one or more of the write latency and/or the latency window of a memory device such that a data signal and a data strobe signal are received by the memory device within the latency window of the memory device. |
| US08635485B2 |
Computer and control method thereof
A computer includes a CPU and a system unit, and further includes a power source which generates source power, a system driving power generator which converts the source power to system power and which provides power to the system unit, a CPU driving power generator which outputs driving power to drive the CPU, and a controller which selectively supplies the source power or the system power to an input terminal of the CPU driving power generator according to an operation mode of the CPU. Thus, a computer adjusts a level of power supplied to a CPU driving power generator according to a CPU mode and improves power efficiency, and includes a control method thereof. |
| US08635481B1 |
Power cut off mode
External jolts, such as those occurring during shipment, may inadvertently activate an electronic device. Such inadvertent activations may result in the electronic device entering an active mode during shipment, draining battery power. This document describes a power cut off mode that prevents inadvertent device activations and minimizes current consumption during shipment or storage of a device. This conserves battery power for operational use by the user. |
| US08635479B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method of power saving control, and power saving control program
The transition between a normal operation mode and a power save mode of an apparatus is controlled by determining whether a power save mode transition condition is satisfied, the power save mode transition condition defining a condition under which the normal operation mode is to be switched to the power save mode, and sending notification from a sub controller to a main controller when the power save mode transition condition is satisfied. |
| US08635478B2 |
Establishing an operating range for dynamic frequency and voltage scaling
During manufacture, an operating range for dynamic voltage and frequency scaling can be established. A nominal operating point is identified based on a design nominal operating frequency for a computer processor. The nominal operating point comprises a nominal operating voltage identified for the design nominal operating frequency. In dependence upon the nominal operating point, an operating range of frequency and voltage over which the computer processor is to function is determined. Information specifying the nominal operating point and the operating range is stored in non-volatile storage associated with the computer processor. |
| US08635474B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a first control unit configured to control an operation of an image forming unit, and a second control unit configured to be capable of communicating with the first control unit and transmitting information associated with forming an image to the first control unit. The image forming apparatus has a normal operation mode in which an image forming operation is performed, a first power-saving operation mode in which an operation of the first control unit is stopped, and a second power-saving operation mode in which supplying of electric power to the second control unit is stopped. In the first power-saving operation mode, the second control unit determines whether to switch into the normal operation mode from the first power-saving operation mode. In the second power-saving operation mode, the first control unit determines whether to switch into the normal operation mode from the second power-saving operation mode. |
| US08635472B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device and IC card using the same
A semiconductor integrated circuit device which enables a power-supply voltage terminal and an internal circuit to be isolated from each other in a noncontact operation of a semiconductor integrated circuit device for an IC card, including a first power supply circuit for rectifying and smoothing an AC signal supplied from an antenna, a second power supply circuit which includes a voltage control circuit for controlling a gate terminal voltage of a first MOS transistor, a substrate potential control circuit for forming a source voltage of the first MOS transistor as a substrate voltage, and a second MOS transistor which causes the substrate voltage and the gate voltage of the first MOS transistor to be conductive when using the first power supply circuit, and which causes the substrate voltage and the gate voltage to be nonconductive when using power supplied from an external terminal. |
| US08635469B2 |
Method and apparatus for I/O devices assisted platform power management
Embodiments of an apparatus, system and method are described for input/output (I/O) device assisted platform power management. An apparatus may comprise, for example, power management logic operative to receive idle duration information from one or more input/output (I/O) devices and to modify a power state for one or more components based on the idle information. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08635465B1 |
Counter-based encryption of stored data blocks
A processing device is configured to maintain counters for respective stored data blocks, and to encrypt a given one of the data blocks utilizing a value of the data block in combination with a value of its associated counter. The encryption may comprise a homomorphic encryption operation performed on the given data block as a function of the value of that data block and the value of its associated counter, with the homomorphic encryption operation comprising an operation such as addition or multiplication performed over a designated field. A given one of the counters is incremented each time the corresponding data block is subject to an update operation. The data block can be encrypted, for example, by combining a value of that data block with an additional value determined using the associated counter value, such as a one-time pad value determined as a function of the counter value. |
| US08635463B2 |
Information storage apparatus, information storage method, and electronic device
According to one embodiment, there is provided an information storage apparatus, including: a plurality of nonvolatile memories configured to store encryption information so that the stored encryption information are read out therefrom; a plurality of encryption processing modules provided correspondingly with the respective memories, and configured to encrypt the information to be stored in the memories and to decrypt the encryption information read out from the memories; and a storage processing module configured to collectively store a plurality of key information that are utilized when the encryption processing modules encrypt the information to be stored or decrypt the encryption information read out. |
| US08635459B2 |
Recording transactional information relating to an object
A unique identifier on a tag of an object is read. Transactional information relating to the object is recorded and used to encrypt the unique identifier into a code. The code is then written into memory of the tag such that the code records the transactional information. |
| US08635452B2 |
Method for generating a cipher-based message authentication code
In a method for generating a cipher-based message authentication code, a state array (25) comprised of rows (31-34) of bytes (S′0-S′15) and columns (41-44) of bytes (S′0-S′15) based on a message to be transmitted is generated. The cipher-based message authentication code is generated by retaining the bytes (29, 30) of at least one row (32, 34) of the state array (25). |
| US08635445B2 |
Method for digital identity authentication
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an authenticating device (22) receives a first digital identity (43) and a second digital identity (63). The authenticating device (22) uses the second digital identity (63) as a key to a Identity Association Database (24) to retrieve a database entry (33). If the database entry (33) shows an association between the first digital identity (43) and the second digital identity (63), the digital identities are valid and an indication (72) of the validation of existence of association between first digital identity and second digital identity (96) is made by the authenticating device (22). |
| US08635444B2 |
System and method for distributing keys in a wireless network
A technique for improving authentication speed when a client roams from a first authentication domain to a second authentication domain involves coupling authenticators associated with the first and second authentication domains to an authentication server. A system according to the technique may include, for example, a first authenticator using an encryption key to ensure secure network communication, a second authenticator using the same encryption key to ensure secure network communication, and a server coupled to the first authenticator and the second authenticator wherein the server distributes, to the first authenticator and the second authenticator, information to extract the encryption key from messages that a client sends to the first authenticator and the second authenticator. |
| US08635440B2 |
Proxy with layer 3 security
A proxy system may use Layer 3 security mechanisms to establish secure communications between two devices. Each device may establish a secure session with the proxy using the same or a different configuration of a secure session. The proxy may pass traffic between the two devices and perform translation of the traffic between the two secure sessions. The proxy may also perform application layer gateway translations for communication traffic. Some embodiments may comprise a distribution or master proxy that may assign a communication session to a slave proxy in a scalable architecture. |
| US08635435B2 |
Method for monitoring a cyclic user program
There is described a method for monitoring a cyclic user program which is executed on an automation device by means of a programming device connected to communicate with the automation device, with a monitoring task being sent from the programming device to the automation device and the monitoring task containing command numbers of the commands to be monitored as well as the associated variables. With the method rarely run branches of the user program can also be easily observed by an execution of a command, by the data associated with the variables with corresponding command number and a first counter value, which assigns the data directly or indirectly to a cycle of the user program, being stored by the automation device in a recording buffer, by the old recording of the associated data including the first counter value being overwritten on renewed execution of the command and by the recording buffer being able to be output at the request of the programming device by the automation device. |
| US08635434B2 |
Mathematical operation processing apparatus for performing high speed mathematical operations
A mathematical operation processing apparatus is disclosed by which the supply of an operand which is performed based on condition codes by a plurality of mathematical operations can be performed at a high speed. The mathematical operation processing apparatus includes a plurality of computing elements configured to perform different mathematical operations different from one another and produce mathematical operation results of the mathematical operations and condition codes. A condition code set register retains the condition codes produced simultaneously by the computing elements as a condition code set. A condition code conversion section performs a predetermined conversion for the condition code set and outputs a result of the conversion as a conversion condition code set. An operand supplying section supplies an operand for the mathematical operations in the computing elements based on the conversion condition code set. |
| US08635429B1 |
Method and apparatus for mapping virtual drives
A method and apparatus for mapping virtual drives is described. In one embodiment, the method for mapping virtual drives comprises processing first locations of a plurality of file system objects within a virtual volume and converting the first locations of the plurality of file system objects within the virtual volume into second locations of the plurality of file system objects relative to a virtual drive of at least one virtual drive, wherein the at least one virtual drive form a portion of the virtual volume. |
| US08635427B2 |
Data storage control on storage devices
An object of the present invention is to improve the usage efficiency of a storage extent in a storage system using the Allocation on Use (AOU) technique. A controller in the storage system allocates a storage extent in an actual volume to an extent in a virtual volume accessed by a host computer, detects any decrease in necessity for maintaining that allocation, and cancels the allocation of the storage extent in the actual volume to the extent in the virtual volume based on the detection result. |
| US08635426B2 |
Diagonally accessed memory array circuit
A memory-array decoder operably coupled to a memory array comprising a sequence of rows and receiving as input a plurality of address bits whereby these address bits are transformed by transforming logic. This transforming logic may include adders. Transforming logic may alternately include comparators or exclusive-or circuits. Transforming logic comprising adders may include overflow carry bits that are discarded, ignored, or otherwise not used or the overflow logic may be omitted altogether. |
| US08635422B1 |
Systems and methods for reclaiming storage space from deleted volumes on thin-provisioned disks
A computer-implemented method for reclaiming storage space from deleted volumes on thin-provisioned disks may include: 1) identifying a deleted volume, 2) identifying storage space on a thin-provisioned disk that was allocated to the deleted volume, 3) saving information that identifies the storage space, 4) identifying a policy that specifies reclaiming the storage space asynchronously with respect to the deleted volume, and then 5) reclaiming the storage space asynchronously with respect to deletion of the volume in accordance with the policy. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US08635421B2 |
Snapshot based replication
Embodiments of the invention relate to data replication and block allocation in a file system to support write transactions. Regions in a cluster file system are defined to support a block allocation. Blocks in the defined regions are allocated to support the data replication. A pipeline manager is provided to schedule population of the blocks in the allocated region(s) based upon network characteristics. |